Grocery industry veteran Mike Ridenour has joined the National Grocers Association as chief collaboration officer and SVP, a role focused on strengthening industry relations and deepening engagement with CPG companies, service suppliers and other industry partners.
Ridenour brings 40 years of experience in the grocery and CPG industries. He most recently served as VP of industry relations at UNFI and previously held senior roles at The Kraft Heinz Company, where he was head of industry relations and sales operations, and at Kraft Foods Group, where he served as customer VP of industry development.
“Mike deeply understands the connection between CPG companies, specialty and emerging brands, services, wholesalers and independent grocers to our industry,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of NGA. “Throughout his 40-year career, he has built trusted relationships across the grocery ecosystem and has a unique ability to bring organizations together around shared goals. His experience, credibility, and collaborative leadership style will help NGA strengthen industry engagement, create new opportunities for our members and partners, and advance our mission of advancing the $353 billion independent supermarket industry.”
Making connections
At NGA, Ridenour will focus on expanding relationships throughout the broader grocery ecosystem, identifying new opportunities for collaboration and connecting NGA members with companies, resources and solutions that support their businesses, according to NGA.
The association noted that with independent grocers representing 38 percent of total supermarket industry sales, the sector offers significant opportunities for CPG companies and service providers looking to grow with independents.
“I’ve spent my career working across this industry and have seen firsthand the vital role independent grocers play in their communities and in creating opportunities for brands and industry partners,” Ridenour said. “I’m excited to join NGA and help strengthen the connections and create new opportunities for collaboration and growth across the independent grocery community.”
NGA represents the retail and wholesale community grocers of the independent sector, with members including retailers and wholesalers in every congressional district, state grocers associations, manufacturers and service suppliers.
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