The National Grocers Association concluded its Executive Conference, held Oct. 20-22 at the Fairmont Chicago, bringing together grocery industry leaders for discussions on the forces shaping the future of grocery retail. The program featured consumer research, economic analysis, executive panels and strategies to help independent grocers navigate changing consumer expectations, economic uncertainty and technology adoption.
“Independent grocers are at the heart of their communities, and their ability to adapt to changing consumer expectations and a shifting marketplace is critical to their continued success,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO. “This event brings together the voices, insights and partnerships that can help our industry navigate these changes and seize new opportunities.”
Sessions and keynote
“The Independent Advantage: What 5,000 Shoppers Reveal About Grocery’s Next Chapter” featiured Doug Madenberg, chief listening officer at The Feedback Group, and David Best, president and CEO of retail at UNFI. They unveiled findings from the first consumer sentiment study conducted by NGA and The Feedback Group, examining what shoppers value most about independent grocers.
Other sessions explored economic and supply chain challenges, the changing CPG landscape and emerging consumer priorities, with leaders from Kimberly-Clark, The Clorox Company, Bimbo Bakeries, Kraft Heinz and Mars Snacking discussing consolidation, retailer-manufacturer relationships and competing at the shelf.
Capt. Christopher J. Cassidy, USN (Ret.), former NASA astronaut and Navy SEAL, delivered the keynote, “Leadership Under Pressure: An Astro SEAL’s Perspective,” drawing on his military career, three spaceflights and service as NASA’s chief astronaut to share lessons on building trust, managing risk and making decisions under pressure.
The conference also looked to the next generation through “Beyond the Family Business: How Women are Building the Next Generation of Grocery,” presented by the Women Grocers of America and sponsored by Upshop, exploring entrepreneurship, strategic growth and succession planning.
Pinnacle PAC Award
To close the program, NGA presented its Pinnacle PAC Award to Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, recognizing his advocacy on behalf of independent grocers. Through his leadership at the state association, advocacy on Capitol Hill and support of NGA Grocers PAC, Semmann has helped strengthen the industry’s voice on public policy. He brings more than 25 years of trade association experience to the role, including previous service as the Wisconsin association’s VP of government affairs.
“Mike Semmann’s commitment to advocacy and his support of NGA Grocers PAC reflect the importance of strong industry leadership in advancing the interests of independent grocers,” said Stephanie Johnson, NGA’s head of government affairs and SVP. “His work helps ensure that policymakers understand the vital role independent grocers play in their communities and the challenges they face in a competitive marketplace.”
NGA represents the retail and wholesale community grocers of the independent sector, which generates more than $250 billion in sales and 1.1 million jobs.