Michigan Grocers Association (MGA) has named Oleson’s Food Stores in northern Michigan and Lipari Foods, headquartered in Warren, as its 2017 Al Kessel Outstanding Achievement Award winners. “The award is named to honor former MGA Director Albert F. ‘Al’ Kessel Jr., who passed away in 2012,” said MGA President & CEO Linda M. Gobler. “Al […]
Category: Association News
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, National
Latino Food Industry Association Forms
The Latino Food Industry Association (LFIA) has formed to serve members and educate the public and policymakers on the contributions and economic impact being made by Latino-owned food businesses. “Given the Hispanic market’s $1.5 trillion in annual buying power and the rapid growth of Hispanic-owned businesses in the food and beverage segment, many of our […]
Posted inAssociation News, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Industry News, Southeast, Store News, Suppliers, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Alabama Grocers Association Hosts 27th Annual Convention
The Alabama Grocers Association recently held its 27th Annual Convention at the Sandestin Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. The association brought members from all facets of the grocery industry together to promote the growth and success of the food industry throughout the state of Alabama. The convention kicked off with the Larry D. Eddleman Sr. Golf […]
Posted inAssociation News, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Southeast, Store News
Florida Holds First Best Bagger Contest
The Florida Grocers Association (FGA) recently held its first best bagger competition. Eight baggers competed, representing Bravo Supermarkets, Lucky’s Market, Publix, Sedano’s and Winn-Dixie. Kelina Salinas of Lucky’s won the $1,000 grand prize along with an all-expense paid trip to represent Florida and compete for a $10,000 grand prize at the National Grocers Association National […]
Posted in, Association News, C-Store News, National
NACS Partners With The American Red Cross
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and the American Red Cross are teaming up to advance community giving and disaster relief programs for NACS member companies. NACS is the first retail-focused association to partner with the American Red Cross on such a program. The groups are focusing on developing resources to facilitate donation collection by convenience store […]
Posted in, Association News, Northeast
NECSEMA In Search Of New Executive Director
Joanne Mendes, executive director of the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association (NECSEMA), has notified the organization’s board of directors that she plans to retire this fall. Mendes has served as the leader of the group since spring 2016. Mendes helped lead the association during its formation after the Independent Oil Marketers of New England […]
Posted inAssociation News, Center Store, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Merchandising News, National, New Products, Snacks Brands, Specialty, Suppliers
NCA Sweets & Snacks Expo Breaks Records
The 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, set an all-time attendance record for the second consecutive year as more than 18,000 industry professionals from nearly 90 countries were welcomed to McCormick Place to experience the latest trends and innovations in the candy and snack categories. Exhibitors grew nearly 6 percent, […]
Posted in, Association News, C-Store News, Deli News, Food Service News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National, Perishables
NACS Encourages Members To Help Redraft Menu-Labeling Rules
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) is urging its members to offer their opinions in hopes that they could have an impact on a possible redraft of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) menu-labeling rule. The association is holding a webinar later this week to give its members practical help on how to […]
Posted inNortheast, Association News, Industry News
NJFC Awarded $240K Grant To Train Food Workers
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), in collaboration with Rutgers University, has been awarded more than $240,000 to support food safety and management leadership training series. The grant, funded by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, will pay for one year of training, beginning this month. Areas of training include entry-level food handler […]
Posted inNortheast, Association News
MFA To Honor Two Beverage Execs With Persons Of Year Awards
by Mike Berger/editor-Northeast Sometimes the Massachusetts Food Association (MFA) awards Co-Persons of the Year. But it is rare the association awards two people from the same channel, let alone everyday competitors. Yet this year, the MFA will honor Brendan Brazel of Coca-Cola and Eric Farias of PepsiCo as its Persons of the Year during its […]
Posted inNortheast, Association News
NACS Steadfast In Opposition To Repeal Debit Swipe Fee Reform
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee has sent House Resolution 10, the Financial Choice Act, to the full House for a vote. The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) opposes the bill because it includes a provision to repeal debit swipe fee reform. “As long as HR 10 includes a repeal of debit swipe fee reform, NACS […]
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Alabama Grocers Association President Honored With FMI Public Affairs Award
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) on Wednesday recognized Ellie Taylor, president of the Alabama Grocers Association, with the 2017 Donald H. MacManus Award for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the grocery industry. FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin presented Taylor with the award at FMI’s Day in Washington fly-in event on Capitol Hill. […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, National, Women In The News
NGA Honors Georgia’s Kuzava With Association Leadership Award
The National Grocers Association (NGA) on Wednesday recognized Kathy Kuzava, president of the Georgia Food Industry Association (GFIA), with its Association Leadership Award for her dedication and contributions to the independent supermarket industry. “I am pleased to honor Kathy for her passionate leadership and dedication to her members and the independent supermarket industry as a […]
Posted inC-Store News, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Southwest
Southwest Fuel & Convenience Expo Set for May 16-18
The Texas Food & Fuel Association will host the sixth annual 2017 Southwest Fuel & Convenience Expo at the Fort Worth Convention Center & Omni Hotel in Fort Worth May 16-18. New in 2017 is a designated section of the exhibit hall exclusively for first-time exhibitors. Companies range from packaged meat snacks and fuel management […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, Midwest
Retail Management Certificate Program Now Offered At Two Colleges In Illinois
Two community colleges in Illinois, the College of Lake County and Moraine Valley Community College, recently accepted the Western Association of Food Chains’ (WAFC) invitation to become a participating partner in the Retail Management Certificate (RMC) program. RMC is a nationally recognized, accredited college program developed by retail industry experts and community college leaders to […]
Posted inAssociation News, C-Store News, Home Page Latest News, National
Convenience Stores Hit Record In-Store Sales In 2016
U.S. convenience stores experienced record in-store sales of $233.0 billion in 2016—as well as their third straight year of $10 billion-plus in pretax profits—according to newly released “NACS State of the Industry” data, which provides benchmarks and key performance category insights for the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Convenience stores, which sell more than 80 […]
Posted inSuppliers, Association News, Home Page Latest News, National, Specialty
Specialty Food Industry Sales Hit $127 Billion In 2016
Sales continue to grow as Americans embrace specialty food and beverages, according to the Specialty Food Association (SFA), which reports that the industry is taking its place as an integral player with traditional and non-traditional specialty food retailers, foodservice operators and distributors. SFA’s annual State of the Industry report, released Thursday, examines the $127 billion […]
Posted inC-Store News, Association News, Food Service News, Home Page Latest News, National
Americans Increasingly Choose Fueling Locations Based On Quality Of Food At The Gas Station
Americans are increasingly seeking out fueling locations based on the quality of the food associated with the gas station, according to new national survey results released by NACS. The association represents the convenience store industry, which sells 80 percent of the fuel purchased in the U.S. While survey results show that gas price is still the […]
Posted inAssociation News, C-Store News, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Store News, Suppliers, West
Arizona Food Marketing Alliance Hosts Annual Golf Classic
The Arizona Food Marketing Alliance (AFMA) hosted its annual Golf Classic at the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in the East Valley on March 23. This year’s sold-out event attracted more than 300 golfers, including AFMA’s retail partners and their premier vendors. With 12 sampling holes on the courses, vendors were able to connect with their grocery […]
Posted inAssociation News, C-Store News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, National
NGA Aligns Its Fall Leadership Meetings With NACS Show
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is aligning its Fall Leadership Meetings comprised of the Trading Partner Business Sessions and Financial Management and Technology Conference with the NACS Show, which will take place Oct. 17-20 in Chicago. The strategic partnership brings together the leading small format and independent retailers to explore emerging trends in foodservice, consumer packaged […]