Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America has announced its 2026 conference program, featuring some 40 sessions with more than 125 industry speakers. The three-day event runs March 15-17 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, with speakers from companies including Ahold Delhaize USA, Circana, NOAA Fisheries and Whole Foods Market. The conference […]
Category: Association News
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, Featured News, Finance News, National
Meat Institute Backs USDA Line Speed Rule Changes for Pork, Poultry
The Meat Institute has said the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed rule changes concerning pork and poultry processing rates will increase production and innovation, helping to ease prices for consumers and benefit livestock and poultry producers. “The Meat Institute has supported changes to line speed rules for pork […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, Featured News
Meat Institute: Meat, Poultry Processors Contribute $57.3B To U.S. Economy
The Meat Institute released an economic study finding that the meat and poultry processing industry contributes $57.3 billion to the U.S. economy and provides nearly 584,000 jobs. The entire meat and poultry industry – including livestock production, animal feed, equipment manufacturing and transportation – contributes $347.7 billion in value to the nation, supporting more than […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, National, News
Registration Open For 2026 NFRA Convention
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has opened registration for the 2026 NFRA Convention, set for Oct. 17-20 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The convention is expected to bring together more than 2,000 retailers, manufacturers, sales agents and supply chain partners to conduct more than 7,500 […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, Finance News, Market Profile, News, Northeast
Shift In Spending Patterns Detected As DE Shoppers Navigate Economic Minefields
Julie Miro Wenger, executive director of the Delaware Food Industry Council, spoke with The Griffin Report about the busy year she and her members have had. Many challenges have arisen over the past 12-plus months, as a new administration has made some sweeping changes that affect the industry. But the state’s grocers, as is their […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
Topco Recognizes Members With Awards, Honors Company Anniversaries
Topco Associates recently held its Annual Membership Conference, during which several members were honored for sales and volume growth across its programs in 2025, with select organizations receiving additional recognition for exemplary performance. “The membership achieved a record year of growth – driven not only by the outstanding performances in pharmacy, center store, fresh and […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, National, News
NPPC, NPB Select Pork Leadership Institute Class Of 2026
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board (NPB) has announced the Class of 2026 for the Pork Leadership Institute, selecting 19 people from across the country to participate in the yearlong leadership development program. This year’s class includes: Idaho: Rick Roper Iowa: Ryan Bartachek and Macie Reeb Illinois: Emmalee Haege and […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
FMI Research: Generational Shifts Redefine Shoppers’ Produce Purchases
Fresh produce remains a critical growth driver for food retail, with $97 billion in sales and a 2 percent increase in unit sales, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s The Power of Produce 2026 report, which debuted at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2026. The category’s future is increasingly shaped by generational […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, Featured News, National, News
Meat Sales Hit Record $112B In 2025, Driven By Millennials, Gen Z
Meat sales reached a record high of $112 billion in 2025, with pound volume increasing 2 percent, according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released March 2 during the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association. Millennials and Gen Z were a driving force behind the growth, according […]
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Meat Institute, FMI Announce 2026 Leaders Of Tomorrow
The Meat Institute and FMI – The Food Industry Association have announced the 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow, a group of 10 rising professionals whose work reflects the strength and future of the industry. “This Leaders of Tomorrow class represents the depth of talent and leadership growing our industry,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Dairy News, Deli News, Featured News, National, News
IDDBA Unveils Brand Refresh, Debuts New Tagline
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) underwent a brand refresh and is debuting its new tagline, “Thinking Outside the Aisle.” The refreshed brand reflects IDDBA’s evolution as the essential resource for dairy, deli and bakery professionals – honoring the strength of its perimeter-focused categories while embracing forward-looking leadership and innovation. IDDBA’s mission remains its […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Finance News, News, West
WAFC Adds Leal As Senior Director Of Educational Programs
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has appointed Jaime Leal as senior director of educational programs. Leal has spent 34 years in the food industry, joining Costco Wholesale in 1989 at its location in City of Industry, California. In 1993, after the merger between Costco and Price Club, Leal left the warehouse to begin […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, Featured News, Health & Wellness, National, News
FMI Research: 94% Of Food Retailers Have Health, Well-Being Programs
FMI – The Food Industry Association released findings from the 2026 Report on Food Industry Contributions to Health & Well-Being Feb. 26, revealing the industry’s efforts to serve as a destination for health and well-being through products, resources and services that support shoppers’ individual health goals. The report was released following the recently published Dietary […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, Featured News, Finance News, National, News
Schwass Takes Helm At IDDBA As Haaf Departs
International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) CEO David Haaf has stepped down from his position effective Feb. 26, the organization’s board of directors announced. Chris Schwass, the association’s CFO, has been appointed acting CEO. Schwass, who has 28 years of experience at the Madison-Wisconsin-based organization, will lead operations while the board begins the search for […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, Grocery Research
Report: Frozen Food Becoming Meal-Planning Essential For U.S. Consumers
New market data shows frozen food has moved from a backup option to a core element of meal planning for a growing share of American households, according to the fourth edition of the Power of Frozen in Retail report released during the recent AFFI-CON. The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and FMI – The Food […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, Finance News, News, Northeast
NJFC Re-Elects Read As Board Chair, Celebrates Record Growth
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) re-elected Jason Read of Wawa as board chairman and announced record growth in membership and sponsorship as it installed its 2026 directors. Mike Styer of ACME/Kings continues as vice chairman. The board elected Gary Capozzi of Pepsi Beverages Co. as associate vice chairman, Ron Murphy of Murphy’s Fresh Markets […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NPFDA Names Guest As 2025 Member Of The Year
The National Protein and Food Distributors Association (NPFDA) has recognized Judson “Jud” Guest of LAD Truck Lines as the 2025 NPFDA Member of the Year. A supporter of the association for more than 25 years, Guest has gone above and beyond in service to NPFDA. Throughout his involvement, he has willingly volunteered wherever help was […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News, Nonfood Items
IHA Selects 60 Finalists For 2026 Global Innovation Awards
The Rosemont, Illinois-based International Housewares Association (IHA) has selected 60 new products for the home – five for each of the 12 categories – as finalists for the 2026 IHA Global Innovation Awards for Excellence in Product Design. The annual awards program recognizes distinction in the home and housewares industry. Finalists will be featured at The […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, News, Northeast
NJFC President, CEO Doherty To Retire
Linda M. Doherty plans to retire in January 2027 after 33 years with the New Jersey Food Council, including 23 years as president and CEO. Doherty submitted a letter to the NJFC Board of Directors on Feb. 17 announcing her intention. A facilitator has been retained to guide a search committee through the process of […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Corporate Store News, Featured News, National, News
Grocers Prepare To Celebrate Supermarket Employee Day, Feb. 22
Grocers across the U.S. are taking time to celebrate their associates on Supermarket Employee Day. Supermarket Employee Day is part of a national effort to honor frontline grocery workers. First declared in 2021 by FMI – The Food Industry Association, Feb. 22 recognizes essential workers who support their customers and communities. With more than 40,000 […]