Consumers prioritize naturally protein-rich foods like meat, eggs and dairy over heavily fortified alternatives, according to new research from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association. The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based trade association found that while interest in added protein remains strong, particularly among parents, health-conscious shoppers and middle-income households, consumers consistently place greater trust in foods […]
Category: Association News
Southern Exposure 2026 To Feature Grower Panel, Product Launches
The Southeast Produce Council will hold Southern Exposure 2026 from Feb. 26-March 1 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, featuring educational sessions on agriculture challenges and consumer trends alongside new product debuts from exhibitors. The conference theme, “From Fields to Families: Nourishing Our Nation,” reflects SEPC Board Chair Sloan Lott’s platform emphasizing […]
PFMA Supports Bill To Enable Third-Party Alcohol Delivery For Grocers
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association testified before the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee Feb. 11 in support of House Bill 1451, legislation that would allow licensed third-party transporters to deliver beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails on behalf of licensed retailers. The trade association called the bill a necessary update to the state’s liquor code that […]
IFPA Welcomes Ayoub As New Director Of Workforce, Business Policy
The International Fresh Produce Association has appointed Samantha Ayoub as director of workforce and business policy on the U.S. Government Relations team effective Feb. 23. Ayoub will lead Washington, D.C.-based IFPA’s policy and regulatory efforts on workforce, labor, immigration, transportation, logistics and broader business issues shaping the fresh produce and floral supply chain. She also […]
AFFI Promotes Seiling To COO, Head Of Strategic Initiatives
The American Frozen Food Institute has promoted Adrienne Seiling to COO and head of strategic initiatives, expanding her role on the executive leadership team. Seiling most recently served as SVP of industry affairs and member services. In her new role, she will oversee core operations and lead advancement of key organization priorities, including events and […]
Inspired Home Show 2026 Programs Focus On AI, Consumer Trends
The Inspired Home Show 2026 will offer four keynote sessions and two days of targeted education programming March 10-12 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the International Housewares Association announced. Sessions will focus on market opportunities, business strategies and consumer insights covering artificial intelligence (AI), growth through disruption, marketplace trends and color forecasting. The education programming […]
NJFC Names 2026 Leadership Development Class
During its annual meeting Jan. 28, the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) named its 2026 Leadership Development class, comprising 10 young professionals poised to chart the future for the “beyond essential” industry of which 9.5 million New Jerseyans rely. Since 2014, the program has educated NJFC members who have a passion for working in the […]
NGA Supports SNAP Modernization, EBT Fee Ban In House Farm Bill
The National Grocers Association announced that it supports provisions in the House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill text to modernize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, strengthen its integrity and expand food access. The legislation includes a five-year ban on EBT transaction fees, improvements to the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, permanent nationwide SNAP online purchasing and […]
NRF Reports Retail Sales Post Fourth Monthly Gain
Retail sales showed moderate monthly growth and strong year-over-year gains in January, marking the fourth consecutive month of increases, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation. Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted month over month and up 5.72 percent unadjusted year […]
Publix Associate Prevails In Best Bagger Championship
The National Grocers Association (NGA) awarded a $10,000 cash prize to Rocco Cammarota of Publix Super Markets in Georgia after he finished first in the Best Bagger Championship on Feb. 2. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the competition took place during the second day of The NGA Show at Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas. The annual gathering brings […]
IGA Centennial USA Retailers Of The Year Recognized
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has announced its 2026 Centennial USA Retailers of the Year, recognizing a group of independent grocers whose leadership, innovation and commitment to their communities exemplify the values that have defined IGA for the past 100 years. The retailers were announced during the welcome reception at The NGA Show 2026, marking […]
Organic & Natural Health Association Honors SENPA’s Short With Champion Award
The Organic & Natural Health Association presented Debra Short, executive director of the Southeast Natural Products Association, with its Champion Award Jan. 22 at the conclusion of its 11th annual conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Short was honored her commitment to advocacy, education and support of independent natural products retailers. She opened the conference, “The […]
Fresh Produce White Paper Links Fruits, Vegetables To Reduced Disease Risk
The Foundation for Fresh Produce has released a white paper examining how fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer, the Newark, Delaware-based organization announced Feb. 9. “Fruits, Vegetables, and Human Health: Key Nutrients and Their Role in Chronic Diseases,” written by the foundation’s Chief Medical […]
NCA Names Smith, Bradley 2026 Candy Dish Award Winners
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named Nancy Smith, national account manager at Premier Specialty, as the 2026 Golden Candy Dish Award recipient and Paul Bradley, sales director at Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc., as the Silver Candy Dish Award winner. The awards recognize those who have strengthened connections between manufacturers, broker sales agents and […]
NGA Welcomes 9 New Members To Board Of Directors
The National Grocers Association has announced changes to its board of directors, welcoming nine new members and thanking six outgoing members for their service. The announcement was made during The NGA Show 2026 in Las Vegas. The incoming board members are Ryan Adams, Gelson’s Markets; Steve Clark, County Fair Food Stores; Jeff Gross, Federated Group […]
AFMA: Grocers Weather Supply Chain Uncertainties, Keep Focus On Customers
Lisa Bednar, president of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance, took time out of her busy legislative season to respond to questions from The Shelby Report of the West’s Lorrie Griffith about what’s happening in the state’s grocery industry. We’re coming out of a year that saw a new administration in the White House, a […]
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Wins NGA’s Student Case Study Competition
The National Grocers Association Foundation shared that Cal Poly San Luis Obispo won the NGA Foundation Student Case Study Competition following presentations at The NGA Show in Las Vegas. This year’s case study, “Keeping Shelves Relevant and Customers Inspired,” challenged students to develop innovative, practical solutions for Nugget Markets, a 16-location independent grocer across Northern […]
PFMA Applauds PA House Committee Vote On Swipe Fee Relief Bill
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association praised the Pennsylvania House Finance Committee for advancing House Bill 2090, legislation that would stop credit card companies from charging swipe fees on commonwealth sales tax. HB 2090 addresses an imbalance in the credit card marketplace where two payment networks control more than 80 percent of the market and impose […]
Natural Products Expo West Celebrates 45th Anniversary
Natural Products Expo West returns March 3-6 to Anaheim, California, with new features and a keynote lineup designed to elevate the attendee experience as the show celebrates its 45th anniversary. The leading event for the organic and natural products industry will feature educational sessions and networking opportunities covering sustainability practices and market trends. New show […]
FMI Applauds Congressional Passage Of Landmark PBM Reforms
FMI – The Food Industry Association applauded final passage of HR 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, by a 217-214 vote Feb. 3, securing the most consequential pharmacy benefit manager reforms to date and representing a major step forward for patients, pharmacies, employers and the communities they serve. “These bipartisan reforms represent a major step […]
