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 […]
Category: Association News
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
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 […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News
NFRA: Consumers Prefer Naturally Protein-Rich Foods Over Fortified Options
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 […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Featured News, News, Southeast
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 […]
Posted inBeverage News, Association News, Featured News, Finance News, News, Northeast
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 […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News, Produce News
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 […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Finance News, Frozen Food, National, News
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News, Nonfood Items
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 […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, Northeast
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 […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Marketing News, National, News
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 […]