More than 300 rural grocery operators, community advocates, policymakers, vendors and researchers gathered May 5-7 in Fargo, North Dakota, for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit – a biennial event focused on sustaining independent rural grocery stores and improving food access in small communities. Attendees representing 42 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada convened at what […]
Category: Association News
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
IDDBA’s CEO Search Signals Start Of Leadership Transition
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) has launched a search for its next president and CEO, with the leadership transition coming at a pivotal time as the organization shapes innovation and commerce across the fresh food landscape. IDDBA’s board of directors has retained executive search firm Herd Freed Hartz to guide the selection process. The […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, Featured News, National, News
FMI Report Finds Shoppers Visit More Than 5 Grocery Banners Per Month
FMI – The Food Industry Association has released the U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2026 report, outlining elements of the evolving physical grocery shopping experience that build consumer loyalty and repeat visits. “In an effort to fulfill their unique definitions of value, consumers visit more than five separate grocery store banners on average per month despite growing […]
Posted inPackaging News, Association News, News, Snacks Brands, West
Billie-Ann Plastics Wins Ruby Award For Sustainable Packaging Innovation
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named Billie-Ann Plastics Packaging Corp. as the winner of the 2026 Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation for its RPET Clear Cylinder with Optional Snap In/Snap On Top and Printing. The award was presented during the Sweets & Snacks Expo Awards Ceremony May 18 in Las Vegas. Created in 2018, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NGA Honors KS Senator With Spirit Of America Award At Fly-In
The National Grocers Association (NGA) presented U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) with its Spirit of America Award on May 19 during opening day of the 2026 Fly-In for Fair Competition in Washington, D.C. Established in 1982, the award recognizes those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in community service and government relations on behalf of the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Featured News, News, West
WAFC Elects 2026-27 Leadership During Annual Convention
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced its 2026-27 officers and board of directors, elected May 3-5 at the 2026 WAFC Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Rebecca Calvin, EVP and CMO of Stater Bros. Markets, was elected president chairperson. Other officers include: Vice President: Wendy Coldesina, VP general merchandise manager, Costco Wholesale; Treasurer: […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, News, Northeast
NJFC Leadership Development Class Attends NGA Advocacy Training
In early May, members of the 2026 New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) Leadership Development Class traveled to Washington, D.C., for a two-day experience focused on federal advocacy and leadership in the food industry. The trip included an introduction to NJFC’s federal partners at the National Grocers Association (NGA) and a tour of Capitol Hill. “In […]
Posted inBeverage News, Association News, National, News
Bottled Water Names No. 1 Packaged Beverage For 10th Straight Year
For the 10th consecutive year, bottled water was the nation’s No. 1 packaged beverage by volume in 2025, according to data released May 13 by the Beverage Marketing Corporation on behalf of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). Bottled water outsold all other packaged beverages as health-conscious and price-aware consumers continued switching from other drinks. […]