Posted inAssociation News, Midwest

South Dakota Retailers To Host Best Grocery Bagger Competition

The South Dakota Retailers Association is partnering with the state fair to bring the “Best Bagger” competition to the public on Sept. 3. Sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers and NW French and Associates, the annual competition features some of the quickest baggers in the grocery business in a fast-paced, head-to-head competition. “This year, we have […]

Posted inAssociation News, National

FMI, NAMI Highlight Mental Health Benefits Of Family Meals

In conjunction with September’s National Family Meals Month, the FMI Foundation celebrates its partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to highlight the mental health benefits of family meals.  Family meals provide opportunities to spend time and develop relationships with family and friends, which has been shown to improve mental and physical health. In fact, […]

Posted inAssociation News, Midwest

MGA Holds Annual Best Bagger Contest

The Minnesota Grocers Association held its 34th annual statewide Best Bagger Contest Aug. 27 at MGA’s office in St. Paul, Minnesota. Contestants came from across the state to compete for the title.  The eight participants were judged on speed, style, attitude, proper bag-building technique and weight distribution between the bags. Contest attendees witnessed the art […]

Posted inAssociation News, National

Driving Profits With Own-Branded Spirits

by Jim Dudlicek / NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs The demand for private-label products is increasing, along with a desire among consumers for products with authenticity. Independent grocers can unite these interests and boost their profits with own-branded spirits. The National Grocers Association hosted a recent webinar that presented a guidebook to the world […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

MGA’s Shaul Hopes Industry Learns From Supply Chain Reaction

Dan Shaul, executive director of the Missouri Grocers Association, and his members are dealing with many of the same issues that consistently trouble the industry nationwide, with supply chain challenges and labor shortages atop the list.  These issues have been exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are just symptoms of each other, according to […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast

Retailers In Kentucky Face ‘Slow And Sluggish’ Economy

Supply chain continues to be a challenge for Kentucky grocers, as they are having difficulty getting products to put on the shelves. There also are related issues such as the drought and late planting due to flood, said Steve McClain, director of communications and public affairs for the Kentucky Grocers and Convenience Store Association.  “We […]

Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, National

Briefing Examines What’s Responsible For Rise In Grocery Prices 

Why are food costs higher today than two years ago? That was the question addressed Aug. 10 by FMI – The Food Industry Association as it hosted an online briefing, “Peering Inside Food Inflation’s Black Box.”  The speakers were Andrew Harig, VP of tax trade, sustainability and policy development for FMI; and Ricky Volpe, associate […]