FMI – The Food Industry Association has appointed Jennifer Shawgo senior director, technology strategy and programs, a new role designed to accelerate responsible digital transformation across the food retail sector. Shawgo, who brings two decades of cross-sector experience spanning distribution, software startups and association leadership, will lead programs, partnerships and member engagement connecting technology and […]
Category: Association News
American Bakers Association Pledges To Phase Out Potassium Bromate
The American Bakers Association (ABA) has announced its new “Baked Goods Ingredient Pledge,” a voluntary industry commitment to complete the phase out of potassium bromate from baked goods across the United States. The initiative builds on the momentum of ABA’s previous voluntary commitments: the “Baked Goods in Schools Pledge” and the “Baked Goods FD&C Colors […]
FMI, NGA Back Reintroduced Credit Card Competition Act
Grocery industry trade associations are renewing calls for credit card swipe fee reform following the reintroduction of the Credit Card Competition Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing competition in the marketplace and reducing costs for merchants and consumers. The National Grocers Association (NGA) and FMI – The Food Industry Association voiced support for the bill’s […]
PLMA Expands SalesStar Partnership With New Online Training Tracks
The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) has expanded its partnership with SalesStar to deliver a new suite of online training programs tailored to private brand manufacturers, brokers and suppliers. The expanded offering includes three cohort-based curricula – Mastering Enterprise Sales, Account Management and Category Leadership – designed to strengthen capabilities across key stages of the […]
ASG SVP Scher Receives NJFC’s Trade Relations Award
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has named Ken Scher, SVP of business development at Associated Supermarket Group (ASG), as the recipient of its 2026 Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award. One of the organization’s highest honors, the award recognizes leadership and dedication in advancing trade relations within the food industry in the state. Scher will […]
INFRA Shares Executive Leadership Promotions To Support Growth
INFRA, a nationwide purchasing cooperative of independent natural food retailers and a leader in the natural foods industry, has shared two executive leadership promotions, reflecting the organization’s continued growth and deepened focus on serving its members. Danelle Rydel has been promoted to chief of member operations, while Jen LaValley has been promoted to CFO. “These […]
NCA Names 11th Future Leadership Program Class
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named the 11th class of participants in its Future Leadership Program, a professional development initiative designed to support the next generation of leaders in the confectionery industry. The program – established to nurture emerging talent and strengthen leadership pipelines across companies involved in chocolate, candy and gum – brings […]
Organic & Natural Health Association To Address Policy Integrity, Innovation
The Organic & Natural Health Association will spotlight policy integrity, supply chain innovation and industry advocacy at its 2026 Organic & Natural Industry Conference, the association’s flagship event for the organic and natural products sector. The three-day conference, scheduled for March 8-10 in Las Vegas, will convene business leaders, policy experts and industry partners from […]
NFRA Highlights Role Of Frozen, Dairy Foods In Post-Holiday Reset
As Americans move past the holidays and return to everyday routines, frozen and dairy foods are emerging as essential staples that help consumers manage food budgets, reduce waste and simplify daily meal planning, according to a new press release from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA). With their longer shelf life and ready-when-needed […]
NGA, NACS Urge USDA To Clarify SNAP Restriction Enforcement
The National Grocers Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) are urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide clearer guidance on how food restriction waivers for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be enforced, citing concerns about retailer compliance and the potential impact on food access. In the letter, the associations […]
FMI Welcomes Release Of 2026 Dietary Guidelines For Americans
FMI – The Food Industry Association has issued a statement welcoming the release of the updated U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Updated every five years by the agriculture department and Health and Human Services, the guidelines serve as the foundation for federal nutrition policy, education efforts and food programs such as school […]
Report: Gum, Mint Sales To Grow $1B By 2030
The National Confectioners Association’s inaugural “Getting to Know Gum and Mint Consumers 2025” report found that gum and mints account for 13 percent of all confectionery sales. Generational turnovers are reshaping subcategories, with Millennial and Gen Z consumers driving virtually all growth in gum and mints, according to the report. As such, total gum and […]
Independent Grocers Find Support in NGA Foundation’s Resources
For grocers, staying competitive requires more than selling fresh goods. It demands a commitment to workforce excellence and embracing new technology to handle federal food assistance programs. That is where the National Grocers Association Foundation (NGAF), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association (NGA), comes in, providing free specialized, hands-on guidance at no cost to grocery stores of all […]
NGAF Shares 2026 Student Case Study Competition Topic For NGA Show
The NGA Foundation, the educational arm of the National Grocers Association, has revealed the topic for its Student Case Study Competition at The 2026 NGA Show – “Keeping Shelves Relevant and Customers Inspired: Converting Direct-to-Consumer Trends into In-Store Activations.” The show is set for Feb. 1-3 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Part of […]
Registration Open For 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo
Registration for the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo – set for May 19-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas – is open for all attendees. The annual show gathers thought leaders and industry experts to share and gain insights, connect with fellow professionals and drive the candy and snack industries forward. “Sweets […]
FMI Responds To USDA Guidance On SNAP Waivers
FMI – The Food Industry Association has responded to recent USDA guidance on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver implementation, emphasizing the need for a clear transition period to help retailers prepare for new requirements that will affect point-of-sale systems, compliance and customer transactions. In its statement, FMI highlighted the importance of a well-managed transition […]
PFMA Opens Applications For 2026 Ridge Scholarship
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association has opened applications for the 2026 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship. The program provides one year, $2,500 awards to support PFMA member employees and their families as they pursue higher education during the 2026-27 academic year. The Ridge Scholarship honors Thomas R. and Laura Ridge, parents of former Pennsylvania […]
Key Brands Confirmed For The 2026 Inspired Home Show In Chicago
The International Housewares Association (IHA) has announced the lineup of brands set to exhibit at The Inspired Home Show 2026, a marketplace and networking platform for the home and housewares industry. Set for March 10-12, the 126th edition of the show is expected to draw thousands of retail buyers, product suppliers and industry leaders to […]
NJFC Names 2026 President’s Scholarship Award After McCaffrey III
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) will be naming its 2026 President’s Scholarship Award after Jim McCaffrey III, president and CEO of McCaffrey’s Markets, in recognition of his decades of service to the grocery industry. The honor was announced at NJFC’s annual holiday celebration Dec. 3 in East Brunswick, New Jersey, a gathering featuring hundreds […]
NGA Calls For Clear Guidelines On State SNAP Purchase Restrictions
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has issued a statement on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program waiver policies, emphasizing the need for clarity as states begin applying new rules that affect what foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits. In recent months, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved waivers that allow certain restrictions on SNAP-eligible […]
