In response to a request for information to help define “ultra-processed foods,” the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). AFFI urged the agencies to not issue a proposed definition for UPFs at this moment, adding that classifying foods based on […]
Category: Association News
Food Industry Associations Urge Congress To End Government Shutdown
The National Grocers Association (NGA), FMI – The Food Industry Association, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association and the Wisconsin Grocers Association are urging Congress and local congressional delegations to take immediate action to reopen the federal government and prevent disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). National Grocers Association “With funding for access to […]
IFPA Launches First Global Intelligence Engine
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has launched Global Intelligence Engine, a members-only data and insights platform that aims to transform the way the fresh produce and floral industry accesses, understands and acts on information. Officially unveiled at the recent Global Produce & Floral Show, the Global Intelligence Engine was demo-ed at the IFPA booth, […]
Price Receives NGA’s Pinnacle PAC Award
The National Grocers Association (NGA) recognized Autumn Price, UNFI’s VP of government affairs, with its Pinnacle PAC Award during the annual Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. “Autumn has spent considerable time advocating on behalf of independent grocers, the wholesalers who serve them and the entire food retail industry,” said Christopher Jones, […]
NGA Executive Conference Concludes In Washington, D.C.
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has concluded its 2025 Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit, capping three days of strategy sessions, advocacy updates and networking among independent grocers, wholesalers and supplier partners. The summit, held in Washington, D.C., brought together leaders from every corner of the grocery industry to exchange ideas, strengthen policy priorities and […]
AGEF Raises Scholarship Funds At 2025 Clay Shoot Tournament
The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation (AGEF) held its annual Clay Shoot Tournament on Oct. 9, bringing together retailers, wholesalers, vendors and community partners from across the state for a day of camaraderie that raised more than $48,000 for its scholarships program. This year, AGEF awarded 57 scholarships valued at more than $56,500 to employees of […]
Wisconsin Grocers Association Presents Jaskolski With First Lifetime Achievement Award
Bob Jaskolski, a 40-plus year veteran of the grocery industry and president and CEO of T.A. Solberg Inc., has been named the first recipient of the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor, which Jaskolski accepted at the WGA Innovation Expo on Sept. 30, celebrates a career of excellence, innovation and service, recognizing […]
Kies Receives NGA’s Industry Service Award
The National Grocers Association (NGA) recognized Bill Kies with NGA’s Industry Service Award at the Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit Oct. 21 in Washington, D.C. The honor recognizes a person or company whose years of service in the food industry have contributed to better working relations and understanding between retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers. Kies, […]
MGA, RGA Unite To Form Midwest Retail And Grocery Alliance
The Missouri Grocers Association (MGA) and the Retail Grocers Association of Greater Kansas City (RGA) have united to form the Midwest Retail and Grocery Alliance (MRGA). The move strengthens the collective voice of the grocery and retail community across Missouri and Kansas, combining decades of experience, advocacy and service to better support independent grocers, retailers […]
Independent Grocers Gather For 2025 NGA Executive Conference
The National Grocers Association (NGA) kicked off its 2025 Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit on Oct. 20 in Washington, D.C., bringing together independent grocers and industry leaders from across the country to examine trends, gain insights and network. This year’s conference kicked off with the association’s volunteer leaders holding a series of committee and […]
IFPA State Of The Industry Highlights Advocacy Progress, Innovations, Opportunities
Following up from a commitment made a year ago to Fight for Fresh on behalf of its members and the worldwide fruit, vegetable and floral community, International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns shared how the organization delivered on that promise in the 12 months since the last Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show. During […]
Record Buyers, Big Ideas Define IFPA’s Global Produce, Floral Show
The International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show has come to an end after three days devoted to fresh produce and floral. “The Global Show brought out the best in worldwide fresh fruit, vegetable and flower innovations this year,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “United by our bold beliefs and relentless advocacy, […]
NGA, Food Industry Groups Seek USDA Clarity On Penny Shortage, SNAP Rounding
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has joined with other food-industry associations in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to issue immediate guidance to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-authorized retailers amid the continuing national penny shortage. In a joint letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the groups asked the USDA to clarify how retailers can lawfully manage […]
Women Grocers Of America Symposium Energizes, Inspires In Atlanta
The Women Grocers of America Symposium has always been a highlight of our industry’s (and my personal) calendar, but this year’s gathering carried a special energy. Over the course of two days at the Atlanta headquarters of the Coca-Cola Co., a premier sponsor of WGA, it became clear that the independent grocery industry is not […]
Economy Stable, Food Retailers Strong In Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s grocery industry is holding steady, but independent grocers are closely watching labor, inflation, consumer confidence and regulatory and legislative issues, according to Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association. “I think the economy right now is fairly stable in Wisconsin,” Semmann said. “From an industry perspective, we’re hoping to make sure […]
IGA Adds Bitcoin Access To Independent Grocery Stores
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has partnered with Bitcoin Depot to add its kiosks throughout independent grocery stores across the country, extending the company’s footprint and allowing more consumers the opportunity to buy Bitcoin in a familiar retail setting. “This partnership with IGA helps us increase our reach to provide easy and secure access to […]
FMI Study Highlights Grocery Stores’ Role In Convenient, Affordable Dining
FMI – The Food Industry Association has released “The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2025” report, revealing a significant shift in dining habits as consumers are increasingly choosing deli-prepared foods in place of restaurant meals, with this share more than doubling from 12 percent in 2017 to 28 percent in 2025. Many shoppers also are blending […]
The NGA Show Introduces Fresh Pitches Networking Experience
The NGA Show has introduced Fresh Pitches, a new one-to-one networking opportunity debuting at the 2026 event, Feb. 1-3 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Designed to foster high-impact connections between sponsors and independent grocery retailers, Fresh Pitches will offer a fast-paced, curated speed networking experience. Fresh Pitches centers around short, high-impact conversations that […]
PFMA Highlights Legislation, Regulation Issues At Legislative Conference
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) hosted its 2025 Fall Legislative Conference on Oct. 7-8 at the Hershey Country Club, bringing together industry leaders, lawmakers and policy experts for two days of dialogue, legislative updates and connection. A highlight of the event was a keynote address from Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, who reflected on […]
NJFC To Discuss Technology’s Role In Asset Protection At Conference
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) is partnering with the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association (NJRMA), the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) and the Delaware Food Industry Council (DFIC) to address security issues in the food industry at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference and Expo. Set for Oct. 29 at Forsgate Country Club in […]
