Atlanta, in partnership with Invest Atlanta and Savi Provisions, has opened Azalea Fresh Market, a first-of-its-kind municipal grocery store in the city’s downtown. Located in the historic and repurposed Olympia Building, Azalea officially opened to the public Sept. 8. On that first day, the store welcomed 728 customers and brought in several thousands of dollars […]
Category: Association News
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National, News
FMI, NGA, NACS Call On Congress To Address SNAP EBT Transaction Fees
FMI – The Food Industry Association, the National Grocers Association (NGA) and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) sent a letter to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committees signed by more than 1,000 businesses and organizations calling on Congress to protect customers and retailers by prohibiting additional fees from being […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, National, News
IBIE 2025: What To Expect At The Industry’s Largest Baking Event
The International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) returns to Las Vegas Sept. 13-17, bringing together more than 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers from around the globe to discover the latest advancements shaping the future of baking and food manufacturing. Education remains a cornerstone of IBIE, with its largest program yet featuring more than 250 IBIEducate sessions and […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News, Private Label Brands
Lidl U.S. CEO To Keynote PLMA’s 2025 Trade Show
Joel Rampoldt, CEO of Lidl U.S., will deliver the keynote address at PLMA’s 2025 Private Label Trade Show, to be held Nov. 16-18 in Chicago. Themed “Store Brands Marketplace,” the show will feature more than 35,000 food and nonfood products, 3,100 booths and 2,000 exhibitors representing 65 countries. A business leader with a track record […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National, News
FMI Launches GroceryLab To Invest In Industry Innovation
FMI – The Food Industry Association has launched GroceryLab, a hands-on event designed to bring together merchants, operators, technologists and brand leaders to design a zero-friction grocery ecosystem June 2-4 at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. The launch of GroceryLab comes at a pivotal moment, as FMI’s The State of Technology report reveals that food retailers and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, IGA, National, News
IGA, Flipp Offer Tech Solutions To Support Independent Grocers
The Independent Grocers Alliance is partnering with Flipp, a merchandising and media platform that powers the digital shopping experiences for more than 1,600 retailers and brands, to give IGA’s 7,500 global independent grocers a competitive edge in today’s evolving shopper landscape. “This partnership brings together two organizations deeply committed to supporting local communities and empowering […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, West
Retail Trends Reshaping Produce Ahead Of IFPA Show
As the fresh produce industry prepares for the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show Oct. 16-18 in Anaheim, California, evolving forces are shaping what success will look like for the store perimeter. In an environment defined by rapid change, inflationary pressures and increasingly discerning shoppers, suppliers and retailers alike are under pressure to pivot fast […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast
PFMA Fall Legislative Conference Set For Oct. 7-8
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) will hold its 2025 Fall Legislative Conference Oct. 7-8 at the Hershey Country Club, bringing together leaders from the state’s food and beverage industry for two days of policy discussion, strategic updates and networking. This year’s conference will feature Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday as the keynote speaker during […]
Posted inMarketing News, Association News, National, News
FMI Report: Shoppers Stick To Routines, Prioritize ‘Eating Well’ This Fall
Nearly half of U.S. grocery shoppers (44 percent) embrace a weekly mealtime tradition, and more Americans are building new eating routines this fall, according to a new report from FMI – The Food Industry Association. FMI’s “U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: New Routines” also finds 36 percent of shoppers eat dinner at home with others every […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, News, West
Legislation Impacting Grocers Across California Coming From Many Directions
Ron Fong, president and CEO of the California Grocers Association, has his hands full. Legislation impacting his membership has been wide-ranging and ongoing this year, from immigration and SNAP to self-checkouts and even shopping cart retrieval. As of this publication date, the California legislature had reconvened for two weeks to try and come to a […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, IGA, National, News
IGA Begins Marketing, Technology Partnership With RSA America
In a step forward for independent grocers looking to compete with national chains through smart, scalable and affordable technology, the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has begun a partnership with RSA America. Through the collaboration, IGA retailers will gain access to RSA America’s suite of marketing and technology platforms featuring loyalty, digital promotions, e-commerce, analytics and […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
SNAP, HDCPs, EPR Among Top Issues In Tennessee’s 2025 Legislative Session
The 2025 state legislative session in Tennessee involved some heated battles to try and protect the interests of grocery and convenience stores. Some battles were won; others were lost. Rob Ikard, president and CEO of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association, provided a roundup from the 114th Tennessee General Assembly that ended April 22, […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA Announces 2026 Board Of Directors Slate
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced the slate of new officers and directors for its 2026 Board of Directors. These volunteer leaders will be confirmed by a ballot shared with membership and begin their service at the 2025 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, which is set for Oct. 16-18 in Anaheim, California. […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, West
Utah Food Industry Association Urges Members To Stay Engaged
Many Associated Food Stores retailers and team members from Associated Retail Operations participated in the Utah Food Industry Association’s (UFIA) annual conference Aug. 6 at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah. Leadership transitions and recognition Brandon Peterson, operations manager at Peterson’s Market and the outgoing chairman of the board, was recognized for his service. […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National, News
Work Not Finished, But NGA Pleased With Efforts On Tax Measure, SNAP
Independent grocers across the country are applauding significant policy victories following months of persistent advocacy led by the National Grocers Association (NGA). With the enactment of a landmark tax package and the defense against the most damaging proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, NGA has delivered tangible results for independent operators and the […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, National, News
FMI Briefing Sheds Light On Likely Impacts Of Tariffs
U.S. grocery shoppers remain highly price-conscious, and 55 percent say tariffs are their top concern, according to FMI’s August 2025 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report. The tariffs, however, have yet to be fully felt at the shelf. “Over the next three, six, nine, 12 months, we will see those factors filter into food prices pretty […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
The Foundation For Fresh Produce Celebrates National Fruits, Veggies Month
The Foundation for Fresh Produce will kick off its sixth annual National Fruits & Veggies Month in September. National Fruits & Veggies Month was designed to celebrate produce as the nation’s top health priority. As the conversation on health is in the national spotlight, it’s up to the produce industry to make sure fruits and vegetables […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Southeast
CFIC Hosts Annual Convention In Myrtle Beach, SC
The Carolinas Food Industry Council (CFIC) welcomed 1,400 grocery industry representatives to its 21st Annual CFIC Convention, held July 20-23 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort. The three-day event provided educational seminars, industry updates and networking for retailers and suppliers from across the Carolinas. Attendees included hundreds of suppliers who met with leaders from the […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, National, News, Produce News
FMI Report Highlights Fresh Food Sales Growth, Consumer Preferences
FMI – The Food Industry Association has released “The State of Fresh Foods 2025” report, which demonstrates continued growth in the fresh foods space. The report explores the momentum of fresh food products in 2024 and provides a look at the role the department plays in the advancement of food retail establishments in the coming […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Frozen Food, Marketing News, National, News
AFFI Hires Meredith As Director Of Marketing, Communications
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has named Rebecca Meredith its new director of marketing and communications. In this role, she will oversee the organization’s content creation and execution, as well as drive AFFI’s event and member communications strategies. Most recently, Meredith served as communications manager at CropLife America, a national trade association representing agricultural […]