In a ruling that could reshape payment costs for the retail sector, a federal judge has struck down the Federal Reserve’s regulation on debit card swipe fees. The Aug. 7 decision, paused pending appeal, has been greeted as a win by grocery retail advocates who have long argued that inflated fees drive up their costs […]
Category: Association News
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Midwest, News
MGA Recognizes 2025 Award Winners, Hall Of Fame Inductee
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) honored several industry executives with awards July 27 during its annual conference in Brainerd, Minnesota, the premier event showcasing the accomplishments of those in the state’s food industry. Outstanding Grocer Award Andrea Teal of Teal’s Management in Cold Spring, Minnesota, received the 2025 Outstanding Grocer Award. A fourth-generation grocer, Teal’s […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, The Kroger Co., West
WAFC Adds King Soopers’ Albi To Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected Chris Albi, president of King Soopers/City division of The Kroger Co., to its board of directors during an Aug. 1 meeting in Irvine, California. With more than 40 years of leadership experience in the grocery industry, Albi brings knowledge, strategic insight and commitment to serving the community. She […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
AFFI Shares 10 Ways Frozen Foods Can Support National Health Goals
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has released a series of policy recommendations illustrating how frozen foods can support the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. The 10 recommendations highlight frozen foods’ role in expanding access to nutritious, affordable and convenient food options for millions of Americans, particularly for busy families and food […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
FMI Recognizes 2025 Community Uplift Award Recipients
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced the three recipients of its 2025 Community Uplift Awards – Giant Food, Hy-Vee Inc. and United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI). A panel of judges selected the programs from among 23 nominees for their efforts in addressing food insecurity, neighborhood health needs and social impact programs. In addition, FMI […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, West
WAFC Mourns Death Of Former Longtime Leader
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced the death of former longtime COO Carole Christianson on Aug. 1 after a battle with leukemia. Christianson retired in 2022 following a 50-year career in the food and beverage industry and more than 15 years at the helm of the WAFC. During her time as COO, […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA’s Foodservice Conference Concludes Record-Breaking Show
Featuring a sold-out expo and a growing number of field tour programs for chefs and kindergarten-12th grade operators, the International Fresh Produce Association’s annual Foodservice Conference July 31-Aug. 1 set an attendance record while also drawing a diverse collections of buyers. “With over 1,000 buyers, new operators, colleges and universities and more than 2,200 attendees, […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA Shares New Strategic Alignment To Amplify Food Safety Portfolio
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced a reorganization to enhance and amplify its goals in the areas of produce and food safety regulations. Under the new structure, Paul Lewis, IFPA’s regulatory and compliance expert, will join the government relations team and report to Chief Global Policy Officer Alexis Taylor. Other members of the food […]
Posted inC-Store News, Association News, Executive News, National, News
NACS Appoints Gleeson President, CEO
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has named Frank Gleeson, former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-19 NACS chairman of the board, as its new president and CEO, beginning Jan. 1. Gleeson will succeed Henry Armour, becoming just the fourth CEO in the organization’s 64-year history; all four came to the […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
Grocery Industry Welcomes Produce Safety Roadmap
The grocery industry is welcoming the release of the Reagan-Udall Foundation’s report, “Roadmap to Produce Safety: A Conceptual Framework.” The Reagan-Udall Foundation for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), at the request of the FDA, recently led a stakeholder dialogue process to explore new strategies for produce safety and the development of a collaborative […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast, Sustainability News
NJFC Applauds Legislation To Combat Litter Through Reusable Bag Program
In what will be another tool to fight litter in the Garden State, Gov. Phil Murphy has signed legislation for a permanent annual appropriation of $500,000 to the Clean Communities Program Fund for the New Jersey Food Council’s reusable bag program. The NJFC, NJCCC and Clean Communities Coordinators hailed the signing of the bill and […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
SQFI Appoints Updegraff As Financial Planning, Analysis Director
The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association, has appointed Brian Updegraff as director of financial planning and analysis. In this role, Updegraff will lead the SQFI team in developing and executing financial strategies while collaborating on revenue initiatives to support the global food safety and certification program. “Brian comes […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, News, Southeast
Alabama Grocer Receives NGA Spirit Of America Award
The National Grocers Association (NGA) recently presented Harold Garrett, president and general manager of Gateway Foods and longtime board member of the Alabama Grocers Association (AGA), with its Spirit of America Award. The presentation occurred during AGA’s annual convention July 13-16 in recognition of Garrett’s leadership and a career that reflects dedication to community, country […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast, Specialty
NJFC Hosts Reception For Local Companies At Fancy Food Show
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) Leadership Development Program hosted a New Jersey Pavilion Reception on June 30 during the 2025 SFA Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York City. Under the theme of “Diners, Buyers & Suppliers,” the event saluted the Garden State’s contributions to the national food scene and its […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southwest
Texas Watermelon Association Introduces Refreshed Brand Identity
The Texas Watermelon Association (TWA) has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo and redesigned website. As a top five watermelon-producing state in the U.S., Texas plays a major role in meeting demand for the fruit. The new look and online experience reflect TWA’s mission to support the state’s watermelon industry while connecting […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Specialty
2025 Fancy Food Show Sees Increase In Attendee Registration
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) brought together more than 32,000 industry professionals June 29-July 1 for the 69th Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York City. Attendee registration jumped 14 percent over 2024, to about 13,000, including about 8,100 buyers, a 9 percent increase. As specialty food and beverage products grow […]
Posted inDairy News, Association News, Frozen Food, National, News
Ice Cream Producers Promise To Eliminate Artificial Colors By 2027
A new voluntary effort led by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) in partnership with America’s ice cream makers promises to eliminate certified artificial colors from ice cream products made with real milk by Dec. 31, 2027. With this effort, dozens of U.S. ice cream companies are pledging to eliminate the use of certified artificial […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Southeast
AGA Presents Industry Awards At Annual Show
The Alabama Grocers Association (AGA) brought members from all aspects of the grocery industry together July 13-16 for its 35th annual show at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. The show promotes the growth and success of the grocery industry in Alabama through advocacy, industry education, public relations and networking. The business […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, National, News
FMI Report: Amid Uncertainty, Food Industry Succeeds In Offering Value
FMI – The Food Industry Association has released its signature research, “The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2025,” which reveals how the industry is evolving into a modern grocery experience while navigating a complex operating environment. The analysis highlights successful strategies across the sector and offers a deeper exploration of how food retailers and suppliers are […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southeast, Sustainability News
SEPC Launches Sustainability Education Series
Beginning this fall, the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) will roll out a series of sustainability-focused educational offerings that will continue through 2026. The aim is to provide organizations with resources and insights they need to implement sustainability initiatives in ways that best align with their priorities and capacity. Feedback obtained during SEPC’s webinar earlier this […]