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 […]
Category: Association News
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News, Online Grocery Technology
Groceryshop Adds Test Kitchen, C-Suite Leaders To 2025 Lineup
Several key additions have been announced to the Groceryshop 2025 program, including an AI Test Kitchen program and several C-suite leaders to the mainstage speaker lineup. More than 5,000 senior executives from the retailers, brands and technology companies across the global grocery and CPG ecosystem, representing more than 50 countries, will gather Sept. 28-Oct. 1 […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast
PFMA Awards Ridge Scholarships To 21 Students
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has named the 21 recipients of the 2025 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship, each of whom will receive a one-year, $2,500 award for the 2025-26 academic year. “Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “We’re proud to support these exceptional students […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Michigan Retailers Face Economic Uncertainty Amid Tariffs, Inflation, Dip In Tourists
Michigan retailers are facing a challenging economic environment marked by inflation, tariff-related disruptions and fluctuating consumer behavior, according to Vic Veda, VP of communications with the Michigan Retailers Association. “The best specific data that I have on this topic here really does talk about the impacts of tariffs,” Veda said. “We did a member survey […]
Posted inAssociation News, Food Service News, National, News
NGA, IFDA Begin Partnership For Industry Education
The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) and the National Grocers Association (NGA) have begun a partnership aimed at strengthening the food distribution industry through shared educational resources and thought leadership. As part of the alliance, NGA will join the 2025 IFDA Solutions Conference – set for Sept. 28-Oct. 1 in Columbus, Ohio – as an […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
FMI Welcomes Tanner As Director, Legal Operations
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named Jessica Tanner as its director of legal operations, where she will serve as a key advisor to the organization on legal operations, regulatory strategy and policy. Specifically, Tanner will work alongside FMI counsel and Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) and FMI leadership to ensure compliance with relevant […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Marketing News, National, News
IGA Partners With NWPB To Boost Watermelon Awareness
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has begun a partnership with the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) to launch a second-half 2025 shopper marketing and retailer education campaign designed to boost watermelon awareness, drive in-store engagement and support IGA retailers. Kicking off in July, the multimedia campaign leverages IGA’s retail media network, digital circulars and in-store […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
SQFI Appoints Anderson VP, Business Development
The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association, has added Rachel Anderson as VP of business development. Anderson brings more than two decades of leadership in strategic sales, marketing and supply chain operations, enhancing SQFI’s mission to offer food safety and quality certification programs worldwide. “Rachel brings a wealth […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA Leads Charge To Preserve SNAP In Reconciliation Bill
The National Grocers Association (NGA) led the successful effort to curb changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) while securing critical pro-growth, pro-Main Street tax provisions that will benefit family-owned independent grocers. NGA shared its appreciation to Congress and President Donald Trump for taking action in the recently passed reconciliation bill to protect America’s […]