The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) and the NC Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC) have assembled a five-state, 30-organization coalition comprised of two national produce organizations, representing a diverse collection of crops including eight advocacy groups, with the mission of filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). […]
Category: Association News
NFRA Names 2025 Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest Winners
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has named the winners of its annual “Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest,” created to spotlight up-and-coming brands in the frozen and refrigerated aisles. Following a competitive review process, eight finalists were selected to submit product samples and promotional materials for evaluation by a panel of industry judges: […]
NGA, FMS Solutions Partner On Policy, Profit Summits
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has partnered with FMS Solutions for this year’s Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit (Oct. 20-21) and the inaugural FMS Profit Summit (Oct. 22-24), two events featuring sessions focused on policy, technology and profit strategies for independent grocers. “NGA’s Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit has been a must-attend event […]
Indiana Economy: Stability, Setbacks And Grocery Industry’s Fight To Adapt
Indiana’s economy remained largely stable through 2024, buoyed by strong capital investments and modest GDP growth. But a forecast released in April cast a shadow over the state’s two-year financial outlook, setting the stage for challenges in the grocery and convenience store industries. According to the Indiana Business Research Center, the state’s GDP showed modest […]
IFPA Shares Retail Produce Manager Award Recipients
At The Retail Conference and Golf Tournament, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the 20 recipients of the 2025 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing their dedication to fresh produce, inventive merchandising, community engagement and exceptional customer service. The 20 winners represent the produce industry to the consumer and work to increase sales and consumption […]
CGAEF Hall Of Achievement Honors 3 Leaders
The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF) inducted three industry veterans into its Hall of Achievement on April 10 in Anaheim, California. In addition to honoring the inductees – Pete Van Helden, chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets; Mary Crocker, sales account manager for Alta Dena Dairy; and Willie Crocker, retail director for Bimbo […]
NGA Foundation Empowers Independent Grocers Through ELDP
The National Grocers Association (NGA) Foundation has completed its four-day Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP). Held June 1-5 at Cornell University, the program features a blend of learning experiences, lectures and collaborative group activities designed to develop and enhance leadership skills. “ELDP continues to educate, inspire and empower talented professionals who are driving growth and […]
FMI Names 2025 Store Manager Awards Winners
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced the winners of the 2025 Store Manager Awards, honoring those in grocery retail who demonstrate outstanding leadership, elevate store performance and inspire teams across the industry. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the awards program, celebrating two decades of excellence in food retail management. “For the […]
NGA Leads Call For Increased Antitrust Enforcement Funding
A coalition of more than 40 business organizations and associations, led by the National Grocers Association (NGA), sent a letter to Congress making the case for robust funding for the Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission. The letter, addressed to Congressional appropriators, urges immediate investment in the federal agencies responsible for enforcing U.S. […]
American Bakers Association Offers Optimistic Outlook
Despite inflation and economic uncertainty, the American Bakers Association (ABA) forecasts steady, slow growth in the retail and foodservice space over the next few years. Acknowledging that 94 percent of consumers are concerned about their current financial situation due to inflation, ABA President and CEO Eric Dell still sees some positive signs. “The good news […]
PFMA Presents Honor Renamed For Late Leader
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) recently brought together leaders from across the food and beverage industry for its 2025 Annual Conference. The event included two days of networking, education sessions and special recognitions, including the presentation of the newly renamed Lisa Dell’Alba Food Industry Trailblazer Award to Tom Charley, co-owner of Charley Family Shop […]
IDDBA 2025 Photo Gallery
IDDBA 2025 wrapped up June 3 in New Orleans, showcasing the latest information, trends and products in the dairy, deli and bakery industries. Academy Award-winning director, producer and actor Kevin Costner headlined the General Session speaker lineup, which also included Michael Strahan, TV host, entrepreneur and philanthropist; Carla Hall, a Food Network star; and author […]
Expert: ‘Just-in-time Shopping’ Favors Dairy, Deli, Bakery Space
Keyed by a rise in “just-in-time” shopping, dairy, deli and bakery departments are outpacing general food sales for both the first five months of this year and the past 52 weeks. In addition, they are boosted by the growth of special occasions, some 32 billion annually, and a focus on convenience and new flavors. These […]
IDDBA Show Opens With Record-Setting Participation
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association opened IDDBA 2025 on June 1 in New Orleans, showcasing the latest information, trends and products in the dairy, deli and bakery industries. Early indications are the show, which runs through June 3 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, will set records. More than 1,000 exhibitors – including […]
IDDBA What’s In Store Live Returns With Salumi’d, Cake’d, Insightful Workshops
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) 2025 Show is set to take place June 1-3 in New Orleans, promising a dynamic experience filled with trend insights, hands-on demonstrations and interactive education. A highlight of the annual event, What’s in Store Live, returns to the expo floor, offering attendees an immersive look at the latest […]
The Illuminators Share New Board Appointments For 2025-26
The Illuminators, an organization committed to fostering education, leadership and partnerships in the grocery industry, has appointed its 2025-26 officer team and first-year board members to its executive board. 2025-26 Officer Team Headlite/President: Lori Brown, director of sales northwest for Nucal Foods; Sidelite/VP: Thomas Huls, CEO for Heritage Harbor Sales and Marketing; Spotlite/Treasurer: Marla McIntosh, […]
IFPA To Host The Washington Conference To Promote Fresh Produce
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is set to host The Washington Conference on June 9-11, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and advocates to champion and safeguard the future of fresh produce. This event unites attendees from the fresh produce and floral industries to engage with policymakers on key issues that impact the sector. Attendees […]
FMI Becomes First Trade Association To Join U.S. Food Waste Pact
FMI – The Food Industry Association is the first trade organization to join the U.S. Food Waste Pact, the national voluntary agreement focused on reducing food waste in the U.S., co-led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund. FMI joins 20 other companies and organizations that have signed onto the pact, which utilizes the “Target, […]
WAFC Elects 2025-26 Leadership, Adds To Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected new leadership in May, as well as added new directors to its board. The 2025-26 WAFC officers are: President – Kevin Lovell, SVP of operations at Albertsons/Safeway NorCal; VP – Rebecca Calvin, SVP and CMO for Stater Bros. Markets; Treasurer – Wendy Coldesina, VP, general merchandise manager […]
SEPC Names 2025 Member Scholarship Recipients
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC), based in Millen, Georgia, has selected 41 students to receive a scholarship for 2025, totaling $61,500. Scholarships are granted to students who meet specific criteria, including having a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing with the SEPC and has personally attended at least one SEPC […]
