The New Jersey Food Council’s (NJFC) Educational Development Scholarship Foundation held a virtual reception with the recipients of $97,500 in scholarships this graduation season to further the next generation of business and food industry leaders. “This is a special celebration of our industry’s students, their dreams and the companies who support them,” said Linda Doherty, […]
Category: Association News
Posted inFeature, Association News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, National, News
Webinar Unpacks Trends From IDDBA 2025
Consumer anxieties, vibrant merchandising and the fast rising influence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare topped the talking points during a June 12 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association-sponsored webinar, “Digesting All the Trends at IDDBA 2025.” Maeve Webster, president of the Bennington, Vermont-based consultancy Menu Matters, and Mike Kostyo, VP, sifted through what they saw on the show floor to […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News
SNAP Incentives, Fresh Innovation And The Role Of Independent Grocers
In June, the independent grocery industry came together in force for the 2025 NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, where fresh food innovation met community commitment. From fresh-forward merchandising strategies to discussions about food safety, traceability and technology, the summit underscored what independent grocers already know – fresh food is not only a driver of growth […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, News, Northeast
Orange May Not Have Lock On Future Shelf Tag Color In Massachusetts
In late May, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced she was eliminating outdated regulations to save businesses and business owners time and money. The change that affects grocers in the commonwealth was the overhaul of unit price disclosure requirements that had not been adjusted since the 1990s. Brian Houghton, SVP of government affairs and communications at […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News, Specialty
Specialty Food Association Names Fancy Food Rising Stars
The Specialty Food Association has selected the inaugural roster of its Fancy Food Rising Stars program for buyers and investors. Recognizing emerging leaders in the specialty food industry age 35 and younger, the Rising Star initiative sought nominations from across the buying and business-financing communities, with SFA making the final selections. They receive complimentary badges […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
FMI, NGA Support EBT Act To Prohibit SNAP Processing Fees
The grocery industry, primarily the National Grocers Association (NGA) and FMI – The Food Industry Association, is again sharing its support for the Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions (EBT) Act. Bipartisan legislation led by Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH) and Congressman Tony Wied (R-WI), the act would prohibit processing fees on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) electronic […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
Foundation For Fresh Produce Appoints Gligorijević Chief Medical Officer
The Foundation for Fresh Produce has named Jelena Gligorijević as chief medical officer, a new position created to expand the influence of the produce industry within the global health and medical communities. Gligorijević is a practicing medical doctor and nutrition specialist with more than three decades of experience in clinical practice, academic instruction and public […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA Fresh Summit 2025 Features Innovation, Industry Insight
The National Grocers Association (NGA) brought together independent grocery leaders from across the country June 16-18 for the NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over two days of expert-led sessions, store tours and networking, attendees explored strategies to increase profitability in the areas of produce, meat, dairy, deli, bakery and foodservice. The summit opened with […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, News, West
Grocers Bracing For Impact Of Largest Tax Hike In WA’s History
Washington is considered one of the most expensive states in the nation when it comes to the cost of gas, housing and healthcare. It has the fourth highest average grocery prices in the country, and 55 percent of residents face food insecurity. And officials from the Washington Food Industry Association note that grocers and consumers […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Frozen Food, National, News
2 Leaders To Be Inducted Into 2025 NFRA Refrigerated Food Hall Of Fame
Two industry leaders will be inducted into the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association’s (NFRA) Refrigerated Food Hall of Fame during the 2025 NFRA Convention on Oct. 20 at the World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida. The hall of fame was established in 2010 to recognize those whose passion and leadership have advanced the refrigerated […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA CEO Rallies Industry To ‘Fight for Fresh’
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) gathered fresh produce and floral industry leaders June 9-11 for The Washington Conference. Addressing attendees before they met with more than 185 congressional offices, IFPA CEO Cathy Burns called on the industry to join in the “Fight for Fresh.” “The need to expand our influence, innovate and future proof our industry […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News
Independent Grocers Make Their Voices Heard In Washington At NGA’s Fly-In
Every spring, the National Grocers Association’s Fly-In for Fair Competition reminds me of something simple yet powerful – when independent grocers come together and speak with one voice, we can move mountains. The 2025 Fly-In was no exception. More than 125 independent operators, wholesalers and state association partners from 38 states converged on Capitol Hill […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southeast
Produce Coalition Requests Information On USDA’s Farm Wage Rate
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). […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, 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: […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
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 […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, West
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
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 […]