Hundreds of food industry executives from across the state gathered May 21 for The New Jersey Food Council’s annual Night of Distinction, which recognized three industry leaders for their impact on the industry, community service and helping advance the NJFC’s mission. The Industry Achievement Award honorees included Steve Heggelke, EVP of merchandising and procurement for Bozzuto’s, […]
Category: Association News
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
Independent Grocers Fight For Fair Competition During 2025 NGA Fly-In
The National Grocers Association (NGA) held its annual Fly-In for Fair Competition May 20-21, bringing industry leaders to the nation’s capital to advocate for a level playing field in the grocery sector. “The Fly-In for Fair Competition is a powerful opportunity for independent grocers to make their voices heard where it matters most – on […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southwest
IFPA’s The Retail Conference: Shaping Tomorrow’s Business, Today
Hundreds of representatives from throughout the full retail supply chain convened April 30-May 1 for networking and consumer insights at IFPA’s The Retail Conference in Dallas. In its fourth year, the produce conference attracted key industry retailers, suppliers and solutions providers. The event’s limited registration continues to create networking opportunities that foster partnerships. This was […]
Posted inAssociation News, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, National, News
FMI Reveals 2025 Store Manager Award Finalists
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced the finalists for the 2025 Store Manager Awards, selecting 11 leaders from across the globe who share a passion for customer service and uplifting their communities. Store Manager Award nominations are submitted by peers and food retail companies to recognize outstanding managers who: Generate sales growth; Effectively […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest, News
South Dakota Grocers Navigate Uncertainty Amid Economic Shifts
South Dakota’s economy showed a mixed performance in late 2024, and recent data indicates economic stagnation and the need for budgetary adjustments in 2025. The divergence in economic performance between urban and rural areas also is a key factor to consider. While the unemployment rate remains low and revenue for fiscal year 2025 is projected […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Midwest, News
Sweets & Snacks Expo Takes Over Downtown Indianapolis
The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, has taken over downtown Indianapolis for three-and-a-half days filled with new, innovative products and informative educational sessions. The annual show, which runs May 12-15 at the Indiana Convention Center, features more than 1,000 exhibitors – 300 of them first-timers – with 14,000 attendees across […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Midwest, News
Sweets & Snacks Expo Day 1 Photo Gallery
The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, has taken over downtown Indianapolis for three-and-a-half days filled with new, innovative products and informative educational sessions. The show, which runs May 12-15 at the Indiana Convention Center, features more than 1,000 exhibitors – 300 of them first-timers – with 14,000 attendees across more […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Midwest, News
NCA Celebrates Innovative Products During Awards Ceremony
The National Confectioners Association announced the winners and finalists of the Most Innovative New Product Awards – recognizing items in 12 categories, as well as Best in Show and Small Business Innovator – during a ceremony May 12 at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis. “The Most Innovative New Product Awards are a celebration of […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA Urges Congress To Reform SNAP Responsibly
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is deeply concerned by the cuts and programmatic cost shift changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outlined in the House Agriculture Committee’s latest budget proposal, according to NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara. In a statement issued May 13, Ferrara said, “Independent grocers – often the only source […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, Independent Store News, National, News
Road To Healthier America Runs Through Independent Grocery Stores
Across the country, independent grocers are stepping up to do what they have always done best – care for their communities. As public health challenges grow and access to nutritious food becomes more difficult for many Americans, community grocers are saying loud and clear that they want to be part of the solution. These locally […]
Posted inC-Store News, Association News, News, Northeast
NECSEMA Celebrates Store Operators Of The Year
Convenience store owners, managers and food preparers from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire were honored recently for being the best in their industry at the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association’s annual Operator of the Year Awards. The awards were held March 21 at Bally’s Twin River in Lincoln, Rhode Island, where the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Corporate Store News, National, News
FMI Unveils Key Trends, Habits Shaping Future Of Food Shopping
American consumers continue to enjoy grocery shopping and have kept their shopping habits remarkably consistent despite persistent economic challenges, according to the latest annual survey by FMI – The Food Industry Association, conducted by The Hartman Group. The analysis, which kicks off FMI’s 2025 series, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: The Logic of Food Shopping, offers insights into […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
Study Reveals How Social Media, In-Store Experiences Drive Frozen Food Discovery
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has released findings from a new study that reveal how consumers are discovering and purchasing frozen foods in 2025. Social platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram are now key sources of inspiration for younger shoppers, while traditional in-store promotions remain the most effective tool for influencing purchase […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA Shares Economic Data Highlighting SNAP’s Impact
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has released new economic data demonstrating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) impact on sustaining American jobs and driving economic activity in communities across the country. According to the new economic analysis, SNAP funding supports about 388,000 jobs, more than $20 billion in direct wages, resulting in more than $4.5 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
IGA Adds Winkler Wholesale Grocers As New Partner
Winkler Wholesale Grocers Inc. has joined the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) as a licensed distribution center (LDC). As an official member of the network, Winkler is licensed to distribute IGA exclusive brand products to independent grocery stores across its service region and has access to the full suite of IGA programs in support of their […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA Leads Industry Pushback Against Proposed SNAP Cuts
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is leading efforts to express concerns over a Congressional proposal to cut funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by 20 percent, which will affect food access and America’s workforce. SNAP provides access to fresh and nutritious food for more than 41 million Americans, including more than 14 million […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, News, Northeast
Connecticut Shoppers Adapt Grocery Habits Amid Economic Shifts
Come September, Wayne Pesce will have led the Connecticut Food Association as president for 10 years. In the conversation below, he discusses with The Griffin Report of the Northeast what’s happening in the state’s grocery industry, including some of the keys to success in today’s grocery industry. How is Connecticut’s economy faring? Connecticut’s economy […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA To Unveil Public Policy Agenda At Washington Conference
As policymakers and industry leaders prepare to gather June 9-11 for The Washington Conference in Washington D.C., the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is setting the stage for critical policy discussions impacting the fresh produce and floral industries. With a focus on labor, food safety, nutrition, trade and the Farm Bill, IFPA leads advocacy efforts to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
NGA Warns FTC: Protect Competition, Supply Chains Amid Tariff Pressures
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson calling for close monitoring and enforcement action in response to the competitive risks posed by new and proposed tariffs on imported goods. In its letter, NGA warned that rising tariffs could disrupt the food supply chain much like […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, National, News
Study Highlights Opportunities For Talent Development In Commercial Baking
In response to the ongoing and intensifying workforce shortage in the U.S. commercial baking industry, the American Bakers Association (ABA), the American Society of Baking (ASB) and the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) have released a new study, “Future-Proofing U.S. Commercial Baking: Workforce Challenges and Solutions.” Commissioned by the three industry organizations and conducted […]