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. […]
Category: Association News
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 […]
NJFC Honors Industry Leaders At Annual Night Of Distinction
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
