Karen Howard has served as CEO and executive director of Organic & Natural Health Association in Washington, D.C., since its inception in 2014. She has championed causes such as defining the term “natural,” promoting quality manufacturing, ensuring traceable sourcing, advancing regenerative farming, advocating for sustainable practices, addressing nutrient deficiencies and propelling vitamin D research and […]
Category: Association News
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Feature, National, News, Private Label Brands
FMI Committees Doing Important Work On Private Brands, AI, Asset Protection
Doug Baker, VP of industry relations for FMI – The Food Industry Association, spoke to The Shelby Report during the association’s recent Midwinter Executive Conference on Marco Island, Florida. Baker touched on three topics that are of interest to FMI’s membership and the food industry as a whole – private brands, technology advancements and asset […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
NGA Introduces Fair Markets, Fresh Choices Advocacy Campaign
During The NGA Show in Las Vegas, the National Grocers Association (NGA) introduced Fair Markets, Fresh Choices, an advocacy campaign that spotlights and demands a level playing field in the food retail industry for independent grocers. Independent community supermarkets – many of them family or employee owned – are the backbone of neighborhoods across America, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Market Profile, Midwest
Nebraska Grocery Industry Faces Challenges, Opportunities Amid Economic Shifts
Nebraska’s grocery industry is at a crossroads as economic conditions shift and legislative policies evolve. Ansley Fellers, executive director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, highlighted for The Shelby Report key concerns facing independent grocers, including competition from dollar stores, rising labor costs and wholesale pricing challenges. Nebraska’s economy is experiencing modest growth, influenced by […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, National, News
FMI Report: Seafood Sales Struggle Despite Perception As Healthy Option
FMI – The Food Industry Association released its Power of Seafood 2025 report during Seafood Expo North America, which runs March 16-18 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The seventh edition of the report explores shifting consumer attitudes, purchasing behaviors and untapped opportunities for the seafood department despite lackluster category performance. The reasons for the […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast
NJFC Prepares For Trade Relations Conference, Shares Speaker Lineup
For its annual Trade Relations Conference on April 8 at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) is presenting a lineup of industry experts to speak on the theme “Emerging Technologies & Emerging Opportunities.” The conference will feature a chat with Joe Fantozzi, president of Allegiance Retail Services (ARS), that […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Wakefern, West
Wakefern’s Stigers Named USC’s 2025 Food Industry Executive Of The Year
The USC Marshall School of Business Food Industry Management (FIM) program will honor Mike Stigers, president of Wakefern Food Corp., as its 2025 Food Industry Executive of the Year. Each year, the award is presented to an executive who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a strong commitment to education. Stigers also will serve as the […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
NFRA Report: How Frozen Foods Support Evolving Cooking Habits
The way Americans cook is evolving, and the freezer aisle is leading the charge. Once seen as just a place for convenience meals, today’s frozen options provide fresh-tasting ingredients, chef-inspired meals and budget-friendly solutions for every lifestyle. And with March as Frozen Food Month, it’s a great time to explore everything it has to offer. […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News
Independent Grocers’ 2025 Policy Priorities: Fairer, More Competitive Marketplace
As independent grocers navigate an ever-evolving retail landscape, policy decisions in Washington loom large over the future of our industry. From leveling the playing field with power buyers to protecting consumer choice and addressing rising operating costs, the National Grocers Association is committed to advocating for policies that ensure a vibrant, competitive grocery marketplace. With […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
EPA Rollback of HFC Regulations Eases Compliance Costs for Independent Grocers
In a win for independent grocers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rolled back regulations targeting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration systems, a move the National Grocers Association (NGA) calls “a critical step toward leveling the playing field” for community-focused supermarkets. The decision, announced March 12, eliminates costly compliance mandates that burden small and independent grocery […]
Posted inAssociation News, West
CFCU Honors Late EVP With $250K Gift To WAFC
Certified Federal Credit Union (CFCU) recently made a $250,000 donation to the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) in memory of the late Donna Simpson, who had been the company’s EVP and COO. The CFCU said it wanted to leave a legacy with WAFC because Simpson had been a longtime supporter of the organization and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Corporate Store News, National
Grocery Industry Faces Inflation, Tariff Uncertainty, FMI Reports
The grocery industry is grappling with many challenges, including inflation and the threat of tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s 2025 Inflation & Food Price Outlook. Andrew Harig, FMI’s VP of tax, trade, sustainability and policy development, highlighted the mixed signals in recent inflation data during […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
FMI Report: Social Media, E-Commerce Boost Produce Consumption
FMI – The Food Industry Association released The Power of Produce 2025 report for the seventh consecutive year at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference, held March 6-8 in Orlando. With 94 percent of produce shoppers using social media platforms and 36 percent discovering new fruits and vegetables through them, digital engagement – especially with younger shoppers – […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast
‘Modest’ Describes Current, Future Growth In Delaware
The Delaware economy has been on a gradual growth trajectory over the past five years. According to researcher IbisWorld, the population has grown 1.3 percent leading up to 2025, reaching just under 1.06 million. Its gross state product reached $76.3 billion by the beginning of the year, reflecting 1.0 percent growth over five years, and […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National
NCA Names Hagedorn Board Chair, Appoints New Members
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named Jerry Hagedorn, EVP for Barry Callebaut, as chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Hagedorn most recently served as vice chair and will take over for departing NCA Board Chair Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands. “As the confectionery industry faces unprecedented challenges and […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Private Label Brands
PLMA Announces 2025 Show Theme: ‘Store Brands Marketplace’
“Store Brands Marketplace” is the 2025 theme for PLMA’s Annual Private Label Trade Show, scheduled for Nov. 16-18 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. The announcement comes at a time of record-setting sales for the store brands industry. In 2024, private label sales reached $271 billion, an increase of $9 billion from […]
Posted inAssociation News, West
WAFC Rally Focuses On Education, Community, Future Of Grocery
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) held its SoCal Pre-Convention Rally on Feb. 6, highlighting the crucial role of education and community in shaping the future of the grocery industry. The event, presented by The Illuminators, drew industry leaders, sponsors and professionals to The Reef on the Water in Long Beach, California, to discuss […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Snacks Brands
NCA Report: Confectionery Sales Break Records, Surpass $54B
Confectionery sales topped $54 billion in 2024, according to the 2025 State of Treating report published March 3 by the National Confectioners Association. The report forecasts that U.S. confectionery sales will grow over the next five years, exceeding $70 billion in all outlets by 2029. Across the board, consumers are concerned about the price of groceries, which […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
Minnesota Grocers Association Hosts 8th Annual Bipartisan Bag-Off
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) hosted its eighth annual Bipartisan Bag-Off on Feb. 26 at the state Capitol, highlighting Minnesota’s food industry and its impact on serving consumers, providing careers and investing in its communities. The bag-off featured representation from each of the four legislative caucuses and a member of the governor’s administration: Speaker of the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National
AFFI-CON 2025 Sets Record For Frozen Ingredients Show
A record crowd of more than 1,600 professionals from frozen ingredient suppliers, processors, retailers and service providers attended AFFI-CON 2025, which the American Frozen Food Institute hosted Feb. 22-25 in Dallas. “As the premier frozen ingredients show, AFFI-CON brings together the global frozen food supply chain and offers unparalleled value,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison […]