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 […]
Category: Association News
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 […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southwest
West Texas Economy Growing But Still Relies On Oil/Gas Fortunes
Gary Huddleston has a rich history in the grocery business, serving nearly 45 years as director of consumer affairs at Kroger and today continuing his service as a grocery industry consultant for the Texas Retailers Association. TRA represents retail companies across Texas, including national, regional, state and main street grocery, mass, home improvement, pharmacy and […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Southwest
Viva Fresh Launches New Website To Celebrate 10th Anniversary
The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has introduced its new Viva Fresh Produce Expo website as the expo celebrates its 10th anniversary. The 2025 Viva Fresh Expo will take place April 10-12 in Houston, Texas, bringing together produce industry leaders from across North America. Founded in 2015, Viva Fresh has grown into a premier event […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
North Dakota’s Grocers Adapting Amid Economic Shifts
North Dakota’s grocery industry is navigating changes, shaped by population growth, economic shifts and evolving consumer habits, according to John “Jiggs” Dyste, president of the North Dakota Grocers Association. “We only have some 700,000 people in the whole state,” Dyste said. “I think as far as growth, we’re probably in the top five for people […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
IFPA Member Erickson Urges Congress To Tackle Labor, Regulatory, Economic Crises
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is urging Congress to take bipartisan action to support American growers, strengthen food security and maintain U.S. leadership in fresh produce production. Bret Erickson, SVP of business affairs at Texas-based Little Bear Produce, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Feb. 26, representing his company […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Arizona State University Wins NGA Student Case Study Competition
Arizona State University has been named the winner of the 2025 National Grocers Association (NGA) Student Case Study Competition. Organized by the NGA Foundation, the event is a key initiative to foster career growth and position grocery as a top career choice for college students. The competition, which took place at the 2025 NGA Show in […]
Posted inAssociation News, Marketing News, Merchandising News, National
NGA Salutes Creative Choice Awards Winners
The National Grocers Association (NGA), along with sponsoring partners Kellanova and Unilever, celebrated the winners of the annual NGA Creative Choice Awards contest Feb. 25 during the 2025 NGA Show at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Recipients of the awards, which honor the best marketing and merchandising programs in the independent […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
Nugget Markets’ Moretti Wins NGA Best Bagger Championship
The National Grocers Association (NGA) awarded a $10,000 cash prize to Sebastian Moretti of Nugget Markets after he finished first in the Best Bagger Championship on Feb. 24. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the competition took place during the second day of The NGA Show at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. The annual gathering […]
Posted inAssociation News, CERTCO Inc., National
Niemetscheck Named WGA’s Woman Of The Year
Amy Niemetscheck, president and CEO of Wisconsin-based Certco Inc., is the 2025 recipient of the Women Grocers of America (WGA) Woman of the Year Award. Presented at The NGA Show, the award is given to those who exemplify strong leadership qualities and a passion for the independent grocery industry. Honorees must be female professionals with […]