The National Grocers Association (NGA) has partnered with Fincretive to integrate healthy benefit cards (HBC) and over-the-counter (OTC) cards into NGA members’ point-of-sale (POS) systems. “This partnership simplifies healthy benefit card acceptance by easily connecting NGA members to all major card processors through their POS providers,” said Stephanie Johnson, NGA’s group VP of government relations. […]
Category: Association News
Posted inAssociation News, Northeast
NJFC Welcomes Read As Chairman At Annual Meeting
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) welcomed a new chairman at its recent annual membership meeting and highlighted the addition of 33 members and 48 sponsors for 2025 – both of which set records for the organization. Jason Read, director of store operations, Region 1-Central and North Jersey of Wawa, is the new chairman, taking […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Southeast
GFIA’s Kuzava Gives Updates On Impact Of Bird Flu, New Administration, Tort Reform
Kathy Kuzava, president of the Georgia Food Industry Association, took time out during one of her busiest seasons of the year – the legislative session that just got underway – to share her thoughts on several issues with existing, or potential, impact on Peach State grocers. Can you tell us the latest on the […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
Collaboration Has Been ‘Cornerstone Of ROFDA’s Success’ From Start
It’s impossible to talk to the board of directors for Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) without touching on the topic of collaboration and how it helps the organization stand out. “The old saying ‘two heads are better than one’ is especially true in the industry that we work in,” said Randy Arceneaux, president […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
NGA Backs Senate Resolution To Overturn EPA’s Final Rule
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has given strong support for Sen. Roger Marshall’s (R-Kansas) Congressional Review Act resolution, SJ Res. 14, to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s Final Rule: Management of Certain HFCs and Their Substitutes Under the AIM Act. According to NGA, the management rule imposes a series of costly and complex compliance requirements that threaten the […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southwest
NMGA Executive: Most Retail Growth In State Coming From Convenience Channel
Economists familiar with New Mexico report that rising inflation, particularly in essential food categories, continues to place a considerable strain on household budgets, making price sensitivity a key consumer driver in the state. For some time, significant portions of the state, particularly rural areas, have lacked easy access to affordable and healthy food options. This […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
‘Co-opetition’ Encourages ROFDA Members To Share Ideas, Resources, Solutions
Operating a business these days is no easy feat. And today’s business climate is even more difficult for independent grocers. Competition, supply chain challenges and tight budgets mean everyone involved in the grocery industry needs to bring their “A” game all the time. Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) is a national cooperative organization […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Frozen Food, National
NFRA Study: Promotions, Digital Integration Drive Consumer Shopping Behavior
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has released findings from its most recent comprehensive consumer behavior study, revealing shifts in how consumers grocery shop. The research, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, surveyed 2,200 U.S. adults and analyzed behaviors and purchase motivators. “Convenience, inspiration and sustainability are shaping shopping behaviors, providing exciting opportunities […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Specialty
Winter Fancy Food Show Highlights New Products, Emerging Trends
Specialty food and beverage industry professionals from around the world gathered Jan. 19-21 for the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) 49th Winter Fancy Food Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Sponsored by Italy, the event drew some 1,100 exhibitors from around the world – across nearly 50 specialty food and beverage categories – and 12,000 participants. In addition […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
ROFDA Maintains Relevance By Adapting To Trends, Technologies, Challenges
Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) has been around for more than 60 years, but the group has never been one to sit idle. From growing membership and expanding their conference to adjusting bylaws, ROFDA leaders continue to demonstrate they have independent grocers’ best interests at heart. “Our end goal is helping independent retailers […]
Posted inAssociation News, West
WAFC Adds Vallarta COO Hinojosa To Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected David Hinojosa of Vallarta Supermarkets to its board of directors during a meeting Jan. 25 in La Quinta, California. At Vallarta, Hinojosa is responsible for company-wide operations, including P&L, fresh departments, merchandising, sales, compliance, warehouses, risk management, continuous improvement, loss prevention and human resources. “We look forward […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
Consumer Trends Present New Opportunities To Leverage Fresh, Health, Wellness
Consumer trends in 2025 highlight a growing focus on health and wellness, presenting significant opportunities for independent grocers to adapt and thrive. Shoppers are increasingly prioritizing fresh, nutritious products and personalized solutions, driving a shift in how food retailers approach their offerings. Independent grocers, with their deep community connections and agility in meeting changing preferences, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National
FMI, NielsenIQ Report: Shoppers Blend In-Store, Online Experiences
As grocery shopping enters a new era of digital transformation, FMI – The Food Industry Association and NielsenIQ have released a new report, “Digital Engagement Transforms Grocery Shopping,” which premiered at FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference. The report found that more than 90 percent of shoppers participate in both online and in-store shopping. “Consumers are seamlessly […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National
Badge Wins 2025 FMItech Pitch Competition
FMI – The Food Industry Association announced Badge as the champion of the fourth-annual FMItech Pitch Competition held during the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference Jan. 30-Feb. 2 on Marco Island, Florida. Three finalists presented food industry technology solutions, with conference attendees casting votes to determine the winner. “I’m thrilled to see how the FMItech Pitch Competition continues […]
Posted inAssociation News, West
CGA Elevates 3 Executives To New Positions
As the first step in a multi-pronged plan to ensure long-term growth and stability, the California Grocers Association (CGA) has promoted three executives. Jennifer Gold is now VP of people operations and administration, while Nate Rose has become VP of communications and public affairs and Beth Wright is executive director of events and sponsorship. Gold, […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Hails 2025 Executive Leadership Award Recipients
FMI – The Food Industry Association has honored eight executives with the 2025 Executive Leadership Award for embodying the core values of the food industry through their community engagement, innovation and exceptional customer service The awards, which were presented during FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference on Marco Island, Florida, went to: SPAR International’s Tobias Wasmuht; H-E-B’s James Harris; […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest
Minnesota Grocers Grapple With Labor Mandates, Population Decline
Minnesota’s grocery industry is navigating a period of significant economic and workforce transformation. According to Patrick Garofalo, president of the Minnesota Grocers Association, the state’s stagnant economy and shifting demographics are creating challenges for businesses, particularly independent grocers. In 2024, Minnesota’s economy experienced modest growth, with its GDP reaching $394.7 billion, which is a 1.4 […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
NGA Foundation Seeking ELDP Nominations
The National Grocers Association (NGA) Foundation is accepting nominations for grocery industry leaders to participate in its Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), which is set for June 1-5 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the ELDP is reserved for employees of retailer and wholesaler members of NGA. Participants should be mid- […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Promotes Key Leaders In Three Departments
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced three promotions – Peter Collins to VP of business development and membership; Ashley Eisenbeiser to VP of food and product safety programs; and Deborah Stewart to director of registration services. “Our members appreciate that FMI’s core strength resides in the dedication and expertise of its talented staff,” said […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Snacks Brands
NCA Names 2025 Golden, Silver Candy Dish Award Recipients
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named the recipients of the 2025 Golden and Silver Candy Dish Awards. Lyndi Verstrate, business manager at Shankman & Associates, will receive the Golden Candy Dish Award, while the Silver Candy Dish Award will go to Mike Farley, VP of sales at Goetze’s Candy Co. The awards will be […]