The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has released its 2024 Annual Impact Report, highlighting the organization’s work with and on behalf of the industry over the past year. CEO Cathy Burns praised the IFPA community and leadership for helping advance the priorities that matter most to the fresh produce and floral industry. “As we approached 2024, […]
Category: Association News
Posted inAssociation News, IGA, Independent Store News, National
IGA Names 8 Retailer Of The Year Honorees
The Independent Grocers Alliance has selected eight stores as IGA USA Retailers of the Year, the highest honor it bestows upon its members. The awards are presented annually to grocers who have best provided leadership and excellence in their communities. Each store was nominated by its licensed distribution center (LDC). The retailers, who will be […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Government Relations Committee Charts 2025 Path
The National Grocers Association’s (NGA) Government Relations Committee concluded its annual policy planning meeting Jan. 23, discussing a comprehensive plan for 2025 aimed at protecting and strengthening independent grocers and fostering their growth in a fair and competitive marketplace. “NGA’s Government Relations Committee has created a policy plan that will tackle key issues impacting independent […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Dairy News, National
Survey: Consumers Turn To Frozen, Dairy Aisles To Keep Resolutions
As millions of Americans tackle their New Year’s resolutions, new research reveals the frozen and dairy aisles are becoming important destinations for achieving health, budget and convenience goals. According to a survey commissioned by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA), 66 percent of Americans say pre-portioned ingredients help them achieve their health goals, […]
Posted inBeverage News, Association News, National, Snacks Brands
FTC Sues PepsiCo For Illegal Price Discrimination
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued PepsiCo Inc., contending the company has engaged in illegal price discrimination by providing one customer – a large, big-box retailer – with unfair advantages, while raising prices for competing retailers and customers. The FTC’s complaint maintains that Pepsi is providing this customer with promotional payments and allowances without […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West
Beauty, Challenges Are Dual Realities In Isolated, Expensive Hawaii
For all its natural beauty, welcoming people and myriad other charms, Hawaii does have its share of challenges economically, which impact the islands’ food store operators. Alexis Chapman, director of operations for the Hawaii Food Industry Association in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, said the state’s economy is growing but still faces some unique […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Shares Several Staff Promotions
The National Grocers Association has announced several promotions among its staff and the NGA Foundation. Stephanie Johnson Johnson has been promoted as NGA’s group VP of government relations and political affairs. In this expanded role, Johnson is responsible for managing NGA’s advocacy and political affairs, including policy development and management. She will manage the association’s […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Executive Perspectives: Jena Sowers
A summer internship led to a 20-year career in the CPG industry for Jena Sowers, who then seized the opportunity to more directly help independent grocers serve their communities. Now the CEO of Hendersonville, Tennessee-based Alliance Retail Group, Sowers shares her thoughts on leadership, management and working with family-owned businesses with NGA’s Independent Grocer magazine. […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA Shares New Strategic Plan, Executive Changes
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) kicked off the new year by beginning its 2025-27 strategic plan, which includes new leadership roles. The plan was announced during Tammy DeBoer’s remarks at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta. DeBoer, president of Harris Teeter and 2025 chair of IFPA’s board of directors, will focus much of […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
What Presidential Election Means For Independent Grocers In 2025
The past several years have brought a host of policy wins for independent grocers. From progress toward antitrust enforcement and credit card reform to protection of federal nutrition programs, NGA’s advocacy efforts have made historic leaps. While we have been building momentum on these issues, there is still plenty to do. With the results of […]
Posted inAssociation News, Northeast
NJFC Promotes Redford To Director Of Public Affairs
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has promoted Delaney Redford to director of public affairs for her work on behalf of food retailers, including supermarkets, independent grocers and convenience stores and their supplier partners. “In just under three years since she joined the NJFC team out of college, Delaney has helped advance our agenda and […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, West
LeClerc Named Next CGA Board Chairman
Michel LeClerc, chief administrative officer of North State Grocery, was named the 2024-25 California Grocers Association (CGA) chairman of the board of directors at the association’s annual meeting Dec. 6. As chair, LeClerc will lead the board’s strategy regarding CGA’s numerous legislative, educational and industry-related programs. The association is comprised of more than 350 retail […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, West
Friends, Colleagues Celebrate Life Of Donna Simpson At Dedication Ceremony
Donna Simpson brought joy into the lives of those around her. That was evident as friends and family shared memories of the grocery industry veteran in an Oct. 16 ceremony at Certified Federal Credit Union, where the building and a serenity garden were dedicated in her memory. Simpson died Aug. 23 of injuries sustained during […]
Posted inAssociation News, Southeast
CFIC Donates $50K To Manna FoodBank In Asheville, NC
The Carolinas Food Industry Council (CFIC) has donated $50,000 to Manna FoodBank in Asheville, North Carolina. This donation comes at a crucial time as Western North Carolina continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Lindsey Kueffner, CFIC’s executive director, presented the check to Manna FoodBank CEO Claire Neal and Chief Development Officer Mary […]
Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, Market Profile, West
Wildfires, Inflation Among Challenges For Wyoming’s Retailers, Residents
Natural disasters are sometimes more difficult to navigate through in areas that are less densely populated. Wildfires have burned more than 810,000 acres in Wyoming thus far this year, and “towns are under duress,” according to Grier Bailey, executive director of the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, which also represents grocers. “Unlike […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National
PLMA Celebrates January As Store Brands Month
The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is observing Store Brands Month in January, a partnership between retailers and manufacturers to promote their quality, value and excellence to shoppers. One out of every five products sold is a store brand, and it is estimated that U.S. consumers save more than $40 billion a year on grocery and household […]
Posted inAssociation News, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, National
NGA Commends FTC’s Enforcement Of Robinson-Patman Act
In a 3-2 vote, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action Dec. 12 to restore enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act, an antitrust law that will level the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses. The FTC sued the largest U.S. distributor of wine and spirits – Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits LLC (Southern) – contending […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
IGIA Recognizes Industry Leaders During Hall Of Fame Dinner
The Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) recently recognized its 2024 Hall of Fame winners for their commitment to advancing the grocery, convenience and food industries. “Each year, we are proud to celebrate the exceptional companies and individuals whose dedication and leadership continue to shape the future of the grocery and food industry,” said Michelle Hurd, […]
Posted inAssociation News, IGA, Independent Store News, National
IGA Acquires Inmar’s Scanner Applications Co.
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has acquired Inmar’s Scanner Applications, a performance-based media company that sets up scanned-based retail promotions, adjudicates claims and provides analytics and fraud control. According to IGA, the goal of the acquisition is to make it easier, less expensive and more efficient for independent retailers to execute promotions in their stores. […]
Posted inHarps Food Stores, Association News, Executive News, Feature, National
Executive Perspectives: Kim Eskew
After planning to pursue an engineering career, Kim Eskew saw the opportunities that grocery retail had to offer and turned an entry-level position into a lifelong career with Springdale, Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores. Now the company’s chairman and CEO, Eskew shared his thoughts on leadership, management and getting started in the industry with NGA’s Independent […]