The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has launched its First Penguin Leadership Program, a leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Alongside this milestone, NFRA has unveiled its inaugural class of industry rising stars, a group of professionals poised to shape the […]
Category: Association News
Posted inAssociation News, Feature, National
NGA To Build Upon Momentum Of In-Roads On Antitrust Reform, Enforcement
Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association, recently took time from his busy schedule to talk with The Shelby Report about the state of the grocery industry and the many challenges facing independents in 2025. While it may be some time before the new administration’s policies begin to have their full […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
Food Insecurity, Deserts Remain Issue For Alabama Grocers
Many rural Alabamians lack access to grocery stores, resulting in “food deserts” with limited access to fresh, affordable and nutritious food. In 2024, state leaders hosted two conferences addressing the issue – the National Rural Grocery Initiative and the Feeding Change Conference. Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association, presented at both. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
Trig’s Honored With NGA’s Peter J. Larkin Award
The National Grocers Association honored T.A. Solberg Co., or “Trig’s,” with the Peter J. Larkin Community Service Award on Feb. 23 during the opening session of the 2025 NGA Show at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. With a focus on strengthening communities across northern Wisconsin by providing essential resources and support, Trig’s […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, Sendik's
Balistreri Receives NGA’s Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Ted Balistreri, co-owner of Wisconsin-based Sendik’s Food Markets, received the 2025 National Grocers Association’s (NGA) Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. The annual honor, sponsored by FMS Solutions, recognizes an independent grocer whose vision, leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the industry. The award, one of the highest distinctions in independent grocery […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West
Steady Growth In Economy, Population On Horizon In Arizona
Lisa Bednar was promoted to president of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance last year, taking the helm April 1. She is the first female president in the 80-plus-year history of AFMA. Bednar was promoted from her role as AFMA senior director of community and education, which she had held since February 2022 and was responsible […]
Posted inDairy News, Association News, National
NGA Offers Recommendations To Help Address Egg Shortage
The National Grocers Association (NGA) sent recommendations to help address the ongoing egg supply shortage in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins. “NGA members welcome Secretary Rollins’ leadership to address the historic pressure grocers and their customers are facing from record high egg prices and supply challenges,” said NGA President […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Feature, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
ROFDA Retail Media Network Represents Unparalleled Level Of Cooperation
Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) wholesalers, along with multiple third-party providers, have teamed up to provide a comprehensive suite of retail media network solutions tailored to members’ needs. This includes targeted advertising opportunities, data-driven insights for campaign optimization and integrated e-commerce and fulfillment with collaborative partnerships that enhance brand visibility. “As a coalition […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Southeast
SEPC Names 2025 Vorhees Vision Scholarship Recipients
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) has named this year’s Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipients. The Vorhees Vision Scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives as they pursue their educational goals. This scholarship is named in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, founder and […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
ROFDA Relationships Help Create ‘Community That Thrives On Mutual Success’
The leaders of Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) recognize the power of having access to educational resources and have turned the act of sharing information into an art form. “My peer group is fantastic, and they are readily available to me if I’ve got a situation that I have questions about” said Ray […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
NGA Selects 2025 Creative Choice Award Winners
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has revealed the winners of its annual Creative Choice Awards, which recognize outstanding marketing and merchandising programs from independent grocery retailers across the country. Recipients of the Creative Choice Awards receive national recognition at The NGA Show, set for Feb. 23-25 at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Elects New Board Members During Midwinter Executive Conference
FMI – The Food Industry Association elected new members to its board of directors during the organization’s annual Midwinter Executive Conference. The incoming directors bring a diverse range of expertise from across the food industry to help navigate the rapidly evolving business, economic and political landscape in the years ahead. “FMI’s board of directors serves […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA, Fincretive Expanding Access To Healthy Benefit Cards
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. […]
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 […]