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 […]
Category: Association News
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 […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA Releases Annual Impact Report
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, […]
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. […]