The NGA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, has shared the topic for the 2025 Student Case Study Competition, which will be held during the 2025 NGA Show. For “A Path to Sustainable Success,” student teams will develop action plans for how the participating retailer, Colorado-based Clark’s Market, can minimize its environmental […]
Category: Association News
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast
Small But Mighty Maryland Making Name For Itself In Supermarket Industry
As the new year approaches, several legislative proposals stand to impact Maryland residents and businesses. The Griffin Report recently visited with Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, to find out more about what’s in store for 2025. Locklair has spent nearly 20 years in state and local politics, advocating on the state budget, […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Education Driving Excitement At 2025 NGA Show
Independent grocers are a dedicated bunch. For many, time away from the business is time wasted, and vacations are certainly not a high priority. NGA understands that your time is precious. That’s why The NGA Show is designed to help you make the most of your time, with an education-centric program built around what you […]
Posted inAssociation News, Southeast
AGA Honors Three For Dedication To Grocery Industry
The Alabama Grocers Association (AGA) held its annual Food Industry Finest Luncheon on Oct. 30, with more than 120 people gathering to discuss the work of the organization and those in the state’s food, beverage and grocery profession during 2024. Sen. Bobby Singleton and Rep. Anthony Daniels were the guest speakers. The AGA honored the […]
Posted inCoborn's, Association News, Industry Leaders Speak, National
NGA CEO Greg Ferrara & Coborn’s SVP Dennis Host On Grocery Innovation, Opportunity
Sponsored content With a shared passion for supporting independent grocers and cultivating the next generation of industry leaders, Greg Ferrara, President and CEO of the National Grocers Association, and Dennis Host, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Coborn’s, a 135+ location Midwest chain, discuss Host’s unconventional path into the grocery industry, key lessons he’s learned […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Consumer Brands Names Melissa Hockstad President, CEO
The Consumer Brands Association has named Melissa Hockstad as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective Jan. 6. Hockstad joins Consumer Brands from her role as president and CEO of the American Cleaning Institute (ACI). She will succeed David Chavern, who was named president and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) in September. […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI, i3 International Begin Asset Protection Partnership
FMI – The Food Industry Association and i3 International have combined their respective events for the asset protection community at FMI’s 2025 Asset Protection and Grocery Resilience Conference in St. Louis. This partnership marks the combining of two prominent events into a single, comprehensive conference under the FMI brand with combined professional impact. “Joining our event, Innovision, with FMI’s […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, West
WAFC Elects Super King VP Fermanian To Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected Jake Fermanian of Super King Markets to the board of directors at its Nov. 9 meeting in San Diego, California. Fermanian is the VP of Super King Markets, a family-owned and -operated grocery chain with eight locations in Southern California. Having grown up in the family business […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Corporate Store News, Midwest
Minnesota Grocers Recognized For Promoting Locally Grown Products
Eight Minnesota retailers who demonstrate excellence in locally grown and produced products have been named a 2025 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown program, in partnership with the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA). Along with awards given by region, a new beer, wine and spirits award was presented […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Grocery Shoppers Optimistic About Holiday Season
Despite economic uncertainties and concern over food prices, consumers remain optimistic about managing their budgets and creating memorable holiday experiences. FMI – The Food Industry Association’s annual U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Holiday Season report provides a comprehensive look into the evolving landscape of holiday shopping. “While consumers remain understandably concerned about the cost of food […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
MGA Begins ‘Bag Hunger’ Campaign At Participating Retailers
The Minnesota Grocers Association is encouraging consumers statewide to “Bag Hunger” by shopping at participating retailers during the 2024 Bag Hunger Campaign. All food and monetary contributions collected in store will go to provide support to local food banks and shelves to benefit families. MGA’s Bag Hunger Campaign is a three-way partnership with grocers, vendors […]
Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, Northeast
Food Industry Conference Focuses On Security, Loss Prevention
The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Loss Prevention Conference and Expo, which was held Oct. 30 at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, New Jersey, addressed the most pressing security issues in the food industry. The annual event – hosted in partnership with the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, the New Jersey Food Council, the New Jersey Retail Merchants […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Amazon Fresh, Association News, Northeast, Whole Foods
NJFC CEO: New Jersey’s Grocery Landscape Experiencing Selective Growth
Linda Doherty, president and CEO of the New Jersey Food Council, took time out of her busy schedule in October to provide an update to The Griffin Report on the state’s grocery industry. Below are her responses. How is the economy in your state? What kind of population and unemployment trends are you seeing? Our […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, National
Executive Perspectives: Kristin Popp
A veteran of the grocery industry for more than a quarter century, Kristin Popp previously served as Wisconsin-based Woodman’s Food Markets’ HR director before becoming EVP. In addition to those duties, Popp serves as president of Women Grocers of America, which operates under the NGA Foundation. Popp shared her thoughts on leadership, management and getting […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Southeast
IFPA’s Global Produce, Floral Show Donations Go To Atlanta Nonprofits
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) donated 226,735 pounds of produce and 8,575 pounds of flowers following this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia. The rescue and distribution came in partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, a member of the Feeding America network, which serves 29 counties in Atlanta and North […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National
FMI Report: Private Brands Growing Force Across Grocery Store Industry
Although food inflation is decreasing slightly, higher prices are continuing to impact consumers’ wallets. In an inflationary environment, private brands are emerging as a strategic solution for grocery retailers. According to the latest FMI – The Food Industry Association’s Power of Private Brands report, the popularity of private brands is on the rise, driven by […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Presents 2025 FMItech Pitch Competition Finalists
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named three finalists for its FMItech Pitch Competition. Badge, NoxuData and Workrz will each have a chance to give a seven-minute pitch on their technology solutions to a panel of judges and live audience during the 2025 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference. The winner will later present to all attendees during a keynote session. […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI, NGA, IFPA Ready To Work With New U.S. Leadership
Following the results of the Nov. 5 U.S. election, which will return former President Donald Trump to the White House and reshape the 119th Congress, several food industry association shared statements. FMI – The Food Industry Association FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin stated the association affirms its commitment to working with the new […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
Retailers Find Influx Of Carolinas Newcomers With No Pre-Existing Loyalty ‘Fair Game’
The Shelby Report recently checked in with Lindsey Kueffner, executive director of the Carolinas Food Industry Council, to learn about the key issues poised to impact the region in the coming months. The populations of North Carolina and South Carolina continue to grow. With that, so does the number of grocery stores. Most food retailers […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
NGA Honors Ron And Jennifer Graff’s Commitment To Advocacy
The National Grocers Association (NGA) recognized independent grocery retailers Ron and Jennifer Graff for their commitment to political advocacy on behalf of the independent grocery industry. The Thomas F. Wenning Pinnacle PAC Award was presented during NGA’s Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit, held Oct. 28-30 in Washington, D.C. The award, given to NGA members […]