FMI – The Food Industry Association has added Erin Sigrist to its state government relations team as its new director, state government affairs. Sigrist will provide expertise on state legislation, laws and regulatory actions for FMI members, engage with state and local industry partners and represent FMI and its members with external stakeholders. Specifically, she will […]
Category: Association News
Posted inAssociation News, National
Paul Adams Receives NGA Industry Service Award
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has honored Paul Adams, founder and CEO of Kansas-based consultancy Paul Adams & Associates, with its Industry Service Award. “Paul is a longtime friend of NGA and many in our industry. He’s a passionate supporter of independent grocers and has helped countless companies across the country navigate complex issues and […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI’s Gold Plate Award Recipients Encouraged Family Meals
The FMI Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2024 Gold Plate Awards, which recognize programs implemented by the food industry to encourage family meals. “As we celebrate another successful National Family Meals Month, it’s encouraging to see that 31 percent of Americans are aware of this important initiative, and even more inspiring to learn […]
Posted inAssociation News, Festival Foods, Market Profile, Midwest
WGA Optimistic For Wisconsin Grocery Industry Despite Lingering Challenges
The Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) is reporting a positive outlook for the state’s grocery industry, despite ongoing challenges such as workforce shortages, rising costs and increasing competition. According to Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the WGA, the Wisconsin economy remains surprisingly stable, with the state seeing higher collection numbers and a rebound in workforce interest […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Executive Conference, Public Policy Summit Kicks Off
Hundreds of the independent grocery industry’s top leaders have gathered in the nation’s capital this week for three days of data-driven planning, education and networking during the National Grocers Association’s (NGA) annual Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C. With Election Day looming and control of the nation’s policy […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
José Andrés To Keynote 2025 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced that José Andrés – chef, humanitarian and founder of World Central Kitchen – will join FMI CEO Leslie G. Sarasin for a keynote conversation during the 2025 Midwinter Executive Conference, which is set for Jan. 30-Feb. 2 on Marco Island, Florida. According to FMI, the food retail […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National
NFRA Concludes Record-Breaking 2024 Convention
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) recently concluded its 2024 convention, setting new benchmarks for industry engagement and business opportunity. Held in National Harbor, Maryland, the event brought together more than 1,700 frozen and refrigerated foods industry professionals. “The 2024 NFRA Convention exceeded our expectations,” said Tricia Greyshock, president and CEO of NFRA. […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West
UFIA Inducts Peterson’s Market Owner Into Hall Of Fame
The Utah Food Industry Association, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, hosted its 2024 Annual Conference and Celebration Aug. 6 at the Davis County Conference Center. At the celebration, the association inducted Monte Peterson, owner of Peterson’s Market, into its Hall of Fame. Peterson learned his work ethic and the basics of the grocery business […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Admiral McRaven To Deliver Keynote At The NGA Show 2025
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has announced that William H. McRaven, retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral, former chancellor of the University of Texas System and author, will be the opening keynote speaker for The NGA Show 2025. “We are honored to have Admiral McRaven as our keynote speaker,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of […]
Posted inC-Store News, Association News, National
NACS Show Shatters Attendance Records In Las Vegas
A record 26,124 attendees experienced four days of education, networking and a look at what’s new and trending in the global convenience and fuel retailing industry during the recent 2024 NACS Show in Las Vegas. The total attendance for the Oct. 7-10 event was 8.5 percent higher than last year’s turnout and 3.8 percent higher […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National
Semifinalists Advance In FMI’s Tech Pitch Competition
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named the six semifinalists in the FMItech Pitch Competition, a chance to showcase groundbreaking technology solutions to the food industry at the 2025 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference. Out of 20 submissions, the judges have narrowed the field to six semifinalists. Semifinalists Badge’s no-code mobile wallet platform allows retailers to reach […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
Executive Perspectives: Dan Funk
President and CEO of Associated Wholesale Grocers since 2023, Dan Funk joined the Kansas City-based cooperative wholesaler in 2012 and worked his way up the executive leadership team. Funk has worked at every level of the grocery industry over the course of his lifelong career, from store level to management, at retail and wholesale. Funk […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, The Kroger Co., West
Tech Jobs, Recreation Drawing Folks To Utah’s Wasatch Front
Dave Davis, president and CEO of the Utah Food Industry Association, said it’s good to live in Utah. There are several reasons for that. “Fiscally, we’re in a good place,” Davis said. “I think that both our legislative branch and our executive branch do a good job of managing the economy here in the state.” […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast
Keyed By Geography, Pennsylvania Grocers Embracing Competition, Opportunity
The Griffin Report recently chatted with Alex Baloga, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, about how grocers in the Keystone State are faring, the factors influencing them and the future outlook. What issues are impacting grocers in Pennsylvania this year? Economic factors, chiefly inflation, supply chain disruptions and adapting to changing consumer […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, National
USDA Report Highlights NGA’s Position On Price Discrimination
Following a year-long study, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a report on the market dynamics within the meat and retail industries that affirms the National Grocers Association’s position that consolidation and price discrimination contribute to higher consumer prices, fewer retail stores and limited market opportunities for farmers and ranchers. “The report is the […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, National
American Bakers Association Adds Two New Board Members
The American Bakers Association (ABA) has appointed two new board members to fill open seats for the 2024-26 term. Kim Albers-Nisbet, CEO of United States Bakery, fills the vacant baker member seat, while Carrie Jones-Barber, CEO of Dawn Foods, fills the vacant allied member seat. The next call for open ABA board seats will be […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National
FMI’s Power of Private Brands Report IDs Increased Industry Investment
FMI – The Food Industry Association has released “The Power of Private Brands 2024: Industry Strategies to Sustain Momentum” report, which surveyed food industry executives about the importance of private brands to their businesses and the strategies they plan to pursue to further brand development and grow sales in that category. “The private brands industry is […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National, The Kroger Co.
Survey: Most Consumers Will Celebrate Halloween With Chocolate, Candy
U.S. consumers are ready to treat themselves and others as they prepare for the Halloween season. According to a recent survey from the National Confectioners Association, 94 percent will share chocolate and candy with friends and family, with consumer demand fueling retail trends such as “Summerween” and “Aug-tober.” The Halloween season is a key moment […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Dairy News, Deli News, National
IDDBA Names New Board Members At Annual Business Meeting
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) recently held its annual business meeting in Rosemont, Illinois. For three days, the IDDBA staff came together with stakeholders that make up the board of directors and committees. “During the meeting, we reviewed our 2023-24 successes and most importantly discussed our long-term plans to serve our members and […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Elects New Members To Board Of Directors
FMI – The Food Industry Association elected new members to its board of directors at its September board meeting. The new directors build on FMI’s commitment to a broad representation of the supplier and retailer/wholesaler communities within the association’s leadership. “The entire food industry – from product suppliers to retailers and wholesalers – takes great […]