One of the most common misconceptions about smart carts is that they only serve as an alternative to self-checkout. But many grocery customers like the ability to keep an eye on their running total, instantly access coupons and loyalty programs, earn discounts and shop independently. Retailers have been rolling out smart carts in major metro […]
Category: Association News
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
Getting Involved Reaps Benefits For Independent Grocers’ Priorities
Making oneself heard can be a challenge, especially as a single voice in the political wilderness. And in an election year, the noises around us competing for attention can be deafening. But while being united makes us stronger, it’s still vitally important for our individual members to participate in the process at the local level. […]
Posted inPlant-Based News, Association News, Northeast
Plant Based World Expo North America Holds Successful Fifth Event In NYC
Plant Based World Expo North America held its fifth event Sept. 24-25 at the Javits Center in New York City, presenting the future of the industry to retail and foodservice professionals. The event highlighted the innovation and longevity of the plant-based sector, setting the stage for what’s next in food and beverage for key stakeholders. […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Applauds FTC Antitrust Lawsuit Against PBMs
The National Grocers Association (NGA) commends the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for bringing a lawsuit against several pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for abusing their economic power and harming both competition and consumers in the pharmacy supply chain for insulin. Community pharmacies have been decimated by abusive PBM market practices that have left thousands of communities […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Aldi, Association News, National
Aldi President Rinaldo To Keynote PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show
Dave Rinaldo, president of Aldi, will deliver the keynote address at PLMA’s 2024 Private Label Trade Show. Rinaldo will speak during the breakfast Nov. 18 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago, which is adjacent to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, site of the annual show organized by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA). In […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National
NFRA Announces 2024 Golden Penguin Award Winners
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association has shared the winners of its 2024 Golden Penguin Awards, recognizing marketing and merchandising in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Entries are judged by a panel of marketing professionals who look for creativity, clarity and effectiveness when supporting the promotional months. Winning entries and campaigns feature measurable […]
Posted inAssociation News, Northeast
FCCfGG To Hail Food Industry Pros, Policy Makers At Annual Breakfast
The Food Council Committee for Good Government (FCCfGG) will hold the golden anniversary of its “Good Government” Breakfast on Oct. 1 at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, New Jersey. State lawmakers and food industry leaders will be discussing key issues and honoring those who support good government principles. Attendees will hear about issues […]
Posted inAssociation News, Northeast
New Jersey Food Council Elects New Board Members
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has appointed several new members to fill recently vacated seats on the board of directors. The new board members – all of whom have been unanimously approved – have undergone a comprehensive orientation program over the summer. As part of the process, President and CEO Linda Doherty outlined the […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA, Feeding America Brief Congress On SNAP Choice Importance
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and Feeding America held a congressional briefing Sept. 17 on the necessity of maintaining SNAP Choice throughout the United States. Speaking were experts on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including an independent grocery retailer, a person with lived experience on SNAP and a food bank advisor. “SNAP Choice ensures […]
Posted inAssociation News, West
CGA Educational Foundation Reaches $10M Scholarship Milestone
The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation has reached a milestone of $10 million in college scholarship funds for grocery industry employees and their dependents. Since its inception in 1998, CGAEF has raised $10 million to award 6,571 scholarships to California Grocers Association member company employees and their dependents in pursuit of a higher education. For […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
Shopping Experience, Quality Products Helping Missouri Independents Compete
The Shelby Report of the Midwest recently visited with Dan Shaul, executive director of the Missouri Grocers Association, to catch up on the grocery industry in the Show Me State. What are some of the top issues impacting grocers in Missouri this year? “Like other states around the country, Missouri is experiencing many of the […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Accepting Entries For Annual Creative Choice Awards
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is accepting entries for its 2025 Creative Choice Awards, recognizing the leading marketing and merchandising programs of independent grocery retailers from the past year. NGA’s Creative Choice Awards are sponsored by Kellanova and Unilever. Entries are being accepted online here. The following are the categories for the 2025 awards (category details […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Amazon Fresh, Association News, Southeast, The Kroger Co., Whole Foods
Attracting Workers Remains Challenge For Grocers Across Kentucky
Labor continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing the commonwealth’s grocers, according to Tod Griffin, executive director of the Kentucky Grocers & Convenience Store Association. “The one constant theme is they cannot find enough workers, especially in those skilled areas such as meat cutters and drivers to transport goods,” Griffin said. “They have […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Feature, National, The Kroger Co.
IFPA Officials Preview Fresh Produce & Floral Show
“Make the most of these three days in October.” That’s the advice of Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), referring to the 2024 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, coming up Oct. 17-19 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. “We’re really excited to be in Georgia this year after […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Dairy News, Deli News, Executive News, National
IDDBA Combines Teams, Promotes Atkins
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) has combined its marketing and membership teams and promoted Whitney Atkins as VP of the newly formed marketing and membership department. “Since joining the association, Whitney has led marketing efforts that have produced event and membership growth, while working hard for the association’s endeavors to support the industry […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
Driving Fresh Produce Sales With SNAP
At a time when access to nutritious food is critical, independent grocers play a pivotal role in serving diverse communities and promoting healthy eating habits. The National Grocers Association Foundation Technical Assistance Center hosted a recent webinar that delved into innovative strategies and best practices for increasing fresh produce sales among SNAP recipients, while simultaneously […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Harps Food Stores, Southwest
Association Executive Director Says Arkansas Economy Moving In Positive Direction
Sales tax collections and metro population totals both have been up in Arkansas over the past year, according to Steve Goode, executive director of the Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association in Little Rock. “The overall economy is doing slightly better than a year ago,” he said. Sales tax collections are up by 1.8 percent […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
Store Count Growing – But More Needed – In Financially Strong Iowa
At its March meeting, Iowa’s Revenue Estimating Conference projected a 2.2 percent decrease in revenue in fiscal 2024 versus fiscal 2023. But the panel also forecasted increased revenue in FY 2025 and 2026, at 0.7 percent and 1 percent respectively, noted Michelle Hurd, president of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA). “Despite the slight revenue […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Albertsons, Association News, The Kroger Co., West
Retail Theft Reform Solutions Emerging In California
With less than a month to go, officials at the California Grocers Association have been busy preparing for their annual CGA Strategic Conference. The focus of the Palm Springs event, which runs from Sept. 29-Oct. 1, is emerging technologies. From informative educational sessions to retailer/supplier meetings, the three-day conference will give attendees the opportunity to […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast
Retail Grocery Industry Across New York Undergoing Recalibration
It has taken a while, but the grocery industry in New York is beginning to return to normal levels. While this is positive news, grocers in the state still face some formidable challenges. Mike Durant, president and CEO of the Food Industry Alliance of New York, pointed out that grocers in the state are experiencing similar […]