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 […]
Category: Association News
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Adds Sigrist To State Government Relations Team
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 […]
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 […]