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 […]
Category: Association News
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Online Grocery Technology
Independents Embrace Smart Carts
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 […]
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 […]