September is National Food Safety Education Month, a perfect opportunity for independent grocers to pay extra attention to and raise awareness of an issue that’s already a top priority in their daily business. This boost in awareness is particularly timely in the wake of a recent listeria outbreak affecting deli meats and the presence of […]
Category: Association News
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
NGA Adds Cutler, Longhofer To Leadership Team
The National Grocers Association has welcomed two recent additions to its leadership team – David Cutler as VP of media relations and public affairs, and Dean Longhofer as senior manager for membership and data management. Cutler brings extensive association experience, most recently serving as director of public affairs and strategic engagement for the National Association […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, Harps Food Stores, National
Independent Grocers Must Always Keep Looking Forward
NGA’s slogan is “At the heart of the community,” reflecting the important position that independent grocery stores have in so many communities around the country. I’d go out on a limb and suggest a secondary tagline, “Always looking forward,” because a significant part of NGA’s mission is to help its members prepare for whatever lies […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Groceryshop, IGA Partner To Empower Independent Grocers
Groceryshop has begun a partnership with the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA). The partnership will foster greater collaboration within the CPG and grocery industry while expanding the event content to a broader audience. Groceryshop, taking place Oct. 7-9 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, brings together more than 5,000 senior executives from various retailers, brands and technology […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI: Consumers Seek Deals To Address Inflation-Related Impacts On Food Prices
Consumers are adapting their shopping strategies to include more flexibility as they attempt to control their grocery spending heading into the fall, according to the latest survey conducted by FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group. The report, “U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Return to Routine,” provides a crucial snapshot of how shoppers are finding value and […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
TGCSA’s Ikard Recaps State Legislative Session, Leading With Swipe Fees Fight
The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Rob Ikard, president and CEO of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA), to learn more about the legislation and public policy updates impacting retailers in the Volunteer State. Calling the 2024 legislative session “quite busy,” Ikard said TGCSA spent many long hours advancing the […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, UNFI
NGA, UNFI Release FDA Traceability Guide For Members
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) have released a Step-by-Step Guide to FDA Traceability. This essential resource, a complimentary benefit available to all NGA members, was written and designed to help independent grocers achieve compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods” […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
EBT Chip Cards: What Grocers And POS Providers Need To Know
In an effort to modernize EBT and reduce fraud, multiple states are planning to migrate their EBT cards from magnetic stripes to EMV chip cards. Starting with California and Oklahoma, states are planning to issue chip cards beginning as soon as August 2024. It is important that POS systems are tested to ensure uninterrupted processing […]
Posted inAssociation News, Southeast
Grocery Execs Gather For Alabama Grocers Association’s Show
The Alabama Grocers Association brought members from all aspects of the grocery industry together for its 34th annual show July 28-31 at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. The gathering promotes the growth and success of the grocery industry in Alabama through advocacy, education, public relations and networking. The business session July […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Amazon Fresh, Association News, Corporate Store News, National, The Kroger Co., Whole Foods
Grocery Industry Responds To Proposed Price Gouging Ban
According to news reports, VP Kamala Harris shared the economic agenda for her presidential campaign on Aug. 16, proposing a federal ban on corporate price gouging on groceries. Industry leaders are sharing their thoughts regarding her plan, which includes new penalties for companies that exploit crises and support for smaller food businesses “that are trying […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, West
New Research Shows Effect Of WAFC Programs
Sponsored content By Pat Posey, chief operating officer of the Western Association of Food Chains Talk to graduates of the WAFC’s Food Industry Management and Retail Management Certificate programs, and you will hear story after story of life-altering personal and professional growth. We know these inspirational anecdotes are the rule, not the exception — and […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, National
Mapping Out The Meat Consumer Journey
Because meat consumers can essentially shop anywhere and everywhere on their purchase journey, an effective omnichannel strategy is one of the most critical elements in a retailer’s marketing tool kit. NGA hosted a recent webinar that explored key insights from Midan Marketing’s Meat Consumer Segmentation 3.0 research showing the profound impact of the pandemic and […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Market Profile, Southwest
USMCA Gives Grocers Wider Diversity Of Produce, Availability Year-Round
The United States-Mexico border stretches for more than 1,254 miles, the longest international border in the continental U.S. But it’s not just a physical line – it’s a vital economic artery, pumping billions of dollars in trade between Texas and Mexico. While binational trade relations between the two countries have historically been strong, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Feature, Meijer, National
Driving Produce Sales As Parents Prepare For 2024-25 School Year
A new study by The Foundation for Fresh Produce reveals most children are not eating enough fruits and vegetables every day. To boost consumption, the foundation has launched a month-long campaign, “Hacks for Healthy Back-to-School Habits.” Designed to promote simple and engaging food, cooking and meal prep “hacks,” the effort aims to instill healthy eating […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, National
FMI Honors State Association Execs With Public Affairs Award
FMI – The Food Industry Association has recognized Rob Ikard, president and CEO of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA), and Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA), as the 2024 recipients of the Donald H. MacManus Award for their achievements in public affairs. After joining TGCSA in 2014, […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
NGA Gathering ‘A Must’ For Independent Executives
We’re living in an economy that shows positive numbers, though some still feel financial strain. Amid an election year filled with uncertainties and political divides, independent grocers may feel challenged in delivering service and value to their communities. However, NGA is here to support them through these times, helping them move forward with confidence and […]
Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, National
FMI Community Uplift Awards Honor Local Food Industry Heroes
FMI – The Food Industry Association announced that the three recipients of the 2024 Community Uplift Awards are Whole Foods Market, Brookshire Grocery Company and SpartanNash. With a record-breaking 34 nominees, a panel of judges selected three community uplift programs for their efforts in addressing food insecurity, neighborhood health needs and programs that influence social […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
MGA Recognizes 2024 Award Winners, Hall of Fame Inductee, New Chair
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) annually presents awards to those in the industry who demonstrate excellence, have made significant contributions and are highly respected by their peers. The awards were presented on July 28 at the association’s annual conference in Brainerd, Minnesota. Outstanding Grocer Award The 2024 Outstanding Grocer Award was presented to Kris Kowalski Christiansen […]
Posted inSustainability News, Association News, Northeast
Reusable Bag Redistribution Project Supports NJ Communities
In a limited rollout over the past year, the New Jersey Clean Communities Council – in cooperation with a key partner, Goatote, and other stakeholders – launched a plan through which residents can donate unwanted reusable grocery bags to local food banks and pantries. During that span, the NJCCC estimates that hundreds of thousands of […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
MGA Foundation Awards $50K In Scholarships
The Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation awarded $50,000 in scholarships to employees or their dependents from MGA member companies for the 2024-25 school year. This program helps students related to Minnesota’s food industry by supporting their educational growth. Using funds raised from an annual golf event and silent auction, the MGAF is able to award scholarships […]