The NGA Foundation has announced the 22 recipients of its 2024 scholarship program, provided by donors and affiliate groups. “The foundation is honored to play a role in advancing the education of the food industry’s next generation of leaders,” said NGA Foundation’s VP Chelsea Matzen. “This year’s recipients demonstrate a passion for serving their communities. […]
Category: Association News
Posted inDairy News, Association News, Frozen Food, National
Report: NFRA Reveals Consumers’ Preferences, Nostalgia Linked To Ice Cream
To commemorate National Ice Cream Month in July as well as National Ice Cream Day on July 21, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Food Association (NFRA) has shared new survey data highlighting America’s affection for ice cream. The findings reveal that consumers favor traditional ice cream made from simple, natural ingredients and classic flavors, while […]
Posted inAssociation News, Beverage News, National
FMI Study Assesses Impact Of Selling Wine At Grocery
FMI – The Food Industry Association has released a new report that explores whether allowing grocery stores in Tennessee to sell wine eight years ago led to liquor store closures and changes in state sales tax revenues. Through the creation of a “synthetic” Tennessee, the report by Vincenzina Caputo of Michigan State University examines what would […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Southeast
Consumer Brands Association Begins Search For New President, CEO
The Consumer Brands Association has formed a search committee that will be conducting a search for a new president and CEO for the organization ahead of David Chavern’s departure on Aug. 1. The committee will be led by Freshpet CEO Billy Cyr and includes: Linda Rendle, chair and CEO of The Clorox Co.; Mark Smucker, […]
Posted inAssociation News, Northeast
PFMA Awards Ridge Scholarships To 28 Students
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association has awarded $70,000 in scholarships to students toward their goals in higher education. Established in 1996, Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship Fund honors the parents of former Gov. Tom Ridge. Thomas R. Ridge was a member of the food industry for 25 years, and his wife, Laura, was an […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Applauds Safeguarding SNAP In Agriculture Appropriations Bill
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is applauding members of Congress for safeguarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the FY 2025 agriculture appropriations bill by removing a provision that would have led to widespread disruptions and undermined SNAP’s effectiveness. A proposal dropped from the final bill would have created a five-state pilot to limit […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Midwest
MGA Names Garofalo As Incoming President, Succeeding Pfuhl
The Minnesota Grocers Association has selected Patrick Garofalo as its new president. He will join MGA on July 15, transitioning to full responsibilities of the position on Aug. 30. He succeeds Jamie Pfuhl, who is retiring after 27 years with the organization. Garofalo served Minnesota as a state representative for the past 20 years. He […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA’s Burns Previews Foodservice Conference
As the signature event for produce in the culinary arts, the IFPA’s Foodservice Conference promises top-notch education sessions, networking opportunities and a premier expo with products and services targeted to the foodservice industry. Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), said the event brings the foodservice industry together around one of its […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Independent Grocers Ready To Celebrate NGA Foundation Awareness Week
Initiatives like diversity and inclusion, leadership development, technical assistance and support for the industry’s next generation are important to independent grocers but are often eclipsed by the ongoing day-to-day business of feeding their communities. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, the NGA Foundation supports the future of the independent community grocer […]
Posted inAssociation News, Dairy News, Guest Contributors, National
What’s Driving Dairy Purchasing Decisions?
Dairy is a destination for daily staples on most shopping trips. But, how are evolving demographics, changing nutritional requirements and the rise of alternative products influencing what winds up in consumers’ baskets? A recent webinar hosted by NGA explored consumption trends for dairy products as part of a healthy eating pattern, including potential barriers that […]
Posted inAssociation News, Northeast
NJFC Awards $108K In Food Industry Scholarships
The New Jersey Food Council’s (NJFC) Educational Development Scholarship Foundation hosted a virtual reception with the winners of $108,000 in scholarships this graduation season. “At this reception, we proudly honor the remarkable achievements and dedication of those who are going to shape the future of business and food marketing in New Jersey,” said NJFC President […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
Indiana ‘Beset’ With Same Economic Problems As Rest Of U.S.
Indiana’s economy is experiencing a period of sustained growth. According to IBISWorld, the Hoosier state’s gross domestic product reached $353.9 billion in 2023, with a 20.3 percent increase over the past five years. Manufacturing remains a significant driver, with sectors like motor vehicles, metals and electronics leading the way. However, the recent “Feeding the Economy” […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
A New Look At Labor Retention For Independent Grocery Operators
Grocery has one of the highest employee turnover rates of any U.S. industry. A recent study commissioned by the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council examined the lingering impact of the pandemic and other issues around hiring and retention. In a recent webinar hosted by the National Grocers Association and the NGA Foundation, longtime industry expert, observer […]
Posted inCenter Store, Association News, Northeast
Catania Oils’ Coleman Named Treasurer Of North American Olive Oil Association
Mark Coleman, SVP of global sales of Ayer, Massachusetts-based Catania Oils, has been appointed to the executive committee of the North American Olive Oil Association. In this role, Coleman will serve as treasurer for the organization, which states its primary missions are quality monitoring, education and promotion of all types of olive oil sold in North America. […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Report: Food Industry Increases Investments, Tackles Financial Challenges
The food industry is instituting innovative strategies to modernize the grocery shopping experience while dealing with increasing asset protection concerns and inflationary challenges, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s annual research analysis “The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2024.” The 75th annual report surveyed food retailers’ and suppliers’ 2023 developments and expectations for the year […]
Posted inAssociation News, West
WFIA Names Top Retailer Of The Year, Other Honorees
The Myers Group, owner and operator of grocery stores, hardware stores, gas stations and restaurants in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, recently was recognized by the Washington Food Industry Association as its Retailer of the Year for 2023-24. WFIA President and CEO Tammie Hetrick made the presentation May 13 during a surprise ceremony at the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National
Two Industry Leaders To Be Inducted Into Frozen Food Hall Of Fame
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) and the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) have announced that two industry leaders will be inducted into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame this October at the NFRA Convention. The Frozen Food Hall of Fame was established in 1990 by the Distinguished Order of Zerocrats, an organization […]
Posted inAssociation News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, Southwest
Top Trends We Noticed At IDDBA 2024
Sponsored content This year, the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association brought its annual tradeshow to Houston, Texas for three busy days. IDDBA filled the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston with thousands of exhibits and dozens of learning sessions about innovations and best practices in the industry. In case you couldn’t make it – […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West
Alaska’s ‘Famously High Food Prices’ Result Of Logistical Hurdles, Weather
Alaska’s grocery industry faces a unique set of challenges. The vastness of the state, coupled with a relatively small and dispersed population, creates logistical hurdles for getting food onto shelves as well as higher prices. This complex environment necessitates a diverse grocery landscape, with national chains, regional players and independent grocers all vying for a slice […]
Posted inAssociation News, Harps Food Stores, National
NGA Focuses On Fresh For Independent Grocers At Ops Summit
Fresh departments in supermarkets were in the spotlight for nearly 100 operations-focused grocery leaders attending the National Grocers Association’s 2024 Store Operations Summit: Focus on Fresh, held June 17-19 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Attendees found the summit to be a worthwhile experience. “Fresh is a priority for independent grocers, and the content presented during NGA’s […]