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 […]
Category: Association News
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 […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Dairy News, Deli News, Southwest
Andrés Talks Trends, Trueness, Power Of Working Together For Good
To culinary innovator and humanitarian José Andrés, the retail food industry has the power to ensure no one goes hungry during emergencies. Furthermore, feeding the world is not as complicated a problem as it may seem and World Central Kitchen – a nonprofit he founded in 2010 to deliver food relief in the wake of […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
Lack Of Workers Poses Challenge For Businesses In South Dakota
Business owners in South Dakota are “cautiously optimistic” for 2024, according to Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association. He noted that 2023 was better than most expected but, thus far, things in 2024 “are flat.” “They’re generally seeing better foot traffic, but that increased foot traffic doesn’t necessarily result in more […]
Posted inBeverage News, Association News, National
Associations Come Together On Crossover Alcohol Products
The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS), Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), FMI – The Food Industry Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) have issued a joint commitment related to the responsible marketing and merchandising of crossover alcohol products. These products are generally categorized as alcohol beverages that use the product and intellectual […]
Posted inAssociation News, Coborn's, National
How Grocers Can Lead On Nutrition
Nutrition is a space that grocers can own, by knowing how to guide consumers toward food solutions for any health need. A recent webinar hosted by the National Grocers Association and the NGA Foundation explained what “food as medicine” means and explored what grocery retailers need to know to be an active part of the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Southwest
IDDBA Wraps Up 2024 Show With Nod To 60th Anniversary
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) flagship event, IDDBA 2024, came to a close Tuesday. “What a great [time] to celebrate IDDBA’s 60th anniversary. The show floor was filled with over 2,200 exhibitor booths and 10,000 registered attendees,” said David Haaf, IDDBA president and CEO. Highlights of the show included the association’s What’s In […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Remains Resolute In Efforts To Reduce Food Loss, Waste
The Food Waste Reduction Alliance (FWRA), of which FMI – The Food Industry Association is a founding member, has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with several federal agencies, reaffirming its commitment to reducing food waste. The agreement with FMI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Food […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Dairy News, Deli News, National
St Pierre Hosts ‘Parisian Party’ At IDDBA In Houston
St Pierre returned once again to IDDBA June 9-11 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, “transporting guests to a corner of Paris where the brand has its roots.” This year, the St Pierre team sampled its brioche products for attendees and introduced its new products in the form of traditional Liege waffles […]
Posted inAssociation News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, National
IDDBA CEO Haaf: Industry Experiencing Generational Shifts, Technology Influx
Generational shifts, labor market trends and technology are just some of the challenges facing the dairy, deli and bakery industry. IDDBA President and CEO David Haaf spoke to these issues during his address on June 9 at the organization’s annual show in Houston. Haaf noted the increased turnover rates in upper and lower-level management in […]