FMI – The Food Industry Association is asking Congress to pass the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act. FMI’s Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher issued the following statement on the Credit Card Competition Act in response to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy’s hearing, titled “Protecting Consumers’ […]
Category: Association News
WAFC Elects 2024-25 Board Of Directors’ Leadership Team
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) recently elected its new board of directors’ leadership team at its annual convention held in Aurora, Colorado. Nancy Lebold, CEO of New Seasons Market in Portland, Oregon, has been appointed as president and chairperson of the board of directors. She takes over the position from Paul Gianetto, SVP […]
NGA’s Fly-In For Fair Competition Begins In Washington, D.C.
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has begun its annual Fly-In for Fair Competition in Washington, D.C. This event mobilizes independent grocers to engage with members of Congress, addressing critical issues such as antitrust reform and enforcement, SNAP Choice enhancements and the reform of credit card routing to reduce exorbitant swipe fees. “The Fly-In for Fair […]
New Ad Campaign Calls For Antitrust Enforcement
The Main Street Competition Coalition has launched an ad campaign calling on Washington to crack down on big businesses ignoring the nation’s antitrust laws and hurting small businesses and farmers. Digital video ads are appearing on Connected TV (CTV) platforms, audio ads will run on Spotify, and display ads have been placed on Politico and social media outlets. Here […]
WAFC Taps Three Industry Leaders For Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has elected three industry leaders – Sean Heryet, Chris Hooks and Kelly Mullin – to serve on its board of directors. “We are thrilled and incredibly honored to have this group of extraordinary industry leaders join the WAFC board of directors,” said Nancy Lebold, CEO of New Seasons […]
IFPA’s Washington Conference Looks To Influence Public Policy
IFPA’s 2024 Washington Conference, taking place from June 10-12, is a unique opportunity in a pivotal election year. It brings together inspiring leaders and significant events designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge to influence the policies and perceptions of produce and floral on Capitol Hill. From keynote speakers to celebrations showcasing the […]
ROFDA Spring Conference Focus: Innovate, Educate, Motivate
ROFDA (Retailer Owned Food Distributors Associates) held its spring conference May 1-5 at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells, California. The conference included educational sessions, business-to-business meetings and social and networking opportunities. “Unified by our commitment to the success of independent grocery retailers across the nation, our collective passion is our strength,” stated Mike Violette, […]
FMI Asks Fed To Lower Swipe Fees
FMI – The Food Industry Association has filed extensive comments with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors on its proposed rulemaking to lower the debit regulated rate, the swipe fee that grocers and other merchants pay for accepting debit cards for transactions. “The debit regulated rate was initially set by the Federal Reserve in 2011. Since then, the Fed’s own […]
FMI: April CPI Report ‘Incredibly Positive News For Grocery Shoppers’
The April Consumer Price Index Report (CPI) demonstrates the “process of taming inflation continues,” according to Andy Harig, FMI – The Food Industry Association VP of tax, trade, sustainability and policy development. He noted food-at-home was a particular bright spot in the data. “On a month-over-month basis, inflation for food-at-home actually went negative at minus […]
FMI Launches 2024 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends Series
Shoppers enjoy food shopping as much as ever, according to the latest annual survey by FMI – The Food Industry Association, conducted by The Hartman Group. The analysis kicking off this 2024 series, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Finding Value, provides a crucial snapshot of consumer behavior and sentiment in the most frequently purchased consumer category amid ongoing concerns […]
TIPA, Viva Fresh Open Honor Texas Produce Icon Fox
During this year’s Viva Fresh, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) celebrated the vibrant spirit of the fresh produce industry while also paying tribute in memoriam to Texas produce icon Craig Fox of Fox Packaging. The Viva Fresh Open golf tournament, presented by BEBO Distributing and H-E-B, posthumously honored Fox with a $25,000 scholarship in his name. Funds were raised through registrations from the annual golf tournament, which was held this year at the […]
FMI Names 2024 Store Manager Award Winners
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named the winners of the 2024 Store Manager Awards, shining a spotlight on the store managers who bring their passion and talents to serve their store, employees and customers. The FMI Store Manager Award nominations are submitted by peers and food retail companies to recognize outstanding managers who generate […]
In ‘Complicated Time,’ Grocers See Shift In Shopper Preferences
Election years are a busy time for any trade group and this year is no exception for the California Grocers Association. “Politically we’re going through an interesting time in Southern California and the entire state right now. The presidential election this fall has created a headwind of sorts,” said Nate Rose, the group’s senior director […]
Missouri Grocery Industry Gets Its Day At State Capitol
The Missouri Grocers Association’s recent Grocers Day at the state capitol was filled with education, networking and advocacy aimed at advancing the interests of the grocery industry in the Show-Me State. Held April 30-May 1, the event began with an education session led by Brad Brayshaw, representing ReposiTrak. Brayshaw discussed the Food Safety Modernization Act […]
Inflation, Diversity and Other Hot Buttons
The post-pandemic period is offering independent grocers challenges that operationally may pale in comparison to those of the COVID-19 era but are adding pressure to the bottom line and the way supermarket operators are perceived by consumers. Inflation has driven up the cost of most aspects of doing business in a way that has made […]
IFPA Washington Conference Shifting To June
Registration has opened for IFPA’s 2024 The Washington Conference, with produce and floral’s most influential public policy event moving to June to better align with the congressional calendar and influence policymakers ahead of the election. Set for June 10-12 in Washington, D.C., the annual event unites all segments of the fresh produce and floral industry […]
Minnesota Grocers Association President Planning To Retire
Jamie Pfuhl, president of the Minnesota Grocers Association since 2006, has informed the MGA’s board of directors that she plans to retire Aug. 30 after 28 years with the organization. “It has been the privilege of my professional life to serve the Minnesota Grocers Association, first as a team member then as its president,” said […]
As North Texas Grows, Grocery Industry ‘Very Competitive’
When looking at northern Texas – and specifically the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex – it is important to note it is a region that spans more than 9,000 miles. Depending on the source and direction viewed, North Texas is either teeming with retail grocery options or in desperate need of them. Take Dallas, for instance. To the […]
Why You Should Be A Part Of The Independent Community
Becoming a member of the National Grocers Association makes you a part of a community based on relationships. NGA is a collaborative network built on trust, with each member helping to make each other, and the collective, stronger as one. The association helps to amplify the story of independent operators and their vendor partners throughout […]
Store Ops Summit Helps Grocers Sharpen Their Focus On Fresh
The fresh perimeter is the epicenter of growth and excitement in the grocery store. For most supermarkets, it’s the front door of the shopping experience – it’s where retailers make their first impression, offering a feast for the senses, from fruits and vegetables to bakery and deli to meat and seafood. And it accounts for […]
