The future of the independent grocery industry largely depends upon having talented leadership that can steer it through changing times and dynamic market conditions. Part of cultivating that leadership is encouraging today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders by demonstrating the opportunities and benefits of working in a business that uplifts communities and feeds the nation. […]
Category: Association News
Posted inAssociation News, Northeast
NJFC Reveals 2024 Leadership Class
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) introduced the 2024 Leadership Development Class before members during its annual meeting. Jessica Scaduto of Foodtown/Food Circus serves as chair of the Leadership Development Program and Matthew Lipowski of Bimbo Bakeries USA is vice chair, both graduates of the program. “We eagerly anticipate mentoring this upcoming group of rising […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National
AFFI-CON 2024 Posts Record-Setting Attendance
Nearly 1,600 professionals from more than 500 different companies attended AFFI-CON 2024, the frozen food industry’s premier annual event Feb. 24-27 in San Diego. “AFFI is committed to fostering industry growth through data, insights and programming such as AFFI-CON,” said Alison Bodor, president and CEO of The American Frozen Food Institute “This event provides a […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Research Identifies Opportunities For Consumer Eating Occasions
Insights revealed from FMI – The Food Industry Association, Oliver Wyman and Circana highlight new opportunities for food industry trading partners to cater to shoppers’ expanding definitions of value. The research, “Finding Growth for Food & Beverage at Retail: Winning Eating Occasions throughout the Day,” supports go-to-market strategies and ways in which grocers can attract more shopper relevance regarding needs, experiences, […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Albertsons, Association News, National
NGA Praises FTC’s Freeze On Kroger-Albertsons Merger
The National Grocers Association (NGA) issued the following response to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decision Feb. 26 to challenge the merger between Kroger and Albertsons. “Every day, America’s local independent supermarkets face economic challenges due to the influence of massive power buyer chains who use their leverage over suppliers at the expense of smaller […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Preparing For The USDA’s New Organic Enforcement Rule
The deadline for USDA’s “Strengthening Organic Enforcement” (SOE) final rule is barely a month away. More robust recordkeeping, audits and traceability of organic certifications will be required of more businesses throughout the food supply. The National Grocers Association, as part of its traceability partnership with ReposiTrak, hosted a recent webinar that explained what the rule […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Albertsons, Association News, Market Profile, Northeast
Maine Sees Evolving Retail Landscape, Population Shift
Maine is known for its picturesque mountain and coastal landscapes, as well as its seafaring traditions, agricultural and forestry businesses. It also is a state dealing with economic and workforce challenges and an evolving retail landscape. Layered on top of this, Maine is experiencing a profound pandemic-fueled population shift. COVID had (and is still having) […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
SQFI Names 2024 Excellence Awards Finalists
The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association, has announced six finalists for the 2024 SQF Excellence Awards in anticipation of 2024 SQF Unites in New Orleans. Excellence in Auditing The Excellence in SQF Auditing award is presented to an SQF auditor who demonstrates exceptional performance and dedication […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Albertsons, Amazon Fresh, Association News, Corporate Store News, National, Whole Foods
FTC Sues To Block Kroger, Albertsons Merger
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued to block the proposed merger between The Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos., alleging that the deal is anticompetitive. The FTC charges that the proposed deal will eliminate competition between Kroger and Albertsons, leading to higher prices for groceries and other essential household items for millions of Americans. The […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Albertsons, Association News, Northeast
PLMA Sets Keynote, Speaker Lineup For Upcoming Conference
Brandon Brown, SVP of Own Brands at Albertsons Cos., will be the keynote speaker at the PLMA 2024 Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference, set for March 20-22 in San Antonio. With a focus on trends, the gathering at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk brings together manufacturers, retailers and others to gain insights, knowledge and […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Albertsons, Association News, Southwest
Food Deserts Serious Reality In Parts Of Rural New Mexico
Challenging is a word some might use to describe the state of supermarkets in New Mexico. Others see it as ripe for changes, that if instituted, would benefit retailers as well as economically challenged residents. While surrounding states are thriving in terms of population and economy, New Mexico hasn’t fared as well in recent years. […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
WGA Welcomes Coca-Cola As Top-Tier Sponsor
The NGA Foundation has announced that Coca-Cola Co. has signed on as the top-tier sponsor of Women Grocers of America (WGA), making a multiyear commitment for $50,000 annually in support of the grocery industry’s female leaders. “Coca-Cola is proud to continue our longtime support of Women Grocers of America,” said Pamela Stewart, chief customer officer […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
Grant Offerings Aim To Boost Food Access In Minnesota
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to expand food access in low- and moderate-income areas via two grant programs. The GFAP Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant helps grocery stores and small food retailers buy equipment or make physical improvements that will allow them to increase the availability […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Report: Food Industry Committed to Health, Well-Being Initiatives
As Americans’ interest in nutrition and healthy eating has increased in recent years, companies across the food industry have implemented numerous initiatives to support consumers’ health needs and priorities, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s new “Food Industry Contributions to Health and Well-Being 2024” report. The survey, conducted in October, includes insights from retailers and […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
Labor Challenges In Minnesota ‘Astronomical On Multiple Levels’
While prices for groceries fell slightly, overall food prices rose 0.2 percent in Minnesota for the two months ending in November. Grocery prices fell 0.2 percent, and food prices away from home (restaurant, cafeteria and vending purchases) rose 0.8 percent for the same period, according to the November 2023 CPI report from the U.S. Bureau […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Southeast
Georgia’s Economy Remains Strong Despite Possible Slowdown
Georgia’s post-COVID economy is expected to continue to expand in 2024, though it will grow at a slower rate. According to information from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business in its annual economic outlook report, the state should continue to outpace the national GDP growth rate, which is projected to be 0.8 percent […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
The Future Of Consumer Demands
Consumers have more choices and information than ever before when it comes to making food purchase decisions that meet their needs and the needs of their families. The retailers who win with these shoppers deliver assortment and service that better meet their needs. Independent retailers are the heart of communities across the country and are […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Celebrity Chef To Emcee NGA Creative Choice Awards
Celebrity chef Curtis Aikens will emcee the National Grocers Association’s (NGA) Creative Choice Awards program March 10 during the 2024 NGA Show in Las Vegas. The annual competition, presented by Kellanova and Unilever, honors the best marketing and merchandising programs in the grocery industry. Award winners gain respect throughout the industry via their national recognition. […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Education Will Drive Your Experience At 2024 NGA Show
For many independent grocers, the NGA Show is a beacon. It’s a signal that spring is almost here, after an exhausting holiday selling season and many dreary weeks of winter. The show is a chance to work on your business, and it’s also an opportunity to recharge and get inspired by the many expert-driven educational […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
How Independent Grocers Can Score On Game Day
Kansas City barbecue or San Francisco sourdough? This year’s Super Bowl offers an opportunity to feature them both in your store – along with all the other game day favorites as your customers shop in preparation for enjoying the Chiefs-49ers matchup on Sunday, Feb. 11. Three in five consumers plan to watch Super Bowl LVIII, […]