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 […]
Category: Association News
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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, […]
NGA Applauds House Passage Of Tax Relief Legislation
The National Grocers Association (NGA) issued the following statement Feb. 1 from Chief Government Relations Officer and Counsel Chris Jones following the U.S. House of Representatives passage of H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act: “On behalf of independent community grocers nationwide, we commend the House for voting to expand critical […]
Wawa Exec Elected Vice Chair Of New Jersey Food Council
Jason Read, director of store operations for Region 1-Central and North Jersey of Wawa, has been elected vice chair of the New Jersey Food Council’s (NJFC) board of directors. “Jason has been an engaged and visionary board member and we are pleased that he is taking on this new leadership role with the New Jersey […]
IGA Names Nine Retailers Of Year
Nominated by their wholesalers, nine members of the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) have been named 2024 U.S. Retailers of the Year. Presented annually to grocers who have best provided leadership and excellence in their communities, the honor is the highest IGA gives to its retailer members. The 2024 Retailers of the Year are: John and […]
Education Agenda Drives 2024 NGA Show
With more than 30 educational workshops and sessions led by a lengthy roster of industry experts, the 2024 NGA Show will offer specialized content for independent grocers. Hosted by the National Grocers Association and Clarion Events, the 2024 NGA Show is scheduled for March 10-12 at Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. “The education […]
Augmodo Prevails In FMItech Pitch Competition
FMI – The Food Industry Association selected Seattle-based Augmodo as the winner of its third annual FMItech Pitch Competition at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference on Marco Island, Florida. Three finalists, which also included Greenchoice and Grocery Shopii, presented their food retail technology start-up solutions, with attendees voting on the winner. “This competition inspires discovery […]
Independent Grocers ‘Critical To Success, Health, Well-being Of Communities’
Shelby Publishing is accepting nominations for its second annual Exceptional Independents Awards program, which honors the role independent grocers play in the industry. These grocers “grow local and regional economies by creating jobs and generating taxes while providing unique offerings and supporting their community partners,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers […]
FMI Welcomes New Members To Board Of Directors
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced additions to its board of directors elected during the group’s January meeting. “The food industry is on the cusp of momentous change, with new technologies poised to alter the way food businesses operate,” said FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin. “FMI is proud to welcome these […]
FMI Names 2024 Executive Leadership Award Recipients
FMI- The Food Industry Association celebrated the 2024 Executive Leadership Award recipients on Friday during its Midwinter Executive Conference on Marco Island, Florida. They include Brookshire Grocery Co.’s Brad Brookshire, KeHe Distributors’ Brandon Barnholt, Associated Wholesale Grocers’ David Smith, Hy-Vee’s Donna Tweeten, Seaside Market’s John Najjar, Nestlé’s Steve Presley and PepsiCo’s Steven Williams. According to FMI, these […]
