The Illinois economy may be “chugging along a little bit,” but uncertainty remains high – and retailers, especially grocers, are feeling the strain. “I think I would call it shaky, but we’re certainly not in a recession,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “But as it relates to retail, […]
Category: Association News
NCA Adds Moss, Brandmeier To Scientific-Regulatory Affairs Team
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has added Julie Moss as VP of food safety and scientific affairs and Sarah Brandmeier as director of nutrition policy and scientific affairs. According to the association, their experience across federal agencies and the food industry will help the $54 billion confectionery industry navigate a complex regulatory landscape. “It is […]
NFRA Report Highlights Frozen, Refrigerated Foods’ Role In Cutting Food Waste
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has released its 2025 Food Waste Insights Report, detailing how reducing food loss across the cold chain can deliver financial, operational and reputational benefits for manufacturers, retailers and distributors. The report reframes food waste as a business opportunity, showing that prevention improves margins, strengthens retailer trust and […]
NFRA Report: Families Can Save $1.5K Annually By Reducing Food Waste
According to a new report from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA), the average U.S. family discards $1,500 in groceries annually, contributing to $382 billion in surplus food generated each year nationwide. Utilizing data from the USDA and ReFED, the NFRA’s 2025 Food Waste Insights Report highlights that frozen and refrigerated foods are […]
MGA Names Minnesota Grown Retailers Of The Year
The Minnesota Grocers Association, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown program, has named eight retailers as 2025-26 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year winners. Created by the agriculture department, the program promotes products grown and raised in Minnesota. For more than 40 years, it has connected consumers with local farmers, markets […]
PFMA Celebrates Renewed Funding For Organized Retail Crime Unit
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association is celebrating the commonwealth’s continued investment in the fight against organized retail crime. The 2025-26 state budget includes another $2.7 million for the Organized Retail Crime Unit in the Office of Attorney General Dave Sunday. This marks the second consecutive year of dedicated funding, following the initial appropriation in the […]
Maryland Retailers Alliance Forecasts Stable Holiday Shopping Season
The Maryland Retailers Alliance has released its annual holiday sales outlook following the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) nationwide forecast. The NRF anticipates U.S. holiday retail sales will grow between 3.7-4.2 percent this season, surpassing $1 trillion for the first time. The national projection, coupled with Maryland-specific economic indicators, suggests a holiday season marked by steady […]
Pilot Program Highlights Benefits Of Frozen Produce
Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and Instacart have released the findings of a pilot program that expanded access to fruits and vegetables for families with lower incomes by including frozen produce as an option. Conducted as an extension of PHA’s flagship Good Food at Home program, the effort […]
