Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, Featured News, National, News

FMI Report Finds Shoppers Visit More Than 5 Grocery Banners Per Month

FMI – The Food Industry Association has released the U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2026 report, outlining elements of the evolving physical grocery shopping experience that build consumer loyalty and repeat visits. “In an effort to fulfill their unique definitions of value, consumers visit more than five separate grocery store banners on average per month despite growing […]

Posted inPackaging News, Association News, News, Snacks Brands, West

Billie-Ann Plastics Wins Ruby Award For Sustainable Packaging Innovation

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named Billie-Ann Plastics Packaging Corp. as the winner of the 2026 Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation for its RPET Clear Cylinder with Optional Snap In/Snap On Top and Printing. The award was presented during the Sweets & Snacks Expo Awards Ceremony May 18 in Las Vegas. Created in 2018, […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, National, News

NGA Honors KS Senator With Spirit Of America Award At Fly-In

The National Grocers Association (NGA) presented U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) with its Spirit of America Award on May 19 during opening day of the 2026 Fly-In for Fair Competition in Washington, D.C. Established in 1982, the award recognizes those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in community service and government relations on behalf of the […]

Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Featured News, News, West

WAFC Elects 2026-27 Leadership During Annual Convention

The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced its 2026-27 officers and board of directors, elected May 3-5 at the 2026 WAFC Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Rebecca Calvin, EVP and CMO of Stater Bros. Markets, was elected president chairperson. Other officers include: Vice President: Wendy Coldesina, VP general merchandise manager, Costco Wholesale; Treasurer: […]

Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, News, Northeast

NJFC Leadership Development Class Attends NGA Advocacy Training

In early May, members of the 2026 New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) Leadership Development Class traveled to Washington, D.C., for a two-day experience focused on federal advocacy and leadership in the food industry. The trip included an introduction to NJFC’s federal partners at the National Grocers Association (NGA) and a tour of Capitol Hill. “In […]

Posted inBeverage News, Association News, National, News

Bottled Water Names No. 1 Packaged Beverage For 10th Straight Year

For the 10th consecutive year, bottled water was the nation’s No. 1 packaged beverage by volume in 2025, according to data released May 13 by the Beverage Marketing Corporation on behalf of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). Bottled water outsold all other packaged beverages as health-conscious and price-aware consumers continued switching from other drinks. […]

Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News, Supply Chain News

FMI: Global Conflict, Rising Energy Costs Put Upward Pressure On Food Prices

Cargo ships stalled in the Strait of Hormuz. Fertilizer prices that have effectively doubled for American farmers. A Sierra Nevada snowpack that never materialized. The pressures bearing down on the U.S. food supply chain in 2026 are coming from multiple directions at once – and according to experts from FMI – The Food Industry Association, […]

Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southeast

Registration Opens For IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show In Orlando

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has opened registration for the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show, which is set for Oct. 14-16 and returns to Orlando, Florida, for the first time in several years. The gathering brings together the global fresh produce and floral supply chain for three days of connection, insight, and business […]