The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) held its SoCal Pre-Convention Rally on Feb. 6, highlighting the crucial role of education and community in shaping the future of the grocery industry. The event, presented by The Illuminators, drew industry leaders, sponsors and professionals to The Reef on the Water in Long Beach, California, to discuss […]
Category: Association News
Posted inAssociation News, National, Snacks Brands
NCA Report: Confectionery Sales Break Records, Surpass $54B
Confectionery sales topped $54 billion in 2024, according to the 2025 State of Treating report published March 3 by the National Confectioners Association. The report forecasts that U.S. confectionery sales will grow over the next five years, exceeding $70 billion in all outlets by 2029. Across the board, consumers are concerned about the price of groceries, which […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest
Minnesota Grocers Association Hosts 8th Annual Bipartisan Bag-Off
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) hosted its eighth annual Bipartisan Bag-Off on Feb. 26 at the state Capitol, highlighting Minnesota’s food industry and its impact on serving consumers, providing careers and investing in its communities. The bag-off featured representation from each of the four legislative caucuses and a member of the governor’s administration: Speaker of the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National
AFFI-CON 2025 Sets Record For Frozen Ingredients Show
A record crowd of more than 1,600 professionals from frozen ingredient suppliers, processors, retailers and service providers attended AFFI-CON 2025, which the American Frozen Food Institute hosted Feb. 22-25 in Dallas. “As the premier frozen ingredients show, AFFI-CON brings together the global frozen food supply chain and offers unparalleled value,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southwest
West Texas Economy Growing But Still Relies On Oil/Gas Fortunes
Gary Huddleston has a rich history in the grocery business, serving nearly 45 years as director of consumer affairs at Kroger and today continuing his service as a grocery industry consultant for the Texas Retailers Association. TRA represents retail companies across Texas, including national, regional, state and main street grocery, mass, home improvement, pharmacy and […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Southwest
Viva Fresh Launches New Website To Celebrate 10th Anniversary
The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has introduced its new Viva Fresh Produce Expo website as the expo celebrates its 10th anniversary. The 2025 Viva Fresh Expo will take place April 10-12 in Houston, Texas, bringing together produce industry leaders from across North America. Founded in 2015, Viva Fresh has grown into a premier event […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
North Dakota’s Grocers Adapting Amid Economic Shifts
North Dakota’s grocery industry is navigating changes, shaped by population growth, economic shifts and evolving consumer habits, according to John “Jiggs” Dyste, president of the North Dakota Grocers Association. “We only have some 700,000 people in the whole state,” Dyste said. “I think as far as growth, we’re probably in the top five for people […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
IFPA Member Erickson Urges Congress To Tackle Labor, Regulatory, Economic Crises
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is urging Congress to take bipartisan action to support American growers, strengthen food security and maintain U.S. leadership in fresh produce production. Bret Erickson, SVP of business affairs at Texas-based Little Bear Produce, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Feb. 26, representing his company […]