The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced the retirement of Mike Hendry, its longtime education chairman, and the appointment of Levi Wingo as his successor. Hendry, who had held the position since 2018, was recognized during the 2026 WAFC Convention for his leadership and commitment to advancing the association’s mission of transforming lives […]
Category: Association News
Posted inBakery News, Association News, National, News
At IDDBA, St Pierre Turns Up The Heat With First Limited-Edition Bun
St Pierre debuts its first limited-edition Spicy Brioche Buns at IDDBA and makes the data case for why brioche is poised to become a $1 billion category.
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National, News
NFRA Names Winners Of 2026 Penguin Pitch Contest For Emerging Brands
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has announced the winners of the third-annual Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest, a program designed to spotlight up-and-coming brands reshaping the frozen and refrigerated aisles through innovation, flavor and purpose. Category winners Following a review process, three brands earned top honors in the following categories: • Best […]
Posted inAssociation News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, National, News
Alton Brown At IDDBA 2026: Four Forces Reshaped Food
Alton Brown told an IDDBA 2026 audience that four cultural forces reshaped food and that grocery’s fresh departments can rebuild the human connection shoppers crave.
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, National, News
NGAF Program Strengthens, Empowers Independent Leaders
The NGA Foundation leadership program focuses on developing skills for emerging and established leaders in the grocery industry.
Posted inAssociation News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, News
What Attendees Can Find On The IDDBA Show Floor
IDDBA 2026 offers a look at clean‑label ingredients and globally inspired menu items that can help fresh perimeter departments stand out.
Posted inAssociation News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, News, Southeast
IDDBA Show Returns To Orlando With New Experiences, Top Speakers
More than 10,000 industry professionals from 40-plus countries are expected to attend IDDBA, with over 1,000 exhibiting companies on the floor.
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, National, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
ROFDA Expands Membership With Addition Of Brookshire Bros.
ROFDA continues to strengthen its collective platform with the addition of Brookshire Bros. as its newest member.
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
FMI Appoints Former IDDBA President, CEO Haaf VP Of Fresh Foods
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named David Haaf VP of fresh foods. Haaf brings more than 30 years of experience across retail, foodservice and trade associations to the role. Haaf spent more than 15 years at K‑VA‑T Food City, where he held roles including corporate executive chef and ultimately VP of foodservice and […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, National, News
FMI Names 12 Finalists For 2026 Store Manager Awards
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named the 12 finalists for the 2026 Store Manager Awards, recognizing outstanding grocery retail leaders from across the U.S. and around the world. The annual recognition honors store managers who demonstrate operational excellence, innovation, leadership and community impact while delivering exceptional experiences for shoppers and associates. Finalists for […]
Posted inAssociation News, Dairy News, Featured News, National, News
NFRA Touts Flavor-Forward, Functional Products For Dairy Month
From Greek yogurt and grab-and-go snacks to globally inspired flavors and probiotic offerings, the refrigerated dairy aisle is evolving well beyond traditional staples, according to NFRA.
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Featured News, Independent Store News, Midwest, News
Indiana Grocers, C-stores See ‘Iffy’ Future Amid Taxes, SNAP Limits
Indiana grocery and convenience retailers are facing mounting pressure from state tax policies, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program restrictions and transportation regulations, according to Joe Lackey, president of the Indiana Grocery & Convenience Store Association. Lackey said while the state is financially stronger this year – “they’re suddenly finding money all kinds of places” – legislators […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, Northeast
PFMA Adds Altria Group’s Akhand To Board Of Directors
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has appointed Abir Akhand, industry engagement manager for Altria Group Distribution Co., to its board of directors. Akhand, who leads Altria’s advocacy efforts in Pennsylvania and the Northeast, brings eight years of industry experience, including recent work efforts in the Midwest. He previously managed retail and wholesale accounts based […]
Posted inFinance News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NGA Opposes OCC Rule Allowing Banks To Set Swipe Fees Via Third Parties
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has submitted comments to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) opposing an interim final rule that would permit national banks to establish interchange (swipe) fees through third‑party arrangements rather than through bank‑to‑bank competition. The rule revises 12 C.F.R. § 7.4002 and relates to the Illinois Interchange Fee […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast
PFMA Annual Conference Draws Food Leaders To Bedford, PA
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) welcomed members, wholesalers, vendors and industry partners to the 2026 PFMA Annual Conference, held May 12-13 at Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pennsylvania. The conference brought together leaders across Pennsylvania’s food and beverage industry for two days of networking, education and industry‑focused conversations. The event featured a mini […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, News, West
CGAEF Honors 3 Leaders For Service, Tops $1M In Scholarship Funds For Year
April 16 proved an eventful day for the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation as it inducted three industry veterans into its Hall of Achievement and raised more than $500,000 to help fund its college scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs. With the latest contributions, the CGAEF has secured about $1,025,000 in scholarship commitments this year, bringing […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Association News, National, News
FMI, NGA Applaud Trump Administration’s Rollback Of Refrigeration Rules
President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced revisions to two commercial refrigeration rules May 21, drawing praise from FMI – The Food Industry Association and the National Grocers Association (NGA), which said the changes will spare grocery retailers – especially independent operators – from an estimated $144 billion in compliance costs. The final EPA […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
National Rural Grocery Summit Spotlights Solutions For Rural Food Access
More than 300 rural grocery operators, community advocates, policymakers, vendors and researchers gathered May 5-7 in Fargo, North Dakota, for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit – a biennial event focused on sustaining independent rural grocery stores and improving food access in small communities. Attendees representing 42 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada convened at what […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
IDDBA’s CEO Search Signals Start Of Leadership Transition
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) has launched a search for its next president and CEO, with the leadership transition coming at a pivotal time as the organization shapes innovation and commerce across the fresh food landscape. IDDBA’s board of directors has retained executive search firm Herd Freed Hartz to guide the selection process. The […]
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 […]