According to a new economic impact analysis released today by the National Grocers Association, independent supermarket operators generate $557.5 billion in total annual economic activity, representing nearly 2 percent of U.S. gross domestic product. The report, conducted by Arizona State University using store-level retail sales data from NielsenIQ’s TDLinx platform, found that independent grocers account […]
Category: Association News
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, National, News
NGA Welcomes USDA’s Final SNAP Stocking Standards
The National Grocers Association (NGA) released a statement welcoming the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s final stocking standards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Stephanie Johnson, NGA head of government affairs, emphasized the role of independent grocers in delivering nutritious food access across the country. “[The standards] reinforce the importance of access to a broad range […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southwest
Viva Fresh 2026 Shares Roadmap To Future-Proof Produce Industry
The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) delivered high-impact education at its 2026 Viva Fresh Expo, equipping produce leaders with real-time market insights and a forward-looking strategy to compete in an evolving global landscape. Headlining the education program, economist Richard Kottmeyer of FutureBridge challenged attendees to look beyond consumer-related volatility and rethink how fresh produce can […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA Names Second Cohort For Packaging Innovation Program
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and The Foundation for Fresh Produce have announced the second cohort of the Packaging Innovation Program, which includes seven companies developing packaging technologies for U.S. specialty crop exports. Powered by a $5 million investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, the program is being implemented in partnership […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
NGA Promotes Johnson, Strange To Senior Leadership Roles
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has promoted Stephanie Johnson and Laura Strange to new senior leadership roles, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to advancing its advocacy, communications and government affairs strategy. Johnson has been named SVP, head of government affairs, while Strange has been appointed chief public affairs and advocacy officer, expanding her previous role as […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Health & Wellness, News
FMI Appoints Visioni As Director Of Health, Well-Being
FMI – The Food Industry Association has appointed Kim Visioni as its director of health and well-being, supporting the organization’s work advancing the role of grocery stores as destinations for those services The position covers nourishing food, wellness products, credible guidance and health-related services, along with the expansion of FMI’s relevant programs and community. “With […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, National, News
NGA, FMI Welcome House Passage Of Farm Bill
The National Grocers Association and FMI – The Food Industry Association welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Farm Bill, with both organizations citing provisions that protect retailers from fees and expand access to nutritious food. The bill includes a permanent ban on EBT processing fees for retailers, makes the SNAP online purchasing […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Executive News, Featured News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City’s Greene Named TGCSA Retailer Of The Year
The board of directors of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association has selected Joe Greene, VP of produce and floral operations for K-VA-T Food Stores Inc. (operating as Food City), as its 2026 Retailer of the Year. Greene will be recognized at the association’s annual Convention & Expo June 2-4 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Featured News, News, Northeast
MRA Pushes Back On MD Governor’s Pricing Comments
The Maryland Retailers Alliance (MRA) is challenging public comments by Gov. Wes Moore regarding so-called “predatory pricing” in grocery stores, arguing his characterization has created confusion about the law and scope of newly signed legislation. The pushback follows Moore’s signing April 28 of the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act, which made Maryland the first state […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Featured News, News, Northeast
Maryland Bans Surveillance-Based Grocery Pricing
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act on April 28, making Maryland the first state in the country to ban perceived price manipulation practices. The legislation, House Bill 895, prohibits grocers and third-party delivery services from using dynamic pricing or a shopper’s personal data to set higher prices. The intent is […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National, News
FMI Condemns Federal Regulatory Action On State Swipe Fee Reform
FMI – The Food Industry Association condemned action April 24 by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, banking regulators under the U.S. Treasury Department, to issue two interim final rules that override Illinois swipe fee reform and prohibit other states from enacting similar measures. Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and CEO, framed the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, National, News
NGA Urges Congress To Reject New SNAP Restrictions In Farm Bill
The National Grocers Association (NGA) joined a coalition of leading retail associations April 28 in opposing any amendment to the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 that would impose new federal restrictions on foods eligible for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In a letter sent to congressional leaders, NGA – […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, Midwest, News
OGA Names Ewig Executive Director Following Mullins’ Retirement
The Ohio Grocers Association (OGA) has named Joe Ewig as executive director, following the retirement of President and CEO Kristin Mullins after 36 years with the organization. Ewig brings more than 13 years of government affairs and public policy experience related to the retail food and beverage industry to the role. He previously served as […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NGA Foundation ELDP – Leadership For A Changing Grocery Industry
From shifting consumer expectations and rapid technological advancement to supply chain complexity and workforce transformation, the grocery industry is evolving faster than ever. Today’s leaders in the independent sector must be equipped with new skills to guide their organizations through change. Developing strong leaders is no longer optional – it’s essential to success. That’s why […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southwest
Viva Fresh Expo 2026 Sets Attendance Record
The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) shared that the 2026 Viva Fresh Expo on April 22 in San Antonio drew a record 2,872 attendees, including 380 retail and foodservice buyers, and featured 199 exhibitors, marking the largest turnout in the show’s history. Since its debut in Austin in 2015, Viva Fresh has grown into a […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News
BRdata Named AWG’s First Vendor Partner Of Year For Services & Solutions
Software company’s 17-year partnership with Associated Wholesale Grocers culminates in first-ever industry recognition As Associated Wholesale Grocers celebrated its 100th anniversary at this year’s annual convention, the Kansas City-based cooperative marked the milestone with something new: the introduction of its Vendor Partner of the Year awards. And the inaugural award for services and solutions went […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, News, Southwest
PLMA’s 2026 Leadership Conference Sets New Attendance Record
A record number of store brand executives – retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers, brokers and others involved in adjacent industries – gathered April 15-17 in Bentonville, Arkansas, to participate in PLMA’s 2026 Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting. Themed “Building Brands That Drive Success,” the event offered tracks on Brand Building: Value Proposition and Social Media; Emerging […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
eGrowcery’s Feder Joins Women Grocers Of America’s Board Of Directors
Anne Feder, SVP of client growth at eGrowcery, has been appointed to the board of directors for the Women Grocers of America (WGA). Feder leads eGrowcery’s client growth organization, partnering with independent retailers in the United States and internationally to launch and optimize unified commerce platforms that integrate online shopping, store operations and marketing. She […]
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, News, Northeast
NJFC Explores AI Revolution, Impact On Food Retailers During Conference
The Garden State’s food retail and distribution industry gathered April 14 at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino for the New Jersey Food Council’s annual Trade Relations Conference. With the theme “AI Revolution and How Retailers Go to Market,” the event gave food industry leaders the opportunity to examine next-level issues redefining food distribution, artificial intelligence […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National, News
PLMA Inducts Record 23 Leaders Into Private Label Hall Of Fame
A record 23 inductees joined the Private Label Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during a ceremony at the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s (PLMA) Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference. Since its inception in 2006, the Hall of Fame has honored 136 store brand industry leaders. Induction is based on nominations submitted by industry representatives across […]