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, […]
Category: Association News
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 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NGA, NCPA Join Main Street Competition Coalition
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the National Grocers Association (NGA) have joined the newly-formed Main Street Competition Coalition (MSCC), a cross-sector effort to push back against big corporations that use market dominance to squeeze out smaller competitors. Founding investors in the project, NCPA and NGA represent thousands of Main Street businesses that often […]
Posted inFinance News, Association News, National, News
Food-At-Home Prices Jump 0.7% As Energy Costs Squeeze Supply Chain
Food-at-home prices rose 0.7 percent in April – the sharpest monthly increase so far this year – as energy market disruptions and ongoing supply chain pressures pushed grocery costs higher for American families and retailers alike. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported May 12 that the overall Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NGA, FMI Praise House Passage Of ORC Act, Citing Threat To Independents
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and FMI – The Food Industry Association have praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act” (HR 2853), calling the bipartisan measure a critical tool in the fight against theft rings that are squeezing independent grocers. In a letter of support sent to the […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National, News
NCA Appoints Abbott VP Of Membership, Business Development
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has appointed Carrie Abbott as VP of membership and business development. Abbott will lead the organization’s efforts to grow member company engagement, strengthen industry partnerships and expand business opportunities across the confectionery industry. Abbott brings extensive industry experience as the founder and CEO of Newfangled Confections, where she built a […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Featured News, News, Southeast
Kueffner: NC Grocers Maneuvering To Meet Regulatory Rules, Consumer Needs
Lindsey Kueffner, executive director of the Carolinas Food Industry Council, is in the midst of a busy legislative season in North Carolina that got under way April 21. Nevertheless, she took time to respond to questions from The Shelby Report of the Southeast’s Lorrie Griffith about the state’s grocery industry and some of the challenges […]
Posted inFinance News, Association News, Featured News
Report: Independent Grocers Generate $557.5B In Annual Economic Activity
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 […]
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 […]