Retailers, hunger advocacy groups and lawmakers have criticized the federal proposal turning the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) program into a food delivery program, noted the Massachusetts Food Association (MFA) in a recently weekly newsletter, quoting the National Grocers Association (NGA). The release of the proposal, according to NGA, caught Washington by surprise because […]
Category: Association News
Posted inThe Independent Perspective, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National, Shelby Content, Shelby Signature Content
Larkin: Five Priorities For Independent Grocers In The 2018 Farm Bill
by Peter Larkin/ president and CEO, National Grocers Association Special to The Shelby Report Congress has the chance to strengthen the food security safety net, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, for recipients and retailers in the 2018 Farm Bill. Every five years, Congress must pass a comprehensive omnibus bill that’s one of […]
Posted inPackaging News, Association News, Executive News, Industry News, National
Reusable Packaging Association Names 2018 Board Of Directors
Four new directors have joined three returning directors on the Reusable Packaging Association’s (RPA) board following elections for the two-year term of 2018-19. The four new directors are: Andrae Kirkland, senior analyst-Craft Integration & Reverse Logistics Process Improvement, Anheuser-Busch InBev Brandon D’Emidio, director of marketing and product management, CHEP Paul Pederson, VP of protein and […]
Posted inNortheast, Association News
New England Food Show Gets Under Way This Weekend
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA) are partnering for the third consecutive year for the New England Food Show set at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) on Feb. 25-27. The NEFS exhibit floor will be open Sunday, Feb. 25, and Monday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and […]
Posted inAssociation News, C-Store News, National, Store News
Driving Habits Stable Despite Turbulent Stock Market, Rising Gas Prices
According to a National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Consumer Fuels survey, consumer optimism has dipped in February, but Jeff Lenard, NACS VP of strategic industry initiatives, said it does not mean consumer spending is poised to suffer. A turbulent stock market compounded by a 9-cent increase in gas prices lowered February consumer economic optimism […]
Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, Home Page Latest News, Southwest
WAFC Invites Texas Retailers To Its San Antonio Convention In May
by Lorrie Griffith/editor–West The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) is taking its 97th annual convention eastward. The gathering will take place May 5-9 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country in San Antonio, Texas. The WAFC already may be familiar to Texas grocers; the association’s Community College Retail Management Certificate Program “has expanded to […]
Posted inCalifornia Perspective, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Shelby Content, West
California Perspective: Strength Comes In Unity
by Ron Fong/president and CEO, California Grocers Association Have you ever stopped to closely look at a piece of rope? Like one, for example, used to tie a boat, or even a ship, to a dock? It can actually be a little shocking. Because if you did, you would see that the big, bulky, strong […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, Merchandising News, Southeast, Suppliers
Foodland, Western Market Win ‘Buy Alabama’s Best’ Display Contest
The Alabama Grocers Association (AGA), the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries and the Alabama Food Manufacturers and Producers Association recently gathered for the 2018 Buy Alabama’s Best Retail Campaign Awards luncheon at The Club in Birmingham. “Buy Alabama’s Best” displays feature participating Alabama food products to help consumers identify which products are headquartered, produced […]
Posted inNortheast, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News
Truck Toll Station Construction Under Way In Rhode Island
Steve Arthurs, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association (RIFDA) has informed his members that the first toll gantries will be going up in the state this week. This is the first tolling system in the Ocean State for tractor-trailers. Arthurs said once these gantries are completed, “it is widely believed they […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, National
NGA Show Opens With Strong Attendance, 2018 Board Named
The National Grocers Association (NGA) opened its 2018 NGA Show yesterday with more than 3,000 attendees and experienced a 12 percent increase in its retailer/wholesaler attendance. Attendees heard from General Michael Hayden, former director of the CIA and NSA, during Sunday’s opening keynote address, sponsored by The Kraft Heinz Co. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, National, Women In The News
Pamela Bailey To Retire After Nearly 10 Years As GMA President, CEO
Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), will retire later this year following nearly 10 years of leading the organization. Bailey will remain with GMA and manage the organization as the board of directors conducts a search for her successor, with Leslie Hortum of Spencer Stuart retained to lead the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, West
Secretary Of Agriculture Perdue To Speak At NGA Show This Weekend
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will address the independent supermarket industry during the 2018 NGA Show opening keynote session on Sunday, Feb. 11, in Las Vegas, Nevada. “We’re excited to welcome Secretary Perdue to The NGA Show and have him share his thoughts on the public-private partnership shared between the USDA and stakeholders within […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National, Online Grocery Technology
Research: Retailers Must Take ‘Holistic Approach’ To Shopper Loyalty
According to survey results previewed at the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Midwinter Executive Conference by FMI and analytics firm Precima, shoppers rated loyalty toward their primary grocery store quite high (4 out of 5). However, the reality may be different when looking at shoppers’ behavior: Three out of five shoppers would shop at one store if they […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, National
FMI Honors Three With Leadership Awards At Midwinter Exec Conference
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) honored three industry executives with leadership awards at its Midwinter Executive Conference. FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin presented the awards to individuals who “share a legacy of achievement in trade relations, entrepreneurial spirit and statesmanship.” “Our industry is rooted in a commitment to people and communities. It shines […]
Posted inC-Store News, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National, Store News
Convenience Industry Hits Record Store Count After 2017 Growth
The U.S. convenience store count increased to a record 154,958 stores as of Dec. 31, 2017, a 0.3 percent increase (423 stores) from the year prior, according to the 2018 NACS/Nielsen Convenience Industry Store Count. “Our continued store growth suggests that the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s core offer of convenience continues to resonate with […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Home Page Latest News, West
CGAEF To Induct Two Grocery Execs Into Hall Of Achievement
Kevin Davis, chairman and CEO of Bristol Farms, and Robert (Bob) Kelly, EVP of Hidden Villa Ranch, will be inducted into the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF) Hall of Achievement on March 21 at the Hilton Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, California. The Hall of Achievement was created in 1992 to recognize grocery retailers […]
Posted inCalifornia Perspective, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Shelby Content, West
California Legislature’s Focus May Again Be Diverted From Anti-Business Bills
by Ron Fong/president and CEO, California Grocers Association California’s political outlook appears even more unpredictable than in years past due to an intersection of events that don’t happen very often. From the election of the first new governor in eight years, to a legislature in flux due to a number of recent resignations resulting from […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, Grocery News, National
‘Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.’ Highlights New Cuts For The New Year
The annual “What’s Hot” culinary forecast released by the National Restaurant Association named “new cuts of meat” as the top trend for 2018, so the “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” culinary center chefs and meat scientists have put together a list of their top five innovative cuts. While many of these cuts are available to the home […]
Posted inC-Store News, Association News, Grocery News, Health & Wellness, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, Merchandising News, National, Snacks Brands, Store News
Studies Find Low-Cost Strategies Can Boost Better-For-You Snack Sales
Two separate case studies provide insights into how retailers can increase sales of better-for-you snacks in c-stores. The studies, “Healthy Checkout Pilot Test” and “Better-for-You Planogram Pilot Test,” were developed by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) in conjunction the Project on Nutrition and Wellness (PNW) and the Cornell Food and Brand Lab (CFBL). […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, National
NGA Staff Changes Bring Promotions And New Hires
The National Grocers Association (NGA), a national trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, has promoted key staff and added new staff members. According to the organization, the changes will help it expand its member benefits and advocate policies to better serve America’s independent grocers. “The grocery business is changing faster than ever, and we’re […]