By Leslie Sarasin / President and CEO, FMI – The Food Industry Association During the past year, America’s grocers stepped up and made the necessary investments to safely keep stores open and shelves stocked. Now, after one of the most challenging years for the food retail industry, lawmakers propose to raise taxes, which would make our job […]
Category: Guest Contributors
Is Nation’s Labor Shortage Temporary Phenomenon Or Long-Term Issue?
by John Ross / President and CEO of IGA The news is filled with reports of America’s labor shortage. Liberals claim people aren’t working because labor rates are too low; conservatives contend that COVID stimulus has made it better to stay home and collect unemployment benefits. But the arguments don’t fix the problem facing the grocery […]
Independent Grocery Is Economic Engine, Churning Forward
by Greg Ferrara / President and CEO, National Grocers Association Anyone familiar with the independent supermarket industry knows that independent community grocers are entrepreneurs within the marketplace, seeking any opportunity to innovate and grow, and now the numbers are in to prove it. NGA commissioned John Dunham & Associates to conduct its latest economic impact study to demonstrate […]
As Suspicion Of Food Continues To Mount, So Does Importance Of Trust
by John Ross / president and CEO of IGA In the past year, we have seen evidence of what happens when trust is lost. From the sanctity of the church to the integrity of a local election, it seems everything is suspect. And this includes food. Americans today are more cautious about what they eat, and […]
New Study Highlights Economic Impact Of Food, Agriculture Industry
by Lowell Randel / SVP, Government and Legal Affairs for Global Cold Chain Alliance The Global Cold Chain Alliance was among 34 food and agriculture organizations that commissioned a nationwide study measuring the impact of the food and agriculture sectors of the economy. The results of the research were released in March and can be found at […]
Toolkit Can Help Independents Set Up, Offer SNAP Online Purchasing
by Greg Ferrara / President and CEO, National Grocers Association The ethos of the independent grocer includes a commitment to the community. In the grocery business, that often means helping families that are faced with food insecurity. One of the cornerstones of this mission is the public-private partnership of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for which retailers play […]
Emerging Technology Doesn’t Have To Be Threat To Independent Grocers
by John Ross / President and CEO of IGA In my line of work, I see great customer service almost daily. I will be visiting an IGA owner or an unaffiliated independent grocer, and they seem to know the names of every shopper we pass in the aisles. It’s a warm and personal experience where the […]
Slight Chance For Normal Spring Made Better By Independent Grocers
by Greg Ferrara / president, National Grocers Association A lot of folks were dealt a double whammy this winter – bone-chilling cold plus pandemic-driven restrictions on gatherings and dining out. Perhaps more so than ever before, Americans are ready for some relief and are patiently (or impatiently) waiting for the sun to come out, temperatures […]
