Posted inProduce News, Featured News, Midwest, News

EmpowerFresh Deploys AI Produce Ordering Platform At Kowalski’s Markets

EmpowerFresh has deployed its artificial intelligence-powered produce inventory and ordering platform at Kowalski’s Markets, a family-owned grocery chain in Minnesota known for its produce departments and commitment to quality. Founded in 1983 by Jim and Mary Anne Kowalski, Kowalski’s Markets has built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most respected upscale grocery retailers. With […]

Posted inProduce News, Association News, Featured News, National, News

IFPA Members Bring Fresh Produce, Florals To White House Easter Egg Roll

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and its member companies participated in the 148th White House Easter Egg Roll, bringing fresh produce and floral displays to one of the nation’s most recognized traditions. Held on the South Lawn and dating back to 1878, the public event is the largest hosted each year at the White […]

Posted inGuest Contributors, Featured News, National, News

Leadership Lessons For Grocery Industry From Lou Holtz

Leadership wisdom often comes from unexpected places. One of the most respected leadership voices in American sports is the late Lou Holtz, who we lost in March. The legendary college football coach was known for turning struggling programs into champion­ship teams. While his career unfolded on football fields rather than grocery aisles, the leadership lessons […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, News, West

The Village Market Celebrates 20 Years Of Serving Moab, UT

The Village Market in Moab, Utah – the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks – is marking its 20th anniversary this year with a community celebration planned for May 2. The specialty grocery store opened in 2006 under owner John Buxman, who has built the business into a four-store operation spanning three states. The […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, News, Northeast

Hannaford Names Giunta As 2025 Store Manager Of The Year

Hannaford Supermarkets has named Tony Giunta from its location in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, as its 2025 Store Manager of the Year. Giunta was selected from 188 Hannaford stores in New England and New York for his leadership, associate development and community involvement. With 45 years of retail experience, he has built a reputation for developing strong […]

Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Featured News, National, News

Chicago Selected As Home Of NCSA’s Candy Hall Of Fame Experience

The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has selected Chicago as the permanent home of the Candy Hall of Fame Experience, a 60,000-square-foot, multi-level facility set to open in summer 2027 at 830 N. Michigan Ave. on the city’s Magnificent Mile. Chicago was chosen over Orlando and New York City following a national evaluation. The city’s […]

Posted inCenter Store, Beverage News, Featured News, National, News, Snacks Brands

Circana Names 2025 U.S. CPG Growth Leaders

Circana has released its 14th annual U.S. CPG Growth Leaders report, identifying the top-performing consumer-packaged goods companies across five revenue tiers. The 2025 analysis found that private label and smaller manufacturers generating under $1 billion in annual sales are gaining market share, while retail food and beverage sales grew 3 percent and non-food sales slowed […]

Posted inExecutive News, Featured News, Hy-Vee, Midwest, News

Hy-Vee Mourns Loss Of First Female President

Donna Tweeten, a marketing executive who became Hy-Vee’s first female president and spent decades shaping the Midwestern grocer into a nationally recognized brand, died April 8. She had recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Tweeten retired from her role as president in January 2025 but remained with Hy-Vee as a consultant up until […]