Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National

NCA Names Hagedorn Board Chair, Appoints New Members

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named Jerry Hagedorn, EVP for Barry Callebaut, as chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Hagedorn most recently served as vice chair and will take over for departing NCA Board Chair Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands. “As the confectionery industry faces unprecedented challenges and […]

Posted inAssociation News, National, Private Label Brands

PLMA Announces 2025 Show Theme: ‘Store Brands Marketplace’

“Store Brands Marketplace” is the 2025 theme for PLMA’s Annual Private Label Trade Show, scheduled for Nov. 16-18 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. The announcement comes at a time of record-setting sales for the store brands industry. In 2024, private label sales reached $271 billion, an increase of $9 billion from […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Private Label Brands, West

Market Of Choice Launches New Private Label Line

Market of Choice, Oregon’s largest independent, family-owned grocer, is strengthening its commitment to local producers with Craft & Kitchen, its new private label line. The line includes premium dairy products and center-store pantry staples distinguished by  recipes and flavors created with Oregon makers and Market of Choice chefs. Market of Choice stores have the largest […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Produce News, Southwest

United Family, Rainier Fruit Donate Socks To Texas Nonprofits

The United Family and Rainier Fruit donated 5,000 pairs of socks to Texas nonprofits in February through their Apples and Pears on a Mission initiative, the companies announced. The donations, intended to support the homeless community, were made possible by a portion of proceeds from Rainier Fruit pear and apple sales during the fall and […]

Posted inAssociation News, National, Snacks Brands

NCA Report: Confectionery Sales Break Records, Surpass $54B

Confectionery sales topped $54 billion in 2024, according to the 2025 State of Treating report published March 3 by the National Confectioners Association. The report forecasts that U.S. confectionery sales will grow over the next five years, exceeding $70 billion in all outlets by 2029. Across the board, consumers are concerned about the price of groceries, which […]

Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, National

Circana Report Highlights New Era Of Private Label Transformation

Circana has released two new reports highlighting the continued global momentum of retailers’ private label products. Initially driven by cost-conscious shoppers, private labels have evolved into sought-after options as consumers recognize their quality and variety. Circana’s global research, From Growth to Transformation: A Global Private Label Perspective, explores regional approaches to private brands across the European […]

Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National

AFFI-CON 2025 Sets Record For Frozen Ingredients Show

A record crowd of more than 1,600 professionals from frozen ingredient suppliers, processors, retailers and service providers attended AFFI-CON 2025, which the American Frozen Food Institute hosted Feb. 22-25 in Dallas. “As the premier frozen ingredients show, AFFI-CON brings together the global frozen food supply chain and offers unparalleled value,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison […]

Posted inProduce News, Association News, Southwest

Viva Fresh Launches New Website To Celebrate 10th Anniversary

The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has introduced its new Viva Fresh Produce Expo website as the expo celebrates its 10th anniversary. The 2025 Viva Fresh Expo will take place April 10-12 in Houston, Texas, bringing together produce industry leaders from across North America. Founded in 2015, Viva Fresh has grown into a premier event […]