Nominations are now being accepted for Shelby Publishing’s third annual Exceptional Independents Awards. Nominations are open to independent retailers. “Independents are the backbone of our industry, and this awards program is an opportunity to recognize them for their contributions,” said Stephanie Reid, president of Shelby Publishing. “Independents are a vital part of their communities […]
Category: National
Posted inCenter Store, National, Walmart
Walmart Expands Pet Care Offerings In Georgia, Arizona
Walmart has announced key expansions to its core pet care offerings, widening access to affordable in-person and virtual veterinary care, prescription delivery, grooming services and food and supplies. The pet category continues to be one of the most dynamic in retail, with a projected annual spending growth of 7 percent by 2030 and household expenses […]
Posted inProduce News, National, Sustainability News
Sprouts Expands Sustainability Partnership With IFCO
Phoenix, Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market and Tampa, Florida-based IFCO, a provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, report that they have made significant advancements in their ongoing partnership. The arrangement began in December 2020 with a pilot program at Sprouts that focused on the use of reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh produce items packed […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National
Semifinalists Advance In FMI’s Tech Pitch Competition
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named the six semifinalists in the FMItech Pitch Competition, a chance to showcase groundbreaking technology solutions to the food industry at the 2025 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference. Out of 20 submissions, the judges have narrowed the field to six semifinalists. Semifinalists Badge’s no-code mobile wallet platform allows retailers to reach […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
Executive Perspectives: Dan Funk
President and CEO of Associated Wholesale Grocers since 2023, Dan Funk joined the Kansas City-based cooperative wholesaler in 2012 and worked his way up the executive leadership team. Funk has worked at every level of the grocery industry over the course of his lifelong career, from store level to management, at retail and wholesale. Funk […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Industry Experts Guide Produce Distributors On FSMA 204 Compliance
The Produce Distributors Association’s Sept 24 webinar titled “Will Your Company be Compliant-Ready in Time for FSMA 204?” helped participants prepare for the new traceability rule taking effect in January 2026. The complexities of FSMA 204(d) prompted the session to concentrate on distributors, which are scrambling to try to understand the nuances of the Food […]
Posted inBeverage News, National
Reddy Ice Enters International Market With New Acquisition
In its first international acquisition, Reddy Ice has acquired Fábrica de Hielo Apodaca, S.A. de C.V. (known as Aguafría), the largest ice manufacturer in Mexico, expanding its position in the U.S. and Mexico markets. Aguafría, established in 2017, serves more than 6,000 customers across more than 13,000 locations, supported by a vast network of operational […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, National
USDA Report Highlights NGA’s Position On Price Discrimination
Following a year-long study, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a report on the market dynamics within the meat and retail industries that affirms the National Grocers Association’s position that consolidation and price discrimination contribute to higher consumer prices, fewer retail stores and limited market opportunities for farmers and ranchers. “The report is the […]