Humans are social animals. As a species, we crave interaction with others. And the absence of connection is so emotionally crippling, we use solitary confinement as a severe criminal punishment. Children born in isolation fail to develop emotionally and physically and often are so scared they can never integrate into society as adults. And primates […]
Category: National
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
RELEX Acquires Optimity For Unified Supply Chain Planning
RELEX Solutions has acquired Optimity, a supply chain planning and optimization provider. “Acquiring Optimity will seamlessly link downstream demand with upstream planning, so consumer goods companies can more accurately predict consumer demand, optimize production plans and schedules, adjust inventory levels and respond quickly to market changes or unexpected disruptions,” said Mikko Kärkkäinen, co-founder and group […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
NGA Shares Several Senior Staff Promotions
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has promoted three key senior staff executives: Jonathan Downey to COO and SVP; Christopher Jones to chief government relations officer and counsel and SVP; and Laura Strange to chief communications and engagement officer and SVP. “NGA is fortunate to have a strong and committed group of senior leaders who bring […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
From Advocacy To Education, IFPA Touts Impacts In 2023
Advancing the health of consumers, the produce and floral industries and the planet are at the heart of 10 key 2023 impacts from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). “We do so much more together as an association than any individual or company can do on their own,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Our members […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
By The Numbers, An Advocacy Review And Policy Outlook For Independent Grocers
With an election on the horizon in which the White House and control of Congress are on the line, 2024 is shaping up to be an interesting year. Pending legislation and regulatory changes in the coming year are sure to influence business operations, supply chain management and consumer expectations – and indeed, they’re influencing NGA’s […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Applauds Power-Buyer Scrutiny In New Merger Guidelines
The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice released their final version for new merger enforcement guidelines on Dec. 18. The final guidelines include substantial revisions to the existing standards, introducing new considerations for mergers that enhance buyer power. In a significant shift, the guidelines issued strongly consider how buyer power impacts competition amongst rival […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Produce News
EFI’s Programs Expanded To Benefit More Growers, Buyers, Farmworkers
Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is celebrating a year of progress in 2023 toward its mission to offer a full suite of supply chain assurance programs to the fresh produce industry. The group celebrated a new program launch, grew its staff and streamlined certification to make it more cost effective for growers starting in 2024. EFI […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Feature, National
IGA CEO Says Quality, Marketing Help Lift Private Label Offerings
The perception of private label or store brand products in the grocery industry has changed over the years. Many shoppers think of private labels as items that sit next to national brands on the grocery shelf but cost less. IGA President and CEO John Ross views them as “anything that you manufacture or sell to your […]