Fresh produce remains a critical growth driver for food retail, with $97 billion in sales and a 2 percent increase in unit sales, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s The Power of Produce 2026 report, which debuted at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2026. The category’s future is increasingly shaped by generational […]
Category: National
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Ahold Delhaize, National, News
Guiding Stars, PHA Expand Collaboration To Advance Nutrition Standard
Guiding Stars and Partnership for a Healthier America has expanded their collaboration that establishes Guiding Stars as a core nutrition standard supporting PHA’s work to advance healthier food choices nationwide. The collaboration strengthens shared efforts to advance a more nutritious and transparent food landscape, while supporting both organizations’ commitments to better-for-you choices and improved well-being for […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Featured News, IGA, Independent Store News, National, News
IGA, National Pork Board Partner To Drive Pork Category Growth At Retail
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has begun a Red Oval Partnership with the National Pork Board (NPB), reinforcing IGA’s commitment to sharing resources with independent grocers to help them better serve shoppers. Through the partnership, the National Pork Board will collaborate with IGA member stores on in-store promotions, shopper marketing initiatives and educational resources featuring […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, Featured News, National, News
Meat Sales Hit Record $112B In 2025, Driven By Millennials, Gen Z
Meat sales reached a record high of $112 billion in 2025, with pound volume increasing 2 percent, according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released March 2 during the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association. Millennials and Gen Z were a driving force behind the growth, according […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, National, News
Meat Institute, FMI Announce 2026 Leaders Of Tomorrow
The Meat Institute and FMI – The Food Industry Association have announced the 2026 Leaders of Tomorrow, a group of 10 rising professionals whose work reflects the strength and future of the industry. “This Leaders of Tomorrow class represents the depth of talent and leadership growing our industry,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, Dairy News, Deli News, Featured News, National, News
IDDBA Unveils Brand Refresh, Debuts New Tagline
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) underwent a brand refresh and is debuting its new tagline, “Thinking Outside the Aisle.” The refreshed brand reflects IDDBA’s evolution as the essential resource for dairy, deli and bakery professionals – honoring the strength of its perimeter-focused categories while embracing forward-looking leadership and innovation. IDDBA’s mission remains its […]
Expert Article
Innovation: The Key To Longevity For Natural And Specialty Brands?
What role does innovation play in helping natural and specialty brands achieve long-term relevance and growth? Natural and specialty brands face increasing pressure to innovate not just to stand out, but to survive. Innovation has become critical for two main reasons: consumers demand better-for-you products with attributes that don’t currently exist in the category, and […]
Expert Article
From Luck To Legacy: How Independent Grocers Are Finding Gold In Data
For the independent grocer, success is measured in generations. You aren’t just selling groceries; you are building a legacy. But in a landscape dominated by corporate giants, passing down a thriving business requires more than a well-stocked shelf. It requires trading “luck” for the leverage of actionable shopper data. Mapping the modern shopper journey The […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Association News, Featured News, Health & Wellness, National, News
FMI Research: 94% Of Food Retailers Have Health, Well-Being Programs
FMI – The Food Industry Association released findings from the 2026 Report on Food Industry Contributions to Health & Well-Being Feb. 26, revealing the industry’s efforts to serve as a destination for health and well-being through products, resources and services that support shoppers’ individual health goals. The report was released following the recently published Dietary […]
Posted inNews, Dairy News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National
Flashfood Report: 90% Surge In Egg Purchases As Prices Squeeze Shoppers
Demand for affordable meat and eggs on discount grocery app Flashfood surged in January as Americans grappled with rising grocery costs. Egg purchases were up 90 percent, while ground beef sales climbed 28 percent year over year. Protein now accounts for more than 30 percent of all sales on Flashfood’s platform. Beef’s share of total […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National, News
USDA Proposes Updates To Line Speed Rules For Poultry, Pork Processors
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations in poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems Feb. 17, aimed at lowering food costs and improving supply chain efficiency while maintaining food safety oversight. The proposed rules would update outdated processing requirements for poultry and pork establishments under modern […]
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, Finance News, National, News
J.M. Smucker Appoints Two Independent Directors Following Elliott Agreement
Orrville, Ohio-based The J.M. Smucker Co. has appointed Woo-Sung “Bruce” Chung and David Singer to its board of directors effective April 15. The appointments follow engagement with Elliott Investment Management, with whom the company has entered into an information-sharing agreement to facilitate collaboration toward driving sustainable value for all shareholders. With the addition of Chung and […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, Featured News, Finance News, National, News
Schwass Takes Helm At IDDBA As Haaf Departs
International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) CEO David Haaf has stepped down from his position effective Feb. 26, the organization’s board of directors announced. Chris Schwass, the association’s CFO, has been appointed acting CEO. Schwass, who has 28 years of experience at the Madison-Wisconsin-based organization, will lead operations while the board begins the search for […]
Posted inGrocery Research, Featured News, National, News, Packaging News
Acosta Group Study: Shoppers Worried About Artificial Ingredients In Food
Fifty percent of U.S. shoppers are worried about health risks from artificial ingredients, chemicals and preservatives in foods, with that number rising to 79 percent among health-focused shoppers, according to a new study from Acosta Group released Feb. 24. The ingredients-focused shopper study found that 58 percent of all shoppers read labels all or most […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News
NFRA Survey Finds Price Is Biggest Factor In Grocery Decisions
Seventy-eight percent of consumers cite price as the biggest factor in their grocery decisions, driving increased adoption of frozen foods as Americans seek to curb food costs, according to the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association. Recent findings from the USDA Consumer Price Index for Food show food away from home rose 4.1 percent over […]
Posted inGrocery Research, National, News, Nonfood Items
IHA Survey: Consumers Plan To Host More At-Home Gatherings In 2026
Twenty-eight percent of consumers anticipate hosting more at-home gatherings in 2026, a four-point increase from 24 percent last year, according to the 2026 International Housewares Association‘s (IHA) At-Home Entertaining Survey released Feb. 23. The survey illustrates how hosting at-home gatherings – whether to celebrate life moments or for no reason at all – continues to […]
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, Featured News, Finance News, National, News
Conagra Brands Appoints Mulligan, Satriano To Board Of Directors
Conagra Brands, Inc. appointed John Mulligan and Pietro Satriano to its board of directors, expanding the panel from 11 to 12 members. “Conagra and its shareholders will benefit from their extensive leadership and corporate governance experience,” said Richard H. Lenny, chair of Conagra Brands. “In addition, John brings relevant expertise navigating retail business challenges and […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Ahold Delhaize, Featured News, National, News
Ahold Delhaize Invests €250M In Food Security Across Global Markets
Zaandam, Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize and its 17 brands donated more than €250 million through in-kind and financial giving in 2025, benefiting food security and community organizations across Europe, Indonesia and the U.S. The investment came as 2025 saw persistent inflation, frequent government policy changes and rising food insecurity globally. That insecurity has risen for six consecutive […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NPFDA Names Guest As 2025 Member Of The Year
The National Protein and Food Distributors Association (NPFDA) has recognized Judson “Jud” Guest of LAD Truck Lines as the 2025 NPFDA Member of the Year. A supporter of the association for more than 25 years, Guest has gone above and beyond in service to NPFDA. Throughout his involvement, he has willingly volunteered wherever help was […]
Posted inDairy News, National, News
Borden Launches Three Refrigerated Cheese Dip Varieties
Borden Cheese launched a line of refrigerated cheese dips featuring three varieties packaged in 12-ounce microwaveable containers. The lineup includes Queso Blanco, a mild blend featuring real jalapeño peppers, that is available now. Two additional flavors – Nacho and Jalapeño – will debut in March. The Nacho variety is positioned as the gold standard for […]