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

NCA Report: U.S. Confectionery Sales Climb To $55B In 2025

Americans spent a record $55 billion on chocolate, candy, gum and mints in 2025, and the category shows no signs of slowing down, according to the National Confectioners Association’s  (NCA) 2026 State of Treating report. Sales are projected to grow an additional $7.3 billion over the next five years, reaching $62.2 billion across all outlets […]

Posted inBakery News, Association News, National, News

ABA, Retail Bakers Of America, Baking Association Of Canada Announce Strategic Partnership

The American Bakers Association (ABA), Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and Baking Association of Canada (BAC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the formation of a strategic relationship. The arrangement will allow the three organizations to identify opportunities to enhance their collective service to the baking industry across North America. The cooperation […]

Posted inBeverage News, Featured News, National, News

Royal Cup To Acquire Farmer Brothers Coffee

Royal Cup Coffee & Tea has signed an agreement to acquire Farmer Brothers Coffee Co. (NASDAQ: FARM) for $1.29 per share in an all-cash transaction, combining two B2B coffee suppliers with nearly 250 years of combined industry experience. The transaction is expected to close during Farmer Brothers’ fiscal fourth quarter ending June 30, pending approval […]

Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National, News

NCA Relaunches Website With New Data Tools Amid Nutrition Policy Push

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has unveiled a redesigned AlwaysATreat.com, expanding the site’s resources for consumers, policymakers and media as the confectionery industry faces heightened scrutiny in state and federal nutrition policy debates. What’s new The updated site features improved navigation, expanded resources and new tools that make it easier to explore facts about chocolate […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Executive News, Featured News, National, News

NPPC Honors Parker For Four Decades Of Pork Industry Leadership

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) recognized John Parker with the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award during the National Pork Industry Forum, honoring his 40-plus years as executive secretary of the Virginia Pork Council. The award was presented in partnership with the National Pork Board (NPB). Parker’s tenure shaped Virginia’s agricultural community, producer-funded promotion and research […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Featured News, Merchandising News, National, News, Walmart

Walmart To Deploy Digital Shelf Labels Chainwide Within A Year

Walmart is accelerating its rollout of digital shelf labels (DSLs) chainwide, with about 2,300 locations already using the technology and full deployment expected within the next year. Price updates are people-led, with employees reviewing and pushing approved changes through a secure system, typically outside of shopping hours, so prices remain stable and consistent during the […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, National, News

Target Commits $5B To Stores, Plans 300 New Locations By 2035

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) unveiled a multi-year growth strategy this week that includes a $5 billion capital investment plan for 2026, more than 30 new store openings this year and a goal of 300 additional locations by 2035. The announcements, made at a financial community meeting March 3 and followed by a store investment release […]

Posted inDairy News, Featured News, National, News

UNFI, Whole Foods Partner On Organic Dairy Emissions Program

Four companies across the organic dairy supply chain are working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the farm level. Organic Valley, Stonyfield Organic, UNFI and Whole Foods Market are collaborating to launch Verified Impact Units, or VIUs, derived from carbon insetting across the U.S. organic dairy supply chain. The initiative, built around Organic Valley’s […]