Two-thirds of shoppers have increased their spending on fresh foods over the past two years, with more than 60 percent of consumers spending up to 30 percent of their average monthly grocery budget on this category, according to the Deloitte “Future of Fresh” survey released Nov. 13. Key takeaways Over the last two years, two-thirds of consumers […]
Category: National
Posted inBeverage News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Guest Contributors, Marketing News, National, Packaging News, Shelby Exclusives, Sustainability News
Sorensen: Innovation In Thought Was Lacking This Year
by Cindy Sorensen/founder and CEO, The Grocery Group Each year as I prepare to write my dairy industry “year in review” column, I reflect on the newsworthy events that occurred in the industry in the previous 12 months. This reflection often includes a look back on the following: new product introductions; ingredient, product and package […]
Posted inNational, Association News, Executive News
Wagner And Pederson Appointed To GMA Leadership Team
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is adding Roberta Wagner and Spencer Pederson to its growing leadership team as the organization prepares to relaunch as the Consumer Brands Association in January 2020. Roberta Wagner will join GMA as the VP of regulatory and technical affairs on Dec. 2. Wagner spent 33 years in public service, most […]
Posted inBeverage News, Home Page Slider, National, Suppliers
Anheuser-Busch Purchases Remaining Shares Of Craft Brew Alliance
On Nov. 11, Craft Brew Alliance (CBA), a Portland, Oregon-based brewing company that creates craft beers, and Anheuser-Busch (A-B) said they will expand their partnership, with A-B agreeing to purchase the remaining CBA shares it does not already own in a merger transaction for $16.50 per share, in cash. “Today’s announcement represents an exciting next […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, National, Shelby Exclusives, Shelby Signature Content, Wholesaler/Distributor News
UPDATED: ROFDA To Join Forces With NGA Jan. 1
The Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) organization will merge under the National Grocers Association (NGA) umbrella, effective Jan. 1, 2020. The announcement was made this morning at the NGA and ROFDA co-located fall conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. ROFDA’s current share groups and buying programs will continue to operate under this new […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, National
Private Brands Research Shows Complexity Of Consumer Expectations
Newly released consumer research by Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and its insights provider IRI reveals that food retail private brands have greater influence on where grocery customers shop. Today, 46 percent of consumers say store brands influence their store choice, versus just 35 percent three years ago, and private brands are gaining fans across a […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, National
USDA Rules Deliver Clarity For Farmers And Hemp Industry
On Oct. 29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program as mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing federally approved hemp to be grown under clear guidelines and making hemp farmers eligible for many agricultural programs. Hemp genetics company HGH Seed Inc. welcomes the introduction of a consistent regulatory […]
Posted inNational, Private Label Brands
IRI Survey: Consumers Turn To Private Brands For Better Value
An IRI Consumer Connect Survey reveals private brand dollar sales grew 3.8 percent in 2019, twice the rate of national brands. Although 57 percent of consumers say their financial health is good, fears of a recession are driving slightly less consumer confidence in Q3 2019, according to the latest IRI Consumer Connect Survey results. Expecting […]