The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has elected three industry leaders to its board of directors. Cody Heinz with Bell Flavors & Fragrances joins the board for the first time; Peter Kempton Jr. of b.a. Sweetie Candy Company has been re-elected for a second three-year term; and Brandon Sagotz from Ferrara Candy Co. returns after […]
Category: National
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News, Sustainability News
Building Resilience – Grocers Can Strengthen Insurability Through Climate Preparedness
What does it mean for a business to be resilient – and what is your business doing to get there? If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s how essential grocery stores are to the communities they serve. For many, it was the first time they fully recognized the critical role these businesses play – […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News
Tell Your Story, Tell Your Story, Tell Your Story
When it comes to sustainability and resource management, we typically think of workplace practices like energy efficiency, food waste diversion, recycling and refrigerant management. These aspects of food retail have the potential to provide significant benefits to the bottom line when managed resourcefully. But managing these aspects effectively provides another benefit – it helps the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National, News
NGA Petitions EPA To Reconsider HFC Management Rule Regulations
The National Grocers Association has petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to revise its Hydrofluorocarbon Management Rule, citing what it maintains are unrealistic timelines, excessive compliance costs and regulatory requirements that exceed congressional mandates. NGA’s petition argues that the HFC Management Rule imposes several impractical and overly burdensome requirements on food retailers, including drastically increasing […]
Posted inSupply Chain News, Deli News, Guest Contributors, National, News, Produce News
Why Food Retailers Are Moving To Full Traceability – Turning Compliance Into Opportunity
by Ron Margulis / ReposiTrak Many of the country’s largest food retailers are actively embracing full traceability under FSMA 204 as both a regulatory mandate and a critical business strategy. Driven by major chains like Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons, the push for comprehensive recordkeeping is transforming the grocery industry, setting new performance standards for the […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, National, News
Lidl US Launches Holiday Meal Deal For Customers
Lidl US is offering it first holiday meal deal from Dec. 10-24, helping shoppers build a feast that serves 12 people for less than $4 per person. “Lidl US is dedicated to making high-quality food accessible to everyone, especially during this time of year,” said CEO Joel Rampoldt. “We’re proud to introduce our new holiday meal […]
Posted inGrocery Research, National, News
FreshDirect Shares Top Food Predictions For 2026
FreshDirect’s 2026 food trends and predictions report reflects a growing demand for an expanded flavor palate, shift in consumer drinking habits, desire for products made in the U.S. and an expansion of chefs making meals for the home kitchen. In 2025, FreshDirect strengthened its customer connections through experiential events and activations in New York City, the […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Grocery Research, National, News
Winter Holiday Confectionery Demand Remains Strong, NCA Reports
According to a new survey from the National Confectioners Association (NCA), 95 percent of Americans plan to celebrate the winter holidays with chocolate and candy, reflecting the category’s continued strength as a holiday staple. The “big four” seasonal moments – Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and the winter holidays – remain key for the $54 billion […]