Shelby Publishing is proud to present its third annual Exceptional Independents Awards. Nominations were open to independent retailers, wholesalers and technology and other service providers. “Independents are the backbone of our industry, and this awards program is an opportunity to recognize them for their contributions,” said Stephanie Reid, Shelby president and COO. “Independents are a […]
Category: National
Posted inCenter Store, National, News
Conagra, Hometown Food Co. Strike Deal For Chef Boyardee
Conagra Brands Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement with Hometown Food Co., a portfolio company of Brynwood Partners, to divest its line of Chef Boyardee brand shelf-stable products including its classic, ready-to-eat pasta meals. The transaction includes a manufacturing facility in Milton, Pennsylvania, as well as all assets and operations dedicated to the Chef […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA Leads Industry Pushback Against Proposed SNAP Cuts
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is leading efforts to express concerns over a Congressional proposal to cut funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by 20 percent, which will affect food access and America’s workforce. SNAP provides access to fresh and nutritious food for more than 41 million Americans, including more than 14 million […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Instacart Acquires Wynshop To Build More Retailer Relationships
Instacart has acquired Wynshop, a provider of e-commerce solutions for grocers and retailers, including Wakefern, Pattison and more than a dozen others across North America and abroad. The acquisition builds upon Instacart’s relationships with retail partners and reinforces its commitment to providing them with tools and technologies that help drive their business growth. “Our deep […]
Expert Article
Winning Labor Tactics For Independent Grocery Store Success
How independent grocers are tackling today’s toughest labor challenges. Matt Scheelar has spent over a decade in the grocery industry and knows what it takes to build and maintain a strong team. As director of solutions engineering at FMS Solutions, he’s helped independent grocers across the country tackle staffing challenges head-on. As turnover stays high […]
Expert Article
Milk Meets The Moment: Delivering Affordability, Versatility When Shoppers Need It Most
As food inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, shoppers are leaning more heavily on affordable essentials. In this Q&A, Annette Taylor, senior director of commercial marketing at the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), shares how milk – a category that has long delivered value, nutrition and versatility – is once again proving its staying power. […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA To Unveil Public Policy Agenda At Washington Conference
As policymakers and industry leaders prepare to gather June 9-11 for The Washington Conference in Washington D.C., the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is setting the stage for critical policy discussions impacting the fresh produce and floral industries. With a focus on labor, food safety, nutrition, trade and the Farm Bill, IFPA leads advocacy efforts to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
NGA Warns FTC: Protect Competition, Supply Chains Amid Tariff Pressures
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson calling for close monitoring and enforcement action in response to the competitive risks posed by new and proposed tariffs on imported goods. In its letter, NGA warned that rising tariffs could disrupt the food supply chain much like […]
Posted inBakery News, Association News, National, News
Study Highlights Opportunities For Talent Development In Commercial Baking
In response to the ongoing and intensifying workforce shortage in the U.S. commercial baking industry, the American Bakers Association (ABA), the American Society of Baking (ASB) and the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) have released a new study, “Future-Proofing U.S. Commercial Baking: Workforce Challenges and Solutions.” Commissioned by the three industry organizations and conducted […]
Posted inSustainability News, National, News
Report Reveals New Insights Into Consumer Priorities At Grocery Store
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has released poll data revealing how Americans are balancing the rising cost of living while keeping the health of the planet top of mind. The poll demonstrated some concern for the environment with grocery planning but reveals there is significant room for growth. Global food production has a major impact […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
March Online Grocery Sales Jump 21% Versus Year Ago
The U.S. online grocery segment sustained its turbo-charged growth in March 2025, ending up 21 percent versus a year ago with $9.7 billion in monthly sales, according to the Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey fielded March 30-31, and sponsored by Mercatus. Delivery continued to be the main driver of the topline increase, as it […]
Posted inSustainability News, Beverage News, National, News
Target Offers Sustainable Wine In Paper Bottles
The Target Corporation is the first major U.S. supermarket retailer to commission a range of sustainable wines in low carbon paper bottles that will save the equivalent of nearly 100 tons of carbon dioxide. The Collective Good wine range, which is bottled exclusively in the paper Frugal Bottle, has a Red Blend, a Sauvignon Blanc, […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA Encourages Science-Based Standards To National Organic Standards Board
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has submitted comments to the National Organic Standards Board highlighting priority issues for the organic fresh produce sector. The comments were in response to a feedback request from NOSB’s Spring 2025 Work Agenda. Developed in consultation with the association’s organics committee, the comments emphasize the need for practical, science-based […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
ROFDA Names Deuschle New President, CEO
Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) has named Mark Deuschle its next president and CEO. Deuschle succeeds Jeff Pedersen, who announced in January his plans to step down after the organization’s spring conference to join Alliance Retail Group, where he has been appointed chief customer officer. With more than 30 years of experience in […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
Hanson To Direct NGA’s Education, Insights Programs
The National Grocers Association (NGA) shared that Kelly Hanson, former project director with the NGA Foundation, has become its director of education and insights. “We’re excited for Kelly to begin her new role at NGA, where she brings a wealth of experience and expertise,” said Jonathan Downey, NGA’s chief operating officer and SVP. “With a […]
Posted inMerchandising News, Health & Wellness, National, News
HHS, FDA To Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration have announced a series of measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply. The FDA is taking the following actions: Establishing a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based synthetic dyes […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
NGA Foundation Advisory Group To Assist In Independent Grocers’ SNAP EBT Upgrades
The National Grocers Association (NGA) Foundation has welcomed a new advisory committee to help promote and expand its assistance to independent grocers in modernizing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems, including implementing SNAP Online and EBT chip card functionality. This initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Deli News, Grocery Store Equipment, National, News
Procurant Introduces Fresh AI Offering
Procurant has introduced Procurant Fresh AI, the first artificial intelligence solution made for perishables category management in retail grocery. Procurant Fresh AI uses the company’s expertise in the perishables category to reduce costs, streamline decision-making, eliminate reporting and deliver accurate insights to executives and frontline users alike. Procurant Fresh AI provides accurate insights within an […]
Expert Article
Spring Into Summer As Preparations Begin For Biggest Veggie Season
As we move into the second quarter of the year, the longer days and warmer weather signal the arrival of peak production season. With daylight savings and tax season behind us, it’s time to refresh, reorganize and prepare for the busiest quarter of the year. At Crazy Fresh, we know that success in Q2 sets […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, Walmart
Walmart Uses Geospatial Technology To Expand Delivery Zones
Walmart is using advanced geospatial technology to divide geographic areas into precise hexagonal grids, optimizing delivery zones. According to Walmart, the technology allows for more accurate mapping of delivery areas, enabling multiple stores to fulfill a customer’s order in one trip. “Convenience is a key driver of our growth, and technology is what enables us […]