As Easter approaches, Americans are set to indulge in a chocolate extravaganza, with 73 million pounds of chocolate expected to be consumed during the holiday season – likely equating to more than $2 billion in sales. For comparison, that’s enough chocolate to: Create more than 1 billion chocolate eggs weighing 1-ounce each; Make nearly 400 […]
Category: National
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Corporate Store News, National, News
Grocery Industry Reacts To SNAP Waiver Requests Across The U.S.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun have submitted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver requests to the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the aim of banning the purchase of soft drinks and candy with the benefits. State governors can ask for a waiver from certain requirements of the SNAP program. “Banning […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Feature, National, News
Experts: Adaptability Key For Producers, Retailers Amid Protein Market’s Volatility
From staff reports At the Annual Meat Conference, held March 24-26 in Orlando, Florida, industry leaders convened to discuss the evolving landscape of the meat and poultry sectors. For the 2025 Meat and Poultry Market Outlook presentation, key speakers included Brian Earnest, lead protein industry analyst at CoBank; Christine McCracken, executive director and protein analyst […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National, News
PLMA Re-Elects Board Chair, Welcomes New Directors
The Private Label Manufactures Association (PLMA) re-elected Kristal Sevcik, VP of business development at AmeriQual Group, as chair of its board of directors. Sevcik, who assumed the position in 2024, will serve a second one-year term. The members of the association also accepted the slate proposed by the nominating committee – Jeanine Antiporek of Refresco […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
AFFI Leads Frozen Food Advocacy At 2025 Government Action Summit
Frozen food business leaders came together April 1-3 for advocacy and Congressional outreach during the American Frozen Food Institute’s (AFFI) Government Action Summit in Washington, D.C. Attendees spoke with their Congressional offices about the benefits of frozen food, addressing how it is a solution in nutrition access. Freezing locks in nutrition and flavor, which helps the […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Feature, National, News
Consumer Spending Shifts In Meat, Seafood, Poultry Amid Economic Uncertainty
The grocery industry has faced significant changes in consumer purchasing habits due to economic fluctuations such as inflation and shifting concerns over tariffs and unemployment. Anne-Marie Roerink, principal at 210 Analytics, shared her insights on how these factors have influenced the meat, seafood and poultry markets. Inflation, consumer behavior Roerink noted a shift toward home-cooked […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Instacart Expands In-Store Advertising To All Brands On Caper Carts
Beginning this month, Instacart’s more than 7,000 brand partners will have access to in-store advertising on Caper Carts, its AI-powered smart carts, with no additional work required. Caper Cart ads are inventory- and aisle-aware, which means that ad campaigns will extend only to carts when shoppers are in relevant aisles and where items are in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Guest Contributors, National, News
NGA Scores Big Legislative Wins For Independent Grocers
At the time of this writing, the first 100 days of the new congressional session are wrapping up, and the National Grocers Association (NGA) has secured major victories that will ease regulatory burdens, promote fair competition and protect independent grocers nationwide. From advocating for antitrust enforcement to blocking costly energy regulations, NGA’s efforts are making […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National, News
Snacking Report: Consumers Seek More Intentional Opportunities To Indulge
Mondelēz International has released findings from its sixth annual State of Snacking report, a global trends study examining how consumers make snack decisions. Overall, indulgence and treating remain at the front of the category, with most consumers snacking as a treat or reward. Developed in partnership with The Harris Poll, the State of Snacking survey […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Groceryshop 2025 Introduces First Advisory Board
Groceryshop has established an advisory board, composed of senior executives from grocery retailers and CPG brands from around the world, to help shape the strategic direction of the upcoming conference, ensuring it addresses the most pressing challenges and opportunities. Set for Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Groceryshop 2025 will bring together […]
Posted inAssociation News, Feature, National, News
FMI Expert: Helping Customers With Health Can Yield Loyalty For Stores
Rick Stein, VP of fresh foods for FMI – The Food Industry Association, took time out during the association’s recent Midwinter Executive Conference in Marco Island, Florida, to share some insights from its bountiful research. How bountiful? Each year, FMI publishes “State of” and “Speaks” reports that outline what’s going on in the food industry […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
Leadership: Be A River – Not A Reservoir
Out-of-date leadership is associated with authority, decision-making and control. However, the most effective and true leaders understand that their role is not to accumulate power for themselves but to channel it outward by empowering, inspiring and serving others. This principle is best captured in the metaphor, be a river – not a reservoir. A river […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National, News
PLMA Inducts Private Label Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025
The Private Label Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place during the PLMA 2025 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. The class consists of nine men and women who were honored in one of three categories: Private Brand Champion Thomas Becker, who most recently served as director of proprietary brands, Circle K; John […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National, News
NFRA Convention To Spotlight Innovation, Leadership, Industry Growth
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has opened registration for this year’s NFRA Convention, taking place Oct. 18-21 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida. More than 1,700 anticipated attendees will conduct more than 6,500 business meetings over the course of three days. Of particular interest: Registration now open: The NFRA Convention […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
Snacks Report Reveals How Health, Flavor Trends Are Redefining Cravings
Circana has shared its latest research, “Snack Unwrap: The Insatiable Craving for Growth,” offering insights into emerging trends shaping U.S. consumers’ snacking habits. The research reveals how evolving consumer priorities, a growing focus on health-conscious choices and broader macroeconomic factors are transforming snacking behaviors. The report also emphasizes the role of innovation in fostering growth […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
Report: Consumers Seeking More Protein For Health, Taste In 2025
People are eating more protein, with 61 percent of Americans increasing their intake in 2024, compared to 48 percent who did so in 2019. This is among the findings from Cargill’s 2025 Protein Profile, an annual trends report that looks at trends in protein consumption for the year ahead. The report also found that animal […]
Posted inDairy News, National, News
Marquez Brothers Acquires YoGusto Brand, Hato Potero Farms
Marquez Brothers International Inc., a San Jose, California-based family-owned company that produces and distributes authentic quality branded Hispanic foods, has reached an agreement to acquire Hato Potero Farms, owner of YoGusto brand, a drinkable yogurt brand based in the southeastern United States. The move marks a milestone in Marquez Brothers International’s mission to expand its […]
Expert Article
Flat Produce Sales Driving You Bananas?
Sponsored content If flat sales in the produce department are dragging down your bottom line, don’t worry, says Gary Campisi, former senior director of quality control for produce, floral, meat and seafood at Walmart and Sam’s Club. Small changes are often all you need to get sales growing again. As one of the industry’s foremost […]
Expert Article
Unlocking Retail Growth: Why Owning Your Data And Promotions Creates Unforgettable Shopper Experiences
Sponsored content Why is it crucial for retailers to own their data? When retailers own their shopper data, they’re not just collecting information; they’re unlocking the keys to incredible growth. Imagine your data as your most trusted advisor, who understands your shoppers better than anyone else. It tells you exactly what your customers want when […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, National
Churchill, Schlueter Among AWG Annual Excellence Award Winners
As part of its 2025 Innovation Showcase and Annual Shareholders Meeting, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) presented its Lou Fox Community Service Award and Store Manager of the Year Award, among other honors. Walt Churchill of Walt Churchill’s Market in Ohio received the Lou Fox Community Service Award winner, while Store Manager of the Year went […]