Topco Associates recently held its Annual Membership Conference, during which the cooperative provided updates, including that American Foods International and Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) have become members. American Foods International, headquartered in Miami, serves independent retailers throughout the Caribbean, Latin America and South Florida. It has joined as a full member, participating in dairy/commercial bakery; […]
Category: National
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
February Online Grocery Sales Jump 31%: How Subscriptions Reshape Retail
Record monthly sales driven by membership discounts, demographic shifts and retailer innovation The U.S. grocery industry’s digital transformation hit a new milestone in February, with online grocery sales surging 31 percent year-over-year to $10.3 billion, according to the latest Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey. This marks the ninth consecutive month of positive growth, underscoring […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
FMI Report: Social Media, E-Commerce Boost Produce Consumption
FMI – The Food Industry Association released The Power of Produce 2025 report for the seventh consecutive year at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference, held March 6-8 in Orlando. With 94 percent of produce shoppers using social media platforms and 36 percent discovering new fruits and vegetables through them, digital engagement – especially with younger shoppers – […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Aldi, National
Aldi Selects Digital Wave’s GenAI Solutions For Data Accuracy
Aldi has begun a partnership with Digital Wave Technology, provider of the AI-native ONE Platform, to enhance automation of digital channel product descriptions. By utilizing these enterprise AI solutions, Aldi will be able to expedite the delivery of precise, customer-focused product information to be used on the retailer’s digital touchpoints including website, app and email. […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, National
NCA Names Hagedorn Board Chair, Appoints New Members
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named Jerry Hagedorn, EVP for Barry Callebaut, as chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Hagedorn most recently served as vice chair and will take over for departing NCA Board Chair Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands. “As the confectionery industry faces unprecedented challenges and […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Private Label Brands
PLMA Announces 2025 Show Theme: ‘Store Brands Marketplace’
“Store Brands Marketplace” is the 2025 theme for PLMA’s Annual Private Label Trade Show, scheduled for Nov. 16-18 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. The announcement comes at a time of record-setting sales for the store brands industry. In 2024, private label sales reached $271 billion, an increase of $9 billion from […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Snacks Brands
NCA Report: Confectionery Sales Break Records, Surpass $54B
Confectionery sales topped $54 billion in 2024, according to the 2025 State of Treating report published March 3 by the National Confectioners Association. The report forecasts that U.S. confectionery sales will grow over the next five years, exceeding $70 billion in all outlets by 2029. Across the board, consumers are concerned about the price of groceries, which […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, National
Circana Report Highlights New Era Of Private Label Transformation
Circana has released two new reports highlighting the continued global momentum of retailers’ private label products. Initially driven by cost-conscious shoppers, private labels have evolved into sought-after options as consumers recognize their quality and variety. Circana’s global research, From Growth to Transformation: A Global Private Label Perspective, explores regional approaches to private brands across the European […]