Topco Associates LLC recently held its Annual Membership Conference, where the cooperative honored several members that achieved significant sales and volume growth across its programs during 2024, while also introducing a new award. “The membership experienced a record year in growth, not only through the performance of Topco and member own brands but in key […]
Category: National
Posted inCorporate Store News, Dollar General, National
Dollar General Adds SNAP/EBT Payments To DoorDash Platform
DoorDash and Dollar General have created a new offering to bring SNAP/EBT payment capabilities to more than 16,000 of the retailer’s stores on the DoorDash Marketplace. With the addition of Dollar General, DoorDash’s network of stores that accept SNAP/EBT online payments nearly doubles to more than 35,000 stores. “Dollar General’s mission of ‘Serving Others’ includes […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
Leading With Culture Of ‘Whispering Pines’
by Steve Black We’ve lived in the Rocky Mountains for the last 10 years. As we spend more time in the High Country – and when I go on my daily walks or sit out on the deck enjoying the views of the snowcapped Rocky Mountains and the sea of green pine trees stretching as […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, National, News
FMI Report: Seafood Sales Struggle Despite Perception As Healthy Option
FMI – The Food Industry Association released its Power of Seafood 2025 report during Seafood Expo North America, which runs March 16-18 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The seventh edition of the report explores shifting consumer attitudes, purchasing behaviors and untapped opportunities for the seafood department despite lackluster category performance. The reasons for the […]
Posted inBeverage News, National, News
PepsiCo To Acquire Prebiotic Soda Brand Poppi
PepsiCo has entered into an agreement to acquire poppi, a fast-growing prebiotic soda brand, for $1.95 billion, including $300 million of anticipated cash tax benefits, for a net purchase price of $1.65 billion. The transaction also includes an additional potential earn-out consideration subject to the achievement of certain performance milestones within a specified period after closing of […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
IGA CEO: ‘It’s the price of groceries, Stupid.’
Famously, Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign used the phrase, “It’s the economy, Stupid” as a point of focus for Bill Clinton when he ran for his first term in office. Meant to ensure the campaign didn’t get distracted from the key message, the polls and market research clearly showed that the number one issue facing voters […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
NFRA Report: How Frozen Foods Support Evolving Cooking Habits
The way Americans cook is evolving, and the freezer aisle is leading the charge. Once seen as just a place for convenience meals, today’s frozen options provide fresh-tasting ingredients, chef-inspired meals and budget-friendly solutions for every lifestyle. And with March as Frozen Food Month, it’s a great time to explore everything it has to offer. […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News
Independent Grocers’ 2025 Policy Priorities: Fairer, More Competitive Marketplace
As independent grocers navigate an ever-evolving retail landscape, policy decisions in Washington loom large over the future of our industry. From leveling the playing field with power buyers to protecting consumer choice and addressing rising operating costs, the National Grocers Association is committed to advocating for policies that ensure a vibrant, competitive grocery marketplace. With […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
EPA Rollback of HFC Regulations Eases Compliance Costs for Independent Grocers
In a win for independent grocers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rolled back regulations targeting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration systems, a move the National Grocers Association (NGA) calls “a critical step toward leveling the playing field” for community-focused supermarkets. The decision, announced March 12, eliminates costly compliance mandates that burden small and independent grocery […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Corporate Store News, National
Grocery Industry Faces Inflation, Tariff Uncertainty, FMI Reports
The grocery industry is grappling with many challenges, including inflation and the threat of tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s 2025 Inflation & Food Price Outlook. Andrew Harig, FMI’s VP of tax, trade, sustainability and policy development, highlighted the mixed signals in recent inflation data during […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, National, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Topco Associates Shares Membership Updates
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; […]
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National
AFFI-CON 2025 Sets Record For Frozen Ingredients Show
A record crowd of more than 1,600 professionals from frozen ingredient suppliers, processors, retailers and service providers attended AFFI-CON 2025, which the American Frozen Food Institute hosted Feb. 22-25 in Dallas. “As the premier frozen ingredients show, AFFI-CON brings together the global frozen food supply chain and offers unparalleled value,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison […]
Posted in, Guest Contributors, National, Online Grocery Technology
Unlocking Power Of Retail Media Networks For Independent Retailers
by Mark Baum, chief collaboration officer, SVP, industry affairs, FMI – The Food Industry Association Independent retailers have long enjoyed the loyalty of their customers, offering personalized service and a unique shopping experience. This deep-rooted consumer trust is their greatest asset – and now, retail media networks present an opportunity to transform that loyalty into […]