McCormick has released the 25th edition of the Flavor Forecast, its annual report on the latest culinary trends, naming Aji Amarillo as the 2025 Flavor of the Year. Aji Amarillo, which translates to “yellow chile pepper” in English, is native to South America, where it is a staple ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. The pepper has fruity, […]
Category: National
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, National
Badge Wins 2025 FMItech Pitch Competition
FMI – The Food Industry Association announced Badge as the champion of the fourth-annual FMItech Pitch Competition held during the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference Jan. 30-Feb. 2 on Marco Island, Florida. Three finalists presented food industry technology solutions, with conference attendees casting votes to determine the winner. “I’m thrilled to see how the FMItech Pitch Competition continues […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Ask The Experts, National
Candy And Snacks: A Winning Formula For Independent Retailers
Sponsored content A Q&A with Anne-Marie Roerink, principal of 210 Analytics 2024 Trends: Balancing Value and Indulgence Q: What were the major trends shaping the retail, candy and snacks landscape in 2024? The dominant story of 2024 was the “value balancing act,” as consumers skillfully navigated between indulgence and practicality. This year saw a surge […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Hails 2025 Executive Leadership Award Recipients
FMI – The Food Industry Association has honored eight executives with the 2025 Executive Leadership Award for embodying the core values of the food industry through their community engagement, innovation and exceptional customer service The awards, which were presented during FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference on Marco Island, Florida, went to: SPAR International’s Tobias Wasmuht; H-E-B’s James Harris; […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
NGA Foundation Seeking ELDP Nominations
The National Grocers Association (NGA) Foundation is accepting nominations for grocery industry leaders to participate in its Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), which is set for June 1-5 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Sponsored by PepsiCo, the ELDP is reserved for employees of retailer and wholesaler members of NGA. Participants should be mid- […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Promotes Key Leaders In Three Departments
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced three promotions – Peter Collins to VP of business development and membership; Ashley Eisenbeiser to VP of food and product safety programs; and Deborah Stewart to director of registration services. “Our members appreciate that FMI’s core strength resides in the dedication and expertise of its talented staff,” said […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
New Year, Fresh Start – ‘Hope’ As Positive Attitude Can Help Guide Leaders
by Steve Black A new year always brings a fresh start and renewed motivation and hope. Hope for many areas of our lives to get better. Hope that most of the impacts from COVID-19 are behind us. Hope that the employment situation will calm and turn in the right direction. Hope for our businesses to […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, Snacks Brands
NCA Names 2025 Golden, Silver Candy Dish Award Recipients
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named the recipients of the 2025 Golden and Silver Candy Dish Awards. Lyndi Verstrate, business manager at Shankman & Associates, will receive the Golden Candy Dish Award, while the Silver Candy Dish Award will go to Mike Farley, VP of sales at Goetze’s Candy Co. The awards will be […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA Releases Annual Impact Report
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has released its 2024 Annual Impact Report, highlighting the organization’s work with and on behalf of the industry over the past year. CEO Cathy Burns praised the IFPA community and leadership for helping advance the priorities that matter most to the fresh produce and floral industry. “As we approached 2024, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Bungee Tech, Clear Demand Merge
Clear Demand and Bungee Tech have merged to create a single artificial intelligence-powered pricing optimization and competitive intelligence platform. The merger combines Clear Demand’s price and promotion optimization solutions with Bungee Tech’s advanced competitive intelligence program. The combined company will operate under the Clear Demand name. Alex Moorhead, executive chairman of Clear Demand, is the company’s […]
Posted inAssociation News, IGA, Independent Store News, National
IGA Names 8 Retailer Of The Year Honorees
The Independent Grocers Alliance has selected eight stores as IGA USA Retailers of the Year, the highest honor it bestows upon its members. The awards are presented annually to grocers who have best provided leadership and excellence in their communities. Each store was nominated by its licensed distribution center (LDC). The retailers, who will be […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Government Relations Committee Charts 2025 Path
The National Grocers Association’s (NGA) Government Relations Committee concluded its annual policy planning meeting Jan. 23, discussing a comprehensive plan for 2025 aimed at protecting and strengthening independent grocers and fostering their growth in a fair and competitive marketplace. “NGA’s Government Relations Committee has created a policy plan that will tackle key issues impacting independent […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Topco Appoints Lagasse As EVP, COO
Topco Associates LLC has appointed Manard Lagasse as the organization’s EVP and chief operating officer. Lagasse will assume overall responsibility for several of Topco’s programs, including center store, fresh and the indirect spend programs. In addition, he will oversee Topco’s member development, commodities, supply chain and quality assurance areas. “Manard brings a wealth of experience to our […]
Posted inSupply Chain News, National, Sustainability News
Aldi Joins Supplier LOCT Initiative To Reduce Carbon Emissions
Aldi, along with Avantor and McCain Foods, has joined the Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition (Supplier LOCT), a consortium launched in 2021 to accelerate progress toward science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. The new members join a group of sustainability leaders from across the globe that are dedicated to reducing Scope 3 carbon emissions. “Suppliers […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, National
Increasing Loyalty And Profitability From New Mom Shoppers
Sponsored content It’s not every day that you get a Sunday morning voicemail from the CEO of one of the largest grocery chains in the U.S. He had just encountered a problem all too familiar to many new moms shopping with an infant. While shopping at one of his stores with his daughter and 5-week-old […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, National
Logile Introduces Scale Management Solution For Fresh Operations
Logile has launched its cloud-based Scale Management Solution, an addition to its Fresh Inventory Management portfolio. This solution streamlines scale operations for food retailers, enabling seamless data synchronization, accurate labeling and enhanced regulatory compliance. Following a pilot at Vallarta Supermarkets, the solution is rolling out across all its locations, with additional implementations planned for 2025 at other retailers. Developed with […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Dairy News, National
Survey: Consumers Turn To Frozen, Dairy Aisles To Keep Resolutions
As millions of Americans tackle their New Year’s resolutions, new research reveals the frozen and dairy aisles are becoming important destinations for achieving health, budget and convenience goals. According to a survey commissioned by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA), 66 percent of Americans say pre-portioned ingredients help them achieve their health goals, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
ReposiTrak, Upshop Begin Partnership To Enable Grocery Retail Traceability
ReposiTrak and Upshop have announced a global partnership to integrate their technology platforms, connecting traceability data from the supply chain to the retail store. The partnership creates a connection that: Leverages ReposiTrak’s network of thousands of suppliers and their traceability shipment data and Upshop’s network of more than 450 retailers and their retail stores; Enables […]
Posted inBeverage News, Association News, National, Snacks Brands
FTC Sues PepsiCo For Illegal Price Discrimination
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued PepsiCo Inc., contending the company has engaged in illegal price discrimination by providing one customer – a large, big-box retailer – with unfair advantages, while raising prices for competing retailers and customers. The FTC’s complaint maintains that Pepsi is providing this customer with promotional payments and allowances without […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, National, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Health Expands Prescription Drug Safety Education Program
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., has expanded the “Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth” program, its prescription drug safety program for high school students. This initiative is part of Kroger Health’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness about the safe use, storage and disposal of prescription medications. It is made available at […]