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 […]
Category: National
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 […]