FMI – The Food Industry Association has filed extensive comments with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors on its proposed rulemaking to lower the debit regulated rate, the swipe fee that grocers and other merchants pay for accepting debit cards for transactions. “The debit regulated rate was initially set by the Federal Reserve in 2011. Since then, the Fed’s own […]
Category: National
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI: April CPI Report ‘Incredibly Positive News For Grocery Shoppers’
The April Consumer Price Index Report (CPI) demonstrates the “process of taming inflation continues,” according to Andy Harig, FMI – The Food Industry Association VP of tax, trade, sustainability and policy development. He noted food-at-home was a particular bright spot in the data. “On a month-over-month basis, inflation for food-at-home actually went negative at minus […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
Snack Industry Remains Strong Despite Inflation
The snack food industry is “still strong in the U.S.” due to some significant changes, according to Sally Lyons Wyatt, global EVP and chief advisor of consumer goods and foodservice insights at Circana. Lyons presented “The State of Snack Food Industry: It’s A Snack Journey” education session during the Sweets and Snacks Expo, which runs […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Launches 2024 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends Series
Shoppers enjoy food shopping as much as ever, according to the latest annual survey by FMI – The Food Industry Association, conducted by The Hartman Group. The analysis kicking off this 2024 series, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Finding Value, provides a crucial snapshot of consumer behavior and sentiment in the most frequently purchased consumer category amid ongoing concerns […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Meijer, National, The Kroger Co.
IFPA Names Retail Produce Manager Award Recipients
For their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, 20 produce managers have been recognized by the 2024 Retail Produce Managers Award Program from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). “On the front lines, produce managers work incredibly hard to keep the produce department stocked, creatively merchandized and inviting to customers,” said Joe Watson, IFPA’s VP of retail, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Givex’s Coupon Portal To Boost ROFDA’S Wholesale Partners
Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) has begun a partnership with Givex Inc. to use its Enterprise Coupon Portal for new coupon and deal management, with the goal of enhancing shoppers’ savings and increasing loyalty and brand awareness. Formed in 1962 to enhance the success of independent retail grocers, ROFDA is a cooperative representing […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, The Kroger Co.
FMI Names 2024 Store Manager Award Winners
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named the winners of the 2024 Store Manager Awards, shining a spotlight on the store managers who bring their passion and talents to serve their store, employees and customers. The FMI Store Manager Award nominations are submitted by peers and food retail companies to recognize outstanding managers who generate […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Report: Online Grocery Sales To Outpace In-Store Through 2028
Overall grocery sales in the U.S. are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1.6 percent through 2028, much slower than the 5.6 percent posted over the five years ending in 2023, which were powered by the COVID-19 pandemic and price inflation. This is among the key takeaways from a new report, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Guest Contributors, National
Inflation, Diversity and Other Hot Buttons
The post-pandemic period is offering independent grocers challenges that operationally may pale in comparison to those of the COVID-19 era but are adding pressure to the bottom line and the way supermarket operators are perceived by consumers. Inflation has driven up the cost of most aspects of doing business in a way that has made […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
ROFDA Members Select Instacart For Retail Media Network
ROFDA wholesalers, representing more than 2,250 stores, will use Instacart’s Carrot Ads to power their retail media networks. The partnership enables advertisers to drive sales at thousands of local independent grocers more easily and efficiently, better supporting the communities they serve. “This is one of the largest examples of cooperation and collaboration across the independent […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Bravo Supermarkets, Grocery News, Home Page Latest News, National
Best In Class: Optimizing Mother’s Day Sales In Grocery
As Mother’s Day approaches, the aisles of grocery stores nationwide transform into battlegrounds for consumer attention. Best-In-Class retailers, both large and small, understand the best strategy for optimizing Mother’s Day sales and many other occasions goes beyond focusing on volume. They are winning hearts and capturing sales by offering a personalized, heartfelt shopping experience tailored to […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA Washington Conference Shifting To June
Registration has opened for IFPA’s 2024 The Washington Conference, with produce and floral’s most influential public policy event moving to June to better align with the congressional calendar and influence policymakers ahead of the election. Set for June 10-12 in Washington, D.C., the annual event unites all segments of the fresh produce and floral industry […]
Posted inProduce News, National
IFPA Honoring Nine For Produce Excellence In Foodservice
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has named the winners of the 2024 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards. Sponsored by FreshEdge, the awards program honors chefs and foodservice operators across the country for their produce innovation, creativity and all-around excellence in using fresh produce in the culinary arts. Along with global exposure, the recipients also […]
Posted inMarketing News, National
Loyalty Membership Does Not Spell Loyal Behavior For Shoppers
Sponsored content Increasing customer loyalty is a top priority for grocers. When asked, they consistently rate the following as their top priorities: Building brand affinity Increasing return visits Boosting customer lifetime value During the pandemic, grocery retailers made forward-thinking pivots like differentiated digital experiences and special promotions that helped them win new and loyal customers. […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Registration Opens For IFPA Global Produce, Floral Show
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has opened registration for its annual Global Produce and Floral Show, which is set for Oct. 17-19 in Atlanta. “I’m always excited to see how this show evolves to meet the needs of our members and our industry,” said Nelia Alamo of Markon, co-chair of the show. “Just one […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Earlier Easter Helps Boost Fresh Produce Sales
March 2024 fresh produce sales reached $8.8 billion, according to a recent report by Circana and 210 Analytics. In a strong month, produce units increased by 3 percent, with gains for fruit and vegetables. The full year also experienced increases in dollars and units. While fresh produce unit sales rose 3 percent, volume in pounds […]
Posted inIndustry Leaders Speak, National
Customized POS Solutions Enhance, Protect Today’s Grocers
Sponsored content Supermarket retailers are increasingly focused on meeting consumer expectations for seamless, personalized and hyper-efficient shopper experiences. To help them achieve that goal, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions recently introduced the TCx 900 point-of-sale system. Engineered with retail in mind, the TCx 900 is a robust solution with a small footprint and is designed to […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, National
Walmart Scraps Health Center Concept
Walmart shared in a recent blog post that the retailer will close all 51 Walmart Health centers, as well as Walmart Health Virtual Care. Through its experience operating the centers, the retailer “determined there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue.” Walmart does not have a date for when each center will […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Why You Should Be A Part Of The Independent Community
Becoming a member of the National Grocers Association makes you a part of a community based on relationships. NGA is a collaborative network built on trust, with each member helping to make each other, and the collective, stronger as one. The association helps to amplify the story of independent operators and their vendor partners throughout […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Store Ops Summit Helps Grocers Sharpen Their Focus On Fresh
The fresh perimeter is the epicenter of growth and excitement in the grocery store. For most supermarkets, it’s the front door of the shopping experience – it’s where retailers make their first impression, offering a feast for the senses, from fruits and vegetables to bakery and deli to meat and seafood. And it accounts for […]