FMI – The Food Industry Association welcomed the Federal Reserve Board of Governors’ decision in a 6-1 vote to initiate a proposed rulemaking that would reduce the regulated debit interchange rate and adjust the rate every two years consistent with data. Merchants like grocery stores are required to pay debit interchange fees to process debit card transactions. In […]
Category: National
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National
NFRA Elects 2024 Officers, Directors
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) elected its association officers and members of the board of directors for 2023-24 at its annual board meeting on Oct. 7. Neil Ritchey, VP of consumer brands with InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises, was elected to serve as chairman of the board. Ritchey has served on the NFRA Board […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Honors Members For Industry Service, Advocacy
The National Grocers Association (NGA) recognized three of its members this week for their commitment, service and political advocacy on behalf of the grocery industry. The awards were presented during the NGA Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit, held Oct. 22-25 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. Mike Stigers, president of Wakefern Food Corp., […]
Posted inFeature, Amazon Fresh, National, Shelby Signature Content, Snacks Brands, Whole Foods
Sales Of Confections Posting Increases Across Categories
Even with inflation and price increases, consumers still are focused on food and beverages, including confections. In an Aug. 23 webinar presented by Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, Dan Sadler, principle of client insights at market research firm Circana, took a deeper look into the confections industry. Looking at dollar sales percent change versus a […]
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National
New Frozen Foods Research Shows Steady Shopping Behavior
New research in the Power of Frozen in Retail report finds that frozen foods maintain their relevance to grocery shoppers and offer a suite of valuable benefits that meet their mealtime needs. The third edition of the report, released Oct. 24 by the American Frozen Food Institute and FMI – The Food Industry Association, reports that frozen […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Cybersecurity Update For Independent Grocers
October is National Cybersecurity Month, providing independent grocers with a timely opportunity to catch up on the latest advances in cybersecurity. It’s always a good time to assess whether you’re vulnerable to hackers, where the weaknesses are in your systems and what you need to do now to beef up your security measures to protect […]
Posted inProduce News, National
IFPA Wraps Global Produce & Floral Show In Anaheim
The International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show ended Oct. 21 in Anaheim, California, with the general opinion that it was “the best show ever.” “Coming back to Anaheim for the first time as IFPA, I could not be more impressed and inspired by the support the global produce and industry gave us […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Convenes Executive Conference And Public Policy Summit
Hundreds of top leaders in the independent grocery industry gathered in the nation’s capital Oct. 23 for three days of future-focused education, strategic planning and networking during the National Grocers Association’s Executive Conference and Public Policy Summit. The event continues through Oct. 25 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. The Executive Conference and Public Policy […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Feature, National
Panel At IFPA Global Produce And Floral Show Addresses AI
“Technology does not scale linearly. It scales exponentially.” That comment from Patrick Vizzone, executive director of DiMuto, perhaps best sums up the CEO Panel on Oct. 19 at the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, California. The panel – Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president and CEO of SHRM; Elliott Grant, CEO of Mineral, […]
Posted inCenter Store, National
Olive Oil Under Pressure: How To Keep Your Store Brand Competitive
Sponsored content Olive oil is more popular than ever as a cooking oil in the U.S., with nearly half of all households using it. But at the same time, a historic drought in Spain and a Turkish ban on bulk olive oil experts means that olive oil prices are also hitting all-time highs. So how […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Names 17 New Directors To Its Board
FMI – The Food Industry Association announced that 17 industry leaders, representing the breadth of the product supplier and retailer/wholesaler communities, have been elected to its board of directors. “FMI is incredibly grateful to have leaders from across the food industry serve on our Board of Directors, who believe whole-heartedly in our mission to feed […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
NGA Introduces Grocery Guard Outreach Program
In an effort to strengthen its advocacy efforts by establishing precise connections on Capitol Hill, the National Grocers Association has unveiled its Grocery Guard program. The program is a nationwide network of owners and industry leaders who have volunteered to contact a member of Congress when the independent grocery industry needs to relay the importance […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, C-Store News, Feature, National
Tech, Foodservice Paramount At NACS Show
Over the past 20 years, convenience stores have become much more than a place to pick up drinks, snacks or a magazine. “But what does the next 20 years look like,” asked Jeff Lenard, VP of strategic industry initiatives for the National Association of Convenience Stores. The size of the industry itself attests to its […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
US Foods’ CHEF’STORE To Use RELEX To Unify Processes
RELEX Solutions, a provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions, has been selected by US Foods’ CHEF’STORE to unify its forecast and replenishment, space planning and promotion planning and optimization solutions. RELEX Solutions will support US Foods’ CHEF’STORE’s more than 85 locations throughout the U.S., allowing the chain to achieve greater supply chain […]
Posted inCenter Store, Amazon Fresh, National, Whole Foods
Diamond Crystal Salt Co. Introduces Fine Kosher Baking Salt
Diamond Crystal Salt Co. has introduced Fine Kosher Baking Salt, designed specifically for baking. The Minneapolis-based company said the salt’s finer-cut crystals dissolve, mix and blend faster and more evenly into batters and doughs than table salt. Using Cargill’s proprietary Alberger refinement process, the baking salt delivers increased flavor and is free of additives. The […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Amazon Fresh, National, Whole Foods
September Online Grocery Sales Dip Versus Last Year
The online grocery market in the U.S. declined 3.1 percent in September versus last year, ending the month with $7.5 billion in sales, according to the latest monthly Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey. Declines in frequency and spending per order contributed to the drop, while an expanded base of monthly users softened the slip […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
August Is Tough Month For Seafood Sales At Retail
Fresh and frozen seafood prices were lower this August than last, according to Circana, 210 Analytics and Elanco. Fresh shellfish had the deepest cuts in price, but all areas show very favorable conditions to consumers in August and improvements over the latest 52-week look. Inflation in powerhouse salmon has come down substantially. In August, prices […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Upside Expands Into Mobile Payments, Refreshes Branding
Upside has begun a series of product and brand identity changes, including mobile payment options and a refreshed logo to enhance food retailer and user experiences. “While our core remains unchanged, our company’s product evolution and rebranding signify the strides we are taking in this new phase of growth and our unwavering dedication to delivering enhanced value […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
NAPAR Rebrands As Produce Distributors Association
Originally founded in 1989, NAPAR (National Association of Perishable Agricultural Receivers) has been rebranded into the Produce Distributors Association. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it is the first organization of its kind that solely advocates for fresh produce distributors. Initially an east coast-based organization made up of terminal market members, a key goal of the organization is […]
Posted inAssociation News, Amazon Fresh, Guest Contributors, National, Whole Foods
What Grocers Need To Know About Omnichannel For 2024
With year-over-year online channel sales up 17 percent and vastly outpacing in-store growth, understanding omnichannel shopper behavior is vital for retailers of all sizes. As independent grocers, how can you better understand today’s omni shoppers? In a recent webinar hosted by the National Grocers Association, experts from Nielsen IQ offered valuable insights along with a […]