The Consumer Brands Association has named Genna Gent EVP of industry engagement, effective May 17. “This is such an important hire at such an important time for the association, and I could not be more pleased to be welcoming Genna to the team,” said David Chavern, president and CEO. “Genna brings exceptional experience as a […]
Category: National
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
USDA Opens Two Grant Programs For Underserved Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of up to $125 million through two new grant programs. These programs will create more options for meat and poultry farmers by investing in independent, local meat and poultry processing projects that increase competition and enhance the resiliency of the food supply chain. They are part […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Grocery Store Equipment, National
Redner’s Markets Deploys Co-Branded Conveyor Belt Campaign
Redner’s Markets, in partnership with P&G and DoorDash, has rolled out a new retail media campaign on MessageWrap conveyor belt wraps at checkouts across its 44 stores throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. The MessageWraps feature P&G’s brands – such as Tide, Bounty, Febreze, Dawn, Charmin and Cascade – with product images scrolling across as the conveyor […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Experts Optimistic That Inflation Will Decrease In 2023
FMI – the Food Industry Association hosted a briefing March 15, “Impact of Inflation on Grocery Shopper Buying Habits: Looking Inside Inflation’s Black Box,” to discuss what lies ahead for food prices in 2023. The briefing looked at how higher prices have impacted shopper buying habits and how grocers are responding to the economic climate […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Albertsons, Association News, Guest Contributors, National
Exploring Possible Deal Thesis Behind Proposed Albertsons/Kroger Merger
I’ve been asked a lot lately about the Albertsons/Kroger merger and what it means for our industry. Every time I think, “What is the deal thesis behind the merger? What can they do together they can’t already do separately?” For example, would combining them save a bunch of costs? They won’t need two CFOs or […]
Posted inAssociation News, Amazon Fresh, National, Whole Foods
Winning The Pizza Battle Can Be Easy As Pie For Independent Grocers
by Jim Dudlicek / NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs “The pizza battle is on, and grocery stores are winning.” So declares Dana Baggett, client strategy director in the restaurant division at market researcher Vericast, whose recent study of consumers’ pizza preferences suggests inflation is pushing folks to swap their takeout apps for their grocer’s […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
2023 Independent Grocers Financial Survey Open To Participation
by Jim Dudlicek / NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs Independent grocers are invited to participate in the 2023 Independent Grocers Financial Survey. A joint effort of FMS Solutions and the National Grocers Association for more than 15 years, the study has become a critical benchmarking tool for independent grocers. “The information you provide for […]
Posted inMerchandising News, National, Private Label Brands
Study Reports Shoppers Choosing Store Brands, Private Labels
Salsify has announced the findings of new consumer research that reveals 63 percent of shoppers are choosing store brands or private labels due to their low prices. The study also shows that pandemic habits persist with 68 percent of respondents indicating that they are shopping more online, with delivery speed and flexibility being the No. 1 […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Report Reveals Fewer Shoppers Cutting Back On Purchases
A survey of grocery shoppers’ spending habits and attitudes by FMI – The Food Industry Association, conducted by The Hartman Group, reveals that while shoppers remain concerned about rising food prices, consumers are less likely to cut back on their number of purchases. Among shoppers who are concerned about rising food prices, only 32 percent of shoppers […]
Posted inAssociation News, Lipari Foods, National
Keeping Independents On-Trend And Competitive
by Jim Dudlicek / NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs I was fortunate to be a guest at this year’s Lipari Foods show late last month in suburban Detroit, where organizers estimate more than 7,000 people came through the doors to visit over 750 booths sampling more than 15,000 items in every food category. If […]
Posted inFrozen Food, National
Study Finds Consumers Choosing Frozen Pizza Over Restaurants
According to research conducted by San Antonio-based Vericast, about 40 percent of consumers have no preference when choosing a pizza place, and due to inflation, 13 percent of recent pizza restaurant guests are opting for frozen or non-restaurant pizza. “Based on sales and traffic numbers, some believe the big four pizza brands (Dominos, Pizza Hut, […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
National Pork Board Names First Chief Sustainability Officer
The National Pork Board has named James “Jamie” Burr as its first chief sustainability officer. Beginning March 27, Burr leads the sustainability team of five public health, animal welfare and environmental experts tasked with advancing the pork industry’s sustainability goals and metrics. “Jamie’s input has been invaluable to several key producer-funded initiatives for more than a […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
March eGrocery Sales Drop As Cost Pressures Increase
The U.S. eGrocery market in March posted $8 billion in total sales, down 7.6 percent compared to last year, according to the monthly Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey fielded March 30-31. The year-over-year decline was driven by the large core eGrocery segments of delivery and pickup, which contracted 7.4 percent and 8.5 percent respectively, as well […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, National
Ahold Delhaize Holds Annual Shareholder Meeting
Ahold Delhaize held its annual general meeting April 12 in a hybrid set-up, meaning shareholders attended and asked questions in-person and virtually. Attendees adopted all proposals on the agenda, including the company’s 2022 financial statements and reappointments to the management and supervisory boards. The meeting was attended by 136 shareholders, representing approximately 660 million shares. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, Meijer, National, Whole Foods
Market Force Study Ranks Top U.S. Grocery Brands
Market Force has released new research covering the top U.S. grocery brands among consumers. With rampant inflation, shoppers are citing price and value as reasons why they are either switching where they shop or splitting their business between multiple grocery stores. Sensitivity to pricing is a major factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions and it is […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
FMI Promotes Graber To Associate General Counsel
FMI – The Food Industry Association has promoted Dana Graber to associate general counsel and senior director, legal and regulatory affairs. “Anyone who has had the opportunity to work alongside Dana knows that she is an indispensable member of the FMI team,” said Stephanie Harris, chief regulatory officer and general counsel. “She is a talented attorney who […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
What You Should Know About New FDA Food Code
by Jim Dudlicek / NGA Director of Communications and External Affairs The FDA Food Code is actually not a regulation – each regulatory jurisdiction must determine if they will adopt the new 2022 Food Code. To review key changes in order to see, before they become law, how these amendments could impact independent grocers’ store […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
Seafood Shows Growth, But Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
Fresh seafood prices had just a small uptick in February versus February last year across all three merchandising zones, according to a monthly report by IRI, 210 Analytics and Elanco. Only fresh finfish had lingering inflation of 5.3 percent when compared to February 2022 pricing levels. Over the latest 52 weeks, seafood prices increased 7.4 […]
Posted inPackaging News, National
Packaging Report Indicates Increased Optimism Amid Uncertainty
The Foodservice Packaging Institute’s 2023 State of the Industry Report reveals that the industry is seeing a steady comeback since the slowdown of the pandemic, despite current economic uncertainty. Results show that 60 percent of foodservice packaging manufacturers and suppliers experienced growth in volume, which is down 20 percent compared with last year’s large increase […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
Experts Optimistic That Inflation Will Decrease Over Course Of Year
Major influencers include severe weather events, trucking and labor issues FMI – the Food Industry Association hosted a briefing March 15, “Impact of Inflation on Grocery Shopper Buying Habits: Looking Inside Inflation’s Black Box,” to cover what lies ahead for food prices in 2023. The briefing looked at how higher prices have impacted shopper buying […]