In what they described as an opportunity to move closer to becoming a dominant distributor of Middle Eastern foods in the U.S., Warren, Michigan-based Lipari Foods and Clifton, New Jersey-based Baroody Imports Inc. announced they have combined forces. Lipari, a specialty food distributor who recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, and Baroody, a wholesale distributor of […]
Category: National
Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, National
Stakeholders Gather for NGA Meeting On Healthy Benefit Cards
The National Grocers Association held a first meeting June 8 to discuss solutions for providing access to healthy benefit cards in high-need communities served by independent grocers. The association convened 30 stakeholders from across the healthy benefit card industry, including health insurance companies, payment networks, point-of-sale system providers and independent community grocers. Healthy benefit programs, […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
FMI Leader Lays Out Six Imperatives Facing The Food Industry Today
By Janet Jones Kendall, FMI Smartbrief After the pandemic forced years of shortened vision and focus on constantly changing issues within the food and other industries, it is now time for leaders to focus on bigger-picture issues facing the industry today, said FMI — The Food Industry Association — President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin in a State […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, National
BRdata Acquires Accelitec To Expand Loyalty Platform
Melville, New York-based BRdata has acquired Bellingham, Washington-based Accelitec, a software company that specializes in offering a complete loyalty suite to retailers. According to the company in a statement, more independent grocers will be able to implement the same type of rewards program that large chains offer to consumers. This includes access to wallet credits, […]
Posted inAssociation News, Midwest, National
NGA To Hold Upcoming Store Operations Summit In Kansas City, MO
Grocery leaders focused on store operations are planning to attend the Store Operations Summit, the latest event in the National Grocers Association’s Engage Series, taking place July 24-26 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown in Kansas City, Missouri. Registration is open for the summit, designed for store leaders who are focused on store operations and […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, National
Earlier Easter Challenges Meat Department Sales
The average price per pound in the meat department across all cuts and kinds, both fixed and random weight, stood at $4.45 in April, according to Circana and 210 Analytics. Prices increased slightly year-on-year, at 1.3 percent – continuing a trend of moderating levels. Looking at the full 52 weeks ending April 30, the average […]
Posted inPlant-Based News, National
Planning For Plant-Based: Getting Ahead Of Holiday Baking Trends
Sponsored content Gear up for a delightful holiday season filled with home baking! As we start planning for the festive period, retailers should be prepared to meet the demands of consumers who are increasingly seeking out plant-based alternatives for their delectable holiday treats. With the growing trend of healthier food choices, it’s important to stock […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Touts Legislation For Permanent Ban On EBT Processing Fees
The National Grocers Association has shared its support for the Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act, a bill promoted by Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH) that would prohibit processing fees on benefit cards provided to SNAP participants. “Independent community grocers are essential partners in SNAP, providing access to nutritious and affordable foods for American families in need. […]
Posted inPackaging News, National
Saucemerica Collection From Heinz Celebrates U.S. States
Rolling out nationwide through August, Heinz has launched The United States of Saucemerica Collection, a limited edition lineup of 50 U.S.-inspired condiment packaging designs. Saucemerica packets are available in seven condiment varieties, with each packet’s design corresponding to one of the 50 states and its most notable dish. Heinz is encouraging consumers to collect as […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Salutes 2023 ELDP Graduates
The National Grocers Association Foundation has completed its 2023 Executive Leadership Development Program, a four-day session that included a mix of interactive leadership instruction and personalized coaching presented by respected academics and industry leaders. The program, held June 4-8 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and sponsored by PepsiCo, welcomed 43 participants from a […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Online Grocery Sales Decline 3.4 Percent In May Versus Year Ago
The U.S. online grocery market finished May with $6.9 billion in total sales, down 3.4 percent compared to last year’s $7.2 billion, according to the latest monthly Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey fielded May 30-31. The dip in overall sales for May was driven by a combination of fewer households buying groceries online during […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
5 Questions For Carlos Castro
by Jim Dudlicek / NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs The president and CEO of Todos Neighborhood Market in Woodbridge, Virginia, shares his thoughts about the state of the industry for independent grocers and his outlook for the coming months. Challenges of the past year continue to linger into 2023, and despite a gradual easing […]
Posted inNew Products, National
Circana Shares 2022 New Product Pacesetters Report
Circana, formerly IRI and The NPD Group, has released its 2022 New Product Pacesetters, the 28th annual report revealing the top new product launches across food and beverage and nonfood sectors. The report reveals that consumer spending on new product offerings remained elevated last year despite challenges surrounding high inflation, supply chain adjustments and ingredient […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
New IDDBA President Addresses Industry Concerns At 2023 Show
Attracting and retaining employees, addressing customer wants and needs and working in partnership to advance the industry were topics addressed by new IDDBA President David Haaf, who spoke at the organization’s recent show in Anaheim, California. First impressions are critical in recruiting top talent, according to Haaf. “Some of our country’s Fortune 500 companies having […]
Posted inMarketing News, National
Global Store Tours: IDDBA Presenter Explores Grocery Marketing Around The Globe
“We see daily deals, we see weekend deals, we see all these different ways to engage with people in different time periods.” This is how Anne-Marie Roerink, principal at 210 Analytics LLC, began her presentation at the What’s In Store Live stage June 5 at the IDDBA Show in Anaheim, California. Titled “Global Store Tours: […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
Inflation, Recession, Obsession – How Retailers Can Navigate An Unpredictable Market
Were you a math kid or a reading kid? Right brain or left? As retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and technology partners, we clearly need a hearty dose of right brain creativity to be successful in the grocery business. Just as important, we also need some good math chops. We wouldn’t survive long if we couldn’t count […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Advocates For Competition, SNAP During Fly-In
On June 7, the National Grocers Association concluded its second Fly-In for Fair Competition, an event whose main policy focus is enforcing and strengthening the Robinson-Patman Act, a 1930s’ era law that prohibits price discrimination against smaller retailers. Independent grocers engaged with congressional offices about the importance of acting now to end dominant food retailers’ […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Welcomes Introduction Of Credit Card Competition Act
The National Grocers Association voiced its support June 8 for the Credit Card Competition Act introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) that would bring much needed competition to the credit card marketplace after years of excessive swipe fees that harm small businesses […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Association News, National
Study Finds Grocers Ready To Jumpstart Innovation With Suppliers
More than 80 percent of respondents to a recent FMI survey of industry executives for its report, “The Power of Private Brands 2023: Innovation that Drives Winning Private Brands,” said they plan to increase private brand investments moderately or significantly in the next two years. At the same time, the analysis suggests just 10 percent of […]
Posted inFeature, National
Hanks’ Talk On ‘Experience Business’ Entertains, Informs
The ballroom at the Anaheim Convention Center was standing room only as actor Tom Hanks took the stage June 5 at the 2023 IDDBA Show. Know for his film roles in “Forrest Gump,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Cast Away” and many others, Hanks also is a producer, director and writer. Attendees were given copies of his […]