Posted inCenter Store, National, News

Freshpet First Pet Food Brand To Receive Clean Label Project Certification

New Jersey-based Freshpet has become the first pet food brand to secure Clean Label Project Certification and receive the organization’s Purity Award across its U.S. and Canadian product portfolio. Clean Label Project is a nonprofit that tests products for contaminants not disclosed on labels. The Purity Award is reserved for the top third of performers in […]

Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News, Produce News

IFPA Welcomes Ayoub As New Director Of Workforce, Business Policy

The International Fresh Produce Association has appointed Samantha Ayoub as director of workforce and business policy on the U.S. Government Relations team effective Feb. 23. Ayoub will lead Washington, D.C.-based IFPA’s policy and regulatory efforts on workforce, labor, immigration, transportation, logistics and broader business issues shaping the fresh produce and floral supply chain. She also […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Midwest, News, Supply Chain News

Smithfield Foods Plans $1.3B Processing Facility In Sioux Falls, SD

Smithfield Foods has initiated the approval process to build a packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, representing a preliminary investment estimate of up to $1.3 billion over the next three years. The facility, subject to permitting and regulatory approvals, will be built in Foundation Park, a 1,000-acre heavy industrial […]

Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Frozen Food, National, News

AFFI Promotes Seiling To COO, Head Of Strategic Initiatives

The American Frozen Food Institute has promoted Adrienne Seiling to COO and head of strategic initiatives, expanding her role on the executive leadership team. Seiling most recently served as SVP of industry affairs and member services. In her new role, she will oversee core operations and lead advancement of key organization priorities, including events and […]

Posted inAssociation News, National, News, Nonfood Items

Inspired Home Show 2026 Programs Focus On AI, Consumer Trends

The Inspired Home Show 2026 will offer four keynote sessions and two days of targeted education programming March 10-12 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the International Housewares Association announced. Sessions will focus on market opportunities, business strategies and consumer insights covering artificial intelligence (AI), growth through disruption, marketplace trends and color forecasting. The education programming […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Independent Store News, News, Northeast

Redner’s Markets Triples Charitable Donations Using Pin Pad Prompts

Redner’s Markets more than tripled charitable donations by shifting from cashier-initiated requests to pin pad prompts at checkout, ECRS announced Feb. 4. The Reading, Pennsylvania-based independent grocer recorded $10,507.71 in donations over nine days using the pin pad prompt, compared to $3,219.62 over 18 days with cashier prompts during its September round-up campaign. The pin […]

Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, Northeast

NJFC Names 2026 Leadership Development Class

During its annual meeting Jan. 28, the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) named its 2026 Leadership Development class, comprising 10 young professionals poised to chart the future for the “beyond essential” industry of which 9.5 million New Jerseyans rely. Since 2014, the program has educated NJFC members who have a passion for working in the […]

Posted inExceptional Independents, Featured News, National, News

60-Plus Grocers Honored At Annual Exceptional Independents Awards

LAS VEGAS – Shelby Publishing presented its annual Exceptional Independents Awards on Feb. 2 during the NGA Show at the MGM Grand Las Vegas Convention Center, recognizing more than 60 independent grocery operators from across the country for their innovation, dedication and community leadership. Now in its fourth year, the awards program showcases grocers whose […]