The Illuminators, an organization committed to fostering education, leadership and partnerships in the grocery industry, has appointed its 2025-26 officer team and first-year board members to its executive board. 2025-26 Officer Team Headlite/President: Lori Brown, director of sales northwest for Nucal Foods; Sidelite/VP: Thomas Huls, CEO for Heritage Harbor Sales and Marketing; Spotlite/Treasurer: Marla McIntosh, […]
Tag: association news
Posted in, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, National, News
IDDBA Event Will Bring Out The Stars
IDDBA 2025 is coming up June 1-3 in New Orleans, Louisiana, a star-studded event that will showcase the latest information, trends and products in the dairy, deli and bakery industries. Academy Award-winning director, producer and actor Kevin Costner headlines the General Session speaker lineup, which also includes Michael Strahan, TV host, entrepreneur and philanthropist; Carla […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA To Host The Washington Conference To Promote Fresh Produce
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is set to host The Washington Conference on June 9-11, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and advocates to champion and safeguard the future of fresh produce. This event unites attendees from the fresh produce and floral industries to engage with policymakers on key issues that impact the sector. Attendees […]
Posted inSustainability News, Association News, National, News
FMI Becomes First Trade Association To Join U.S. Food Waste Pact
FMI – The Food Industry Association is the first trade organization to join the U.S. Food Waste Pact, the national voluntary agreement focused on reducing food waste in the U.S., co-led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund. FMI joins 20 other companies and organizations that have signed onto the pact, which utilizes the “Target, […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, West
WAFC Elects 2025-26 Leadership, Adds To Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected new leadership in May, as well as added new directors to its board. The 2025-26 WAFC officers are: President – Kevin Lovell, SVP of operations at Albertsons/Safeway NorCal; VP – Rebecca Calvin, SVP and CMO for Stater Bros. Markets; Treasurer – Wendy Coldesina, VP, general merchandise manager […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, Northeast
NJFC Honors Industry Leaders At Annual Night Of Distinction
Hundreds of food industry executives from across the state gathered May 21 for The New Jersey Food Council’s annual Night of Distinction, which recognized three industry leaders for their impact on the industry, community service and helping advance the NJFC’s mission. The Industry Achievement Award honorees included Steve Heggelke, EVP of merchandising and procurement for Bozzuto’s, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
Independent Grocers Fight For Fair Competition During 2025 NGA Fly-In
The National Grocers Association (NGA) held its annual Fly-In for Fair Competition May 20-21, bringing industry leaders to the nation’s capital to advocate for a level playing field in the grocery sector. “The Fly-In for Fair Competition is a powerful opportunity for independent grocers to make their voices heard where it matters most – on […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Association News, Midwest, News
Sweets & Snacks Expo Takes Over Downtown Indianapolis
The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, has taken over downtown Indianapolis for three-and-a-half days filled with new, innovative products and informative educational sessions. The annual show, which runs May 12-15 at the Indiana Convention Center, features more than 1,000 exhibitors – 300 of them first-timers – with 14,000 attendees across […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
Study Reveals How Social Media, In-Store Experiences Drive Frozen Food Discovery
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has released findings from a new study that reveal how consumers are discovering and purchasing frozen foods in 2025. Social platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram are now key sources of inspiration for younger shoppers, while traditional in-store promotions remain the most effective tool for influencing purchase […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, News, Northeast
Connecticut Shoppers Adapt Grocery Habits Amid Economic Shifts
Come September, Wayne Pesce will have led the Connecticut Food Association as president for 10 years. In the conversation below, he discusses with The Griffin Report of the Northeast what’s happening in the state’s grocery industry, including some of the keys to success in today’s grocery industry. How is Connecticut’s economy faring? Connecticut’s economy […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
NGA Foundation Advisory Group To Assist In Independent Grocers’ SNAP EBT Upgrades
The National Grocers Association (NGA) Foundation has welcomed a new advisory committee to help promote and expand its assistance to independent grocers in modernizing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems, including implementing SNAP Online and EBT chip card functionality. This initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Home Page Slider, National, New Products, Specialty, Suppliers, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Hemp Vs. Marijuana: CBD Products Continue To Confuse
by Terrie Ellerbee/editor-Southwest The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp by removing the crop and its derivatives from the definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. That not only set into motion a race to get more hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products to consumers nationwide but also rampant confusion about their legality. Hemp is not marijuana. […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Independent Store News, Industry News, Market Profile, Midwest, Shelby Signature Content, Store News
Market Profile: Kansas Grocers Still Seeking To Defeat High Food Sales Tax
by Terrie Ellerbee/editor-Midwest Jon McCormick told the state House taxation committee in February that the Kansas Food Dealers Association (KFDA) has lost 150 stores in the last 20 years. He then gave a short list of reasons why that happened that included the usual suspects, like competition from Walmart, dollar stores and Aldi, but— perhaps […]
Posted inHugo's Family Marketplace, Association News, Beverage News, Grocery News, Home Page Slider, Independent Store News, Midwest, Store News
Minnesota Grocers Recognize 2019 Award Winners, Hall Of Fame Inductee
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) has a longstanding tradition of honoring the best in the food business by annually presenting awards to those who demonstrate excellence, have made significant contributions to the industry and are highly respected by their peers. The association says this year’s award winners are a testament to the vitality of the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Executive News, Home Page Slider, Midwest, Store News
Retired Festival Foods’ Greenfield Honored As 2019 Grocer Of The Year
Marlin Greenfield, recently retired from Skogen’s Festival Foods, has been named 2019 Grocer of the Year by the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA). It is the association’s highest honor. A surprise presentation for Greenfield was held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, at the Darboy Festival Foods in Appleton. Greenfield was nominated by Mark Maloney of […]
Posted inAssociation News, Equipment & Technology, Grocery News, Home Page Slider, Southwest, Suppliers
Oklahoma Senate Passes Bill Banning Tax On Plastic Bags
Oklahoma Senate Bill 1001 would prohibit political subdivisions from taxing or otherwise restricting the use or sale of “auxiliary containers” like thin plastic bags used by grocery stores and other retailers across the state and nation, the Oklahoma Grocers Association (OGA) reports. The state Senate passed the measure in March. The bill was authored by […]
Posted inHome Page Slider, Association News, Executive News, Independent Store News, Industry News, Midwest, Store News
Patrick G. Hagan Will Retire From Fareway In May
Longtime employee and board member Patrick G. Hagan, SVP and treasurer, will retire from Boone, Iowa-based Fareway Stores Inc. on May 3 after 23 years of service. Hagan has served on the Fareway board of directors since 2010 and currently chairs the Fareway real estate and 401k/profit sharing committees. He also served as a trustee […]
Posted inNortheast, Association News, Executive News
PFMA Appoints Acme, Supervalu Execs To Board Of Directors
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has new representation on its board of directors. The association appointed Bill Crosby, VP of operations for Acme Markets, and Bob Holmes, area sales director for Supervalu, to its board. “We are delighted to welcome Bill and Bob to the PFMA Board of Directors,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, National
NGA Staff Changes Bring Promotions And New Hires
The National Grocers Association (NGA), a national trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, has promoted key staff and added new staff members. According to the organization, the changes will help it expand its member benefits and advocate policies to better serve America’s independent grocers. “The grocery business is changing faster than ever, and we’re […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, National
GMA Urges Senate Passage Of Tax Reform Legislation
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is urging the U.S. Senate to pass a comprehensive tax reform bill this week for businesses and consumers. “Our industry, the largest sector of American manufacturing jobs, calls on the Senate to quickly pass tax reform legislation,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of GMA. “Tax reform is necessary […]