Jul 6, 2017
Companies like Blue Apron and Plated might be the biggest brand names for meal kits, but as their popularity continues to increase more food retailers are embracing the innovative product, including the independent supermarket industry. There’s a good reason, too. Meal Kits: A Rising Trend for Consumers and Their Pets Alike Nearly 19 million shoppers…
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Jun 30, 2017
More Americans are lighting up the grills to celebrate the Fourth of July and expected to spend $7.1 billion of food cookouts and picnics in 2017, up from $6.8 billion in 2016, according to a study recently released by Prosper Insight & Analytics on behalf of the National Retail Federation. Approximately 66 percent of those…
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Jun 23, 2017
Recently, Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) delivered his first major speech on tax reform at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) 2017 Manufacturing Summit. Despite political division among Republicans and a crowded legislative agenda for Congress, Ryan vowed to overhaul the tax code by the end of the year. Comprehensive tax reform hasn’t been accomplished in…
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Jun 21, 2017
Few know better than independent grocers how important it is to stay ahead of rapidly-changing consumer demands. In such a fiercely competitive environment, it’s crucial that independent supermarket operators keep up with emerging trends, including ways to build relationships with their shoppers. As the growing number of social media platforms continues to grow, so do…
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Jun 13, 2017
With June Dairy Month here, there’s no better time to reinforce that dairy is a delicious, nutritious, and affordable way for families to receive a calcium-rich diet. The most common – milk, cheese, and yogurt – are stable households products accounting for 68 percent of total dairy department sales. In fact, despite dairy products only…
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Jun 12, 2017
Niemann Foods Gets Social With Customers Social media is an increasingly important engagement tool for independent grocers. That point is backed up by the innovative and successful efforts of independent retailer Niemann Foods — which outlined its approaches in an interview — and by the results of NGA research. An NGA report called “The Independent Consumer” illuminates…
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Jun 1, 2017
Independent supermarkets and wholesalers across the country are joining NGA and the Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) this year to help end hunger and raise awareness about the problem by participating in the first-ever “Independents Day of Giving.” The campaign is a special opportunity for the independent supermarket industry to do what it…
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May 31, 2017
The independent supermarket industry and entire retail community recently scored a major victory after House Republican leadership announced lawmakers would no longer include a provision in the Financial CHOICE Act (H.R. 10) that would have repealed debit swipe fee reform. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), chair of the House Financial Services…
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May 24, 2017
Green Valley Drives Winning Strategy in Prepared Foods Freshness is essential when it comes to prepared foods. That’s a guiding principle in the successful prepared foods business of Baltimore-based independent retailer Green Valley Marketplace, whose approach underscores findings of a recent National Grocers Association study. NGA produced a research piece that details shoppers’ needs and…
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May 24, 2017
The White House recently released its Fiscal Year 2018 budget that would boost spending for the military and border security while cutting social safety net programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The President’s budget request officially kicks off the formal process and lays out many of…
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May 16, 2017
Two weeks ago, nearly 200 grocers from across the country descended on Capitol Hill for the annual Day in Washington, the supermarket industry’s annual fly-in cohosted by the National Grocers Association (NGA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI), and Food Industry Executive Association (FIAE). The lobby day included over 300 meetings with lawmakers to discuss the issues…
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Apr 25, 2017
Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) is expected to officially introduce the so-called “Financial CHOICE Act” this week, undoing one of most important legislative victories independent grocers have had in the payments space in recent years. The bill includes a repeal provision for the Durbin Amendment, which lowered debit swipe fees,…
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Apr 17, 2017
In less than three weeks, a 400-page menu labeling rule is set to take effect, subjecting independent grocers to an onerous, one-size-fits all law that was originally intended to cover chain restaurants with standard menu items. This law, which was wrapped up within the Affordable Care Act, threatens to impose burdensome and costly regulations on…
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Mar 31, 2017
As we wrap up National Nutrition Month, an annual nutrition education and information campaign to help families make informed food choices, and develop healthy eating and physical activity routines, the month’s theme, “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” serves as an important reminder that every individual holds the tools to make healthier food choices. Whether it’s…
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Mar 29, 2017
Alex Lee Inc., parent company of supermarket chain Lowes Food and wholesaler Merchants Distributors LLC, recently launched a new worksite wellness program designed to improve employees’ health and fitness. As we recognize National Nutrition Month this March, we’d like to give a hat tip to the NGA members for their efforts bring wellness initiatives to…
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Mar 21, 2017
Once again, The NGA Show witnessed its largest attendance—nearly 3,400 independent retailers and wholesalers, food retail industry executives, food/CPG manufacturers, and service providers—all sharing ideas and best practices on how independents are meeting today’s challenges head on. As I participated in the education sessions and walked the EXPO floor, I was struck by a sense…
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Feb 23, 2017
CART Reflections from The NGA Show The following blog originally ran on the CART blog HERE By: Gary Hawkins, Founder and CEO, CART Congratulations to NGA for another great show in Las Vegas this past week featuring record attendance, meaningful workshops, and a busy exhibit floor! The success of The NGA Show shows the resilience of independent retailers…
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Feb 13, 2017
While speed at the checkout lane is essential, other aspects, such as proper bag-building method, weight distribution in the bag, as well as style, attitude and appearance are what lead to superior bagging techniques. Grocery bagging, especially done well, is an important part of the operation of a successful retail grocery business. NGA is proud…
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Feb 12, 2017
For over 30 years, The NGA Show has been the place where independents gather, connecting grocery retailers and wholesalers, food manufacturers and service providers from around the world to share innovative solutions and best practices that support and strengthen the independent supermarket channel. And we are excited to once again join forces with IGA to…
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Feb 1, 2017
This month saw the swearing in of a new President and a new Republican controlled 115th Congress. Given the control of all three branches of government, Congress has set an aggressive tone for 2017 with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy scheduling this session for 145 legislative days-including five, five-day work weeks. In comparison, the House…
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