Student team takes top honors at 2024 NGA Show in Las Vegas
Las Vegas – The National Grocers Association (NGA) has announced the student team from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., as the winner of the 2024 Student Case Study Competition.
The annual competition featured teams competing in multiple rounds over the course of the 2024 NGA Show, held March 10-12 at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas, with the final round held during Tuesday afternoon’s general session.
The Student Case Study Competition is administered by the NGA Foundation as one of its initiatives to promote career development and position independent grocery as an industry of choice for career-minded college students. This year, UNFI made a generous multi-year commitment to sponsor the competition. UNFI will offer thought leadership on future topics for the competition.
“The challenges presented in the annual case studies are great opportunities for students to take on real-life challenges of doing business in a competitive marketplace,” said Chelsea Matzen, NGA Foundation director. “Our judges continue to be impressed by the creative solutions offered by these student teams. Congratulations to Cornell, along with all the other teams that competed this year.”
The 2024 Student Case Study topic was “Maintaining a Competitive Edge.” Student teams analyzed what currently sets independent grocery retailers apart and if that will be enough in the future, or if a shift will be needed. The teams then proposed a strategy for the participating retailer.
This year’s retailer case study subject was Niemann Foods. Dating back to 1917, Niemann owns and operates more than 130 supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience, pet and hardware stores under several banners including County Market, Harvest Market, Haymakers, Ace Hardware, Pet Supplies Plus and Save-A-Lot in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.
Teams from 10 schools competed by delivering presentations that addressed the future of fresh for independents and designed comprehensive strategies based on their chosen differentiating factor.
“Independent grocers are fortunate that such promising talent continues to make its way to our industry, and this competition is a great example of why education is so important to our future,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO. “Thanks to all the participating schools for embracing the value in this important Foundation program and thanks to Niemann Foods for being part of this year’s competition.”
