Blog
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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By: Peter J. Larkin, NGA president and CEO When I joined NGA as President and CEO in 2010 we launched the Member Value Proposition (MVP) Project to learn from our members what their association was doing well, where we needed to improve and what they wanted in the future. We listened to that feedback and…
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CART’s Top 10 Predictions for 2017 The following blog originally ran on the CART blog HERE As we quickly approach the end of the year its time again to look forward to what 2017 will bring. Using CART’s unique perspective into retail industry interest and new innovation rushing into the industry, here are our thoughts on…
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This time next week will be Election Day! With the elections just days away, today’s “Decoding DC” post brings you terms that are often thrown around during election season. Jungle Primary A jungle primary is a primary election where all of the candidates for a particular office run against each other, regardless of party affiliations.…
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Washington, DC has long been criticized of speaking its own language – this “Decoding DC” blog series, brought to you by the NGA Government Relations team, is here to help you cut through all the political jargon and get to the core of the issues that matter to you! We’ll be providing definitions and insight…
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The supermarket business is not for the faint of heart. Low profit margins and constantly changing consumer preferences make it challenging even for the best operators. Uncertain economic conditions and an explosion of new store formats have caused many to speculate about the demise of the supermarket as we know it. Yet despite challenges and…
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As we transition from summer into fall, independent grocers continue to face challenges as they attempt to complete the transition to EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) chip readers at the point of sale (POS). October 1 marks the one-year anniversary of the liability shift that was forced upon retailers who were unable to meet the…
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By: Greg Ferrara Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs, NGA The Great Flood of 2016 devastated more than 20 parishes in Louisiana, inundating thousands of houses, local businesses, churches, and more with putrid flood waters. While the flood waters washed away homes and memories, it also brought out the best in communities,…
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Last night kicked off the NFL football season and college football is well underway! Whether you’re a huge fan, or just love getting the gang together, football season is a time to whip up tasty tailgate treats for friends and family. Here are just a few of the yummy tailgate recipes from independent supermarkets coast…
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The following blog post originally ran on the IGA Better Choices website HERE. By: Kim Kirchherr MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, FAND IGA Health & Wellness Advisor @KimKirchherr Summer flew by and it’s time to get back to the books! Whether prepping for preschool, grade school, high school, or college, a little planning goes a long way. With the…
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As many of you are aware by now, our friends in Louisiana have experienced what the Red Cross is calling the “worst natural disaster to strike the U.S. since Superstorm Sandy.” In an effort to assist those who have been affected by the severe storms and flooding in the state, the Food and Nutrition Service…
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The following blog originally ran on the GMA blog HERE. By: Samantha Cooper, Manager, Food Safety and Quality Assurance and Jeanette Litschewski, Intern, Science Program Management Nothing smells of summer quite like the scent of a grilled burger and veggies wafting across a picnic table of watermelon slices, red-mouthed Popsicle smiles, and sunburnt noses. Just like SPF…
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Retailers have seen an uptick in consumer demand for high-quality fresh and local foods. Driven by knowledgeable consumers who are increasingly seeking fresh food choices, independent grocers are among industry leaders in expanding their fresh selections in produce, meat, dairy and bakery items. According to survey results from the NGA consumer trends study conducted by…
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By: Maggie Lyons, Senior Director Government Relations, National Grocers Association Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in the Executive Leadership Development Program at Cornell University. Unlike the many NGA events I attend, I was there as a participant rather than to facilitate the program as a member of NGA’s staff, and went through…
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