Blog

Common-Sense is Key Ingredient for Menu Labeling Regs

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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Wellness in the Workplace

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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Grocers Optimism Shines Through at NGA Show

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

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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Best of the Best Baggers

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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The Only Show Created Exclusively for the Independent Grocer

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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New Year, New Congress, New Administration

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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A Growing Community: NGA’s Year in Review

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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Top 10 Technology Predictions for 2017

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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Decoding DC: Part Two

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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Decoding DC: Part One

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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Innovative Independents

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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EMV 1-year Anniversary

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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Independent Grocers Step Up When Their Community Needed Them Most

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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Ready for some football? Tasty Tailgate and Other Crowd Pleasers

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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Back to School Meal Makeovers

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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In the wake of the Louisiana flooding disaster

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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Summer Essential Food Safety Guide for Your Next BBQ

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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Fresh is In

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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