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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
Jan 30, 2017
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…
Read more
Dec 8, 2016
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…
Read more
Nov 1, 2016
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.…
Read more
Oct 28, 2016
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…
Read more
Oct 18, 2016
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…
Read more
Oct 1, 2016
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…
Read more
Sep 16, 2016
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,…
Read more
Sep 9, 2016
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…
Read more
Aug 29, 2016
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…
Read more
Aug 17, 2016
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…
Read more
Aug 12, 2016
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…
Read more
Jul 27, 2016
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…
Read more
