NGA Conference Highlights Consumer Trends and Grocery’s Future

The National Grocers Association wrapped up its Executive Conference, which took place from Oct. 20-22 at the Fairmont Chicago. The gathering convened senior figures from the grocery sector to examine the trends influencing the future of food retail. Attendees reviewed consumer research, economic data, panel discussions and strategies to help independent grocers handle changing consumer expectations, economic volatility and technology adoption.

“Independent grocers are at the heart of their communities, and their ability to adapt to changing consumer expectations and a shifting marketplace is critical to their continued success,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO.

The session titled “The Independent Advantage: What 5,000 Shoppers Reveal About Grocery’s Next Chapter” featured Doug Madenberg, chief listening officer at The Feedback Group, alongside David Best, president and CEO of retail at UNFI. Together they presented results from the inaugural consumer sentiment survey jointly conducted by NGA and The Feedback Group, highlighting what shoppers value most about independent grocers.

Additional panels addressed topics such as economic and supply-chain pressures, shifts within the consumer-packaged-goods environment, and emerging shopper priorities. Executives from Kimberly-Clark, The Clorox Company, Bimbo Bakeries, Kraft Heinz and Mars Snacking spoke about industry consolidation, the trends between retailers and manufacturers, and strategies for winning shelf space.

Capt. Christopher J. Cassidy, USN (Ret.), former NASA astronaut and Navy SEAL, delivered the keynote address, “Leadership Under Pressure: An Astro SEAL’s Perspective.” Drawing on his military background, three spaceflights and tenure as NASA’s chief astronaut, he offered insights on building trust, handling risk and making decisions when stakes are high.

At the close of the event, NGA awarded its Pinnacle PAC Award to Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, in recognition of his advocacy on behalf of independent grocery operators.

Semmann’s stewardship of the state organization, his lobbying work on Capitol Hill and his support for the NGA Grocers PAC have reinforced the collective voice of the sector in public-policy debates. He brings more than 25 years of experience in trade-association leadership, including a prior stint as vice president of government affairs for the Wisconsin group.

“Mike Semmann’s commitment to advocacy and his support of NGA Grocers PAC reflect the importance of strong industry leadership in advancing the interests of independent grocers,” said Stephanie Johnson, NGA’s head of government affairs and senior vice president. “His work helps ensure that policymakers understand the vital role independent grocers play in their communities and the challenges they face in a competitive marketplace.”

NGA represents the retail and wholesale independent-sector grocery community, a segment that generates more than $250 billion in sales and supports 1.1 million jobs.