PFMA Advances Advocacy, Partnerships, And Industry Growth Through Packed Fall Season
Statehouse Update
From Harrisburg to Hershey to Chicago, PFMA has spent the past few months strengthening partnerships, advancing advocacy, and amplifying the voice of Pennsylvania’s food and beverage industry. In October, PFMA hosted the 2025 Fall Legislative Conference at Hershey Country Club, bringing together policymakers, retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers for two days…
November 19, 2025
Busy Fall Slated For Hill Lawmakers
Legislative Line
Coverage of the latest from Capitol Hill, including news on SNAP, safe food supply, drug advertising and more.
October 8, 2025
NJFC Message To Gubernatorial Candidates: NJ Food Industry Is Beyond Essential
NJFC
As the November election heats up, NJFC has been sharing the food industry position with the two leading gubernatorial candidates that NJ’s food industry is one of the state’s greatest assets. Our member food retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and beverage companies are more than just businesses — they are lifelines. They…
September 22, 2025
PFMA Closes Out A Summer Of Progress As It Gears Up For Fall
NJFC
PFMA's busy summer leads into the fall season.
July 31, 2025
NYC-Owned Grocery Stores? The Joke Would Be On The Taxpayers
Taking Stock
It was never my intent for this space to become a forum for political opinion. In fact, this is about the 1,150th column I’ve written since co-founding Best-Met Publishing Co. 47 years ago, and until recently I have purposely shied away from much political commentary. Things began to change earlier…
July 31, 2025
Drug Ads May Be Nixed
Legislative Line
The latest out of Washington, DC on the legislative front.
July 28, 2025
Affordability, Business Costs Dominate Connecticut’s 2025 Legislative Session
NJFC
A recap of CFA's work on legislation after the June 6 wrap up of the recent General Assembly session.
July 1, 2025
Traceability Rule Compliance Date Extended
Legislative Line
A change that is strongly supported by food trade associations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in late March that the agency intends to extend the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule by 30 months. You may recall from my prior commentaries on this subject that the Food…
May 6, 2025
Changes Coming To USDA And FDA
Legislative Line
The latest developments in legislation on Capitol Hill.
April 5, 2025
State Budget Proposal Unveiled In February Includes Provisions Directly Relevant To PFMA Members
NJFC
As Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled his state budget before a joint session of the Pennsylvania House and Senate in early February, he discussed key legislative priorities and economic policies, a number of which will resonate with and potentially impact our members. The governor’s proposal outlines an approximately 8 percent increase…
March 21, 2025
Meet The New Heads Of USDA And HHS
Legislative Line
Updates from Washington on the Farm Bill, Country of Origin Labeling, tariffs and the Food Safety Summit.
March 3, 2025
CFA Continues To Lead In Fight Against Proposed Legislation That Will Increase Regulatory Burdens On Retailers
NJFC
CFA sees false narrative in FTC's recent report accusing three national grocery retailers of exploiting pandemic-era supply chain disruptions to inflate prices and pad profits.
February 17, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles Win Super Bowl!
Soup to Nutz
News from NJFC's Annual Membership Meeting and upcoming Trade Relations Conference, and congrats to PFMA's Alex Baloga on his appointment to the Philadelphia City Council's Food and Nutrition Security Task Force.
February 17, 2025
Tariffs On Mexico, Canada: Just A Bad Idea
Taking Stock
Sure, the economic crisis with Mexico and Canada was averted - at least for 30 days - but the threat of hefty tariffs on our neighboring counties remains. And what’s the trade off? If you believe that improving security at our borders will make enough of a difference to largely…
February 11, 2025
A New Beginning For All
Legislative Line
Fiscal deadlines loom, a year to go on food traceability, 2025 dietary guidelines now available, and more.
January 13, 2025
Minimum Wage Raised In VA, DE, NJ, NY; DC Set For COLA Jump
The changes reflect a similar pattern with 21 states raising their minimum wage this year.
January 13, 2025
What’s Next With Our New President?
Legislative Line
News out of Washington, including the latest farm bill update, FDA developments, and a new salmonella rule for poultry.
December 9, 2024
New President…New Everything
Legislative Line
What to expect from the White House next year when the first-ever convicted felon becomes president of the United State.
November 13, 2024
NJ Responds to Rampant Organized Retail Crime Syndicates With Legislative Solutions
NJFC
Organized retail theft in New Jersey affects everyone. Products such as baby formula, over-the-counter medication, energy drinks, teeth whitening strips, expensive cuts of meat, seafood and other high-demand items are ripped off the shelves and resold. Consumers are put at risk because the safety of those products can no longer…
September 18, 2024
35 Days And Counting – Congress On A Short Leash
Legislative Line
FTC will launch an inquiry into high food prices; FDA to hold major meeting to look into assessment of chemicals in food; and more legislative news.
September 10, 2024
Gloves Come Off As Kroger, Albertsons Hearing Starts In Portland, OR
Taking Stock
Much like it’s been from the beginning nearly two years ago, the federal government (FTC) and Kroger and Albertsons remain polarized as the two sides clash over whether the chains should be allowed to merge. However, this time the venue is in courtroom 14A in the U.S. District Courthouse in…
September 10, 2024
Lina Khan Can’t Help Herself: Seeks FTC Inquiry Into High Grocery Prices
Taking Stock
Last month, I actually praised FTC chairwoman Lina Khan for targeting Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that partially control drug pricing while also squeezing wholesale margins for all retailers that operate pharmacies. As predicted, the honeymoon didn’t last long. Less than 30 days after unleashing the Kahn wrath against United HealthCare,…
August 19, 2024
USDA Announces $100 Million Investment Program
Legislative Line
Update on the latest Farm Bill news, the phase-out of plastics by the U.S. government, USDA's launch of a new program under the Healthy Food Financing Initiative to increase access to healthy foods in underserved communities and other legislative developments.
August 7, 2024
(Eye Roll) Kroger, Albertsons Have Spent $864M On Merger-Related Legal Fees Thus Far
Taking Stock
News from the region, including Walmart's recent research into shoppers' shopping habits in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of adaptive retail today and a glimpse into retail's future.
August 7, 2024
FTC Prepares To Sue Pharmacy Benefit Managers; Retailers Say ‘It’s About Time’
Taking Stock
Powerful pharmacy benefit managers g a close look from the FTC.
July 24, 2024
PFMA Scores Major Wins With 2024-25 State Budget Passage
NJFC
Among the highlights of the new budget is legislation authorizing licensed retailers to sell ready-to-drink canned cocktails.
July 23, 2024
And The Farm Bill Beat Goes On
Legislative Line
Plus, updates on the Food Traceability Enhancement Act, reducing food waste, the FDA reorganization, and more.
July 16, 2024
Navigating The Inflationary Tide: How Connecticut Food Retailers Adapt in Political Headwinds
NJFC
Grocers are increasingly finding themselves targeted by state and federal regulators.
June 24, 2024
Finally: A Farm Bill
Legislative Line
Barry Scher reports on the latest farm bill news, plus House majority plans, bans on lab-grown meat and new school meal standards.
June 17, 2024
Kroger, Albertsons Add 166 More Stores To C&S Deal
Taking Stock
Updates in the Kroger-Albertsons merger plan, Walmart unveils upgraded private label brand bettergood, and more.
May 14, 2024
Food Retailers Continue Be Government Whipping Boys
Taking Stock
Plus Amazon News, Ahold Delhaize annual shareholders meeting and more.
April 22, 2024
Congress Holds Hearings On Swipe Fees
Legislative Line
Updates on recent legislative action on the Hill, news about a food allergy breakthrough and more.
April 8, 2024
While Kroger, Albertsons Ready For Court Date, Negotiating With FTC Continues
Taking Stock
Among recent developments in the industry covered are the demise of Amazon's "just walk out" technology, more bad news for Walgreens and Rite Aid, Unilever selling its ice cream brands plus new store news and obituaries.
April 8, 2024
FTC Strikes Again: Says Price Hikes Aided By Big Retailers
News Analysis
FTC report blames retailers for price hikes, supply chain mismanagement, and profit-taking as agency has supermarkets in its crosshairs.
April 8, 2024
Congressional Budget Negotiations Emphasize Need For Continued Advocacy Of Food Assistance
NJFC
SNAP and WIC, two successful public-private partnerships, must be protected.
March 16, 2024
Playing Against Khan Is A Rigged Game; Kroger, Albertsons Seek New Venue To Continue Battle
Taking Stock
An analysis of the recent decision, as well as Ahold Delhaize news and other developments from around the trade.
March 5, 2024
Major Regulations Under Review At FDA
Legislative Line
A busy month on Capitol Hill.
March 5, 2024
FTC Blocks Kroger-Albertsons $24.6 Billion Merger Proposal
Both retailers said that they would challenge the FTC decision in court, which could set up a lengthy battle over the legality of the ruling.
March 5, 2024
FTC Sues to Block Kroger-Albertsons Proposed $24.6 Billion Merger
News Analysis: As the months dragged on, it became apparent that the once-promising deal was destined to be challenged by the FTC and its anti-big business chairwoman Lina Khan.
February 27, 2024
Unfinished Business…. Kicking the Can Again
Legislative Line
What to expect from Congress during this legislative session.
February 5, 2024