https://www.fmi.org/FreshForwardFresh FoodsRetail OperationsResearchFood Safety & SecuritySafemarkTechnologyFMItech Pitch CompetitionMidwinter 2027SustainabilityAnimal WelfareFamily MealsWorkforceHealth & Well-beingPharmacyMeat & PoultryEventsFoundation SupporterNFMMPrivate BrandsSupply ChainGovernment RelationsFuture LeadersEducationAsset ProtectionAsset Protection & Grocery ResilienceRiskCommunity Outreach AwardsAwardsDebbie WalyusMorgan GriffinMatt McKinneyKelli Windsorurn:uuid:8a6953a5-b63b-4880-a3c5-633b2c220315https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/10/13/taking-action-to-enhance-fresh-foods-successDebbie WalyusFreshForwardFresh FoodsRetail OperationsResearchFMI’s FreshForward Action Guide provides practical strategies for technology, consumer engagement and fresh food merchandising.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:05 ZFMI’s FreshForward Action Guide provides practical strategies for technology, consumer engagement and fresh food merchandising.urn:uuid:8d85f89b-e021-446c-bb49-1462092ef956https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/10/13/fda-releases-the-2026-food-code--what-food-retailers-need-to-knowDebbie WalyusFood Safety & SecuritySafemarkThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released the 2026 Food Code, marking the latest update to the model regulations that guide retail food safety practices across the United States.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:05 ZThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released the 2026 Food Code, marking the latest update to the model regulations that guide retail food safety practices across the United States.urn:uuid:330b5400-01c3-43af-b8cf-9fdc9c9ca71chttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/10/09/meet-the-fmitech-pitch-class-of-2027Debbie WalyusTechnologyFMItech Pitch CompetitionMidwinter 2027Today, FMI announced the FMItech Pitch Class of 2027, which includes six emerging technology companies from the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, reflecting the increasingly global scope of food retail technology.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:00:05 ZToday, FMI announced the FMItech Pitch Class of 2027, which includes six emerging technology companies from the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, reflecting the increasingly global scope of food retail technology.urn:uuid:10d722a5-6792-4fbf-a082-a354f3dccc58https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/10/08/sustainability-through-a-farm-lensMorgan GriffinSustainabilityAnimal WelfareAttending Perdue Farms’ 11th Annual Animal Care & Sustainability Summit offered an opportunity to see how animal care, environmental stewardship, human health and farm viability intersect in a working farm setting.Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:07 ZAttending Perdue Farms’ 11th Annual Animal Care & Sustainability Summit offered an opportunity to see how animal care, environmental stewardship, human health and farm viability intersect in a working farm setting.urn:uuid:1255a139-b944-4548-9545-affd08b32cfbhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/10/06/the-times-and-families-are-a--changin--with-implications-for-meals-together-at-homeMorgan GriffinFamily MealsFamily MealsResearchIn 1970, 67% of Americans between the ages of 25 to 49 lived with a spouse and at least one child under 18, which made it easy for the typical American family to be characterized in magazines and on TV. Fast forward fifty years and that number has dropped to 37%. There is no one picture of the family meal that speaks for most of the American family’s experience.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:10 ZIn 1970, 67% of Americans between the ages of 25 to 49 lived with a spouse and at least one child under 18, which made it easy for the typical American family to be characterized in magazines and on TV. Fast forward fifty years and that number has dropped to 37%. There is no one picture of the family meal that speaks for most of the American family’s experience.urn:uuid:d2316176-fbb6-43e9-ac7d-48d8d45773eahttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/10/05/why-are-mid-sized-retailers-poised-to-be-the-food-industry-s-most-interesting-technology-innovatorsMorgan GriffinTechnologyWorkforceResearchFMI’s 2026 State of Technology report reveals that retailers operating between 11 and 100 stores are often outperforming expectations in some of the industry's most important workforce-related technology investments.Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:05 ZFMI’s 2026 State of Technology report reveals that retailers operating between 11 and 100 stores are often outperforming expectations in some of the industry's most important workforce-related technology investments.urn:uuid:181b4e26-bc69-48d1-a6dc-6e8b58d3befbhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/10/01/food-waste-prevention-is-a-shared-priorityMatt McKinneyFresh FoodsSustainabilityFood Waste Prevention Week gives us a chance to recognize the work that food retailers, wholesalers and product suppliers are undertaking to keep good food from going to waste.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:14 ZFood Waste Prevention Week gives us a chance to recognize the work that food retailers, wholesalers and product suppliers are undertaking to keep good food from going to waste.urn:uuid:117c9e1a-5094-49fa-8035-39f0caab6591https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/30/meet-a-grocery-store-pharmacist-with-a-passion-for-community-healthMorgan GriffinHealth & Well-beingPharmacyJoin us to learn more about Ujjaval Pathak, PharmD, RPh, MBA, a pharmacist and clinical coordinator at The Giant Company, as he exemplifies how a grocery store pharmacist serves as a trusted community resource. His work helps people stay healthy and ultimately makes preventive care easier to access as part of the larger web of resources the food industry provides to support consumer health and well-being.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:12 ZJoin us to learn more about Ujjaval Pathak, PharmD, RPh, MBA, a pharmacist and clinical coordinator at The Giant Company, as he exemplifies how a grocery store pharmacist serves as a trusted community resource. His work helps people stay healthy and ultimately makes preventive care easier to access as part of the larger web of resources the food industry provides to support consumer health and well-being.urn:uuid:e7b184a3-67f9-4e70-b87d-8c47aeb9be2bhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/29/meat-sales-are-outperforming--but-evolving-economic-impacts-are-reshaping-how-shoppers-buyDebbie WalyusMeat & PoultryEventsFresh FoodsThe recent “Meat in Motion” webinar explored the forces driving meat demand today, from economic impacts and affordability to the continued appeal of premium proteins.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:04 ZThe recent “Meat in Motion” webinar explored the forces driving meat demand today, from economic impacts and affordability to the continued appeal of premium proteins.urn:uuid:e77df310-d204-473b-b884-0b45d48f56a4https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/25/from-signal-to-actionMorgan GriffinTechnologyResearchTechnology adoption across the retail food industry is accelerating. But as this year’s 2026 State of Technology report makes clear, the more important question is no longer whether organizations are investing in technology but rather whether they’re prepared to turn those investments into measurable business value.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 11:00:09 ZTechnology adoption across the retail food industry is accelerating. But as this year’s 2026 State of Technology report makes clear, the more important question is no longer whether organizations are investing in technology but rather whether they’re prepared to turn those investments into measurable business value.urn:uuid:623e37bb-c5ca-434e-bfa3-2889601d1e55https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/24/a-golden-opportunity--a-spotlight-on-your-family-meals-programmingDebbie WalyusFoundation SupporterNFMMFMI’s Gold Plate Awards celebrate organizations making an impact by promoting family meals in their communities.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:07 ZFMI’s Gold Plate Awards celebrate organizations making an impact by promoting family meals in their communities.urn:uuid:329216ad-c185-4013-acc7-bd4c63200b46https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/23/why-private-brand-food-retailers-and-manufacturers-lead-in-artificial-intelligence-adoptionKelli WindsorPrivate BrandsResearchPrivate brand companies, both food retailers and manufacturers, are early adopters of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance research, marketing, and operational efficiency.Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:07 ZPrivate brand companies, both food retailers and manufacturers, are early adopters of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance research, marketing, and operational efficiency.urn:uuid:85c46b58-8226-4eff-bea1-50020d20c1c4https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/22/what-cpi--ppi--trade-and-corn-are-signaling-about-food-pricesMatt McKinneySupply ChainGovernment RelationsFlat August grocery inflation offers consumers near-term relief, but rising energy, transportation and storage costs, trade uncertainty and tighter corn markets could push food-price growth higher in the months ahead.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:31 ZFlat August grocery inflation offers consumers near-term relief, but rising energy, transportation and storage costs, trade uncertainty and tighter corn markets could push food-price growth higher in the months ahead.urn:uuid:5f98bd4b-af6b-4ebe-9038-9d4c8531137fhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/21/with-razor-thin-margins--wholesalers-can-reduce-cost-to-serve-and-improve-performanceDebbie WalyusFMI's report The Whole Picture finds that grocery wholesalers operating on thin margins can reduce cost-to-serve and grow revenue by adopting five collaborative strategies with their manufacturer and retailer partners.Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:10 ZFMI's report The Whole Picture finds that grocery wholesalers operating on thin margins can reduce cost-to-serve and grow revenue by adopting five collaborative strategies with their manufacturer and retailer partners.urn:uuid:f27a7509-622a-432e-98d3-887cd3a7042bhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/18/everyone's-table-starts-with-food-safetyKelli WindsorNational Food Safety Education Month promotes simple food safety practices that help keep food safe at everyone's table.Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:00:02 ZNational Food Safety Education Month promotes simple food safety practices that help keep food safe at everyone's table.urn:uuid:3b6a6138-0c8b-404b-a86a-6d15d7a7e78ahttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/17/extending-food-safety-across-every-link-in-the-supply-chainKelli WindsorFood Safety & SecurityThe Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) has introduced two new certification standards: the SQF Code: Agents and Brokers, Edition 9, and the SQF Code: Food Safety Services, Edition 9, that extend SQF’s reach to parts of the supply chain that can significantly impact food safety.Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:00:07 ZThe Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) has introduced two new certification standards: the SQF Code: Agents and Brokers, Edition 9, and the SQF Code: Food Safety Services, Edition 9, that extend SQF’s reach to parts of the supply chain that can significantly impact food safety.urn:uuid:bef914bf-c4ab-4241-81fe-a3120920a9e7https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/16/family-meals--the-best-lever-to-lower-shopper-concern-about-food-pricesDebbie WalyusResearchFamily MealsAs grocery prices remain top of mind, family meals are helping shoppers gain greater control over food spending while delivering meaningful value at home.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:04 ZAs grocery prices remain top of mind, family meals are helping shoppers gain greater control over food spending while delivering meaningful value at home.urn:uuid:cd534ec0-121e-45cc-a8d3-8100db5cc9e2https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/11/grocery-shopper-generational-splits-in-beverages-purchasesMorgan GriffinResearchWalk down the beverage aisle with a Gen Z shopper, a millennial parent, a Gen X professional and a baby boomer, and chances are you will watch four very different shopping journeys unfold.Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:00:03 ZWalk down the beverage aisle with a Gen Z shopper, a millennial parent, a Gen X professional and a baby boomer, and chances are you will watch four very different shopping journeys unfold.urn:uuid:ea7cdbad-ff00-434c-bfa3-78e9233e30b3https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/10/celebrating-the-next-generation-of-food-retail-leadersMorgan GriffinFuture LeadersEducationThis year, 281 food industry professionals from 19 companies came together to strengthen their leadership skills, learn from one another and put new ideas into practice. 257 participants earned their Food Retail Leader Certificate: a 91.5% completion rate.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:00:03 ZThis year, 281 food industry professionals from 19 companies came together to strengthen their leadership skills, learn from one another and put new ideas into practice. 257 participants earned their Food Retail Leader Certificate: a 91.5% completion rate.urn:uuid:4007ed68-ac97-4bf2-a791-80552a4fcb38https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/09/fresh-still-wins--three-signals-shaping-the-future-of-groceryDebbie WalyusResearchFresh FoodsFresh has always been the heartbeat of the store. It drives traffic, builds loyalty and increasingly shapes how shoppers define value.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:09 ZFresh has always been the heartbeat of the store. It drives traffic, builds loyalty and increasingly shapes how shoppers define value.urn:uuid:ee1d1d2f-8949-45eb-b78c-9526a7a65008https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/08/the-food-industry-supports-consumers-on-their-weight-management-journeyMorgan GriffinHealth & Well-beingAs GLP-1 medications reshape the conversation around weight management, food retailers and product suppliers have an opportunity to help consumers turn health goals into sustainable everyday habits.Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:08 ZAs GLP-1 medications reshape the conversation around weight management, food retailers and product suppliers have an opportunity to help consumers turn health goals into sustainable everyday habits.urn:uuid:ae4fc9e8-82cf-4049-8793-b81261160a95https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/03/strengthening-retail-through-collaboration--how-fmi-advances-asset-protectionMorgan GriffinAsset ProtectionAsset Protection & Grocery ResilienceRiskAsset protection continues to be on the front of the minds of those in the food retail industry. Today's retail environment presents a wide range of challenges, from organized retail crime and workplace violence to cybersecurity threats, fraud, natural disasters and supply chain disruptions.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:00:06 ZAsset protection continues to be on the front of the minds of those in the food retail industry. Today's retail environment presents a wide range of challenges, from organized retail crime and workplace violence to cybersecurity threats, fraud, natural disasters and supply chain disruptions.urn:uuid:6b45d342-0c2a-48dd-a68c-a9b2a61bedf9https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/31/what-the-2026-nominees-tell-us-about-the-future-of-food-industry-leadershipMorgan GriffinCommunity Outreach AwardsAwardsOne of my favorite parts of the Community Uplift Awards is seeing how organizations across the food industry are redefining what it means to serve their communities. The 2026 nominees represent a wide range of business models, geographies and company sizes. Yet they share a common belief that creating value for customers and communities goes hand in hand.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:00:01 ZOne of my favorite parts of the Community Uplift Awards is seeing how organizations across the food industry are redefining what it means to serve their communities. The 2026 nominees represent a wide range of business models, geographies and company sizes. Yet they share a common belief that creating value for customers and communities goes hand in hand.urn:uuid:3addac18-d2e8-4976-ac24-7bc08d4e0a21https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/27/ensuring-fresh-remains-the-differentiatorDebbie WalyusFreshForwardEventsFresh FoodsFMI’s 2026 FreshForward conference focused on connecting with consumers, embracing technology and enhancing fresh merchandising, reinforcing that fresh remains one of food retailers' strongest advantages.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:09 ZFMI’s 2026 FreshForward conference focused on connecting with consumers, embracing technology and enhancing fresh merchandising, reinforcing that fresh remains one of food retailers' strongest advantages.urn:uuid:87aeea24-6ba3-48e0-ad49-e2697a08eebehttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/26/the-one-constant-for-my-family--eating-togetherKelli WindsorResearchAs seasons change and shoppers return to school and work routines, one constant remains—eating together.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:07 ZAs seasons change and shoppers return to school and work routines, one constant remains—eating together.