FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

CALIFORNIA GROCERS ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION NAMES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SACRAMENTO, CA – (June 3, 2009) – Ray Fager, Regional VP, West for CROSSMARK Sales Agency, has been named Chairman of the CGA Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.

“Ray is an excellent selection for this very important position,” saod CGA Educational Foundation President Ronald Fong. “His knowledge and passion for our industry is a great benefit for the Foundation.”

Also elected Foundation officers were Pam Poggi, Safeway Inc., elected Vice-Chair; and Chris Clark, Raley’s, elected Secretary/Treasurer.

Fager replaces Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, Inc., who currently serves as CGA Chairman of the Board. Ling served as Foundation Chair for four years. “The Foundation expresses its sincere gratitude to Bob for his many years as Board Chair,” Fong said. Ling will remain on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation was created in the early 1990s to provide measurable benefits to employees, potential employees, customers and businesses in the retail food industry. Its key areas of emphasis include providing college scholarships, career development and educational programming for Association members.

In 2008, the Foundation awarded 260 college scholarships totaling $314,000 to deserving CGA member employees or their dependents. This year the Foundation will award a record $326,000 to a yet to be determined number of students.

In addition, the Foundation paid more than $90,000 in tuition reimbursement to member company employees wanting to improve their job-related skills.

For more information, contact Dave Heylen, CGA, at (916) 448-3545.

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Formed in 1992 as a 501(c)3 corporation, the CGA Educational Foundation is dedicated to providing educational opportunities and research programs that benefit all segments of California’s food industry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

SACRAMENTO, CA – (April 28, 2009) – The Western Food Industry Exposition (WFIE) Presented by California Grocers Association has a new name, but the convention’s successful meeting format remains the same.

WFIE is now the CGA Strategic Conference.

“The Association’s Convention Committee determined it was time for the convention’s name to better reflect who it was representing,” said Committee Chair George Frahm, Stater Bros. Markets. “The convention draws attendees nationwide, but the lion’s share are from California.”

While the conference’s new name better reflects the focus of the two-day event, the highly popular convention, anchored by its commitment to face-to-face pre-scheduled meetings remains the same. CGA’s annual convention has been a part of the Association for 110 years. In 1998, with many state associations eliminating their conventions, CGA realized an opportunity to expand its convention into a regional exposition.

“At the time, it was the right move,” said CGA Senior Vice President Jill Rulon. “CGA was the only association in the 11 Western states with a trade show. After meeting with neighboring association representatives and receiving commitments to participate in the annual event, the show name was changed to Western Food Industry Exposition and we became a regional convention.”

While successful at first, the convention remained primarily a California Grocers Association event. “Like our industry, CGA’s convention has adapted to changing times,” Frahm said. “Several years ago, the Expo moved away from its traditional trade show format and focused on face-to-face pre-scheduled meetings. It has been a huge success. It truly is a strategic conference.”

This year’s CGA Strategic Conference is November 1-3, 2009, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Frahm said this year’s theme “Where Business Gets Done” accurately captures the essence of the two-day conference.

“The CGA Strategic Conference is very unique and those companies that come prepared do get business done,” Frahm said. “CGA has created the vehicle to make it happen. It’s up to the attendees to take advantage.”

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

Grocers to supply bottled water and reusable carryout bags to volunteers.

SACRAMENTO, CA – (April 24, 2009) – Local San Jose grocers are joining forces with Councilmember Kansen Chu to refresh volunteers participating in this year’s Great American Litter Pick Up on Saturday, April 25, 2009.

The three local grocery retailers, PW Supermarkets, Safeway Inc., Save Mart Supermarkets along with the California Grocers Association, will supply bottled water to more than 600 volunteers expected to participate in this annual San Jose litter prevention event. In 2008, event participants collected 404 bags of litter and 86 bags of recyclable material.

“Our members wanted to support the hundreds of volunteers participating in this very worthwhile effort to have a positive impact on their communities,” said CGA President Ronald Fong. The annual event is sponsored by the City of San Jose and other regional anti-litter campaign partners.

In addition to replenishing volunteers with needed water, all three retailers will be distributing free reusable carryout bags and encouraging volunteers to “remember the bag” when grocery shopping.

“Obviously these volunteers are concerned about the environment and we want to reward them for their efforts,” Fong said. “What better way to say thank you than to provide a reusable shopping bag to be used every time they visit their local grocery store.”

Fong said California grocers fully support increasing consumer interest in reusable shopping bags. “Reusable bags are an essential part of our industry’s environmental goal to reduce, reuse and recycle,” Fong said. He noted that in an effort to increase reusable bag awareness, many grocers throughout California participated in this year’s Earth Day on April 22 by giving away reusable bags.

“We congratulate all those engaged in this important environmental event, particularly Councilmember Chu for allowing our industry to participate.” Fong said. “We hope to work closely with city officials in reducing litter through effective, coordinated efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle.”

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

SACRAMENTO, CA – (April 21, 2009) – Grocers throughout California are joining the worldwide Earth Day celebration on April 22 by promoting reusable shopping bags.

“Using reusable bags is one of the easiest and most effective ways to have a positive impact on our environment,” said Ronald Fong, President and CEO, California Grocers Association. “On Earth Day 2009, we intend to increase reusable bag awareness and educate consumers to the benefits of their use.”

To encourage consumers to keep going green, many California grocers on Earth Day will be selling reusable bags at a discounted price, and in some instances will be giving a limited number of bags away for free.

Grocers have sold reusable bags for years, Fong said, but it wasn’t until the passage of Assembly Bill 2449 – California’s statewide plastic bag recycling bill – in 2007, and the increased worldwide focus on sustainability, that reusable shopping bags moved into the environmental spotlight.

“More and more consumers are discovering that reusable bags are a viable alternative to traditional carryout bags,” Fong said.

While most grocers sell reusable bags at near cost, some consumers are making the up and coming bag a fashion statement. “Most reusable bags are under a dollar, although designer bags – often with fashionable messages – can be hundreds of dollars,” Fong said. The bags come in a variety of material including cloth, polyester and nonwoven polypropylene. Grocers are required to sell a reusable bag that is cloth or other machine washable fabric with handles, or a durable plastic bag with handles that is designed and manufactured for multiple reuse.

To reinforce reusable bag use, CGA recommends consumers purchase multiple bags and store them in convenient locations including their automobile. In addition, consumers should use reusable bags for all shopping and not just trips to the grocery store.

“Our industry understands that changing shopping habits doesn’t occur overnight,” Fong said. “Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, it will take time for consumers to embrace reusable bag use. The biggest challenge is remembering to bring the bag on return visits.”

While reusable bags are excellent for the environment, they do raise food safety concerns. Consumers should wash the bags regularly, particularly if there has been product leakage. Fong encourages consumers to error on the side of safety. “If in doubt, wash it out,” he recommends.

Here is a sampling of what grocers are doing on Earth Day:

• Albertsons, Inc. is giving away reusable bags in Santa Barbara, Calabasas and Southgate and assisting in cleaning four state parks in San Diego.
• Bristol Farms is giving away reusable bags to customers purchasing $25 or more.
• Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market is giving away canvas bags to customers spending more than $10.
• Gelson’s Markets is giving away a special limited edition Earth Day reusable bag to customers spending more than $25.
• K.V. Mart is giving away free reusable bags.
• Raley’s is unveiling its greenest store at a grand opening in Petaluma, CA.
• Save Mart Supermarkets is teaming with Tropicana Products, Inc. to giveaway three reusable bags to customers purchasing a 128 oz. bottle of Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice.
• Scolari’s Food & Drug is giving the first 100 customers a free reusable shopping bag.
• Superior Grocers is providing water and fruit to volunteers participating in a tree planting event in the Sixth District of Los Angeles.
• Whole Foods is offering a free tree to the first 100 customers who spend $25 or more.

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

Grocery industry answers request from Governor, Sacramento Mayor for needed hygiene items.

SACRAMENTO, CA – (March 25, 2009) The California Grocers Association and member companies Safeway Inc. and Save Mart Supermarkets are partnering with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to provide toiletry kits for approximately 200 homeless individuals living in an encampment near the American River Parkway that has become known internationally as “Tent City.”

The kits were distributed at a joint Governor/Mayor press conference on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, to discuss a plan to move many of the city’s homeless to facilities at Cal Expo. City officials hope the plan will result in the closure of Tent City in the coming months.

The kits included toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, soap, and other personal hygiene items. “CGA thanks Safeway Inc. and Save Mart Supermarkets for their ready willingness and quick response to this important request,” said Ronald Fong, CGA President and CEO.

Fong said the grocery industry has a long history of partnering with the Governor’s office during times of emergencies. In December, area grocers delivered more than 120 pallets of food to the state Capitol in support of the Governor’s “We Can” Holiday Food Drive.

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

California’s 
Assembly 
Speaker
 and
 Senate 
Minority 
Leader
 to Provide
 Insight 
on
 California’s 
Budget
 Crisis, 
State’s
 Future

SACRAMENTO, CA ‐ (March 24, 2009) Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D‐Los Angeles) and Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth (R‐ Murietta) are the featured speakers at this year’s California Grocers Association Grocers Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, in Sacramento.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our members to hear first hand from the key decision makers on the state’s most pressing issues,” said CGA President and CEO Ronald Fong. “We are extremely fortunate to have both leaders speaking at the same event. Every grocer or supplier doing business in California should attend this event.”

In addition to hearing from top legislative leaders, attendees will also meet their elected officials in pre‐scheduled meetings in the state Capitol.

“Attending Grocers Day and participating in these face‐to‐face meetings with legislators is the single most important activity a grocer or supplier can do to help further our industry’s cause in Sacramento,” said Keri Bailey, CGA’s Vice President of Government Relations. “Legislators want to hear from their constituents. It’s important they hear our message.”

During the one‐day lobbying event, attendees will:

• Meet with lawmakers to share concerns on critical legislation affecting the grocery industry.
• Hear executive and legislative leaders discuss topics critical to a company’s bottom line.
• Learn how to effectively meet and interact with your elected representatives.

“Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, Grocers Day at the Capitol provides valuable insight into how the state’s policymakers influence your everyday operations and allows you an opportunity to participate in the debate,” Fong said.

To register for the event, log on to: www.cagrocers.com, or contact Keri Bailey at (916) 448‐3545.

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The California Grocers Association is a non­profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

SACRAMENTO, CA – (March 5, 2009) – While California grocers react quickly to product recalls, the speed in which retailers respond depends on the quality of information received, CGA Vice President of Government Relations Keri Bailey told the Senate Food & Agriculture Committee at the first of a series of information hearings scheduled to address consumer food issues.

Thursday’s hearing, chaired by Sen. Dean Florez (D-Bakersfield), focused on the ongoing Peanut Company of America (PCA) peanut product recall and whether state agencies and the grocery industry are doing enough to protect consumers. More than 3,000 product recalls directly related to salmonella-tainted peanut products from the PCA plant in Bentley, Georgia have been issued in the last three months.

Bailey emphasized to the committee the importance grocers put on food safety. She said grocery retailers have procedures in place to quickly remove recalled product from store shelves, adding that the speed with which grocers are able to implement these procedures largely depends on the quality of information received. Bailey indicated the best solution for consumers is for food to arrive at the grocery store untainted and urged the panel to explore addressing the recall issue on the front end with manufacturers.

“In most instances,” Bailey said in submitted testimony, “grocers are very similarly situated to consumers when a recall happens. They are involved only after the fact – after a series of system and protections on the front end of food production have failed.”

Bailey fielded a number of committee questions centered on grocery retailers’ recall procedures and whether grocers could do more to assure recall items not reach consumers. Florez, who recently introduced legislation (SB 550) that would require grocers to upgrade programmable scanner systems to alert checkers and consumers if a recalled product is scanned, called grocers the “last line of defense,” and insisted they can do more to protect consumers in the event of a recall.

Bailey said that in addition to recall processes to remove improperly manufactured food, grocers also have stringent systems in place throughout transportation, receiving and storage of products that help ensure that food stays safe for consumers, she added.

CGA’s testimony was preceded by Jeff Farrar, Chief, Food and Drug Branch of the California Department of Public Health who drew strong criticism from committee members concerned about the Branch’s product recall procedures.

Other speakers included representatives from Food and Water Watch, the California Department of Education and the California School Nutrition Association.

“We appreciate Senator Florez and the committee seeking input from the grocery industry regarding this very important topic,” said CGA President and CEO Ronald Fong. “It is apparent the Senator and his committee share the same concerns our members have in providing the safest possible food product available to our customers. We hope to work closely with Senator Florez and other partners in strengthening the state’s recall system.”

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

SACRAMENTO, CA – (March 5, 2009) – While California grocers react quickly to product recalls, the speed in which retailers respond depends on the quality of information received, CGA Vice President of Government Relations Keri Bailey told the Senate Food & Agriculture Committee at the first of a series of information hearings scheduled to address consumer food issues.

Thursday’s hearing, chaired by Sen. Dean Florez (D-Bakersfield), focused on the ongoing Peanut Company of America (PCA) peanut product recall and whether state agencies and the grocery industry are doing enough to protect consumers. More than 3,000 product recalls directly related to salmonella-tainted peanut products from the PCA plant in Bentley, Georgia have been issued in the last three months.

Bailey emphasized to the committee the importance grocers put on food safety. She said grocery retailers have procedures in place to quickly remove recalled product from store shelves, adding that the speed with which grocers are able to implement these procedures largely depends on the quality of information received. Bailey indicated the best solution for consumers is for food to arrive at the grocery store untainted and urged the panel to explore addressing the recall issue on the front end with manufacturers.

“In most instances,” Bailey said in submitted testimony, “grocers are very similarly situated to consumers when a recall happens. They are involved only after the fact – after a series of system and protections on the front end of food production have failed.”

Bailey fielded a number of committee questions centered on grocery retailers’ recall procedures and whether grocers could do more to assure recall items not reach consumers. Florez, who recently introduced legislation (SB 550) that would require grocers to upgrade programmable scanner systems to alert checkers and consumers if a recalled product is scanned, called grocers the “last line of defense,” and insisted they can do more to protect consumers in the event of a recall.

Bailey said that in addition to recall processes to remove improperly manufactured food, grocers also have stringent systems in place throughout transportation, receiving and storage of products that help ensure that food stays safe for consumers, she added.

CGA’s testimony was preceded by Jeff Farrar, Chief, Food and Drug Branch of the California Department of Public Health who drew strong criticism from committee members concerned about the Branch’s product recall procedures.

Other speakers included representatives from Food and Water Watch, the California Department of Education and the California School Nutrition Association.

“We appreciate Senator Florez and the committee seeking input from the grocery industry regarding this very important topic,” said CGA President and CEO Ronald Fong. “It is apparent the Senator and his committee share the same concerns our members have in providing the safest possible food product available to our customers. We hope to work closely with Senator Florez and other partners in strengthening the state’s recall system.”

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The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

SACRAMENTO, CA — (January 20, 2009) – Darioush Khaledi, Chairman and CEO of K.V. Mart Co.; and Doug Detherage, Director of Customer Relations for Bimbo Bakeries U.S.A. will be inducted into the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach in Huntington Beach, CA.

The Foundation’s Hall of Achievement was created in 1993, and recognizes California grocery retailers and suppliers who have contributed substantially to the advancement of the grocery industry. (Previous inductees are included.)

“Both recipients are perfect candidates for this very prestigious food industry award,” said CGA President and CEO Ronald Fong, who also serves as Foundation president. “They exemplify all the important qualities of our great industry. We are proud to add them to our list of industry inductees.”

Khaledi is a first generation Persian-American who left his country to protest its dictatorship regime. Shortly after his arrival in Los Angeles, he teamed up with his brother-in-law and acquired their first Top Valu Market in Torrance, Calif. Today, Khaledi heads a chain of supermarkets under the banners of Top Valu Market, Valu Plus Food Warehouse, Buy Low, Price Rite Grocery Depot, Amar Ranch and Valu Mart. He also is the founder of Darioush Winery in Napa Valley, Calif.

Detherage has spent most of his 46-year career in the baking industry. He worked for Rainbo Bakeries (now Sara Lee) for 15 years, beginning as a truck loader in Modesto. He later became a Route Sales Representative and a Division Manager. Following Rainbo Bakeries, he worked with Interstate Brands for five years. In 1984, he joined Oroweat as a District Manager. Oroweat was later purchased by Bimbo Bakeries USA. He has been in his current position since 1998.

The Hall of Achievement provides the food industry with the opportunity to recognize the achievements of those individuals who, through their foresight and dedication, have enhanced California’s food distribution industry.

“They are individuals who have made a difference,” Fong added For more information on the Hall of Achievement award log-on to www.cagrocers.com or contact Brianne Korte at 916.448.3545.

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Formed in 1992 as a 501(c)3 corporation, the CGA Educational Foundation is dedicated to providing educational opportunities and research programs that benefit all segments of California’s food industry.

Previous CGA Educational Foundation
Hall of Achievement Inductees

Byron Allumbaugh, Ralphs Grocery Co.
Lou Amen, Super A Foods, Inc.
Bernard Briskin, Gelson’s Markets
Jack H. Brown, Stater Bros. Markets
Jim Brown, Western Association of Food Chains/Ralphs Grocery Co.
Steven Burd, Safeway Inc.
Charles Collings, Raley’s
Paul Gerrard, Gerrard’s Inc.
Dave Hirz, Ralphs Grocery Co.
Don Lee, Dairy Fresh
Robert Piccinini, Save Mart Supermarkets
Alfred Plamann, Unified Grocers, Inc.
Thomas Raley, Raley’s
Larree Renda, Safeway Inc.
Bill Roulette, Gelson’s Markets
Allan Scharn, Gelson’s Markets
Jerry Scolari, Scolari’s Food & Drug Co.
Joe Scolari, Scolari’s Food & Drug Co.
Joey Scolari, Scolari’s Food & Drug Co.
Bob Spengler, Save Mart Supermarkets
Roger Stangeland, The Vons Companies
Bob Stiles, Gelson’s Markets
Wilfred Von Der Ahe, The Vons Companies
Bob Wilson, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Heylen, V.P. Communications California Grocers Association
Tel: 916.448.3545
Fax: 916.448.2793
E-mail: [email protected]

California Grocers Association
1415 L Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814

SACRAMENTO, CA – (January 16, 2009) – The California Grocers Association (CGA) has hired Keri Bailey as Vice President, Government Relations, effective Jan. 16, 2009.

She will be responsible for managing CGA’s government relations program at both the state and local level, including CGA’s two local government representatives and Sacramento staff. She will be the Association’s chief lobbyist and direct CGA’s contract lobbyists.

Bailey comes to CGA with more than 15 years experience in the California Legislature. Most recently, she was Director of State Government Affairs for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. Prior to that, she served as Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Ed Chavez; Senior Consultant/Legislative Director for Assemblymember Ellen Corbett; Senior Consultant for Assemblymember Martin Gallegos and Field Representative/Legislative Aide for Assemblymember Mike Machado.

After an extensive search which featured many qualified candidates, CGA President/CEO Ronald Fong and members of the CGA Government Relations Committee decided on Bailey. “Keri is the perfect fit for the Association,” said Fong. “Her outstanding reputation and extensive experience at the state Capitol coupled with her association experience at the CA Credit Union League will allow CGA to continue expanding its government relations program.”

Fong said CGA plans to expand its sphere of influence both at the state and local levels and believes Bailey’s legislative experience and knowledge will play a pivotal role in reaching that goal. CGA also plans to make significant progress on its grassroots programming and political action committee with Bailey helping to lead the charge. “The interview committee was impressed with Keri’s overall knowledge of political and grassroots programs. We look forward to drawing on her experience to expand our own efforts” said Fong.

The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 200 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers.