Introducing Gather California

Posted on June 2, 2025July 1, 2025 by Grace Becker

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A Bold New Identity

The California Grocers Association is excited to unveil a new identity for its signature annual convention. With renewed energy, a new venue, and a refocused program, this event will emphasize connection and be a difference-maker for retailers and brands doing business in the nation’s largest grocery marketplace. Introducing Gather California, our new brand celebrates the CGA conference’s unique role in bringing together California’s grocery industry to build new relationships and learn about emerging trends.

Click the link below to learn more and register.

Embrace the California Way

Our refocused education program will unlock the emerging trends that are driving California’s dynamic grocery industry—the very trends that set the pace for the rest of the country. With our new, refreshed model, Gather California will emphasize opportunities for connection and relationship-building throughout the conference. CGA will maintain the productive, pre-scheduled meeting format we are known for, but add inviting spaces and events that are conducive to building lasting connections.

Mark Your Calendar

The Westin Rancho Mirage Resort & Spa will be the new host hotel of Gather California. Attendees will enjoy being together in one location with upgraded accommodations and access to all property amenities, including the luxurious spa, restaurant, pools, gym, and championship golf facilities.

Save the date for Gather California on September 21-23, 2025 at the Westin Rancho Mirage Resort.

Issue 1: The Rise of the MAHA Movement

Posted on May 12, 2025May 13, 2025 by Grace Becker

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Exploring Make America Healthy Again

The national conversation around public health and wellness is changing, thanks in part to a movement led by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In Issue 1 of California Grocer magazine, we unpack the Make America Healthy Again or “MAHA” movement and explore the personalities driving the online conversation about reshaping how Americans eat. Plus, our columnists take on the MAHA movement, from ultra-processed foods to artificial food dyes.

While this issue will bring you up to speed on all things MAHA, we also highlight industry leadership and burgeoning talent. Meet this year’s CGA Rising Stars of California’s grocery community and get to know The Illuminators Headlite, CGA Board Member, and industry powerhouse Subriana Pierce.

Click here to read Issue 1.

Be sure to add the following sections to your reading list:

From Food Dyes to Clean Labels: How food culture wars are redefining the aisles
- Pg. 16 | Michele Fuller

Idols: Influencers move the needle on health and wellness
- Pg. 20 | Grace Becker
The Rising Stars of the Grocery Community: Highlighting the best and brightest talent in the grocery industry
- Pg. 24 | Grace Becker
Subriana Pierce, 95th Headline and President of The Illuminators
- Pg. 34 | Dorsey Griffith

Grocers Use Their Voice at the Capitol

Posted on April 24, 2025May 1, 2025 by Grace Becker

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On Wednesday, April 23 the grocery community came together in Sacramento to advocate for the industry. More than 70 grocers participated in 40 legislative meetings with lawmakers and staff to tell their stories about how proposed legislation would impact their business. Priorities for the day included self-checkout, gift cards, shopping carts, food access, and swipe fees.

During our morning program leading reporters from the Capitol Press Corp, Ashley Zavala, KCRA 3, Alexei Koseff, CalMatters, and Dustin Gardiner, Politico joined for a Media Matters panel discussion. New legislative members Asm. Alexandra Macedo and Asm. Mark Gonzalez joined for a Meet the Freshmen panel. And finally, veteran lawmakers Asm. Heath Flora and Asm. Liz Ortega provided insights on what they’re seeing at the Capitol.

After a productive day at the Capitol, lawmakers met us back at CGA headquarters to mix and mingle with the grocery community. The highlight of the evening was the second annual Legislative Bag-off Competition, judged by national best bagging champion from Nugget Markets. Competitors included Asm. Juan Alanis, Asm. Alexandra Macedo, Asm. Blanca Pacheco, and Asm. Jose Solache. Asm. Alexandra Macedo took home first place.

Thank you to all who joined us on this important day of advocacy for the California grocery community. Thank you to our 2025 sponsors for supporting our event!

Independent Grocers Bocce Ball Tournament

Posted on April 3, 2025May 7, 2025 by Grace Becker

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From the Green to the Court

The CGA Independent Operators Committee is thrilled to introduce the inaugural Independent Grocers Bocce Ball Tournament.

Trade in your golf clubs for bocce balls and join us for an inclusive day of business and fun on the bocce court. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this event promises great networking, friendly competition, and a chance to connect with industry peers in a relaxed setting.

The game is easy to learn and even more fun to play. Click here to watch a quick “how-to” video.

Even Details and Registration

📅 June 3, 2025

📍 Marin Bocce Federation, 550 B Street, San Rafael, CA

⏰ EVENT SCHEDULE
9:00 a.m. Registration Opens

9:45 a.m. Overview of Play, Rules, & Scoring

10:00 a.m. Play Begins

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Food Stations & Display Space Open

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Raffle Ticket Drop & Silent Auction Open

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Raffle & Silent Auction Pickup

2:00 p.m. 1st & 2nd Place Awards

Enjoy a day filled with camaraderie, delicious refreshments, and a little friendly rivalry—all while strengthening connections within the independent grocery community.

Space is limited, so gather your team and register today! Click here to register and view sponsorship opportunities.

How to Prepare for Food Traceability

Posted on March 24, 2025March 24, 2025 by Grace Becker

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In mid-March, the FDA granted the nation’s food and grocery industry an additional 30 months to comply with the FSMA Food Traceability Rule, a federal regulation requiring precise record-keeping to enhance food safety.

Originally set to take effect on January 1, 2026, the rule posed significant challenges for retailers, suppliers, and distributors, many of whom warned that compliance within the initial timeframe was unrealistic due to the rule’s complexity. The FDA acknowledged the industry’s concerns in announcing the delay, however the agency emphasized that the requirements are not being abandoned

Compliance Webinar

Prior to the extension, the CGA Educational Foundation hosted a compliance webinar to help grocers prepare for the rule. It’s important for the industry to use the FDA’s delay to continue preparing for compliance. The webinar, Presented by ReposiTrak’s Chief Customer Officer Derek Hannum, covered the following:

Timeline for traceability
How, when, and where to share traceability data to meet the FDA’s FSMA 204 requirements
Anticipated expansion of the Food Traceability List, and what major retailers and wholesalers are doing to prepare.

Click here to access the members-only compliance webinar recording and presentation slides.

Register for Grocers Day at the Capitol

Posted on February 24, 2025April 17, 2025 by Grace Becker

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One Industry, One Voice

April 23, 2025 | Sacramento, CA

Now more than ever, lawmakers need to hear directly from you. Join your peers for CGA’s premier advocacy event, Grocers Day at the Capitol, for face-to-face meetings with state elected officials to discuss legislation that could significantly impact your business.

Our program will feature insightful panel discussions and legislative briefings, equipping you with key policy insights needed to effectively run your business in California. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with lawmakers and members of the Capitol community during our Legislative Bagging Competition and evening President’s Reception.

Make your voice heard on Wednesday, April 23 in Sacramento. Registration for the event is now closed. Contact Beth Wright or Leticia Garcia with questions about registration.

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Event Agenda

Here is a look at the Grocers Day agenda:

7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Morning Program
- New Member Panel
- Media Panel
- Legislative Panel
- Legislative Briefings
11:30 a.m. Lunch Buffet
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Legislative Meetings
5 – 7 p.m. President’s Reception
6 p.m. Legislative Bagging Competition

2025 Sponsorship

Support for Grocers Day benefits industry policy objectives and the Association’s year-round advocacy efforts. View sponsorship opportunities for Grocers Day at the Capitol below, or reach out to Beth Wright for more information.

2025 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

CGA Announces Promotions as Part of Long-Term Growth and Leadership Plan

Posted on January 24, 2025January 27, 2025 by Grace Becker

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Three Association team members were promoted to senior leadership roles as the trade group positions itself for continued success.

SACRAMENTO, CA (January 21, 2025) — The California Grocers Association (CGA) has promoted Jennifer Gold to Vice President, People Operations and Administration; Nate Rose to Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs; and Beth Wright to Executive Director, Events and Sponsorship. The promotions are part of a long-term growth plan as the Association sets itself up to thrive into the future.

Prior to their promotions, Gold, Rose, and Wright led the Association’s “Senior Development Team,” which was tasked with managing CGA’s day to day operations. All three will continue in this role alongside Daniel Conway, Vice President of Government Relations, while the organization develops new leadership pathways and responsibilities. The Association’s “Executive Leadership Team” is comprised of President and CEO Ronald Fong and COO and Senior Vice President Doug Scholz.

The first step in a multi-pronged plan to ensure long-term growth and stability, CGA’s aim is to ensure it is well-positioned to build upon and expand its ability to advocate for California’s grocery industry.

“Beth, Jen, and Nate have proven they’re not only experts in their fields, but that they have tremendous leadership ability and still untapped potential. By charting their advancement we’re making sure CGA continues to grow and serve its mission as a best-in-class organization,” said Ronald Fong, CGA President and CEO.

CGA members and grocery industry peers are encouraged to connect with Gold, Rose, and Wright on LinkedIn or via email.

CGAEF College Scholarship Applications Open Now

Posted on January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 by Grace Becker

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The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF) is now accepting college scholarship applications for 2025.

CGAEF is thrilled to offer nearly 400 college scholarships, totaling more than $825,000, to CGA member company employees and their college-bound dependents. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 – $10,000.

The deadline to submit an application and all required documentation is April 1, 2025.

LEARN MORE

Who is eligible to apply?

High school seniors, college undergraduates, and graduate students who are employed by a CGA member company, or have a parent employed by a CGA member company, since April 1, 2024.

What is the criteria for the selection of recipients?

Selection criteria includes past and current academic performance, participation in school, community and extracurricular activities, and for some awards, financial need and/or essay content.

What information is required on the application?

Applicant’s personal demographics
Employee’s demographics and company information
High school information including class rank
College information, if applicable
Student Aid Report (SAR), if applicable

Independent Grocers Recharge at Symposium

Posted on January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 by Grace Becker

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Following the busy holiday season, the independent grocery community kicked off 2025 with CGA at the Independent Operators Symposium. This week-long retreat on Maui allowed operators to step away from the everyday to reset, recharge, and refocus on the future success of their business.

With a blend of thought-provoking speakers, practical discussions, and a serene environment, grocers had the opportunity to recharge their energy and reignite their vision for the future.

Insightful education sessions helped attendees gain fresh perspectives to drive future success. T-shirt company founder Johnny “Cupcakes” Earle spoke about building brand loyalty; author Mike Lee discussed the future of food; President and CEO of the National Grocers Association Greg Ferrara reviewed the national political and regulatory state of play; and business leadership author David Mead shared how to create high performance through humanity.

Thank you to attendees and event sponsors for starting your year with us! Check out event photos below.

Southern California Fire Disaster Resources

Posted on January 14, 2025January 14, 2025 by Nate Rose

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A series of historic wildfires have scorched the Greater Los Angeles region, damaging more than 9,000 structures, burning through tens of thousands of acres, and leading to the evacuation of nearly 100,000 area residents. As the voice of California’s grocery industry, CGA is in close contact with State of California, Los Angeles elected officials, and disaster-relief organizations.

Find resources related to everything from SNAP waivers to employer guidance in the Association’s “Emergency Operations” hub.

LEARN MORE