California cities continue to ban plastic bags, and the state will vote on a statewide ban in November 2016.  Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, Sacramento, Calif., American Canyon, Calif. and Milpitas, Calif. will implement bans on single-use plastic bags. More than 145 cities and counties in the state will have bans, representing nearly 40% of the state’s…

The majority of those decorating for Christmas are straying from traditional styles. If you’re decorating your store this year or selling holiday decorations, consider the decorating trends that are most resonating with consumers. A nationwide survey, which collected data from more than 2,000 people across the U.S., has identified the latest decorating trends. The trends…

Retailers argue that the FCC’s TCPA order threatens retailer ability to conduct communications with customers. The Retail Litigation Center (RLC), the National Restaurant Association and the National Retail Federation have filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, urging the court to vacate two provisions of the Federal…

Employers expect to increase commitment to employee health and wellness in coming years.  A global survey from Towers Watson has revealed that, despite offering an array of programs to enhance worker health and productivity, U.S. employers are finding it difficult to change the lifestyle behaviors of their employees. That being said, the majority of organizations…

A menu made of 95% frozen foods can meet dietary guidelines for Americans. A new white paper from the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has revealed that a weekly menu consisting primarily of frozen foods meets the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). Written by Betsy Hornick, Illinois-based food and nutrition communications consultant, a licensed…

Holiday shopping may begin sooner than expected. The NPD Group’s 2015 Holiday Purchase Intentions Survey has revealed that more consumers will begin their shopping earlier, a higher percentage of shopping will take place online and more growth will be seen among the top categories purchased compared to last year. According to the survey, half of all holiday shoppers…

The AFFI supports the new rules that have been finalized by the FDA. Joseph Clayton, American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) interim president, has commended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for implementing the Final Rules for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) on the Produce Safety rule, the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) and the Accredited Third-Party Certification…

Seasoned industry professional has been appointed to the National Retail Properties Board of Directors. National Retail Properties Inc., a real estate investment trust, has appointed Sam Susser to the Board of Directors. “We are excited to add Sam to our Board. His retail industry experience combined with his depth of knowledge of the convenience store industry…

Presidential candidates are recognizing a need for reform of the sugar program. Recent comments made by the 2016 presidential candidates on the U.S. sugar policy have been welcomed by the Coalition for Sugar Reform. “We are glad to see the issue of sugar reform has become a topic of discussion among the 2016 presidential candidates,” said John…