FMI Welcomes USDA Final Rule on SNAP Stocking Requirements

FMI – The Food Industry Association today responds to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) final rule on SNAP stocking standards, recognizing the agency’s efforts to expand access to a broader variety of nutritious foods for families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) while supporting retailers’ ongoing commitment to serving communities nationwide. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher offered the following statement:

“FMI members remain deeply committed to supporting the health and nutrition goals of all customers, including SNAP participants. As always, our focus is on working closely with...

FMI Welcomes House Passage of Farm Bill

Today [April 30, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of a Farm Bill that strengthens the U.S. food system, supports American farmers and ensures continued access to safe, affordable food for families nationwide. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher offered the following statement.

“The Farm Bill has long served as a cornerstone of our nation’s food and agriculture policy. At a time of ongoing economic uncertainty and supply chain challenges, it is critical that Congress works collaboratively to deliver a...

FMI Expands Health and Well-being Practice with Appointment of Kim Visioni

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association announces Kim Visioni, MS, RDN as the association’s director, health & well-being, where she will support FMI’s work advancing the role of grocery stores as destinations for health and well-being – providing nourishing food, wellness products, credible guidance and health-related services – and uphold the expansion of FMI’s relevant programs and community.

"With consumers’ interest in health and well-being at an all-time high and grocery stores uniquely positioned to meet customers, in...

FMI Condemns Federal Regulatory Action on State Swipe Fee Reform

Today [April 24, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association condemned in the strongest terms the action taken by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), banking regulators under the U.S. Treasury Department, to issue two interim final rules that override the Illinois swipe fee reform law and to prohibit other states from enacting swipe fee reform laws.  

FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin stated, “At a time when the largest banks and credit card networks are pulling in record profits on the backs of grocers, main street businesses and millions of American consumers through credit card swipe fees...

Online Grocery Set to Drive Majority of US Grocery Growth Through 2028

Online grocery shopping has firmly entered the mainstream, according to a new report from FMI – The Food Industry Association and NielsenIQ, which positions e-commerce as a primary driver of future grocery growth.

"Ecommerce is poised for extensive growth," said Jack O’Leary, director of ecommerce strategic insights for NIQ. "With online grocery sales increasing at a projected 11.6% annual rate through 2028 and already accounting for about one-fifth of total grocery spending, success now hinges on how well retailers connect digital and physical...

FMI Statement on March CPI Food Price Numbers

Today [April 10, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association commented on the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which shows a 0.2% decrease in food-at-home prices for March and a 1.9% increase over the last 12 months. FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig offered the following statement.    

“The CPI numbers released today showing a decrease in grocery inflation should be welcome news for consumers following notable increases in recent months. Staples like beef, poultry, fish and eggs, cereal and bakery products, and dairy products...

AMC Exhibitors Donate 9,000 Pounds of Meat and Poultry to Capital Area Food Bank

Exhibitors at the Annual Meat Conference (AMC), co-hosted by the Meat Institute and FMI — The Food Industry Association, following the event in Oxon Hill, Maryland, donated nearly 9,000 pounds of meat and poultry products to the Capital Area Food Bank, the largest organization in the Washington metro area working to solve hunger and food insecurity.

The donation will provide roughly 7,500 meals for those in need.

“Exhibitors at the Annual Meat Conference continue to show the generosity that defines the meat and poultry industry,” said Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute President and CEO...

FMI Statement on February CPI Food Price Numbers

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association commented on the February Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which shows a 0.4% rise in food-at-home prices for January and a 2.4% increase over the last 12 months. FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig offered the following statement.   

“Today’s CPI numbers reflect an uneven grocery price environment and underscore the challenge in bringing down food inflation across all categories to more historical averages...

Sales at Record High, Americans View Meat as Part of a Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle

Meat sales hit a record high of $112 billion in 2025, with a pound increase of 2% (source: Circana). Millennials and Gen Z were a driving force behind the growth according to according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released today at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

More than 98% of American households purchase meat (Circana), and 45% of shoppers are actively trying to prepare more meals containing meat or poultry...

New FMI Research Reveals How the Food Industry Is Supporting Consumers’ Evolving Health Priorities

Today [February 26, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association unveils the findings of the 2026 Report on Food Industry Contributions to Health & Well-Being following the recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) and ahead of National Nutrition Month®. The report offers insights into the industry’s efforts to serve as a destination for health and well-being and drive meaningful progress by providing grocery shoppers with products, resources and services that support their individual health goals...

America’s Rethinking Meal Planning: New Report Finds Frozen Foods Becoming a Kitchen Essential

New market data shows that frozen food is becoming a meal-planning essential for today’s consumers. As the national conversation about food, health, and affordability is intensifying, research unveiled at AFFI-CON finds millions of families see practical answers for this conversation in the frozen food aisle.

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and FMI – the Food Industry Association released the fourth edition of the Power of Frozen in Retail report, outlining a key trend: frozen food has moved from a backup option to a core element of meal-planning for a growing share of American households...

FMI Statement on SCOTUS Decision on Reciprocal Tariffs

Today [February 20, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association commented on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin offered the following statement. 

“We are continuing to review the ruling and its impact on FMI members. This decision raises many questions that must be answered quickly to minimize confusion in the marketplace. We urge Congress, the Trump administration and other relevant stakeholders to work together to establish a process that provides clarity for food businesses and the American consumers they serve every day...

FMI Statement on Introduction of SNAP Online Legislation

The Food Industry Association welcomed the introduction of the SNAP Online Access Act that would make the SNAP Online pilot program permanent. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher issued the following statement.

“Since its launch in 2019, the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot has grown from just eight retailers in eight states, including several FMI members, to hundreds of retailers nationwide. Making SNAP Online permanent will give retailers the certainty they need to invest and innovate, while ensuring SNAP participants – especially those in working households and communities where grocery access may be...

FMI Welcomes Illinois Ruling Maintaining Prohibition of Swipe Fees on Sales Tax

Today [February 10, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association applauded a ruling by the Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division that upheld the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. Passed in spring 2024, this law prohibits levying swipe fees on the sales tax portion of a credit card transaction. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher offered the following statement. 

“FMI applauds the court decision today that preserves this first-in-the-nation law to prohibit charging retailers and consumers swipe fees on the sales taxes portion of a...

FMI Celebrates Congressional Sponsors for Reintroducing Credit Card Competition Act

Today [January 13, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association offered its endorsement of the reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) and expressed gratitude for the leadership of bill sponsors Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Lance Gooden (R-TX) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). The legislation requires the nation’s largest banks to enable a second network on a credit card on which to route transactions, similar to the existing federal law for two debit networks to be enabled on a debit card. 

“FMI enthusiastically endorses the reintroduction of the Credit Card...

FMI Statement on December CPI Food Price Numbers

Today [January 13, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association commented on the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which show a 0.7% rise in food-at-home prices for December and a 2.4% increase over the last 12 months. FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig offered the following statement.  

“Today’s CPI numbers reflect the ongoing challenge of bringing food inflation under control. Overall inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and food prices also disappointingly reflected...

Trade Associations Praise Trump Administration’s New Nutritional Guidelines

Following Wednesday’s release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, several trade associations welcomed the updated federal nutrition guidance, which places protein back at the center of the plate.

“Thanks to the bold leadership of President Trump, this edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move toward a healthier nation,” US Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said.

“We are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and...

FMI Reacts to New USDA Guidance on SNAP Waivers

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher offered the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) long-awaited Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer compliance guidance to implement food restriction waivers:

“FMI members remain committed to supporting the health and nutrition goals of all customers — including SNAP participants — and we appreciate the USDA confirmation that each state-issued food restriction waiver will include a 90-day grace period following its implementation date. This transition window is essential to helping retailers identify and raise compliance issues...

FMI Responds to November CPI Showing Continued Grocery Price Strain

The Food Industry Association (FMI) released a statement regarding the November Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers issued by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The report, released earlier today, shows a 1.9% increase in food-at-home prices over the past 12 months.

FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig said the CPI numbers underscore the continued challenges grocery shoppers must navigate to get the most out of their grocery dollar. "Nevertheless, they remain resilient and savvy in the...

FMI Praises President Trump’s Actions to Reduce Tariffs on Food Products

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association resoundingly applauded President Trump for signing a presidential order that reduces tariffs on food and agricultural products not grown at all or in sufficient quantities in the United States to fully meet consumer demand. FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin offered the following statement.

“FMI is grateful and extremely pleased at President’s Trump’s actions to cut tariffs on a wide swathe of food and agriculture products. Today’s action should help consumers, whose morning cup of coffee will hopefully become more affordable, as well as U.S. manufacturers, which utilize many of these products in their supply chains and production lines. 

New Report From FMI Reveals a Significant Shift in Consumer Dining Habits

A new report from The Food Industry Association (FMI) uncovers a significant shift in dining habits.

The study shows that consumers are increasingly choosing deli-prepared foods in place of restaurant meals.

The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2025 examines the factors influencing consumer motivation for choosing deli-prepared options, offering insights from the consumer's perspective on foodservice at retail.

Data from the report revealed that 53% of Americans now take a hybrid approach to creating meals; combining deli-prepared options with other items...

E-Commerce Drives Growth and Strategy for Private Brands in Food Retail

The Food Industry Association (FMI) released findings from its new report entitled, "The Power of Private Brands 2025: Industry Strategies to Sustain Momentum."

This report highlights the impact of e-commerce on the growth of private brands at food retailers and the tools businesses are using to boost sales and shopper loyalty.

According to the report, food retailers are increasingly recognizing the value of e-commerce and anticipate it may eventually outpace in-store purchases. It stated that sales of private brand...

FMI Statement on August CPI Food Price Numbers

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association issued the following statement in response to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows a 0.6% monthly increase in food-at-home prices for August and a 2.7% rise on a year-over-year basis.

FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig stated, “The rise in grocery prices after remaining flat in July is likely a result of significant production cost increases in July flowing through the supply chain...

FMI Proposes Amendments and Extended Deadline for FDA Food Traceability Rule

Today, the Food Industry Association (FMI) submitted comments on the proposed changes to the Food Traceability Rule by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Among the suggestions, the FMI requested extending the compliance deadline to July 2028, believing that its amendments would facilitate a more efficient implementation of the rule

“FMI is grateful for FDA’s recognition of the need to reduce the regulatory burden on the food industry by extending the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule. We also strongly...

FMI Finds Shoppers Forming New Fall Routines Amid Tariff, Price Concerns

FMI – The Food Industry Association, unveiled its new ‘US Grocery Shopper Trends: New Routines’ report that highlights how shoppers are looking to create new routines this fall, while remaining concerned about food prices and the impact of tariffs.

FMI said that the majority of shoppers “show acceptance” to the current state of grocery prices.

“While shoppers' confidence about managing their food expenses was softer in February than last August, it has recovered somewhat over the past six months (79% feel they have at least some control...

FMI 2025 Report Highlights Food Industry Shifts Amid Consumer, Economic and Supply Chain Pressures

The Food Industry Association (FMI) has released its 76th annual report, “The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2025,” offering a look into how the industry is advancing as the modern grocery experience continues to evolve.  

The report highlights strategies adopted by food retailers and suppliers, as they adapt to the shifting expectations of consumers, supply chain challenges, and economic pressures.  

Bracing for continued disruptions  

According to the report, about 80% of food retailers and suppliers expect trade policies and tariffs to affect pricing and...