Other Food and Grocery Stores Trade Associations

American Cheese Society (ACS)

North American community that advances artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheese through education, standards, competitions, and retail training resources for mongers and specialty shops.

https://www.cheesesociety.org/ Membership: 2,300

American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI)

National association for the frozen food and beverage sector providing policy advocacy, food-safety science, category insights, and the AFFI-CON dealmaking show that connects brands with retailers and suppliers.

https://affi.org/ Membership: 300

American Spice Trade Association (ASTA)

U.S. spice industry trade group supporting importers, processors, distributors, and retailers with regulatory advocacy, quality/safety standards (e.g., ASTA Cleanliness), and industry education.

https://astaspice.org/ Membership: 200

California Grocers Association (CGA)

Statewide voice of California’s grocery community—advocacy, compliance guidance, and networking for chains, independents, and supplier partners operating more than 6,000 stores.

https://www.cagrocers.com/ Membership: 450

FMI—The Food Industry Association (FMI)

Cross‑industry food retail association for supermarkets and wholesalers offering research, advocacy, collaboration forums, and programs that help grocers win on safety, supply chain, fresh, and health/wellness.

https://www.fmi.org/ Membership: 1,500

Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA)

Purchasing cooperative and trade association that strengthens independent natural and organic grocers with collective buying power, merchandising/marketing programs, and peer collaboration.

https://www.infretailers.com/ Membership: 300

International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA)

Nonprofit serving supermarket dairy, deli, bakery, cheese, and foodservice departments with research, training, and the IDDBA annual show that connects retailers with suppliers.

https://www.iddba.org/ Membership: 1,500

International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

Global produce and floral association linking the full supply chain—from growers to retailers—with advocacy, food-safety guidance, consumer insights, and retail merchandising programs.

https://www.freshproduce.com/ Membership: 2,900

Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA)

Multi‑state association for independent retailers across the Midwest—independent supermarkets, convenience stores, specialty markets—focused on government relations, compliance, vendor programs, and community outreach.

https://miramw.org/ Membership: 4,000

National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)

Global association for convenience and fuel retailing; provides benchmarking, foodservice best practices, safety resources, and the NACS Show for c‑store operators and their supplier partners.

https://www.convenience.org/ Membership: 2,900

National Coffee Association USA (NCA)

U.S. coffee industry trade group offering research (e.g., National Coffee Data Trends), advocacy, and networking for roasters, importers, exporters, equipment suppliers, and retailers.

https://www.ncausa.org/ Membership: 200

National Confectioners Association (NCA)

Voice of the U.S. confectionery industry; provides shopper insights, policy advocacy, and business development platforms like the Sweets & Snacks Expo for candy makers and retail buyers.

https://candyusa.com/ Membership: 650

National Fisheries Institute (NFI)

Largest U.S. seafood trade group supporting importers, processors, distributors, restaurants, and retailers with policy advocacy, responsible sourcing guidance, and market insights.

https://aboutseafood.com/ Membership: 300

National Grocers Association (NGA)

Only national association focused on independent community grocers; advocacy in Washington, education, and the NGA Show to connect retailers, wholesalers, and solution providers.

https://www.nationalgrocers.org/ Membership: 1,700

National Retail Federation (NRF)

Umbrella trade association for leading U.S. retailers—including supermarket chains—providing policy advocacy, research, and executive networks across asset protection, supply chain, technology, and sustainability.

https://nrf.com/ Membership: 17,000

National Supermarket Association (NSA)

Trade association representing independent supermarket owners—primarily Hispanic‑owned—across the East Coast; delivers advocacy, compliance education, and B2B events for store operators and vendors.

https://www.nsaglobal.org/ Membership: 600

Organic Trade Association (OTA)

Business association for the organic sector—growers to retailers—offering federal and state advocacy, export promotion, and standards/integrity resources to grow organic sales.

https://ota.com/ Membership: 600

Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA)

U.S. trade association for the plant‑based foods ecosystem—manufacturers, retailers, and partners—advocating on labeling and market access while providing retail insights and community programs.

https://plantbasedfoods.org/ Membership: 300

Specialty Food Association (SFA)

Nonprofit trade group for specialty food makers, importers, distributors, and retailers; produces the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, trends research, and retailer education.

https://www.specialtyfood.com/ Membership: 4,000

New Jersey Food Council (NJFC)

Statewide association uniting New Jersey’s food retailers and supplier community; provides government relations, loss‑prevention collaboration, and high‑impact networking.

https://njfoodcouncil.com/ Membership: 400