AlabamaGroceryJan2017Final

CONTENTS | ISSUE 1

FEATURES

COLUMNS

Chairman’s Message Try Something New, Get Involved . . . . . . . 6 President’s Message The Association Working For You . . . . . . . 8 Government Relations 2016: A Year to Forget .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Inside the Beltway Looking Ahead .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Washington Report Good News for Independants . . . . . . . . . . 18 Viewpoint Hardball Retail Lessons .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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One Smart Cookie Congratulations to Bud Cason, founder and chairman of Birmingham-based Bud's Best Cookies on his induction into the Baking Hall of Fame this February by the American Society of Baking.

New Column: MOMMY B L O G G E R

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Insights into one of your most important customers: Moms.

Creativity Drives the New Shopping Experience A leading futurist has a word of warning for the grocery industry: start addressing the threat of online competition or you could end up as “Blockbusters in a Netflix world.”

DEPARTMENTS

Outside the Box New Retail Perspectives .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 15 Minutes With… Eric Saperston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Everyone Likes a Good Story Consumers are increasingly being romanced by the stories that products are telling about their origin, ingredients or inspiration. Mintel Global Food & Drink Analyst Patty Johnson explains why everyone loves a good story. 30

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ALABAMA GROCER |