Grocers gather on supermarket industry issues

Washington, D.C. -- Grocery retailers, wholesalers and food industry state association executives representing more than 30 states assembled in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to urge Congress to act on pro-business reforms that impact their industry.



Members of the National Grocers Association, Food Marketing Institute and the Food Industry Association Executives gathered for the annual "Day in Washington" congressional fly-in, during which grocery company executives and operators meet with Congress and key Congressional staff to discuss issues of importance to the supermarket industry such as healthcare, tax reform, FDA menu labeling, and swipe fees.



The supermarket industry supports changes to the Affordable Care Act that would increase their ability to maintain health coverage and comply with the law. Operators are also urging Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 1249, the Common Sense Nutritional Disclosure Act, bi-partisan legislation that would, in part, ensure that the FDA does not capture mainstream grocery stores in chain restaurant menu labeling regulations.



“It’s great for members of Congress to hear directly from the grocers in their districts about how even the slightest nuances to legislation or regulation can impact their 1% profit-margin-businesses,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and CEO.



Attendees of the Day in Washington are also addressing the issue of credit card swipe fees.