Celebrating 125 Years of CGA

DENNIS

Since then, much has changed in our business. In fact, the first self-service store didn’t open until 1911, but the principals of CGA remain the same. Our mission is to promote, serve, represent, and educate the grocery industry and advocate on its behalf at the state and local levels.

As evidenced by this exciting milestone 125th anniversary, CGA has a long and proud history of representing the interests of the grocery industry in California.

The Association has played a vital role in shaping the food industry in the state, and it continues to work to ensure that California has a strong and vibrant grocery industry. Over the years, CGA has helped its members adapt to the ever-changing food landscape. Think about the challenges that our industry has faced in the last 125 years. Outside our walls: wars, food rationing, social unrest, and most recently, climate change. Inside our walls there’s been an explosion of products available, new technologies, labor force changes, governmental regulation, and coming soon, AI-assisted technology. The Association has worked to help members not only adapt and survive these changes, but thrive. When Ruth and I bought our first store in 1983, we had to fill out a short application to the ABC to acknowledge the several state and federal agencies that had oversight of our business. Today the number of governmental agencies with oversight of stores has multiplied, presenting grocers with a maze of regulation. Without the guidance and support of CGA, a single store like ours could never navigate the countless regulations and compliance requirements to operate in California. While our industry has become more complicated, CGA has become more sophisticated, adapting to our industry’s needs to offer cutting-edge programs and events, industry education, and top-notch advocacy. The Association is a vital resource for California’s grocery industry, representing over 300 grocery companies operating more than 6,000 brick and mortar stores, and approximately 150 grocery supply companies. CGA is also a strong advocate for consumers and works to ensure that California has a safe, healthy, and affordable food supply.

All California grocery companies have undergone significant changes over the years as our state and food industry have evolved. The rise of online grocery shopping has posed a challenge to traditional brickand-mortar stores, and the increasing cost of living in California has made it difficult for companies to compete. However, CGA has remained a constant, helping grocery companies prosper with crucial resources and support. CGA has lobbied for favorable legislation, prepared companies with tools and training, and carved out a landscape for members to prosper in California’s challenging business environment. CGA’s efforts have helped California grocery companies remain a vital part of the state’s economy. The Association is committed to the future of the grocery industry in California and is working to meet the challenges of the changing food landscape to ensure that California’s grocery industry remains strong and vibrant. It is an honor to lead this great organization in its 125th year, and I look forward to continuing in my role as CGA Chair to help our industry thrive. ■

September 24 – 26, 2023

Palm Springs, CA

The CGA Strategic Conference is the must-attend event for anyone looking to stay on the cutting edge of California’s grocery industry. With a focus on trends, issues, and solutions, this conference offers attendees an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights, knowledge, and skills from industry leaders and experts.

ACHIEVE GREAT SUCCESS IN THIS DYNAMIC INDUSTRY

1,000+ Private, Pre-Arranged Business Meetings

Innovative Guest Speakers

Education Sessions

Constant Networking Opportunities cgastrategicconference.com

LIMITED SPONSORSHIP AVAILABILITY e-mail: bdayen@cagrocers.com | phone: 916.448.3545

A limited number of conference sponsorship opportunities remain available. Check out our sponsorship prospectus on the website. For further inquiries, please contact Bailey Dayen, Business Development Manager.

Event produced by the California Grocers Association.