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Convenience Distribution Magazine Fall 2025 Issue is Now Online!

Fall 2025 Cover

Convenience Distribution Magazine Fall 2025
Economic Resiliency Issue

The Fall 2025 issue of Convenience Distribution magazine is online!

Look inside as industry experts provide advice on weathering economic storms and maximizing profitability. In addition, learn about distributors who are using Employee Assistance Programs to support their teams. We also take a close look at the Food Safety Modernization Act and what it could mean for your business. And don’t miss our profile on 2025 Dean of the Industry Jebb Maginnis or our photo-packed recaps of Marketplace 2025 and Day on the Hill.

For online viewing, visit Convenience Distribution magazine and log in*.

*CDA login credentials may be obtained by emailing websupport@cdaweb.net.


FDA Denies Marketing for blu Disposable E-Cigarette

On Aug. 19, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a marketing denial order (MDO) for blu® Disposable Classic Tobacco 2.4%, an e-cigarette product manufactured by Fontem US, LLC. This means the company still must not market or distribute this product in the United States, or they risk enforcement action by FDA. The company may submit a new application for the product subject to this MDO.

FDA evaluates premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) based on a public health standard that considers the risks and benefits of the product to the population as a whole. After reviewing the company’s PMTA, FDA determined that the application lacked sufficient evidence to demonstrate that permitting marketing of the product would be appropriate for the protection of the public health, which is the standard legally required by the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

The company did not provide sufficient evidence that adults who smoke will completely switch to the new product or significantly reduce their cigarette consumption. Instead, the application’s evidence suggests that people will likely use this product in addition to cigarettes, potentially exposing them to higher levels of toxicants than exclusive cigarette use. In general, long periods of using both e-cigarettes and cigarettes – often referred to as “dual use” – can result in harms to health similar to, or in addition to, the harms from exclusive use of cigarettes.

Additionally, FDA has authorized e-cigarettes currently on the market that had evidence that adults who smoke will completely switch to those products or significantly reduce their cigarette consumption and are potentially less harmful. Read more here.


CDA Submits Comments to the FDA in Support of Extension of Compliance Date for FSMA Section 204(d)

On Aug. 18, 2025, CDA submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in support of the agency’s proposed rule that would extend the compliance date for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Section 204(d) regulation by 30 months from Jan. 20, 2026, to July 20, 2028.

FSMA Section 204(d) establishes additional traceability recordkeeping requirements, beyond what is already required in existing regulations, for businesses in the food supply chain, including distributors, that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods found on the FDA’s Food Traceability List. The final regulation requires a higher degree of coordination between members of the food industry than has been required in the past, including the sharing of accurate data with supply chain partners.

As summarized by the FDA in the proposed rule to extend the compliance date, the agency has learned that businesses from across the food supply chain, including distributors, need more time to come into compliance because required key data elements are not routinely maintained or shared between businesses, the large volume of data required to be captured and managed would be very challenging, and new technology would need to be acquired.

In its comment letter, CDA informed the agency that the association’s distributor members were surveyed in March of this year about their knowledge of, and readiness to comply with, FSMA Section 204(d). The responses received from distributor members echoed what the FDA has learned, namely, that industry segments need more time to learn about the food traceability requirements, acquire and utilize the necessary scanning and tracking software to trace food products, and train employees on how to use the new technology to capture and manage food tracing data.

Read the CDA comment letter here.


DOJ Issues Request for Information on State Laws with Adverse Effects on Economy

On Aug. 15, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a request for information (RFI) seeking input on state laws and regulations that have “significant adverse effects” on the national economy and interstate commerce.

This RFI, which builds on the Trump administration’s broader deregulatory agenda, presents an opportunity for various industries to highlight some of the challenges posed by the growing patchwork of restrictive state laws affecting businesses, and to request federal action to relieve those challenges. Read more here.


CDA Welcomes New Member: Bright Side Distributing

At Bright Side Distributing, we keep shelves happy and customers happier. From premium tobacco and smoke-shop gear to candy, snacks and everyday retail must-haves, we’re the Pacific Northwest’s go-to wholesale partner. Our team brings over a century of combined know-how, delivering top-notch products at prices that make sense—fast, friendly and right to your door. Based in Clackamas, OR, we handpick goodies your shoppers can’t resist and back it up with customer service that’s as sweet as our candy aisle. Bright Side Distributing: stocking smiles, one delivery at a time.

Bright Side Distributing Logo Contact information for Bright Side Distributing is as follows:

Cody Payne
cody@brightsidedistributing.com
Bright Side Distributing
12402 SE Jennifer Street, Suite 160
Clackamas, OR 97015
(503) 235-8341
brightsidedistributing.com


CDA Welcomes New Member: Ajinomoto Foods

Ajinomoto Foods makes it easy to bring global flavors to convenience store menus with premium frozen appetizers, handhelds, entrées and sides. Designed for easy preparation and minimal labor, these products are perfectly tailored to meet the needs of c-store operators and their busy, on-the-go customers.

Contact information for Ajinomoto Foods is as follows:

Ajinomoto Foods Logo Ed Shabaz
Ed.Shabaz@Ajinomotofoods.com
Ajinomoto Foods
4200 E Concours Street, Suite 100
Ontario, CA 91764
(909) 477.4700
Ajinomotofoodservice.com


Hershey Appoints New Chief Human Resources Officer

The Hershey Company has announced the appointment of Natalie Rothman as chief human resources officer, effective Aug. 18, 2025. Rothman will lead Hershey's global human resources function and report to President and CEO Kirk Tanner. Read more here.

The Hershey Comany Logo

President Trump Weighs Reclassifying Marijuana

On Aug. 11, 2025, President Trump said his administration is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, with a decision to be made in the next few weeks. Trump said during a press briefing, “It’s a very complicated subject base, I’ve heard great things having to do with medical and bad things having to do with just about everything else.” The federal government currently classifies marijuana under Schedule I and reclassifying it could ease current banking and financial restrictions. If rescheduled, cannabis and its interstate trade would remain federally illegal and each state deciding their own market rules would still apply. Read more here.


Court Ruling Regarding FDA's Civil Money Penalties

A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) civil money penalties (CMPs) for the violation of the federal Tobacco Control Act regulations on the sale of tobacco products are unconstitutional. In the case, Wulferic LLC v. FDA, Judge Reed O’Connor ruled that the CMPs in this particular case were unconstitutional because they violate the U.S. Constitution’s Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial. The court’s injunction against the FDA’s CMPs only applies to the retail store that is the subject of the litigation and does not apply nationwide. Read more here.


SpartanNash Welcomes New VP, OwnBrands Marketing

SpartanNash has announced that Jason Ulichnie has been named vice president, OwnBrands marketing. In this role, Ulichnie will oversee the end-to-end portfolio management, product development and brand equity of SpartanNash OwnBrands for company-operated stores and wholesale customers. Read more here.

SpartanNash logo

Limited Exhibit Space Remains for Marketplace 2026 - Register Today!

Marketplace 2026, 2027 Thumb Arlington, TX
February 16-18, 2026

Exhibitors: register online today!

At Marketplace, the focus is to bring together distributors with their top trading partners and suppliers over a three-day period, featuring a one-day turnkey trade show, focused education sessions, a distributor showcase and enhanced networking opportunities.

Attendee registration opens in September.

By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

About Marketplace | Exhibitor Prospectus | Trade Show


More States Ban Soda and Candy From SNAP Benefits

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved waivers for six more states to restrict the purchase of non-nutritious items like soda and candy with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, impacting around 8.5 million people. This brings the total number of states with such bans to 12. Waivers will go into effect in 2026, prohibiting the purchase of items like soda, candy and energy drinks with SNAP benefits. Supporters of the bans argue it will improve health outcomes, while critics suggest it limits food choices for low-income individuals and does not address broader issues of food access. The bans have been primarily led by Republican states, with Colorado being the only Democratic state to implement such restrictions. Read more here and here.


CDA Submits Comments to the FDA on Proposed Very Low Nicotine Regulation

On Aug. 11, 2025, CDA submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opposing the agency’s proposed rule that would set a maximum nicotine content level of 0.70 milligrams of nicotine per gram of tobacco in cigarettes, roll-your-own cigarette tobacco, cigars (excluding premium cigars) and pipe tobacco.

This proposed nicotine cap means an average reduction of 92% to 95% in the nicotine levels of cigarettes currently on the market and similar percentage reductions in nicotine in RYO tobacco, machine-made cigars and pipe tobacco.

The practical impact of the proposed rule would be to ban the sale of 99.99% of all conventional cigarettes on the marketplace today and prohibit the marketing of current roll-your-own tobacco, non-premium cigars and pipe tobacco products.

The comments submitted to the FDA by CDA focused on the following arguments:

  • Current all-time low usage rates of cigarettes and tobacco products by both adults and youth do not support the adoption of the proposed rule.
  • The prohibition of virtually all cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, non-premium cigars and pipe tobacco would lead to a nationwide illicit market for these tobacco products.
  • The proposed rule would result in a significant reduction in cigarette and other tobacco product sales, billions of dollars in reduced federal, state and local excise tax and sales tax collections, and an estimated 154,000+ lost industry and ancillary jobs.

The deadline for the public to submit comments to the FDA on the proposed very low nicotine rule is Sept. 15, 2025. CDA’s comments can be read here.


CDA Welcomes New Member: C.A. Ferolie

C.A. Ferolie Logo Privately held and debt free, C.A. Ferolie operates with 500 associates across 22 states including 7 offices, generating $2.7B in annual sales. With omni-channel solutions spanning convenience, grocery, club, drug and specialty retail—and nationwide reach through sister CA agencies—the team brings expertise in categories from confectionery and beverages to dairy, produce, seafood, frozen and GM/HBC. Recognized with a 2024 MarCom Gold for business intelligence, the company maintains a 10:1 merch rep–to–supervisor ratio, including NYC inner-city coverage, and benefits from a 14-year average management tenure. The company operates from the Northeast to Florida and west to Pittsburgh and is driven by its strong culture of service, integrity and data-powered growth.

Contact information for C.A. Ferolie is as follows:

Pat Dever
pdever@caferolie.com
C.A. Ferolie
2 Van Riper Road
Montvale, NJ 07645
(215) 520-7854
caferolie.com


2025 Class of Future Leaders in Convenience from Convenience Store News

Convenience Store News has announced its 2025 class of Future Leaders in Convenience (FLIC), which is comprised of 42 up-and-comers from 27 c-store industry retailer, distributor and supplier companies, including many CDA members. The FLIC awards recognize young people (aged 35 and under) working in the convenience channel who are already making significant positive contributions to their companies and the industry at large. Read more about the awards program and see the list of the 2025 FLIC honorees here.

Future Leaders in Convenience Logo

CDA Meets With FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, CTP Acting Director Bret Koplow and Deputy Commissioner for Human Food Kyle Diamantas

On Aug. 4, 2025, CDA President & CEO Kimberly Bolin, CDA Chair Jodi Buckner, and CDA Policy Advisors Tom Briant and Kathee Facchiano met with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin Makary, Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) Acting Director Bret Koplow, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Kyle Diamantas, FDA Chief of Staff Jim Traficant, and Policy Analyst Stephanie Socgfack. The meeting took place at FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, MD.

During the meeting, Bolin and Buckner discussed distributor concerns regarding tobacco product regulations and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) food traceability rule. These concerns included the illicit vapor product market, the status of Pre-Market Tobacco Application reviews, the need to focus on enforcement of current laws, the impact of the FSMA Section 204(d) food traceability rule, the consequences of the proposed bans of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, and the proposed very low nicotine standard which would ban virtually all cigarettes and cigars currently sold by distributors.

In response to the concern about the impact of the FSMA Section 204(d) food traceability rule, Deputy Commissioner Kyle Diamantas stated that the agency would be publishing a proposed rule regarding a 30-month extension of the rule’s implementation date. On Aug. 6, 2025, the FDA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would extend the FSMA Section 204(d) implementation date from Jan. 20, 2026 to July 20, 2028. A copy of the proposed rule can be accessed here. The public can submit comments to the FDA on the proposed extension of the FSMA Section 204(d) implementation date until Sept. 8, 2025.

In conjunction with the proposed rule, the FDA also released a constituent update to announce the federal register notice, the issuance of new FAQs about the food traceability rule and other updated resources. You can access the constituent update here.

Another topic discussed during the meeting was CDA’s recent interactions with the FDA Technical Assistance Network (TAN), which is a group of FDA information specialists and subject matter experts that answer questions about the food traceability rule. At CDA’s request, the TAN group compiled a Traceability Plan specifically for distributors which was also released to the public. On Aug. 27, 2025, Angela Fields with the FDA will lead a CDA member webinar, Understanding FSMA Section 204(d) – CTEs, KDEs and FDA’s Tools, to provide insights into the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule for distributors. CDA appreciates the guidance and collaboration with the TAN of FDA.

In addition, Commissioner Makary and Acting Director Koplow expressed the shared concern about the need to prioritize enforcement against unauthorized vapor products. According to the FDA:

• Approximately 50% of electronic cigarettes sold today have been authorized by the agency and the other 50% that are on the market have not been authorized.

• The latest survey data shows that approximately 20% of high school students are using vapor products.

According to Commissioner Makary, the FDA will be conducting significant enforcement actions against unauthorized vapor products. The enforcement actions will focus on unauthorized vapor products at U.S. ports, in the distribution channel, and at retail stores.

CDA is optimistic and has confidence in the leadership of Commissioner Makary, Acting Director Koplow, and Deputy Commissioner Diamantas on tobacco and food traceability regulations. These FDA leaders were very receptive to CDA’s concerns and the association is pleased to see immediate results on the proposed extension of the FSMA Section 204(d) implementation date and the issuance of the distributor Traceability Plan.

On a separate but related matter, on July 28, 2025, a group of eight Democrat Senators sent a letter to Commissioner Makary questioning the FDA's recent marketing granted orders for JUUL's e-cigarettes, including menthol-flavored vaping pods. The FDA authorization is a reversal of the agency’s issuance of marketing denial orders in 2022 prohibiting the sale of the company's products.

Read more about the letter from the senators to Commissioner Makary here.


Mars Opens Facility in Salt Lake City

Mars, Incorporated has opened a new $240M manufacturing facility for Nature’s Bakery in Salt Lake City, UT. The new 339,000+ square-foot site brings more than 230 new jobs to the region. Read more here.

Mars logo

Less Than 15 Exhibit Spaces Remain for Marketplace 2026 - Register Now!

Marketplace 2026, 2027 Thumb Arlington, TX
February 16-18, 2026

Exhibitors: register online today!

Register now to increase your opportunity of being assigned a preferred booth location through the CDA priority point system. The CDA priority point system expires July 31. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come first-served basis after July 31.

At Marketplace, the focus is to bring together distributors with their top trading partners and suppliers over a three-day period, featuring a one-day turnkey trade show, focused education sessions, a distributor showcase and enhanced networking opportunities.

Attendee registration opens in September.

By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

About Marketplace | Exhibitor Prospectus | Trade Show


Deadline Extended to Sept. 1 - Secure Your Spot in the CDA Business Academy

CDA Business Academy LogoThere is still time to enroll in the CDA Business Academy – a 10-week virtual education program designed for emerging, rising leaders and middle managers in the convenience products distribution industry. Through a blend of self-paced online learning and expert-led sessions, this program equips participants with practical tools in people management and business finance that can be applied immediately on the job.

The program will run from September 18 through December 4, with live sessions held every other Thursday. This cohort is open to all CDA members, supporting leadership development across the industry – register by September 1.

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future leaders. Click here to learn more or contact Lauren Herbert for details.

Open exclusively to CDA members. Participants must be employed on an ongoing basis by a CDA member company in good standing.


SpartanNash Holds Annual Food Solutions Expo

SpartanNash held its annual two-day Food Solutions Expo at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, MI, bringing together nearly 2,000 independent grocers and grocery suppliers from across the country for education, recognition, deals and networking. Read more here.

SpartanNash logo

Upcoming CDA Webinar: Understanding FSMA Section 204(d) - CTEs, KDEs and FDA's Tools

CDA Webinar Series

Understanding FSMA WebinarJoin us for the second installment in our exclusive CDA member webinar series on FSMA Section 204(d). Angela Fields, the senior consumer safety officer for the FDA’s CORE Network, will take a deeper dive into the traceability rule and the requirements for distributors. This session will introduce the FDA’s FSMA sortable electronic spreadsheet template, a tool designed to help businesses organize and submit traceability data in compliance with the rule. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs), with a focus on how these apply to distributors.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
2:00 – 2:45 pm ET
Register now!

Stay ahead of the curve of FSMA 204(d) – don’t miss this essential opportunity to become more informed about the traceability requirements and be more prepared to comply with the rule.

In Case You Missed It: Understanding FSMA Section 204(d) – What It Means for Your Business

CDA held the first in a series of exclusive CDA member webinars focused on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Section 204(d) – the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule. The session broke down what the rule entails, its implications for your business, and how CDA is championing a strategic approach to support members through education, advocacy, and practical resources.

Watch the on-demand webinar here.


FDA Implementing Nationalized Entry Review Program, Important Changes Effective August 4, 2025

On July 28, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a notice regarding FDA's Office of Inspections and Investigations (OII) Office of Import Operations (OIO) implementing changes to the import entry review process that will impact engagement with FDA import operations. Effective Aug. 4, 2025, OIO will implement the Nationalized Entry Review (NER) program to address the increasing volume of imported FDA-regulated commodities driven by e-commerce growth, expanded trade volume and supply chain complexities.

OIO is transitioning from the current geographic location model to a national-based review system that will:

  • Conduct entry admissibility reviews on a national basis versus the current port-by-port entry review approach
  • Utilize staff across multiple time zones for expanded coverage
  • Explore automation opportunities to streamline processes
  • Optimize resource allocation to focus on higher-risk products

For detailed procedures regarding urgent shipments and additional contact protocols, please refer to the FDA National Entry Review (NER) Trade Communications Guide.


States Sue USDA Over SNAP Applicant Personal Data

On July 28, 2025, a coalition of 21 states and Washington, D.C. filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) after the agency told states to turn over the detailed, personal information of food assistance applicants and their household members.

The USDA has told states they have until July 30, 2025, to provide data about all applicants to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), over the last five years, including names, Social Security numbers, birth dates and addresses. The agency broadened the scope of information it is collecting to include other data points, including immigration status and information about household members. While immigrants without legal status are ineligible for SNAP benefits, U.S. citizen children can qualify for the program regardless of the immigration status of their parents.

The suit asserts that the USDA's data collection plan is unconstitutional, violates federal privacy laws and USDA's own authority. In addition to the USDA and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the suit also names the USDA's Office of Inspector General as a defendant, as that office has been separately requesting sensitive data from some states. Read more here.


Advisory Committee Meeting Scheduled on Modified Risk Tobacco Product Renewal Applications for IQOS Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Federal Register notice announcing a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting on Oct. 7, 2025, to discuss the renewal of modified risk granted orders issued to Philip Morris Products S.A. for the following products:

• Marlboro Amber HeatSticks
• Marlboro Green Menthol HeatSticks
• Marlboro Blue Menthol HeatSticks
• IQOS 2.4 System Holder and Charger
• IQOS 3.0 System Holder and Charger

Read more here.


Southco Distributing Co. to Acquire Atlantic Dominion Distributors' Inventory Assets

Southco Distributing Co., based in Goldsboro, NC, has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire the inventory assets of Atlantic Dominion Distributors, headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA. The transaction includes Atlantic Dominion’s operations in both Virginia Beach, VA, and Hope Mills, NC, and is expected to close at the end of August 2025.

This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for both organizations, bringing together two respected companies with long-standing commitments to excellence in service and customer relationships. Atlantic Dominion Distributors is a subsidiary of the Old Dominion Tobacco Company, established in 1875. The parent company will continue its strong presence in the market through its remaining businesses: Hoffman Beverage, a premier Anheuser-Busch and beverage distributor; S&K Sales Co., a large manufacturer’s representative of consumer products to military commissaries and exchanges worldwide; and a robust real estate investment division. Read more here.

Southco Distributing Co. and Atlantic Dominion Logos

Ali Momenzadeh Honored with LOMCSA 2025 Chairman’s Award

The Louisiana Oil Marketers and Convenience Store Association (LOMCSA) has named Ali Momenzadeh, Lyons Specialty Company, LLC, as its 2025 Chairman’s Award winner—LOMCSA's highest honor—during the association’s annual convention banquet held in Destin, FL. Read more here.

Ali Momenzadeh photo

Mars to Invest $2 Billion Into U.S. Manufacturing

Mars, Incorporated has announced plans to grow its U.S.-based manufacturing by investing an estimated $2 billion into its operations across the country by the end of 2026. This multi-billion-dollar investment builds on the company's ongoing commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing. Read more here.

Mars logo

Senators Strip Hemp Language from Ag/FDA Appropriations Bill

Senators have agreed to remove language that would close a hemp regulatory loophole from the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, following a clash between Republican Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul. On July 10, 2025, the Senate Committee on Appropriations approved FY26 Ag-FDA bill by a unanimous vote of 27-0, including the language pushed by McConnell that would ban hemp-derived cannabinoid (CBD) products containing synthetic compounds and/or quantifiable amounts of THC or THCA, or other cannabinoids that have similar effects on humans or animals. The House Appropriations Committee approved similar language in their FY26 Ag/FDA spending bill.

On July 29, 2025, Senate Appropriations Agriculture-FDA subcommittee Chair John Hoeven (R-ND) told reporters that the hemp provision was removed after Paul threatened to block Senate passage of the appropriations bill entirely. A spokesperson for McConnell said that the senator “doesn’t want to hold up the process” of passing all appropriations bills and is “working with the committee on a path forward.” Senators are moving to clear key hurdles in their effort to pass several spending bills before the August recess and working toward avoiding a government shutdown in two months. Read more here.


FDA Recommends Kratom Byproduct to be Classified Alongside Illegal Drugs

On July 29, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to crack down on an opioid substance derived from the kratom plant known as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency is urging the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 substance.

7-OH can be found in tablets, gummies and drink mixes commonly sold online, in gas stations and convenience stores. FDA officials said they are not targeting the herbal supplement kratom but products containing its byproduct sold in synthetic concentrations. The FDA has already issued warning letters to seven companies for illegal marketing products containing 7-OH. The products advertise the compound as an added ingredient, or being included at enhanced levels. Read more here.


New Coalition Chaired By Richard Burr Formed to Respond to Illegal Vape Market Crisis

In response to the flood of illegal and unregulated tobacco and nicotine products in the U.S, a broad group of regulated manufacturers, retailers and distributors launched the “Coalition for Smarter Regulation of Nicotine” (Regulate Smarter) to advance a modern, common-sense approach to regulating nicotine products. Chaired by former U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Regulate Smarter will advocate that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) adopt a science-based regulatory framework to establish a well-regulated marketplace that continues to drive underage use down and meets the growing demand among adult tobacco consumers for proven less-harmful nicotine products. Read more here.


NACS Introduces New President and CEO

NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) has announced that Frank Gleeson, former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-2019 NACS Chairman of the Board, will serve as its new president and CEO beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Gleeson will succeed current NACS President and CEO Henry Armour and be only the fourth CEO in the organization’s 64-year history. Read more here.

NACS logo

FDA Seeks Nominations for the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee

On July 30, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a notice requesting nominations for voting members to serve on the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) by Aug. 25, 2025. Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by any interested person or organization. TPSAC advises FDA in its responsibilities related to the regulation of tobacco products, such as any application submitted by a manufacturer for a modified risk tobacco product. The committee reviews and evaluates safety, dependence and health issues concerning tobacco products and provides appropriate advice, information and recommendations to the FDA commissioner.

Specifically, TPSAC is seeking to fill five vacancies with physicians, dentists, scientists or health care professionals practicing in oncology, pulmonology, cardiology, toxicology, pharmacology, addiction, engineering or any other relevant specialty. Included in the five vacancies is one vacancy for a representative of the general public, and one vacancy for an employee of federal, state or local government. Selected members will be invited to serve for terms of up to four years, which will begin on Feb. 1, 2026, after the current members’ terms expire. Read more here.