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Last Chance: Apply Now For a $5,000 College Scholarship

Ray Foley Scholarship GraphicKnow a college student enrolled for the 2025-2026 academic year? Take advantage of this opportunity to apply for one of four $5,000 college scholarships before tomorrow’s deadline!

The Ray Foley Memorial Scholarship is open to CDA distributor member company employees and their immediate family members who are currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program. Click here for full eligibility requirements and more details.

Don’t miss your chance at $5,000 – applications are due Friday, April 18.


Republican Attorneys General Urge Trump Administration to Act on Illicit Vapor Products

On April 10, 2025, 27 Republican State Attorneys General sent a letter to numerous Trump Administration agencies requesting a coordinated federal government effort to respond to secure the county’s borders against the continued influx of unauthorized and illicit vapor products, the majority of which are shipped into the U.S. from China. The letter states that these illicit vapor products evade federal regulation, pose a risk to public safety and appeal to youth. The Attorneys General have asked the Trump Administration to act by instructing the federal multi-agency task force created in June 2024 to make stopping illicit Chinese e-cigarettes a top priority, giving U.S. Customs and Border Protection independent seizure authority, designating an individual to spearhead the enforcement efforts and enhancing seizure authority at the border of the Department Homeland Security. Read the letter here.


The Campbell's Company Announces Several Leadership Appointments

The Campbell’s Company has announced senior management changes to accelerate progress against its strategic plan and drive continued growth. Elizabeth Duggan has been appointed president of the company’s snacks division, effective May 12, 2025. Janda Lukin has been named to the newly created role of chief growth officer, effective June 2, 2025. Aaron Gwinner has been appointed as senior vice president and chief digital & technology officer, effective April 14, 2025.

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OMB Issues Deregulation Request for Information

On April 11, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a request for information soliciting ideas for deregulation from across the country. Commenters are asked to identify rules to be rescinded and provide detailed reasons for their rescission. Consideration will be given to written comments received by May 12, 2025.

The Federal Register notice states, “OMB invites comments about any and all regulations currently in effect. Americans are the most inventive, hardworking, and industrious people in the world. For too long, American dynamism and creativity have been stunted by onerous and unnecessary regulations. With this document, OMB seeks proposals to rescind or replace regulations that stifle American businesses and American ingenuity. We seek comment from the public on regulations that are unnecessary, unlawful, unduly burdensome, or unsound. Comments should address the background of the rule and the reasons for the proposed rescission, with particular attention to regulations that are inconsistent with statutory text or the Constitution, where costs exceed benefits, where the regulation is outdated or unnecessary, or where regulation is burdening American businesses in unforeseen ways.” Read more here.


House Oversight Committee Holds Hearing on Rooting Out Illicit Products and Restoring Trust in FDA

On April 9, 2025, the House Oversight Committee held a hearing, titled, Restoring Trust in FDA: Rooting Out Illicit Products. Witnesses at the hearing included: Guy Bentley, Director of Consumer Freedom, Reason Foundation; Jonathan Miller, General Counsel, Hemp Roundtable; Richard Williams, Senior Affiliated Scholar, Mercatus Center; Shabbir Imber Safdar, Executive Director, The Partnership for Safe Medicines; and Dr. David Kessler (Minority Witness), Former FDA Commissioner. Read more here.


Democrats Introduce Bill to Raise the Minimum Wage

On April 8, 2025, House Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) and Vice Ranking Member Greg Casar (D-TX), along with Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), introduced the Raise the Wage Act of 2025 (S.1332/ H.R.2743). This bill would gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $17 per hour by 2030. Read more here.


Future of Trump Tariff Plan Unclear

President Trump announced a long-expected executive order imposing reciprocal tariffs on most foreign nations on April 2, 2025. The tariffs increased by 10% beginning April 5, 2024, for nearly all foreign nations. On April 9, 2025, some nations Trump feels have taken advantage of trade with the U.S. were subjected to an individualized rate between 10% and 50%. These rates are in addition to any current tariff or duty already in place on such products prior to Wednesday’s executive order.

The executive order exempted many classes of imported products from the new tariffs. Roughly 30 medications, pharmaceuticals, vaccines and raw ingredients for medications are exempted from the new tariffs. However, raw materials for durable goods and medical devices in the health industry would be subject to the new tariffs. The executive order also empowers the Secretary of Commerce to modify those tariff rates on a case by case basis.

However, speaking at a Republican fundraiser on Tuesday, Trump announced that he planned new “major tariffs” on pharmaceutical imports. He provided few details, but the one-week change from believing pharmaceutical imports are too critical to disrupt with tariffs to one week later taking the opposite position has many health experts confused. Then on Wednesday, only 12 hours after the ad valorem tariffs were implemented, the President suspended for 90 days nearly all tariffs he had announced the previous week, claiming that 70 nations are looking to renegotiate their trade deals with the U.S. However, the 10% ad valorem tariffs would remain, and the tariffs on most Chinese products was increased to 125%. The current status on tariffs leaves industries uncertain what the outlook is with regard to pharmaceutical imports, tariffs on raw goods and health products imported from China.


House Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2026 Guidance and Deadlines

On April 2, 2025, House Appropriations Committee Republicans released guidance for lawmakers for FY26 appropriations requests. Members can submit their requests starting April 14, 2025, with deadlines throughout May. The Labor HHS deadline for members to submit requests to the subcommittee is May 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. All subcommittee deadlines can be found here. Committee Chairman Tom Cole’s (R-OK) guidance indicated that all projects included in the FY25 bills are eligible to be resubmitted, after they were removed from the recently passed CR.


President Trump Announces Pause on Most Reciprocal Tariffs

On April 9, 2025, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on most of his “reciprocal” levies for countries that didn’t retaliate on his tariff order — while increasing China’s to 125%. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the tariffs announced on April 2, 2025, served as a way to get countries to come to the negotiating table. The 10% tariff was the baseline rate for most nations that went into effect on April 5, 2025. Goods from the European Union had been set to 20%, with 24% on imports from Japan and 25% on products from South Korea. Still, 10% represents an increase in the tariffs previously charged by the U.S. government. Canada and Mexico would continue to be tariffed by as much as 25% due to a separate directive that aims to stop fentanyl smuggling. Read more here.


Benestar Brands is Now Monarca Authentic Snacks

Benestar Brands and Palmex Alimentos, S.A. de C.V. have announced their new unified brand identity, Monarca Authentic Snacks, building on the December 2023 merger of the two companies. With nine manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Mexico and distribution in over 17 countries, the company is uniquely positioned to lead the industry, leveraging over 90 years of heritage and commitment to excellence. Read more here.

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PDI Technologies Acquired P97 Networks

PDI Technologies has announced its acquisition of P97 Networks, LLC. Founded in Houston, TX, in 2012, P97 Networks is a mobile commerce and digital marketing platform provider for the convenience retail, automotive and fuel markets. The P97 platform is a cloud-based solution that enables brands to securely connect with consumers through mobile devices. PDI plans to invest in the P97 platform and further expand its availability and capabilities. Read more here.

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Smoker Friendly Names New VP of Operations

The Cigarette Store LLC (TCS) dba Smoker Friendly has named Tom Allen its new vice president of operations, effective April 1, 2025. Allen joined Smoker Friendly as retail operations manager in 2016, later acting as region director – West. Read more here.

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House and Senate Pass Budget Framework to Advance Trump Tax Cuts, Debt Limit Increase

On April 10, 2025, the House voted 216-214 to pass a budget framework that will be used to enact key parts of President Trump’s legislative agenda, despite divisions from Republicans. The Senate voted 51- 48 on April 5, 2025, to pass the budget reconciliation blueprint, which outlines the parameters for tax cuts and a debt ceiling increase. Republican leaders are hoping to pass the package by Memorial Day.

As a reminder, the reconciliation process is a legislative tool which allows the majority party to bypass the Senate filibuster rules once per fiscal year, thus needing 51 votes instead of the traditional 60 votes to pass most legislation. The process first requires both chambers of Congress to pass an identical budget resolution authorizing the process and instructing various committees to package together a variety of spending and revenue provisions. The House passed its budget resolution with a “one big beautiful bill” approach, including tax cuts, border security, national security and other matters. The Senate passed its budget resolution with a two-bill approach that would address border security and national security first, and then a tax-cut package later in the year. The two versions differed on several other matters, most notably the House version would increase the debt limit while the Senate version did not.

Earlier this month, the White House, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senate Republican Leader John Thune (R-SD) and top committee chairs reached a deal: the reconciliation framework would largely reflect the House budget resolution, though with many changes. There would be a single bill and a $4.5 trillion debt limit increase would be included. However, the Senate and House have different spending and savings targets, which has caused difficulty in getting the bill over the finish line. Read more here.


CDA Welcomes New Member: TEC Services LLC

TEC Services LLC specializes in providing comprehensive sanitation solutions tailored for the food distribution and manufacturing industries. Its services ensure facilities remain compliant with stringent food safety regulations, addressing challenges such as high staff turnover, audit readiness and operational inefficiencies. By integrating advanced technologies like its proprietary ClearPoint system, the company offers real-time insights and detailed reporting to optimize cleanliness and streamline audits. Its dedicated site managers work closely with clients to develop customized plans, enhancing productivity and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

Contact information for TEC Services LLC is as follows:

Ranch Fuel Logo Jay Hutchison
jhutchison@tecserv.com
TEC Services LLC
8601 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 110
Columbia, MD 21046
(262) 960-1535
www.tecserv.com


Hershey Announces Intent to Acquire LesserEvil

The Hershey Company has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LesserEvil, a cross-category snack brand for those who desire interesting and bold flavors with organic ingredients. The addition of LesserEvil will further expand Hershey's snacking portfolio and is expected to close later this year. Read more here.

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Don't Miss an Exclusive Q&A with Futurist Zack Kass - April 29, 2025 at 1:30 pm ET

AI Image Register now for an exclusive 30-minute Q&A webinar with Zack Kass – Advisor, Futurist, and Former Head of Go-To-Market at Open AI. Following his keynote at CDA’s Marketplace event, Zack will answer your most pressing questions about the evolving AI landscape and how businesses can successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities AI presents.

Submit your questions in advance when you register to increase the chances of your question being answered during the session. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of the most foremost experts in the field of AI!

Can’t attend the webinar on April 29? Still register to attend, and don’t forget to submit your questions. You’ll receive a recording of the webinar directly to your inbox on April 30.


House Agriculture Committee Holds Hearing on SNAP Work Requirements

On April 8, 2025, the House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing titled, The Power of Work: Expanding Opportunity through SNAP. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) emphasized the importance of work requirements to ensure the SNAP program guides participants to independence and self-sufficiency, while Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) discussed the Republican budget proposal to cut $230 billion from the programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and how cuts would hurt low-income families and farmers. Read more here.


CDBX Registration Closes in 9 Days (April 18)!

CDBX 25 & 26 Video September 8 – 11
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Phoenix, AZ

3 Reasons Distributor Members Need to Attend:

  1. Engage in up to 30 TOP-TO-TOP meetings with key trading partners in just 2 1/2 days
  2. Ample networking opportunities during meals and receptions
  3. It’s the must-attend event of the year

View the video to the right for a preview of CDBX 2025 and 2026, as it heads to two new destinations!

CDBX Website | Schedule | Hotel and Travel


Cassidy Introduces Bill to Combat Illicit International Trade in Foreign Free Trade Zones

On April 3, 2025, Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Containing and Limiting the Extensive Abuse Noticed in Free Trade Zones Act (CLEAN FTZ) to create a trade rating system based on U.S. and international standards to combat trade-based money laundering and other criminal activities in foreign free trade zones. Currently, no formal rating system for free trade zones exists, making it challenging for federal enforcement authorities to address illegal trafficking of illicit narcotics, persons, weapons, tobacco, counterfeits, commodities, wildlife and more. Cassidy was joined by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in introducing this legislation. The CLEAN FTZ Act:

  • Creates a formal rating system with four tier classifications of countries based on compliance to U.S. and international standards.
  • Gives countries an overall rating based on the performance of all free trade zones under their national jurisdiction.
  • Makes the ratings publicly available and is updated annually.
  • Allows the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to make recommendation to improve efforts to combat illicit trade to countries rated tier II, III and IV.
  • Creates a hotline for reporting of instances of illicit trading and money laundering activity.
  • Provides financial penalty options for foreign persons involved in illicit international trade.

Read more here.


RFK Jr. Invited to Testify at HELP, HHS Staff to Brief Energy and Commerce Committee

On April 1, 2025, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Cassidy (R-LA) and Ranking Member Sanders (I-VT) invited Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary RFK Jr. to testify before the HELP Committee on April 10, 2025, about the “reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Services.” Kennedy's team confirmed receipt of the request, but did not confirm attendance. The hearing could still take place later if the committee and Kennedy agree on a date. It’s unclear when a hearing might be scheduled, though, as the Senate is set to recess April 14 through April 25, 2025. HHS staff is reportedly scheduled to brief the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Friday afternoon about the reorganization. Read more here.


Don't Miss an Exclusive Q&A with Futurist Zack Kass - April 29, 2025 at 1:30 pm ET

Zack Kass Headshot Register now for an exclusive 30-minute Q&A webinar with Zack Kass – Advisor, Futurist, and Former Head of Go-To-Market at Open AI. Following his keynote at CDA’s Marketplace event, Zack will answer your most pressing questions about the evolving AI landscape and how businesses can successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities AI presents.

Submit your questions in advance when you register to increase the chances of your question being answered during the session. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of the most foremost experts in the field of AI!

Can’t attend the webinar on April 29? Still register to attend, and don’t forget to submit your questions. You’ll receive a recording of the webinar directly to your inbox on April 30.


CDBX Registration Closes in Two Weeks (April 18)!

CDBX Video September 8 – 11
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Phoenix, AZ

3 Reasons Distributor Members Need to Attend:

  1. Engage in up to 30 TOP-TO-TOP meetings with key trading partners in just 2 1/2 days
  2. Ample networking opportunities during meals and receptions
  3. It’s the must-attend event of the year

View the video to the right for a recap of last year's CDBX.

Distributor members: view the brochure and register online.

Supplier/manufacturer members: CDBX is invitation only and participation in Convenience Distribution Marketplace is required.

CDBX Website | Schedule | Hotel and Travel

Please reach out to Jenn Finn at jennf@cdaweb.net with any questions.

By attending CDBX, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers and Attendee Terms & Conditions.


College Scholarship Program Open for Applicants

Ray Foley Scholarship GraphicThe CDA Distributors Education Foundation awards four annual college scholarships of $5,000 to applicants from distributor member companies in honor of Ray Foley, the late executive vice president of the National Candy Wholesalers Associations.

The Ray Foley Memorial Scholarship is open to CDA distributor member company employees and their immediate family members who are currently enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program for the 2025-2026 academic year. Click here for full eligibility requirements and more details. Click here for a flyer to share within your company.

All applications must be received by April 11, 2025. Contact Lauren Herbert for more information.


Conagra Brands to Utilize Fuel Cell Technology at OH Production Facilities

Conagra Brands, Inc. and Bloom Energy have announced they will collaborate to utilize Bloom's fuel cell technology at Conagra's Troy and Archbold, OH, production facilities. The 15-year power purchase agreement will deploy approximately six megawatts and provide combustion-free electricity generation, supplying approximately 70% to 75% of the electricity needs at the Troy and Archbold facilities, while also projecting a 19% decrease in their greenhouse gas emissions. Read more here.

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Dr. Brian King, Director of the Center for Tobacco Products, Placed on Leave

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced layoffs within several agencies on April 1, 2025. The dismissals are a part of a sweeping restructuring of the agency, first noticed on March 27, 2025, and spearheaded by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. In addition to the lay-offs, senior officials across the agency were offered transitions to other departments. Among those was Dr. Brian King, director of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Dr. King was placed on administrative leave and offered a transfer to the Indian Health Service. Whether he accepted that transfer remains to be seen.

In addition, Secretary Kennedy announced a significant restructuring in late March, which included a combination of personnel cuts, centralization of functions and a consolidation of HHS divisions. Specifically, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will see a decrease of 3,500 full-time employees. However, the announcement specifically noted that the "reduction will not affect drug, medical device, or food reviewers, nor will it impact inspectors."

CDA is carefully monitoring the changes at the FDA and CTP. As new officials are placed into position, CDA will plan to meet with each person and will continue to offer the association and its members as a resource. We will make every effort to share additional information as it becomes available.

Read more on Dr. Brian King being placed on administrative leave here.

Read more on the FDA staff reductions here.


Supreme Court Hands a Win to FDA on Flavored Vapor Denial Orders

On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court announced a decision in favor of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION v. WAGES AND WHITE LION INVESTMENTS, L. L. C., DBA TRITON DISTRIBUTION, ET AL (Triton). The Court, in considering whether the FDA lawfully denied authorization to market certain flavored e-cigarette products, unanimously decided the FDA's Marketing Denial Orders (MDOs) were consistent with previously issued agency guidance on scientific evidence. Specifically, the Supreme Court held that the Fifth Circuit erred in setting aside as arbitrary and capricious the FDA’s MDOs denying respondents’ applications for authorization to sell new e-cigarette products pursuant to The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. The Fifth Circuit's ruling in favor of Triton was vacated and remanded back to the Fifth Circuit. To be clear, the Supreme Court stopped short of ruling the FDA acted unlawfully by not considering marketing plans as part of the approval process. However, as the case makes its way back to the Fifth Circuit, that Court will need to consider that question under a different legal standard than was previously used.

Both Triton Distribution and Vapestasia filed applications in 2020 for flavored e-cigarette products. Critics of the products claimed the flavors were designed to appeal to minors. The FDA denied both applications along with hundreds of other applications.

CDA will continue to monitor this case and will convey any additional information as it becomes available.

Read more here and here.


Trump Makes DOL Picks for Labor Solicitor, Wage and Hour Chief

President Trump nominated Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) Acting General Counsel Andrew Rogers as head of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division and attorney Jonathan Berry as labor solicitor.

Rogers previously worked in the Wage and Hour Division during the first Trump administration. He later moved to the EEOC, where he was former chief counsel to Republican commissioner Andrea Lucas, who is now acting chair of the EEOC. Trump named Rogers acting top lawyer at the civil rights agency in February. Berry is a former chief counsel to Trump and was principal deputy assistant secretary for policy at the DOL during the president’s first term, and later became managing partner at Boyden Gray PLLC. Trump also nominated David Castillo as chief financial officer for the DOL and Anthony D’Esposito as the agency’s inspector general. Read more here.


President Trump Announces Tariffs on Foreign Imports

On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced he is pressing forward with sweeping tariffs on imports from most foreign countries. Trump said the import taxes, ranging from 10% to 49%, would do to U.S. trading partners what they have long done to the U.S. and will draw factories and jobs back to the U.S.

The Senate voted to approve a resolution opposing the tariffs on imports from Canada hours after his event championing "Liberation Day." Four Republicans (Sens. Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky; Susan Collins of Maine; Lisa Murkowski of Alaska) sided with Democrats in voting for a resolution that would repeal the emergency declaration that permitted Trump to levy taxes on Canada by citing deadly fentanyl flowing across the border. The measure, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), passed the upper chamber of Congress by a 51-48 vote. The resolution is not expected to pass the House. Read more here.


Republicans Agree on Reconciliation Strategy, Key Decisions Still Await

After months of internal deliberation on their legislative plans to pass their ambitious tax-cut legislation, top Republicans seem to have reached a deal on the framework of their massive reconciliation package. As a reminder, the reconciliation process is a legislative tool which allows the majority party to bypass the Senate filibuster rules once per fiscal year, thus needing 51 votes instead of the traditional 60 votes to pass most legislation. In other words, a package that Republicans can pass without any Democratic votes.

The reconciliation process first requires both chambers of Congress to pass an identical budget resolution authorizing the process and instructing various committees to package together a variety of spending and revenue provisions. The House passed its budget resolution including tax cuts, border security, national security and other matters. The Senate passed its budget resolution with a two-bill approach that would address border security and national security first, and then a tax-cut package later in the year. The two versions differed on several other matters, most notably the House version would increase the debt limit while the Senate version did not.

Last week, the White House, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Republican Leader John Thune (R-SD) said the reconciliation framework would largely reflect the House budget resolution, though with many changes. There would be a single bill and a debt limit increase would be included. The next step is for the two chambers to put their agreement in writing and establish budgetary targets for each committee of jurisdiction. Senate Budget Committee leaders met with Trump this morning to discuss a path forward for the bill in the Senate. Read more here.


Dot Foods Delivers Next-Gen Supplier Analytics Platform

Dot Foods, Inc. has partnered with Crisp, a provider of supply chain data and retail analytics, to launch Crisp at Dot, an analytics platform designed to empower suppliers with actionable insights. With Crisp at Dot, suppliers gain access to automated and visualized SKU-level data, enabling more informed decision-making and greater operational efficiency. Read more here.

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FDA Intends to Extend Compliance Date for Food Traceability Rule

On March 20, 2025, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its intention to extend the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule (the “final rule”) by 30 months. The FDA intends to extend the compliance date using appropriate procedures at a later time, including publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register.

The FDA remains committed to successful implementation of the full requirements of the final rule, as they will allow for faster identification and removal of potentially contaminated food from the market, resulting in fewer foodborne illnesses and deaths. Accordingly, the compliance date extension does not amend, nor do we intend to amend, the requirements of the final rule, which will improve food safety and protect public health. Instead, the compliance date extension affords covered entities the additional time necessary to ensure complete coordination across the supply chain in order to fully implement the final rule’s requirements—ultimately providing FDA and consumers with greater transparency and food safety.

The final rule establishes additional traceability recordkeeping requirements (beyond what is already required in existing regulations) for persons who manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods on the Food Traceability List. The final rule requires a higher degree of coordination between members of the food industry than has been required in the past. Therefore, to achieve the full public health benefits of the final rule, all covered entities must be in compliance. Even those few entities who are well positioned to meet the final rule’s requirements by January 2026 have expressed concern about the timeline, in part because of their reliance on receiving accurate data from their supply chain partners, who are not similarly situated. Therefore, FDA intends to allow industry additional time, across all regulated sectors, to fully implement the final rule’s requirements.

The FDA intends to use the extended time period to continue the agency’s work with stakeholders, including by participating in cross-sector dialogue to identify solutions to implementation challenges and by continuing to provide technical assistance, tools, and other resources to assist industry with implementation.

The final rule applies to domestic and foreign entities producing food for U.S. consumption and was issued in 2022 in accordance with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.


Senate Confirms Makary for FDA Commissioner

On March 25, 2025, the Senate voted 56-44 to approve Marty Makary to be the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner. Makary picked up three votes by Democrats - Sens. Dick Durbin (IL), Maggie Hassan (NH) and Jeanne Shaheen (NH) - to secure his position. Key staff at FDA working with Makary have been hired, with Jim Traficant, former CEO of communications firm Pinkston, serving as Makary’s chief of staff. Pinkston worked on the promotion of Makary’s 2019 book, “The Price We Pay.” Grace Graham, who last served in Congress as chief health counsel for the House Energy & Commerce Committee, started at the FDA a few weeks ago. Read more here.


Bi-Partisan House Letter Calls on Trump Administration to Crack Down on Chinese-made E-Cigarettes

On March 20, 2025, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) led a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Acting Commissioner Sara Brenner, urging the Trump Administration to take action on the influx of unauthorized Chinese-made e-cigarettes and vapes sold in the U.S. The letter was signed by Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). The members wrote, “the large-scale smuggling of these illicit vaping products – accounting for more than half of all vapes sold in the U.S. – undermines American public health priorities and contributes to a significant increase in youth vaping. Youth vaping as a general matter is dangerous and directly harms consumers, including minors in particular, but the continued importation of these unapproved products, often through deceptive transshipment tactics, also violates U.S. trade laws.” Read more here.


Thune Pitches Estate Tax Repeal as GOP Advances Bill Talks

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) endorsed a full repeal of the estate tax as Republican leaders continue to draft a tax reform and economic package. On March 26, 2025, Thune said on the Senate floor, “I continue to advocate for eliminating the death tax once and for all, so no farmer or rancher has to worry about whether the family farm or ranch will be able to stay in the family after they pass.” Thune and 45 of his Senate colleagues, including Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, reintroduced the Death Tax Repeal Act (S.587) in February. The legislation would permanently repeal the federal estate tax, commonly known as the death tax.

Republicans are aiming to approve a tax bill through the reconciliation process in coming months that renews President Trump’s 2017 cuts, along with a fresh round of levy reductions. House and Senate Republicans are currently negotiating the size of the tax package, which will determine how many new cuts can become law. Supporters of an estate tax repeal assert that it inhibits farmers and other small business owners from passing on their assets to their children. In 2017, Trump backed a full repeal of the estate tax, but settled for increasing the exemption level. Those higher limits expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts.


House Education and Workforce Committee Holds Hearing on Future of Wage Laws

On March 25, 2025, the House Education and Workforce Committee’s Workforce Protections Subcommittee held a hearing titled "The Future of Wage Laws: Assessing the FLSA's Effectiveness, Challenges, and Opportunities." The hearing explored the benefits and failures of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) discussed the workforce’s desire for flexibility through compensatory time off or comp time. “Most government workers are eligible to receive comp time, but FLSA prohibits the private sector from using comp time,” Walberg stated. Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (D-MN) countered in her opening remarks, “Millions of workers wake up every morning, put in long hours, and still struggle to make ends meet. Meanwhile, billionaires and CEOs are making record profits off their labor. For too long, our economy has only worked for the wealthy and the well-connected while workers have been left behind.”


2025 Category Excellence Awards Winners

To spotlight the power of partnership in the convenience store industry, Convenience Store News has introduced the Category Excellence Awards, which recognize outstanding collaborations between a retailer category manager and their supplier or distributor partner. Judges selected 19 winners in six award categories. Visit the Convenience Store News website for more information and the list of winners.

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Enroll in the CDA Leadership Academy Today!

LeadershipAcademyThe CDA Leadership Academy is designed to help industry professionals elevate their leadership skills through expert coaching, collaborative learning, and real-world applications. Designed specifically for the convenience distribution industry and CDA members, it’s ideal for anyone looking to unlock their leadership potential – secure your spot by March 31.

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Join us on Tuesday, April 8, at 10:00 am ET for a special virtual pre-session with faculty and coach Tom Bagwell. Tom will dive into “The Mentor’s Mindset,” exploring evidence-based techniques to elevate your leadership impact. Click here to register for the pre-session.

For more details on this opportunity, click here or reach out to Lauren Herbert.


CDBX Registration Closes in Less Than a Month!

CDBX Video Convenience Distribution Business Exchange
September 8 – 11
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Phoenix, AZ

• The most productive meeting CDA members attend each year
• Over 2 1/2 days CDA member distributors may have up to 30 TOP-TO-TOP meetings with key trading partners
• Ample networking time during meals and receptions
• View the video to the right for a recap of last year's CDBX
• Registration closes April 18

Distributor members: view the brochure and register online or via the registration form

Supplier/manufacturer members: CDBX is invitation only and participation in Convenience Distribution Marketplace is required.

Don't miss this video for an exclusive preview of CDBX 2025 and 2026, as it heads to two new destinations!

CDBX Website | Schedule | Hotel and Travel

Please reach out to Jenn Finn at jennf@cdaweb.net with any questions.

By attending CDBX, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers and Attendee Terms & Conditions.


Deadline Extended for CDL Scholarship Program

CDL ScholarshipsThere’s still time to submit nominations for CDA’s The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program. We encourage distributor companies to nominate up to two employees for a chance to receive up to $5,000 toward their CDL training.

Created in response to the ongoing driver shortage, this scholarship program supports the future of the industry. Learn more about the program, eligibility and criteria on CDA's website.

All applications must be received by April 4, 2025. Contact Lauren Herbert with any questions.


Enroll in the CDA Leadership Academy Today!

LeadershipAcademyThe CDA Leadership Academy offers a transformative hybrid program that combines expert coaching, collaborative learning, and real-world applications. Register for CDA’s second cohort to enhance your communication skills, improve team dynamics, and develop a strategic mindset. Designed specifically for the convenience distribution industry and CDA members, it’s ideal for anyone looking to unlock their leadership potential – secure your spot by March 31.

Interested and want to learn more? Join us April 8 for a virtual pre-session presented by Tom Bagwell, faculty and coach. Tom will dive into “The Mentor’s Mindset,” exploring evidence-based techniques to elevate your leadership impact. Click here for more information about the pre-session.

For more details on this valuable opportunity, click here or reach out to Lauren Herbert.


Participate in the HIPA Report for Free Benchmarking Data

HIPA GraphicThe Hershey Industry Performance Analysis (HIPA) Report is the most comprehensive financial benchmarking report in the convenience distribution industry. Thanks to The Hershey Company, participating CDA distributor members can access it at no cost.

Gain valuable financial and operational insights to make data-driven decisions and improve your business. Complete the survey by May 1.

For more details, click here or contact Lauren Herbert.


House Members Introduce CIGAR Act

On March 18, 2025, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced H.R. 2111, the "Cutting the Invasive Government's Arbitrary Regulations (CIGAR) Act". The bill aims to exempt premium, handmade cigars from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation, as established by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Dina Titus (D-NV) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have co-sponsored the legislation. The goal of the bill is to protect small and family-owned cigar businesses from overly burdensome federal regulation.

By way of background, in January 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled against the FDA’s appeal of a cigar industry lawsuit that sought to exempt premium cigars from FDA regulation. The FDA’s appeal attempted to overturn a 2023 federal court ruling against the FDA’s application of the Deeming Rule to premium cigars. While this appellate court ruling spared the premium cigar industry from a number of FDA regulations, the ruling did not fully remove the FDA’s ability to regulate premium cigars. The newly introduced legislation aims to take that next step in completely excluding premium cigars from FDA regulation. Read more here.


Congress Passes CR to Avert Shutdown

Last week, House Republicans passed a continuing resolution (CR) through the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30, 2025), sending the CR to the Senate for consideration. The Senate voted 54-46, mostly along party lines, on March 14, 2025, to pass the House Republican-drafted bill, avoiding a government shutdown hours before funding was due to lapse.

Two members of the Democratic caucus voted for the bill: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), who is retiring at the end of her current term; and Sen. Angus King (Maine), an independent who caucuses with Democrats. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) voted no. It appeared to be an open question about whether or not Senate Democrats would vote to advance the CR. However, on March 13, 2025, Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY) said he would support an initial vote to invoke cloture (which needs 60 votes) on the CR – a move that prompted anger from many in his party. Read more here.


CDA Welcomes New Member: Novelty, Inc

Novelty, Inc is a creative wholesale distributor offering innovative, trend-driven products. Vertically integrated from design to sourcing, the company produces thousands of unique items annually for loyal retailers. Specializing in bulk trending and impulse buys, it's a top novelty company. Novelty, Inc caters to diverse retailers, including convenience stores, providing a vast selection to boost sales and convert casual browsing into impulse purchases. The company focuses on meeting your evolving needs with exciting, in-demand products.

Contact information for Novelty, Inc is as follows:

Novelty, Inc Logo Nason Frizzell
nason@noveltyinc.com
Novelty, Inc
351 West Muskegon Avenue
Greenfield, IN 46140
(317) 363-8091
www.noveltyincwholesale.com


CDA Welcomes New Member: Splink Technologies

Splink is a technology company that connects retailers, distributors and manufacturers across the convenience information supply chain, facilitating the distribution, management and compliance of brand-sponsored trade programs.

Contact information for Splink Technologies is as follows:

Splink Technologies Logo Micah Stein
micah@splinktechnologies.com
Splink Technologies
93 Wyckoff Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11237
(310) 387-8833
splinktechnologies.com


PepsiCo to Acquire poppi

PepsiCo, Inc. has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, for $1.95 billion. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Additional terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Read more here.

Pepsico Logo

UniPro Foodservice Honors Members and Suppliers at Annual Spring Conference

UniPro Foodservice held its 2025 Spring Conference in Denver, CO, with more than 1,400 attendees. In addition to business sessions and networking events, UniPro staff presented updates to UniPro’s strategic initiatives, and industry expert David Portalatin, of Circana, shared industry insights and key trends. UniPro's top members and suppliers were also honored at its annual Awards Luncheon. Read more here.

UniPro Foodservice Logo

CDL Scholarship Program Open for Nominations

CDL ScholarshipsIn response to the ongoing driver shortage impacting the industry, the CDA Distributors Education Foundation created “The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program.” This scholarship program awards ten recipients with up to $5,000 towards their CDL training. CDA Distributor Member Companies in good standing can nominate up to two employees. Learn more about the program, eligibility and criteria on CDA's website.

Travis Higdon (Harbor Wholesale Foods), 2024 scholarship recipient shared, “Thank you so much for the scholarship! I feel very lucky and grateful to be given this awesome opportunity. I have been driving commercial box trucks for over two decades and never thought I would get my CDL. I appreciate the opportunity you have given me and will see this to the end!”

All applications must be received by March 21, 2025. Contact Lauren Herbert with any questions.