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CDBX Brings Business Building and New Opportunities

Luncheon Room CDA’s annual Convenience Distribution Business Exchange (CDBX) gave CDA member distributors and suppliers the unmatched opportunity to gather and conduct business this week at the desert oasis known as the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix.

CDA members joined their trading partners and peers to network, plan and strategize for the year ahead. During the event, 1472 meetings were held by 553 participants.

To the right, CDA members enjoyed a delicious meal at Tuesday’s Awards Luncheon, sponsored by The Hershey Company.

Reynolds Reception Group “CDBX gives distributors and manufacturers the unparalleled opportunity to connect and do business,” said Kimberly Bolin, CDA president and CEO. “In a world that conducts so much business virtually these days, one cannot overstate the value of the face-to-face meetings at CDBX.”

The opportunity to meet in person and in one place with key decision-makers makes CDBX a must-attend event each year.

“There’s nothing like CDBX in the industry,” said Leanne Jennings, J.L. Gaddy Enterprises, Inc. “The one-on-one meetings with top leaders are very effective and a great use of time.”

Above, (l-r) CDA Chair Jodi Buckner, Lyons Specialty Co., LLC; Cade Guillot, McLane Company, Inc.; CDA President & CEO Kimberly Bolin; and Matt Domingo, Reynolds, took in mountain views during the Cacti & Cocktails Reception.

Meeting - PMI US and Texas Wholesale The business meetings kicked off each day’s activities, and festive social events capped off each evening. Members joined the party on Monday at the Fiesta in the Desert Welcome Reception, sponsored by Altria Group Distribution Company. On Tuesday evening, drinks were flowing at the Cacti & Cocktails Reception, sponsored by Reynolds. And even the non-golfers in the crowd enjoyed Wednesday evening’s 19th Hole Reception, sponsored by ITG Brands, LLC.

“You can’t put a price on the value of CDBX,” said Damon Jackson, Turning Point Brands-National Tobacco Co. “This is the best place for you to be if you want to engage with customers, engage with industry folks, and be together. We are one big happy family here.”

Above, PMI U.S. and Texas Wholesale met to discuss the year ahead.

Richard Owen In addition to the business meetings and social gatherings, important CDA work was accomplished throughout the week. On Tuesday, Bolin welcomed members to the event and reflected on her time with CDA.

“You all have inspired me with your dedication, your commitment and your belief in what can be accomplished when we work together,” Bolin said. “We’re partners in the mission. We don’t just clock in and out. We’re invested in the people, the purpose and the long-term impact.”

She also introduced CDA’s incoming president and CEO, Richard Owen (pictured left), who joined CDA on Sept. 2, 2025, to begin the transition process over the next few months.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting so many of you this week,” said Owen. “I look forward to spending time with you on the ground, learning about your businesses and the challenges you face.”

Jodi Buckner, Andy Plummer Next, CDA Chair Jodi Buckner, Lyons Specialty Co., LLC, presided over the Annual Membership Meeting. Officers and directors were elected for 2026, including Chair Andy Plummer, AMCON Distributing Company. George Bennett, S. Abraham & Sons, Inc., was elected first vice chair, and Lawson Williams, MR Williams, Inc., was elected second vice chair. Tremayne Arnold, Capitol Distributing, Inc., was elected by the Board of Directors to serve as member at large.

The Hershey Company sponsored Tuesday’s Awards Luncheon (and its delicious desserts) where Jebb Maginnis of Creative Data Research (CDR) was named 2025 Dean of the Industry by Hugh Raetzsch, Lyons Specialty Co., LLC.

To the right, current CDA Chair Jodi Buckner, Lyons Specialty Co., LLC, presented incoming Chair Andy Plummer, AMCON Distributing Company, with the ceremonial gavel and green jacket proudly worn by current and past chairs.

Jebb Maginnis and CDR Team “Jebb has demonstrated a deep understanding of the industry,” said Raetzsch. “His respectful persistence, honesty and transparency, and his quiet strength have earned him trust across decades of relationships.”

“I’m truly honored to receive the Dean of the Industry Award from CDA,” said Maginnis. “I’d like to thank the entire organization not just for this award but for the countless opportunities to develop friendships, relationships and partnerships throughout convenience distribution.”

To the left, industry friends and colleagues celebrated with Maginnis after he was named the 2025 Dean of the Industry.

Kimberly Bolin and Chad Owen In one of the most memorable moments of the week, Bolin was completely surprised when Chad Owen, Chambers & Owen, Inc., presented her with the Distinguished Leadership Award (pictured right). He spoke for everyone in the room when he praised her dedication, commitment to excellence and visionary leadership. After a sustained standing ovation, Bolin said, “I am humbled and grateful. I couldn’t have dreamed of a career more perfect than this or better colleagues than all of you. One of the things so special about this industry is how everyone—even competitors—gather together to do all they can to support one another."

Business meetings resumed that afternoon. And as they wrapped up on Thursday morning, supplier members generously donated leftover candy, snacks and packaged food samples to UMOM New Day Centers. UMOM is Arizona’s largest provider of services for families experiencing homelessness.

Mark your calendars now for CDBX 2026, which will take place Sept. 14-17 at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in tropical Aventura, FL.

A special thanks to all CDBX participants for their support, as this event would not have been possible without your time and commitment. Please take a few minutes to fill out the post-event survey that you received via email this morning. Your feedback helps us plan events that can best serve you and your business.


Marketplace Registration is Open for Distributors!

CDM26Thumb Distributors

Register online today. Marketplace is the premier national conference and trade show exclusively for the wholesale distributors of convenience products.

  • Pay one low rate per company to register as many company personnel as desired
    • Connect with top trading partners and solution providers during the trade show
    • Learn from expert and noteworthy presenters in timely education sessions focusing on the economy, FSMA, industry trends, AI, and more!
    • Participate in the Distributor Showcase* for a unique opportunity for manufacturers to visit with wholesale distributor members beyond the trade show.
    • Network at receptions and celebrate an industry peer at the Hall of Fame Dinner.

Exhibitors

  • Exhibit space at Marketplace 2026 is almost sold out. Secure your space now.
  • If your company has already reserved exhibit space, booth assignments will be shared soon, and the 2026 planning guide will be emailed to your designated team lead in mid-October.

Please reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net with any questions.

Marketplace Website | Distributor Registration | Exhibit Space Registration
Schedule | Education | Hotel and Travel

*The distributor showcase is for CDA member distributors only. Participation is required.
By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.


Supreme Court to Review Trump's Tariffs

The Supreme Court announced on Sept. 9, 2025, that it will take up whether President Trump can use emergency powers to issue tariffs with global trading partners, agreeing to the administration’s request to hear its appeal. The justices will hear appeals in several underlying cases that concern whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) authorizes the tariffs. The expedited schedule will have the justices take the bench for oral arguments in the first week of November, a late addition to the calendar. Read more here.


Lawmakers Push Back on Stopgap Timeline

Appropriators are uniting around a plan for a short-term stopgap funding bill along with a set of three smaller final spending bills, even as President Trump requested the funding patch be extended through January 2026. The White House sent Congress a list of its requested “anomalies”—or changes to current funding levels—to include in a continuing resolution (CR) that lawmakers are widely expected to have to pass to avert a government shutdown. The request assumes a four-month continuing resolution, but lawmakers say the end date is a suggestion, not a directive, from the White House. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on Sept. 10, 2025, that he opposes a clean stopgap spending bill to fund the US government. Without an agreement, the government will shut down on Oct. 1, 2025. Read more here.


HHS, CBP Seize $86.5 Million Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes in Largest-Ever Operation

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today announced the seizure of 4.7 million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products with an estimated retail value of $86.5 million – the largest-ever seizure of this kind. The seizures were part of a joint federal operation in Chicago to examine incoming shipments and prevent illegal e-cigarettes from entering the country.

Almost all the illegal shipments uncovered by the operation originated in China. FDA and CBP personnel determined that many of these shipments contained vague and misleading product descriptions with incorrect values, in an apparent attempt to evade duties and the review of products for import safety concerns.

“We will never allow foreign actors to threaten the health of America’s children,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Today we took decisive action to protect kids from illegal vape products. Thank you to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for their leadership in helping us shut down this black market.”

“The FDA and our federal partners are taking strong actions to shore up America’s borders and stop the flow of illegal vaping products into our country,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Americans – especially our children – should not be using potentially dangerous, addicting products that have been snuck into the U.S. If a product has not been authorized by the FDA, CBP will seize, detain or destroy it.” Read more here.


FDA, U.S. Marshals Conduct Raid at Warehouse in Illinois Related to Tobacco Products, Officials Say

The Department of Justice descended on a vaping product distribution warehouse on Sept. 10, 2025, seizing thousands of items that the DOJ says are illegal. It's part of a multi-state crackdown. The investigation began several months ago, and Wednesday morning a multi-agency operation hit the Midwest Goods warehouse in Bensenville, seizing what authorities said amounts to millions of dollars of illicit vaping and e-cigarette products.

The Department of Justice put on display what they call dangerous vaping and e-cigarette products. Many of them are flavored, which Attorney General Bondi says are illegal and marketed to young people. "Many of these products were smuggled in from China, circumventing regulations," Bondi said. "They often contain undisclosed or untested chemicals which fail to meet FDA safety standards." Officials said many of the products are considered so dangerous they can't be sold in China. They contain high doses of nicotine, and sometimes THC. The FDA commissioner says 85% of products sold in retails stores are illegal. The five-state operation represents the largest seizure in agency history. Read more here.


7-Eleven to Pay $1.2 Million to Settle Allegations of Vape Sales Near D.C. Schools

On Sept. 9, 2025, the District of Columbia’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced a $1.2 million settlement with 7-Eleven over the illegal sale of vapes and e-cigarettes near D.C. middle and high schools. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that a total of 16 7-Eleven locations continued to sell the products after a ban went into effect in October 2022. D.C. law prohibits the sale of all flavored tobacco—including flavored synthetic nicotine products as well as the sale of all electronic smoking devices within a quarter mile of any middle or high school in D.C. The lawsuit alleged that 7-Eleven was aware of the ban but continued illegal sales. Read more here.


Make America Healthy Again Commission Report Released

On Sept. 9, 2025, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy, a sweeping plan with more than 120 initiatives to combat childhood chronic disease in America. Chaired by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Commission is tasked with investigating and addressing the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with a focus on childhood chronic diseases. The final strategy highlights the below steps the Administration will take to prevent youth from accessing illegal vape, THC and 7-OH products, and limit ultra-processed foods.

  • Alcohol, Controlled Substances, Vaping and THC Impact: The Surgeon General will launch an education and awareness initiative on the impact of alcohol, controlled substances, vaping, and THC on children’s health.
  • Illegal Vapes: FDA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives will increase enforcement on illegal vaping products, and increase awareness through a shared public campaign that the Administration will not allow unapproved vaping products targeting children to continue flooding our country.
  • 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): FDA will educate the public regarding the dangers of synthetic opioid products such as 7-OH (which is distinct from natural kratom) and coordinate enforcement against dangerous unlawful products being marketed to American children.
  • “Real Food First”: Prioritize whole, minimally processed foods over packaged and highly processed alternatives. This includes efforts to restrict junk food from SNAP eligibility.
  • Agency Foundation Capture: The HHS Secretary will direct the FDA, CDC, and NIH to review participation in any projects or initiatives funded by food and pharmaceutical companies through the CDC Foundation, Foundation for the NIH, or the Reagan-Udall Foundation. The Secretary of HHS will require more transparency, as well as additional guardrails needed to protect public health from corporate influence. While this particular point is general in nature, there could be an impact on food and drink, as well as tobacco/vape/pouches. More specific details are being researched.
  • Food Reforms: USDA and HHS will begin the review of dietary guidelines, continue to limit or prohibit petroleum-based food dyes, conduct assessments of chemicals in foods, and restructure food nutrition labeling.

White House Releases Unified Regulatory Agenda, FDA Updates Timing on Tobacco Product Rulings

On Sept. 4, 2025, the Trump Administration released its Spring 2025 Unified Regulatory Agenda. The document details the Administration’s regulatory plans and recent actions across the federal government in 2025. At the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agenda lists plans to propose regulations to prescribe the format, content and procedures for establishment registration and tobacco product listing. This Establishment Registration and Product Listing for Tobacco Products proposed rule will cover registration and listing requirements for both domestic and foreign manufacturers of tobacco products. The proposed rule defines who would be required to register and list, when they would be required to register and list, and how they would be required to register and list. It is expected to be published in May of 2026.

FDA also lists the Submission of Food and Drug Administration Import Data in the Automated Commercial Environment for Certain Tobacco Products final rule will be published in October 2025. This final rule would amend 21 CFR 1.79 to add a requirement that an import filer submit the FDA premarket application number at the time of entry in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for an Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) product. According to FDA, “This rule, if finalized, will allow FDA to more effectively and efficiently determine the marketing authorization status of ENDS products offered for import, and thereby enforce the premarket authorization requirements of chapter IX of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. By reducing the time spent on import entry review, this rule, if finalized, will produce cost savings for FDA. Import filers of ENDS products will face costs to learn the rule and to retrieve pre-market application numbers and enter them into ACE.”


DOT to Ease Rules for Self-Driving Cars

On Sept. 4, 2025, the Transportation Department (DOT) announced the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching three rulemakings to modernize Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for vehicles with automated driving systems. These include relaxing mandates for vehicles without manual controls and that don’t use gear shift sticks, defrosting buttons or certain lighting equipment. This move builds on earlier actions by DOT in April, including exemptions granted to certain self-driving vehicles from traditional safety reporting rules.


House Agriculture Committee to Hold State SNAP Hearing

The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture will hold a hearing on Sept. 9, 2025, titled, “Exploring State Options in SNAP.” Members of the Committee will have an opportunity to discuss recent funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), work requirements and state laws restricting what can be purchased with SNAP benefits.


McLane Opens New Austin Tech Hub

McLane Company Inc. has opened a new tech hub in Austin, TX, to support its technology and AI acceleration strategy and its growing Information Technology and Digital (IT&D) team. The space will support approximately 100 teammates across cyber, data, AI and cloud engineering expertise. Read more here.

McLane Company Inc. Logo

General Mills Invests in Innovation Hub Expansion

General Mills has announced a $54 million investment to expand its James Ford Bell (JFB) Technical Center, a hub for the company’s innovation, technology and quality capabilities. This expansion will add a new 35,000-square-foot, two-story pilot plant wing, increasing pilot plant space by more than 20% and providing state-of-the-art facilities for its research and development teams. Read more here.

General Mills Logo

Congress Returns to Washington with Long To-Do List

Congress returned to Washington on Sept. 2, 2025, after its August recess. September and the rest of this year will be packed with spending deadlines and important decisions for Congress and the White House. The following items can be expected from lawmakers through the end of this year:

  1. Appropriations and Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending
  2. Agency Confirmations
  3. Federal Emergency Management Agency Reform
  4. Reauthorization of State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
  5. Second Budget Reconciliation Package
  6. Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill

Read more here.


Mars Names New General Counsel for Mars Snacking

Mars, Inc. has announced the appointment of Myriah Gambrell-Glenn as general counsel for its snacking business, effective Dec. 1, 2025. Based in Chicago, she will lead the global legal function for Mars Snacking. Read more here.

Mars Logo

We Card's 30th Year Message: Focus on the Fundamentals of Preventing Underage Access

WeCard Logo 2025 is We Card’s 30th year of serving retailers.

We’ve seen a lot of changes in the past 30 years but the fundamentals of “responsible retailing” of age-restricted products remains constant.

Since We Card’s launch in 1995, a coalition of national trade associations representing retailers and distributors along with leading manufacturers came together to launch the We Card program to provide actionable tools and education to help retailers comply with youth access laws and raise awareness of the problem of underage access to tobacco and other age restricted products.

Back then, non-compliance or violation rates were as high as 40%. Today these rates hover around 10%.

The coalition is stronger than ever and has a wide base of support among state-level retail and wholesale associations serving retailers.

We Card offers a plethora of tested and effective in-store tools and training materials to help you stay compliant and up to date.


Kraft Heinz to Separate Into Two Scaled, Focused Companies

The Kraft Heinz Company has announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a plan to separate the company into two independent, publicly traded companies through a tax-free spin-off. The two resulting companies, whose names will be determined at a later date, will be Global Taste Elevation Co. and North American Grocery Co. Read more here.

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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 next week.

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

About Marketplace | Exhibitor Prospectus | Trade Show


FDA Urges Nicotine Pouch Manufacturers To Use Child-Resistant Packaging Following Increasing Reports of Accidental Exposure

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is calling on nicotine pouch manufacturers to use child-resistant packaging to protect American children from accidental, harmful exposure. From April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2025, the number of reported nicotine pouch exposure cases reported to U.S. Poison Centers steadily increased. Approximately 72% of nicotine pouch exposure cases occurred in children under 5 years of age.

Child-resistant packaging can serve as an essential safety barrier to prevent children from accidentally ingesting nicotine products and demonstrates a manufacturer's commitment to protecting public health. Manufacturers with a pending premarket application for a nicotine pouch product who intend to incorporate child-resistant packaging or other measures to mitigate the risk of accidental exposure to children should contact the FDA through their assigned Regulatory Health Project Manager (RHPM) or at AskCTP@fda.hhs.gov or 877-CTP-1373.

The FDA is also issuing information for consumers on how to properly store nicotine pouches and prevent accidental exposure to children. Parents and caregivers should safely store all nicotine products, including pouches, in secure locations away from children in original packaging and seek immediate medical attention if accidental ingestion occurs. If a person of any age eats a nicotine pouch, accidental or not, immediately call Poison Control HELP number at 1-800-222-1222. Read more here.


Democratic House Members Reintroduce Marijuana Reform Legislation

On Aug. 29, 2025, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), along with Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Dina Titus (D-NV) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), reintroduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act.

The MORE Act decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level. Specifically, it removes marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminates criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. The MORE Act also:

  • Authorizes the assessment of a 5% sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products to create an Opportunity Trust Fund for grant programs;
  • Opens up Small Business Administration funding for legitimate cannabis-related businesses and service providers;
  • Provides non-discrimination protections for marijuana use or possession, and for prior convictions for a marijuana offense;
  • Requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect data on the demographics of the industry to ensure people of color and those who are economically disadvantaged are participating in the industry.

The full text of the legislation is available here.


Pepper Acquires Kimelo

Pepper has announced the acquisition of Kimelo, a vertical distribution toolset for distributors. Together, the companies will deliver greater value to customers, expand opportunities for employees, and efficiently scale in the foodservice distribution industry. Read more here.

Pepper Logo

UniPro Foodservice Adds New Members

UniPro Foodservice, Inc., the national foodservice distributor cooperative headquartered in Atlanta, GA, has announced that American Foods International, based in Miami, and A2Z Supplies LLC, based in Raleigh, NC, have joined UniPro. Read more here.

UniPro Foodservice Logo

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

CDA Webinar Series

Webinar Recap: Understanding FSMA Section 204(d) – CTEs, KDEs and FDA’s Tools

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

Watch the on-demand webinar here.

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.


Last Chance to Register for the CDA Business Academy

CDA Business Academy LogoThis is your final opportunity 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 your chance 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.


Draft 'MAHA' Plan to Improve Children's Health Leaked

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission report was due to President Trump on Aug. 12, 2025, according to the executive order that established the commission, but the White House told reporters it would not be released to the public immediately because of scheduling issues. A draft of the report was leaked to the press and published on Aug. 14, 2025. The report, which focuses on the health of American children, outlines a federal plan to combat childhood chronic disease. The leaked report highlights the following steps the Administration will take to prevent youth from accessing illegal vape, THC and 7-OH products:

  • Alcohol, Controlled Substances, Vaping and THC Impact : Surgeon General will launch an education and awareness initiative on the impact of alcohol, controlled substances, vaping and THC on children’s health.
  • Illegal Chinese Vapes : FDA and ATF will increase enforcement on illegal Chinese manufactured vaping products and educate parents and businesses that the Administration will not allow unapproved vaping products targeting children to continue flooding our country.
  • 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) : FDA will educate the public regarding the dangers of synthetic opioids products such as 7-OH (which is distinct from natural kratom) and coordinate enforcement against dangerous unlawful products being marketed to American children.

Read more here.


Regulate Smarter Chairman Burr Discuss FDA Authorization and Enforcement

Former Senator Richard Burr, now the chairman of the Coalition for Smarter Regulation of Nicotine, visited with Fox Business to discuss Chinese-made nicotine products that have flooded the U.S. market.

He highlighted the two most important actions the federal government can now take: enforcement actions at points of entry into the U.S. and approving or rejecting the applications currently awaiting review by the FDA. These actions will not only stop the flow of illicit products but give U.S. adult consumers less harmful alternatives.

Watch the interview with Senator Burr here.


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

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


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.