News

State of the Industry and Consumer Behaviors
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm CT

Join Sally Lyons Wyatt from Circana for a strategic look at the evolving dynamics of the convenience channel. This session will provide a data-driven view of industry performance, explore shifts in consumer behavior, and highlight growth opportunities to help your business stay agile, relevant, and consumer-first.

Whether you’re a distributor or exhibitor, this session will provide actionable insights to help you strengthen your strategies and better connect with your customers. See what else Marketplace Education has to offer in this short video!

Exhibitors

• Less than 8 exhibit spaces remain. Secure your space now.
• If your company has already reserved exhibit space, the 2026 planning guide was emailed to team leads on Oct 22.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

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.

Join us for the third installment in our exclusive CDA member webinar series on FSMA Section 204(d).

Tom Briant, CDA Policy Advisor, will focus on the different kinds of barcodes and scanners that distributors will need to utilize to track incoming and outgoing food products to comply with the FDA’s FSMA Section 204(d) regulation. In addition, the webinar will list a series of guidance suggestions that distributors can undertake now to begin preparing for the implementation of the food tracing requirements.

Thursday, November 13, 2025
3:00 – 3:45 pm ET
Contact Lauren Herbert to register.

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. Contact Lauren Herbert with any questions.

The Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is planning a hearing on Oct. 30, 2025, with Casey Means, President Trump's latest pick for surgeon general.

"Dr. Means' nomination hearing has not been finalized," a HELP Committee spokesperson said in a statement. "We continue to work with Dr. Means and the administration to move her nomination through the process and schedule a hearing." Means is pregnant and is expected to attend virtually, according to reports. Read more here.

As the federal government shutdown continues, several states are now warning they will be forced to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits come Nov. 1, 2025. "We're going to run out of money in two weeks," Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters on Oct. 16, 2025. SNAP provides food assistance to approximately 42 million Americans.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced two bills on Oct. 22, 2025, to reinstate SNAP benefits and critical farm programs during the government shutdown - the Keep SNAP Funded Act and the Fund Farm Programs Act. Under the SNAP bill, Congress would appropriate the necessary funding to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.

The House remains out of session, though Republican leadership put Members on notice that they could be called to return to Washington within 48 hours should a deal be reached.

The Senate has remained in session, and as of Oct. 17, 2025, has voted ten times on competing Democratic and Republican continuing resolutions (CRs), with both failing to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to end debate and move to final passage. Democrats continue to insist on an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and the restoration of Medicaid benefits as a condition of reopening the government. But Republicans contend the government should reopen before health care talks begin. Read more here.

Eagle Family Foods LLC proudly serves consumers and retailers with trusted favorites across three core categories: snacks, baking, and meals and sides. With a foundation built on heritage brands and a spirit of innovation, the company is shaping the next chapter of delicious, convenient food experiences.

Contact information for Eagle Family Foods LLC is as follows:

Kurt Mungenast
Kurt.Mungenast@effgrp.com
Eagle Family Foods LLC
1975 E. 61st Street
Cleveland, OH 44103
(888) 229-4541
www.eaglefoods.com

On Oct. 8, 2025, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) reintroduced the Employee Rights Act - S.2984 - which would modernize federal labor law to protect workers. The bill mandates secret ballots in union representation elections, recognizes right-to-work, harmonizes the independent contractor standard across labor law and codifies the joint employer standard. This legislation was cosponsored by Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) introduced the companion legislation - H.R.4154 - in the House.

The federal government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, 2025, has continued into its third week.

The House has continued to stay out of session until the Senate passes a bill that requires their vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has promised to give Members 48 hours notice prior to any votes. Some House Republicans and Democrats alike are now pushing for legislation which would pay military forces during the shutdown.

The White House continues to take measures previously unused in shutdowns. On Oct. 10, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced they have begun issuing reductions in force (RIFs) notifications, which are effectively mass firings, of federal employees. As of yet, it is unclear how the RIFs will apply to each department and agency, though the White House previously suggested they wanted to focus the cuts on programs Democrats strongly support. On Oct. 15, 2025, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said that employees across “multiple divisions” have received RIF notices, but additional details have not yet been released. Multiple labor unions have filed federal lawsuits seeking to block the Trump Administration from proceeding with the RIFs as the federal law requires at least a 30-day notice prior to the implementation of such firings. Read more here.

Register now to attend timely sessions with expert insights on AI, consumer trends, physical security and safety, and other key industry topics!

• State of the Industry and Consumer Behaviors with Sally Lyons Wyatt
• Making AI Work for Distribution: A Practical Playbook for Every Team with Benj Cohen
• Understanding FSMA Section 204(d) with Jennifer McEntire and Richard Owen
• Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent with Today’s Leaders with Steve Bench
• And more!

Exhibitors

• Less than 10 exhibit spaces remain.
  Secure your space now.
• If your company has already reserved exhibit space, booth assignments were emailed to your designated team lead on Oct. 8. The 2026 planning guide will be emailed to team leads the week of Oct. 20.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

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.

CDA is excited to share the dates for Marketplace 2028:

February 28 – March 1, 2028
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
Hotel & Convention Center
The Woodlands, TX

Previously Announced Events:

• Marketplace 2026: Feb. 16–18, Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington, TX
• CDBX 2026: Sept. 14–17, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Aventura, FL
• Marketplace 2027: Feb. 22–24, Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington, TX
• CDBX 2027: Dates/location to be announced soon

Visit the CDA Events page for more details on all CDA events.

On Oct. 7, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) held a day-long hearing regarding a customary review of Philip Morris International’s (PMI) request that the agency renew the Modified Risk Tobacco Product designation previously authorized for IQOS heated tobacco products. TPSAC is comprised of independent scientific researchers which provides nonbinding recommendations to the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP).

The IQOS system heats tobacco instead of burning it, which significantly reduces the production of and exposure to harmful chemicals while still providing tobacco taste and the ritual of smoking. As of June 30, 2025, PMI estimates there are approximately 34 million legal-age IQOS consumers globally.

The modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs) submitted for renewal include two versions of the IQOS device and three variants of the tobacco consumables, called HEETS, including:

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

The FDA initially granted PMI the MRTP designation for IQOS products in 2020. The MRTP designation for the IQOS system authorizes PMI to communicate to legal-age consumers the following messages:

"AVAILABLE EVIDENCE TO DATE:

• The IQOS system heats tobacco but does not burn it.
• This significantly reduces the production of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals.
• Scientific studies have shown that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to the IQOS system significantly reduces your body’s exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals."

During the FDA hearing, representatives from PMI and committee members discussed a range of scientific, technical and consumer-communications topics. The company provided an overview of its responsible marketing practices and presented additional evidence and research demonstrating high levels of complete switching among current legal-age smokers while maintaining low levels of use by unintended populations.

TPSAC will now review all the scientific evidence and advice to finalize a recommendation to the CTP regarding the request by PMI for the renewal of the MRTP designation for the IQOS products.

Read more here. Watch the full hearing here.

The Senate rejected dueling government funding bills for the sixth time the afternoon of Oct. 8, 2025. Democrats and Republicans are at a stalemate as the government shutdown crosses the one-week mark without a clear resolution in sight.

Reports of a draft memo from the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) were circulated suggesting that the 750,000 furloughed workers are not guaranteed back pay. House and Senate leaders on Tuesday pushed back against the reports, saying it was their understanding the law is clear that furloughed workers would get back pay. When asked about furloughed workers getting back pay, President Trump said Tuesday that "I would say it depends on who we're talking about."

Some House members have expressed frustration over House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-LA) decision to remain in recess until the Senate can pass a bill to fund the government. “The House is done. The ball is now in the Senate’s court,” Johnson said Wednesday during a press conference. “It does us no good to be here dithering on show votes.” Read more here.

Register now to attend timely sessions with expert insights on industry trends, FSMA traceability compliance, AI, physical security and safety, and more!

• FutureNomics: The Economic Snapshot You Need Now with Mary Kelly
• Understanding FSMA Section 204(d) with Jennifer McEntire and Richard Owen
• Trusted to Lead: Energizing High-Performance Cultures in Convenience Distribution
  with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jason O. Harris
• Making AI Work for Distribution: A Practical Playbook for Every Team with Benj Cohen
• And more!

Exhibitors

• Less than 10 exhibit spaces remain.
  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.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

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.

Annual funding for much of the federal government expired at 11:59pm ET on Sept. 30, 2025, and certain activities have ceased due to a lack of appropriated funding. The government shutdown began with the Senate rejecting both Republican and Democratic stopgap funding bills, leaving Congress deadlocked. The House-passed GOP measure to fund the government through Nov. 21, 2025, failed 55–45, falling short of the 60 votes needed; three Democrats: Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Angus King (I-ME), joined most Republicans in support, while Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) opposed. A Democratic stopgap also failed along party lines.

On the floor, a bipartisan group of senators discussed possible alternatives, including a 10- to 14-day continuing resolution (CR) to create time for negotiations on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. Democrats expressed openness to linking a short-term CR with ACA talks, while Republican leadership maintained that subsidy negotiations should not be tied directly to government funding.

Senate leaders recessed on Oct. 2, 2025, for Yom Kippur, with votes likely resuming Friday. In the background, the White House has signaled it is prepared to use the shutdown to make broad structural changes. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought is consulting with House Republicans, and President Trump has said the administration could cut federal programs and benefits during the shutdown. Read more here.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contingency plans for a lapse in appropriations funding can be found here. FDA’s plans state that “activities funded through carryover user fee funding and other unlapsed funding would continue. This includes certain activities related to the regulation of human and animal drugs, biosimilar biological products, and medical devices, and all FDA activities related to the regulation of tobacco products.”

“FDA will be limited in the number and type of inspections to be conducted, unless the inspections are for cause or otherwise necessary to detect and address imminent threats to the safety of human life, or can be conducted with carryover user fee funding. Additionally, review work, guidance development, and pre-approval inspections related to whole blood, blood components for transfusion, and antivenom would cease completely during a lapse in appropriations, excepting work that is necessary to detect and address imminent threats to the safety of human life.”

Under the Antideficiency Act, the only agency activities that are allowed to continue during a shutdown are those that are:

• Funded outside current-year appropriations;
• Specifically authorized by law to continue in the absence of appropriations;
• Implied to continue in the absence of appropriations;
• Required for the President’s constitutional duties; and
• Related to emergencies where there is a reasonable likelihood that the safety of human life or the protection of property would be compromised.

These activities are open to interpretation and OMB gets to set the rules during a potential shutdown.

On Sept. 24, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is proposing changes to stocking requirements for retailers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Currently, SNAP-approved retailers must carry three varieties of food in each of four staple food groups: dairy, protein, grain, and fruits and vegetables. Under the proposed changes from USDA, retailers would need to stock seven varieties in each staple food category, more than doubling the number of food options for participants. According to the release, the change also “closes loopholes” that allow snack products to count toward staple food varieties. The department said this change emphasizes “healthy, whole food.” Read more here.

On Sept. 25, 2025, President Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. will increase tariffs on heavy trucks, kitchen cabinets and pharmaceuticals starting Oct. 1, 2025, the latest in a steady series of trade actions aimed at protecting domestic industry from lower-priced imports.

The U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on imports of heavy trucks. Trump directed the Commerce Department to launch national security probes into lumber imports in March, as well as trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds and pharmaceutical products in April. Read more here.

As part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) broader strategy to combat the crisis of youth vaping, the agency is launching an initiative to increase voluntary compliance from retailers—including vape shops, convenience stores and gas stations—that play a key role in the distribution of both legal and illegal products into American communities.

Too often, retailers in communities are selling illegal vaping products marketed to young people with fruit or candy flavors and even marketing gimmicks such as built-in video games and Bluetooth speakers. The FDA has not authorized any such products, which are mainly illegally imported from China. As much as 54% of vaping products sold nationally are illegal. These products frequently contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, lead and acrolein—materials more commonly found in industrial textiles and pesticides.

The FDA has received questions from retailers about which tobacco products are legal to sell, so the agency is mailing materials to more than 300,000 retailers nationwide containing:

• A list of the 39 vapes and 20 nicotine pouch products that can be legally marketed in the United States, which features QR codes linked to the FDA real-time digital versions of these lists - www.fda.gov/authorizedecigs and www.fda.gov/authorizednicotinepouches;
• Information on accessing FDA’s new Searchable Tobacco Product Database, a database of over 17,000 tobacco products—covering all categories, such as cigarettes, cigars, hookah, and e-cigarettes—that may be legally marketed in the United States; and
• New tobacco retailer education materials, including a wall calendar of reminders focused on retailer requirements such as only selling tobacco products to those 21 and older and requiring a photo ID check of anyone under 30.

Read more here.

On Sept. 25, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted new materials related to the modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) renewal applications submitted by Philip Morris Products S.A. for several IQOS heated tobacco products. The documents are available on the Philip Morris MRTP application webpage.

As a reminder, the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting to discuss the renewal of the modified risk granted orders issued for these products is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2025. Visit the event webpage to learn more about attending in person or online.

Read the Application Materials