News

Current News

Save the Date: Marketplace 2028 Announced

Marketplace Logo 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.


Government Shutdown Begins

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.


FDA Outlines Contingency Plans for Shutdown

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.


Don't Miss the 2026 Marketplace Education Lineup

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

CDM26Thumb 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.


USDA Announces Changes to SNAP Benefit Requirements For U.S. Retailers

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.


Trump Announces Tariffs on Heavy Trucks and Other Items Beginning Oct. 1

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.


A Statement From FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H.: Encouraging Retailers to Stop Selling Illegal Vapes

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.


New Materials Posted for Philip Morris' MRTP Renewal Applications for IQOS Products

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


Ferrero Completes Acquisition of WK Kellogg Co

The Ferrero Group has announced the completion of its acquisition of WK Kellogg Co, previously announced on July 10, 2025. The acquisition supports Ferrero’s plan for strategic growth in North America and expands the company’s reach across more consumption occasions with brands beloved by consumers. Read more here.

Ferrero and WK Kellogg Co Logos

Signs Increasingly Point Towards Government Shutdown

The House and Senate returned to Washington last week with just seven legislative days remaining to come to an agreement on a continuing resolution (CR) to avert a government shutdown starting Oct. 1, 2025. On Sept. 19, 2025, Congress left Washington for a week-long recess with no agreement and just two legislative days remaining to find some sort of deal on a CR to keep the federal government operating.

House Republicans released a CR, which would keep the government operating until Nov. 21, 2025, which went on to pass on a 217-212 mostly party-line vote, with two Republicans voting against the measure and one Democrat voting in favor.

The House Republican CR would go on to fail in the Senate, however, on a 44-48 vote, with Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) casting the sole Democratic vote in favor and Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) casting the two Republican votes against. Senate Democrats also introduced their own CR, which would keep the government operating through Oct. 31, 2025, while also extending Affordable Care Act premium subsidies and reversing Medicaid cuts passed as part of Republicans’ reconciliation passage earlier this year. That proposal failed on a 47-45 vote, with both the Republican and Democratic CRs falling well short of the 60 votes needed to move forward and avoid procedural obstacles in the Senate.

It remains to be seen whether any progress can be made with Congress out of town. Barring any changes, the Senate is not scheduled to return until Sept. 29, 2025, while the House has canceled votes until Oct. 1, 2025, after FY 2025 funding expires. Read more here.


FDA Launches Program to More Efficiently Review Nicotine Pouch Applications

This month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) launched a pilot program that aims to increase efficiency and streamline the review process for premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) for nicotine pouch products.

The initiative recognizes a continuum of risk among tobacco products, with combusted products like cigarettes being most harmful and non-combusted products, such as nicotine pouches, posing lower health risks. The program will focus reviews on the most critical elements, emphasize real-time communication with applicants and provide more frequent feedback to reduce review timelines. FDA will continue case-by-case evaluations to determine if marketing a product is appropriate for public health, aiming to address information gaps earlier and limit deficiencies at the end of the process. As part of the pilot, FDA intends to have ongoing conversations with applicants to discuss missing information or request clarification with the hope of addressing issues sooner or at least limit the number and severity of issues included in a deficiency letter at the conclusion of the evaluation. To date, FDA has authorized 20 nicotine pouch products.


Dot's Homestyle Pretzels New Buffalo Flavored Seasoned Twists

The Hershey Company has introduced Dot's Homestyle Pretzels Buffalo Flavored Seasoned Twists — a spicy and tangy snack that brings bold Buffalo heat and a buttery crunch in every bite, giving you a new way to enjoy Dot's Homestyle Pretzels. Read more here.

Dot's Homestyle Pretzels

Senate Democrats Urge FDA to Finalize Proposed Rule to Cap Nicotine Levels

Sens. Blumenthal (D-CT), Merkley (D-OR), Durbin (D-IL), Gillibrand (D-NY), Reed (D-RI) and Kim (D-NJ) sent a letter on Sept. 15, 2025, to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin Makary and Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) Acting Director Bret Koplow asking FDA to finalize the proposed rule to cap nicotine levels. The letter states, “FDA should consider applying the new nicotine standard to all combustible and heated tobacco products. Doing so would help prevent tobacco manufacturers from circumventing the standard by developing or promoting non-cigarette substitutes. Not including some combustible tobacco products and heated tobacco products from the nicotine standard would reduce the benefits of the rule.”

The FDA's proposed rule to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products (Docket Number FDA-2024-N-5471) was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 16, 2025, and comments were due Sept. 15, 2025. CDA submitted comments opposing the rule in August. With the comment period officially closed, it typically takes FDA about a year to organize comments, develop the legally required responses to all relevant, substantive comments, and make any related desired or necessary changes to the proposed rule before continuing the process to issue it in final form. However, since this ruling was issued during the Biden Administration, it is unclear if the Trump Administration supports the release of a final rule. Read more here.


Altria Enters Memorandum of Understanding With KT&G

Altria Group, Inc. has announced it has entered into a non-binding Global Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (the MOU) with KT&G Corporation (KT&G), a global tobacco and consumer products company, to use the companies’ complementary strengths and offerings in the joint pursuit of long-term growth opportunities with modern oral nicotine products, non-nicotine products and operating efficiency in traditional tobacco. Read more here.

Altria Logo

C&S Wholesale Grocers Completes Acquisition of SpartanNash

C&S Wholesale Grocers has announced the completion of its acquisition of SpartanNash. The combined company employs more than 30,000 team members and operates almost 60 complementary distribution centers covering the U.S. and serves close to 10,000 independent retail locations, as well as military commissaries and exchanges, with more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores. Read more here.

SpartanNash Logo

UniPro Foodservice Adds New Member

UniPro Foodservice, Inc., the national foodservice distributor cooperative headquartered in Atlanta, GA, has announced that Milo Distributors, serving South Florida, has joined UniPro. Read more here.

UniPro Foodservice Logo

Hi-Chew Celebrates 50 Years

Morinaga America, Inc. is marking the global 50th anniversary of the Hi-Chew brand with a collection of limited-edition merchandise, available exclusively in the U.S. through TikTok Shop, while supplies last. Read more here.

HiChew Merch

HHS Makes Push to Stop Youth Vaping

On September 15, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Surgeon General announced its Youth Vaping Resource Guide to combat the youth vaping. The Resource Guide provides actionable steps for a wide range of stakeholders committed to protecting young people from the harms of e-cigarette use, including urging regulators and retailers to strengthen enforcement, improve legislation, and work together to remove illegal vape products from the market. Read more here.


Senate Democrats Urge Leadership to Protect Hemp in Funding Bill

On September 16, Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), along with five other Democratic colleagues, sent a letter to Senate Leadership asking to make sure no government spending bill re-criminalizes hemp products, and instead work together to consider legislation that would fully regulate these products and improve consumer safety.

The letter states, “We write to express strong opposition to the inclusion of any language … that would decimate the American agricultural hemp industry and imperil states’ ability to prevent unsafe hemp-derived cannabinoid products from getting into the hands of children,” the senators wrote in their letter. “[W]e suggest considering legislation to establish a hemp-derived cannabinoid product framework that: (1) restricts the sale and possession of hemp products to adults over age 21; (2) standardizes packaging and labeling to eliminate “look-a-like” snack products that are appealing to children while allowing adult-only consumers to make informed choices; (3) prohibits synthetic or artificially derived products; and (4) requires independent third-party laboratory tests for consumable hemp-derived cannabinoid products to ensure safety.” Read more here.


Thank You for a Successful CDBX!

CDBX25 Wrap-Up Video CDA expresses its thanks to all the distributors and suppliers that participated in last week's Convenience Distribution Business Exchange (CDBX), held Sept. 8-11, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ, where over 1,450 individual meetings between trading partners took place. Save the date for next year's CDBX, being held Sept. 14-17, 2026, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura, Florida.

Enjoy a short video recap of our time at the event last week. For details on how your company can be a part of CDBX, contact Jenn Finn at jennf@cdaweb.net or (703) 208-1649.


Happy National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!

Truck Driver Appreciation Week During the 37th annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, the Convenience Distribution Association proudly recognizes the dedicated drivers behind the wheel, and behind every delivery that keeps our industry moving forward.

CDA is also celebrating the future of the profession by supporting the industry’s next generation of drivers through CDA’s The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program. This initiative provides employees of CDA distributor member companies with up to $5,000 towards CDL training, helping them grow their careers and become commercial truck drivers.

Nominations will open again in 2026 – start thinking now about the employees who could fuel your company’s future. View the scholarship winners from 2024 and 2025 to see the impact of this program in action.

Click here to learn more about the scholarship or contact Lauren Herbert.


Congress Works to Avoid Government Shutdown

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) plans to bring a stopgap funding bill or continuing resolution (CR) to the House floor Thursday or Friday to extend government funding through November 20. The bill includes $88 million for federal security and authority for Washington, D.C., to spend its local budget. Government funding is set to expire Tuesday, September 30, and Congress is scheduled to recess next week for Rosh Hashanah.

In the House, Republicans hold a narrow majority and, with full attendance, can lose no more than two votes if all Democrats oppose the measure. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has publicly stated he will vote no. In the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53–47 majority, the measure will require 60 votes to advance. Democratic leaders have signaled opposition to a short-term CR that does not address health care, including $28 billion annually for Affordable Care Act subsidies and possible Medicaid adjustments, noting that ACA open enrollment begins November 1. Democrats have also raised concerns following a $9 billion rescissions package in July and a $5 billion foreign aid rescission last month. If the stopgap fails to pass this weekend, the Senate could return late next week to attempt further action. Read more here.


CDA Welcomes New Member: iFoodDS

iFoodDS offers connected traceability and quality software, helping food distributors deliver wholesome, fresh, traceable products to customers. Our Trace Exchange platform is your all-in-one platform to simplify FSMA 204 compliance and meet customers’ data sharing requirements. It stores data securely for 2+ years, integrates with your current systems, and lets you share traceability data with any customer—even outside our network. With expert support and robust reporting, Trace Exchange protects your business from costly recalls, reduces food waste, and keeps you compliant.

iFooDS Logo Contact information for iFoodDS is as follows:

Karen Long
karen@ifoodds.com
iFoodDS
101 2nd Ave, Suite 915
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 219-3703
www.ifoodds.com


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.


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.


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.


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.