News

CDA is excited to share the dates for CDBX 2028 and CDBX 2029:

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: Sept. 13-16, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Fort Worth, TX
• Marketplace 2028: February 28 - March 1, The Woodlands Waterway Marriot Hotel & Convention Center, The Woodlands, TX

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

• Registered for Marketplace but haven’t secured your hotel? Make your reservation today – as the hotel block closes tomorrow, Friday Jan 23.
• Distributors not yet registered can still join us - register now to attend timely sessions with expert insights, connect with top suppliers and solution providers and network with fellow attendees.
• Add additional company personnel – Bringing your team ensures you maximize the value of Marketplace and take full advantage of the trade show, networking and education offered.
• Get Ready for the Distributor Showcase at Marketplace - read the FAQs for an overview of what to expect and tips for success.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

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

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

Congressional negotiators released the text of the remaining FY 26 spending bills on Jan. 20, 2026, in a package that includes the Labor-HHS-Education spending bill along with the Defense, Transportation-HUD, and Homeland Security spending bills. The House is expected to vote on the package this week and, assuming passage, the Senate will vote next week ahead of the Jan. 30, 2026, deadline when the current Continuing Resolution (CR) funding the federal government expires.

Overall, appropriators rebuked the steep spending cuts and agency reorganizations proposed by the White House. Summary materials prepared by the Senate Appropriations Committee majority staff are available here. Summary materials prepared by the House Appropriations Committee minority staff are available here.

In addition to the FY 26 spending bills, the package includes a health title that contains extensions of expiring health provisions such as the Medicare telehealth flexibilities, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms and a provision requiring Medicare Advantage plans to have accurate provider network directories. The bill does not extend the ACA subsidies for individuals purchasing their insurance on the exchanges. Regarding Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship program funding, the agreement directs DOL to make available to States grant funding at no less FY 2025 level. Read more here.

Are you looking to unlock leadership potential? The CDA Leadership Institute, in partnership with GRITT Business Coaching, offers a transformative hybrid program combining expert coaching, collaborative learning, and real-world applications.

Formerly known as the CDA Leadership Academy, the CDA Leadership Institute will help participants learn to communicate effectively, improve team dynamics, and cultivate a strategic mindset, all while connecting with like-minded individuals. Attendees will immerse themselves within the curriculum by navigating challenges with confidence and building a strong leadership presence.

The CDA Leadership Institute is designed specifically for the convenience distribution industry and CDA members. It is ideal for high-potential employees, new managers and anyone on your team looking to broaden their communications, managerial, financial and leadership skills.

To learn more and reserve a spot, click here or reach out to Lauren Herbert. Don’t miss the opportunity for you or a member of your team to join CDA’s third cohort and take a leadership journey to the next level.

• Read the FAQs for an overview of what to expect and tips for success.
• Designed to help you connect and maximize networking opportunities.
• The Distributor Showcase is for registered CDA member distributors only and exhibitors.
• Participation is required for CDA member distributors.

With nearly 100 of your top trading partners, curated education sessions, opportunities to win prizes and unique events like Marketplace Gives Back and the Hall of Fame Dinner, Marketplace 2026 is the must-attend industry event.

And don’t forget to make your hotel reservations. The hotel group rate ends, Friday, January 23.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

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

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

You won't want to miss the Marketplace Grand Prize: a three-night stay for two at Secrets Vallarta Bay located on the golden sand beaches of Banderas Bay, plus roundtrip airfare for two, generously provided by Galactic Performance Solutions. Secrets Vallarta Bay provides 24/7access to amazing nightlife, non-stop entertainment, and unlimited luxury. This all-suite, all-inclusive resort provides guests with a wealth of amenities on and off property including Mexican colonial architecture backdropped by jade covered hills, lush jungles, and secluded nature preserves, providing just the right amount of relaxation, adventure, and everything in between. For an added touch of luxury, the prize also includes a spa treatment for both the winner and their guest.

The grand prize drawing will take place at the trade show on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at 1:45 PM CT. Distributor member attendees at Marketplace are eligible and must be present at the trade show to win.

For more information, watch this video or visit the Marketplace Grand Prize page. Not yet registered? Don’t miss your change to win – register now.

Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with Reps. Herb Conaway Jr. (D-NJ-03) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02), have introduced legislation to crack down on illicit vape products. The Strengthening Task Force Operations to Prevent Illicit Vaping Act (S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act) would bolster a federal multi-agency task force, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to coordinate enforcement, information sharing and strategy to combat the illicit importation, distribution and sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes.

CDA submitted letters of support to all four of the S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act co-sponsors expressing the association’s gratitude for the introduction of the legislation and expressing CDA’s willingness to work with them and the multi-agency task force to continue to combat the illicit e-cigarette market. Read the letters here.

In 2024, the DOJ and FDA established a task force to crack down on illicit vapor products, including the utilization of criminal and civil tools to bear against the illicit manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of e-cigarettes from China and other foreign countries.

The S.T.O.P. Illicit Vaping Act would formally codify the existing multi-agency task force and direct the group to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for reducing the number of unauthorized e-cigarettes on the market. The task force would be comprised of the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), as well as representatives from FDA; DOJ; Customs and Border Protection (CBP); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPS); Federal Trade Commission (FTC); the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and other federal agencies as appropriate.

The task force would be directed to meet on an annual basis and submit a report to Congress detailing authorities, actions taken and recommendations for additional criminal or civil authorities needed to address the public health threat of the illicit importation, distribution and sale of e-cigarettes.

CDA previously reported that the FDA has set up an online portal and an email address for the public to report suspected violations of federal tobacco regulations. Information about a potential violation, including the sale of illicit vapor products, can be provided to the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) through the online portal. Also, a potential violation can be reported to the FDA via email at CTPCompliance@FDA.hhs.gov.

Congress returned from recess and began work on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and the nine appropriations bills funded under a continuing resolution (CR) expiring Jan. 30, 2026. Three appropriations bills were enacted in November: Agriculture, Military Construction-VA and Legislative Branch.

The House passed legislation on Jan. 8, 2026, to extend ACA premium tax credits for three years, with 17 Republicans joining Democrats, following the Dec. 31, 2025, expiration of the enhanced subsidies. Senate action is uncertain, though bipartisan talks continue on a shorter extension with added safeguards. The House also passed a bipartisan minibus funding Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water and Interior-EPA on Jan. 8, 2026; the Senate is expected to consider that minibus package this week.

Six FY26 bills remain, including Labor-HHS. Negotiations continue on additional minibuses, though unresolved issues could result in some bills being funded through a longer-term CR. Read more here.

February 4, 2026 at 1:00 pm ET

Register now for an informative webinar offering valuable insights into the convenience distribution channel, featuring Tom Baldwin and Mike Farrah of Management Science Associates (MSA). Tom and Mike will provide a convenience channel performance review of warehouse delivered products across key categories such as cigarettes, OTP, candy and snacks, and more.

Can’t attend the webinar on Feb. 4? Still register to attend and you’ll receive a recording of the webinar directly to your inbox on Feb. 5. Contact Lauren Herbert with any questions or visit the CDA website.

Registered for Marketplace but haven’t secured your hotel? Make your reservation today – as the hotel block is closing soon.

Distributors not yet registered can still join us - register now to attend timely sessions with expert insights, connect with top suppliers and solution providers and network with fellow attendees.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

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

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

On Jan. 6, 2026, the Fifth Court of Appeals held an oral argument on a lawsuit brought by VDX Distro, Inc. against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which challenges the agency’s denial of the company’s Pre-Market Tobacco Applications (PMTAs) for its menthol-flavored refillable e-cigarette products. During the oral argument, VDX Distro argued that the FDA imposed new, non-approved standards that PMTAs for flavored e-cigarettes must comply with in order to be authorized by the agency. To date, the FDA has authorized only six menthol flavored e-cigarette products.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals took the case under advisement and will issue its decision in the coming months. Read more here.

On Jan. 6, 2026, 22nd Century Group announced it had filed an application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting the renewal of the company’s Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) designation for its Very Low Nicotine cigarette brands. These 22nd Century Group cigarette brands have 95% less nicotine than traditional cigarettes.

Originally, 22nd Century Group received an MRTP authorization order from the FDA for these Very Low Nicotine cigarettes in 2021. Under federal tobacco regulations, a company must submit an application every five years to seek renewal of MRPT authorization from the agency. Read more here.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Federal Register notice (FRN) announcing a roundtable discussion with small tobacco product manufacturers (fewer than 350 employees) on February 10, 2026, 9 am–5 pm ET. The discussion aims to solicit input on premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) submissions for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products.

Viewing the meeting is open to the public, however roundtable participants are limited to 30 individuals representing manufacturers who have previously submitted an ENDS PMTA, including those with a PMTA currently pending with FDA.

The FDA is hosting this roundtable to provide small ENDS manufacturers an opportunity to share their experience with, and other opinions about, the premarket application process. The topics to be discussed will include certain components of ENDS PMTAs such as product characterization, manufacturing controls, pharmacological profile (e.g., pharmacokinetic studies), studies of adult benefit (e.g., longitudinal cohort/randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies) and toxicological profile (e.g., estimated lifetime cancer risk).

To learn more, click here.

Before the holidays, the CDA Industry Affairs Committee (IAC) Tobacco Subcommittee traveled to North Carolina to meet with Reynolds in Winston-Salem and to Greensboro to meet with ITG Brands, LLC.

The visits provided an excellent opportunity for open and productive discussion between distributor members and their manufacturer partners. Additionally, a few attendees participated in a tour of ITGB’s manufacturing facility for a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s manufacturing processes.

By promoting transparency, collaboration and mutual understanding, the committee helped identify and address common challenges and opportunities that affect distributors. Thank you to Reynolds and ITG Brands, LLC for their continued support of the convenience distribution industry.

The IAC Tobacco Subcommittee with the Reynolds team.	The IAC Tobacco Subcommittee with the ITG Brands, LLC team.

New bans on using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing certain processed foods, such as soda and candy, have taken effect in some states. On Dec. 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released guidance on how to comply with the waivers.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved 18 state agency requests to implement a SNAP Food Restriction Waiver and is poised to approve more in the future. These state agencies will prohibit purchasing foods such as candy and sugar-sweetened beverages with SNAP benefits. Several state agencies implemented waivers beginning Jan. 1, 2026, with others following in spring and summer 2026.

The USDA provides a 90-day grace period for existing SNAP-authorized retailers after a state waiver goes live. A tiered enforcement framework then starts after the 90 days, which entails warning letters and can escalate to removal from the program. Read more here.

Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) reintroduced the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult Use Regulated Environment (PREPARE) Act on Dec. 19, 2025. The legislation provides a framework to prepare the federal government for federal legalization of cannabis. Following President Trump’s announcement to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III, Hickenlooper welcomed the decision and pushed the administration to support his bill. Read more here.