BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Vital food industry leaders in the Alabama economy met to honor 25 years of the Alabama Grocers Association as well as to host a legislative panel in regards to the effect of the state budget on the grocery industry.
The Alabama Grocers Association is known as the voice of the food industry in Alabama, and through their organization, have pursued significant efforts to improve the Alabama food industry.
The Alabama Grocers Association has not only aimed to improve the industry as a whole, but also food products in Alabama. One example of these efforts is the Buy Alabama’s Best campaign, an initiative to increase awareness and sales of Alabama food products, as well as raise money for charities fighting childhood cancers.
In Alabama, grocery stores generate over $3.6 billion in annual sales, while providing more than 25,000 jobs with over $750 million in annual wages. Alabama grocery stores also pay in excess of $300 million in state and local taxes.
The Alabama Grocers Association recognized several industry leaders in those in the food, beverage and grocery professions here in Alabama.
“We are proud to have honored each of these fine individuals today. They are an asset to the Alabama Grocers Association and to our industry in Alabama,” said Ellie Taylor, President Alabama Grocers Association. “We are fortunate to have a thriving grocery industry in our state and each of these individuals make this possible.”
The grocery industry in Alabama certainly is thriving, with recent events such as the opening of the first Trader Joe’s in Alabama, the addition of a Publix distribution center in Jefferson County, and the building of a Publix super market in downtown Birmingham.
In addition to honoring members of the, the Alabama Grocers Association also hosted a legislative panel to discuss the state’s budget and its effect on the grocery industry.
The panel focused on the outcome of the 2015 Legislative Session and what to expect in 2016 in regards to the Alabama grocery industry. The panel included several influential Alabamians, including Senator Cam Ward (R, D-14), Representative Lynn Greer (R, D-2), and Mr. Kirk Fulford, Deputy Director of the Legislative Fiscal Office.
The Alabama Grocers Association estimates that food sales create a $2 billion impact on the state’s economy each year while employing one out of every four Alabamians.
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