National Grocers Association Hired Mike Ridenour

The trade association appointed Mike Ridenour to the newly created role of chief collaboration officer.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a shipping pallet and produce crates, representing supply chain connectivity in the grocery industry. — The National Grocers Association has appointed industry veteran Mike Ridenour as its first-ever chief collaboration officer to bolster relationships with consumer packaged goods companies. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The National Grocers Association has named Mike Ridenour as its new chief collaboration officer and senior vice president. Ridenour will focus on building relationships between the group's members and various consumer packaged goods companies.

Why it matters

The appointment is designed to strengthen industry engagement for independent grocers. This strategy aims to better connect independent supermarket operators with manufacturers and strategic partners to sustain market growth.

Independent supermarkets currently represent an annual industry value of $353 billion. Independent grocers account for more than 38% of U.S. food retail annual sales.

The players

Mike Ridenour

He is the newly appointed chief collaboration officer and senior vice president at the National Grocers Association.

National Grocers Association

This is the national trade association representing the independent supermarket industry in the United States.

The details

Ridenour joins the association after a career spanning 40 years, including time at United Natural Foods, Inc., Kraft Heinz, and Kraft Foods Group. He previously served as a member of the National Grocers Association board of directors.

September 28, 2026: The NGA announced the appointment of Mike Ridenour.
2020-2024: Independent grocers experienced 40% sales growth during this period.
May 2026: NGA released an economic impact analysis.

Market Landscape

The hiring of a dedicated collaboration officer highlights the intensifying competition between independent retailers and national chains for supplier access. This move formalizes the industry's effort to leverage its 38% market share to secure better terms and logistics with major consumer packaged goods firms.

The strategic alignment may result in more consistent product availability and potentially more competitive pricing for customers at independent grocery stores. Shoppers could see improved selection as retailers strengthen their supply chain relationships through this new leadership role.

The takeaway

Ridenour's deep history within both retail and manufacturing sectors positions him to bridge the gap between small-scale operators and large corporate suppliers. His role marks a pivot toward centralizing industry influence to protect the gains independent grocers made over the last four years.