• FOOD INDUSTRY • Continuation of page 86 Shop to Save However, the enthusiasm was tempered by a shared concern: costs. Hernández, owner of National Supermarket in Hialeah and a representative of the distributor Lions Sales Group, noted that shoppers came “to buy and, more than ever, to save money.” In his view, the price hikes stem from factors beyond the supermarket’s control. Among these, he mentioned the immi- gration situation, import problems, and rising freight and fuel costs. “It’s not the supermarket that’s raising 7 8 prices,” he emphasized. He also explained that fuel costs affect every link in the chain, from the truck that transports the merchandise to the port to Looking Ahead the one that distributes it after unloading. to 2027 “Companies can absorb it for a while, but if this continues, you’ll see prices rise With the record alre- again,” he warned. ady set, the organizers That’s why the trade show serves a prac- are looking toward the tical purpose: to help stores secure better next edition. “For next terms so they can offer “the best possible year, we have to make | price” to customers in their neighbor- | a plan to continue | | hoods. | growing,” Hernández | | said, “and always offer | | Independent Pride | something even better | | to all the stores and | | For his part, Anthony Peña, president of | the entire industry.” | | the National Supermarket Association in | 9 | | the northeastern United States, traveled to | | support the Florida chapter. “A phenome- | | nal trade show—so many people, so many | | companies,” he summarized. | | Peña also reiterated the association’s mis- | | sion regarding independent supermarkets: | | “We’re giving them every opportunity to be | | better businesspeople and to bring all these | | products to the community.” | | IN THE HALLWAYS | | 7. Jorge Díaz and Jaime Piña, from Grupo Rica. | 10 | 11 | | 8. Israel Álvarez and Humberto Torres, from Natu- | | ras. | | 9. Jhon Andrade and Luis Martínez, from Sigma | | Foods-FUD. | | 10. Valeria López and Mauricio Aristizábal, from | | Cordialsa USA. | | 11. Madelin Díaz and Bladimir Díaz, from Key Food | | Store in Dade City. | | 12. Francis Rodríguez, president of NSA Florida; | | Frank Espinal, Ideal Food Basket; Kent Tavera, | | Juan Pérez, Raifiz Vargas, and Ronny Castillo, members of the NSA Florida board. | 12 | 13 | 13. Verónica Rodríguez, from BocaDeli. 88 • November / December 2026• abasto.com