The countdown has begun. On July 16, hundreds of supermarket owners, distributors, manufacturers, and retail executives will gather in Secaucus, New Jersey, for the NSA Show 2026, the premier trade event organized by the National Supermarket Association (NSA).
With the slogan “Catching the Deals”, the trade show comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. The event coincides with the festive atmosphere surrounding the World Cup in North America. It promises to be an intense day of business, innovation, and opportunities for those seeking to grow within the Hispanic market.
In an exclusive interview with Abasto Media, Anthony Peña, president of the NSA, highlighted the trade show’s importance and extended an open invitation to the entire industry.
“The show is open to anyone who owns a supermarket, a grocery store, or does business in the retail sector. We have innovative products, business opportunities, and a unique dynamic for connecting manufacturers, distributors, and retailers,” Peña stated.
More than just a trade show, the NSA Show 2026 embodies the mission that has guided the association for more than three decades: to strengthen independent supermarkets and defend the interests of those who serve their communities every day.
A Growing Organization
Founded in 1989, the National Supermarket Association currently represents nearly 800 independent supermarkets in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Most of its members are Hispanic, with a significant presence of Dominican entrepreneurs who have built family businesses over decades.
Peña became president of the organization in January 2026, joined by a new board of directors that includes Frank Félix Zapata, Jorge Guillén, and Pedro Goico on the executive team, as well as Anthony Espinal, Arturo Payán, Jason Ferreira, Rafael Núñez, Iván Bueno, José Azcona, and Frank Pimentel.
As the president explained, the new administration’s priority is to continue strengthening the institution and upholding its mission to protect independent supermarkets.
“We have a very dynamic group ready to work for its members and for the institution. We plan to execute and move forward without falling behind,” he said.
Peña believes that many retailers operate in isolation and need an organization that can provide guidance, education, access to suppliers, and connections with financial institutions.
“Every employee we have in a store represents a family that depends on that business,” he said.
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Costs Hit Stores
As the organization grows, so do the challenges.
During his conversation with Abasto Media, Peña expressed concern about policies promoted by the New York City administration to create government-run supermarkets.
“Many of our members have served these neighborhoods for years without asking for anything in return. That’s why it’s demoralizing to be portrayed as if we were responsible for the problem,” he commented.
For Peña, the real challenge lies not in business owners’ willingness but in the rising operating costs they face.
“The main problem is costs, which are becoming unsustainable,” he explained.
Unlike residential tenants, business owners have few protections when they must renegotiate lease agreements. This situation can result in significant rent increases that ultimately affect the entire operation.
According to Peña, the NSA has presented concrete proposals to help reduce costs and improve prices for consumers. Still, he asserts that the authorities have not yet shown sufficient willingness to listen to the sector.
Safety: An Ongoing Struggle
Safety is also a top priority on the association’s agenda.
Although the state has toughened penalties against those who attack essential workers, Peña believes there is still a gap between the law and its effective enforcement.
“Our job is to ensure that these laws are enforced,” he stated.
In response to this situation, the NSA has strengthened its collaboration with the New York Police Department. One of the most promising projects is the pilot program called Adopt a Store, initially implemented in the Bronx.
The NSA Show 2026: Much More Than a Trade Show
All the expertise the NSA has accumulated is reflected each year at its trade show.
The NSA Show 2026 will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus. The day before, on July 15, attendees will participate in the opening ceremony, which will feature Peter Unanue, co-president of Goya Foods, as the keynote speaker.
In addition, industry leaders will discuss the trends transforming the food and beverage industry.
One of the most anticipated features will be the B2B platform, designed to help international brands enter the U.S. market through direct meetings with distributors and retailers.
“Companies will be able to speak directly with those who know the market and, in many cases, even finalize purchase orders during the event,” explained Peña.
The trade show will also recognize Atún Real de Ecuador as International Company of the Year and highlight strategic partnerships such as the one developed with Porky in the protein category.
Furthermore, the NSA will pay tribute to William Rodríguez, former president of the organization and one of the original driving forces behind the trade show, by naming the award the William Rodríguez Company of the Year Award.
“We’re very proud of our show because it represents everything we stand for as an organization,” Peña concluded.