Five Questions Shoppers Ask About The Food They Buy

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

Our Purpose and Commitment

OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

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Join a Community that Champions, Connects, and Elevates!

Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

Technology and digital services can offer a viable solution to the information-hungry customer by providing access to the targeted information they want in the way they prefer to consume it. It’s also a way for grocers to provide transparent information that can be configured according to shoppers’ questions in a convenient, quick, easy and satisfying way.

By: David Fikes, Vice President, Consumer/Communication Affairs and Communications, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/photos-for-staff-use/product-scanning/20171205-fmi-store-shoot-0743_ed.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=2128786e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="20171205-FMI-Store Shoot-0743_ed" title="20171205-FMI-Store Shoot-0743_ed" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />The equation of what it means to eat well is different for every consumer. For a few it remains a simple calculation of cost of the product plus the convenience of serving it. However, according FMI’s <a href="http://www.fmi.org/grocerytrends">U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2018</a>, the eat-well equation for most shoppers today involves a complex consideration of numerous factors including the ethics of production methods, environmental impact of the package and its contents, nutritional value of the food and sense of taste discovery. Without a doubt the consumer QPI (question per item) has significantly increased over the last decade. Consumers have a strong desire to know what’s in their food, beverages, and everyday household items. They are curious about how the product is made, if it is environmentally friendly, and if it’s healthy in both the short term and in the long run. And in the quagmire of their questions, shoppers are in quest of reliable sources for the answers to help them find trusted, accurate answers. Technology and digital services can offer a viable solution to the information-hungry customer by providing access to the targeted information they want in the way they prefer to consume it. It’s also a way for grocers to provide transparent information that can be configured according to shoppers’ questions in a convenient, quick, easy and satisfying way. That’s why nearly 28,000 products already utilize digital disclosure methods such as <a href="http://www.smartlabel.org">SmartLabel</a>™. This tool allows food retailers and their customers to quickly and easily find out nutritional information, ingredients, allergens, third-party certifications, social compliance programs, usage instructions and advisories, as well as safe handling instructions, company/ brand information and much more. Here are five quick examples of the kinds of questions shoppers may ask about the products in your stores that can be found on SmartLabel: Allergy Sensitivity How is a candy bar made and were almonds used on other lines in the factory? Shoppers with an allergen-sensitive family can use SmartLabel’s searchable database to find this information at <a href="http://www.smartlabel.org/">www.smartlabel.org.</a> Environmental Stewardship Where was this air freshener sourced? Learn more at SmartLabel. Certifications What does this certification symbol mean on this package? Check SmartLabel to learn more about product partnership with eco-friendly organizations. Ingredients What is Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate and why is it in toothpaste? The information isn’t explicitly included on the label, but SmartLabel has the explanation for this ingredient that helps clean and polish teeth. “Free From” Information Does gelato contain artificial colors or flavors? If this impacts a shopper’s purchase decision, find the details at SmartLabel. SmartLabel information is available anytime and anywhere — while making a shopping list at home or in the grocery aisles. Detailed information is available by scanning a QR or digital code on the package, using a Web search, going to the company’s website, calling a 1-800 number on the package, visiting <a href="http://www.smartlabel.org"></a><a href="http://www/"></a><a href="http://www.SmartLabel.org">SmartLabel.org</a> or downloading the free SmartLabel app.

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Supporting West Virginia Communities

OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.