The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) recently concluded its 2024 convention, setting new benchmarks for industry engagement and business opportunity. Held in National Harbor, Maryland, the event brought together more than 1,700 frozen and refrigerated foods industry professionals.
“The 2024 NFRA Convention exceeded our expectations,” said Tricia Greyshock, president and CEO of NFRA.
“We set a new record for participation at this key industry event, including attendance from over 100 organizations that sent representatives for the first time. The high level of engagement we observed demonstrates the continued value our members, and the industry at large, place on in-person collaboration. This year’s convention provided an ideal setting for productive business meetings, informative presentations and important industry recognition that you can’t find anywhere else.”
More than 6,500 business appointments were conducted during the event, highlighting NFRA’s commitment to optimizing attendees’ time and productivity while out of the office. The NFRA Convention offered a platform for more than 50 manufacturers and emerging brands to showcase the latest innovation in frozen and dairy at the Taste of Excellence opening reception.
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Key highlights from this year’s event include:
- Café NFRA: Serving as a hub for networking and collaboration, Café NFRA provided attendees with a setting to connect and experience offerings from emerging and established brands.
- Industry Insights: Attendees heard from industry experts, including Brian Beaulieu (ITR Economics), Brian Kay (Numerator) and Ken Harris (Cadent Consulting Group), who provided valuable market and consumer insights and economic forecasts.
- Golden Penguin Awards: The 2024 Golden Penguin Awards recognized exceptional achievements in marketing and merchandising within the frozen and refrigerated foods industry, spotlighting innovative strategies that have driven success. This year’s top marketers, recognized for their contributions, include Frozen & Refrigerated Food Council of Northern California, TruFru, Rouses Markets, JOH, UNFI, Land O’Lakes, Houchens Food Group, Schraad Sales & Marketing, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Dippin’ Dots and Brookshire Grocery Co.
- Frozen Food Hall of Fame: William Kitchens, retired partner at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP and former general counsel of NFRA, and H.V. “Skip” Shaw, retired president and CEO of NFRA, were inducted into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame, established in 1990, recognizes those who have greatly benefited the industry through their dedication and hard work.
- Penguin Pitch Competition: Big Mozz was crowned NFRA’s 2024 Emerging Brand of the Year in the inaugural Penguin Pitch Contest. Additional recognition went to MingsBings for “Most Unique Promotional Campaign,” Lopaus Point for “Creative Packaging” and Wow Bao for “Most Disruptive Product.” Entries for the 2025 contest will be accepted beginning in January.
- Annual Membership Meeting: During the 80th Annual Membership Luncheon, NFRA elected its association officers and members of the board of directors for 2024-25, with Tracy Aquila of Southeastern Grocers serving as chairman of the board.
The 2025 NFRA Convention will be held at the Orlando World Center Marriott Oct. 18-21 in Orlando, Florida. Registration opens March 1.
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