Two industry leaders will be inducted into the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association’s (NFRA) Refrigerated Food Hall of Fame during the 2025 NFRA Convention on Oct. 20 at the World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida.
The hall of fame was established in 2010 to recognize those whose passion and leadership have advanced the refrigerated foods industry. Inductees are honored for their lasting contributions to the category and to supporting NFRA’s mission.
This year’s honorees are Joey Bates, senior director of store development and strategy – construction, maintenance and market refresh at Harris Teeter; and Tom Robaczewski, retired director of sales of Bimbo Bakeries USA.
Bates has more than 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, holding leadership roles in store operations, merchandising and brand development. Since joining Harris Teeter in 2001, he has overseen categories including grocery, dairy, frozen foods, beverages and bakery and has served as dairy category manager and director of private brands.
Bates played a key role in introducing innovative products and bringing emerging brands to Harris Teeter shelves. He served on the NFRA Board of Directors from 2013-23, chaired the Refrigerated Food Council from 2021-23, served on the New Member Committee, presented to the Small Business Council and helped launch the NFRA Convention’s Speed Meetings. He also is a member of the Honorable Order of Golden Penguins.
Robaczewski has more than 40 years of experience in the grocery industry, spanning retail, brokerage and manufacturing. He spent 23 years at Dominick’s Finer Foods, including 13 years as buyer and category manager, before moving into brokerage for 14 years where he first became involved with NFRA.
In 2012, he joined Bays Bakery, later acquired by Bimbo Bakeries USA, where he led national refrigerated sales efforts, including the Lender’s Bagels line.
For 15 consecutive years, he attended the NFRA Convention as a one-man sales team, meeting with more than 20 retailers annually – contributing to 12 years of consistent sales growth. He served on the NFRA Board of Directors for many years and also is a member of the Honorable Order of Golden Penguins.
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