Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) and the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) have revealed the three industry leaders who will be inducted into the 2026 Frozen Food Hall of Fame.
The inductees are Paul DiGenova, general manager of commodities with Nortera; Richard Marks, former chairman of the board of directors of Arbre Group Holding Corp.; and Frank Tiegs, founder of OPC Companies.
They will be formally recognized during AFFI-CON 2026 on Feb. 21 in San Diego.
The Frozen Food Hall of Fame was established in 1990 by the Distinguished Order of Zerocrats, an organization of industry members dedicated to preserving the history of the frozen food industry while honoring those whose leadership, innovation and service have made a lasting impact.
Paul DiGenova
DiGenova has devoted more than four decades to advancing the frozen food industry. Throughout his career, he held senior leadership roles within the frozen foods sector, guiding organizations through periods of growth, operational change and increased industry engagement.
He has contributed to industry associations and initiatives, supporting collaboration across the supply chain and helping strengthen the long-term position of frozen foods in the marketplace. DiGenova is recognized for his commitment to mentorship, innovation and the continued evolution of the frozen food industry.
Richard Marks
Marks is former chairman of the board of directors of Arbre Group Holding Corp., a family-owned business founded by his father, Francis, as Paris Produce Co. in 1945. The present corporation includes Paris Foods, Holli-PAC and Sun Mark Foods as subsidiaries.
Marks and his family pioneered the repack and distribution model for frozen vegetables. Over his 45-year career, he supported friendly competition, startup companies and mentoring the industry’s next generation.
An example of his generosity and entrepreneurship came when he spearheaded the purchase of Chase Farms in Michigan at a critical point in the growing season, saving hundreds of jobs, assuring the crops were harvested and honoring customer contracts.
In retirement, Marks remains a strong advocate for AFFI and other industry associations. As a past board member of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, he advocates for refugee assistance and serves on several nonprofit mentoring organizations.
Frank Tiegs
Tiegs, who will be inducted posthumously, was the founder of Oregon Potato Co., a vertically integrated frozen food producer that grew from a single acre in 1978 into a multi-state operation with about 15 facilities across Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
Under his leadership, OPC became a force in the frozen food industry, expanding beyond potatoes into a diversified portfolio of fruits and vegetables.
Tiegs was respected for his entrepreneurial vision, emphasis on sustainable farming practices, strategic acquisitions and commitment to operational excellence.
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