The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has named Carol Blake as SVP of communications, effective June 15. In this role, Blake will lead AFFI’s integrated communications strategy, including public affairs, media relations, stakeholder engagement, member communications, and brand positioning. Blake brings more than 30 years of public affairs experience to the position. She previously served […]
Category: Frozen Food
Posted inAssociation News, Frozen Food, National, News
NFRA Names Winners Of 2026 Penguin Pitch Contest For Emerging Brands
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has announced the winners of the third-annual Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest, a program designed to spotlight up-and-coming brands reshaping the frozen and refrigerated aisles through innovation, flavor and purpose. Category winners Following a review process, three brands earned top honors in the following categories: • Best […]
Posted inFrozen Food, News
Sugar Factory Launches Frozen Rainbow Sliders at Jewel-Osco Stores
Sugar Factory, the restaurant and lifestyle brand, is entering the grocery space with the launch of Sugar Factory at Home, a new retail division debuting with frozen Rainbow Sliders now available at Jewel-Osco locations across Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. The product translates one of the brand’s signature menu items into a frozen format: fully cooked […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Frozen Food, National, News
Hillphoenix Launches Next Generation Flex Mini CO2 Refrigeration System
Hillphoenix, part of Dover Food Retail and Dover, has launched the Next Generation Flex Mini, a CO2 transcritical refrigeration system designed for food retail and industrial applications. Built around serviceability and energy efficiency in a compact footprint, the Flex Mini platform supports two compressor brand configurations, giving operators flexibility to match existing technical standards or […]
Posted inNew Products, Featured News, Frozen Food, National, News
Spring Bringing New Ice Cream Choices To Freezer Cases
The ice cream industry is entering the warmer months with a wave of product launches and retail expansions, as manufacturers compete for freezer-aisle attention with novel flavors, premium ingredients and high-profile brand collaborations. Announcements from Cold Case Ice Cream, Tillamook, Hudsonville Ice Cream and I Love Ice Cream Cakes in the week leading up to […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Executive News, Featured News, National, News
AFFI Names Van Doren Chief Of Government Affairs
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has hired Lisa Van Doren as chief of government affairs, effective March 16. Van Doren will lead the association’s legislative and regulatory strategy on behalf of the frozen food industry. In the role, Van Doren also will manage congressional and federal agency engagement, oversee coalitions and political activities and […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, News, Northeast
NFRA Names 8 Finalists For 2026 Penguin Pitch Emerging Brand Contest
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has named eight finalists for its 2026 Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest, spotlighting innovation across frozen and refrigerated categories ahead of the organization’s convention. The grand-prize winner will receive a featured showcasing opportunity at Café NFRA during the 2026 NFRA Convention, set for Oct. 17-20 in National […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Finance News, News, Snacks Brands, West
Morinaga To Acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream, Expanding U.S. Snack Portfolio
Morinaga & Co., a leading global confectionery manufacturer, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream, the largest mochi ice cream brand in the United States. The acquisition unites two businesses with strong brand heritage and complementary capabilities. My/Mochi will join Morinaga’s portfolio of brands, including HI-CHEW, HI-SOFT and Chargel. “In welcoming […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, National, News
NFRA Highlights Innovation, Flexibility During March Frozen Food Month
American eating habits are changing, with meals becoming less structured, snacking on the rise and consumers seeking foods that offer flexibility, variety and value, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) said. The frozen food aisle is meeting that demand with innovation including globally inspired flavors, air-fryer-ready formats and portion-smart options. During March Frozen […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, National, News
Registration Open For 2026 NFRA Convention
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has opened registration for the 2026 NFRA Convention, set for Oct. 17-20 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The convention is expected to bring together more than 2,000 retailers, manufacturers, sales agents and supply chain partners to conduct more than 7,500 […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News
NFRA Survey Finds Price Is Biggest Factor In Grocery Decisions
Seventy-eight percent of consumers cite price as the biggest factor in their grocery decisions, driving increased adoption of frozen foods as Americans seek to curb food costs, according to the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association. Recent findings from the USDA Consumer Price Index for Food show food away from home rose 4.1 percent over […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, Grocery Research
Report: Frozen Food Becoming Meal-Planning Essential For U.S. Consumers
New market data shows frozen food has moved from a backup option to a core element of meal planning for a growing share of American households, according to the fourth edition of the Power of Frozen in Retail report released during the recent AFFI-CON. The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and FMI – The Food […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Featured News, Grocery Research, National, News
NFRA: Consumers Prefer Naturally Protein-Rich Foods Over Fortified Options
Consumers prioritize naturally protein-rich foods like meat, eggs and dairy over heavily fortified alternatives, according to new research from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association. The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based trade association found that while interest in added protein remains strong, particularly among parents, health-conscious shoppers and middle-income households, consumers consistently place greater trust in foods […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Finance News, Frozen Food, National, News
AFFI Promotes Seiling To COO, Head Of Strategic Initiatives
The American Frozen Food Institute has promoted Adrienne Seiling to COO and head of strategic initiatives, expanding her role on the executive leadership team. Seiling most recently served as SVP of industry affairs and member services. In her new role, she will oversee core operations and lead advancement of key organization priorities, including events and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Frozen Food, Hy-Vee, Midwest, News
Hy-Vee Introduces Dietitian Dishes Frozen Meal Line
Hy-Vee has launched Dietitian Dishes, a line of frozen medically tailored meals developed by the West Des Moines, Iowa-based retailer’s registered dietitians to support heart- and diabetes-friendly diets. The frozen meals, available in Hy-Vee’s HealthMarket department and online, come in more than 15 varieties of nutrient-dense, single-serve options. Flavors include Egg Roll in a Bowl, […]
Expert Article
How Independent Retailers Can Maximize Refrigeration Performance, Profitability
Independent retailers face tight budgets and rising operational costs. These pressures are felt even stronger these days as consumers remain hyper-focused on grocery prices and affordability. Refrigeration equipment – critical for merchandising fresh and frozen products – represents a significant investment for retailers. Getting the most out of that investment starts with investing in the […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
NFRA Penguin Pitch Spotlights Emerging Frozen, Refrigerated Brands
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association’s (NFRA) Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest is returning for its third year, recognizing innovative frozen and refrigerated food brands redefining their categories through product development, creative packaging and strategic market execution. Launched Jan. 1, Penguin Pitch provides emerging brands with an opportunity to gain visibility among retailers, distributors […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
NFRA Announces Second Class Of First Penguin Leadership Program
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has announced the 30 participants for its 2026 First Penguin Leadership Program. The year-long offering aims to address a growing industry need for structured, cross-sector leadership development that builds strategic perspective, strengthens collaboration and accelerates readiness among rising talent in dairy and frozen foods. It recognizes those […]
Posted inBakery News, Center Store, Frozen Food, National, News
Rich Products Acquires Great Kitchens Food Co. From Brynwood Partners
Rich Products Corp. has acquired Great Kitchens Food Co. from Brynwood Partners VIII, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based private equity firm, in a transaction that recently closed. Financial terms were not disclosed. Great Kitchens manufactures pizzas, flatbreads, strombolis and calzones sold to grocery, club and mass retailers, as well as foodservice outlets nationwide. Brynwood VIII formed Great […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, Executive News, National, News
3 Industry Leaders To Join 2026 Frozen Food Hall Of Fame
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 […]