Featuring a sold-out expo and a growing number of field tour programs for chefs and kindergarten-12th grade operators, the International Fresh Produce Association’s annual Foodservice Conference July 31-Aug. 1 set an attendance record while also drawing a diverse collections of buyers. “With over 1,000 buyers, new operators, colleges and universities and more than 2,200 attendees, […]
Tag: association news
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA Shares New Strategic Alignment To Amplify Food Safety Portfolio
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced a reorganization to enhance and amplify its goals in the areas of produce and food safety regulations. Under the new structure, Paul Lewis, IFPA’s regulatory and compliance expert, will join the government relations team and report to Chief Global Policy Officer Alexis Taylor. Other members of the food […]
Posted inC-Store News, Association News, Executive News, National, News
NACS Appoints Gleeson President, CEO
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has named Frank Gleeson, former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-19 NACS chairman of the board, as its new president and CEO, beginning Jan. 1. Gleeson will succeed Henry Armour, becoming just the fourth CEO in the organization’s 64-year history; all four came to the […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
SQFI Appoints Updegraff As Financial Planning, Analysis Director
The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association, has appointed Brian Updegraff as director of financial planning and analysis. In this role, Updegraff will lead the SQFI team in developing and executing financial strategies while collaborating on revenue initiatives to support the global food safety and certification program. “Brian comes […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast, Specialty
NJFC Hosts Reception For Local Companies At Fancy Food Show
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) Leadership Development Program hosted a New Jersey Pavilion Reception on June 30 during the 2025 SFA Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York City. Under the theme of “Diners, Buyers & Suppliers,” the event saluted the Garden State’s contributions to the national food scene and its […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southwest
Texas Watermelon Association Introduces Refreshed Brand Identity
The Texas Watermelon Association (TWA) has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo and redesigned website. As a top five watermelon-producing state in the U.S., Texas plays a major role in meeting demand for the fruit. The new look and online experience reflect TWA’s mission to support the state’s watermelon industry while connecting […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Specialty
2025 Fancy Food Show Sees Increase In Attendee Registration
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) brought together more than 32,000 industry professionals June 29-July 1 for the 69th Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York City. Attendee registration jumped 14 percent over 2024, to about 13,000, including about 8,100 buyers, a 9 percent increase. As specialty food and beverage products grow […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News, Online Grocery Technology
Groceryshop Adds Test Kitchen, C-Suite Leaders To 2025 Lineup
Several key additions have been announced to the Groceryshop 2025 program, including an AI Test Kitchen program and several C-suite leaders to the mainstage speaker lineup. More than 5,000 senior executives from the retailers, brands and technology companies across the global grocery and CPG ecosystem, representing more than 50 countries, will gather Sept. 28-Oct. 1 […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast
PFMA Awards Ridge Scholarships To 21 Students
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has named the 21 recipients of the 2025 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship, each of whom will receive a one-year, $2,500 award for the 2025-26 academic year. “Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “We’re proud to support these exceptional students […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Michigan Retailers Face Economic Uncertainty Amid Tariffs, Inflation, Dip In Tourists
Michigan retailers are facing a challenging economic environment marked by inflation, tariff-related disruptions and fluctuating consumer behavior, according to Vic Veda, VP of communications with the Michigan Retailers Association. “The best specific data that I have on this topic here really does talk about the impacts of tariffs,” Veda said. “We did a member survey […]
Posted inAssociation News, Food Service News, National, News
NGA, IFDA Begin Partnership For Industry Education
The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) and the National Grocers Association (NGA) have begun a partnership aimed at strengthening the food distribution industry through shared educational resources and thought leadership. As part of the alliance, NGA will join the 2025 IFDA Solutions Conference – set for Sept. 28-Oct. 1 in Columbus, Ohio – as an […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National, News
FMI Welcomes Tanner As Director, Legal Operations
FMI – The Food Industry Association has named Jessica Tanner as its director of legal operations, where she will serve as a key advisor to the organization on legal operations, regulatory strategy and policy. Specifically, Tanner will work alongside FMI counsel and Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) and FMI leadership to ensure compliance with relevant […]
Posted inFeature, News, West
Longtime Leader McCloud Bids Farewell To USC FIM
Cynthia McCloud, director of Food Industry Programs and adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business, is retiring. McCloud, a student in the Food Industry Management (FIM) program in 1990, has served as director since 2014, following a 40-year career in the food industry. In a farewell speech during the […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News, Specialty
Specialty Food Association Names Fancy Food Rising Stars
The Specialty Food Association has selected the inaugural roster of its Fancy Food Rising Stars program for buyers and investors. Recognizing emerging leaders in the specialty food industry age 35 and younger, the Rising Star initiative sought nominations from across the buying and business-financing communities, with SFA making the final selections. They receive complimentary badges […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
Foundation For Fresh Produce Appoints Gligorijević Chief Medical Officer
The Foundation for Fresh Produce has named Jelena Gligorijević as chief medical officer, a new position created to expand the influence of the produce industry within the global health and medical communities. Gligorijević is a practicing medical doctor and nutrition specialist with more than three decades of experience in clinical practice, academic instruction and public […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Frozen Food, National, News
2 Leaders To Be Inducted Into 2025 NFRA Refrigerated Food Hall Of Fame
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 […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News
NFRA Names 2025 Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest Winners
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has named the winners of its annual “Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest,” created to spotlight up-and-coming brands in the frozen and refrigerated aisles. Following a competitive review process, eight finalists were selected to submit product samples and promotional materials for evaluation by a panel of industry judges: […]
Posted inDairy News, Midwest, News
Wisconsin Dairy Farmers Promote June Dairy Month
As summer begins, Wisconsin is promoting June Dairy Month, a statewide celebration honoring the farm families who care for animals, steward the land and produce world-class milk, cheese and other products. “This June, we invite everyone to discover the dedication, innovation, and legacy that define Wisconsin dairy,” said Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
FMI Names 2025 Store Manager Awards Winners
FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced the winners of the 2025 Store Manager Awards, honoring those in grocery retail who demonstrate outstanding leadership, elevate store performance and inspire teams across the industry. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the awards program, celebrating two decades of excellence in food retail management. “For the […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast
PFMA Presents Honor Renamed For Late Leader
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) recently brought together leaders from across the food and beverage industry for its 2025 Annual Conference. The event included two days of networking, education sessions and special recognitions, including the presentation of the newly renamed Lisa Dell’Alba Food Industry Trailblazer Award to Tom Charley, co-owner of Charley Family Shop […]