The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA-headquartered National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) recently concluded its 2024 Convention, which set new benchmarks for industry engagement and business opportunity. Held in National Harbor, Maryland, the event brought together over 1,700 food industry professionals.
“The convention exceeded our expectations,” said Tricia Greyshock, NFRA’s president and chief executive officer. “We set a new record for participation, including attendance from over 100 organizations that sent representatives for the first time. The high level of engagement demonstrates the continued value our members, and the industry at large, place on in-person collaboration.”
Over 6,500 business appointments were made during the four-day gathering, underscoring the organization’s commitment to optimizing attendees’ time and productivity while out of the office. The convention offered a platform for more than 50 manufacturers and emerging brands to showcase the latest innovation in frozen and dairy products at the highly anticipated Taste of Excellence opening reception.
Officers elected to serve year-long 2024-25 terms during the annual membership meeting are as follows: Tracy Aquila, Vice President of Merchandising at Southeastern Grocers, NFRA chairman; Bill Kynast, Chobani Global Holdings, chairman-elect; Lindsey Hickey, Simek’s, treasurer; Shannon Gilreath, Rich’s Consumer Brands, secretary; Tony Battaglia, Lactalis American Group, vice chairman – refrigerated; and Scott Evans, Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), vice chairman – frozen.
Newly elected to the board of directors are: Yuliya Day of Kraft Heinz Company; Tom DiPuccio of Acosta Sales & Marketing; Joe Karl of General Mills; David Rosen of Coca-Cola North America; Angela Rosenquist of InnovAsian Cuisine; Jorge Silva of Campbell’s Distinctive Brands; and Chris Wilkerson of The Pictsweet Company.
Re-elected to the board of directors was Todd Bostian of Lowes Foods LLC, who begins his second term.
Golden Penguin Awards
Presentation of the 2024 Golden Penguin Awards was among the convention’s highlights. Winners of the prestigious prizes are recognized for exceptional achievements in marketing and merchandising within the frozen and refrigerated foods sectors. This year’s Top Marketers include the 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 Company.
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 chief executive officer of NFRA, were inducted into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame. Established in 1990, it salutes professionals 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.”
Looking ahead, next year’s NFRA Convention will be held at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Florida from October 18-21. Registration opens on March 1, 2025.
