From Our Print Edition

It’s been a challenging year, but the NFRA has quickly adapted to change and met new needs of members. This month’s convention may be the best ever – virtually and literally!

BY SKIP SHAW

The 75th anniversary year of the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association has been a challenge like no other as we navigate these unprecedented times. But the association and the industry have risen to the occasion as I knew they would. I’m so proud of our entire industry for all they continue to do to keep consumers safe and shelves stocked. I’m inspired by all that our member companies are doing to support their employees and their communities and by the valuable role they play in helping millions of Americans through this crisis.

NFRA PROVIDING VALUE

The association has been working hard to provide the same value for its members and be a resource for consumers as business and personal circumstances have changed. NFRA shifted its consumer communications to focus on at-home meals and activities to support families while quarantined. We also highlighted inspiring member stories about how the industry is responding to the crisis.

While we had to cancel the NFRA Executive Conference in April, we offered a valuable webinar series featuring our conference speakers. Now, we have transitioned the NFRA convention to a virtual event that will continue its focus on customer business appointments and provide the same exceptional convention experience our members have come to expect.

With more than 2,800 meeting slots available to convention participants, the virtual platform allows us to offer three full days of meetings that can be set up with an easy online scheduling tool. A virtual exhibit hall for manufacturers, suppliers and logistics providers allows attendees to view exhibiting companies’ products and services and connect with their representatives. Hundreds of “retailer speed meeting” slots are available to small manufacturers who may have difficulty getting appointments with retailers. A New Product Showcase will feature some of the most innovative new products in the industry.

The convention kicks off on Monday, Oct. 19 with a welcome message from NFRA Chairman Joe D’Alberto of Acosta Sales & Marketing. The day’s keynote speakers are POLITICO’s Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer talking about the issues, players and personalities driving politics today. Also on Monday, NFRA will honor the best of the best in marketing and merchandising for 2020 as we name the Top Marketers for March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and the Ice Cream & Novelties promotion.

On Tuesday morning, I will give a brief update on the association’s programs, membership and finances, as well as welcome new board of directors. Colin Stewart, exec vp, business intelligence, Acosta Sales & Marketing, will speak about opportunities for growth in a post Covid-19 world.

Joe Kent of InnovAsian Cuisine, NFRA’s convention chairman, will wrap up the event on Wednesday. Larry Levin, exec vp, market and shopper intelligence, IRI, will present the latest data on frozen and refrigerated performance and the category outlooks.

While the current environment has forced us to modify our delivery, we’re set to provide the same excellence in programming, the latest information on what is happening in our industry and new opportunities for conducting business and networking.

‘MY LAST YEAR’

It has certainly been a challenging year, and definitely not how I envisioned my last year at NFRA before retiring. It’s been my pleasure to work for NFRA for the last 36 years. I’ve met so many wonderful industry people who I’m now honored to call my friends. Moving forward, I know NFRA will be in the capable hands of our exec vp and COO, Jeff Rumachik, and our amazing NFRA staff. Thank you to everyone who has been encouraging and supportive throughout my career. There is no match for the comradery and compassion that I’ve found in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry.

Skip Shaw is the president and CEO of the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (nfraweb.org), Harrisburg, Pa.