Speaker Presentations
About AFFI
Speakers and Staff:
- Alison Bodor, AFFI President & CEO
- Dr. Donna Garren, Executive Vice President of Science and Policy
- Dr. Sanjay Gummalla, Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs
- Adrienne Seiling, Senior Vice President of Industry Affairs and Member Services
- Mary Emma Young, Vice President of Communications
- Brian Peteritas, Senior Director of Member Marketing and Business Development
Frozen Berry Market Protection Update
The frozen berry industry has been challenged with mitigating risks associated with the prevalence of enteric viruses (hepatitis A and norovirus) in frozen berries. Amid an outbreak in 2023 and a spate of product recalls, the industry came together to proactively address supply chain challenges, including growing demand for testing and regulatory uncertainties. AFFI and the Frozen Food Foundation worked with members to deploy the frozen berry market protection plan aimed at augmenting prevention and control efforts, building resilience in the supply chain, and coordinating research to support enteric virus inactivation and validation studies. Contributions from domestic and international processors, importers and other associations demonstrated a common purpose to undertake key projects and activities: a real-time enteric virus risk assessment tool, public outreach to share science-based approaches, research activities to fill the void between science and policy.
Join the AFFI team to hear these updates on the frozen berry market protection plan and regulatory developments impacting the frozen berry industry
Cross-border Trade and Tariffs in 2025 — Risks and Opportunities under Trump 2.0
Just three weeks after election day 2024, President-Elect Trump proposed new tariffs on key trading partners – including Canada, Mexico and China. As early as Inauguration Day 2025, the Trump Administration is expected to announce the level of new tariffs to be applied, which trading partners will be targeted, and when those tariffs will come into effect. With AFFI-CON 2025 starting 30 days later, join us for a session to hear more on the current trade landscape for U.S. buyers and foreign sellers as well as strategies and discussions that our industry should consider to help mitigate new tariffs.
Lunch and Learn: Economic Overview
Join us for lunch and an insightful session examining the current state of the economy and its impact on the food industry. Gain valuable perspectives on market trends, consumer behavior, and economic forecasts to inform strategic decision-making and navigate challenges and opportunities.
Lunch & Learn: Warming Up Consumer Frozen Consumption – Sponsored by VISAFRUIT
Lunch and Learn: AFFI Annual Membership Meeting and Keynote
Mark has lived and worked in the Oil and Gas industry for over 25 years. Later he started his own market research company and has a well-earned reputation as an industry “insider” and independent 3rd party researcher. This led to him becoming a part of the new media, where he runs the world’s largest Oil and Gas podcast network, with over 3 million listeners from every single country on the planet. He is a sought after public speaker, author, sits on several boards and has the record for the most embarrassing mistakes made on social media in the industry!
AFFI’s Annual Membership Meeting will include a vote on 2025 Officers and Board of Directors, Finance Report, an update on AFFI’s 2025 strategic priorities and opportunities for AFFI members to engage. Following the Annual Membership Meeting, join us for an insightful session with Mark, a veteran of the Oil and Gas industry with over 25 years of experience. As a market research company founder and host of the world’s largest Oil and Gas podcast network, Mark reaches over 3 million listeners worldwide. He will share his deep industry knowledge and unique perspectives on current trends, challenges, and opportunities, illustrating the impact of global conversations and industry dynamics. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a leading expert and influential media voice in the sector.
Update to Membership
AFFI’s President and CEO Alison Bodor shares the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan.
Food Safety Sessions
AFFI Food Safety Working Group Meeting
Listeria Quality Quest
Frozen Berry Supply Chain Safety
