SAN DIEGO – The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) welcomed a record number of executives from across the frozen food supply chain at AFFI-CON 2024. Nearly 1,600 professionals from more than 500 different companies convened in San Diego for the frozen food industry’s premier annual event, which took place February 24-27.
“AFFI is committed to fostering industry growth through data, insights and programming such as AFFI-CON,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison Bodor. “This event provides a unique opportunity for one-on-one meetings, preparing business for the entire year, and setting your company up for success. The record-breaking attendance of nearly 1,600 people from around the globe proves the value that the entire industry finds in AFFI-CON.”
Bodor also reiterated the many offerings AFFI provides beyond AFFI-CON. “There are many ways that membership with AFFI can help bolster your business,” added Bodor. “Our team of expert staff work year-round to lead on food safety, mitigate regulatory burdens on the industry, elevate the profile of frozen food among thought leaders, drive a positive sustainability profile and facilitate meaningful networking opportunities. Attending AFFI-CON is just one way for organizations to leverage the benefits of AFFI.”
Also at the conference, members voted for the continuation of AFFI’s Board Officers for another one-year term:
- Chair: John Tentomas, CEO, Nature’s Touch Frozen Foods
- Chair-Elect: Suvan Sharma, CEO, Jain Farm Fresh Foods
The following members were elected to the executive committee for one-year terms:
- Rick Drummond, B&G Foods
- Debbie Radie, Boardman Foods
- Tracey Beck, Conagra Brands
- Tony Shurman, Jasper Wyman & Son
- Brian Fox, Richelieu Foods
The following individuals were elected to serve on the AFFI Board for the 2024-2027 term:
- Jeff Preston, ArdoVLM
- Jeff Tuttle, Bellisio Foods
- Peter Johnston, Cavendish Farms
- Jennifer Weekes, Lamb Weston
- Tina Almond, McCain Foods
- Rick Holdren, The Pictsweet Company
- Jieun Lee, Schwan’s Company
- Blake Smittcamp, Wawona Frozen Foods
In addition to holding an Annual Meeting of Membership, AFFI hosted expert speakers who provided forward-looking remarks on the issues shaping frozen food. Jeremy Bess, Economist with ITR Economics, reviewed the current economic marketplace and insights into upcoming business cycle changes. Frank Yiannas, former Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, explained the business imperative for a food safety culture and how leaders can integrate change within their organization. AFFI-CON attendees also heard riveting stories of leadership and success from Robert O’Neill, former Navy SEAL and member of the SEAL Team Six Operation Neptune Spear.
AFFI-CON 2025 is scheduled to take place February 22-25, 2025, in Dallas. For more information about the event, visit www.affi.org/affi-con.
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