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Our 2024 Year in Review

2024 marked a pivotal year as we rebranded the association to reflect our commitment to the entire food away from home ecosystem. Explore our major achievements and enhanced collaboration among manufacturers, operators, and distributors.

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January 2025: Welcome Our New Members

Welcome manufacturers Genera, Hain Celestial, International Food Solutions, and Marra Forni, offering sustainable packaging, better-for-you foods, global flavors, and cutting-edge brick oven technology. Plus, Metafoodx, using AI to reduce food waste.

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Expanded Roles Announced at IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

Expanded roles for Mike Schwartz, Charlie McConnell, and Courtney Sriha are set to enhance member engagement, insights, and event programming. Learn how these strategic moves support the food-away-from-home industry's growth.

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2025: Add Agility to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Explore the challenges shaping the food industry in 2025. Stay agile and informed with strategies to navigate rising costs, tariffs, and evolving consumer demands.

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Presidents Conference Culinary Recap

Sponsors showcased products in multiple areas, meals, and receptions throughout the conference. Part of the interactivity of the conference was in experiencing culinary innovation and sharing meals and snacks throughout the event.

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December 2024: Welcome Our New Members

Discover the newest additions to our diverse membership community: Great Foods, a leading food manufacturer; Leanpath, a service provider tackling food waste; and Southwest Traders, a trusted supply chain leader.

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A Message from Our Board Chair

It has been an honor to serve as the Association’s board chair for 2024. I am both extraordinarily proud of everything that we have accomplished and blown away by how quickly the year has flown by.

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Bringing the Industry Together

This November at the conference, with our newly expanded membership that now includes foodservice operators and members of the supply chain, we focused on highlighting diverse perspectives that address common issues.

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Foodservice Leadership Councils Announce 2025 Officers

IFMA The Food Away from Home Association oversees five Foodservice Operator Councils (FLCs) that are made up of 150+ operator individuals. The councils represent the major segments of foodservice: Elementary & Secondary Schools, College & University,

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November 2024: Welcome Our New Members

Discover our newest members! Explore innovative Manufacturers like Dr. G’s Ingredients™, SOLATO, and Synergy Flavors®, plus Service Providers like Accenture, Starfish Technology, and XCEED Foodservice Group.

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2025 Executive Committee and Board of Directors

Meet the 2025 Executive Committee and Board of Directors, led by Teri Trullinger of Cargill as Board Chair. Explore the association's leadership, initiatives, and vision for the future of the food away from home industry.

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Introducing Our New Brand Identity: IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

Our new name is purposeful and sets a clear and powerful message about who we are as an organization.

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Introducing IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

After decades of branding itself the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), a new identity for the 72-year-old organization was revealed today - IFMA The Food Away from Home Association.

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IFMA Celebrates Leadership with 2024 Industry Awards

IFMA will be presenting awards to eight food-away-from-home champions during the association’s 2024 Presidents Conference in Scottsdale, AZ.

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Election 2024: Either Result Will Stress Your Business

We keep an eye on developments that touch on our industry’s interests, and no matter what the outcome of this year’s election, we encourage you to become better informed on important legislative activities.

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IFMA Next Gen Execs Named for 2025

IFMA Announces 2025 Next Gen Execs: A professional development program for future leaders in the food-away-from-home industry. With 30+ new members, the program fosters executive growth, networking, and industry collaboration, kicking off at the 2024

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September 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Discover IFMA's new manufacturer members, including Flowers Foods, PRETZILLA®, and West Liberty Foods. These industry leaders bring diverse expertise in bakery goods, pretzels, and protein solutions, contributing to innovation, sustainability, and ex

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AI Boom Appears to Live Up to Its Hype

It seems clear that AI (Artificial Intelligence) is here to stay, even if we’re still working out what to do with it in our businesses.

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Eight Leading Organizations Form Collaboration To Tackle Food Industry's FSMA Rule 204 Challenges

IFMA has joined seven other leading organizations to form the "Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration." Together, we’re tackling the challenges of FSMA Rule 204 to enhance food safety across the entire supply chain.

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Cultivating Leadership Connections: Insights from IFMA Next Gen Execs Meeting

Explore leadership insights from the IFMA Next Gen Execs meeting, featuring Sharon Eliatamby, a 2023 IFMA Silver Plate winner. Learn how IFMA fosters leadership and network growth in the food-away-from-home industry.

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August 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Discover leading family-owned businesses like Broadway Industries, J.T.M. Food Group, and RJ Schinner, specializing in sustainable packaging, innovative food processing, and janitorial supplies. Learn more about their award-winning products and long-

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Nominations Open for 2025 IFMA Board of Directors

Join the IFMA board and help shape the future of the food-away-from-home industry. We're seeking senior executive leaders with a passion for servant leadership and a strong background in the food industry.

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Forecasting Slow Growth & Positive Future for Food Away from Home

Explore IFMA's latest forecast predicting a 0.5% growth for the total restaurant segment in 2024, fueled by higher-income consumer demand. Quick service and fast casual restaurants show upward growth trends, while on-site segments like colleges and u

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2024-2025 Food-Away-From-Home Industry Forecast & Segment Projections

IFMA releases latest 2024-2025 Food Away-From-Home Industry and Segment Forecast. Despite a projected 0.9% growth, challenges loom due to slowing consumer traffic.

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July 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Welcome the latest addition to IFMA's membership community! Each month IFMA highlights the newest companies that make up our diverse membership community.

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IFMA Announces New Foodservice Leadership Council: Sales Agency FLC

Building on the success of IFMA’s five Operator Foodservice Leadership Councils (FLC), IFMA is expanding its network by adding a council that will serve the Sales Agency community.

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FSMA 204: Get Ready!

The new FDA requirement, FSMA 204, mandates that by January 2026, companies involved in the food supply chain must maintain detailed records of food traceability to improve food safety and expedite the response to foodborne illness outbreaks.

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Tips for Creating a Winning Silver Plate Award Nomination

Since 1954, IFMA’s Gold & Silver Plate Awards have paid tribute to outstanding and innovative foodservice operator talent. Now in its sixty-ninth year honoring leaders in the industry, we invite you to submit your nominations to celebrate operator ta

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Future Foodservice Spotlight: Megan Darga

Megan is a 2023 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient. Megan is a 2023 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient. She attends the University of Illinois and is studying Hospitality Management.

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Better Together: A Story of Transformation & Unification

Explore the critical role sales agencies play as strategic partners in today's market, and learn about the transformation of the sales agency community. Discover how the purchase process for operators has evolved from traditional catalogs to digital

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The 2024 IFMA Education Foundation Summit

Featuring top industry talent and six universities, the IFMA Education Foundation Summit provided valuable insights into career success, leadership, and industry trends.

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May 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Welcome the latest additions to IFMA's membership community! Each month IFMA highlights the newest companies that make up our diverse membership community.

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Highlights of IFMA’s 2024 Gold & Silver Plate Weekend

Nearly 600 industry leaders gathered at Chicago’s Union Station to honor the foodservice industry’s best. The event featured inspiring mentors, the recognition of eight Silver Plate winners, and Chris Tomasso receiving the coveted Gold Plate Award.

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IFMA's 2024 Gold Plate Award Goes to Chris Tomasso

The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) presented food-away-from-home's highest honor, the Gold Plate Award, to the President & CEO of First Watch Restaurant Group

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IFMA Food Industry Pulse Newsletter

IFMA is taking a leadership role as an agent of change, fostering increased engagement across the food-away-from-home sectors. As part of this effort we are proud to announce the Food Industry Pulse Newsletter!

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IFMA Selects Datassential as Preferred Partner for Food-Away-From-Home Sales Intelligence

With a history spanning more than a decade, the partnership leverages new and exclusive insights from Datassential’s industry insights and sales intelligence solutions to drive additional IFMA member value.

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Future Foodservice Spotlight: Amelia Pettit

Amelia is a 2023 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient. She attends the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and is studying Hospitality Management. She shares why she wants to work in the foodservice industry.

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April 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Welcome the latest additions to IFMA's membership community! Each month IFMA highlights the newest companies that make up our diverse membership community.

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Fostering Cooperative Efforts: IFMA Brings Companies Together

Learn how IFMA's Bowl Program brought together foodservice operators and manufacturers to create innovative, nutritious menu items for healthcare facilities.

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Culinary Highlights of COEX 2024

From innovative dishes at the opening reception to chef-led creations at Menu-a-thon, immerse yourself in the flavors that defined IFMA COEX 2024 in Kansas City.

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Jon & Jen Corto: Micro Market Entrepreneurs and 2024 IFMA Silver Plate Award Honorees

Read the inspiring journey of Jon and Jen Corto, former NFL player and MBA graduate turned Micro Market Entrepreneurs. Learn how they transformed their vision into Buffalo Strive, the largest independent food-vending operator in Buffalo, New York.

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COEX 2024: Evolution Engaged

IFMA’s Chain Operators EXchange (COEX) brought several hundred operators, food manufacturers, suppliers, and industry service providers to Kansas City, MO, March 3 to 5. Explore all the highlights at this years event!

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March 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Welcome the latest additions to IFMA's membership community! Each month IFMA highlights the newest companies that make up our diverse membership community.

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Future Foodservice Spotlight: Brendan Quinn

Brendan Quinn is a 2023 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient. He attends Michigan State University and is studying Hospitality Business. He shares why he wants to work in the foodservice industry.

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IFMA Announces 2024 IFMA Silver Plate Award Winners

IFMA is proud to announce the 2024 IFMA Silver Plate Award receipients, representing eight catagories across the industry. We will honor the winners at the 70th Gold & Silver Plate Awards Gala taking place in Chicago, May 18, 2024.

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February 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Welcome the latest additions to IFMA's membership community! February 2024 welcomes esteemed manufacturers and innovative service providers. Discover what they companies have to offer.

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Future Foodservice Spotlight: Madison Lindsey

Madison Lindsey, a 2023 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient and a student at Purdue University studying Hospitality and Tourism Management shares why she wants to work in the foodservice industry.

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IFMA Names Technomic Preferred Partner for Menu and Foodservice Distributor Insights

The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), serving the food-away-from-home industry for 70+ years, and Technomic, the leader in foodservice insights, have formally established a preferred partner relationship whereby Technomic wi

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2024 Industry Forecast & Segment Projections

02.26.24 - IFMA releases latest industry growth projections for 2024 including foresight on segment performance and economic trends. IFMA projects that the Food-Away-From-Home (FAFH) industry will grow 0.9 percent, on a real basis, in 2024.

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IFMA 2023 Year in Review

IFMA is a 70-year-old organization that is ready to take on the future! We bring together a legacy of industry experience with a hunger for collaboration, innovation, and connection.

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Future Foodservice Spotlight: Bryce Leach

Bryce Leach is a 2023 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient. He attends Northern Arizona University and is studying Hotel and Restaurant Management.

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IFMA Announces Staff Promotions Supporting Events, Awards Programs, and Technology Goals

President and CEO of IFMA, Phil Kafarakis, just announced the promotion of two staff members in support of the organization’s new Level Up 2027 long-range plan.

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2023 Highlights: Message from Chair of IFMA Board of Directors, Herb Ring

IFMA board chair reflects on an impactful year and unveils Level Up 2027, a new long-range plan. Embrace the optimism and energy for 2024, anticipating exciting changes in membership structure, branding, and enhanced benefits.

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IFMA Announces 2024 Foodservice Leadership Council Leadership

IFMA unveils the 2024 Foodservice Leadership Councils (FLCs) teams, featuring over 150 operators across diverse segments. Serving as crucial contributors to IFMA's strategies, FLCs offer valuable insights, best practices, and exclusive guidebooks...

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Highlights from Presidents Conference 2023: Evolution Empowered

Immerse yourself in the highlights from IFMA's Presidents Conference 2023: Evolution Empowered. Explore transformative insights and industry trends shaping the future of foodservice leadership.

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November 2023: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Celebrate growth as IFMA welcomes new members in November 2023. Join our dynamic community, fostering collaboration and innovation in the foodservice industry. Explore the advantages of membership today.

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IFMA Announces 2024 Executive Committee and Board of Directors

Get insights into IFMA's future – meet the 2024 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Discover key leaders steering the course for the foodservice industry. Stay informed on pivotal decisions and industry insights.

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IFMA Announces Changes for 2024

Discover IFMA's transformative changes for 2024. Unveiling strategic shifts and innovations, explore how the industry landscape is evolving. Stay ahead with insights into the future of foodservice.

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IFMA 2023 Industry Awards Announced

Celebrate excellence in the foodservice industry! Explore the winners of IFMA's 2023 Industry Awards, showcasing innovation and achievement. Discover industry leaders shaping the future.

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IFMA's Presidents Conference to Feature Paul Polman

Unlock insights on sustainable leadership with Paul Polman, former Unilever CEO, at IFMA's Presidents Conference. Discover global business impact and industry enlightenment.

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September 2023: Welcome IFMA's New Members

IFMA welcomes notable new members in September 2023. Ferrero, renowned for iconic brands like Nutella®; Leidy’s, a premium pork producer; Motif FoodWorks, innovating plant-based ingredients; Shearer’s, a leading snacks supplier; Utz Quality Foods...

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August 2023 Future Foodservice Spotlight: Camryn Strickler

Meet Camryn Strickler, a 2022 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient studying Nutrition, Health & Dietetics at Kansas State University. Passionate about health and food, Camryn aspires to become a registered dietitian nutritionist...

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IFMA’s Marketing & Sales Conference 2023 Focused on New Ways to Get It Done

IFMA's Marketing & Sales Conference 2023, hosting over 1,200 industry professionals, focused on innovative approaches. With a holistic view, sessions covered AI, sustainability, and the 2024 forecast. Explore insights for breakthroughs in the...

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IFMA Member Exclusive Research: Smart Selling

Uncover insights with IFMA's exclusive research collaboration with Datassential and Kinetic 12, delving into smart selling in the evolving foodservice landscape. Examine best practices, challenges, and strategies among top manufacturers. Available...

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IFMA Releases 2024 Foodservice Industry Forecast at Marketing & Sales Conference

IFMA unveils its 2024 Foodservice Industry Forecast at the Marketing & Sales Conference, projecting a 0.2% real growth in operator spend amid a challenging landscape with varying segment performances.

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New CPP Research on Branding Visibility

IFMA's Consumer Planning Program (CPP) unveils its latest research report, "Product Brand Visibility at Foodservice Operations." The report offers insights into effective brand usage, catering to both consumer-focused and distributor-centric...

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July 2023 Future Foodservice Spotlight: Kirsten Burke

Kirsten Burke, a 2022 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient and double major at Purdue in Hospitality & Tourism Management and Public Relations, shares her journey and how the scholarship supports her goals.

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July 2023: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Meet IFMA's new Manufacturer Members - Okanagan Specialty Fruits, a biotech company revolutionizing tree fruit varieties, and TreeHouse Foods, a North American leader in private label food manufacturing.

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June 2023: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Learn about IFMA's newest member, Diamond Foods, a leading US culinary nut company dominating the branded nut market. Discover a diverse range of fresh, high-quality nuts for every occasion.

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June 2023 Future Foodservice Spotlight: Sydney Burtovoy

Sydney Burtovoy, a 2022 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient and Food Science graduate from Michigan State University, shares her journey from intern at Sargento Foods to Associate Product Developer, expressing gratitude for the...

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2022 IFMA Year in Review

IFMA is a 70-year-old organization that is ready to take on the future! We bring together a legacy of industry experience with a hunger for collaboration, innovation, and connection.

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IFMA Announces 2022 Executive Committee and Board of Directors

IFMA announces the election of officers and directors to its 2022 Board of Directors, including new Chair of the Board, Herb Ring of The Hershey Company.

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IFMA Presidents Award Is Renamed the IFMA Oberkfell Award

In honor of his unprecedented contributions to IFMA and the tremendous impact he’s had on the entire foodservice industry, the IFMA Board of Directors has announced that the IFMA Presidents Award has been renamed the IFMA Oberkfell Award after...

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IFMA Presidents Conference 2021 Awards

IFMA recognized outstanding leaders and contributors to IFMA and the industry by presenting its Sparkplug Awards, Presidents Award, and Key Person Award during its Presidents Conference in Scottsdale, AZ—including a special honor for outgoing IFMA...

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IFMA Board Awards CEO Position To Industry Leader Phil Kafarakis

IFMA announced today the appointment of Phil Kafarakis as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Beginning November 1, 2021, he will be responsible for overseeing IFMA's day-to-day operations and will direct the activities of the...

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2021 Highlights: Message from Hugh Roth, Chair of IFMA Board of Directors

09.29.21 - As Chair of the Board of Directors of IFMA in 2021, it has been my pleasure and honor to serve our membership and the foodservice industry over the past year. It has been a difficult time for our country and our industry, but through it...

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Antoinette Watkins Receives Foodservice Industry's Top Honor

Antoinette “Toni” Watkins, MS, RDN, System Director of Food & Nutrition Services at Riverside Health System, was named the 2021 Gold Plate Award recipient by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) during the 67th Annual...

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Larry Oberkfell, IFMA President & CEO, Returning to Industry at the Close of 2021

After 12 years successfully leading IFMA and the IFMA Education Foundation, President & CEO Larry Oberkfell announced today that he will be stepping down when his contract ends at the close of 2021. Until then, he will continue to lead the...

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IFMA’s Education Foundation Donates $25,000 to the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute

IFMA’s Education Foundation presented a contribution in the amount of $25,000 to the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), on the eve of IFMA’s COEX Conference in New Orleans. The donation was presented by IFMA President and CEO...

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Introducing IFMA Scope

IFMA is proud to introduce IFMA Scope—an interactive online portal that provides foodservice manufacturers with one source for strategic data and insights from across the foodservice landscape. With the introduction of IFMA Scope, the complexities...

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IFMA Announces 2020 Executive Committee and Board of Directors

IFMA announces the election of officers and directors to its 2020 Board of Directors, including new Board Chairman Perry Miele, President of Nestlé Professional.

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IFMA's 2019 William J. Tobin Award

In honor of his commitment and passion to the education of the foodservice industry, IFMA has awarded its William J. Tobin Award to Hugh Roth, Senior Vice President – Chief Customer and Business Development Office at PepsiCo Global Foodservice...

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The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) Announces 2019 IFMA Award Winners

IFMA is pleased to announce its 2019 Key Person, Sparkplug, Presidents, and Tobin Awards, which will be presented at IFMA's 57th annual Presidents Conference, Nov. 5th in Scottsdale, AZ. The recipients represent the most passionate and active...