The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) wrapped up its annual convention (AFFI-CON) on February 22. The four-day face-to-face gathering in Dallas, Texas, brought together more than 1,100 industry executives representing nearly 500 companies.
AFFI President and CEO Alison Bodor (pictured above) took a moment during the event’s opening address to reflect on how the industry successfully coped with and overcame difficulties last year, stating: “Covid illness and quarantines exacerbated labor shortages and supply chain disruptions throughout the food industry – in manufacturing, retail and foodservice. Despite the challenges, 2021 was another year of strong retail sales of frozen foods. Frozen foods continue to meet consumers needs for easy preparation, health, and variety.”
Moving forward this year, she added: “AFFI expects continued strength in the frozen category and greater resiliency in the frozen food supply chain, driven in part by the business meetings and conversations happening here at AFFI-CON…From fruits and vegetables to entrees, pizza and pet food, frozen food is a staple for every member of the family.”
Other highlights of AFFI-CON 2022 included a presentation from Brian Beaulieu of ITR Economics, who provided a briefing on the current state of the US and global supply chains and offered attendees advice on how to mitigate current supply chain disruptions and also safeguard against future disruptions.
Additionally, Sally Lyons Wyatt of Client Insights, a nationally recognized food sector analyst, discussed the frozen sector’s impressive double digit annual sales growth in the context of consumer trends and provided attendees of her “State of the Industry: Spotlight on Frozen Produce” presentation with insights and strategies for sustaining frozen growth in 2022 and beyond.
New Leadership Rises to the Fore
Prior to the convention, the Arlington, Virginia-headquartered trade association announced its roster of newly elected officers and board of directors members for 2022. The following are serving one-year terms as board officers: Chair, Julia Sabin, vice president of government relations and corporate sustainability, J.M. Smucker Company; Vice Chair, John Tentomas, president and ceo, Nature’s Touch; Immediate Past Chair, Jeff Varcoe, vice president manufacturing and technical services, Schwan’s Company.
Newly elected to one-year terms as executive committee members of the board are: Paul DiGenova, general manager, commodities, Bonduelle North America; Rick Drummond, research and development vice president, B&G; Suvan Sharma, chief executive officer, Jain Farm Fresh Foods; Tony Shurman, president and ceo, Jasper Wyman & Son.
The following were tapped for three-year terms on AFFI’s board of directors: Tracey Beck, vice president and chief counsel for marketing and government affairs, Conagra Brands; Kurt Deibel, vice president food safety and quality, Kraft Heinz; Rick Drummond, research and development vice president, B&G Foods; Julia Sabin, vice president of government relations and corporate sustainability, J.M. Smucker; Tony Shurman, president and ceo, Jasper Wyman & Son; Meghan Swan, vice president, McDonald’s Global Business, J.R. Simplot Foods; Joe Yanda, president and ceo, Lakeside Foods; Debbie Radie, vice president operations, Boardman Foods.
Tina Almond, vice president for food safety and quality at McCain Foods USA was elected to a two-year term, while Adnan Durrani, founder and ceo of Saffron Road, and Eric Schwartz, ceo of Eckert Cold Storage, were tapped for one-year terms.
“The pandemic’s impact on the frozen sector has been significant, highlighting the important role AFFI plays in bringing the frozen food chain together to develop innovative and responsible solutions that keep safe, nutritious, delicious and affordable frozen foods available to consumers,” said AFFI President and CEO Bodor. “Especially during this challenging time, I would like thank and applaud these talented leaders who dedicate their time, energy and talent for the greater good, and look forward to working with them to help feed millions of families in the United States and around the world in 2022 and beyond.”
