The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) recently concluded its 2026 Convention in National Harbor, Maryland., where a record number of frozen and refrigerated foods industry professionals conducted more than 7,500 business appointments during three days of meetings, networking, innovation, and education sessions.
“The annual convention continues to demonstrate the power of bringing the industry together face-to-face,” said Tricia Greyshock, president and chief executive officer of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-headquartered NFRA. “This year’s gathering wasn’t just about making connections. It was about building the future of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry.”
Key highlights of the convention included:
• NFRA Strategic Plan – The trade association unveiled its new 2030 Strategy, a member-informed roadmap designed to strengthen the NFRA’s role as an indispensable growth partner for the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Built around five strategic priorities, the plan focuses on bolstering retailer engagement, transforming demand generation, elevating insights and best practices, expanding leadership development, and enhancing member value and experience.
• Demand Generation Platform Launch – This cornerstone of the association’s 2030 Strategy will evolve the NFRA’s promotional efforts into a more integrated, always-on demand generation engine designed to amplify member marketing, activate through retailers, and drive long-term category demand for frozen and refrigerated foods.
• First Penguin Leadership Program Presentations – The NFRA celebrated the second year of its First Penguin Leadership Program, recognizing emerging leaders who completed the association’s year-long development experience by presenting case study solutions.
Golden Penguin Awards – The prestigious 2026 Golden Penguin Awards recognized exceptional achievements in marketing and merchandising within the frozen and refrigerated foods industry, spotlighting innovative strategies that have driven success. Top Marketer honors were presented across March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month, and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties promotions. View the Top Marketer video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpK_IZvk_pU
• Taste of Excellence – Manufacturers and emerging brands showcased innovation and connected with retailers and industry partners during NFRA’s opening reception, providing attendees an early look at products and trends shaping the future of the category.
• Penguin Pitch Competition – Folkland Foods was named NFRA’s 2026 Emerging Brand of the Year, with additional honors going to DiFara for Best Promotional Strategy, Frönen for Most Disruptive Product, and Skinny Butcher for Most Creative Packaging.
• Café NFRA – This popular destination offered attendees the opportunity to sample products, explore new ideas, and meet directly with representatives from both established and emerging companies.
• Educational Programming – Attendees participated in workshops, forums, and presentations focused on key business and consumer trends, including private labels, artificial intelligence, innovation, leadership development and evolving shopper behavior.
• Annual Membership Meeting – NFRA members gathered for the 82nd Annual Membership Luncheon, where new officers and Board members were elected for the 2026–2027 term.
Meanwhile, planning is already underway for the 2027 NFRA Convention, which will take place October 9-12, in San Diego, California. Registration opens on March 1.
