Frozen and Dairy Innovation on Full Display at NFRA Virtual Convention
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association wrapped up a successful, first-ever Virtual Annual Convention this week – hosting more than 800 registrants from top food companies in the industry, including more than 100 retailers.
It is estimated there were more than 3,000 one-on-one business meetings held during the three-day convention period. Attendees realized many business opportunities, established and reinforced many business connections and showcased new products and services throughout the week.
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association’s Virtual Convention established and reinforced many business connections and showcased new products and services, The innovation on display from the frozen and refrigerated foods industry was impressive.
NFRA Chairman Joe D’Alberto, Acosta Sales & Marketing, opened the convention addressing the Association’s necessary pivot to the virtual event because of Covid-19 and recognizing the response of the overall food industry to the pandemic. “Our industry has stepped up and come together to address this crisis,” he said. “We’ve helped consumers through this difficult time by keeping shelves stocked and supporting our employees and communities in so many ways. I’m proud to be part of an essential industry that has played such a pivotal role in keeping America healthy and strong.”
The innovation on display from the frozen and refrigerated foods industry was impressive – taking center stage not only in one-on-one business meetings, but in the Convention Virtual Exhibit Hall, which featured top NFRA member companies and their latest industry innovations. A special edition of NFRA’s New Products Newsletter debuted today, highlighting companies in the Convention New Product Showcase and their 60 new frozen and refrigerated products introduced to the market in recent months.
Colin Stewart, evp, Business Intelligence, for Acosta, provided insights on growth opportunities in a post-Covid world. He noted that the pandemic has affected shopper habits, supplier-retailer commerce, meals at home, online grocery pickup and delivery, trial of new products, more frozen plant-based alternatives, accelerated E-commerce and increased affinity to “Made in the USA” and local brands.
Larry Levin, evp, Market & Shopper Intelligence, for IRI, focused on what trends will shape the industry’s future. Levin shared that through early October 2020, sales in the refrigerated aisle were up 16 percent and the frozen aisle up 24 percent. He noted that during the pandemic, consumers are making fewer trips and buying more during each trip, and that shoppers continue to be in “stock-up mode,” buying products to last for at least two weeks. Working from home will become the norm for more Americans and behavioral shifts are taking place in how consumers are managing health as it relates to food shopping.
Other Convention highlights included interesting insights from POLITICO journalists Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman on the latest news from the Hill, as well as perspectives on the upcoming Presidential election. NFRA announced the Golden Penguin Top Marketer Awards for excellence in merchandising for March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties promotions.
NFRA’s 2021 Annual Convention will hopefully return to an in-person event and is set for Oct. 16-19, 2021 at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego, California.