Record Attendance, Meaningful Connections, and Business Growth Highlight the 2026 NFRA Convention

Frozen and refrigerated foods industry leaders gather in National Harbor to conduct business, celebrate innovation, and strengthen industry relationships.

The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) concluded its 2026 Convention at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., where a record number of frozen and refrigerated foods industry professionals conducted more than 7,500 business appointments and strengthened industry relationships during three days of meetings, networking, innovation, and education.

“The NFRA Convention continues to demonstrate the power of bringing the industry together face-to-face,” said Tricia Greyshock, President and CEO of NFRA. “With more than 7,500 business appointments conducted, the unveiling of our 2030 Strategy, and the launch of our new consumer demand generation platform, this year’s Convention wasn’t just about making connections. It was about building the future of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry.”

Key highlights from this year’s event include:

• NFRA Strategic Plan Unveiled: NFRA unveiled its new 2030 Strategy, a member-informed roadmap designed to strengthen the association’s role as an indispensable growth partner for the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Built around five strategic priorities, the plan focuses on strengthening retailer engagement, transforming demand generation, elevating insights and best practices, expanding leadership development, and enhancing member value and experience.

• Demand Generation Platform Launch: NFRA introduced its new Demand Generation platform, a cornerstone of the association’s 2030 Strategy. The initiative will evolve 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: 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 during Monday’s breakfast session. Watch the highlights video here. View case study presentations here.

• 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.

• Taste of Excellence: Manufacturers and emerging brands showcased innovation and connected with retailers and industry partners during NFRA’s signature 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: One of the Convention’s most popular destinations, Café NFRA offered attendees the opportunity to sample products, explore new ideas, and connect directly with both established and emerging companies.

• Educational Programming: Attendees participated in workshops, forums, and presentations focused on key business and consumer trends, including private brands, 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.

As NFRA looks ahead to 2027 and beyond, the connections, ideas, and initiatives launched in National Harbor will continue to support growth across the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Planning is already underway for the 2027 NFRA Convention, which will take place October 9-12, 2027, in San Diego, Calif. Registration opens March 1, 2027.