Individual & team commitment to food-away-from-home to be recognized
CHICAGO, October 27, 2025 — IFMA The Food Away from Home Association will be presenting awards to five food-away-from-home champions during the association’s 2025 Presidents Conference in Scottsdale, AZ.
The conference brings executives from the food industry together each year to collaborate on industry-wide issues, share insights, and identify best practices in leadership. The industry awards recognize outstanding leaders whose efforts have benefitted the association and food-away-from-home. The awards will be presented Monday night, November 3, 2025.
“Our association and the entire food-away-from-home community benefit from extraordinary and generous leaders,” association President & CEO Phil Kafarakis stated. “We couldn’t succeed without the guidance and enthusiasm of industry supporters like those selected for awards this year. In chaotic times like these, it’s even more important to collaborate and share expertise. Our award winners are leading the way in that regard. I look forward to recognizing them at the Presidents Conference.”
The Key Person Award honors individual association manufacturer members who have an exceptional record of activity and commitment to the association.
Greg Cocchiarella
Vice President, Industry Relations - Ecolab
Cocchiarella is being honored for his dedicated service on the IFMA Board of Directors since 2019. He has served in multiple roles for the association’s Education Foundation, including Chair, Treasurer, and Vice Chair. He has actively participated in event planning for past Presidents and COEX Conferences and chaired the Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration Committee. Cocchiarella played an instrumental role in helping launch the association’s new brand. He will serve as 2026 Chair of the Board..
The Sparkplug Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and commitment have sparked meaningful progress within the association’s programs through their board and committee involvement.
Jacques Botbol (CRO, Tastewise) |
Alon Chen (CEO & Co-Founder, Tastewise) |
Mani Kulasooriya (Co-Founder & CEO, Cut+Dry) |
Hans Schatz (EVP, Cut+Dry)
This year’s honorees were instrumental as founding partners in bringing the Go2MarketEdge event to life. Their vision, collaboration, and hands-on involvement helped shape a standout inaugural marketing and technology experience—one that set the stage for future Go2MarketEdge initiatives.
Presidents Conference is open to members and foodservice operators.
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