The event brought together hundreds of senior leaders from manufacturing, distribution, regional and national foodservice operations, and companies that help support the industry.

Held over three days at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, it was our 63rd annual Presidents Conference. We re-focused this year's agenda on strategic solutions to industry challenges. Food-away-from-home's most influential CEOs, C-suite executives, and decision-makers came together to navigate change, share insights, and discover new paths forward.

 

 

Table of Content 

  1. Introduction
  2. General Session
  3. Pathways 
  4. Solutions Center
  5. Education Sessions
  6. Opening Reception 
  7. Awards 
  8. Experiences 
  9. Sponsors

 

Planning Committee (Click to Expand)

 

Michelle Barnes-Beauford – Kellanova 

Scott Barnewolt – PFG 

Reilly Berk – Berk Enterprises 

Kristin Bird – T. Marzetti 

Danielle Bock – Greeley-Evans School District 6 

Will Bowron – Red Diamond 

Evan Carlson – Bongards' Creameries 

Greg Cocchiarella – Ecolab 

Peter Cokinos – Palermo Villa, Inc. 

Brad Dorian – PepsiCo 

Lynn Egner – Hormel Foods Corporation Foodservice Group 

Bill Flack – Ajinomoto 

Mara Francis – PepsiCo 

Jansen Fredal – Custom Culinary 

Scott Gosselin – Aspire Bakeries 

Josh Gurley – Coca-Cola Foodservice 

Pranay Harsh – Georgia-Pacific Corporation 

Rebecca Hurst – The Cheesecake Factory/Fox Restaurants Concepts 

Hunter Hying – Clark Pro 

Chris Johnson – Javo Beverage 

Mary Klakulak-Sclafani – Genpak 

Lauren Lopez – Rich Products 

Suzanne Maxwell – Damascus Bakery

Dan McTaggart – Kerry 

Mark Meckstroth – Cargill 

Jeff Palmer – University of California San Diego 

Barbara Powell – Mount Franklin Foods/Azar Nut Company/Hospitality Mints 

Bee Radaideh – Bank of America 

Herb Ring – The Hershey Company 

Ian Roberts – Conagra 

Trevor Squires – McCormick 

Matt Tremblay – Northbridge Companies 

Bree Tucker – Tyson Foods 

Eric Vanderheyden – Ventura 

Fleur Veldhoven – Nestlé Professional Solutions 

Terry Walsh – Southwest Traders 

Tim Wayne – The J.M. Smucker Company 

 

 

Clarity Among Chaos  

 

When planning for the conference, it was clear that the industry is dealing with multiple points of confusion and quagmire that were holding back growth and innovation. The decision was made to do everything we could to cut through the uncertainty. After all, for leaders, the challenge isn't just keeping pace; it's finding clarity among the chaos. 

 

Presidents Conference delivered clarity amid industry chaos 

If any attendee didn't see why this year's Presidents Conference was themed "Clarity Among the Chaos," the ah-ha moment might have come about 15 examples into a review of the forces reshaping the food-away-from-home business. 

General Sessions  

 

Launching with new insights from the Next Gen Execs program participants and including dramatic remarks from a renowned global economist, multiple company CEOs who are bucking the flat-growth trends, and several surprises, our Main Stage sessions were full of take-away insights. 

 

Presidents Conference starts off with a different economic view 

Attendees of this year’s Presidents Conference could be excused for scanning the skies in search of whatever spaceship might have delivered keynote speaker Dr. Pippa Malmgren. The world depicted by the noted global economist sounded little like the ball of confusion they know as planet Earth.

Next Gen Execs air their solutions to thorny industry issues

Imagine bringing an industry challenge to a brain trust of young up-and-comers who’ve been designated by their companies as likely future leaders.

Julia Stewart makes an inspirational reappearance

After being out of the foodservice limelight for years, former IHOP and Applebee’s CEO Julia Stewart returned to the stage during the Presidents Conference, sharing how she rose from waiting tables at IHOP to running the chain and its sister brand, Applebee’s.

National Restaurant Association ‘leans in’ on immigration relief

The National Restaurant Association is escalating its efforts to keep restaurants from losing workers to the Trump Administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants, CEO Michelle Korsmo told a roomful of foodservice leaders [at Presidents Conference].

Pathways

 

New this year were strategic pathways, a total of nine sessions, in sets of three, running on Monday morning. Each three-session Pathway focused on a particular topic: Policy, Supply Chain, and the Consumer. 

 

The new session tracks were designed to ditch stale talking points for actual strategic revelations from chaos-challenging leaders. They included panels made up of company founders, CEOs, and C-Suite executives. 

 

Supply Chain  

 

Inside the Operator’s Mind: Supply Chain Challenges Revealed

Operators emphasized that success today depends on agility, transparency, and true partnership. 

 

 

 

Speakers: Rebecca Hurst, Director of Supply Chain, Distribution & Logistics, The Cheesecake Factory/Fox Restaurant Concepts; Carl Mount, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Jack in the Box; Dessi Zaneva, Vice President, Strategic Sourcing, Jersey Mike's; moderated by Anissa Mandell-Chance, President, ARCOP 

“We need partners who can move at the speed of our business, turning ideas into execution faster than ever before.” 


Digital Solutions in a Tech-Driven Supply Chain

AI is enabling smarter pricing, cleaner data, and more precise targeting, while freeing operators to focus on customer relationships.

 

 

 

Speakers: Bowie Cheung, Co-Founder & CEO, Pepper;Daniel Khachab, Co-Founder & CEO, Choco; Mani Kulasooriya, Co-Founder & CEO, Cut+Dry; moderated by Mike Schwartz, SVP, Chief Engagement & Innovation Officer, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association 

“The future is a complete, holistic experience—one platform that connects distribution, operators, and customers with full visibility and control.” 


Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: Distributors on What’s Ahead

Looking ahead, success will depend on distributors’ ability to combine robust digital tools with relationship-driven service, agility, and strategic insights.

 

 

 

Speakers: Moe Abraham, CEO, Hillcrest Foodservice; Cullen Andrews, Executive Vice President, Dot Foods; John Miller, CEO, Legacy Food Group; moderated by Mike Schwartz, SVP, Chief Engagement & Innovation Officer, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association 

“Relationships still matter most, but the distributors who combine service with agile, tech-enabled insights will lead in the years ahead.” 

Policy  

 

EPR in Action: Latest Developments' Impact on Packaging

An exploration on how to navigate emerging reporting obligations, anticipate cost implications, and adapt packaging strategies to stay ahead of regulatory and customer expectations.

 

 

Speakers: Carol Patterson, Vice President, Government Relations, Foodservice Packaging Institute; Sarah Stewart-Schultze, Vice President of Purchasing, International Dairy Queen; moderated by Melanie Hilton, SVP, Customer Success, GS1 US

“We have decided we are the producer. Any box that goes out, we own that.”


The MAHA Movement's Impact

The evolving state legislation, nutrition standards, and federal regulatory shifts are affecting menu development, supplier relationships, and consumer messaging.

 

 

Speakers: Sean McBride, Founder, DSM Strategic; Eimear Robertson, Chief Technology Officer, Kerry; Jessica Shelly, Director, Student Dining Services, Cincinnati Public Schools; moderated by Joy Dubost, PhD RD, Owner & Consultant, NJOY Health & Nutrition

 “Ultra processed food is not necessarily bad. We’re focusing on the definition of ultra-processed meals.” 

 

Tariff & Trade Implications: 2026 Economic Outlook

A look at the potential impacts of tariffs, trade disputes, and economic forecasts heading into 2026—offering critical insight for sourcing, pricing, and long-term strategy.

 

 

Speakers: Scott Barnewolt, SVP Procurement, Performance Foodservice; Matthew Tremblay, Director of Procurement, Northbridge Companies; moderated by Peter Romeo, Managing Editor, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

The Consumer

 

The State of Spending: Where, When, and Why Consumers Dine

Consumer spend tracking can help clarify where the wallet is going—and how to respond with precision.

 

 

Speakers: Holly Jones, VP, Foodservice Client Development, Circana; Luna Ravenna, VP Strategy, Channel & Customer Marketing, McCormick; moderated by Charlie McConnell, VP of Industry Insights, Education & Research, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

 “Consumers make decisions not based on our segments but on what best meets their immediate need.”


The Rise (and Risk) of Signature Label

Signature label products are gaining traction with consumers—success calls for brand innovation, a sound pricing strategy, and being sure to maintain consumer trust.

 

 

Speakers: Butch Cassidy, SVP, Corporate Distribution, Acxion Foodservice; Barry Craft, VP Merchandising Manager of Grocery, Dairy, Beverages, & Sysco Brands, Sysco; Adam LeDonne, SVP Foodservice, Ventura Foods; moderated by Charlie McConnell, VP of Industry Insights, Education & Research, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

“We have a real growth mindset. There’s room for everything; this industry is big enough to hold it all.” 

 

The Power of Occasion: Reimagining the “Why” Behind Meals

Understanding consumer occasions—everything from solo snacking to family outings—will help you reposition your brand, menu, or offerings around the needs of the modern eater.

 

 

Speakers: Shawn Dolan, Director of Procurement, Biscuitville; Megan Mobley, Director, National Accounts Marketing, The Marzetti Company; Elizabeth Riede, Executive Director of Campus Dining, Appalachian State University; moderated by Charlie McConnell, VP of Industry Insights, Education & Research, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

“Occasion-based thinking has changed how [manufacturers] work with brands to build consumer loyalty.”

Solutions Center  

 

The Solution Center made it easy to connect with top industry service providers—from established leaders to rising innovators. Exhibitors offered a range of products and services including data management, marketing strategy, AI-powered tools, and more. They demonstrated resources designed specifically for food-away-from-home businesses to elevate operations and accelerate growth. Watch these videos from the Solution Center participants! 

 

 

Participants (Click to Expand)

 

Choco 

Datassential 

Galley 

iTrade Network 

Pepper 

PROS 

Resco 

Starfish 

Tibersoft

Vistex

Xceed

 

 

Education Sessions  

 

Five early morning sessions focused on new research and innovative strategies to cut through the confusion of today’s business environment. 

 

 

AI You Can Trust: Clear Answers for Foodservice 

Kelly Dykhuizen, Vice President Customer Experience, Datassential, showcased practical applications of AI in food and beverage, from predicting demand shifts to simplifying sales intelligence, while spotlighting guardrails for responsible use 

Data to AI: Turning Data Management Strategies into Results

Speakers included Mike Barbier, VP Client Solutions, Foodbuy; Kevin Baum, Product Manager, Data Services, Dot Foods; Mike Mortensen, SVP of Operations and Supply Chain, Lower Foods, Inc.; and Drew Shields, Solutions Director, Foodservice, iTradeNetwork. They shared how building strong data foundations helps prevent revenue leakage, drive operational excellence, strengthen trading partner relationships, and create lasting competitive advantages. 

Unlock the Future of a Traceable Supply Chain with GS1

Jeff Cowan, GS1’s Sr. Director of Community Engagement, and Liz Sertl, GS1’s Sr. Director, Supply Chain Visibility, reviewed GS1 Standards that support traceability, sustainability, and transparency to enhance alignment with industry requirements and drive efficiency. 

The Manufacturer's Dilemma: 4 Industry Evolutions

Kinetic12 Partners Art Bell and Rob Veidenheimer shared insights from their new SalesLab Benchmarking program and discussed what manufacturers must do to win in the new Foodservice marketplace.

Rethinking Partnerships: Work Smarter with AI & Operators

Sam Newman, Director of Enterprise Accounts at Tastewise walked through how foodservice manufacturers can rethink the way they work with the partners who shape the future of the industry, including tech companies and operators.


OPENING RECEPTION

The Taste of Food Away from Home Innovation 

 

A grand kick off to the 2025 Presidents Conference gave attendees the opportunity to reconnect with industry friends and make new ones at an outdoor culinary-focused reception on Sunday evening.

Association-member Culinary Teams offered up a wide range of new dishes, distinctive ingredients, and creative menu ideas for all to enjoy. Attendees were asked to vote for their favorite culinary offer at the reception. The 2025 winner was Ventura Foods. View the culinary recap for more details! 

 

 

 

Menu (Click to Expand)

 

Acxion Foodservice: Chocolate Cake Trio, Agave Horchata Cold Brew

Cargill: Pork Carnitas Street Tacos

The Coca-Cola Company: Spiced Rum & Cola with a Citrus Kick, Southern Cola Old Fashioned

Custom Culinary: Birria Macaroni and Cheese, Marsala Shallot Jam Crostini

DSM Firmenich: Mocktail Green Tea Yuzu, Grilled Mushrooms on Crispy Rice, Brown Butter Cold Foam, Vanilla Caramel Cookies

The Hershey Company: HERSHEY’S S’mores Carving Station, Pie Tartlet, Watermelon Heatwave

Hormel Foodservice: Fontanini Sausage Trio

Nestlé Professional Solutions: Empanadas**, Elotes

PepsiCo: Poppi Paloma

Tractor Beverage Co.: Air Stream at entrance of reception, Citrus Ginger Haymaker, Apricot Peach Haymaker, Dragon Berry Haymaker, Mango Hibiscus Margarita, Bourbon Lemonade

Ventura Foods: Thirstease: Pomegranate Basil Spritz, Honey Garlic Smoked Lamb Ribs, Chef Companion: Dubai Chocolate Soft Serve

 

 


Awards Reception

 

After a full day on Monday, attendees enjoyed another evening out under the beautiful Arizona sky. The highlight of the reception was the annual presentation of the association’s industry awards.  View the culinary recap for more details on the menu! 

The IFMA 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 was honored for his six years of dedicated service on the Board of Directors. In that time, he served in multiple roles for the association’s Education Foundation and chaired the Gold & Silver Plate Awards Committee. Cocchiarella has been elected Chair of the Board for 2026. 

 

The IFMA Sparkplug Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and commitment have sparked meaningful progress within the association’s programs through their board and committee involvement. 

 

 

This year’s honorees were instrumental as founding partners in bringing the new 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. 

 

  • Jacques Botbol, CRO at Tastewise 
  • Alon Chen, CEO & Co-Founder of Tastewise. 
  • Mani Kulasooriya, Co-Founder & CEO at Cut+Dry 
  • Hans Schatz, Executive Vice President at Cut+Dry 

 

 

Menu (Click to Expand)

 

Aspire Bakeries: Otis Cookies

The Coca-Cola Company: Cherry Cola Cocktail

The J.M. Smuckers Company: Carajillo Frio Cocktail

Palermo: Flammekueche (Alsatian Tart), Heirloom Margherita Pinsa, Italian Cubano

PepsiCo: Dorito Dumpling

Saputo: Charcuterie Board Featuring Saputo Cheeses

Vibrant: Cold Brew Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini

Wow Bao: BBQ Pork Bao, Teriyaki Chicken Bao, Cheeseburger Bao

 

 

The Experiences

 

Before the conference officially began, three experiential sessions were offered to early arrivers.  

The Role of AI in Culinary Today, a Chef’s Perspective 

Offered a side-by-side tasting of an AI-generated recipe and a chef-designed masterpiece. Best practices were discussed for leveraging AI tools for culinary creativity. Presented by Acxion Foodservice.

Meal Boxes of Hope Project

Saw participants assemble meal boxes filled with nutritious, child-friendly foods to support families across Arizona. Sponsored by Genpak and IFMA The Food Away from Home Association's Education Foundation.

Elevating the Eating Experience Through Texture

explored how texture shapes perception and elevates enjoyment. Attendees indulged in a curated tasting of a Mock Tiki and experienced the French fry texture evolution firsthand. Presented by Ingredion.

Sponsor Logos

We Thank Our Presidents Conference 2025 Sponsors