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Ted Fowler’s extraordinary restaurant career garners 2025 Legends Award

Midway through the career that earned him this year’s prestigious Legends Award from the National Restaurant Association, Ted Fowler remarked to a gathering of fellow industry leaders that he felt like the turtle who finds itself perched atop a fence

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Fancier lemonades are spilling across FAFH menus

Fancier lemonades are flooding food-away-from-home menus as major chains like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, IHOP, and Taco Bell refresh the classic drink with exotic flavors and dessert-style twists to tap into consumer cravings.

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C-stores have some complaints for their supply chains

Convenience stores have significant gripes about their foodservice suppliers and distributors, with more than 1 in 10 blaming a lack of support as the reason they’re unable to capture more of the food-away-from-home market.

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Dairy suppliers agree to replace artificial dyes in K-12 products

In an early victory for the Trump Administration’s Make America Healthy Again initiative, dairy suppliers have agreed to remove artificial dyes from products they provide to schools participating in federal nutrition programs.

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A new marketing channel is coming to the FAFH market

If social media felt like a ground-shaking advance in food-away-from-home marketing, get ready for another seismic shift. Retailers are already hailing a fast-spreading new way of delivering promotional messages directly to customers.

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Food Away from Home industry is already feeling an impact from tariffs—for better and worse

Tariffs are already impacting the Food Away From Home industry, shaking consumer confidence and shifting spending habits. Some brands saw sales gains from perceived value, while others, like McDonald’s and Sysco, reported declines.

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April 2025: Welcome Our New Members

Meet our newest members—from plant-rich burgers and premium frozen foods to national egg marketing and cutting-edge business tools, these companies bring innovation, efficiency, and solutions to the industry.

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Sysco plans to test a cash-and-carry venture

Sysco is giving the cash-and-carry business a try. The distribution giant told financial analysts Tuesday morning that it intends to open two Sysco-to-Go outlets in its home city of Houston as a test. Access to the club-style stores will apparently b

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What’s looming in state legislatures for the FAFH industry

The Trump White House has been a wellspring of regulatory activity with implications for the food-away-from-home business, but states haven’t been idle, either. Recent days have brought a flurry of state legislative and regulatory proposals that coul

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C-stores and QSRs compete for food-buying customers

No line between food-away-from-home segments may be fading as quickly as the already-faint boundary between quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and convenience stores.

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Consumers say they’d pay more for better to-go packaging

Restaurant customers may be wincing from today’s takeout prices, but a majority would accept an increase if the to-go packaging was improved, according to a new report from the National Restaurant Association.

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Every now & then expect the unexpected: 71 years of Silver and Gold Plates

You might think that 71 years of practice makes for a perfectly executed award program. History tells us otherwise. Over the decades, the Gold and Silver Plate Award ceremonies have had their share of twists, surprises good and bad, and even

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FDA outlines a plan for voluntarily eliminating artificial food dyes

The FDA plans to phase out artificial, petroleum-based food dyes in favor of natural alternatives. While the shift is voluntary, officials expect broad industry cooperation. A timeline and new approvals for natural dyes are forthcoming,

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Restaurant chains share their tariff defenses at RLC 2025

If there was an overriding theme to the 2025 Restaurant Leadership Conference, it had to be uncertainty.

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Only the very best win a Gold Plate Award. Here's why

Appreciating the rigors of the Silver and Gold Plate selection process is crucial to understanding why the honors remain the most prestigious in the food-away-from-home industry.

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HHS to announce the phase-out of artificial food dyes

The Trump Administration will announce a plan to phase out petroleum-based artificial food dyes from the U.S. food supply. HHS and the FDA will detail the initiative.

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The fog has yet to lift on what tariffs will mean for the FAFH business

Tariff uncertainty clouds the food-away-from-home industry as shifting White House policies spark confusion, cost concerns, and contingency planning—leaving operators scrambling to adapt amid volatile trade rules and rising import duties.

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Foodservice was c-stores' growth engine in 2024, NACS says

Foodservice fueled growth in c-stores in 2024, rising to nearly 29% of in-store revenues and 40% of gross profits, offsetting fuel and cigarette sales declines, according to NACS. Prepared foods led the surge, especially in breakfast and hot offering

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Winning a Silver Plate can be a family tradition. Here's proof

For an industry blasted as a dead-end career choice, the food-away-from-home business abounds with individuals who’ve followed their parents into the trade, knowing full well the life they’ve selected. Just look at how many successive generations hav

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Congressional group pushes for SNAP changes benefiting restaurants

A bipartisan bill aims to let SNAP recipients buy hot, ready-to-eat meals from restaurants and convenience stores, reversing a long-standing ban and expanding food access for low-income families. The legislation faces uncertain prospects in Congress.

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Whole milk could return to schools receiving federal aid

Congress is considering a bipartisan bill to allow whole milk in schools receiving federal aid, citing improved student milk consumption, reduced waste, and health benefits.

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More particulars emerge on Trump’s tariffs

The White House released details on Trump’s tariffs, including exemptions for food and beverage imports under USMCA, new implementation dates, and surcharges on EU goods. The restaurant industry remains concerned about the impact.

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Trump reveals his tariff plan: 10% on all imports, more on goods from protectionist nations

Trump announced new tariffs, imposing a 10% baseline on all imports and up to 46% on goods from protectionist nations. He claims the measures will boost U.S. manufacturing and lower consumer prices. The highest tariff, 46%, targets Vietnamese imports

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Five years later: How foodservice leaders lead differently in the post-pandemic world

Five years after the pandemic reshaped foodservice, industry leaders share how they’ve adapted—embracing technology, off-premise dining, and new leadership mindsets.

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This is not your father’s Gold and Silver Plate event

Anyone who’s not attended the Gold and Silver Plate ceremony since the industry’s premier awards event was recast post-pandemic will likely be surprised by this year’s celebration on May 17.

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March 2025: Welcome Our New Members

From custom ingredient systems and sustainable food products to premium coffee and specialty oils, these industry leaders offer innovative solutions for foodservice and manufacturing.

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Drinking up knowledge at the Bar & Restaurant Expo

The mood was far from somber, but the aim clearly was to learn, from the presenters and from one another.

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Administration makes deep cuts in two food-safety watchdog agencies

The Trump Administration is cutting 3,500 FDA and 2,400 CDC jobs as part of an HHS reorganization, reducing staff by nearly 25%.

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Bar & Restaurant Expo’s Bar of the Year Is...

A highlight of the Bar & Restaurant Expo is the presentation of the annual Industry Excellence Awards, a recognition of the nation’s top independent restaurants and bars.

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The history of foodservice is told in the list of Gold Plate Award winners

If there were a Foodservice Hall of Fame, the exhibits not to miss would be ones honoring past winners of the Gold Plate Award, the Most Valuable Player designation of the food-away-from-home industry.

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West Virginia bans dyes in school meals starting Aug. 1

West Virginia will ban six artificial dyes in school meals starting Aug. 1, expanding to all food sales by 2028. The law, signed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, carries fines and jail time for violations.

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Jessica Shelly

Her career path has focused on food safety and celebrating diverse dining traditions in an often-underestimated foodservice segment: elementary and secondary schools. Her efforts give the “scholars” she serves a heads’ up to getting ahead.

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Toni Watkins

Moving the needle on healthcare foodservice quality from bland as cardboard to delicious and nutritious isn’t easy. But we know a remarkable operator who not only set out to do just that, but succeeded way beyond expectations.

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How RFK, Jr.’s MAHA plan could affect the food-away-from-home business

RFK Jr.’s MAHA plan could bring major changes to the food-away-from-home industry, from avian flu policies to restrictions on seed oils and artificial dyes. Discover how his push for “radical transparency” might reshape food safety, ingredient regula

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Culinary Highlights of COEX 2025

From innovative dishes at the opening reception to chef-led creations at Menu-a-thon, immerse yourself in the flavors that defined IFMA COEX 2025 in Kansas City.

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Mary Molt

There's a recognized manual for high-volume cooking that is used nationwide and has been maintained since the 1930s. The volume’s most recent author, and an extraordinary industry expert, is Dr. Mary Molt, who has kept “Food for Fifty” current for th

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FDA delays Traceability Rule by 30 months

The FDA has delayed compliance with the Food Traceability Rule by 30 months, giving the food industry more time to adapt to strict recordkeeping requirements. The rule aims to enhance food safety but faced industry concerns over complexity.

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AI figures large in this year’s Kitchen Innovation Award winners

AI-driven kitchen innovations take center stage at the 2025 Kitchen Innovation Awards, recognizing cutting-edge equipment that enhances efficiency and automation. From AI grill monitors to robotic fry stations, these breakthroughs will be showcased a

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PepsiCo buys poppi prebiotic soda for $1.95B

In a nod to the changes reshaping the U.S. soft drink market, PepsiCo has agreed to buy the upstart soda brand poppi for $1.95 billion.

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Van Eure

It wasn’t her original calling, but successfully running a massive restaurant beloved by the local community and celebrated by the national press became Van Eure’s lifelong passion. She’s still at it today.

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Co-branding spreads across the food-away-from-home universe

Co-branding is surging in the food-away-from-home industry, from quick-service giants to convenience stores. Despite challenges, brands are leveraging dual concepts for efficiency and growth.

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Our New Focus on The News

The association is expanding its commitment to fact-based industry insights with a new news and media platform. Led by veteran journalist Peter Romeo, this initiative will provide timely updates, analysis, and expert perspectives on legislative and b

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Ruth Fertel

Just how did that restaurant name come to be? She was a struggling single mother that, without any prior industry experience, grew a failing business into a steakhouse juggernaut....with a quirky name. Ruth Fertel’s story has inspired many. Read her

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McDonald’s shifts to a category-management model for key menu components

McDonald’s is restructuring its menu strategy by adopting a category-management model for beef, chicken, and beverages/desserts, aiming to boost sales and agility.

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How the Trump Administration plans to reduce egg prices

The Trump administration is unveiling a five-point plan to combat soaring egg prices, including boosting imports, restricting exports, and investing $1 billion in biosecurity, farmer aid, and avian flu prevention.

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Non-browning bananas are now a reality

A British company has developed a non-browning banana, reducing food waste for retailers and foodservice providers. Approved for commercial production in the Philippines, the gene-edited variety resists browning even after being cut.

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COEX 2025 turned a spotlight on new realities for the food-away-from-home industry

The tariffs snagged attention, but they were far from the only topic addressed during the event, held March 2 – 4 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Attendees heard experts address issues ranging from artificial intelligence to menu trends, strategies f

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Helen Corbitt

In recognition of Women’s History Month, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association is looking back at six women whose pioneering work earned them the association’s coveted Gold Plate Award, an honor synonymous with foodservice operator of the year.

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FDA to reconsider GRAS standards and designations

The FDA is reconsidering its GRAS policy, which allows food manufacturers to self-certify ingredient safety. At the same time, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing to eliminate artificial dyes from food products.

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The public is ready for reusable to-go cups, citywide test finds

A citywide test in Petaluma, CA, proved consumers and restaurants are ready to adopt reusable to-go cups. Led by major brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s, the initiative saw 220,000 cups returned and reused.

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6 insights foodservice operators missed if they weren’t at COEX

Missed COEX 2025? Discover six key insights foodservice operators need to know, from post-pandemic service challenges to customer retention strategies, third-party delivery impacts, and shifting consumer confidence

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USDA expects menu inflation to continue outstripping grocery prices

Restaurant menu prices are expected to rise faster than grocery prices in 2025, sustaining the inflation gap that has reduced dining-out frequency. The USDA projects a 3.4% increase in food-away-from-home costs, with rising prices for beverages, swee

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Marc Lore intends to upend the food-away-from-home market

Marc Lore is revolutionizing the food-away-from-home industry with AI-driven meal selection and high-tech Wonder kitchens. At COEX, he detailed his vision: AI predicts consumer cravings, robots prepare meals, and food is delivered in minutes.

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Be sure you have a Ringo Starr, advised COEX keynoter Tim Sanders

At COEX, keynote speaker Tim Sanders emphasized the power of collaboration, urging businesses to ask, “Who are we missing?” rather than “How many?” Using The Beatles as an example, he highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives.

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Egg supplies unlikely to rebound before 2026, COEX speaker says

Egg prices will remain high until 2026 due to ongoing avian flu outbreaks, according to Nate Hedtke of the American Egg Board at COEX. With over 126 million hens lost and a shortage of replacement chicks, recovery will take time.

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Canadian and Mexican tariffs are back off—for now

President Trump has temporarily lifted tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports under the USMCA until April 2, easing concerns in the food and manufacturing sectors.

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Restaurants will likely have to wait for any tariff exemptions

Restaurants may face delays in securing tariff exemptions on imported food supplies, as the U.S. foodservice industry awaits a formal process from the administration.

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Trump pulls the trigger on Mexican and Canadian tariffs

Trump imposes 25% tariffs on food, beverages, and equipment from Mexico and Canada, sparking economic concerns. China tariffs doubled to 20%, prompting retaliation. The restaurant industry warns of a $12B impact.

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2025 Silver Plate Award Winners Announced

Announcing the winners of the 71st annual Silver Plate Awards, recognizing excellence across eight food-away-from-home categories. The Gold Plate winner will be revealed at the Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration on May 17, 2025, in Chicago.

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February 2025: Welcome Our New Members

Discover the newest companies joining our diverse membership community! From innovative food manufacturers to top-tier service providers and supply chain experts, meet the latest members shaping the food-away-from-home industry.

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2025 Gold & Silver Plate Celebration to include Legends Award

For the first time since the pandemic, the NRA Legends Award will return to the Gold and Silver Plate Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Saturday, May 17 in Chicago.

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Trusted Food Industry Journalist Peter Romeo Added to Team

IFMA The Food Away from Home Association welcomes Peter Romeo as Managing Editor. With 46 years of journalistic experience, Romeo will lead the Association's editorial strategy and industry news coverage.

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Tariffs...No Tariffs...What’s a Business to Do?

Maintaining a stable economy in a country as large and resource-wealthy as ours isn’t so easy. No matter what you may personally believe about the place of the U.S. in the larger global economy, our engagement there matters and will continue to matte

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Our 2024 Year in Review

2024 marked a pivotal year as we rebranded the association to reflect our commitment to the entire food away from home ecosystem. Explore our major achievements and enhanced collaboration among manufacturers, operators, and distributors.

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January 2025: Welcome Our New Members

Welcome manufacturers Genera, Hain Celestial, International Food Solutions, and Marra Forni, offering sustainable packaging, better-for-you foods, global flavors, and cutting-edge brick oven technology. Plus, Metafoodx, using AI to reduce food waste.

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Expanded Roles Announced at IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

Expanded roles for Mike Schwartz, Charlie McConnell, and Courtney Sriha are set to enhance member engagement, insights, and event programming. Learn how these strategic moves support the food-away-from-home industry's growth.

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2025: Add Agility to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Explore the challenges shaping the food industry in 2025. Stay agile and informed with strategies to navigate rising costs, tariffs, and evolving consumer demands.

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Presidents Conference Culinary Recap

Sponsors showcased products in multiple areas, meals, and receptions throughout the conference. Part of the interactivity of the conference was in experiencing culinary innovation and sharing meals and snacks throughout the event.

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December 2024: Welcome Our New Members

Discover the newest additions to our diverse membership community: Great Foods, a leading food manufacturer; Leanpath, a service provider tackling food waste; and Southwest Traders, a trusted supply chain leader.

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A Message from Our Board Chair

It has been an honor to serve as the Association’s board chair for 2024. I am both extraordinarily proud of everything that we have accomplished and blown away by how quickly the year has flown by.

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Bringing the Industry Together

This November at the conference, with our newly expanded membership that now includes foodservice operators and members of the supply chain, we focused on highlighting diverse perspectives that address common issues.

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Foodservice Leadership Councils Announce 2025 Officers

IFMA The Food Away from Home Association oversees five Foodservice Operator Councils (FLCs) that are made up of 150+ operator individuals. The councils represent the major segments of foodservice: Elementary & Secondary Schools, College & University,

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November 2024: Welcome Our New Members

Discover our newest members! Explore innovative Manufacturers like Dr. G’s Ingredients™, SOLATO, and Synergy Flavors®, plus Service Providers like Accenture, Starfish Technology, and XCEED Foodservice Group.

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2025 Executive Committee and Board of Directors

Meet the 2025 Executive Committee and Board of Directors, led by Teri Trullinger of Cargill as Board Chair. Explore the association's leadership, initiatives, and vision for the future of the food away from home industry.

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Introducing Our New Brand Identity: IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

Our new name is purposeful and sets a clear and powerful message about who we are as an organization.

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Introducing IFMA The Food Away from Home Association

After decades of branding itself the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), a new identity for the 72-year-old organization was revealed today - IFMA The Food Away from Home Association.

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IFMA Celebrates Leadership with 2024 Industry Awards

IFMA will be presenting awards to eight food-away-from-home champions during the association’s 2024 Presidents Conference in Scottsdale, AZ.

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Election 2024: Either Result Will Stress Your Business

We keep an eye on developments that touch on our industry’s interests, and no matter what the outcome of this year’s election, we encourage you to become better informed on important legislative activities.

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IFMA Next Gen Execs Named for 2025

IFMA Announces 2025 Next Gen Execs: A professional development program for future leaders in the food-away-from-home industry. With 30+ new members, the program fosters executive growth, networking, and industry collaboration, kicking off at the 2024

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September 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Discover IFMA's new manufacturer members, including Flowers Foods, PRETZILLA®, and West Liberty Foods. These industry leaders bring diverse expertise in bakery goods, pretzels, and protein solutions, contributing to innovation, sustainability, and ex

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AI Boom Appears to Live Up to Its Hype

It seems clear that AI (Artificial Intelligence) is here to stay, even if we’re still working out what to do with it in our businesses.

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Eight Leading Organizations Form Collaboration To Tackle Food Industry's FSMA Rule 204 Challenges

IFMA has joined seven other leading organizations to form the "Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration." Together, we’re tackling the challenges of FSMA Rule 204 to enhance food safety across the entire supply chain.

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Cultivating Leadership Connections: Insights from IFMA Next Gen Execs Meeting

Explore leadership insights from the IFMA Next Gen Execs meeting, featuring Sharon Eliatamby, a 2023 IFMA Silver Plate winner. Learn how IFMA fosters leadership and network growth in the food-away-from-home industry.

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August 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Discover leading family-owned businesses like Broadway Industries, J.T.M. Food Group, and RJ Schinner, specializing in sustainable packaging, innovative food processing, and janitorial supplies. Learn more about their award-winning products and long-

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Nominations Open for 2025 IFMA Board of Directors

Join the IFMA board and help shape the future of the food-away-from-home industry. We're seeking senior executive leaders with a passion for servant leadership and a strong background in the food industry.

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Forecasting Slow Growth & Positive Future for Food Away from Home

Explore IFMA's latest forecast predicting a 0.5% growth for the total restaurant segment in 2024, fueled by higher-income consumer demand. Quick service and fast casual restaurants show upward growth trends, while on-site segments like colleges and u

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2024-2025 Food-Away-From-Home Industry Forecast & Segment Projections

IFMA releases latest 2024-2025 Food Away-From-Home Industry and Segment Forecast. Despite a projected 0.9% growth, challenges loom due to slowing consumer traffic.

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July 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Welcome the latest addition to IFMA's membership community! Each month IFMA highlights the newest companies that make up our diverse membership community.

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IFMA Announces New Foodservice Leadership Council: Sales Agency FLC

Building on the success of IFMA’s five Operator Foodservice Leadership Councils (FLC), IFMA is expanding its network by adding a council that will serve the Sales Agency community.

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FSMA 204: Get Ready!

The new FDA requirement, FSMA 204, mandates that by January 2026, companies involved in the food supply chain must maintain detailed records of food traceability to improve food safety and expedite the response to foodborne illness outbreaks.

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Tips for Creating a Winning Silver Plate Award Nomination

Since 1954, IFMA’s Gold & Silver Plate Awards have paid tribute to outstanding and innovative foodservice operator talent. Now in its sixty-ninth year honoring leaders in the industry, we invite you to submit your nominations to celebrate operator ta

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Future Foodservice Spotlight: Megan Darga

Megan is a 2023 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient. Megan is a 2023 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient. She attends the University of Illinois and is studying Hospitality Management.

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Better Together: A Story of Transformation & Unification

Explore the critical role sales agencies play as strategic partners in today's market, and learn about the transformation of the sales agency community. Discover how the purchase process for operators has evolved from traditional catalogs to digital

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The 2024 IFMA Education Foundation Summit

Featuring top industry talent and six universities, the IFMA Education Foundation Summit provided valuable insights into career success, leadership, and industry trends.

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May 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Welcome the latest additions to IFMA's membership community! Each month IFMA highlights the newest companies that make up our diverse membership community.

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Highlights of IFMA’s 2024 Gold & Silver Plate Weekend

Nearly 600 industry leaders gathered at Chicago’s Union Station to honor the foodservice industry’s best. The event featured inspiring mentors, the recognition of eight Silver Plate winners, and Chris Tomasso receiving the coveted Gold Plate Award.

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IFMA's 2024 Gold Plate Award Goes to Chris Tomasso

The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) presented food-away-from-home's highest honor, the Gold Plate Award, to the President & CEO of First Watch Restaurant Group

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IFMA Food Industry Pulse Newsletter

IFMA is taking a leadership role as an agent of change, fostering increased engagement across the food-away-from-home sectors. As part of this effort we are proud to announce the Food Industry Pulse Newsletter!

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IFMA Selects Datassential as Preferred Partner for Food-Away-From-Home Sales Intelligence

With a history spanning more than a decade, the partnership leverages new and exclusive insights from Datassential’s industry insights and sales intelligence solutions to drive additional IFMA member value.

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April 2024: Welcome IFMA's New Members

Welcome the latest additions to IFMA's membership community! Each month IFMA highlights the newest companies that make up our diverse membership community.