About the RFA

WHO WE ARE

Foods The Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA) is an organization of manufacturers and suppliers of refrigerated prepared foods united by a common interest: to advance and safeguard the industry.

We develop programs to enhance and promote food safety, strengthen the operating practices of our member companies, and foster a networked community to share information. By pooling resources, the association can develop valuable programs that an individual company might find prohibitively expensive.

Members include manufacturers and suppliers of wet salads, refrigerated entrees and side dishes, dips, desserts, soups, and ethnic foods, as well as companies engaged in business operations related to the refrigerated foods industry. To learn more about the types of Memberships available, click here.

Being united allows RFA members access to the resources necessary to strengthen their companies and promote the industry. This is accomplished through research projects, marketing campaigns, training tools and seminars.

The RFA holds an Annual Conference, usually in late February/early March. The next RFA Conference is scheduled for March 3-6, 2010, at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco, California. The 2010 Conference will feature a Tabletop Display Reception, with suppliers displaying the latest offerings in equipment, packaging, ingredients and services for the industry. A full Exhibit Hall is offered every-other year, while Tabletop Displays are offered on the in-between years.

The RFA Conference is a great way to network and gain important new information affecting the industry, including technical innovations, sales and marketing tips, consumer trends, distribution solutions, new product and package development, and food safety issues.

In addition to the Conference, the RFA provides members with a variety of benefits and services throughout the year. One of the biggest benefits provided to members is technical support. RFA Members have exclusive access to our Technical Hotline, which allows them to contact the our Technical Director and get immediate answers to their questions regarding food safety and regulatory issues. In addition, the RFA offers members the Technical E-News, an e-mail newsletter sent every other Friday that contains the latest technical and regulatory news affecting the industry. Plus, the RFA hosts a Listserv that allows members to have group discussions on important topics, including specific food safety questions and concerns, via email. For more details on the many benefits of membership, click here.

The Association provides members with a Membership Directory, containing the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, Web Sites and product information on the entire membership. This facilitates networking, and also puts manufacturers and suppliers in touch with one another. Members can also access the Directory online.

Upon joining the Refrigerated Foods Association, new members are sent the new RFA Training DVD. This is just one of the many benefits provided to members at no cost.

Frequent surveys allow members to compare their ROA with industry standards and improve their bottom line. Periodic technical training web seminars and forums are offered throughout the year in areas across the country. International plant and supermarket tours are offered most years, typically in the fall, to allow members a chance to see and learn about new products, technology and distribution channels being developed in other parts of the world. The International Tours are typically held in conjunction with the ANUGA and SIAL Food shows, giving participants the opportunity to attend these world-famous food shows.

The Association is led by the Board of Directors, who are elected at the Annual Conference to serve 3-year terms. The Board consists of four Officers, between 11 and 13 Manufacturing Members, plus three Associate Members who are elected by the Associate membership at the Conference. Members are encouraged to take part in our Committees, which is a great way to network and help determine the focus of the Association.

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