R E F R I G E R A T E D F O O D S A S S O C I A T I O N

www.refrigeratedfoods.org SPRING 2013

CHILLEDCHILLEDCHILLEDNews ReviewNews Review

he Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA) set a new Conference attendance record at its 33rd Annual Conference &

Exhibition, at Miami’s Doral Golf Resort & Spa, February 24-27th. More than 220 attendees were provided matchless networking opportunities amidst an outstanding atmosphere that created the perfect backdrop for one of RFA’s most successful annual meetings. Timely and informative industry presentations highlighted this year’s Conference. RFA Technical Direc-tor Martin Mitchell educated RFA members on all the latest food safety regulations, including the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). “New Driv-ers, Directions & Cutting-edge Culinary Concepts for Refrigerated Foods” was presented by Dr. Elizabeth Sloan, Sloan Trends. Dr. Sloan revealed which trends are gaining and waning in the refrigerated foods industry and also shared how manufacturers can take advantage of opportunities resulting

from America’s changing demograph-ics and flavor profile. Craig Wilson, vice president food safety, Costco, presented what consumers really want when it comes to food safety. Infor-mation on Costco’s food plant audit addendums, STEC testing of meats, x-ray product inspection, and unique position on the Global Food Safety Initiative was shared as well. Consumer research conducted with over 2,800 consumers and in-depth interviews with leaders in the foodser-vice industry regarding their relation-ship with food and what drives them to make purchases was presented by Sharon Olson, executive director, Culi-nary Visions Panel. A very popular ses-sion was “Recall Administration – the Nuts & Bolts of a Successful Recall.” This panel presentation offered attend-ees insights and practical step-by-step guidelines on how to execute a successful recall. The Exhibition allowed for one-stop shopping with the leading suppliers to the industry. Representatives from

ingredient, packaging, equipment, and service businesses packed the Exhibi-tion Hall. The Conference provided many opportunities for casual network-ing, including the outdoor welcome reception, annual golf tournament, and the closing dinner cruise event. The One-on-One CEO sessions provided Associates the rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with company deci-sion makers and discover the indi-vidual needs of each manufacturing company. The RFA takes great pride in our members. Our members are who have made this Conference, and past Conferences such a memorable success. Many of our members were honored this year for their dedication to the refrigerated foods industry’s growth, the RFA membership campaign, as well as industry development initiatives within the association. Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief at Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, honored...Continued on Page 6 . . . )

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In This Issue:A Tribute to A Great Leader.......4HOT, HOT, HOT Membership.....5ASK Award..................................6New Board of Directors.............7

33rd Annual Conference Sets New Attendance Record!

ecipes for All mixes the tastes of generations. Encompasing favorite family recipes of RFA

members, this book is a great addition to any kitchen! Contact the RFA office or visit our website to purchase your copy: www.refrigeratedfoods.org, (770) 303-9905. <

RFA CookbookR

A memorable sunset Conference attendees enjoyed in Naples (Above).

Above: Scenes from the 33rd Annual Conference in Miami, Florida

Above: Martin Mitchell, Certified Laboratories and Linda Mitchell

Above: Laurie Reser and Trisha Leavy.

Above: Oscar Edmonds and daughter Lauren Edmonds from St. Clair Foods.

Above: Nasar Noorzad and Arezou Rahbari, Keybrand Foods, Inc.

Above: Josh Knott, Knott’s Wholesale Foods, Cheryl Wilson, Victory Packaging, JohnBecker, Ken Schafner, Sandridge Food Corporation, & Andy Tully, Kurt Salmon.

Above: Jamie Colbourne & Sue Colbourne, Cuizina Foods, George Bradford, Mrs. Stratton’s Salads, and Rocky Wilson, Victory Packaging.

2013 Conference Highlights!

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Above: Martin Mitchell, Certified Laboratories and Linda Mitchell

Above: Laurie Reser and Trisha Leavy.

Above: Oscar Edmonds and daughter Lauren Edmonds from St. Clair Foods.

Above: Sponsor of the RFA Jewelry Raffle, Atlantic Coast Marketing’s Jennifer Shrader, with Raffle winner, Linda Brown!

Above: Ana Nelson and Thiago Del Toe from Fill-Tech Solutions, Inc.Above: Jeff Rhodes, Jack Jamison and Glenn LeBlanc, Berry Plastics Corporation.

Above: Dan Schneider & Alysa Ferguson, Unilever Food Solutions.

Above: Malissa Kalisz & Kris Prentice, Ecolab.

Above: Keith Pihl & Vince Savage, Shining Ocean.

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Above: The Lady Windridge: RFA members cruised and danced the night away!

Left: Glenn LeBlanc, Berry Plastics Corporation & Mark Reser, Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc. aboard the Lady Windridge!

“Captain” Joe Kross, Denise Kross, Don Roach & Vicky Roach, Genpak, awaiting the dinner cruise fun to begin!

Golf Tournament players all tried the $10,000 hole’n one shot! Some came close..but no one came away with the prize.

Above: Winners of the RFA Golf Tournament! Wes Dye, RefriWear, Randy Earle, Reser’s Fine Foods, Mark Reser, Reser’s Fine Foods, Stan Sherman, Kustom Pak Foods, Ltd.

Left: RFA Members enjoying the Miami skyline views aboard the Lady Windridge.

(From Left to Right) Jerry Shafir, Kettle Cuisine; Mark Reser, Reser’s Fine Foods; Mark Brown, Fresh Creative Foods; Mike Swan, Keybrand Foods; John Trumpler, IPL; Wendie DiMatteo, ASK Foods, Inc.; Josh Knott, Knott’s Wholesale Foods; Brian Edmonds, St. Clair Foods; George Bradford, Mrs. Straton’s Salads; Wes Thaller, House of Thaller; Kenneth Funger, Mrs. Grissom’s Salads; Don Klausing, Bob Evan’s Foods; Jennifer Shrader, Atlantic Coast Marketing; Jeff Rhodes, Berry Plastics Corporation, Steve Loehndorf, Reser’s Fine Foods; Robert Shore, B. Roberts Foods.

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2013 - 2014 RFA Board of Directors

A Tribute to A Great Leader: Gene Graveshere are some individuals who come into the Refrigerated Foods Association family and leave an indelible mark on the group, and we are forever changed because of their involvement. Gene Graves is one such individual. Gene has served on the RFA Board of

Directors faithfully for 15 years. He is stepping down from the Board, but not leaving his place in the RFA family. Gene has served the Association in every capacity: as committee chair, secretary, treasurer, vice president, and president. Since his term in office, he has been a good advisor and has always provided excellent insight and wisdom for both the leadership and staff. Gene has a gift for seeing the big picture and making good decisions using his calm, level-headed approach, his sense of fairness and good common sense. He is frequently consulted in many Association matters, and his viewpoint is highly regarded and considered. He shows great respect for everyone’s view point and is a remarkable diplomat. Gene is the Co-Founder, President and CEO of Lakeview Farms in Delphos, Ohio. He joined the RFA in 1991 at the encouragement of Lakeview’s Co-Founder, Ron Klausing. Ron had served as RFA President and knew firsthand how membership could help their business. Lakeview Farms produces refrigerated foods such as sour cream, dips, and desserts. It didn’t take long for Gene to recognize the benefits of membership and get involved in the leadership at RFA. His involvement has made us a stronger, more member-focused group that continues to grow and meet the needs of refrigerated food companies throughout North America. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Gene for his service to the RFA, his involvement on the Board of Directors, and his dedication to our group. Board members generously give their time by serving as leaders and Committee Chairs; pay their own way to several meetings throughout the year; and work tirelessly to ensure that the RFA remains vital and relevant to the membership. Gene has done this for 15 years and we are so grateful to him for his generosity.

“You were always the voice of reason.” - Brian Edmonds, St. Clair Foods

“I would like to thank Gene for reaching out to me and always making me feel welcome at the board meetings particularly when I was new to the group.” - RFA President, George Bradford, Mrs. Stratton’s Salads

Thanks for your years of service to the association - as a result, the industry is better off. Thanks for the commitment you and your company have made in time, resource and support. But most of all, thanks for reaching out to me in 2004 and inviting me to be a participant in the many great benefits the association offers, without that phone call, I am not quite sure I would have joined!”- Mark Brown, Fresh Creative Foods

“I have appreciated his quietly shared wise counsel on so many industry matters; he is an astute, successful business person yet always seems to consider the impact that those decisions have from a people perspective as well. Gene has a kind soul and is a generous friend. There are few business people in today’s world that can be admired personally and professionally.”- Wendie DiMatteo, ASK Foods, Inc.

“I appreciate Gene’s leadership and wise counsel over his many years serving the RFA. As I take on more of a leadership role in the association, I will often remember his style and grace and hope that I follow his example. Thank you, Gene for all that you have contributed.” - Steve Loehndorf, Reser’s Fine Foods

“Gene, thank you for your honesty, your sincerity, and your hard work on behalf of the Association and all the member companies, especially the ones who do not make salads. You took over the helm of the RFA at a difficult time and got us focused on membership and value, and set the stage for the strengthening we have achieved the past eight years.You have been a mentor and a friend to me and, I am sure, countless others.” - Jerry Shafir, Kettle Cuisine

“Gene will continue on the past president’s council and we will continue to lean on Gene’s wisdom and insights for many years to come.” - Judy Gervais, RFA Founding Executive Director<

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Gene Graves, President and CEO, Lakeview FarmsAbove: The Lady Windridge: RFA members

cruised and danced the night away!

“Captain” Joe Kross, Denise Kross, Don Roach & Vicky Roach, Genpak, awaiting the dinner cruise fun to begin!

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A Message from the President: George Bradford

ou still have time to win $250!! Our new member recruitment campaign will run until May 1st! We are asking all members to get

involved in bringing in new manufacturing members. The top recruiter will be awarded a $250 AMEX gift card, and all recruiters will be publicly recognized and thanked in our newsletters and association correspondence.

The Membership Committee’s goal is to recruit ten new members through this campaign. Remember, anyone who

participates in our campaign will be publicly thanked and recognized in RFA newsletters and correspondence. We know that YOU want to be included as one of our top recruiters!

If you need anything to help you in your efforts, please do not hesitate to contact Meg at meg@refrigeratedfoods.org.

We appreciate your involvement so much and will keep you updated on our hot, hot, hot progress. Thanks again!

$250 is Making us HOT, HOT, HOT!!

SupplyOneKey Contact: David ScottWebsite: www.supplyone.comProducts/Services: SupplyOne, Inc. is a growing packaging

company, now in our 17th year, with locations across the country. Our

company was built on a vision based, fresh approach to servicing the food

industry, by providing manufacturing, distribution and services with the

goal of helping to enhance our customer’s profitability. In addition to the

products we manufacture and distribute we work with our partners to find

ways to to increase efficiency in how supplies and equipment are utilized,

procured and delivered, and are grateful for many longstanding

relationships built on trust and mutual benefit.

Associate

Associate Associate

Barilla AmericaKey Contact: Bryan KosterWebsite: www.barilla.comProducts/Services: Barilla Vision

It’s all about what you Believe, what gets you Excited and what you Truly

want to Accomplish together

Stay Fresh FoodsKey Contact: Amy LawlessWebsite: www.stayfreshfoods.comProducts/Services: Stay Fresh Foods provides High Pressure Processing

(HPP) services to a broad range of food and beverage manufacturers. HPP is a

non-thermal pasteurization technology that employs ultra high water pressure--up to

87,000 psi--to disrupt cellular activity and thus destroy food-borne pathogens such

as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella in packaged refrigerated products. Because the

process uses pressure rather than heat, there is little to no change in product taste,

texture, or nutritional value. Our state-of-the-art food processing plant is equipped

with a 350L HPP system from Avure Technologies, the industry pioneer and market

leader. We have a processing capacity of over 20,000,000 pounds per year.

Welcome! New RFA MembersAcademic AssociateMississippi State UniversityKey Contact: Juan SilvaWebsite: http://www.msstate.edu/org/silvalab/

HiperbaricKey Contact: Jaime Nicolas-CorreaWebsite: www.hiperbaric.comProducts/Services: Hiperbaric is the World leading manufacturer of

High Pressure Processing (HPP) equipment for the food industry.

From its very beginning, in 1999, Hiperbaric has been involved in the

design, technological development, production and commercialisation of

high pressure processing equipment. Its reliability, customer support, team

work and continuous innovation due to its strong R&D&I effort, are the

ingredients for a world leading high tech company.

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Jana Brands, Inc.Key Contact: Nikki LemarbreWebsite: www.janabrands.comProducts/Services: 100% Yield Pouchpak™ Tuna

Designed for today’s professional food service operator. We know that

food safety, labor costs, and operational efficiency are paramount and that

is why we developed this large size pouch. No Additives, No Soy Available

in Albacore, Tongol, Yellowfin, and Skipjack Pack Sizes available 4/7.5 lb.

and 6/43 oz.

Associate

We are an organization of manufacturers and suppliers with a common interest of advancing and safeguarding our industry. As your new president, it is my objective

to move our association forward on its mission, “To serve as the principal association for prepared refrigerated food companies.” We started this year off with a bang at our Annual Conference at the beautiful Doral Resort in Miami, Florida, this past February. At this year’s Conference, we learned about Foodies and what they are looking for in flavor profiles, how to achieve peak performance, what our consumers are looking for in safe and clean foods, cutting edge concepts for refrigerated foods, how to handle a recall successfully, impacts on U.S. agriculture with global demands, and all of the upcoming government regu-lations and how they will impact our businesses. We hope you will join us at the upcoming RFA events aimed to move your company forward: • June 26 - Recall Administration Webcast presented by Jolyda Swaim• September 16 – 18 Fall Symposium in San Jose, CA• September 30 – October 4 - International Tour in the United Kingdom Our industry will face many changes and challenges as we move forward into the new requirements and regula-tions resulting from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The RFA will assist and educate our members as we define and identify the issues that impact you and your business. As you can see, there are many ways to be involved in our great As-sociation. So, my challenge to you is join a committee or participate in one of the many events that the RFA hosts. By being an active part of this as-sociation, you and your company will get the full benefit your membership affords.

Sally Sherman FoodsKey Contact: Thomas RecineWebsite: http://www.sallysherman.netProducts/Services: Freshly prepared deli salads.

Manufacturer

Continued from page 1 . . . )....ASK Foods, Inc. as the 2013 Refrigerated Foods Processor of the Year. RFA Board Member and Membership Committee Chair, and ASK Foods,

Inc.’s CEO, Wendie DiMatteo Holsinger accepted the award. ASK Foods celebrates 65 years of producing all-natural, preservative-free fresh and frozen meals, entrees and side dishes. Wendie was also awared the Committee Chair of the Year Award for her dedication and service she continually gives to the RFA’s Membership Committee. RFA Presidents Pin recipients possess great leadership skills, commitment of time, energy and a spirit of camaraderie. Encompassing these and many other attributes is John Bowles, Atlantic Coast Marketing, who received the 2013 Presidents Pin from Brian Edmonds, St. Clair Foods. Also from Atlantic Coast Marketing, RFA Board Member, Jennifer Shrader, was named the recipient of the 2013 Don Sircy Award. Shrader was honored for her unwavering commitment to member recruitment and her involvement in the Membership Committee for many years. It’s always the people who help make the RFAConference unforgettable. A special thank you to the 2013RFA Conference Committee who helped organize such awonderful event. Our deep appreciation goes out to all the Conference sponsors, Exhibitors and Conference attendees. The 2013 Conference will be remembered as one of the RFA’s best. We can’t wait to top it at next year’s 34th Annual Conference & Tabletop Display in Orlando, Florida at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, March 5th - 8th, 2014!<

Above: Don Sircy Award Recipient Jennifer Shrader, ACM and Membership Committee Chair, Wendie DiMatteo, ASK Foods, Inc.Bottom: Ruth Vassey, ASK Foods, Marina Mayer, R&FF, Wendie DiMatteo, Jerry Crawford, Richard Rutkowski, ASK Foods, Inc. receiving the 2013 Refrigerated Foods Processor of the Year Award.

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The Award Goes to . . .

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2013 Conference SponsorsAirlite Plastics Anchor PackagingASK Foods, Inc.Atlantic Coast Marketing Berry Plastics Corporation B. Robert’s FoodsCSP Business Media Deli Business Magazine DuPont Nutrition & Health Food Safety Magazine Fresh Creative Foods IPL, Inc. Kettle Cuisine Keybrand Foods Knott’s Wholesale Foods Kustom Pak Foods, Ltd.

Lakeview FarmsMichael Foods Moody Dunbar Mrs. Grissom’s Salads Mrs. Stratton’s Salads Outlook Group Corp. Performance Manufacturing R.A Jones & Co. Refrigerated and Frozen Foods Magazine Reser’s Fine Foods Ron’s Home Style Foods Sandridge Food Corporation St. Clair Foods

MEDIA SPONSORSCSP - Deli Business - FARE - Food Safety Magazine Refrigerated and Frozen Foods Magazine

THANK YOU!

Upco

min

g Ev

ents

2014 Conference Committee Meeting May 7, 2013

Atlanta, Georgia

Board of Directors Meeting May 8, 2013

Atlanta, Georgia

Fall Symposium September 16 - 18, 2013

San Jose, California

International Tour September 30th - October 4th, 2013

England

1640 Powers Ferry RoadBldg 2, Suite 200A, Marietta, GA 30067(770) 303-9905 • FAX: (770) 303-9906

info@refrigeratedfoods.orgwww.refrigeratedfoods.org

Refrigerated Foods Association

Officers for 2013 - 2014

President George Bradford, Mrs. Stratton’s Salads

Vice PresidentSteve Loehndorf, Reser’s Fine Foods

SecretaryWes Thaller, House of Thaller

Treasurer Kenneth Funger, Mrs. Grissom’s

Salads

Board of DirectorsMark Brown, Fresh Creative FoodsWendie DiMatteo, ASK Foods, Inc.Brian Edmonds, St. Clair FoodsDon Klausing, Kettle Creations (BEF Foods)Josh Knott, Knott’s Wholesale Foods, Inc.Mark Reser, Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc.Jeff Rhodes, Berry Plastics CorporationJerry Shafir, Kettle Cuisine, Inc.Jennifer Shrader, Atlantic Coast MarketingRobert Shore, B. Roberts FoodsMike Swan, Keybrand Foods, Inc.John Trumpler, IPL, Inc.

StaffExEcutivE DirEctor

Erik Lawser, CAEcommunications DirEctor

Katy FishermEmbErship coorDinator

Meg Levin

tEchnical DirEctor Martin Mitchell, Certified Laboratories

FounDing ExEcutivE DirEctor Judy Stokes Gervais

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New Faces on the Board of Directors

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Above: Don Klausing, Kettle Creations (BEF Foods), Jeff Rhodes, Berry Plastics Corporation.

ur association is pleased to welcome new Board Members to our lineage of accomplished and experienced leadership whose talent and enthusiasm will carry our organization forward for a successful 2013 and beyond. Jeff Rhodes, Berry Plastics Corporation and Don Klausing,

Kettle Creations (BEF Foods) began their Board terms in Miami at our 33rd Annual Conference & Exhibition. Jeff Rhodes, Regional Sales Manager, Berry Plastics Corporation, comes from a vast range of media, corporate and food industry experience. After receiving his BA in Radio, Television & Film from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1983 he launched his career in various sports broadcast positions. In 1992 Jeff left broadcasting and joined Mike Rose Foods as the National Sales Rep. where he was food service sales liaison to both PVA Monarch in Atlanta and Hardin Sysco in Memphis. Duties included assisting staff during sales calls to better promote entire line of MRF dressings and sauces, working food shows, and representing MRF in meetings in both houses. In 1995 Jeff joined International Diverse Foods, purchased by Heinz Foods in 1997. In June of 2012, Jeff joined Berry Plastics Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager calling on accounts throughout the southeastern United States. Jeff resides in Nashville with his wife Holly and 18-year-old daughter Ivy and 15-year-old son Nash. Don Klausing, Managing Director of Kettle Creations (BEF Foods) Lima, Ohio.Kettle Creations produces side dish items such as mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese for retail and food service customers.Don’s career began in the family business at I&K Distributors in Delphos, Ohio where he spent 21 years working in all phases of the business. His father Ron Klausing served on the RFA Board for many years, and is a past president. “I was introduced to the RFA in the mid 80’s and have been involved in the orga-nization ever since. I truly enjoy the mem-bers and associates that are a part of this great organization”. Don is a 1984 graduate of The Ohio State University.Don and Mary Kay have been Married 25 years; they have two Children Lauren and Isaac. Outside interests include traveling and hanging out with friends.