The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) leadership and representatives from U.S. frozen food processors joined international counterparts to highlight the benefits of the category at the first-ever International Frozen Food Conference. The conference was held on October 8 in conjunction with Anuga, a global trade fair for food and beverages, and focused on frozen food’s role in supporting a healthy and sustainable future. AFFI highlighted new research and initiatives from the United States that demonstrate the sustainability of frozen food and how the industry is positioned for future global success. The event was organized by the International Frozen Food Network (IFFN), of which AFFI is a member.

“Frozen food has seen incredible growth over recent years and, thanks to its unique attributes, is positioned to better serve communities and populations across global markets,” said AFFI President and CEO Alison Bodor. “The International Frozen Food Conference is an excellent venue to discuss how frozen food will play an important role in the future and help the entire category promote the benefits of frozen food. As world leaders and governments work to support healthier diets and reduce food waste, frozen food is truly a game-changer.”

Suvan Sharma, CEO of Jain Farm Fresh Foods and chair-elect of the AFFI Board of Directors, and John Sayers, director of Sales and Marketing at Superior Foods, also participated in the event. Belgium-based AFFI member Ardo was represented by its director of Sustainability, Emilie Haspeslagh. 

Recent research reveals the many ways that freezing innovation helps to reduce food waste and make healthy eating more available to consumers. A 2023 literature review conducted by Cornell University analyzed the rate of food waste in grocery stores and households and found that, in general, frozen foods are wasted less frequently than their fresh counterparts. Additional research found that low-income shoppers indicated they cannot financially afford to waste food and that frozen food ingredients help them save money because they are able to use the food over time. 

The IFFN is a global federation of trade associations created to exchange information and promote global collaboration on issues impacting the frozen food industry. Its member organizations are:

ADEPALE – France
Alcass - Italy
American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) – United States
British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) - United Kingdom
Food Industries Association of Austria – (Austria)
German Frozen Food Institute (dti) - Germany
Vries Vers Platform - Netherlands

About AFFI
The American Frozen Food Institute is the member-driven national trade association representing all segments of the frozen food supply chain from manufacturers to suppliers and distributors. AFFI advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf, serves as the voice for the industry and convenes industry leadership to create an environment where frozen foods are essential in a dynamic marketplace.