Kevin Brown, business leader and renowned speaker and author, set the incredibly positive tone for the Refrigerated Foods Association’s Annual Conference & Exhibition earlier this month.  Kevin shared his insights into living The Hero Effect and delivered a game-changing presentation with humor and power.  With wit and wisdom, Kevin shared ideas about how to be your best when it matters the most.  It was the perfect opening to a productive, engaging event for the industry.

Other presenters and topics included Doug Marshall, RFA technical director and chief scientific officer at Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, who delivered the annual Technical Update; Julien LeBlanc of Blueprint North America, who discussed Tech-Forward Leadership; Phil Lempert (aka “Supermarket Guru”) whose presentation on trends enlightened and informed conference attendees; Brit White of Reser’s Fine Foods who shared is vast knowledge of potatoes and usage with the audience; and Kellie Alvarado (Anchor Packaging) and Diane Marret (Berry Global) who thoroughly covered the important topic of sustainability and plastic packaging.   

The conference was held at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida on February 16-19.  In addition to the timely presentations, the conference also included outstanding networking opportunities and social events, including a service project that provided blankets for hospitalized children facing cancer.  The annual golf tournament, exhibit reception and one-on-one CEO sessions rounded out the event, with an ‘80s-themed closing banquet. 

Ricardo Alverez of Hans Kissle and Andrew Ward of Eurofins were elected as new board members, and Chris Staudt of Chairman’s Foods was re-elected to serve a three-year term.

RFA President Mark Rosenfield of Reser’s Fine Foods presided over the event, along with Conference Committee Chair and RFA VP, William Bigelow of Blount Fine Foods.  Stephanie Bloom of Reser’s Fine Foods was given the Don Sircy Membership Award.  This award, named after the founding member of the RFA, is granted annually to one member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to expanding, promoting and supporting the Association and the industry.  The Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Mari Jo Prlain of Reser’s Fine Foods, who has worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes for many years to develop, organize and run the spouse program at the conference and assist with the service project.

The 2026 conference will be held February 15-18 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. 

Learn more about the RFA annual conference by listening to the latest episode of the From the Cold Corner podcast.