What’s that proverb about March being in like a lion?

The first quarter of 2025 has been a whirlwind of developments and breaking news for the refrigerated and frozen foods manufacturing and processing industries. More on that in a moment!

March marks National Frozen Food Month and our annual Best New Retail Products contest, which means you get a say in narrowing down the field of contenders. With nearly 20 finalists, the top three vote-getters will be featured in our July issue. So spread the word and help R&FF select the best new retail offerings in refrigerated and frozen by voting now!

Our March eMag cover story celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Cold Chain Institute. Known over the years by many names, the program has evolved into a dynamic three-year commitment dedicated to growing professionals across all facets of the cold chain.

Plus, R&FF got a behind-the-scenes look at White Castle’s Ohio CPG slider manufacturing facility, which helps brings their iconic burgers to freezer cases in all 50 states.

Two fantastic Cold Chain Ops columns are also featured; the first on using AI vision for FM tracing and the prevention of processing errors and another on how spiral freezers can help overcome production line bottlenecks.

Back to that March proverb … with 22 consecutive four-week periods of sales growth and the FDA’s announcement late last year officially defining them as a “healthy food,” eggs have secured their place as staple in U.S. kitchens. However, the resilience of the F&B industry is being tested as its faces avian influenza, supply disruptions and rising prices.

Created in 1976, by an act of Congress, the American Egg Board is a farmer-funded organization dedicated to supporting research, education and the promotion of eggs. It represents over 400 farm entities.

I met with the AEB and Emily Metz, president and CEO, in Atlanta at the 2025 IPPE, one of the largest poultry and protein processing shows of its kind. HPAI, highly pathogenic avian influenza – or bird flu – and its impact on the poultry industry was a topic everyone seemed to be talking about.

Aside from HPAI, the Make America Healthy Again commission, the potential impact of RFK’s confirmation as HHS sectary and a host of other concerns – ingredient formulations, state and local legislation, recalls – there is plenty for the industry to tackle.

While attending both the Refrigerated Foods Association annual conference and the American Frozen Food Institute’s annual convention, these issues were top of mind. And, speaking of the value of meeting face-to-face with colleagues and industry collaborators, everyone at R&FF and our sister publication, FOOD ENGINEERING, is looking forward to the 26th annual Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo, slated for Aril 14-16 in Tampa, Florida.

FA&M features R&FF’s Processor of the Year, FOOD ENGINEERING’s Plant of the Year, two fantastic keynote presentations and so much more. We sincerely hope you will join us!

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