The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) announced that two respected industry leaders will be inducted into the Refrigerated Food Hall of Fame this October at the NFRA Convention.

The Refrigerated Food Hall of Fame was established in 2010, to recognize individuals whose passion and leadership have advanced the refrigerated foods industry. Inductees are honored for their lasting contributions to the category and to supporting NFRA’s mission.

This year’s honorees are Joey Bates, senior director of Store Development and Strategy – Construction, Maintenance, and Market Refresh at Harris Teeter; and Tom Robaczewski, retired director of sales of Bimbo Bakeries USA.

Bates has more than 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, holding leadership roles in store operations, merchandising, and brand development. Since joining Harris Teeter in 2001, he has overseen categories including Grocery, Dairy, Frozen Foods, Beverages, and Bakery, and served as Dairy Category Manager and Director of Private Brands.

A longtime advocate for the refrigerated category, Bates played a key role in introducing innovative products and bringing emerging brands to Harris Teeter shelves. He served on the NFRA Board of Directors from 2013 to 2023, chaired the Refrigerated Food Council from 2021 to 2023, served on the New Member Committee, presented to the Small Business Council, and helped launch the NFRA Convention’s Speed Meetings. He is also a member of the Honorable Order of Golden Penguins.

Robaczewski has more than 40 years of experience in the grocery industry, spanning retail, brokerage, and manufacturing. He spent 23 years at Dominick’s Finer Foods, including 13 years as Buyer and Category Manager, before moving into brokerage for 14 years—where he first became involved with NFRA.

In 2012, he joined Bays Bakery, later acquired by Bimbo Bakeries USA, where he led national refrigerated sales efforts, including the Lender’s Bagels line. For 15 consecutive years, he attended the NFRA Convention as a one-man sales team, meeting with more than 20 retailers annually—contributing to 12 years of consistent sales growth. He served on the NFRA Board of Directors for many years, and is a member of the Honorable Order of Golden Penguins.

The Refrigerated Food Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place during the Membership Luncheon at the 2025 NFRA Convention on Monday, October 20, at the World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida. 

About National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA)
NFRA is a non-profit trade association representing all segments of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. NFRA sponsors national promotions ReDiscover Dairy & Frozen (January), March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties (June/July); and provides consumer information such as food safety guidelines, meal preparation tips, recipes and sweepstakes opportunities through its Easy Home Meals consumer website and social media properties.