The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) concluded its record-setting 2025 Convention at the Orlando World Center Marriott, where nearly 2,000 frozen and refrigerated foods industry professionals came together to connect, collaborate and drive category growth.

The event set a new benchmark for attendance and engagement.

“The 2025 NFRA Convention was our most dynamic and well-attended event yet,” said Tricia Greyshock, president & CEO of NFRA. “The energy, engagement, and collaboration we saw this year reflect the strength of our industry and the power of bringing people together. These conversations and connections are what move the frozen and refrigerated categories forward.”

More than 7,000 business appointments were conducted during the three-day event, maximizing productivity for attendees and creating space for new partnerships and innovation. Nearly 50 manufacturers and emerging brands showcased their products during the highly anticipated Taste of Excellence opening reception. 

Highlights include:

• First Penguin Leadership Program Presentations: NFRA celebrated the inaugural Class of 2025 of its First Penguin Leadership Program, recognizing 30 rising-star professionals from across the frozen and refrigerated foods industry who presented their case study findings on stage during the Monday breakfast session. You can watch the highlights video here and view case study presentations here.
• Refrigerated Food Hall of Fame: Joey Bates, senior director of store development & strategy at Harris Teeter, and Tom Robaczewski, retired director of sales at Bimbo Bakeries USA, were inducted into the Refrigerated Food Hall of Fame, honoring their leadership and lasting contributions to the industry.
• Golden Penguin Awards: The prestigious 2025 Golden Penguin Awards recognized exceptional achievements in marketing and merchandising within the frozen and refrigerated foods industry, spotlighting innovative strategies that have driven success. This year’s Top Marketers, recognized for their contributions, include March Frozen Food Month – Local Association: Frozen & Refrigerated Food Council of Northern California, Manufacturer: Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Retailer: Weis Markets, Sales Agent: Schraad Sales & Marketing, Wholesaler: Associated Wholesale Grocers; June Dairy Month – Local Association: Frozen & Refrigerated Food Council of Northern California, Manufacturer: Land O’Lakes, Retailer: Albertsons Companies Seattle, Sales Agent: Schraad Sales & Marketing, Wholesaler: C&S Wholesale Grocers; Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties – Manufacturer: Dippin’ Dots, Retailer: CTown and Bravo Supermarkets (Alpha 1 Marketing), Wholesaler: MDI. View the Top Marketer video here.
• Penguin Pitch Competition: CVT Soft Serve was named NFRA’s 2025 Emerging Brand of the Year, with additional honors going to Frönen for Most Unique Promotional Campaign, Jesse & Ben’s for Most Disruptive Product, and Actual Veggies for Most Creative Packaging.
• Annual Membership Meeting: NFRA members gathered for the 81st Annual Membership Luncheon, where new officers and board members were elected for the 2025–2026 term.

The 2026 NFRA Convention will take place October 17-20,  at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. 

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.