The Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA), McLean, Va., created a Pet Food Council. 

"This decision is the result of over two years of research into industry trends, attendance growth at PROCESS EXPO and focus groups of FPSA members," says Jarrod McCarroll, chairman of FPSA and president of Weber, Inc., Kansas City, Mo. "Based on robust growth in this dynamic segment, the FPSA board of directors unanimously voted to create our first new council in the last 12 years, and we are very excited about it. This new council will meet over the coming months with the objective of electing their leadership and deciding what they want to achieve."

"Participation in FPSA councils is a valuable membership benefit," says David Seckman, president and CEO. "Since FPSA covers the entire spectrum of the food and beverage industry, councils give members a chance to narrow in on their interests both in programs and more importantly in their networking. FPSA benefits by having each council as a sounding board for programs within their particular segment. A number of FPSA members already sell within the pet food industry, making this an attractive addition for them while also creating a new recruitment opportunity for the association."