https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/rss/3123 en-us The emerging brands contest spotlights foods reshaping the frozen and refrigerated aisles through innovation, flavor and purpose.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104483 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104483-nfra-names-winners-of-2026-penguin-pitch-contest Penguin Pitch Logo.png The association’s top honor—Grand Prize and Emerging Brand of the Year—was awarded to Folkland Foods Potato Tots, recognized for its clean ingredients and bold branding. Slated for October 17–20 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, the convention is expected to bring together more than 2,000 retailers, manufacturers, sales agents and supply chain partners.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104223 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:30:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104223-2026-nfra-convention-to-bring-frozen-and-dairy-leaders-together-for-7-500-business-meetings-at-national-harbor 2026 Convention Logo - Use Over White.png Designed to maximize time and strengthen business relationships, the NFRA Convention provides a structured, concentrated setting where meaningful conversations drive results across the frozen and dairy aisles. Throughout March, retailers nationwide will feature special promotions on frozen foods.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104201 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:00:35 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104201-flexible-eating-global-flavors-and-smart-value-drive-growth-in-the-frozen-food-aisle NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Named after the “First Penguin” theory—often used to describe those willing to be the first to test uncharted waters amid unknown risk, and lead others—the program recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership potential.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104114 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:00:47 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104114-nfra-names-2026-class-of-first-penguin-leadership-program-participants NFRA fRIST pENGUIN.jpg The First Penguin Next Generation Leadership Program was created to address a growing industry need: a structured, cross-sector leadership development experience that builds strategic perspective, strengthens collaboration, and accelerates leadership readiness among rising talent in dairy and frozen.  The Frozen Food Hall of Fame was established in 1990 by the Distinguished Order of Zerocrats, an organization of industry members dedicated to preserving the history of the frozen food industry while honoring individuals whose leadership, innovation, and se

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104090 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:45:31 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104090-three-industry-leaders-to-be-inducted-into-2026-frozen-food-hall-of-fame AFFI logo.jpg The event recognized industry leadership and the debut of AFFI’s new consumer campaign, “Fresh Thinking About Frozen.” Penguin Pitch provides emerging brands with an opportunity to gain visibility among retailers, distributors and industry leaders.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104058 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104058-nfras-penguin-pitch-returns-for-its-third-year-spotlighting-emerging-innovation-in-frozen-and-refrigerated-foods Penguin Pitch Logo.png The association’s top honor—Grand Prize and Emerging Brand of the Year—was awarded to Folkland Foods Potato Tots, recognized for its clean ingredients and bold branding. To help shoppers reset after the holidays, NFRA’s ReDiscover Dairy & Frozen initiative offers simple tools designed to make everyday eating easier and more enjoyable.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104041 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104041-nfras-rediscover-dairy-and-frozen-helps-americans-get-back-on-track-after-the-holidays NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. rodriguezk@bnpmedia.com (Kelley Rodriguez) From searching for a way to sell “melting ice cream” to using breastmilk bags as packaging prototypes, CVT Soft Serve has an origin story fit for a Hollywood script.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103947 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103947-joe-nicchi-and-cvt-soft-serves-hollywood-style-origin-story Opportunities exist to capture lost value and improve efficiency across the cold chain. 

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103930 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103930-nfra-report-positions-frozen-and-refrigerated-foods-as-a-powerful-solution-to-food-waste-and-supply-chain-efficiency NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Bill Kynast, SVP of sales, Chobani, has been elected to serve as chair of the board.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103892 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:00:34 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103892-nfra-elects-new-2026-officers-and-directors NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Launched in January, the program was designed to fast-track leadership development and create space for new, forward-thinking perspectives from across the industry.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103874 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:00:39 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103874-nfra-first-penguin-leadership-program-marks-milestone-year-as-emerging-leaders-deliver-bold-industry-driven-solutions NFRA fRIST pENGUIN.jpg The First Penguin Next Generation Leadership Program was created to address a growing industry need: a structured, cross-sector leadership development experience that builds strategic perspective, strengthens collaboration, and accelerates leadership readiness among rising talent in dairy and frozen.  More than 7,000 business appointments were conducted during the three-day event, with nearly 50 manufacturers and emerging brands showcasing products. 

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103870 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103870-innovation-record-attendance-define-2025-nfra-convention NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Shoppers say taste and value guide nearly every choice, while conveniences like quick prep or resealable packaging make it easier to branch out and try something new.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103776 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:00:30 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103776-nfra-research-reveals-time-crunched-families-turning-to-cold-foods-for-quick-solutions NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. The Refrigerated Food Hall of Fame was established in 2010, to recognize individuals whose passion and leadership have advanced the refrigerated foods industry.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103525 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103525-bates-robaczewski-to-be-inducted-into-refrigerated-food-hall-of-fame NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. The second annual contest spotlights emerging brands reshaping the frozen and refrigerated aisles.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103521 Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103521-nfra-announces-2025-penguin-pitch-winners NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Social platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram are now key sources of inspiration for younger shoppers, while traditional in-store promotions remain the most effective tool for influencing purchase decisions across all demographics.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103416 Thu, 08 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103416-new-nfra-study-reveals-how-social-media-and-in-store-experiences-drive-frozen-food-discovery NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, the study found that GLP-1 users are creating new opportunities for retailers and manufacturers to meet evolving consumer needs.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103331 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103331-nfra-research-shows-glp-1-users-are-reshaping-the-frozen-food-category NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Over 1,700 anticipated attendees will conduct more than 6,500+ business meetings over the course of three days, efficiently maximizing time spent at the convention.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103327 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:00:23 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103327-registration-opens-for-nfra-convention-2025-in-orlando NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. The competition, launched last year, continues to spotlight innovative and standout brands in the frozen and refrigerated food categories, recognizing exciting new products entering the market.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103285 Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103285-nfra-names-2025-penguin-pitch-contest-finalists NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. With March Frozen Food Month here, it’s the perfect time to explore everything frozen has to offer.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103278 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103278-how-the-freezer-aisle-continues-to-support-evolving-american-cooking-habits NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. NFRALogo.jpg Named after the "First Penguin" concept—coined by Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch to recognize those who take bold risks in pursuit of progress—this exclusive program is designed to empower high-potential leaders with critical industry knowledge, leadership acumen, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103227 Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103227-nfra-launches-first-penguin-leadership-program-names-first-class NFRA fRIST pENGUIN.jpg The First Penguin Next Generation Leadership Program was created to address a growing industry need: a structured, cross-sector leadership development experience that builds strategic perspective, strengthens collaboration, and accelerates leadership readiness among rising talent in dairy and frozen.  rodriguezk@bnpmedia.com (Kelley Rodriguez) LISTEN NOW: Their clean-label massive mozzarella sticks are a branded menu item at major concert venues and in just over a year have made it into 3,500+ retail doors. 

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103002 Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103002-big-mozz-winner-of-nfras-penguin-pitch FromtheColdCorner-Gallira_1170x658.jpg Big_Mozz_Sticks.jpg Big Mozz Sticks are made with only fresh, high-quality ingredients, like Whole Milk Mozzarella (no processed, part-skim string cheese here) breaded and seasoned with fresh garlic, parsley, and Pecorino Romano cheese, for the biggest and best-tasting mozzarella sticks out there, with the biggest cheese pull. Courtesy Big Mozz. Big_Mozz.jpg Big Mozz sticks can be found at performance venues including Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. Gallira calls this the top of the company's market funnel. Courtesy Big Mozz. bigmozznugggets.jpg Freezer to oven (or air fryer) for bite-sized crispy, cheesy goodness in minutes. Courtesy Big Mozz.   Over 6,500 business appointments were conducted during the event, underscoring NFRA’s commitment to optimizing attendees’ time and productivity.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103015 Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:43:09 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103015-nfra-convention-breaks-attendance-records NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Gold winners will be honored at the NFRA Convention next month in National Harbor, Maryland.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102922 Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102922-nfra-announces-2024-golden-penguin-award-winners NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Designed to identify the next big name within the frozen or refrigerated aisle, the competition vetted entries down to eight top finalists, who impressed judges with innovative products and creative approaches.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102729 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102729-nfra-announces-winners-of-inaugural-penguin-pitch-contest Big_Mozz_Sticks.jpg Big Mozz Sticks are made with only fresh, high-quality ingredients, like Whole Milk Mozzarella (no processed, part-skim string cheese here) breaded and seasoned with fresh garlic, parsley, and Pecorino Romano cheese, for the biggest and best-tasting mozzarella sticks out there, with the biggest cheese pull. Courtesy Big Mozz. The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) and the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) are pleased to announce that two industry leaders will be inducted into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame this October at the NFRA Convention.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102728 Mon, 24 Jun 2024 18:00:29 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102728-kitchens-shaw-to-be-inducted-into-2024-frozen-food-hall-of-fame-nfra Kitchens Shaw.jpg This year’s honorees include William Kitchens, retired Partner at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP and former General Counsel of NFRA, and H.V. “Skip” Shaw, retired President & CEO of NFRA. Courtesy NFRA. NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Over 1,500 anticipated attendees will conduct more than 5,000 business meetings over the course of three days.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102549 Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102549-national-frozen-and-refrigerated-foods-association-convention-sets-stage-to-bring-leading-retailers-and-business-partners-together-in-october Conv Image Press Release.jpg The NFRA Convention offers a dedicated platform for facilitated business meetings, driving valuable connections and industry collaboration. It’s possible to hold dozens of face-to-face meetings in just a few days, saving everyone time spent away from the office throughout the year and money in additional travel costs. Courtesy NFRA.  The competition will identify and celebrate the “next big brand” among frozen and refrigerated foods.

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102534 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102534-nfra-announces-2024-penguin-pitch-contest-finalists NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card.  Do you have an exciting refrigerated or frozen food product that you believe is an emerging brand?

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102383 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102383-nfra-penguin-pitch-in-search-of-the-next-big-emerging-brand NFRALogo.jpg Shoppers can also enter NFRA's $10,000 March Frozen Food Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 18 First Prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the Grand Prize of a $1,000 supermarket gift card. Greyshock joined the organization in 2019 as vice president of meetings and industry relations. 

]]> http://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102352 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:30 -0500 https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/102352-greyshock-appointed-president-ceo-of-the-national-frozen-and-refrigerated-foods-association TriciaGreyshockNFRAPresident.jpg Tricia Greyshock, president and CEO of NFRA.