Butterball, LLC and the National Turkey Federation announce the passing of Kerry Curtis Doughty on March 17, 2020, following a brave battle with cancer. Doughty was the immediate past chairman of the National Turkey Federation (NTF) and the president and CEO of Butterball until his departure from the company in December 2018.

The 40th annual Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA) Conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Florida, on February 23-26, 2020. The conference included timely presentations and outstanding networking opportunities and social events, including a service project that provided 400 kids’ packs for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. 

Attendees representing the $57 billion frozen food and beverage supply chain gathered in Las Vegas recently for the 2020 AFFI Frozen Food Convention (AFFI-CON), where new AFFI officers were elected: Meghan Swan of J.R. Simplot Company as chair; Julia Sabin of The J.M. Smucker Company as chair elect; and Mike McEvoy of Sargento Foods as immediate past chair.

The California Artisan Cheese Guild (CACG) recently voted in Felice Thorpe Charlton as their new President. Dedicated to promoting California artisan cheese through partnerships, outreach and education, Felice’s term will be announced at the non-profit trade organization’s annual meeting on February 9th, 2020.

BrightFarms, a leading supplier of locally grown salads for supermarkets, has expanded its customer team to support retailer partners, with the promotion of Abby Prior and hiring of Matt DiNitto. 

EggLife Foods, Inc., the Chicago-based food brand that uses cage-free eggs, not flour, to re-imagine carbohydrate-heavy foods, announces that Ross Lipari has joined as the company’s first Chief Sales Officer.

Flour-milling and ingredient company Ardent Mills today announced that food industry leader Angie Goldberg has joined Ardent Mills as Chief Growth Officer. This newly created position focuses on innovation, transformation and change to sustain meaningful value for customers, vendors and team members.

Comax Flavors Chairman and Founder Dr. Peter J. Calabretta passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at the age of 85.

Illes Foods, a 92-year-old family-owned and operated company, is excited to announce that its fourth generation, Cristin Illes Kahale, has taken over as Chief Executive Officer.

IMA Dairy & Food, whose equipment solutions comprise the long-established brands Gasti, Hamba, Hassia, Erca, Fillshape and Corazza has hired Andrew Butler for the role of Midwest Area Sales Manager. In this position, Mr. Butler will oversee sales efforts and amplify the company’s brand and scope in the Midwest region.