Industry association reports more than 7,500 business appointments, launches new demand generation initiative and recognizes emerging frozen food brands.
The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) reported record attendance at its 2026 convention in National Harbor, Md., where industry executives conducted more than 7,500 business appointments and the association unveiled a new strategic plan focused on expanding demand for frozen and refrigerated foods.
The three-day event, held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, brought together retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and other industry professionals for business meetings, educational sessions and product showcases.
A central announcement was NFRA’s new 2030 Strategy, a five-priority plan designed to strengthen retailer engagement, expand consumer demand generation, improve industry insights, develop future leaders and increase member value.
The association also introduced a demand generation platform intended to move its promotional activities toward a more continuous, coordinated approach to category marketing. The initiative will connect manufacturer marketing programs with retailer activation efforts to support long-term growth in frozen and refrigerated foods.
“The NFRA Convention continues to demonstrate the power of bringing the industry together face-to-face,” said NFRA president and CEO Tricia Greyshock. “With more than 7,500 business appointments conducted, the unveiling of our 2030 Strategy, and the launch of our new consumer demand generation platform, this year’s Convention wasn’t just about making connections. It was about building the future of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry.”
Emerging Brands, Innovation and Industry Recognition
The convention’s Penguin Pitch Competition recognized Folkland Foods as NFRA’s 2026 Emerging Brand of the Year. DiFara received Best Promotional Strategy honors, Frönen was recognized for Most Disruptive Product, and Skinny Butcher earned Most Creative Packaging.
Manufacturers and emerging brands also showcased products during the Taste of Excellence opening reception and at Café NFRA, where attendees sampled new offerings and met with suppliers.
NFRA presented its 2026 Golden Penguin Awards, recognizing marketing and merchandising programs associated with March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties promotions.
The association also highlighted the second year of its First Penguin Leadership Program. Participants completing the year-long professional development initiative presented case studies during a convention breakfast session.
Educational programming addressed private brands, artificial intelligence, product innovation, leadership development and changing consumer shopping behavior.
During NFRA’s 82nd Annual Membership Luncheon, members elected officers and board members for the 2026–2027 term.
2027 Convention Scheduled for San Diego
NFRA announced that its 2027 convention will take place Oct. 9–12 in San Diego, Calif., with registration scheduled to open March 1, 2027.
The Harrisburg, Pa.-based association represents manufacturers, retailers and other businesses across the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Its national promotional programs include March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties.
Additional information about the convention and its programs is available at nfraweb.org.