| It has been 30 days since IFMA and a host of subject experts and industry partners launched the all-inclusive and industry-wide Foodservice Category Management Initiative. We are pleased to announce that in addition to the founders – The Partnering Group (TPG), Datassential and NPD – The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), Foodservice Sales & Marketing Association (FSMA) and The Category Management Association (CMA) are joining the effort.
The Innovation & Activation Board, whose role is to define category management for foodservice, is close to being filled by a very impressive list of manufacturers, distributors, brokers/agents and associations. Their work will soon begin. In addition, to reinforce to all IFMA members and associate members, you are automatically included in the Update Group as a part of your dues and will receive regular updates on the status of the work of the Innovation & Activation Board.
This industry wide effort is both broad and deep, spanning every aspect of the channel; from branded to non-branded manufacturers, distributors that cover the U.S., and broker partners both national and regional. Trade associations IFMA, IFDA, and FSMA are committed to providing industry direction and focus for all participants. Data experts NPD and Datassential are on board to provide critical data necessary to bring concepts to activation in the market. TPG will bring their multi-industry category management expertise to bear on our foodservice market, and CMA will provide the certification of industry practitioners exhibiting the requisite capability in foodservice category management. All participants have one focus: to create the industry standard.
This Category Management Initiative supports your IFMA Vision Statement: “To Enhance the Value of the Consumer’s Foodservice Choice.” If you would like to get involved, please contact Devon Gerchar at devon@ifmaworld.com.
Best Regards,
Larry Oberkfell
President & CEO, IFMA
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