Category: News

  • SFPA Awards $15,000 In Scholarships

    The Southeastern Food Processors Association is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Scholarship Recipients.  This year, applications were received from talented high school and college students from across the Southeastern region of the United States.

    With majors ranging from Food Science to Business, Health and Exercise Science to Systems Engineering, Nursing to Supply Chain Management, the applicants showcased their commitment to excellence, leadership, community service and so much more.  A panel of Southeastern Food Processor Association member representatives evaluated each submission based on the documents submitted with the applications and each applicant’s letter of recommendation. 

    For more than 20 years, the Southeastern Food Processors Association Scholarship program has been an exciting platform to celebrate students’ accomplishments while assisting them to pursue so much more for the good of the nation.

    We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 scholarships, who collectively were awarded $15,000 in academic funds.


    Food Science Scholarship Winner: 

    • Chelsea Afful
      Senior at University of Georgia, majoring in Food Science.

    SFPA Member Child Scholarship Winners:

    • Joshua Black
      Senior at Henrico High School, majoring in Health & Exercise Science at Bridgwater College.
      Member Company:  Sauer Brands
    • Scott Dunlap
      Sophomore at Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Business Administration.
      Member Company: Bush Brothers & Company
    • Donnonvan Huezo-Flamenco
      Senior at Atkins Academic & Technology High School, entering as undeclared major at Forsyth Technical Community College.
      Member Company: Garner Foods
    • Johnny Lackey
      Senior at Belton-Honea Path High School, majoring in Business at Anderson University.
      Member Company: Sauer Brands
    • Benjamin Moorman
      Senior at Bowling Green State University, majoring Systems Engineering. 
      Member Company: Beckman & Gast Co.
    • Katie Ruff
      Senior at Northern Guilford High School, majoring in Elementary Education at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 
      Member Company: MG Newell Corp.
    • Grace Smith
      Junior at Elon University, majoring in Nursing.
      Member Company: MG Newell Corp.
    • Christopher Weller
      Senior at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, majoring in Supply Chain Management. 
      Member Company: Garner Foods

    Thank you to all of the applicants who participated and to the Southeastern Food Processors Association members who generously support the scholarship program through the annual auction and donations!

    Learn More About the Scholarship Program →

  • High Attendance Highlights 2024 SFPA Convention In Charleston

    High Attendance Highlights 2024 SFPA Convention In Charleston

    The elegance of a boutique hotel in the heart of one of the South’s great cities made for great memories of the SFPA Convention.

    From the moment attendees to the 2024 Southeastern Food Processors Association Convention arrived at the Emeline Hotel in downtown Charleston, SC they knew that this convention would be special. They weren’t disappointed.

    “We saw a 32% jump in attendance this year compared to our Hilton Head convention in 2023,” says SFPA Executive Director, Kay Rentzel. With 127 of members and their guests attending, long-time SFPA stalwart and board member, Jack Haddock, said, “There’s something magical about Charleston as a destination for our conventions that always boosts attendance. We need to make the city one that we regularly select as a place to gather our membership.”

    Blending Charleston’s heritage with upscale elegance, the Emeline Hotel offered near perfect amenities for an SFPA Convention, with a welcome reception in its courtyard that was quickly filled with chatter of old friends reunited.


    General Session Learnings

    SFPA President Bob Cloney welcomes members to Charleston during the opening general session. SFPA President Bob Cloney welcomes members to Charleston during the opening general session.

    SFPA President Bob Cloney welcomed attendees to the first day’s general session and heard of great news from Treasurer, Craig Jonkers who reported a strong financial position for the association that assures the longevity of the 82-year-old association of food manufacturers and associates.

    Treasurer, Craig Yonkers reports a strong financial position for the SFPA. Treasurer, Craig Jonkers reports a strong financial position for the SFPA.

    The event’s first general session was filled with important information for growing member’s businesses. Led by keynote Chris Kuehl of Amada Corporate Intelligence, the state of the U.S. and world economies was shared ahead of an important Presidential election.

    Lowered interest rates by the Federal Reserve have unleashed pent up projects awaiting a downturn in rates. Kuehl noted that most of the growth in projects are expected within the heartland of the SFPA. Kuehl also noted a continued decline in family-owned farms, but production of large corporate farms has increased output.

    John Rost, Senior VP of Technology and Global Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs of Crown Holdings spoke on regulatory challenges and food packaging opportunities to members. Rost’s two takeaways covered increased testing activity by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and rising consumer interest in the reliance on imported foods, especially vegetables and fruits.

    According to Rost, consumers overwhelmingly prefer foods grown and processed in the U.S. According to Rost, consumers overwhelmingly prefer foods grown and processed in the U.S.

    A unique liquor tasting was part of the day’s general session by local spirits expert, Rod Weaver. Offering just a taste of five spirits, Weaver outlined the distinction of each and shared stories of local distilleries that are a growing part of Charleston’s economy.

    Spirits expert Rod Weaver helps members learn about the uniqueness of five liquors. Spirits expert Rod Weaver helps members learn about the uniqueness of five liquors.

    The second day of general sessions speakers covered work on Capitol Hill by the American Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Processors Coalition from Patrick Firth of Constitution Partners who manages the coalition.

    Firth noted this year’s annual “Fly In” to Washington, DC by coalition members to promote U.S. food manufacturer interests related to legislation before Congress.

    SFPA Executive Director Kay Rentzel testifies before a Congressional committee on behalf of coalition members. SFPA Executive Director Kay Rentzel testifies before a Congressional committee on behalf of coalition members.

    This year, Firth said elements of the 2024 Farm Bill, Section 232 involving tariffs on Chinese-made tinplate as well as “Buy America” foods as coalition priorities.

    Domestic production of essential tinplate for metal cans for food can support only 55% of U.S. food production. The reliance on foreign tinplate that is subject to U.S. tariffs has had a significant impact on food cost inflation. Today, 41% of the cost of a 15oz. can of corn is in the can itself. The coalition and Constitution Partners are asking the Department of Commerce for a tinplate exemption on  foreign imports. Firth also noted that since 2021, the U.S. has become a net food importer. Among fruits and vegetables, imports have risen 10% since 2021.

    Break periods enabled suppliers and food processors to share information on their products with potential buyers. Break periods enabled suppliers and food processors to share information on their products with potential buyers.

    During numerous breaks of  the general sessions, processors and associate members who had secured display space, shared the benefits of their services or products to an attentive and engaged membership. The opportunity to grow awareness leading to a potential sale to a member is an important reason to attend the convention.

    Porter Halyburton recounts his seven years as a POW at the Hanoi Hilton as a Vietnam POW. Porter Halyburton recounts his seven years as a POW at the Hanoi Hilton as a Vietnam POW.

    The second day’s keynote was a seven-year guest at the Vietnam War’s infamous Hanoi Hilton, Porter Halyburton. The former F-4 Phantom Navy pilot who was shot down during a mission shared his experience of communicating with fellow prisoners of war through an ingenious code of tapping on walls of their holding cells to share information with fellow prisoners. His enduring will to return home to his wife and child was an inspiration to all members hearing his message. All attendees to his session were treated to his book on his experience in those tortuous years.

    General session attendees received a free book of Porter’s book on his captivity. General session attendees received a signed copy of Porter’s book on his captivity.

    One of the unique opportunities at a convention is to hear the real-world challenges of a retailer or restaurant chain who are the customers of a food manufacturer. One retailer that all SFPA processor members have shelf space in is Food Lion.

    Gene Faller of Food Lion tells of the many challenges facing supermarket retailers today. Gene Faller of Food Lion tells of the many challenges facing supermarket retailers today.

    Thus, Gene Faller, Food Lion’s Senior Vice President of Center Store Category Management was a perfect speaker.

    Food Lion will remodel 315 of its stores in a 24-month period adding more ready-to-cook meals and self-checkouts. Food Lion will remodel 315 of its stores in a 24-month period adding more ready-to-cook meals and self-checkouts.

    Faller noted plenty of challenges for his company ranging from price inflation, theft, competition, and Hurricane Helene that poured flooding and death within Food Lion’s footprint as only a few he faced. Yet, Food Lion has seen 12 consecutive years of same store sales growth. To face today’s challenges, Food Lion is remodeling stores, building its omnichannel and home delivery infrastructure and deepening relationships with consumer behaviors and needs.


    The Winners Of The SFPA’s Employee Child Scholarships Announced

    It’s an important benefit of being a member of the Southeastern Food Processors Association. Any member company of the association can share the opportunity of a college scholarship with their employees.

    Incoming SFPA President Cecilia Brock of Sauer Company announced the five winners along with a video testimonial by all of the winners to share their excitement of earning a scholarship and their passion for an inspired career.

    Winners Included:

    Riley Morrison

    Riley Morrison, whose parent works by Mt. Olive Pickle Company. Riley is majoring in Veterinary Bioscience.

    Macy MarconiMacy Marconi, who is majoring in Engineering at North Carolina State University whose parent is employed at House Autry Mills.
    Grace SmithGrace Smith, who is majoring in Nursing at Elon University and whose parent works at M G Newell.
    Christopher WellerChristopher Weller, who is majoring in Information and Supply Chain Management at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and whose parent works at Garner Foods.

    Scott DunlapScott Dunlap, a major in Business Administration at Georgia Tech whose parent is employed at Bush Brothers.

    In making the announcement, Cecilia Brock noted that since 2019 the SFPA has handed out $46,000 in scholarships provided by donations during the convention’s silent auction and raffle.

    SFPA Scholarship applications are announced to members through the Food Forum and the SFPA website (www.sfpafood.org) during the spring, so when 2025 applications are opened, be sure to share the opportunity with your employees.


    Off-Site Fun

    The SFPA’s Hospitality Reception at Hank’s Seafood Social Hall scored well with plenty of drinks and the best in Lowcountry seafood. The SFPA’s Hospitality Reception at Hank’s Seafood Social Hall scored well with plenty of drinks and the best in Lowcountry seafood.

    The evening of the first full day of the SFPA Convention was extra special and a short walk from the Emeline at famous Hank’s Social Hall adjoining one of Charleston’s top dining choices, Hank’s Seafood Restaurant.

    Noted as Charleston’s top Lowcountry seafood restaurant, members bit into the best in locally caught shrimp and luscious oysters as well as multiple creatively prepared appetizers. An open bar led to the energetic banter of friends catching up on the last year and their plans for the year ahead. It was one of the best receptions in recent history for the association.


    Hitting The Links At Rivertowne Country Club

    Just some of the smiling faces on the links for the SFPA Golf Tournament. Just some of the smiling faces on the links for the SFPA Golf Tournament.

    Bush Brothers Todd Schultz is the new 1st Vice-President of the SFPA Board of Directors. He loves golf and loves to be the annual convention golf tournament. This year 48 players hit the links at the gorgeous Rivertowne Country Club.

    Tournament Director Todd Schultz (left) of Bush Brothers congratulates Christian Young of Chesapeake Spice whose team finished in third place of the tournament. Tournament Director Todd Schultz (left) of Bush Brothers congratulates Christian Young of Chesapeake Spice whose team finished in third place of the tournament. Todd Schultz celebrates with two of the second-place team of Alexa Vaugn of Chesapeake Spice and Patrick McKinney of Life Spice. Todd Schultz celebrates with two of the second-place team of Alexa Vaugn of Chesapeake Spice and Patrick McKinney of Life Spice. First Place Golf Tourament Team of Jack Haddock, of Crown Holdings on left with Curtis Holmes, of Carolina Process Piping beside Todd Shultz and Linda Schultz. First Place Golf Tourament Team of Jack Haddock, of Crown Holdings on left with Curtis Holmes, of Carolina Process Piping beside Todd Shultz and Linda Schultz.

    This year the team of Jack Haddock, Curtis Holmes, Todd & Linda Schultz earned top honors in the tournament, ahead of Alexa Vaugn, Partick McKinney, Nick Hammer, and Tom Thigpen

    Third place went to David Beaty, Felix Ho, and Christian Young.

    Other winners were Jason Livingston for the longest drive and David Beaty for closest to the pin.


    A Banquet No One Will Forget

    The SFPA’s Board of Directors always save the best for last at the annual convention and 2024 will hold great memories for a long, long time.

    Bob Cloney hands the reigns of the SFPA Presidency to Cecilia Brock. Bob Cloney hands the reigns of the SFPA Presidency to Cecilia Brock.

    Outgoing SFPA President, Bob Cloney of Elite Spice thanked members for an opportunity to lead the organization, then handed the reigns to Sauer Foods’ Cecilia Brock. She has been an active supporter of the organization for years and thanked the audience for the top honor of the storied organization.

    Ann Garner Riddle, CEO of Garner Foods is presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, then she was escorted back to her table by Matt McCullum, who will assume the role of CEO at the company in January. Ann Garner Riddle, CEO of Garner Foods is presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, then she was escorted back to her table by Matt McCullum, who will assume the role of CEO at the company in January.

    Long-time member Marion Swink of McCall Farms then called for another legendary member to join him for a special presentation. After 53 years at Garner Foods, Ann Garner Riddle will step down as CEO of the hot sauce and salsa manufacturer in January. Matt McCullum, past SFPA President who will become the company’s new CEO joined Ann for the presentation of the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, read by Marion to the applauding assembled crowd.

    A tally of raffle tickets solid and the finalist winning numbers are drawn. A tally of raffle tickets solid and the finalist winning numbers are drawn. Donna Hughey wins the raffle for lady’s jewelry and lucky Marion Swink shows off his Henry rifle. Donna Hughey wins the raffle for lady’s jewelry and lucky Marion Swink shows off his Henry rifle.

    This year’s silent auction and raffle raised more than $11,000 dollars for the scholarship fund. Highlighting this year’s raffle of women’s jewelry and a Henry® repeating rifle was the addition of some genuine Tennessee moonshine.

    Marion Swink performs an important quality test for the eventual winner of the quart of Tennessee moonshine, Matt McCullum. Marion Swink performs an important quality test for the eventual winner of the quart of Tennessee moonshine, Matt McCullum.

    After a quick test by Marion Swink proving its quality, Matt McCullum outbid Ann Garner Riddle for the quart. A closing night gathering at the SFPA’s hospitality suites for farewells over a nightcap saw the close of an historic 2024 convention.

    Garner Foods representatives gather to celebrate the winning bid in the moonshine raffle. Garner Foods representatives gather to celebrate the winning bid in the moonshine raffle.


    Your NEW SFPA Board of Directors

    The path to SFPA President requires a multi-year commitment to the association. First as a board member, the path takes board members to ascendancy as second, then first vice-president. At an afternoon board meeting prior to the convention, new members were named and later presented to the full membership during a general session for approval that was approved unanimously.

    Your New Board Membership for 2024-2025 include:

    Cecilia BrockCecilia Brock
    Sauer Brands
    SFPA President
    Todd SchultzTodd Schultz
    Bush Brothers
    1st Vice-President
    Rose TimmerRose Timmer
    Rose Timmer & Associates
    2nd Vice-President
    Calen ButlerCalen Butler
    Garner Foods
    Treasurer
    Bob CloneyBob Cloney
    Elite Spice
    Immediate Past-President

    Board Members

    Jack Haddock, Crown Holdings

    Gerald Lambert, Garner Foods

    Gray Sherrill, M G Newell

    Ron Sonntag, Boone Brands

    Craig Jonkers, Liventus Company

    Mike Williams, Tarrheel Paper & Supply Company

    Calin Butler, Garner Foods

    Board Advisors

    Tony Treadway, Creative Energy

    Dr. Scott Whiteside, Clemson University

    Executive Director

    Kay Rentzel


    Mark Your Calendars For October 21-24, 2025

    The Embassy Suites, Myrtle Beach, SC. The Embassy Suites, Myrtle Beach, SC.

    The next gathering of the SFPA for its annual convention will be in Myrtle Beach, SC at the newly renovated Embassy Suites. This oceanside gem offers plenty of amenities for spare time and ample links for the annual golf tournament. Be sure to mark your calendars for another great gathering.


    Ask A Friend In The Food Business To JOIN The SFPA

    You are invited to join the South's best food processors!

    You’ve witnessed in our coverage of the 2024 SFPA Convention the uniqueness of our organization. It’s like no other for building close and enduring relationships with key decision makers of some of the South’s top food brands. There is the benefit of offering free college scholarships for the children of SFPA member companies. There is an online training program for members called SFPA University and additional insights from speakers at the convention’s general session.

    Help us grow by recommending to fellow professionals  in the food business to join the SFPA either as a food processor, and associate member or as a consultant. Then, ask them to go to our website and join. Go to SFPAFood.org.

  • Invite New Food Processors As Members Of The SFPA

    Invite New Food Processors As Members Of The SFPA

    A new easy to send PDF is now available for SFPA members to send to food processors to invite them to join the association is now available. The colorful document provides and overview on the value of SPFA membership and invites them to join the association and how they can join.

    Part of the new SPFA Food Processor Invitation available for you to send to potential members.Part of the new SPFA Food Processor Invitation available for you to send to potential members.

    “Let’s grow the membership of food processors to the many benefits we offer,” says Bob Cloney, SFPA President. “If you are currently working with or are friends with other food processors who aren’t currently members, we ask that you send them this colorful document and personally ask them to join the SFPA. It’s an important step in the continued growth of our organization.”

    You can download the invitation easily, then send it to your targeted food processor. Go to https://sfpafood.org/join-the-sfpa/ and click on download, then send the invitation to food processors you know today.

  • U.S. Cabinet Member Visits Garner Foods

    U.S. Cabinet Member Visits Garner Foods

    Garner Foods CEO Ann Riddle and CFO Matt McCollum hosted U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai to the company’s headquarters in Winston-Salem.

    U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai visited Ann Riddle and Matt McCollum at Garner Foods during her tour of the Piedmont area March 21st. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Ambassador Tai is the principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy.

    Garner Foods briefed Ambassador Tai on its operations and product line as a family owned and operated food manufacturer with two nationally recognized brands, Texas Pete® and Green Mountain Gringo®.

    “We were pleased that Ambassador Tai selected Garner Foods for a stop along her busy tour of the Piedmont region,” says Ann Riddle. “We discussed the importance of foreign trade for food manufacturers and opportunities for expanding sales beyond our borders for Garner Foods and other food manufacturers in the Carolinas.”

  • SFPA Board Meets In Greensboro. Looks Ahead To 2024 Convention.

    SFPA Board Meets In Greensboro. Looks Ahead To 2024 Convention.

    (L-R) Executive Director Kay Rentzel, Jack Haddock (Board Member) of Crown, Mike Williams of iPack (Board Member), Rose Timmer of Rose Timmer Associates (Board Member), Cecilia Brock SFPA Vice President of Sauer Brands, Gray Sherrill of MG Newell (Board Member), Tony Treadway of Creative Energy (Board Advisor) and Bob Cloney, SFPA President of Elite Spice. Not pictured by participating, Craig Jonkers SFPA Treasurer of Liventus, Matt McCollum (SFPA Past President) of Garner Foods, Todd Schultz (SFPA 2nd Vice President) of Bush Bros., Ron Sonntag (Board Member) of Boone Brands and Scott Whiteside of Clemson (Board Advisor).


    On March 21st, MG Newell’s Gray Sherrill hosted SFPA board members to the company’s Greensboro, NC facility for a recap of the association’s 2023 convention and to look ahead at the upcoming convention in Charleston, SC.

    Bob Cloney, Vice-President of Sales for Elite Spice and President of SFPA presided over the meeting of board members and advisors in-person and via video conference. Craig Jonkers of Liventus and association Treasurer covered the association’s finances that continues to be in good standing as well as income from the 2023 convention held in Hilton Head Island. The 2023 convention generated profit for the association and saw a 37% increase in attendance over the previous convention held in Tennessee.

    Survey responses to events held during the 2023 convention held in Hilton Head Island.
    Survey responses to events held during the 2023 convention held in Hilton Head Island.

    A survey following the convention found that 100% of attendees said that it met their expectations with high marks overall for events held. Todd Schultz, Chairman of the Convention Golf Tournament of Bush Brothers noted the high attendance at the tournament that involved half of member attendees.

    The convention also raised $11,633 allocated for the SFPA Scholarship Fund.

    This year’s convention to be held at the boutique Emeline Hotel in downtown Charleston, SC October 22-24 is likewise projected to be a big success. Members applauded last year’s shift of convention dates to mid-week instead of weekend dates to free up time for members to return home or spend extra time in a tourism mecca such as Charleston.

    Board members interact via video conference during the March meeting.
    Board members interact via video conference during the March meeting.

    “The location is important in driving attendance and Charleston is a gem to visit,” says Bob Cloney. “The Emeline is a beautiful location that is centrally located in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the South.”

    Board members discussed outreach to speakers for the two general sessions of the convention as well as the off-site golf tournament and other events during the convention to be held at the hotel.

    This year’s registration will see an increase in price to cover charges related to the use of credit cards. “We experienced significant costs in credit card fees for registration, sponsorships, and the golf tournament,” says Jonkers. “We understand the convenience of using a credit card compared to the effort to have a paper check written and mailed in to cover costs and want to maintain the convenience for our members. We are likewise looking for alternatives to reduce those costs to the association.”

    Early bird registration for the 2024 convention will be $595 for members who will register before August 1st for the October convention and $695 after August 1st. Non-member prices will be $1,095 which includes the one-year membership fee into the SFPA. Registration will be available online at SFPAFood.org beginning May 1st. Additional information will be made available on sponsorships, general session speakers and the golf tournament as planning is finalized. Mark your calendars to attended and experience one of the great historic cities in America.

  • SFPA University 2024 Launches With Three Important Webinar Sessions

    SFPA University 2024 Launches With Three Important Webinar Sessions

    Important Learning For Plant & Management Personnel

    Clemson Professor Scott Whiteside to lead three important SFPA University learning events.

    Mark your calendars and tell us you want to participate in three SFPA University webinars coming in the first half of 2024. Led by Professor Scott Whiteside of Clemson University, the sessions will be of particular interest to plant personnel as well as those involved in product and packaging integrity.

    SFPA University is an important benefit of SFPA offering free learning sessions for its member company’s employees. The sessions are offered online to reduce travel time and costs associated with off-site training. Each session is offered at 2pm EDT enabling plant personnel shift workers to end their workday with the learning session or second shift personnel to view. The sessions will also be recorded for use anytime following the session. Last year’s online sessions involving human resources drew more than 70 participants as several members gathered employees in groups to participate in the sessions.

    This year, SFPA Associate or Processor members can sponsor an SFPA University session at $300 per session. Each sponsorship will include the company’s logo and a description of the sponsor’s services and their benefits to SFPA members. Contact Kay Rentzel (kayrentzel@sfpafood.org) at least two weeks prior to an SFPA session if you are interested.


    Session One, April 24th, 2pm – Food Safety Insights, FSMA

    The first learning session of the year will cover important updates and insights on food safety and the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). “Nothing is more important than assuring that the foods we provide to consumers is safe,” says Scott Whiteside. This session will cover the key components of assuring food safety, recent examples of how food contamination case studies and an update to the latest advancements in FSMA.

    About 48 million people in the U.S. (1 in 6) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is a significant public health burden that is largely preventable.

    “Few things can be more damaging to a food company’s reputation than being responsible for getting people sick or having a recall due to a food safety issue,” Whiteside says. “This session will be an important one.”


    Session Two, May 24th, 2pm – Shelf Life Study Design

    “At Clemson, we get a lot of questions from food manufacturers involving how to determine the shelf life of their products and how to extend shelf life, especially those that involve flexible packaging,” say Whiteside. “This session will cover the multiple factors involved in the degradation of foods in packaging and how to design a shelf life methodology for particular products manufactured by our processor members.” This session will be of particular interest in those involved in packaging, research and development and new product development.


    Session Three July 17th, 2pm – Packaging Integrity

    “We have an entire laboratory at Clemson dedicated to testing package integrity, so our insights are unique on the topic,” says Whiteside. This session will offer important information on how to protect products from transport damage which can save SFPA member processors a lot of money each year. The session will be of particular interest to those who select or procure packaging materials and those involved in packaging within a plant and logistics.


    Contact Kay Rentzel To Sign Up For These SFPA University Sessions!

    Be sure to contact SFPA Executive Director Kay Rentzel at kayrentzel@sfpafood.org to sign up your company’s personnel or to sign up as an individual for any or all of these three sessions that kicks off the first part of 2024’s SFPA University sessions that are absolutely free to members.

  • 2024 SFPA Scholarship Applications Now Available

    2024 SFPA Scholarship Applications Now Available

    Deadline Set For May 15th

    2024 SFPA Scholarship applications are now available from our website.

    One of the exceptional benefits of your SFPA membership is to provide opportunities for college scholarships to the children of your employees through the association. This year’s scholarship applications are now available with the deadline for submissions set for May 15th.

    “We offer multiple scholarships to students who apply each year and look forward to reviewing this year’s applicants,” says Cecilia Brock, Chairman of the association’s scholarship committee.

    Two types of scholarships are offered each year by the SFPA. Most notable is the Employee/Child Scholarship that enables the child to attend any accredited college with any major of study. This is a significant benefit, especially for plant workers who may be more interested in financial support for their child’s post-secondary education. Senior management at SFPA member companies will be provided with an electronic file of posters (one English, one in Spanish) that can be printed and posted in plant and office lunchrooms and bulletin boards. The posters offer information on how to download the scholarship application on the SFPA website and a QR Code to access the application via a smartphone.

    Students are asked to complete the application form and e-mail the form to Executive Director Kay Rentzel by midnight May 15th.

    A second scholarship is available to students in the Food Sciences and intended for universities aligned with southern states including North Carolina State, University of Tennessee, University of Georgia, Clemson University and University of Alabama. This scholarship is intended to further the valuable talent pool of food science graduates that can benefit SFPA member companies who may hire them as employees. Both the Employee/Child and the Food Science Scholarship applications are available now at https://sfpafood.org/scholarships/. 

    Winners of the 2024 scholarships will be contacted prior to the SFPA’s annual convention and announced to the association’s membership at the event.

  • Don’t Miss Our Southeastern Food Processors Association Convention Coming To HHI!

    Don’t Miss Our Southeastern Food Processors Association Convention Coming To HHI!

    One of America’s top island destinations awaits your registration to the SFPA Convention.

    If you haven’t registered for our Southeastern Food Processors Association (SFPA) Annual Convention, coming October 18th through the 20th, do it today! The SFPA is the largest regional food processors organization in the Sunbelt and we’re making this year’s gathering extra special. Register now.

    Food processors and associate members cover the gamete of national and regional brands who call the Southeast home. From Bush Brothers to Garner Foods, makers of Texas Pete® Hot Sauce and Green Mountain Gringo® Salsa, Sauer Brands, of Duke’s® mayo fame, Mt. Olive Pickles, and McCall Farms (one of America’s largest canned foods companies with multiple brands) as well as House-Autry Mills, Palmetto Processing, Boone Brands, Moody Dunbar and many more, the SFPA represents a heritage of nearly 80 years of feeding American families.

    The Sonesta Resort is one of the pearls of discovery for SFPA members in 2023.
    The Sonesta Resort is one of the pearls of discovery for SFPA members in 2023.

    “We are launching a new format for this year’s convention that begins on Wednesday and closes on Friday to allow attendees to free up their weekend for a few extra days, stay at the beach or head home,” says Executive Director Kay Rentzel. “Hilton Head Island is one of America’s top island destinations, so bring your spouse or significant other and learn, network, and just have fun.”

    This year’s convention will be held at one of the island’s top resorts, Sonesta Resort in the Shipyard Plantation. Boasting an oceanfront location with on-site restaurants, fitness center, lagoon-style pool, and full-service spa. There is easy access to tennis, bicycle rentals and off-site restaurants, shopping, island cruises and entertainment.

    Bring your golf clubs and be ready for our Annual SFPA Golf Tournament at the Shipyard Plantation Golf Club.

    The Shipyard Golf Club encompasses three unique courses comprising 27 holes of exceptional challenges.
    The Shipyard Golf Club encompasses three unique courses comprising 27 holes of exceptional challenges.

    Todd Schultz of Bush Beans and SFPA Tournament Chairman, says be ready for a great Thursday afternoon of golf and relationship-building and just plain fun. The tournament will follow Captain’s Choice rules, with winning teams recognized during Friday night’s Annual Charity Auction and Dinner.

    The convention’s opening day, on Wednesday, Oct. 18th begins with registration and exhibit set up at 4pm, followed by a welcome reception at the resort’s beach pavilion at 6pm. The much-loved SFPA hospitality suite opens at 9pm.

    Sonesta’s Beach Pavilion is the site of the Welcome Reception and Thursday’s Dinner & Fun Night.
    Sonesta’s Beach Pavilion is the site of the Welcome Reception and Thursday’s Dinner & Fun Night.

    Thursday, breakfast begins at 7am with the general session beginning at 8am and ending at 11:30 am to make way for members preparing for the convention’s annual golf tournament that begins at 1pm or free time for others. A Dinner & Fun Night at the beach pavilion begins at 6pm followed by the hospitality suite opening at 9pm.

    Bring some beach chairs for you and your honey during convention breaks designed to let you unwind.
    Bring some beach chairs for you and your honey during convention breaks designed to let you unwind.

    Friday, it’s breakfast at 7am and the general session beginning at 8am and ending at 11:30am. There’ll be plenty of free time for lounging, biking, shopping, or basking in the South Carolina sun. At 6pm the annual benefit auction for SFPA scholarships begins with the annual banquet hosted by the SFPA’s Board of Directors.


    The Annual Charity Auction & Dinner

    Proceeds from the SFPA’s Annual Charity Auction & Banquet go toward two reasons why our organization is so special. The SFPA Employee Child Scholarship goes to the children of SFPA member companies who apply each year. Students can apply with any major to a four-year college or university. A second SFPA Food Technology Scholarship goes to students majoring in food-related and affiliated southeastern universities. Winning students of this year’s scholarships will be announced and recognized for their achievement.

    If you are a SFPA member, be sure to bring an item to donate to the auction and be ready to bid big and bid often to maintain the scholarship fund.

    Education is an important part of each SFPA Convention offered during morning General Sessions. Here are some of the speakers set for this year’s General Session.

     

    Ray Starling

    Ray Starling
    General Counsel, NC Chamber of Commerce

    As general counsel of the NC Chamber and president of the NC Chamber Legal Institute, Ray sets strategy for litigation of the NC Chamber, the NC Chamber Legal Institute and its affiliated entities.

    Prior to joining the NC Chamber team, Ray served as chief of staff to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue where he coordinated execution of the Secretary’s policy agenda for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a $140 billion agency with more than 100,000 employees. Ray focused on regulatory and deregulatory initiatives and acted as a point of contact for stakeholders throughout agriculture and rural communities.

    In the fall of 2022, Starling released his book Farmers Versus Foodies in which he shares some perspective on the question of who will call the shots for the future of the farming and food system in the United States and beyond. The book is an Amazon best seller and has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

     

    Brad Rose

    Brad Rose
    Rose Research

    Rose Research provides actionable research, consulting, and analysis on a global platform. The company has developed long-term relationships with some of the nation’s largest research organizations. The firm is known for its cutting-edge research tools, including – Sale Prediction Capabilities, Agri-Research Evaluations, Customer Satisfaction Studies, Mobile Survey Techniques, Online Interactive Solutions, Market Assessments, Competitive Analysis, etc.

     

    Tom O'Shea

    Tom O’Shea
    Egan Co.

    Egan Company will present the benefits of automation controls in manufacturing and the latest and greatest technology available to provide additional efficiency to food processing that turns ideas into reality and problems into solutions.

     

    Scott Whiteside

    Dr. Scott Whiteside
    Clemson University

    Dr. Whiteside will offer updates on the latest food packaging and innovation emerging in food plants nationwide. His expertise is in food safety, thermal food processing, food product shelf life, and food packaging.


    A special offer to potential new SFPA processor members this year includes a free one-year membership to the association when you attend this year’s convention. Here you can meet and network with association members and understand the value of you affiliation with our professional organization. Contact Executive Director Kay Rentzel to discuss the free offer.

    If you are a provider of services to the food industry and an Associate Member of the SFPA be sure to contact Kay Rentzel for special opportunities to sponsor events and activities within the convention.

  • The 36% Marketing Opportunity

    New Report Shows A 36% Opportunity To Land New Customers

    Catalina, a marketing company that monitors buyer behavior, recently reported a statistic that is both frightening and exciting. It speaks to the opportunity every company has in losing and landing a new customer.

    The report noted that of the top 100 Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands, most were either down or flat in sales during the first half of 2015. It also noted that 90 of those 100 brands lost market share. Disappointing if you are a Proctor & Gamble or Kraft. The news is inspiring if you are a new brand or one that’s not among the top 100.

    For example, among the grocery category there has been a 5.2% increase in sales, but among 10 brands within the top 100, sales were down 2.3%. Among refrigerated meats, growth was 11% while brands in that category were off .4%.

    So who is buying all of these products and why are they not reaching for top brands with literally billions of dollars in advertising and marketing behind them? The answer is that the consumer is switching to other national brands or private label. Brand shifting had the greatest negative impact on declining top 100 brands.

    The real opportunity is in knocking off some of those consumers who are open to trying a new brand. Secondly, the survey noted that at any one time a category will loose approximately 36% of its shoppers. Think about it, when the kid grows out of diapers and baby food, most parents are ready to depart the category.

    The trick for growing sales is three fold. Understand that brand loyalty is down among top brands as consumers look for something new. Know that more than 30% of the buyers in a category will leave in a year, so advertising, social media, PR and in-store merchandising is key to encourage trial of buyers entering your category. Lastly, growing volume among active buyers in your category is key. While he or she may not be a customer for life, encourage opportunities for them to load up on your products while they are customers. While some companies shudder at offer a buy 2, get one free offer, by encouraging them to load their pantry, you preserve the customer from needing to consider switching brands a little longer.

    Want to take a deeper dive into the Catalina report? Just click (http://bit.ly/1hwgufK)

  • How to Create Content for the Internet

    Content Marketing Starts with Smart Thinking

    Content marketing has a fundamental goal of driving traffic to your site. For most, it is either too expensive or labor-intensive a proposition to do anything about it. As a result, we witness so many sites that are stale and abandoned. Here are some fundamental ideas on how to generate more content that can make your site, and your company, more visible and dynamic.

    1. Consider using a site platform that is easy to update content. At the heart of content marketing is the ease in which your website can be updated with new content internally. WordPress, Acquia Drupal, and Confluence are platforms that allow someone to update content, photos, videoes without being a coding wizard. The more effort and energy it takes to get your site updated, the less likely you will be in creating fresh content.
    2. Look around your organization. You will be surprised what you will find. White papers, PowerPoints presentations, research, that you don’t think gives your competition an edge is game for assembling into content your target audience would think is interesting or of value.
    3. Think like a target, not like a marketer. Simply said, I encourage you to occasionally post content that does not directly point to you, but to a topic that is of extreme interest to your target audience. Look, it can’t always be about you.
    4. Be smart about SEO. There is a reason the first words of the headline of this post and the first words of body copy are on my topic of content marketing – see, I said it again. First words are important.
    5. I assume that you have some talented writers who like to tell stories in your organization. If not, find a person who is the most inquisitive in your group and assign them the journey of being your person responsible for creating new content. Check with them weekly on their progress.

    We’ll post more on the topic, but these 5 basics can build your current level of new content you produce this year. Set a goal of doubling the amount you produce this year over last and you’ll earn more traffic to your site.