Category: News

SFPA University Webinar On FSMA Well Attended

SFPA University is one of the important benefits of being an SFPA member. Offered at no charge the webinar series enables member senior staff and all employees to access important learning opportunities ranging from plant safety to process technologies, workforce relations and FDA or USDA regulations.

On February 18th SFPA University hosted Dr. Hilary Thesmar of the Food Marketing Institute with an overview of developments related to the U.S. FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204. While implementation of the act has been delayed, the government regulator has required food processors to work with farms, retailers, foodservice and warehouses to identify additional flexibility while still supporting effective lot-level traceability.

The webinar was viewed from 32 locations across the south with many members inviting employees to view the webinar from conference rooms or training areas.

“We’re here to add value to SFPA membership,” explains Dr. Scott Whiteside, a professor at Clemson University and the education advisor to the SFPA’s Board of Directors. “We would love to hear from members as to topics that would add value to them and their employees.”

Members should contact Scott at wwhtsd@clemson.edu or association executive director Kay Rentzel at kayrentzel@sfpafood.org.

March 31, 2026
SFPA Members: Tell Your Customers Something We Already Know
The government’s focus on Making America Healthy Again (MAHA) has inverted the aged old food pyramid and heightened the focus on vegetables, legumes and proteins. Now is the time to remind your customers of the economic and nutritional value of canned foods.

When COVID hit, Americans rediscovered the value of canned foods in their pantry and restaurant kitchens. While food cost increases have slowed on supermarket shelves, menu prices at restaurants have slowed growth within the foodservice channel to only a projected 1% in 2026.

Thus, now is the time to remind retailers, restaurant operators and consumers that the cost of the food they eat, either at home or at a restaurant is lower when it’s in a can.

For inspiration on how you can communicate the benefits of canned food, here are some resources:
- cansgetyoucooking.cancentral.com
- cancentral.com/food-cans
March 31, 2026
Oh What A Time We’ll Have At Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island’s Sonesta Resort is one of the SFPA’s favorite convention destinations.

Mark Your Calendar.

New Format For This Year’s SFPA Convention.

There is always something to look forward to when it comes to our SFPA Convention this year, October 21-23, at the Sonesta Resort in beautiful Hilton Head Island, SC.

The Sonesta Resort is one of our favorite beach side resorts at what Conde Nast Travelers Reader’s Choice named as the “Top Island In The United States”…for the 9th consecutive year.

Because Pack Expo frequently conflicts with our convention dates, the SFPA Board of Directors moved the date of our convention to new dates of October 21-23, with a new, more efficient agenda that gives you more time after the convention to soak in some rays or head back home.

“We’re testing the new format and we’re interested in member feedback during or after the convention,” says Executive Director Kay Rentzel. “On Wednesday, October 21st we’ll host a welcome reception beginning at 6pm, Thursday will be busy with a morning general session followed by the annual golf tournament. Then, we’ll hold our silent auction and banquet Thursday night. Friday morning, another general session with the convention concluding around noon on Friday the 23rd.”

A survey of members who attended the 2025 convention in Myrtle Beach showed overwhelming satisfaction, with 96% of those completing the survey rating it as either ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.

The resort has undergone a multi-phase renovation in recent years.

Since the last convention held at the Sonesta Resort a major multi-phase renovation has occurred including guestroom renovations, upgraded meeting spaces and dining and pool experience improvements.

Rentzel and the board of directors are currently selecting speakers for the general sessions as well as details of the silent auction and banquet.

“This year’s convention will definitely be one to bring your spouse or significant other,” says Cecilia Brock, SFPA President. “Hilton Head is one of our most beautiful convention venues.”

Mark your calendars now for the 2026 convention October 21-23. More details about registration and hotel bookings will be coming from Kay Rentzel later this year.

March 31, 2026
Tariffs, Trade, and the Growing Tinplate Challenge

For canned food manufacturers across the Southeast, Section 232 tariffs on steel have become more than a policy discussion but a daily operational and sales challenge. These tariffs, originally imposed to strengthen U.S. steel production on national security grounds, are now raising packaging costs for domestic food processors while imported canned foods increasingly enter the U.S. market at lower prices.

SFPA Board Member Craig Jonkers (far right) was one of several from SFPA leadership who met with Congressional leaders on Section 232 and other key issues to protect our domestic food industry.

SFPA members participated in the American Fruit & Vegetable Fly-In in Washington, D.C., joining more than 20 food industry leaders to meet directly with lawmakers, their staff and agency representatives. Members of the SFPA recently went to Washington to voice their concerns. Rose Timmer and James Timmer (Rose Timmer Associates), Craig Jonkers (Liventus), and SFPA Executive Director Kay Rentzel met with members of Congress, including leaders from the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to discuss key issues impacting the industry and strengthen collaboration on future policy initiatives.

The Competitive Squeeze

Domestic processors must purchase steel used for food cans at tariff-inflated prices. Meanwhile, many foreign competitors produce canned foods using steel sourced without those tariffs, allowing them to price products more aggressively when exporting to the United States.

Industry analysts cited by the Wall Street Journal estimate tariffs could increase canned food prices by 9–15%, adding roughly 18–30¢ to the cost of a typical can of vegetables. Section 232 is also impacting costs of closure prices (due to the foil induction seals) and on foil films used in spice and condiment packaging.

In highly competitive grocery categories such as canned vegetables, tomatoes, and fruit, those price differences can determine which products secure shelf space. For Southeastern processors already operating on narrow margins, even modest increases in packaging costs can create a significant disadvantage.

Lost Business To U.S. Retailers

U.S. food manufacturers are losing business to cheaper foreign imports.

Food processors are losing business to major U.S. retailers over pennies per case due to the current shift from domestically-grown and processed food items to canned imports. One processor losing to foreign imports to a top national value retailer and another to a national club store are only two examples.

Why Washington Has Been Slow to Act

One reason is that Section 232 tariffs are framed as national security measures designed to protect U.S. steelmaking capacity. Once trade policy is linked to national security, reversing it becomes politically difficult.

Steel also represents a powerful political constituency. Steel-producing states and labor unions strongly support maintaining tariffs to preserve domestic production and jobs. For policymakers, supporting steel manufacturing often carries more political weight than the downstream effects on industries such as food processing.

Tariffs have also become an important tool in global trade negotiations. Maintaining them provides leverage in broader economic discussions with trading partners.

Finally, the consumer impact, while real is not apparent to busy consumers punch drunk from food price increases.

The Risk to Domestic Food Processing

This untenable situation is driving a significant loss of domestic canning capacity and a dramatic surge in imports. Contrary to the intent of Section 232 national security tariffs, U.S. steelmakers have shut down nine tin mill lines since the 2018 imposition of Section 232; only three domestic production lines remain today.

Tin mill steel is a niche substrate, and its production makes up less than 1% of total American steel production. As a result, domestic canners processing American-grown fruits and vegetables have no viable alternative but to rely on cans that are largely made with imported tinplate steel to meet industry demand.

If imported canned foods continue to gain a price advantage, the consequences could extend beyond manufacturers. Many SFPA members anchor regional agricultural economies, purchasing produce from local farmers and employing workers in rural communities.

A long-term shift toward imported canned foods could reduce demand for American-grown fruits and vegetables and weaken the domestic processing infrastructure that has supported U.S. food security for decades.

Solutions

While the broader tariff debate may continue, several practical policy options could help restore balance.

One option is a targeted tariff exemption for food-grade tinplate used in food cans, recognizing the limited domestic supply of this specialized material.

Another approach would be expanding the tariff exclusion process for manufacturers who can demonstrate that domestic mills cannot meet supply or quality needs.

A tariff-rate quota system—allowing a certain volume of tinplate imports at reduced tariff levels—has also been proposed as a compromise between steel protection and food industry needs.

Raising Your Voice

According to SFPA President Cecilia Brock, “There is no greater challenge to the long-term success of the U.S. canned food business than Section 232. We should continue to raise our collective voices to Washington.” The mid-term elections is the ideal time for SFPA members, and their employees, to voice their concerns with their local Congressional delegation, both incumbents and their challengers to gain their written support that can be used to push positive votes in an urgent matter to the SFPA. Additionally, contact and voice your concern to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

March 31, 2026
2026 SFPA Scholarship Applications Now OPEN!
It’s part of the SFPA Mission…”to seek solutions in the management of the business in this unique segment of the industry” and a passion for all members.

At our 2025 Convention, members raised $15,000 for the scholarship fund and handed scholarship dollars to nine applicant winners.

SFPA Employee/Child and Food Industry Scholarships are solutions, benefiting our member employee families to see their children succeed in their careers, and supporting those committed to careers in the food business. It’s thus with great joy that we open applications for both of our scholarships to a fresh crop of talent for the 2026 season.

Chelsea Afful,
Food Science
University of Georgia

Joshua Black,
Health & Exercise Science
Bridgwater College
Sauer Brands

Grace Smith,
Nursing
Elon University
M G Newell

Christopher Weller,
Information & Supply Chain Management
UNC Greensboro
Garner Foods

Scott Dunlap,
Business Administration
Georgia Tech
Bush Brothers

Donnovan Huez-Flamenco,
Welding Technology
Forsyth Technical Community College
Garner Foods

Johnny Lackey, Business Administration
Anderson University
Sauer Brands

Ben Moorman,
Systems Engineering
Bowling Green State University
Beckman & Gast

Katelyn Ruff,
Elementary Education
UNC Charlotte
M G Newell

For the SFPA Employee/Child Scholarships, the children of SFPA members who are high school seniors planning to attend college or current college students at any accredited 4-year institution can apply. Applicants may choose any major and any accredited U.S. college or university. Past recipients may reapply during their time as an undergraduate.

The application deadline is MAY 15th. Download the application here with instructions on their submission.

SFPA Food Industry Scholarships support upper-level undergraduates majoring in food industry disciplines at leading Southern universities. Applicants must be a junior or rising senior and enrolled in a food science, food industry, culinary arts or a related major.

Applicants must be attending one of the following Southeastern universities:
- University of Tennessee
- University of Georgia
- University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- Clemson University
- North Carolina State University
- Virginia Tech
The application deadline is MAY 15th. Download the application here with instructions on their submission.

If you don’t have an eligible child, be sure to remind fellow employees of the opportunity. Posters to alert employees and food industry students are available and should be posted in break rooms or shared online through your communications channels and will be shared with member senior leadership for posting. Both Food Processors and Associate Members are eligible. Learn more at sfpafood.org/scholarships.

Let’s set a record for applications in 2026.
March 31, 2026
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 →
September 12, 2025
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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

Macy Marconi, who is majoring in Engineering at North Carolina State University whose parent is employed at House Autry Mills.

Grace Smith, who is majoring in Nursing at Elon University and whose parent works at M G Newell.

Christopher 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 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 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.

Bush Brothers Todd Schultz is the new 1^st 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. 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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 Brock
Sauer Brands
SFPA President

Todd Schultz
Bush Brothers
1^st Vice-President

Rose Timmer
Rose Timmer & Associates
2^nd Vice-President

Calen Butler
Garner Foods
Treasurer

Bob 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 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’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.

November 14, 2024
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.

“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.

April 2, 2024
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 21^st. 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.”

April 2, 2024
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 2^nd Vice President) of Bush Bros., Ron Sonntag (Board Member) of Boone Brands and Scott Whiteside of Clemson (Board Advisor).

On March 21^st, 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.

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.

“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 1^st for the October convention and $695 after August 1^st. 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 1^st. 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.

April 2, 2024