Industry News

Rep. Rick Allen visits Dot Foods, Inc.

On August 17, Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) visited Dot Foods Inc, in Vidalia, GA. The Dot leadership team provided an overview of the foodservice distribution industry and a tour of the warehouse. Discussion topics during his visit included, labor markets, regulations, and healthcare. The group toured the new office building, break room, and the freezer dock area. “It was great to be able to show off our facility to the Congressman,” said Tim Truxel, General Manager of the Vidalia facility. Rep. Allen serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as well as the Agriculture Committee.

Congressman David Young (R-IA) visits Sysco Iowa

The future of federal transportation policy, including the need to update laws allowing “twin 33s” to run on interstate highways, was discussed during a recent tour of Sysco Iowa by U.S. Congressman David Young. Congressman Young serves on the Transportation Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee and has been actively involved in transportation and infrastructure policy debates in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Collin Peterson visits Reinhart Foodservice

On August 14, Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) visited Reinhart Foodservice, L.L.C. in Marshall, MN. Reinhart’s Marshall leadership team presented an overview of the foodservice distribution industry and gave Rep. Peterson a tour of their 96,892 square foot facility.

Top Trends in Food and Hospitality Revealed at IFDA SMart Conference

Jack Li of Datassential said “Fat is back,” citing Bulletproof coffee spiked with grass-fed butter as evidence of crossover into even beverages. Kathrynn Fenner of Technomic said “fresh and natural” took 45 percent of the pie among successful independents over other ingredient priorities like natural, local and even made-from-scratch. David Portalatin of NPD said there are a number of chains who leverage digital technology well, and pointed out that top chains like Jersey Mike’s, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, Domino’s, Texas Roadhouse, Panera, Moe’s, and Starbucks are leading the digital revolution. In this article, chef and writer Amelia Levin shares takeaway from the 2017 IFDA SMart Conference and presentations by The NPD Group, Datassential, and Technomic.

New IFDA Video: Is a DSR Career in Your Future?

Distributor Sales Representatives — known as DSRs — are the face of foodservice distribution companies in the marketplace and trusted business partners of restaurant and foodservice operators across the United States. IFDA created this video to drive awareness of career opportunities in this dynamic field, and illustrate to potential candidates what being a DSR is all about. We encourage members and other industry professionals to share it with colleagues, customers and partners.

Penny Hoover of Maines Paper & Food Service, Inc. on the Limitless Potential of a Foodservice Distribution Career

In this interview, Penny Hoover of Maines Paper & Food Service, Inc., discusses her current role as a safety manager and her overall 20-year career with Maines, which spans across four business functions. Her story is a testament to the variety of opportunities available within the foodservice distribution industry.

GS1 News: GS1 Discovery App and GS1 US National Data Quality Program Framework Available

In this issue's "Data Quality Tip of the Month," is a tool to establish or enhance your data quality program. The GS1 US National Data Quality Program Framework was developed by industry stakeholders, representing every facet of the supply chain.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan Visits Gordon Food Service

On June 5, Gordon Food Service hosted House Speaker Paul Ryan at its Kenosha, Wisconsin distribution center. Barry Bates, regional vice president - US distribution for GFS, provided an overview of the foodservice distribution industry and a tour of the warehouse. During the visit, Bates and Rep. Ryan discussed issues of concern for the industry, such as tax reform, healthcare and the driver shortage.

Rep. Jackie Walorski visits Stanz Foodservice

On May 30, Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) visited Stanz Foodservice in South Bend, IN. Stanz Foodservice President Mark Harman provided an overview of the foodservice distribution industry and a tour of the warehouse. Discussion topics included tax reform and healthcare. Rep. Walorski serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, Congress’ chief tax writing committee.

IFDA and Pentallect Launch State of the Street Monitor

The independent market is a continuously evolving and dynamic industry sector. With that in mind, IFDA and Pentallect have launched  the State of the Street Monitor, a quarterly e-report providing original research and “behind the scenes” coverage and analysis of the independent restaurant market. The first edition features results of a comprehensive survey on independent restaurant operator practices, attitudes and trends as they relate to distribution sources.