Industry News

Rep. French Hill Joined with Ben E. Keith Executives for Facility Grand Opening

Congressman French Hill (AR-2) and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson were on-site to support the grand opening of Ben E. Keith Foods newest distribution center in North Little Rock, AR.  The facility currently employs 350 full-time employees.  The 24-month project included a 348,000-square foot warehouse, with 78,850 square feet of office and maintenance facilities.  The new center is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certified and will include the installation of the Dematic Automated Storage and Retrieval System, or ASRS.

New Report Finds Increasing Gender Diversity in Foodservice Industry Boosts Bottom Line

A new white paper from the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) explores how increasing the representation of women in the foodservice distribution industry will boost profitability and competitiveness. The report, Recruitment and Retention of Women: Enhancing Inclusion and Diversity, contends that while achieving a more inclusive workforce requires senior leadership to commit time and resources, there is significant return on investment.

IFDA Statement on NLRB’s Decision Overturning the Joint Employer Rule

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) yesterday vacated a decision overturning the Obama Administration’s joint employer rule. As a result, the Obama Board’s joint employer standard remains in place, which is bad news for businesses large and small. Until the matter is cleared up, businesses face confusing and uncertain labor costs. This puts jobs and businesses at risk, leading to decreased opportunities for entrepreneurs and less job creation. It’s time for the Senate to pass the Save Local Business Act, passed by the House in November. This legislation provides much needed clarity, protects business relationships, and promotes economic growth.

IFDA Names Major Products 2018 Partner of the Year

The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), announced today that Major Products was named the 2018 IFDA Partner of the Year. The announcement, made at the opening reception of the 2018 IFDA Partners Executive Forum, marks the second year in a row that Major Products has received this distinction.

GS1 News: Lamb Weston and FDA Join Initiative

Plus, revised checklists highlighting resources for each step of GS1 Standards implementations were made available to manufacturers, distributors, and operators.

IFDA Applauds FDA Decision Regarding Enforcement of FSMA Written Assurance Requirements

IFDA is pleased that the FDA has chosen not to enforce certain provisions of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), specifically the written assurance requirements of the hazard analysis/preventive controls regulation. This decision demonstrates FDA’s commitment to public health by allowing both the agency and the food industry to focus on the critical issues of food safety without imposing an overly burdensome regulatory regime.  IFDA appreciates FDA’s recognition that the written assurance provision created an unnecessary requirement that had little impact on food safety and the agency’s willingness to work together with industry to strengthen consumer protection standards through regulations that are practical and science-based.

IFDA Supports Trump Administration Rule that Paves the Way for Association Health Plans

IFDA is grateful to President Trump for addressing regulations that make it difficult and costly for small business owners to provide healthcare for themselves and their employees. Foodservice distributors see firsthand how the rising cost of healthcare has impacted small businesses. The Department of Labor’s proposed new rules will lead to more affordable choices for many Americans. Specifically, the rule removes regulatory roadblocks preventing businesses from joining together to find affordable coverage for themselves and their employees. We look forward to working with the administration to implement the new rules.

IFDA Applauds President Trump for Signing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

IFDA applauds President Trump for signing legislation into law that represents the largest reduction in business tax rates in our nation’s history to bring much needed relief to American businesses. Now foodservice distributors, who currently pay an effective tax rate of 37%, can keep more of what they earn. A tax reduction of this magnitude will allow our member companies to use the savings to invest in growing their businesses, creating jobs, and giving back to their communities.

Leading Foodservice Companies Share Call-to-Action for Complete and Accurate Data

In a letter shared with trading partners, 17 leading foodservice organizations co-signed an industry call-to-action to commit to complete and accurate data for both food and non-food products.

IFDA Webinar Delivers Insight on 2018 Business Strategy

No one can predict the future, but ITR Economics Senior Analyst Alex Chausovsky can get pretty close when it comes to the U.S. economy. An IFDA members-only webinar offers details.