IFDA outlines goals as independent entity

The newly independent International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) has outlined its vision and goals for serving the interests of foodservice distributors. IFDA officially became a freestanding organization Jan 1, 2003, after the merger of the wholesale grocer division of Food Distributors International with the Food Marketing Institute.

John Gray, president and chief executive officer of IFDA, said the group is focusing on four core priorities:

• Strengthening the visibility of foodservice distributors on Capitol Hill.

• Building connections within the foodservice industry. IFDA will strengthen existing programs that provide interaction between distribution peers and others in the supply channel.

• Providing research at both the tactical and strategic level. IFDA plans to pursue highly focused research in various operational discipline areas-including logistics, information technology, human resources, and food safety/security — and to publish this research online. In addition, IFDA will continue long-term strategic research.

• Pressing for standards that provide efficiency and traceability within the foodservice supply channel.

Further establishing its new identity, IFDA has developed a new logo and launched its new web site, www.ifdaonline.org. Its headquarters remain in Falls Church VA, and all contact information will remain the same.