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ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FOUNDATIONS. FUTURES.

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Page 1: FOUNDATIONS. FUTURES. - Friends of Frozen Food Bakus AFFI Chair of the Board ... and state regulators to ensure inspection practices are based on FDA ... ALL FORMS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

FOUNDATIONS. FUTURES.

Page 2: FOUNDATIONS. FUTURES. - Friends of Frozen Food Bakus AFFI Chair of the Board ... and state regulators to ensure inspection practices are based on FDA ... ALL FORMS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

It feels like yesterday when I logged my first day at the helm of the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI). Seven years later, it was with mixed emotions that I informed the AFFI Board of Directors of my intent to resign as president and CEO at the end of 2015.

I take enormous pride in the many bonds and friendships I formed during my tenure at

AFFI, as well as all that we have accomplished through the efforts of a great team and the support of an engaged membership in forging a foundation for AFFI’s future.

We have enhanced AFFI’s effectiveness in advancing the public policy interests of its members and addressing many of the most pressing challenges confronting the frozen food and beverage category. We have assembled and led several prominent alliances and coalitions, cultivated stronger relationships in Congress and key federal agencies, and grown our political action committee more than seven-fold.

Along the way, AFFI played a lead role in securing the adoption of major new food safety and child nutrition laws, including the Food Safety Modernization Act and Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. In fact, AFFI continues to be a leader in shaping their implementation and assisting members of the entire food and beverage community to understand and comply with these landmark laws.

AFFI has on several occasions prevented attempts by the administration to impose new fees and taxes on frozen food and beverage production and distribution facilities. We also advanced the cause of parity for frozen foods in federal feeding programs by securing the creation

of a pilot project to expand a popular school fruit and vegetable snack program to include all forms of produce, including frozen.

We significantly bolstered AFFI’s role in promoting the many positive attributes of frozen food and beverage products with consumers, key opinion leaders and policy makers through initiatives such as the nutritional comparison studies commissioned by the Frozen Food Foundation and the FROZEN. HOW FRESH STAYS FRESH.® category promotion campaign.

We enriched the value our members derive from AFFI by improving and growing AFFI’s conferences and delivering best-in-class programs and tools. The continued growth of the AFFI Frozen Food Convention and the AFFI Advantage Partner Program serve as examples of AFFI’s ongoing commitment to delivering value to our members and helping to enhance their bottom line.

Importantly, we have positioned AFFI for continued success by populating our board and councils with many of the industry’s most capable leaders in their respective fields of expertise, and by investing in a number of important strategic initiatives including last year’s rebranding of the Institute.

I have enjoyed and valued my time with AFFI and depart knowing the Institute and the industry it represents are poised for continued success. I leave AFFI in the very capable hands of a committed board and dedicated staff, whom I’m confident will build upon our strong foundation and plot a sound course for AFFI’s future.

With best wishes,

Kraig R. Naasz AFFI CEO

DEAR AFFI MEMBER

Kraig R. Naasz CEO

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Under the guidance of AFFI’s Board of Directors, we continue to make enormous strides in serving the business and public policy needs of our diverse and growing membership. In fact, AFFI has added more than 120 new members over the past three years, with 41 new members in 2015.

As the only national trade association representing all aspects of the frozen food and beverage industry supply chain, from manufacturers and distributors to suppliers and packagers, AFFI is uniquely positioned to identify and address the challenges and opportunities that exist at today’s intersection of business and government.

We are proud of our accomplishments in 2015 and invite you to review this Annual Report, which highlights the Institute’s many successes over the past year that saw AFFI:

• Embark on a dedicated Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) strategy due to an increase in the number of state regulatory agencies testing for Lm in frozen foods and the need for clear, science-based guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration;

• Persuade Congress to introduce legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives that will enable elementary schools to serve a full range of healthy fruit and vegetable snacks, including frozen;

• Activate a new FROZEN. HOW FRESH STAYS FRESH.® initiative to educate policymakers and key opinion leaders about the beneficial role of frozen food in the American diet and to help shape our nation’s food and nutrition policies; and

• Facilitate the business-to-business networking needs of our members through conferences and member services such as the AFFI Frozen Food Convention.

As we reflect on the achievements of 2015 and the accomplishments of our predecessors, I would like to personally thank outgoing AFFI CEO Kraig Naasz on his accomplishments on behalf of our industry. As AFFI transitions to new leadership in the coming year, we continue to benefit from the solid foundation AFFI has built for its bright future.

Paul Bakus AFFI Chair of the Board

DEAR AFFI MEMBER

Paul Bakus Chair

AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 2015 1

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AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 20152

AFFI serves as both the chief advocate and voice of the frozen food and beverage sector. Throughout 2015, AFFI led efforts to shape and secure major new food safety and child nutrition laws. In addition, AFFI played a central role in efforts to write or reform laws and regulations affecting immigration, international trade, labor, logistics and transportation policy.

FOOD SAFETYFood safety has long been a core AFFI focus. This year, we redoubled that focus as we engaged state and federal regulators on a range of food safety issues to help them develop common-sense regulations supported by science and capable of achieving outcomes that protect and benefit consumers.

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)AFFI embarked on a dedicated Lm strategy due to an increase in the number of state regulatory agencies testing for Lm in frozen foods. A key objective in AFFI’s Lm strategy is aggressive engagement of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state regulators to ensure inspection practices are based on FDA guidance that recognizes the unique safety benefits of frozen food.

Specifically, AFFI participated in FDA’s Food Advisory Committee (FAC) meeting on the presence of Lm in foods. AFFI’s testimony highlighted the long-standing efforts of the frozen food industry to decrease the incidence of Lm, including scientific validation of blanching.

AFFI was also instrumental in preparing the Alliance for Listeriosis Prevention’s (ALP) comments that were shared during the FAC meeting.

Prior to the public meeting, AFFI met with FDA to discuss state retail Lm testing of frozen vegetables, the distinction between not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) vs. ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and environmental monitoring. AFFI also shared its Lm strategy and initiatives with FDA.

In addition, AFFI convened meetings with state departments of agriculture to discuss AFFI’s concerns with retail sampling by state authorities that have tested positive for Lm.

The Lm policy that emerges from FDA in 2016 will have a profound impact on how AFFI members conduct their business. FDA Lm guidance will heavily influence the oversight and inspection priorities of 50 state regulatory agencies. AFFI’s Lm work this year has been considerable and with AFFI’s Lm Strategic Plan in place, the momentum will continue into the future.

AFFI ADVOCATES

AFFI’S Lm STRATEGIC PLAN WILL:• Demonstrate, through a quantitative risk assessment, that frozen foods are generally safe

products and represent among the lowest risks for foodborne Lm.• Verify that blanching provides a strong level of food safety assurance.• Equip AFFI members with the tools and systems to further reduce and limit the presence of Lm.

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AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 2015 3

ALL FORMS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLESAFFI played a lead role in persuading Congress to introduce legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives that will enable elementary schools to serve a full range of healthy fruit and vegetable snacks. Both pieces of legislation would expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fruit and Vegetable Program to allow schools to serve all forms of fruit and vegetables as snacks, including frozen.

AFFI and the Produce for Better Health Foundation conducted research that measures how language used in government policy documents impact consumer perception and intent to purchase various forms of fruits and vegetables.

As Congress and government agencies consider ways to promote the consumption of all forms of fruits and vegetables, including frozen, the research shows the importance of ensuring government guidelines include language that makes a positive impact on consumers’ perceptions of the healthfulness of all forms of fruits and vegetables.

GMO LABELINGConsistent with AFFI’s longstanding support for national uniformity in food labeling, AFFI and its allies were successful in convincing the U.S. House of Representatives to introduce legislation that preempts state-level efforts to enact mandatory GMO labeling by empowering FDA to create a uniform, national labeling program.

COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING (COOL)Congress heeded AFFI’s calls for a full repeal of COOL for certain meat and poultry cuts that ultimately protected U.S. frozen food and beverage makers from costly retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico, America’s two largest export markets.

U.S. EGG SHORTAGEIn response to avian influenza in a number of U.S. egg farms and commercial poultry flocks adversely impacting egg production and supply, AFFI raised concern with House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and raised AFFI member concerns with both FDA and USDA. In addition, AFFI participated in food industry coalition meetings and explored collaborative efforts to work with other associations to address the issue.

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Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) (right) visits with The Schwan Food Company’s Vice President of Government and Community Affairs Alan Poff (left) and Chef Craig Claude (center).

Rep. Scott Garret (R-N.J.) samples farfalle pasta made with frozen peas from National Frozen Foods.

Left to right: Tom Madden and Mary Tutterow of Rite Stuff Foods, Larry Cope of Clear Springs Foods, Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cally Grindstaff of Clear Springs Foods and Ian Tolleson of the Northwest Food Processors Association pose during their congressional office visit.

Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) (right) converses with attendees during the 2015 Frozen Food Filibuster.

NGA’s 2015 best bagger David Tochinskiy (center) goes head to head against Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) (left) in the 2015 NGA Best Bagger Congressional Showdown.

Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) meets with Karl Baer (left) and Ed Flanagan (right) of Jasper Wyman & Son.

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Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)AFFI led a 60-member strong alliance of food makers in advocating for sufficient funding for FSMA through the appropriations process rather than through new taxes or proposed regulatory fees. AFFI was successful in ensuring Congress passed a spending and tax extender package that included increased funding for FDA’s food safety activities, including implementation of FSMA, without new industry fees.

AFFI was also successful in helping FDA shape the agency’s FSMA Final Rules on produce safety, foreign supplier verification, accredited third-party certification and preventive controls for human food and animal feed.

FSMA Self-Assessment ToolMore than 75 AFFI members and their suppliers have deployed this one-of-a-kind online tool to assess their FSMA readiness and understand how new FSMA rules will impact their operations.

FROZEN FOOD FILIBUSTERThe 2015 Frozen Food Filibuster was held at the Library of Congress’ historic Madison Building. AFFI members were joined by more than 500 congressional lawmakers, agency officials and staff to sample premier frozen foods and learn more about the frozen food and beverage community, our issues and the value of our products.

The Filibuster once again featured the National Grocers Association’s (NGA) Best Bagger Congressional Showdown. David Tochinskiy of Rosauers Supermarkets in Spokane, Wash., was crowned the 2015 national best bagger at the NGA Show, and faced off in a head-to-head competition with U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.).

Special thanks to those AFFI member companies and allied associations who provided the food, beverages and support that made the Filibuster a huge success.

• Clear Springs Foods, Inc.• General Mills, Inc.• Jasper Wyman

& Son Inc.• The Kellogg Co.• McCain Foods USA, Inc.• National Beer

Wholesalers Association

• National Frozen Foods Corp.

• Nestlé USA, Inc.• Palermo Villa, Inc.• Pepsico Inc.• Sargento Foods Inc.• The Schwan

Food Company

• J.R. Simplot Co.• Tyson Foods, Inc.• Wawona Frozen

Foods, Inc.• Wine and Spirits

Wholesalers of America

GOVERNMENT ACTION SUMMITAFFI member companies gathered Sept. 29–Oct. 1 in the nation’s capital for the 2015 Government Action Summit to take advantage of the unique opportunity the Summit offers for gaining insights into the political and policy matters most important to the frozen food and beverage community.

AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 2015 5

AFFI ADVOCATES

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AFFI continuously seeks to provide its members with the tools, information and expertise to understand and navigate the unique business and operational challenges facing the frozen food and beverage industry. In 2015, through a series of initiatives, we expanded and sharpened AFFI’s work to keep our members up to date on the latest food safety, regulatory and policy developments.

AFFI EDUCATION WEBINAR SERIESAFFI’s monthly educational webinar series attracted more than 600 participants, a 20 percent increase from 2015. This comprehensive series, featuring leading experts, helped AFFI members understand and comply with various food safety requirements and policy changes.

FOOD SAFETY PREVENTIVE CONTROLS FORUMAFFI, in partnership with the Midwest Food Processors Association, hosted the third annual Food Safety Preventive Controls Forum in Lake Geneva, Wisc. The Food Safety Forum provided attendees with critical guidance on controlling microbial hazards and how Food Safety Modernization Act requirements can be blended into existing in-plant food safety programs.

FROZEN FOOD ECONOMYAFFI commissioned a study that found the frozen food and beverage industry contributed $56 billion to U.S. GDP and accounted for 670,000 jobs across 49 states. AFFI’s Frozen Food Economy tool compiles the results of the study and allows AFFI members to access comprehensive reports on the industry’s impact on the broader U.S. economy, as well as its contribution to the economies of individual states and U.S. congressional districts.

AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 20156

AFFI EDUCATES

Page 9: FOUNDATIONS. FUTURES. - Friends of Frozen Food Bakus AFFI Chair of the Board ... and state regulators to ensure inspection practices are based on FDA ... ALL FORMS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 2015 7

Frozen Food Sales$53 BILLION

670,000 Jobs Nationwide

Direct Jobs: 160,000

Calif.: 49,000Wash.: 33,400Texas: 29,200Ill.: 26,000Ohio: 25,400

Tax Revenue $11.3 BILLION

Indirect Jobs: 510,000

Value added: $11 BILLION

Employment: 160,000

Labor Income: $8 BILLION

THE FROZEN FOOD ECONOMY

DIRECT, INDIRECT, AND INDUCED EMPLOYMENT EFFECTS OF THE FROZEN FOOD INDUSTRY

FROZEN FOODJOB produces3.35 JOBS ELSEWHERE

STATES WITH HIGHEST EMPLOYMENT

IMPACTS FROM FROZEN FOOD

INDUSTRY

DIRECT IMPACT OF FROZENFOOD MANUFACTURING

FROZEN FOODS ARE NUTRITIOUSDaily menus met more than 90% of most primary nutrition targets.

FROZEN FOODS ARE A REAL VALUEMenu costs fell within USDA’s Moderate Cost Plan of $59.70 PER WEEK.

FROZEN FOODS PROVIDEWELL-BALANCED OPTIONSAll food groups are well representedin the frozen food aisle.

FROZEN FOODS ARE A SENSIBLE CHOICE“Better-for-you” options are available in the frozenfood aisle to make it easier for consumers tocontrol intakes of calories, fat, sugar,saturated fat and sodium.

A WEEKLY MENU COMPRISED OF 95% FROZEN FOODS ACHIEVES GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONSResults from menu modeling show that realistic, balanced and affordable menus featuring mostly frozen foods can meet energy, nutrient and cost goals based on recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPlate and USDA’s Moderate Cost Food Plan.

FOODGROUPS

GrainsVegetablesFruitsDairyProtein

MY PLATEGOALS

6 ounces2.5 cups2 cups3 cups5.5 ounces

FROZEN FOODMEAL PLAN

6.5 ounces2.5 cups2.2 cups1.9 cups5.4 ounces

ACHIEVE THE DIETARY GUIDELINESFOR AMERICANS WITH FROZEN FOODSAmericans are striving for nutritious and affordable meal options that are easy to prepare. To evaluate the feasibility, nutritional value and affordability of a weekly menu consisting primarily of frozen foods, menu modeling was used to bring recommended U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food patterns to life with frozen foods.

TO ACCESS THE FULL REPORT AND THE MEAL PLAN, PLEASE V IS IT HOWFRESHSTAYSFRESH.COM

26gFIBER

106% ofDaily Value*

3,219 mgVPOTASSIUM

92% ofDaily Value*

5,483 IUVITAMIN A

109% ofDaily Value*

Nature’sPauseButton

* Percent Daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Today’s Dietitian November 2015 Supplement: “Menu Modeling Demonstrates Feasibility, Nutritional Value and Affordability of Frozen Foods”

DAILY COST $8.52 WEEKLY COST $59.66

Page 10: FOUNDATIONS. FUTURES. - Friends of Frozen Food Bakus AFFI Chair of the Board ... and state regulators to ensure inspection practices are based on FDA ... ALL FORMS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 20158

Frozen Food Sales$53 BILLION

670,000 Jobs Nationwide

Direct Jobs: 160,000

Calif.: 49,000Wash.: 33,400Texas: 29,200Ill.: 26,000Ohio: 25,400

Tax Revenue $11.3 BILLION

Indirect Jobs: 510,000

Value added: $11 BILLION

Employment: 160,000

Labor Income: $8 BILLION

THE FROZEN FOOD ECONOMY

DIRECT, INDIRECT, AND INDUCED EMPLOYMENT EFFECTS OF THE FROZEN FOOD INDUSTRY

FROZEN FOODJOB produces3.35 JOBS ELSEWHERE

STATES WITH HIGHEST EMPLOYMENT

IMPACTS FROM FROZEN FOOD

INDUSTRY

DIRECT IMPACT OF FROZENFOOD MANUFACTURING

FROZEN FOODS ARE NUTRITIOUSDaily menus met more than 90% of most primary nutrition targets.

FROZEN FOODS ARE A REAL VALUEMenu costs fell within USDA’s Moderate Cost Plan of $59.70 PER WEEK.

FROZEN FOODS PROVIDEWELL-BALANCED OPTIONSAll food groups are well representedin the frozen food aisle.

FROZEN FOODS ARE A SENSIBLE CHOICE“Better-for-you” options are available in the frozenfood aisle to make it easier for consumers tocontrol intakes of calories, fat, sugar,saturated fat and sodium.

A WEEKLY MENU COMPRISED OF 95% FROZEN FOODS ACHIEVES GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONSResults from menu modeling show that realistic, balanced and affordable menus featuring mostly frozen foods can meet energy, nutrient and cost goals based on recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPlate and USDA’s Moderate Cost Food Plan.

FOODGROUPS

GrainsVegetablesFruitsDairyProtein

MY PLATEGOALS

6 ounces2.5 cups2 cups3 cups5.5 ounces

FROZEN FOODMEAL PLAN

6.5 ounces2.5 cups2.2 cups1.9 cups5.4 ounces

ACHIEVE THE DIETARY GUIDELINESFOR AMERICANS WITH FROZEN FOODSAmericans are striving for nutritious and affordable meal options that are easy to prepare. To evaluate the feasibility, nutritional value and affordability of a weekly menu consisting primarily of frozen foods, menu modeling was used to bring recommended U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food patterns to life with frozen foods.

TO ACCESS THE FULL REPORT AND THE MEAL PLAN, PLEASE V IS IT HOWFRESHSTAYSFRESH.COM

26gFIBER

106% ofDaily Value*

3,219 mgVPOTASSIUM

92% ofDaily Value*

5,483 IUVITAMIN A

109% ofDaily Value*

Nature’sPauseButton

* Percent Daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Today’s Dietitian November 2015 Supplement: “Menu Modeling Demonstrates Feasibility, Nutritional Value and Affordability of Frozen Foods”

DAILY COST $8.52 WEEKLY COST $59.66

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AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 2015 9

FROZEN FOOD MEAL PLANAFFI revealed through menu modeling that realistic, balanced and affordable menus featuring mostly frozen foods can meet energy, nutrient and cost goals based on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, USDA’s MyPlate and USDA’s Moderate Cost Food Plan.

To demonstrate how frozen foods can fit into the American diet, an AFFI white paper outlines a menu for one week that is 95 percent comprised of frozen foods. All major food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy, are well represented throughout the menu. The total cost per week is $59.66 or $8.52 per day, which falls within USDA’s Moderate Cost Food Plan.

AFFI published its results in Today’s Dietitian November 2015 Supplement: “Menu Modeling Demonstrates the Feasibility, Nutritional Value and Affordability of Frozen Foods.”

INTERNATIONAL TRADE REGULATION DATABASEAFFI launched the AFFI Trade and Regulatory Database, a unique online tool designed to help AFFI members navigate global regulatory policies that affect the trade of frozen fruit and vegetable products worldwide. AFFI members can analyze food safety requirements in Canada, Chile, China, Codex, the European Union, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico and South Korea.

AFFI EDUCATES

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AFFI COMMUNICATESAFFI spearheaded efforts throughout the year to promote the positive attributes of frozen food and engaged key audiences and opinion leaders on a diverse range of issues, including federal funding for food safety initiatives and parity in federal feeding programs.

MEDIA AND CONSUMER OUTREACHAFFI’s advocacy efforts on a diverse range of key policy and regulatory issues were regularly spotlighted in major national media outlets and notable industry and inside-the-Beltway publications, including Politico and Food Chemical News.

FROZEN. HOW FRESH STAYS FRESH.®AFFI continues to utilize its FROZEN. HOW FRESH STAYS FRESH.platform in support of AFFI’s ongoing public affairs and advocacy efforts on behalf of the frozen food and beverage sector.

FROZEN FOOD FOUNDATIONThe Frozen Food Foundation, along with the Canned Food Alliance and Can Manufacturers Institute, hosted an all forms of fruits and vegetables luncheon to promote the nutritional benefits of all forms of fruits and vegetables, including frozen and canned, and to encourage their inclusion in federal feeding and nutrition programs.

Nearly 50 key congressional staff, federal agency personnel from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, key influencers, such as the American Heart Association, and inside-the-Beltway press were in attendance.

University of Georgia (UGA) Associate Professor Dr. Ronald B. Pegg shared the results of the Foundation’s nutrition comparison project, which demonstrates that frozen fruits and vegetables are as rich in nutrients, and often more so, than their fresh counterparts.

In addition to Dr. Pegg, Dr. Elizabeth Pivonka of the Produce for Better Health Foundation discussed the important role all forms of fruits and vegetables, whether fresh, frozen, canned, dried or 100 percent juice can play in building and maintaining healthy and sustainable eating habits.

Attendees enjoyed meals comprised of a variety of frozen and canned ingredients that showcased their versatility and practicality in preparing nutritious meals that meet federal guidelines.UGA Associate Professor Dr. Ronald Pegg shares the results of

the Foundation’s nutrition comparison research during the all forms luncheon.

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SOCIAL MEDIAFOOD QUALITY NEWS @FoodQualityNews “AFFI implores Congress to reject new food taxes but give FDA ‘appropriate’ funding FY 2017 @FriendsofFrozen”PEW HEALTH @pewhealth “Let’s give FDA funds it needs for food safety! @FriendsofFrozen, 60+ groups agree in letter to officials”TODAY’S DIETITIAN @TodaysDietitian “Check out our special digital supplement on the benefits of frozen foods via @FriendsofFrozen”YAHOO FOOD @YahooFood retweeted @frozenfoodfacts“Time-pressed and looking for a quick meal with quality ingredients? Look to the frozen food aisle!”

FRIENDS OF FROZEN FOODAFFI enhanced its social media presence and reputation as a trusted source of information on frozen foods and the issues that impact frozen food and beverage makers. Throughout 2015, AFFI utilized its Friends of Frozen Food Advocacy tool and urged its members to write their members of Congress to take action on a range of critical policy issues. AFFI members were asked to convey the industry’s stance on issues such as country-of-origin labeling, trade expansion, highway funding and the inclusion of frozen fruits and vegetables in a federal school snack program.

FDA Gives Farmers a Break from Preventive Controls“The American Frozen Food Institute praised FDA for its collaborative process in developing the regulation and said it was helping its members prepare for and comply with the new food safety paradigm created by FSMA.”

Treasures of Frozen Produce“The Frozen Food Foundation conducted studies with the University of California–Davis and the University of Georgia to compare the nutrient content of fresh and frozen produce. ‘Both studies reveal that frozen fruits and vegetables are just as rich in nutrients as fresh, and often more so,’ says Adrienne Seiling, executive director for the Frozen Food Foundation.”

U.S. Bans Trans Fat“[Trans fat] alternatives may not meet consumer expectation for pie crusts, according to comments from the American Frozen Food Institute filed after the FDA first proposed banning trans fat in 2013.”

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AFFI CONVENESAFFI creates opportunities for business-to-business meetings and professional networking. Throughout 2015, AFFI hosted a number of events designed for its members to engage and network with other businesses and industry professionals, learn from leading industry and business experts and advance their business interests.

AFFI-CON 2015The AFFI Frozen Food Convention (AFFI-CON) welcomed more than 1,400 industry professionals from all sectors of the frozen food and beverage industry to Anaheim, Calif., to take part in the industry’s premier networking and educational gathering.

Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and Mandalay Entertainment Group founder, Chairman and CEO Peter Guber entertained and informed delegates as the featured speaker at the AFFI Annual Meeting and Keynote Breakfast.

Convention delegates also participated in an array of education sessions on critical industry trends and topics. Distinguished speakers and expert-led panels explored Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) implementation, updated school nutrition requirements and cold chain issues affecting the industry.

FOOD LOGISTICS FORUMThe 2015 Food Logistics Forum (FLF) held in Incline Village, Nev., provided attendees with expert advice and valuable information on a variety of export and import transportation issues, including labor negotiations at West Coast port terminals, FSMA regulations and warehouse efficiency programs.

Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and Mandalay Entertainment Group founder, Chairman and CEO Peter Guber delivered the keynote address during the AFFI Annual Meeting and Keynote Breakfast.

AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 201512

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AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 2015 13

FOOD & BEVERAGE ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCEThe 45th Food & Beverage Environmental Conference (FBEC) held in Point Clear, Ala., brought together environmental managers from food and beverage companies to share their experiences with sustainable practices, environmental compliance and new technologies and approaches.

Attendees participated in a variety of environmental education sessions including water reuse, waste reduction and corporate sustainability.

EXPANDING AFFI MEMBER SERVICESIn 2015, AFFI unveiled a host of new tools and updated services to enhance its effectiveness and create even greater value for its members. AFFI welcomed 41 new members in 2015, including 10 frozen food processors, eight international processors, 17 associate members and six retail and food service members.

AFFI ADVANTAGE PARTNER PROGRAMAFFI associate members deliver valuable products and services in support of the frozen food and beverage industry. The AFFI Advantage Partner Program delivers exclusive benefits to select associate members to help them build their business.

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AFFI STAFF LIST

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Joseph ClaytonInterim President [email protected]

Kathleen R. GrecoChief Administrative [email protected]

REGULATORY & TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

Dr. Donna GarrenSenior Vice President of Regulatory and Technical [email protected]

Dr. Sanjay GummallaVice President of Regulatory and Technical [email protected]

Emma GregoryManager of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, [email protected]

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Kelly PoulsenVice President of Government [email protected]

Gordon SpeedVice President of Government [email protected]

FINANCE

Tom KearneyChief Financial [email protected]

Karim KadrieDirector of [email protected]

AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 201514

CONFERENCES AND MEMBER SERVICES

Brynn HorneVice President of Member [email protected]

Kaitlyn PalatucciVice President of [email protected]

COMMUNICATIONS

Adrienne SeilingVice President of [email protected]

Ron DavisManager of Communications and Government [email protected]

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AFFI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2015–2016 OFFICERSCHAIRPaul BakusNestlé USA, Inc.

VICE CHAIRLarry CopeClear Springs Foods, Inc.

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRDave YandaLakeside Foods, Inc

2015–2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORSRicardo J. AlvarezRaymundos Food Group

Rick AndersonLittle Lady Foods

Robert E. AshmunNational Frozen Foods Corp.

Michele BushKraft Heinz Co.

Paul DiGenovaBonduelle North America

Mark DunnJ.R. Simplot Co.

Wesley EubanksThe Pictsweet Co.

Greg EvansMcCain Foods USA, Inc.

Angelo FalluccaPalermo Villa, Inc.

Stan FirestoneFirestone Pacific Foods, Inc.

Ed FlanaganJasper Wyman & Son, Inc.

Brad HiranagaGeneral Mills, Inc.

Steve LezmanTropicana Products, Inc.

Sara LilygrenTyson Foods, Inc.

Andrew LoucksThe Kellogg Co.

Tom MaddenRites Stuff Foods, Inc.

Rob McCutcheonConAgra Foods, Inc.

Mike McEvoySargento Foods Inc.

David MooreSuperior Foods, Inc.

Joe PacinelliBetter Baked Foods, Inc.

Mark SchillerPinnacle Foods Group

George SmithNORPAC Foods, Inc.

Jeff VarcoeThe Schwan Food Company

AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 2015 15

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AFFI: FINANCIAL OVERVIEW*

FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015

* Figures are estimated and unaudited.

OPERATING REVENUE Membership Dues 44% Management Fees 25% Conferences 22%Strategic Reserves 6%

Investments 2% Affinity Programs 1%

Total Operating Revenue 100%

OPERATING EXPENSES Government Affairs 44% Conferences 17% Communications 16% Administration 15% Member Services 8%

Total Operating Expenses 100%

AFFI OVERVIEW■ Total Revenue $6.4 million■ Total Expenses $6.4 million■ Reserves $3.4 million

7

6

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4

3

2

1

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AMERICAN FROZEN FOOD INSTITUTE | Annual Report 201516

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THE FOLLOWING FROZEN FOODPAC CONTRIBUTORS GAVE $250 OR MORE DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE 2016 ELECTION CYCLE:

AFFI StaffBonduelle North America Inc.Clear Springs Foods, Inc.Firestone Pacific Foods, Inc.Hogan Lovells US LLPJ.R. Simplot CoJasper Wyman & Son, Inc.JEM Innovations LLC

Lakeside Foods, Inc.NORPAC Foods, Inc.Palermo Villa, Inc.Pepsico, Inc.Rite Stuff Foods, Inc.Sargento Foods Inc.The Schwan Food Co.Wawona Frozen Foods

Thanks to the generous support from contributors, the FROZEN FOODPAC garnered more than $48,000 during the first year of the 2016 election cycle, helping support 26 candidates. The continued support of our members allows AFFI to cultivate strong relationships with lawmakers who can be counted on to champion the public policy objectives of the frozen food and beverage community.

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) (center) poses with fellow Wisconsinites (from left to right) Angelo Fallucca of Palermo Villa, Barbara Gannon of Sargento Foods, Dave Yanda of Lakeside Foods and Nick George of the Midwest Food Processors Association during an event in support of the FROZEN FOODPAC.

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2000 CORPORATE RIDGE | SUITE 1000 | MCLEAN, VIRGINIA 22102 | 703-821-0770 | FAX 703-821-1350

American Frozen Food Institute @FriendsofFrozen www.affi.org