In the food and beverage industry, it is all about knowing and learning from the right people to create a successful business. Networking is one of the best ways to get to know professionals in your industry and related fields. Many individuals within the CPG space are members of these groups for a variety of reasons including expanding their professional circles and staying up to date on industry news and trends.
FMI
The Food Marketing Institute is a trade group that exists to bring together retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers to network and collaborate, as well as support the overall initiative to feed families and enrich lives. They offer a variety of programs to join from their FMI Emerge that helps emerging brands, retailers and experts to develop partnerships that could help to increase retail distribution, grow revenue, and get more space on the shelf for your brand.
Visit Website: https://www.fmi.org/
Network of Executive Women
The Network of Executive Women has thousands of members from 950 various companies, spanning between 21 regions and 100 corporate partners within retail, consumer goods, and more. Members have access to variety of benefits: a networking community, leadership development, access to conferences, regional events, and more. Women can apply for membership as an individual or with their company as a corporate partner.
Visit Website: https://www.newonline.org/
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
The Institute of Food Technologists gathers food professionals and technologists to collaborate, learn, and contribute innovative solutions grounded in science in order to benefit the world. Members gain access to many benefits including in-depth research data resources and networking opportunities to help them become stronger food professionals and contribute to the future of food. The IFT community gathers over 15,000 global members in over a hundred different countries to help advance the future global food system.
Visit Website: https://www.ift.org/
National Grocers Association
The National Grocers Association is the national trade association for retail and wholesale grocers in the independent division of the food distribution industry. The association represents over 20,000 different stores and has helped contribute 25 percent of the retail grocery industry sales. The groups offer a variety of benefits for these independent individuals from government relations to trainings. Each member has access to tools for their own individualized and unique needs.
Visit Website: https://www.nationalgrocers.org/
Consumer Brands Association
This organization represents many leading food, beverage, and consumer products companies. This group has many services for its members, from access to regulatory and technical affairs to commercial engagement and industry events. They offer three types of memberships: ‘Manufacturer Member’ designated to makers of the products, ‘Solution Partner’ for resourceful companies like technology and service providers, and ‘Product Partner’ for companies that support the CPG industry.
Visit Website: https://consumerbrandsassociation.org/
Category Management Association
The Category Management Association is a professional group that has members with various backgrounds within the CPG world from retailers to manufacturers and universities. The association has over 8,000 members from companies all over the globe–a few of the most prominent brands being Hershey’s and Coca Cola. Their benefits include job postings, networking events, and learning opportunities.
Visit Website: https://www.catman.global/
Not sure which one to join? We can help you decide!
