FMI – The Food Industry Association

Background

FMI – The Food Industry Association is a leading trade organization representing the U.S. food industry, encompassing approximately 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies. Established in 1977 through the merger of the Super Market Institute and the National Association of Food Chains, FMI has evolved to address the dynamic needs of the food sector. In January 2020, the organization rebranded to FMI – The Food Industry Association, reflecting its commitment to a broader representation of the food marketplace and a more interconnected supply chain.

Key Strategic Focus

FMI's strategic priorities are centered around:

Advocacy: Serving as the central voice of the food industry, FMI engages with legislative and regulatory bodies to address issues affecting its members.

Collaboration: Providing a forum for industry dialogue, FMI facilitates connections among retailers, suppliers, and service providers to share best practices and solve industry challenges.

Education: Offering extensive research, insights, and educational resources to prepare and propel members and their employees forward.

Financials and Funding

FMI operates as a non-profit organization, primarily funded through membership dues, events, and educational programs. Additionally, FMI maintains a political action committee (PAC), known as FOODPAC, to support its advocacy efforts. In the 2023-2024 election cycle, FOODPAC raised $205,025 and spent $198,001, with contributions distributed to both Democratic and Republican candidates.

Technological Platform and Innovation

FMI leverages a diverse technology stack to support its operations and member services, including:

Google Hosted Libraries: Enhancing web performance and reliability.

XRegExp: Providing advanced regular expression capabilities for data processing.

Office 365: Facilitating collaboration and communication among staff and members.

SharpSpring: Managing marketing automation and customer relationship management.

Kendo UI: Delivering rich user interfaces for web applications.

Nginx: Ensuring efficient web server performance.

Leadership Team

Leslie G. Sarasin: President and Chief Executive Officer. Sarasin has led FMI since 2008, bringing extensive experience in association management and public policy.

Joe Sheridan: Chairman of the Board of Directors; President and Chief Operating Officer of Wakefern Food Corp. Sheridan has been instrumental in guiding FMI's strategic direction and expanding its membership base.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The U.S. food industry is a substantial sector, with FMI representing an $800 billion industry that employs nearly 6 million individuals. The market is characterized by evolving consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and increasing emphasis on sustainability and health.

Competitor Analysis

Consumer Brands Association (CBA): Formerly the Grocery Manufacturers Association, CBA represents consumer packaged goods manufacturers, including food, beverage, household, and personal care products.

Food and Drink Federation (FDF): A UK-based trade association representing food and drink manufacturers, focusing on health and wellbeing, food safety, and sustainability.

American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI): Represents the frozen food industry, advocating for policies and providing research and education to its members.

National Grocers Association (NGA): Represents independent retail and wholesale grocers, focusing on advocacy, education, and networking opportunities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

FMI collaborates with various organizations to strengthen its market position and enhance its capabilities:

Food Waste Reduction Alliance (FWRA): A joint effort with the Consumer Brands Association and the National Restaurant Association to reduce food waste, donate more food to those in need, and recycle unavoidable food waste.

SmartLabel Initiative: Partnering with the Consumer Brands Association, this platform provides detailed product information to consumers, enhancing transparency and trust.

Operational Insights

FMI's strategic considerations include:

Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers to influence legislation and regulations affecting the food industry.

Education: Providing research and educational resources to help members navigate industry challenges and opportunities.

Collaboration: Facilitating dialogue and partnerships among industry stakeholders to address common issues and drive innovation.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

FMI is poised to capitalize on several strategic opportunities:

Private Brands Growth: With over 80% of food retailers and manufacturers planning to increase investment in private brands, FMI can support members through research, best practices, and collaborative initiatives.

E-commerce Expansion: As online grocery shopping continues to grow, FMI can assist members in enhancing their digital presence and e-commerce capabilities.

Sustainability Initiatives: Addressing rising environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations by promoting sustainable practices within the industry.