FAQ IFMA’s Long-Range Plan for 2024-2027

Frequently Asked Questions 

How does IFMA set its long-range goals? 

IFMA, like most nonprofit trade associations, sets long-term goals every few years to ensure that members’ needs are understood and association goals are directed to meet those needs. Our last long-range plan ran from 2018-2020 and was extended by the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

To build the new plan, we sought feedback from our members, board, Foodservice Leadership Councils (FLCs), and industry stakeholders; analyzed data from across the industry ; conducted in-depth interviews; and consulted with industry experts to create a picture of the future of the industry. We used this feedback to identify how IFMA can best continue to serve our members and the industry in which we serve. We have been developing our new plan for about 18 months in conjunction with several board strike teams and with the support and facilitation of management consultancy, Kinetic12. It will run from 2024-2027. 

What is in the plan? 

The plan will be officially released in November 2023 at the annual IFMA Presidents Conference after the full IFMA board of directors votes on its approval. 

For now, we can share that through the development and adoption of our new long-range plan, IFMA has confirmed a new Purpose Statement for our organization: To empower, nurture, and connect the food-away-from-home ecosystem so it may thrive and responsibly meet consumer needs. 

Four Key Strategies for our future have been identified: 

1. Lead the Food-Away-From-Home Industry: Create and lead a cross-industry ecosystem of companies/associations/partners to build industry alignment, transparency, and engagement. 
2. Grow Membership & Member Value: Build a new membership and fundraising model, and value proposition, to broaden ecosystem involvement, connectivity, and influence. 
3. Drive Cross-Industry Engagement: Leverage the industry ecosystem to enhance and engage with IFMA's programs and services and lead solutions to critical industry issues. 
4. Transform the Brand: Refine and strengthen IFMA brand to increase awareness and engagement with the association, its product portfolio, and membership. 

More information will be released after Presidents Conference with additional details being posted in January when the plan goes into effect. 

How will this impact current IFMA members? 

IFMA's new membership structure will allow for a wider range of members to join. Current members will see very few changes initially as we anticipate roll-out of our new structure and the ensuing development of more enhanced benefits for a higher membership ROI. 

Manufacturer members will continue to be defined as all companies that manufacture, grow, or package products for the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry. This includes companies who specialize in food, beverage, equipment, chemicals, ingredients, and/or packaging. 

How are my 2024 dues being calculated? 

Manufacturer member dues will be based on an IFMA Membership Dues Calculator that uses company size to set annual dues. It is very similar to our current practice. The calculator has been updated for the first time in over a decade to simplify the dues calculation in alignment with benefits we will be announcing and introducing in 2024.  

After the plan launches in January, more information will be provided on new membership structures, additional benefits, and the opportunity to enhance your membership in 2024. 

When will we see what “enhancements to membership” are planned for 2024? 

The initial announcement of IFMA’s plans will be made in November 2023 at Presidents Conference in Scottsdale. You may register to attend this event here. 

Starting in January 2024, IFMA will begin rolling out new benefits and opportunities for members to engage with us. Membership enhancements, as always, are an ongoing process at IFMA. We will definitely keep you informed of all new benefits that are available for your business. Please stay tuned. 

What is the IFMA Education Foundation voluntary contribution?  

The IFMA Education Foundation continues to provide significant scholarship funding to students interested in joining the foodservice industry. Your elective contribution supports the Education Foundation Scholarship Program and is an important investment in future foodservice leaders. 100% of your contribution to the Education Foundation will go directly to students in an academic program focused on the food industry, foodservice, marketing, culinary and/or supply chain areas of study. It is the only program in our industry that guarantees all your contributions are given to the student. 

What is the Inclusion Scholarship Program voluntary contribution? 

Creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive foodservice workforce is an important focus for our members and the foodservice industry.  The Inclusion Scholarship Program is a voluntary program that funds scholarships and initiatives that support the growth of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive foodservice workforce.  Your investment will support the allocation of scholarships in support of initiatives that are important to our collective future.