Market Development Programs
- Every two years, the Market Research Program surveys foodservice operators and distributors to evaluate the total size of the market and the factors influencing their current and future purchases of foodservice packaging.
- The Annual Foodservice Packaging Industry Survey is sent to both members and non-members and asks participants to share their views about the present and future status of the foodservice packaging industry.
- The State Of The Industry Report is prepared annually and contains the previous year`s company news, facts and trends, domestic and international data gleaned from publications and U.S. government agencies. Also includes the results of the ``Annual Foodservice Packaging Industry Survey.``
- In 2004, FPI established the Foodservice Packaging Advisory Council, made up of foodservice operators, distributors and group purchasing organizations. The council serves as a discussion forum to address foodservice packaging and packaging issues.
- The Statistics Program provides information on unit sales, dollar value and market share of various products, based on aggregated information from program participants. FPI is offering currently this program to the Linen & Lace Division.
- Specialized Market Development Campaigns are available for the Institute`s divisions, such as the Linen & Lace Division. Projects within campaigns include media relations, development of educational tools and exhibits at trade shows.
Marketing & Communications Programs
- FPI maintains strong relationships with foodservice and packaging Trade Publications - both print and on-line. Through press releases, interviews and feature article placements, FPI provides the media with accurate and timely information about foodservice packaging products and issues related to these products.
- FPI develops and implements Direct Marketing Campaigns targeted at specific groups, as deemed necessary. An example is FPI`s ``Teacher`s Kit,`` first produced in 1997 for 7th and 8th grade environmental science teachers, with a targeted supplement for the school`s foodservice manager. An updated version debuted in 2002.
- FPI distributes Educational Brochures, Videos And Posters, such as The Foodservice Disposables Advantage, Take Aim at Sanitation, and The Do`s and Don`ts of Foodservice Disposables to foodservice managers, trainers, and sanitarians, which are used to train foodservice workers and provide accurate information on single-use foodservice packaging.
Member Services Programs
- Fpi Surveys its members on a number of topics, on a regular and ad hoc basis. Topics for these surveys include wage and fringe benefits, health and safety and transportation.
- FPI administers a third-party Microbiological Testing and Plant Survey Program, which insures that participating members` plants and products meet the high sanitary standards that regulators and customers expect from foodservice packaging products.
- Each year, FPI co-sponsors with QSR Magazine the Foodservice Packaging Awards Competition that recognizes innovative foodservice packaging products.
- FPI cosponsors two award programs The Samuel J. Crumbine Consumer Protection Award and Homer N. Calver Lecture SERIES that promote excellence in public health and sanitation.
- FPI maintains a partnership with the American Red Cross to coordinate and facilitate in-kind contributions from the industry for assistance in disaster relief.
- FPI provides members with Rental Car Discounts through an on-going program with Hertz.
Public Affairs Programs
- FPI issues Legislative Alerts to assist members in developing responses to the fast-changing legislative arena.
- FPI maintains an up-to-date Issues Library on laws, promulgated regulations and critical legislation affecting the foodservice packaging industry and its products.
- Coordinated Action By Fpi Members is the first and foremost means for conveying the concerns of the industry. Through the FPI Board of Directors and the Public Affairs Committee, policy and action plans are developed to assure that the industry`s message is effectively conveyed. Lobbying and monitoring support is provided through a working group of FPI members with direct knowledge and ``hands-on`` experience in federal and state public affairs.
- Fpi`s Staff offers years of experience in government relations and public affairs. Combined with a physical presence in the Washington, D.C., metro area and quick access to federal legislators and regulators, this provides a powerful tool to communicate the industry`s message.
- FPI maintains a National Network of personal contacts, consultants and other resources at the state and local level.
- Industry Coalitions are a time-tested technique in public affairs. Some of the organizations with which FPI maintains a working relationship are:
- American Chemistry Council / American Plastics Council
- American Forest & Paper Association
- European Food Service & Packaging Association
- Flexible Packaging Association
- Food Service Packaging Association (formerly British Disposable Products Association)
- Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association
- Paperboard Packaging Council
- Polystyrene Packaging Council
- Society of the Plastics Industry
Technical Programs
- In 2003, FPI formed the Foodservice Packaging Standards Council to devise and adopt technical standards for finished single-use foodservice packaging products, and good manufacturing practices for such products. This Council is composed of representatives from FPI member companies and invited representatives from other organizations, who are recognized for their technical, marketing and regulatory knowledge of foodservice packaging materials and manufacturing.
- FPI publishes The Compliance Manual, a comprehensive compendium of regulations (federal, state and international) related to the production and marketing of foodservice packaging products. This publication is scheduled to be updated and placed on FPI`s Web site in the future.
- Research Studies and Surveys are an integral part of all FPI communications. FPI`s Technical Committee, in addition to providing technical support for all marketing, communications and public affairs activities, also guides the review and preparation of the studies and research in support of the industry`s positions.
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