Jan 7, 2002
WASHINGTON, DC — January 7, 2002 — Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) will present a year of commemorative recognitions and historical retrospectives in 2002.

The festivities will kick off at the 2002 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference. The annual conference was the first event ever held under the FMI banner. The yearlong celebration will continue with activities and events, including an anniversary party to be held at the annual FMI Show next May in Chicago.

FMI was created on January 3, 1977, as a result of a merger between the Super Market Institute (SMI) and the National Association of Food Chains (NAFC).

The original organizations date back to the 1930s. NAFC opened for business in 1934 with an emphasis on government relations. SMI began operations in 1937 focusing on research and education to help the supermarket pioneers succeed in mass food retailing. The merger produced an association strong in the core functions of research, education and public affairs.

FMI has capitalized on the strengths of its predecessors, building SMI’s annual supermarket industry convention — known today as the FMI Show — into one of the world’s largest food trade shows and educational events. FMI broadened NAFC’s government relations agenda and strengthened lobbying efforts to achieve significant federal and state legislative victories on behalf of its members.

FMI has led the industry in researching consumer trends; improving food safety with employee training and public education, including the nationwide Fight BAC!™ campaign; enhancing the industry’s image through its work with the news media; helping food retailers apply the newest technologies; educating and training food retail mangers and associates; and showcasing industry innovations at its annual MARKETECHNICS® and FMI Show conventions.