Aug 14, 2013

Measuring Progress, Developing Innovative Programs for the Future Are Focus of Manufacturer and Food Retailer/Wholesaler Sectors

August 14, 2013 – Seattle, WA – The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today announced that 400 manufacturer and retailer executives have gathered in Seattle, Washington, for the FMI-GMA Global Sustainability Summit. Industry representatives are joined by government officials and non-governmental organization leaders to measure current progress, develop responsible business solutions and create a blueprint for future sustainability efforts.

 “As companies continue to grow globally, so does the reach of our sustainability programs,” said GMA Senior Director of Sustainability Meghan Stasz. “Understanding the benefits of being environmentally responsible is not just good business, it is part of our responsibility to consumers and the planet we share.”

“The supply chain commitment to sustainability begins with management,” said Jeanne von Zastrow, FMI’s senior director of sustainability and industry relations. “We developed the Summit in order to demonstrate the strategic case for incorporating sustainability into every aspect of their business models.”

The Global Sustainability Summit features some of the world’s leading thinkers and change agents focused on the most pressing issues in the industry – including incorporating sustainable solutions from the ground up, reducing waste in the supply chain and creating new and innovative incentives for consumers. Attendees have the opportunity to tailor their conference experience through the four content tracks; packaging and waste, engagement and communication, technology and innovation and sustainable supply chain management.

For more information about the Global Sustainability Summit and its program, visit the website.

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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.  Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders. In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year. For more information visit www.gmaonline.org.

About FMI:

Food Marketing Institute proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry.  FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion.  Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world.   FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores.  For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org.