News

Former NRA exec moves to Specialty Food Association

July 22, 2016

The not-for-profit Specialty Food Association has hired a new president away from his previous role as chief innovation and member advancement officer with the National Restaurant Association, according to a company press release.  Phillip M. Kafarakis has more than 30 years of food industry experience and a background in brand management, membership development and strategic planning.

Kafarakis also held positions previously with the $4 billion public food company, McCormick & Company, as well as Cargill, Jones Dairy Farm and Kraft. 

"The Specialty Food Association is regarded as the food industry's innovation incubator, while also preserving and promoting traditional processes and tastes," said Kafarakis. "I look forward to extending the association's member value platforms and working with authentic food creators and purveyors at a time when the American consumer's interest in food has grown to new heights."

In his new role, Kafarakis will oversee the group's direction and day-to-day operations to serve more than 3,200 food and beverage industry companies in the $120.5 billion specialty food industry, according to the release.