NWFPA Celebrates 100 Years at the Expo and Conference in Oregon
The Northwest Food Processors Association (NWFPA), the trade group which represents the interests of processors in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, celebrated its 100th anniversary Sunday, January 12 at the commencement of the industry’s annual EXPO and Conference at the OregonConvention Center.
Organized in 1914, the Northwest Food Processors Association is one of the nation’s largest food processing trade associations made up of 500 processors and supplier member companies. With 100 years under its belt, NWFPA, and its industry colleagues, celebrated significant advancements in manufacturing, packaging, energy use, sustainability, and government regulations on behalf of its members and the industry as a whole.
Food processing in the Northwest generates $21 billion annually, supplies 75,000 jobs, and is the third largest contributor to the region’s principle industry – manufacturing.
“Reaching the 100-year milestone for the association is a testament to the sustainability of our industry, a strength that will help provide longevity for many more centuries,” said George Smith, president and CEO of NORPAC Foods, and chair of the task force charged with leading the Centennial Celebration.
“As an organized group, processors have prided themselves on thriving for a century in part by utilizing the resources that are available in, and are unique to, the Northwest.” George Smith
“Many member companies have been associated with NWFPA for much of the century,” said Smith. The association started in 1914 with what was then known as the Northwest Canners Association and had just 12 members.
More than forty years later it would merge with the Northwest Frozen Foods Association to form the Northwest Canners and Freezers Association, with a total of 61 member companies. The had association changed its name to the Northwest Food Processors Association 13 years later, to better represent diverse membership. Today NWFPA membership list has nearly 500 food processors and suppliers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, making it one of the nation’s largest food processing trade associations.
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One of the highlights in the timeline presented was 1948, when the first Northwest frozen potatoes were produced. The commercial process for potato flakes was developed in 1953 and it represents another historical moment in NWFPA’s highlights over the past 100 years, along with 1969:
After 1956 beeing the year of merger with Northwest Frozen Foods Association and Northwest Canners Association to form Northwest Canners and Freezers Association with 61 member companies, 1969 became the year Northwest Food Processors Association name was established.
