NFRA EXPECTS CROWD AT CONVENTION

BARBARA MURRAY

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association, based here, is expecting increased attendance from refrigerated food suppliers at this year's annual convention, slated Oct. 19 to 23 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The association broadened its membership to include producers of refrigerated foods two years ago.

This year will mark the first time the NFRA is sponsoring its own show, without the American Frozen Food institute, although Leslie G. Sarasin, AFFI president and chief executive officer, is planning to attend.

On the agenda is a session on Tuesday, Oct. 21, hosted by market research firm ACNielsen, Schaumburg, Ill., after which supermarket retailers will comment on category and channel trends.

Also planned is the traditional "Taste of Excellence" buffet, which has been fully booked by frozen food manufacturers wanting to give samples of their wares.

There will also be educational sessions by top industry experts, a frozen and refrigerated equipment display, the Golden Penguin awards luncheon, and a new feature, Cafe NFRA, a spot where delegates can meet and network.

Paul Belaga, co-host of CNN's "Crossfire" and former counselor to President Clinton, and Joe Thiesmann, former quarterback for the Washington Redskins, are booked as breakfast speakers.