This discussion explores how the RD profession has expanded beyond its traditional clinical roots to play a meaningful role within the retail environment. Today’s Retail RDs help connect nutrition guidance with real-world shopping decisions through in-store programs, shopper education, and collaboration with brands and retailers.

Tune in to learn how Retail RDs deliver year-round value by supporting healthier shopping and navigating the grocery store. For more education resources and retail dietitian-approved recipes, visit NFRAweb.org or our consumer-facing brand, EasyHomeMeals.com.

The episode explores the findings and implications of NFRA’s Food Loss & Waste Insights Report, diving into why food waste has become a defining issue for the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Our guests highlight the built-in waste prevention advantages in the refrigerated and frozen food industry such as extended shelf life, lower shrink, and stronger forecasting value while detailing how NFRA is helping members meet rising regulatory, consumer, and retailer demands.

Listen to this episode for actionable insights on how to integrate food waste reduction across every step of the cold chain. For more information on NFRA’s Food Waste Insights Report, members can access the exclusive research here:

https://nfraweb.junolive.com/main/food_waste_insights.

Recorded following their experience at the NFRA Convention, the conversation highlights what stood out to them on-site, from category trends to the evolving roles of brands, retailers, and the cold chain. They’ll discuss how today’s classroom learning, early career interests, and exposure to real-world industry dialogue are shaping how they think about the future of food marketing.

The episode offers a compelling look at how the next generation views innovation, consumer expectations, and the opportunities ahead for frozen and refrigerated foods, and how NFRA's industry ecosystem helps prepare young talent to enter the field.

Take a listen from these leaders as they discuss how NFRA connects every corner of the industry — from manufacturers and retailers to logistics providers and suppliers — and how membership goes far beyond dues to deliver real value, visibility, and impact. Participants also dive into how PR, promotions, and Easy Home Meals amplify consumer demand, the importance of active member engagement, and the strategic priorities shaping NFRA’s future.

Listen now and learn how to elevate your business and maximize your company’s presence in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry by leveraging NFRA membership and resources. For more information on joining the NFRA community, visit us at https://nfraweb.org/membership/.

During the conversation, Nicchi shares his unique journey going from serving high-quality soft serve in ice cream trucks in Los Angeles to successfully launching a game-changing single-serve soft serve pouch that’s now available at live event venues and major retailers nationwide. Nicchi also provides background on the development process, explaining how he maintained the signature creamy texture and flavor in the new product, and highlights how impactful the Penguin Pitch experience was in connecting CVT Soft Serve to key professionals in the frozen food industry.

Whether you’re interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, or what it takes to bring a new frozen product to market, this conversation offers a sweet look behind the scenes.

For more information on pitching your new product in NFRA’s Penguin Pitch Emerging Brand Contest, visit us at

https://nfraweb.org/awards-and-recognition/penguin-pitch-awards/.

Together, they share candid insights on stepping into leadership roles early in their careers, navigating challenges, and finding purpose in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Hear how the First Penguins program has shaped their professional growth, what inspires them about this community, and the opportunities they see ahead as they help drive the future of our categories.

Whether you’re an emerging professional or an industry veteran, this conversation offers a refreshing look at how the next generation is innovating, leading, and making their mark.

NFRA Members & Retailers: For customized resources on communicating important information to shoppers regarding the current state of the egg industry (pricing, demand, bird flu, etc.), please visit https://www.incredibleegg.org/valueofeggs/ or reach out to customer@aeb.org.

Visit https://nfraweb.org/