MCLEAN, VA. – The Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) and its membership raised more than $100,000 during the FPSA 2021 Auction that concluded on May 21. The FPSA Auction, which is used to raise money for charitable causes and scholarships, was held virtually on the GiveSmart app. The annual auction supports FPSA’s Giving Back causes, including the FPSA Pet Food Council’s support of 1 Soldier 1 Dog Team and the American Humane PUPS4PATRIOTS program.

“This was a challenging year to hold this Auction as we had never held a virtual event like this before,” said Bob Campbell, chairman of the Auction Task Force and president and general manager at Marlen. “However, the groups we work with in our Giving Back program report an ever-increasing need for funding and support. I’m pleased to say that our membership has really pulled together for this year’s event, generating more donations and roughly 20% more funds than last year for the worthy causes that FPSA Councils support.”

The auction is typically a main event at the association’s annual conference but, due to the ongoing safety risks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference scheduled for April 2021 was canceled and the auction was transitioned to a virtual event.

FPSA is a trade association serving suppliers to the global food, beverage, pharmaceutical and pet food industries. The association’s six industry councils include pet food, bakery, beverage, dairy, meat and prepared foods.

“This year, our industry councils really stepped up their game in identifying causes that they wished to assist in fulfilling their missions,” said Matt Malott, FPSA chairman and president and chief executive officer of Multivac Inc. “From scholarships for the meat and dairy industries as well as for professional development, to university research in food processing, support of veterans suffering from PTSD, and efforts to train and employ the underserved, each of our councils has chosen their cause in order to give back to our industry and society where needed. While the auction is one of FPSA’s most entertaining events of the year, we never lose track of what we are trying to achieve. We look forward to building on this year’s successes at next year’s auction.”

FPSA, in conjunction with Messe Frankfurt Inc., is set to hold PROCESS EXPO from Nov. 2 to 5 at McCormick Place in Chicago. This biennial food equipment and technology show serves the food, beverage and pet food processing and packaging industries.

The 2022 FPSA Annual Conference is scheduled for March 22-24, 2022, at the La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio.  

Read more about pet food and treat industry events.