Crunch Pak named ‘Advocate of the Year’ at IFPA’s Washington Conference

International Fresh Produce Association has named Crunch Pak its “Advocate of the Year” in recognition for “serving as an outstanding advocate for the entire produce industry,” according to a news release.

This year’s honoree was announced at IFPA’s Washington Conference on Sept. 14. Crunch Pak Executive Vice President Tony Freytag received the award.  

“The Advocate of the Year is a company who goes above and beyond to elevate the industry and advance our priorities," Rebeckah Adcock, vice president of government relations at IFPA, said in the release. “We are excited to celebrate Crunch Pak as our Advocate of the Year for 2023. Government actions and legislation have an immense impact on our industry, and in order for officials to understand what our industry needs to thrive and to feed our growing world, vocal, active member voices are critically important. When IFPA or the produce industry asks, Crunch Pak answers with action and generous support on all our priorities.”

The Produce Industry Advocate of the Year award is given out to a member company that has made a significant effort to elevate the industry in support of public policy advocacy through engagement with federal legislative, regulatory and other government officials, the release said. Past winners have also been actively involved with IFPA produce industry political initiatives such as the Washington Conference, Advocacy Action Network, the FreshPAC and more. 

Highlights from the Crunch Pak recognition included:

• Crunch Pak was one of the first companies to use the new “How to host a tour” Congressional Connection guide to bring members of Congress and their staffs onsite to its operation. IFPA says this is one of the most effective ways to not only help educate members and their staff on priority issues, but it provides a view into the personal impact of policy decisions on their constituents. 
• This spring, Crunch Pak hosted a Fresh Impact Tour stop, welcoming IFPA staff members and local industry members to come together to discuss government relations priority issues. The Fresh Impact Tour brings members together in their own backyards, strengthening connections and commitments to advocacy work.
• Tony Freytag and Crunch Pak have been instrumental in supporting the work to make the produce prescriptions campaign a realty, the release said. With their support, IFPA has worked to deliver a strategy to support an industry White House commitment to enhancing nutrition education. In this particular project, the video has been created for medical students and their patients to learn more about the potential of produce prescriptions in health.
• Crunch Pak has also exemplified this award by creating a culture of industry engagement and advocacy, the release said. Team members are encouraged to serve on volunteer leadership positions throughout IFPA, lending their talents and passion to a number of industry efforts. 
• Freytag has also been generous in personally donating to the FreshPAC at the highest level, the release said. The FreshPAC is just one way for the industry to directly support elected officials who are influential in the policymaking that impacts the produce and floral industry.

“Crunch Pak recognizes how important it is for the produce industry to have a voice in legislative and regulatory matters,” said Freytag. “Our involvement with IFPA has been vital for us as we support the efforts to increase produce consumption overall.”

The IFPA Produce Industry Advocate of the Year award is given each year to a company that raises the bar as industry leaders to elevate and strengthen the industry voice wherever possible, the release said.