News

Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils Formally Relaunches as Edible Oil Producers Association

Building on its legacy as the sole food focused National Association representing the fats and edible oils sector with refreshed branding and a proactive, future focused strategy

Washington, D.C. February 23, 2024: Effective immediately the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils has formally changed its name to Edible Oil Producers Association. A new identity is part of a refresh of the organization to enhance its advocacy in Washington, DC as a food focused association, become more focused strategically on areas that are truly unique to the edible oils sector, leverage partnerships in areas where there are commonalities, and build out its membership with the goal of representing 100% of refined fats and edible oil producers in North America by 2026 with refining, bleaching, and/or deodorization facilities with annual capacity of at least 20 million pounds for food use.

ALREADY BUILDING ON STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

The association has already begun to advance its strategic priorities by adopting its first strategic plan in April of 2022 with a focus on three key pillars which include outcome based future focused best-in-class issues advocacy, strategic partnerships and operational excellence with key players throughout the supply chain, and a hyper-focus on membership retention, growth, and enhanced member benefits to meet the needs of the ever-evolving industry.

ELEMENTS OF REBRAND

  • Elements of the association’s refreshed brand identity include:

  • Name: clearly communicates the association’s role in D.C.

  • Logo: represents how the association is inclusive of all edible oils and fats with a focus on food.

  • Website: the improved navigation and look and feel at www.edibleoilproducers.org

  • Updated Association bylaws to clarify the structure and term lengths of the Executive Committee. Moving forward, individuals will be eligible to serve a six-year maximum term on the Executive Committee, with a two-year leadership rotation.

ALL EDIBLE OILS FIT IN THE MARKETPLACE & IN MOST DIETS

Fats and edible oils have different nutrition profiles, amounts of essential nutrients, functionality and uses, market prices, and environmental and sustainability impacts. At EOPA we believe there is room for all edible oils in the marketplace and in most diets based on individual health needs, wellness goals, tastes, and preferences.

CELEBRATES PAST LEADERSHIP, WELCOMES FUTURE LEADERS

Along with its rebrand, EOPA celebrates the retirements of three of its longest serving Board and Executive Committee members while implementing a new leadership structure to bring more certainty and professionalism to the association.

Retiring from their respective companies and leaving the EOPA Board of Directors, EOPA congratulates and thanks Ken Campbell, Dennis Tagarelli, and Mark Cartwright for their many years of wisdom, service, and dedication to the fats and edible oils industry.

Left to Right: Ken Campbell (ADM), Mark Cartwright (JG Boswell Company), Robb Meeuwsen (Zeeland), Andrew Bunger (Fuji), and Dennis Tagarelli (AAK)

  • Former EOPA Chair, Executive Committee Member and Board of Director Ken Campbell, President of North American Oils, Biodiesel, & Renewable Chemicals, ADM has served 5 years in the fats and edible oils industry and 27 years in the broader food, agriculture, and ingredient space.

  • Former EOPA Chair, Executive Committee Member and Board of Director Dennis Tagarelli, Vice President/Sales, Marketing, R&D: US & Canada AAK USA Inc. has served 46 years in the fats and edible oils industry.

  • EOPA Executive Committee Member and Board of Director Mark Cartwright, Oil Mill Manager of JG Boswell Company has served 37 years in the fats and edible oils industry.

Ken, Dennis, and Mark, personally and professionally impacted all of the EOPA membership in ways that will be cherished and never forgotten,” said Todd Biedenfeld, EOPA chair and director of vegetable oils trading, CHS Inc. “On behalf of the EOPA Board of Directors, I wish them well in this next chapter and remain forever grateful for their decades of dedication to the betterment of the fats and edible oils industry.”

Left to Right: Dennis Tagarelli (AAK) & Mark Cartwright (JG Boswell Company)

As our association celebrates one chapter of leadership coming to a close, we join together to congratulate our future leaders:

  • Chair: Todd Biedenfeld, CHS Inc.

  • Vice Chair: Andy Seagren, Ventura Foods

  • Secretary/Treasurer: James Rea, Richardson Oilseed

  • At Large: Reid Kinde, Cargill

Welcome to Todd, Andy, James and Reid. As a truly member-driven and -led organization, your involvement makes our organization stronger,” said EOPA President and CEO Kailee Tkacz Buller. “These updates will ensure EOPA’s leadership remains dynamic and responsive to the many issues impacting the ever-changing and diverse edible oils industry.”

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The Edible Oil Producers Association (EOPA) represents U.S., Canadian, and Mexican refiners who produce 95% of domestic edible fats and oils used in baking and frying, cooking and salad oils, margarines, spreads, confections, toppings, and are listed as ingredients in a wide variety of foods and beverages sold and served in the retail and food service industries. EOPA member companies refine both domestic and imported edible oils such as canola, soy, coconut, palm, tallow, and lard. Visit EOPA at edibleoilproducers.org