Tyson Foods has opted not to renew its membership in the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).
“Tyson Foods is not renewing our membership with the Grocery Manufacturers Association at this time. While we respect the work of the organization, our company is moving toward a more global discussion about the future of food,” the company said in a statement emailed to WATT Global Media.
According to a Politico report, Tyson Foods is one of about a half dozen food companies to recently part ways with GMA. Others included in that list are Unilever, Campbell Soup Co., Nestle, Mars and Dean Foods.
On its website, GMA states that it represents “the makers of the world’s favorite food, beverage and consumer products,” and that it aims to do “its part to spur economic growth; ensure access to safe, healthy and affordable foods; market our products responsibly; and tackle hunger relief.”
Roger Lowe, GMA executive vice president of strategic communications, in a statement to Politico, said it was sorry that Tyson Foods and the other companies chose to leave the organization, but that it hoped to continue to work with them “on issues of mutual interest in the future.”
GMA and its board is continuing our work to build the new GMA for the future to meet the nees of longtime and new member companies and of consumers. The food industry is facing significant disruption and is evolving – and so is GMA. We will continue to evolve and change at an even faster pace.
Tyson Foods, a diversified food company with an emphasis on protein products, is the top broiler company in the United States and a leading processor of pork, beef and turkey. Its portfolio of products and brands includes Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, IPB and State Fair. The company is headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas.
