Mission & History

MISSION
IFEC is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the overall quality of business-to-business communication within the foodservice industry and to encouraging high professional and aesthetic standards among those working in and with the foodservice media.

IFEC’s long-term objective is to sponsor educational and other programs that encourage professional working relationships between foodservice editors and publicists and the entry of high-caliber individuals into the field.

HISTORY
IFEC was launched by a group of foodservice editors and publicists gathered over cocktails during the 1956 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Recognizing the benefits of coming together to exchange information, they decided to meet during the show every year.

In 1969 the group incorporated as the Institutional Food Editorial Council. Its officers included individuals from Cornell University, National Biscuit Company (Nabisco), and editors of the forerunners of Restaurants & Institutions and Restaurant Business magazines.

By the Seventies the industry had evolved to the extent that "institutional food" did not reflect the diverse foodservice segments in which members were involved. This was remedied in 1973 when IFEC held its annual conference in Mexico City and changed its name to International Foodservice Editorial Council.

Today's IFEC is comprised of 250 foodservice editors and public relations professionals who represent the leading magazines, food producers, operators, and other organizations active in the industry. Members continue to benefit from the open exchange of information that was a founding principle and has become a hallmark.

Over the years, IFEC's scope has broadened to include annual scholarships for students pursuing careers in foodservice editorial and public relations, an awards program to help underwrite continuing education courses for members, and a variety of other activities to contribute to member knowledge and skill in the fields of foodservice and the communication arts.