Research by Subject: Hospitality, Tourism, & Recreation: Trade Associations

The Top Food & Beverage Trade Associations

Trade associations, or industry associations, are organizations that are created by businesses that operate in a particular industry or industry sector. These groups typically lobby for regulations that benefit the industry, host trade shows and conferences, and perform activities that are designed to help businesses in an industry. Several of these groups maintain production directories, create research reports, and offer additional educational opportunities for business owners. Some of this content usually requires a membership, but they also generally have some content for free on their websites.

These are the top Food & Beverage Trade Associations:

*All of the link descriptions in this box were written by, or adapted from, the Cornell University Library (Current as of June 21, 2019).

National Restaurant Association
The National Restaurant Association is a trade association that represents over 380,000 restaurant locations in the United states, and they publish reports and statistics as well as host events to promote the success of restaurants in the U.S.
USDA Food & Nutrition Information Center
Provides information on topics such as food labeling and nutrition as well as links to conferences and professional organizations.
Food Marketing Institute
Food Marketing Institute proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits. Includes online Newsroom with relevant press releases, industry sub-topic profiles, Food Retail Buyer's Guide, and more.
International Association of Culinary Professionals
IACP is a worldwide forum for the development and exchange of information, knowledge, and inspiration within the professional food and beverage community. Now with nearly 3,000 members from more than 32 countries, IACP's greatest resource is its multi-faceted membership, which includes chefs, restaurateurs, foodservice operators, writers, photographers, stylists, marketers, nutritionists, and academia, hailing from hospitality, tourism, publishing, and many other disciplines. Many of the resources under "Connect," such as newsletters, are freely available.
Brewer's Association of America
An organization of brewers, for brewers and by brewers. More than 1,900 US brewery members and 38,000 members of the American Homebrewers Association are joined by members of the allied trade, beer wholesalers, individuals, and the Brewers Association staff. Contains National and International directory of breweries with contact information. Limited information is freely available for nonmembers.
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
The Distilled Spirits Council is the national trade association representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States.DISCUS and its predecessor organizations have advocated on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues that impact the industry, its consumers, and its business partners.
American Wine Society
Non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. Now in its 47th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age. The Publications, News, and Media page links to prominent newsletters and journals in the industry.
National Association of Wine Retailers
Represents and promotes the unique interests of wine sellers nationwide. NAWR seeks to unite and serve wine retailing interests by proving essential services, strategic advocacy, and calls to action that will lead to a stable and modernized wine retailing environment. The News and Info section of the website highlights NAWR and industry initiatives, news, and research projects.
Wine Institute
The voice for California wine representing more than 1,000 wineries and affiliated businesses throughout the state. The largest advocacy and public policy association for California wine, and the only group representing the industry at the state, federal and international levels. The Initiatives and Press Room tabs have valuable resources for better understanding of the legal, economic, and social dimensions of creating and selling wine.
Wine Market Council
Wine Market Council is a non-profit association of grape growers, wine producers, importers, wholesalers, and other affiliated businesses and organizations. The council’s mission is to grow, strengthen, and stabilize the wine market in the U.S. on behalf of all segments of the industry. Select the Research tab from the horizontal toolbar for market research data and news.

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The Top Food & Beverage Trade Associations

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