Phil Kafarakis

Phil Kafarakis is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), a position he has held since November 1, 2021. His appointment was part of a strategic leadership transition aimed at enhancing the association's influence within the foodservice industry.

Professional Background

Kafarakis has extensive experience in the food industry, having held senior executive roles in several major companies. His career began on the manufacturing side, where he worked with notable organizations such as Kraft, Jones Dairy Farm, Cargill, and McCormick & Co. He also served on IFMA’s Board of Directors prior to his current role. Most recently, he was the President of the Specialty Food Association (SFA), representing over 4,000 small and emerging food entrepreneurs in the U.S. specialty food market. Additionally, he held the position of Chief Innovation and Member Advancement Officer at the National Restaurant Association.124

Leadership at IFMA

As CEO of IFMA, Kafarakis is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and directing activities aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. He has emphasized the importance of member engagement and is leading initiatives like the "Level Up 2027" strategic plan, which aims to enhance member value and foster cross-industry collaboration.23 Under his leadership, IFMA continues to focus on empowering its members within the $1.3 trillion food-away-from-home ecosystem.3

Kafarakis's leadership style is characterized by a commitment to innovation and a collaborative approach to addressing industry challenges. He has expressed enthusiasm for guiding IFMA into a future that builds on its legacy while adapting to evolving market dynamics.15