The Value of FPSA: Building Connections, Driving Innovation, and Strengthening the Industry

The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) is more than just an industry association—it’s a powerful network of OEMs, food and beverage manufacturers, engineers, packaging specialists, automation experts, and suppliers who come together to collaborate, share knowledge, and improve food production. FPSA provides critical insights, networking opportunities, and industry support that help companies innovate and grow.

Nyle has been an FPSA member since 2018, but 2024 was the first year we attended their Annual Meeting, the Food Solutions Exchange & Conference. What stood out immediately was the strength of the network—not just in terms of meeting people but in the value of those connections. We connected with engineering firms, design-build contractors, and other OEMs—all professionals who work with the same customers and face the same industry challenges.

That’s where FPSA really shines. The association is designed to bring people together—not just for the sake of networking, but to create a full-circle of industry professionals who can work together to solve real production challenges. Whether it’s developing a complete food manufacturing line or improving sustainability in food production, FPSA makes it easier to connect the dots and develop solutions.

FPSA isn’t just one large organization—it’s built around industry-specific councils and networking groups that allow members to focus on what matters most to them.

Each FPSA council is dedicated to specific sectors within food and beverage production, ensuring that members can share insights, address challenges, and collaborate on industry-wide solutions. Some of the key councils include:

• Pet Food Council:  Focused on advancing pet food manufacturing through innovation, industry insights, and collaboration.
• Bakery Council: Supporting the baking industry with processing improvements, education, and key industry partnerships.
• Meat Council:  Dedicated to meat processing advancements, food safety, and efficiency.
• Dairy Council, Beverage Council, and Prepared Foods Council: Each specializing in sector-specific challenges, solutions, and opportunities.

Beyond the councils, FPSA also has networking groups that tackle critical topics like food safety, packaging, technology, and design build and workforce development representation.

FPSA has created specialized networking groups to foster cross-industry collaboration and address key issues affecting food and beverage processing. These groups allow professionals to share technical knowledge and industry-specific insights while driving innovation.

• Food Safety Network: Provides practical, actionable solutions to food safety challenges through webinars, white papers, and industry events.
• Design-Build: Brings together architects, designers, engineers, contractors and industry specialists to provide innovative design-build solutions.
• Packaging Network: Explores advancements in food packaging, promoting sustainable and efficient solutions.
• Technology Network: Focuses on emerging innovations in automation and food processing technology.
• Women’s Alliance Network: WAN is tailored for everyone, regardless of gender, position, or age. It’s a space in the industry to connect, share experiences, and promote diversity and leadership opportunities.
• Emerging Professionals: Engages emerging leaders, offering mentorship, career development, and networking opportunities.

These networking groups enhance the FPSA experience by providing ongoing education, industry collaboration, and new opportunities to engage with other professionals.

For anyone in food production—whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, or OEM—FPSA offers an environment where everyone works together to support our customers with the most relevant information and solutions within the food manufacturing sector.

The common goal among FPSA members is to stay ahead of industry trends, understand critical challenges, and provide informed solutions that help customers improve their processes. Whether it’s food safety, ingredient changes, automation, or sustainability, FPSA ensures that members have access to the knowledge and resources needed to guide customers effectively.

Events like FSX and the EATS trade show provide opportunities to engage with key industry players, learn about emerging innovations, and collaborate on solutions that directly impact food production. These platforms strengthen industry relationships and ensure that FPSA members are always equipped with up-to-date insights to help their customers navigate challenges.

FPSA is evolving, and I see it playing an even bigger role in the future of food and beverage manufacturing. The association has been actively working to better align with both food processors and OEMs, strengthening the connections and to create alignment amongst industry leaders to advance food safety, food sustainability and food production that make our industry more efficient, sustainable, and innovative.

With Chris Lyons stepping in as FPSA’s new President, there’s a fresh energy and direction that will only increase the value for members. FPSA’s retooling and rebranding efforts over the past year have already been well received, and I expect to see even greater engagement and collaboration moving forward.

FPSA is more than an association—it’s a community. The members are welcoming, knowledgeable, and committed to pushing the industry forward. The association allows not just a few members to participate but encourages everyone on your team to participate. If you’re involved in food and beverage manufacturing, FPSA is an essential resource that can help you and your team grow, connect, and thrive.

If you’re interested in learning more, let’s connect!