



We are the Food Distribution Research Society, Inc.
In these changing times, it is critical that academia, government, and industry continue to work together in food distribution to foster the industry growth. Food Distribution Research Society (FDRS) is the only body of scholars and practitioners in the United States dedicated to the study, monitoring and sharing of knowledge about the dramatic changes that are taking place in the global food system.
Build your Team!
Start building your team for the 2022 Student Food Marketing Challenge! #SquadGoals

Present at the 2022 Conference
Submit an abstract for our October 2022 conference in Pensacola, FL!
Get more info about participating in our October 2022 conference in Pensacola, FL!
A Message From Our President Kellie Raper
The Food Distribution Research Society is a collection of professionals from academics, government, and industry with common interests in understanding more about food distribution system economics and with multiple perspectives from which to approach increasing that understanding. The Society is an organization that has presented me with many opportunities to grow – opportunities for professional development, opportunities for collaboration and, perhaps most importantly, opportunities for lasting friendships with peers in different organizations.
We are a group committed to including students in the learning process. Our Student Food Marketing Challenge facilitates student interactions with industry clients as student teams design and present strategies to address a client’s real-world challenge in marketing and food distribution. Opportunities via technology have added an international flavor to recent competitions with teams joining from Taiwan and New Zealand, among others.
We are a group committed to sound applied research examining issues that impact the food supply chain. Our 2021 issues of the Journal of Food Distribution Research published articles on a wide array of economic and business topics in food distribution, ranging from a focus on trade, policy and infrastructure to local foods, non-profits, and craft beverages.
We are a group committed to interaction and collaboration and to hosting conferences with an atmosphere that facilitate it. This year’s conference will again be partnered with the National Agricultural Marketing Summit and MarketMaker with additional support from Extension Risk Management, Farm Credit Council, and Illinois Farm Bureau.
Please join us October 23-25, 2022 at the Hilton-Pensacola Beach in Pensacola, Florida for the 2022 FDRS Annual Conference! If you are new to FDRS or are considering joining the Society, I especially encourage you to come. Come and see what we are all about. Come and contribute to the knowledge base. Come and make lasting professional connections! I look forward to seeing you in Pensacola.
FDRS Food Marketing Challenge Student Reviews
See what students have to say about their Food Marketing Challenge experience at the annual FDRS Conference.
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The Food Distribution Society Competition was a great experience. We met and hung out with students from other universities and we networked with a few industry professionals who talked with us on an equals instead of feeling like it was a job interview the whole conversation. The competition made us think quick on our feet and create out of the box marketing ideas.
The competition made us create out of the box marketing ideasThe FDRS case study competition allowed me to showcase all of the information that I had learned in my classes, while enhancing my understanding of numerous concepts. Being a member of the UK team helped me to grow my professional network, gain experience in solving complex issues, and learn how to work with a team. I can say with full confidence that the FDRS case study competition is the most beneficial academic program I participated in while attending the University of Kentucky.
The FDRS case study competition is the most beneficial academic programCollaborating with a team to solve real marketing problems for a client was one of the most rewarding parts of participating in FDRS.
Collaborating with a team to solve real marketing problemsFDRS was one of the most rewarding academic events we could have participated in! Our team was able to use the information we learned in the classroom and apply it to the challenges at hand. Each of our teammates brought forward strengths that we learned inside and outside of the classroom at CSU. FDRS allowed us to build on and learn new skills that will help us going into our future careers-that may be with FDRS members and organizations!
FDRS was one of the most rewarding academic eventsFDRS allowed me to step outside of the classroom and work with my fellow students to create something useful for our client. It tested our time management and collaboration skills and was a great opportunity to showcase all the knowledge we gained in class.
FDRS allowed me to step outside of the classroomParticipating in the FDRS case study competition was the highlight of my Senior year. Having a chance to meet students from colleges across the country with similar degree aspirations and interests was a neat experience. The FDRS society did a great job in planning out several field trips for all of the students and staff, making the trip unique to the locale to provide a hands on and visual learning opportunity. On top of that the event incorporates critical thinking, problem solving skills, and presenting in front of an audience, all of which are all crucial skills for life beyond being an undergraduate. The competition also provides something interesting and recent to talk about with future potential employers during interviews after graduation. Overall, participating in the FDRS case study competition was a very positive experience and I would recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to everyone.
The FDRS case study competition was the highlight of my Senior year