Jan 23, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC — January 23, 2006 — Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today presented the 2006 William H. Albers Industry Relations Award to PepsiCo, Inc., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steven S Reinemund. The award recognizes statesmanship and commitment to forging alliances that benefit the entire food industry.
     

FMI Board Chair Jeff Noddle presented the award at FMI’s 2006 Midwinter Executive Conference in Scottsdale, AZ.
     

“One of the things you can’t miss about Steve is his passion for fitness and health, which is now benefiting the entire industry and consumers through a series of initiatives designed to promote healthy lifestyles.
     

“In 2003, his company removed trans fats from all Frito-Lay products — and this was before the labeling law was even enacted.


“Under Steve’s leadership, PepsiCo kept on reducing sugar, fat and sodium in existing products, and delivering entirely new products that contribute to healthier lifestyles.”


Noddle recognized Reinemund and PepsiCo for making it easier for consumers to find more than 100 of its healthier products by launching the “Smart Spot” symbol in 2004. Products carrying the logo meet nutrition criteria set by the FDA and National Academy of Sciences.


Reinemund was honored for leading PespiCo’s efforts to help the nation’s children through a venture with the Discovery Channel. The company partnered with Discovery to address childhood obesity by teaching kids the concept of energy balance — reducing calories consumed and increasing calories burned. This program is now reaching millions of elementary and secondary school students.     


Noddle applauded Reinemund for being a strong advocate of free trade, promoting workplace diversity, streamlining distribution and encouraging the use of technology to make the industry more responsive to consumers.
     

The Albers award was introduced in 1955 to honor leaders in the supplier community for excellence in serving consumers and improving relations among food manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers. The award was named for William H. Albers, the first Board chair of the Super Market Institute, one of FMI’s predecessor organizations.
     

Reinemund is the 62nd recipient of the award and the third PepsiCo chief executive to be so honored — preceded by Roger A. Enrico (2001) and D. Wayne Calloway (1996).