For Immediate Release
Kate Landis
717-657-8601
[email protected]
Mary Emma Young
American Frozen Food Institute
443-904-3937
[email protected]
HARRISBURG, Pa. (January 21, 2026) — The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) and the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) are pleased to announce that three industry leaders will be inducted into the 2026 Frozen Food Hall of Fame. The 2026 inductees are Richard Marks, former chairman of the board of directors of Arbre Group Holding Corporation, Paul DiGenova, former general manager of commodities with Nortera, and Frank Tiegs, founder of OPC Companies.. They will be formally recognized during AFFI-CON 2026.
The Frozen Food Hall of Fame was established in 1990 by the Distinguished Order of Zerocrats, an organization of industry members dedicated to preserving the history of the frozen food industry while honoring individuals whose leadership, innovation, and service have made a lasting impact on the category.
Paul DiGenova, currently general manager of commodities with Nortera, has devoted more than four decades to advancing the frozen food industry. Throughout his career, DiGenova held senior leadership roles within the frozen foods sector, guiding organizations through periods of growth, operational change, and increased industry engagement. He has been an active contributor to industry associations and initiatives, supporting collaboration across the supply chain and helping strengthen the long-term position of frozen foods in the marketplace. DiGenova is widely recognized for his commitment to mentorship, innovation, and the continued evolution of the frozen food industry.
Richard Marks is former chairman of the board of directors of Arbre Group Holding Corporation, a family-owned business founded by his father, Francis, as Paris Produce Company in 1945. The present corporation includes Paris Foods, Holli-PAC, and Sun Mark Foods as subsidiaries. Marks and his family pioneered the repack and distribution model for frozen vegetables. Over his45-year career, Richard supported friendly competition, startup companies, and mentoring the industry’s next generation. An example of his generosity and entrepreneurship is when he spearheaded the purchase of Chase Farms in Michigan at a critical point in the growing season, saving hundreds of jobs, assuring the crops were harvested and honoring existing customer contracts. In retirement, Marks remains a strong advocate for AFFI and other industry associations. Also, as a past board member of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, he remains an advocate for refugee assistance and serves on several non-profit mentoring organizations in his community.
Frank Tiegs (posthumous) was the founder of Oregon Potato Company (OPC), a vertically integrated frozen food producer that grew from a single acre in 1978 into a multi-state operation with approximately 15 facilities across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Under his leadership, OPC became a significant force in the frozen food industry, expanding beyond frozen potatoes into a diversified portfolio of frozen fruits and vegetables. Tiegs was widely respected for his entrepreneurial vision, emphasis on sustainable farming practices, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to operational excellence.
The 2026 Frozen Food Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on February 21 during AFFI-CON 2026 in San Diego.
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