Let’s Connect!

Join our next #UFFSciComm Global Virtual Symposium, September 29 & 30, 2025.

Hear from global experts, scholars and innovators on the latest worldwide upcycled food research.

UFA board members visited many UFA members exhibiting and walking the show, also speaking on panels such as a Monday, July 15, 12p PT panel: Scientific & Technical Forum: Can We Ensure Food Safety While Making Food Systems Climate-Resilient?

UFA members received a 30% off registration discount code.

The 2025 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit landed in Seattle for three days of insights, inspiration, and action.

June 18, 2025 the Canadian upcycling industry gathered to connect, learn and explore new opportunities the with keynote by Dr. Lara Ramdin, UFA Emeritus Board Member.

Food waste is one of the world’s most urgent - and solvable - problems. In this Upcycled Food Month webinar, we break down the numbers of global food waste with industry and academic experts in environmental, economic, and social impacts, and spotlight how innovative upcycling strategies are turning waste into opportunity. Whether you're a brand, supplier, or changemaker, this is your chance to be part of the solution.

In this eye-opening Upcycled Food Month webinar you'll learn how to showcase the sustainability work your company is already doing and get the credit you deserve. Hear from UFA members Del Monte, Matriark Foods and Planet FWD and explore how to leverage data to highlight your brand’s unique upcycled story, helping you stand out in a crowded market and attract more customers.

This year-round community #UFFSciComm kicked off with Upcycled Food Month's two day Virtual Symposium, bringing a spotlight to bold, breakthrough research—especially from students and early‑career scientists—while welcoming seasoned experts who want to share fresh insights on turning would‑be waste into nutritious, market‑ready ingredients.

What’s happening in the upcycled food industry and what should we be looking out for as this popular food waste solution continues to grow? Get expert insights from leaders at the Upcycled Food Association, Where Food Comes From, and Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks, as they explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of upcycled food. Plus, learn more about the newly revised Upcycled Certified Standard and what it could mean for the next wave of innovation in upcycling—and in food waste reduction.

Upcycled Food Month is UFA’s annual awareness campaign held every June to celebrate and promote the benefits of upcycled food — food made using ingredients that would otherwise go to waste. The goal is to educate consumers, retailers, and the broader food industry about how upcycling can help fight food waste, reduce environmental impact, and build a more sustainable food system.

We walked Expo West 2025 March 4 - 7 to connect with many members and supporters as well as UFA had a table at The Climate Collaborative’s Climate Day resource fair.

We were pleased to share a 25% off badge registration discount code with UFA members.

UFA is a Supporting Organization for the Sustainable Foods Summit North America held in San Francisco from 22-23rd January 2025.

RTI convened USDA, USAID & UFA global experts for a discussion on integrated strategies to reduce FLW. Addressing FLW presents an opportunity for enhancing climate resilience and advancing food security, nutrition, and stronger economies.

October 2024 marked five years for the Upcycled Food Association and the Upcycled Food Foundation!

Watch a weekly deep dive webinar recording to explore topics across the wide world of upcycled food.

How can food and beverage processors innovate and incorporate sustainable, earth-friendly attributes into the next generation of new products? Join our CEO, Amanda Oenbring, for a lively webinar panel discussion.

July 31st, 2024

UFA and many UFA members participated at Chicago’s IFT FIRST show July 14-17, 2024!

Hear UFA's origin story and highlights of its first five years alongside member stories spanning the journey of upcycling across sectors: pet products, CPG/beverage, research, ingredients and technical innovation.

June 28th, 2024

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest research and innovative methodologies transforming food waste into valuable products. Each fellow will present their research in a concise, engaging format, providing insights into the processes, benefits, and sustainability impacts of upcycled food.

June 27th, 2024

Upcycled Food Association landed at Rethink Food in NYC for a wrap up celebration of Upcycled Food Month! This evening followed the last day of the Summer Fancy Food, serving upcycled light bites and beverages featuring UFA member products. Thank you to our generous sponsor, UFA member Planet FWD!

Upcycled Food Association joined ReFED and Where Food Comes From for a special webinar about the future of upcycling. How do we build on the recent success of this food waste solution? What challenges remain in expanding its viability? And how do we get more people to be part of the upcycling revolution?

June 24, 2024

Since our inception in 2019, the Upcycled Food Association (UFA) has witnessed significant growth in both the market and the movement, along with a heightened awareness of upcycling, both domestically within the U.S. and globally. As the UFA embarks on its fifth year and June heralds the inaugural Upcycled Food Month, UFA's new CEO Amanda Oenbring was featured on the Big Ideas Stage to share about the real-world impact of upcycling, the current state of upcycling efforts and innovation, and what can we anticipate in the future. 

Summer Fancy Food, NYC, Big Idea Stage, June 25, 2024

UFA walked the show and tabled at the Climate Day resource fair, connected with 50+ members across Expo West in Anaheim, CA.

UFA’s CEO, Amanda Oenbring and many UFA members attended the 2024 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit June 11-13, 2024 in Baltimore, MD.

UFA members heard from UFA member Misfits Market buyers to learn about their product selection process and how to be a part.

June 4, 2024

In the US, 182 billion pounds of food is wasted every year. That equates to 149 billion meals and more than $444 billion wasted. Not only is this harmful for the planet, but from a business perspective, we are leaving money on the table. In this session, hear from leading food waste experts on different approaches to turning food waste into impactful products. From using more of your harvest, to upcycling food & ingredients to working with businesses and government, this session will dive into key steps to minimize food waste, maximize profits and improve the health of our planet & our people.

UFA walked the show connecting with many UFA members and spoke on a panel on Food Waste & Upcycling. Retail focused discussion designed to think into and address issues that affect retailer’s ability to meet consumers’ expectations. The panel discussion provided a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamics of upcycling and what can retailers do to support the move towards upcycling.

UFA sponsored ECRM's Sustainable Products, Food & Beverage Session virtual event.

This session was 100% dedicated to connecting buyers and suppliers that are Earth-friendly, and sustainability-focused through one-on-one, pre-scheduled meetings! Buyers and sellers were paired based on categories, capabilities, and buyer objectives.

UFA members received 25% off the registration fee.

June 20-21, 2023

How Upcycled Foods Serve Up a Sweet Solution to the Sticky Food Waste Problem

In summer 2023, UFA Member company Salt & Straw featured Upcycled Certified® ingredients from fellow Member companies in their upcycling-themed ice cream menu during the month of June. These unique, specialty flavors were be offered for a limited time in Salt & Straw locations across the nation!

Our virtual panel discussion included UFA Members who have came together to tackle food waste by doing what they do best: upcycling would-be 'waste' into high quality, irresistibly tasty, and environmentally friendly treats.

UFA’s former CEO, Angie Crone, moderated an upcycling panel at ReFED Summit.

May 17, 2023

June 25-27, 2023

New York, NY

UFA’s CEO, Angie Crone spoke: Supply Chain as a Competitive Advantage - Opportunities in Upcycled Food

January 11, 2023

UFA’s CEO, Angie Crone spoke: How to Make Food Waste Tasty: Upcycled Ingredients and Products for a Sustainable Future

January 15, 2023

Big Idea Stage, Las Vegas, NV

UFA’s CEO, Angie Crone spoke: Upcycled foods is one of the fastest growing sectors in the sustainable food industry.

January 25-26, 2023

San Francisco, CA

James Kwon, Founder, CEO, & Lead Strategist at Figmints Digital Creative Marketing shared his digital marketing expertise to help hone messaging, target key audiences, and ultimately increase sales.

January 31, 2023

How to Make Food Waste Tasty - Upcycled Ingredients and Products for a Sustainable Future Panel included UFA CEO, Angie Crone, Founder and CEO of Pulp Pantry, Kaitlin Mogentale, and Brand CEO of Octonuts, Greg Nielsen, an inspiring conversation about how innovative companies are turn surplus food and byproducts into high-value, specialty food items for the modern foodie!

UFA’s CEO, Angie Crone spoke: Current trends and insights on the market and consumer preferences for upcycled food.

February 14, 2023

Valorization, or upcycling, turns waste streams into higher-value ingredients and products. Many food companies want to either valorize waste streams or include valorized ingredients in their products. But where to start? This talk will provide an overview of how to valorize waste streams and review some examples.

February 23, 2023

UFA Certification Program Manager, Mariel Nunley’s quarterly session focused on UFA's Upcycled Certified™ program. This casual, 30 minute session is a space dedicated to address questions about Upcycled Certified™, requirements of the program, and set expectations for brands ready to begin the process.

February 28, 2023

Our booth (#5194) allowed attendees to explore and sample tasty upcycled food products from our members and learn more about what it means to be Upcycled Certified.

March 7-11, 2023

Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

Expo West Upcycling Challenge After Party and Award Ceremony

March 10, 2023

Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

Upcycled Food Association and Where Food Comes From (Upcycled Certified™ program certifying body) hosted our first-ever workshop series designed to clarify the Certification journey from start to finish.

UFA and WFCF hosted four weekly 30-45 minute sessions on Tuesdays from March 28 - April 18, 2023 to share more about the Upcycled Certified™ Standard, explain the benefits of certification, program paperwork and documentation, to help members share their upcycling story with customers and consumers, and more.

March 28- April 18, 2023

UFA’s Certification Manager, Mariel Nunley spoke: Learn about Upcycled Food Certification during Earth Month

April 11, 2023

UFA’s CEO, Angie Crone, and other industry experts discussed how we can use innovation and ingenuity to reduce food waste. This lunchtime event, a short panel was followed by an opportunity to network and mingle with panelists, students, and community members. .

April 12, 2023

Haas School of Business, Cheit Hall, Wells Fargo Room 2200 Piedmont Ave Berkeley, CA 94720

UFA’s Joy Nemerson moderated Naturally Network's annual Sustainability Summit, which brings together members, advocates, experts, brands, solution seekers, and consumer product industry professionals interested in building a more sustainable and equitable consumer products industry.

April 12, 2023

Upcycled Food Association and Specialty Food Association went IG LIVE! We heard from 3 companies that make delicious Upcycled Certified foods- Rind Snacks, Spare Food Co., and Daily Crunch.

Monday, April 17th, 2023

Is formulating with upcycled ingredients difficult—or easy? In this webcast, experts discussed how upcycled food and drink ingredients are advancing—and the safety challenges and requirements for manufacturers working with upcycled ingredients.

April 25, 2023

Expert speakers, local vendors, and public and private organizations came together to spotlight food waste reduction in Portland, OR and around the world.

April 26, 2023

Oregon Convention Center - OREGON BALLROOM 777 Northeast Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard OREGON BALLROOM Portland, OR 97232

The upcycled food and beverage industry is projected to reach nearly $100 billion within a decade, with a compound annual growth rate of 5% over that period.

How is upcycling – finding new, higher-value uses for items that would otherwise go to waste – impacting businesses and consumers? What’s driving the movement? And, what opportunities does upcycling offer businesses and investors?

Insights provided by Paul Mariani, Managing Director of Mesirow Investment Banking, Eric Markin, Director of Mesirow Investment Banking and Angie Crone, CEO of the Upcycled Food Association.

Thu, Apr 27, 2023 · 2:00 PM · Eastern Time (US & Canada)

UFA’s Certification Manager, Mariel Nunley spoke: Redesigning Food for Circularity: How Upcycled Foods Reduce Waste, Capture Nutrition and Tackle the Climate Crisis

May 4, 2023

Are You Prepared to Represent Your Brand at Trade Shows?

UFA partners with the Food Export to provide UFA Members with resources to aid in business development, including financial support. This virtual webinar on shared the basics, as well as expert tips for successful exhibiting at key industry trade shows from Food Export representative, Ron Tanner!

May 3, 2023