Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils to Formally Relaunch as the Edible Oil Producers Association in Early 2024

Building on its legacy as the sole food-focused association representing the fats and edible oils sector, the organization introduces new branding and a future-focused strategy

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils (ISEO) announced it will relaunch as the Edible Oil Producers Association (EOPA) effective early 2024. The new identity is part of a refresh of the organization aimed at strengthening its advocacy presence in Washington, D.C. as a dedicated foodfocused association.

This includes a strategic focus on areas distinct to the edible oils sector, collaboration with key industry partners, and an ambitious membership expansion goal: representing 100% of refined fats and edible oil producers in North America by 2026 with refining, bleaching, and/or deodorization facilities with annual capacity of at least 20 million pounds for food use.

Under the leadership of President & CEO Kailee Tkacz Buller and the Board of Directors, the association celebrated the beginning of its relaunch at an event in Washington, D.C. on September 27, 2023. Joined by roughly 50 strategic partners, the organization’s leadership reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating across the supply chain to deliver innovative products and options that align with the evolving marketplace.

The decision to rebrand coincides with increased interest from policymakers, customers, and consumers on food and nutrition. The association established a working group to solicit input from its members and key stakeholders to identify the new name. The effort was overseen by the Executive Committee and was approved by the Board of Directors on September 27, 2023.

“The association has a long legacy dating back to 1926,” said ISEO Chairman Dennis Tagarelli of AAK USA. “The new name and logo communicates the inclusive nature of the industry, which seeks to bring fats and edible oils refiners together to evolve and navigate the next frontier of legislative and regulatory opportunities and challenges ahead.”

The Edible Oil Producers Association will represent all fats and edible oils from homegrown crops such as soybean, corn, cottonseed, canola, sunflower, safflower, and rice, to U.S. produced lard, tallow, and imported commodities such as olive, palm, palm kernel, coconut, canola and sunflower, among others used for a wide variety of edible applications including baked goods, snacks, confections, dressings and sauces, meals, meats, and spreads to provide nutrition and functionality.

ISEO’s current membership consists of refiners located in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that produce fats and edible oils for the North American market. A newly created affiliate membership category can be leveraged by any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other business entity that is engaged in commerce related to the purchasing and sale of edible oils. For more information about the association or membership, visit iseo.org.

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The Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils is the national trade association located in Washington, D.C. advocating on behalf of refiners who produce 95% of domestic edible fats and oils. ISEO brings edible fats and oils refiners together to proactively address the unique challenges and opportunities of our segment of the supply chain.