ACF Seal of Approval Program
Through the Seal of Approval program, the American Culinary Federation
(ACF) offers foodservice companies the powerful opportunity to have
their products endorsed by the largest chef's association in North
America. The ACF Seal of Approval program validates the product
claims of manufacturers, suppliers and growers that provide real-world
solutions to culinary professionals. The ACF Seal of Approval program
rigorously tests and endorses both food and non-food products, as
well as reviews their marketing materials.
Invest in your company's future by becoming an ACF Seal of Approval
participant!
Currently, there are more than 160 ACF-approved products and growing. In order to receive the prestigious ACF Seal of Approval, products must meet objective testing criteria and are tested by a customized, distinguished panel of chefs with extensive and diverse culinary experience. ACF testers give unbiased, expert opinions based on measurable criteria rather than on taste preferences.
Product Testing Criteria
Products submitted for the Seal of Approval are measured against three sets of general criteria:
- Application:
- Ease of use
- Versatility of product
- Adaptability of product
- Physical properties:
- Consistent appearance
- Texture
- Color
- Shape
- Size
- Performance:
- Use of or applying the product to cooking, baking or service procedure
Other characteristics could include:
- Packaging standards:
- Container, label
- General compliance with government regulations and standards
- Additional criteria:
- Product positioning
- Guarantees or claims
Marketing Benefits
ACF will provide digital artwork of its Seal of Approval upon passing the testing process and submitting the first payment installment. Recognition and endorsement from ACF via the Seal of Approval provides tremendous marketability for all products approved by this program.
- The Seal of Approval can be used in almost every marketing opportunity including:
- Packaging
- Advertising
- Point-of-purchase promotion
- Trade-show application
- As a Seal bearer, you'll receive Merchandising and Added-Value to include:
- Promotional advertising in The National Culinary Review,
the flagship publication of ACF, distributed monthly to 20,000
readers.
- Exposure on ACF's Web site www.acfchefs.org,
which receives more than 140,000 unique visitors per month.
- Mailing list access to our membership.
- Media-relations support and more.
- The brand quality and equity created by the Seal of Approval will appeal to a chef's sense of excellence and quality, and partnering with ACF will open the door to this high powered group of buyers.
- Becoming a partner with the ACF Seal of Approval Program will offer your sales staff unique opportunities to build an immediate rapport with culinarians in a variety of segments.
The value of what you will receive as an ACF Seal of Approval bearer
greatly exceeds the cost of the program. Find out today how your products
may receive the official endorsement of the American Culinary Federation.
Call (800) 624-9458 or email seal@acfchefs.net
for more information.
