Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IFDA Standard Format?
The IFDA Standard Product Data Exchange Format was created in 1990 as a vehicle to exchange product information electronically between trading partners. Maintaining an industry standard data exchange format ensures that suppliers of product information only have to support one format and users of the information can utilize any number of software applications to access the data.

Who is the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA)?
The International Foodservice Distributors Association advocates the interests of the foodservice distribution community in government and industry affairs through research, education, and communication.

As a trade organization, IFDA represents foodservice distributors throughout the U.S., Canada, and internationally. IFDA's 135 members include broadline and specialty foodservice distributors that supply food and related products to restaurants, institutions, and other food away from home foodservice operations. IFDA members operate more than 550 facilities, and sell more than $64 billion in food and related products to the fastest growing sector in the food industry. Formerly a part of the umbrella organization Food Distributors International, IFDA was established as an independent trade association on January 1, 2003.

Who is Sales Partner Systems (SPS)?
Sales Partner Systems is a leading developer of computer software applications for the food industry. They specialize in sales force automation software and database management services. Headquartered in Daytona Beach, FL. the SPS customer base represents the leaders in food distribution throughout the United States and Canada.

Why should I have my product information in an electronic format?
The impact that technology has had on the food industry over the last ten years has been outstanding. Today a vast majority of transactions are taking place electronically, Things like product research and menu development, product knowledge training and even remote direct order entry. Having your information available in an electronic format ensures that it can be readily available in the marketplace.
Utilizing the IFDA standard format provides a seamless way to ensure that your information can be used in all of the software applications that are available.

How is the product information used?
Manufacturers and brokers realize the benefits of having all of the information about their products easily accessible in one location. Distributor purchasing and marketing personnel can access the information with the touch of a button when developing marketing plans or making purchasing decisions. DSR’s with laptops can enhance their product knowledge by reviewing the information anytime and they also benefit by being able to answers questions in the field without calling the office for support. Today more and more foodservice operators are placing their order themselves through some type of electronic process. Having product information available at their fingertips enables them to make better buying decisions.