Become a Partner

Who is RCA?

Research Chefs Association, founded in 1996, is the premier association of 2,000 plus culinary and technical chefs and food scientists focused on product development. RCA members play a pivotal role in business development with leading manufacturers and ingredient supplies in all levels of the food industry – from consumer product goods to foodservice and everything in between. Here are a few stats about RCA members from a 2015 survey:

     - 95% are involved in product development and/or purchasing

     - 85% are involved in idea generation and prototype development

     - 75% belong to their company’s product development team

     - 68% recommend specific ingredients or suppliers

     - 60% work for companies with annual gross sales over $100 million

     - 47% are senior staff, directors, VPs or C-level executives

     - 41% work for companies that introduced 20 or more new products/product variations in the past year

Why partner with RCA?

In short, RCA is a hot bed for food product innovation and a secret weapon for companies serious about growth in this key market. It has become the portal for creating relationships with industry decision makers. As a result, RCA has developed strong strategic partnerships with dozens of companies and commodity boards – large and small – who are leveraging this partnership at our Annual Conference and year-round on a variety of levels. Our Partners tell us that their relationship with RCA provides a great return on investment with many qualified leads and critical exposure and that RCA is a vital part of their companies’ strategic marketing goals.

What our partners say about their RCA experience?

"JMH Premium has been a sponsor of the RCA for the past two years. Measuring sponsorship success isn't always by spreadsheet. We value being where our customers are and we find them at the RCA Annual and regional events."

Charles W. Hayes, CRC, CEC Vice President Culinary Innovations, R&D, JMH Premium

"Partnering with RCA provides our company with great opportunities to improve our branding and increase our exposure. We are proud to contribute to the dynamic, innovative RCA team."

Rick Daneke, Food Technologist, Dr. G's Creations LLC

“The Annual RCA Conference, in my opinion, is the single most important annual event for those who intend to lead the food industry forward. To those who understand this I say lead the way, be a sponsor.”

Bob Hoopingarner Vice President, Sales & Marketing, International Dehydrated Foods, Inc.

“RCA is at the top of our marketing plan. The exposure, opportunities and inspiration we receive from our ongoing involvement with this dynamic and diverse food R&D organization are unparalleled.”

Ron Schifsky, National Sales Manager, Butter Buds Food Ingredients

How to get started?

There are many RCA Partnership options with customized packages available at all price points depending on what type of experience you are looking for. Whether you want to see your product used in a professional competition, served at a sit down lunch for our members, promoted on our website or in a dedicated eblast, we can create a package that meets your needs. Keep in mind, the prospectus for our 2023 RCA Conference will be available, July 2022.

To begin discussions around your customized package, please contact us at rca@culinology.org.