The Food Products Association and the Grocery Manufacturers Association announced April 28 they have agreed to merge the two organizations effective January 1, 2007. The merger will not be fully ratified until GMA’s board of directors considers and votes on the terms of the agreement at its June board meeting and the general membership of FPA and GMA approve.

FPA President and CEO Cal Dooley is expected to be named head of the merged organization. Dooley is a former congressman from California. GMA President and CEO Manly Molpus will continue in his position until his previously announced retirement date of December 31, 2006.

The combined organization will be known as GMA/FPA for the first year, after which it will be known as GMA. The new organization will represent nearly 300 member companies from every sector of the food, beverage and consumer products industry.

The FPA was founded in 1907 as the National Canners Association and the GMA was founded as an organization representing a broader range of food manufacturers in 1908.