A new industry group formed by former Grocery Manufacturers Association members will not operate as a traditional trade association even as it seeks to make policy changes, one of the group's board members said Wednesday.

The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance was launched in July to advocate on a number of health and environmental issues affecting the food industry. The group's four founding members—Danone North America, Mars, Nestlé USA and Unilever United States—all previously dropped out of GMA, reportedly over differences on policy.

The Alliance has insisted it is not another trade association. Mars lobbyist and Alliance board member Brad Figel reiterated that point during a presentation at Arizona State University, saying the companies formed the group because they wanted "to stop having debates within the food industry and start moving forward," agriculture news site The Fence Post reported.

The food industry has struggled with how to respond to growing consumer demand for foods that are healthier and environmentally friendly. The Alliance's list of policy priorities reflects that shift, with the group saying it will advocate for transparency in food labeling, environmental sustainability, food safety, and helping people make better nutritional choices.

The Alliance has not established a Washington, D.C., office or hired staff, The Fence Post noted. However, the group has retained the Glover Park Group, a public affairs firm.

"We are lean and mean on purpose. We do not want to be another trade association with large dues," Figel said. "Our intent is to grow but not to become a large trade association." http://bit.ly/2EcQy9Q

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