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What is the FMI Information Service?
FMI's Information Service is the industry's premier information source. We offer a complete reference collection of multi-media material including DVDs, videos, audiotapes, newspaper clippings, magazines, FMI reports and books about the industry. We have access to commercial on-line databases and the Internet. Our uniquely qualified staff has over 25 years of experience helping the industry research, write and meet deadlines.

What kinds of questions can we answer?
The FMI Information Service is a highly effective way to get the answers you need to make critical business decisions. In the last few months, members have asked about packaging trends in relation to private label products, gasoline programs that drive shopper loyalty, trends in online coupons, sustainability initiatives and changes in consumer shopping behavior.

Who can access the Information Service?

• Retailer/Wholesaler Members and Associate Members
  As a member you have unlimited use of this wonderful resource! Simply call or email us with any research question you may have. We will get you an answer within 24 hours via email, phone or mail. See below for information about the online catalog and abstracts database.

• Non-members
  If you are not a member, we can provide you with quick reference service or a referral. Email us.  More in-depth questions are best handled if you make an appointment to use the library and do your own research at our facilities in Arlington, VA. Appointments are Monday - Friday except on Wednesday from 1-5 pm. Copying facilities are available. We charge 20 cents per page. Call us at 202-452-8444 to make an appointment.

Not sure if you are eligible to be a member?
See the Join FMI section of the web site.

What materials from the Information Service are on the web site?

Check out the Food Industry Facts & Figures area for key supermarket facts, lists of top food retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, a food glossary and much more. .

• Retailer/Wholesaler, Associate Members and non-members (limited access) are encouraged to use the FMI Information Service's  online catalog and abstract database. This database includes:

• Food Industry Abstracts from a variety of trade and business journals  from 1988- present.
• A Catalog of multi-media materials about the food distribution industry from FMI and other publishers. 

We do not abstract cover to cover, rather we will include the most substantive articles. For a list of the journals we abstract see our journal listing. If you have questions about the database or if you are having trouble finding what you need, call us (202-452-8444) or email us for assistance. Use this link if you've forgotten your password.