Once again the USA has stepped up to the plate to help those in crisis in other parts of the world. The Japanese people have been devastated by both an earthquake and a tsunami and at press time the aftershocks and high radiation levels continue to hamper efforts to rebuild and recover. The generosity and thoughtfulness of the retail community in particular has been overwhelming, including the Mid-Atlantic region. Giant/Carlisle (Martin’s), along with its sister Ahold USA supermarkets, is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund to support disaster relief efforts. Additionally, from March 21 through April 3, Giant/Carlisle stores collected donations in all stores for the victims of the natural disasters in Japan on behalf of the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund. All of the monies collected will be donated to relief efforts. “Our associates and customers want to help those in need following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan,” said Rick Herring, division president. “We are fortunate to be in a position to help with humanitarian relief efforts during this difficult time.” The Safeway Foundation also donated $100,000 and held an employee matching pledge of up to $50,000 to help with the Japan earthquake and tsunami relief effort. The contribution will be distributed to the impacted area through the American Red Cross. “The images of destruction that we’ve all seen are heartbreaking,” said Larree Renda, Safeway EVP and chair of the Safeway Foundation. “At this time of need, we are pleased to join with our employees, customers and communities as we collectively look for ways to make a difference.” There are many ways everyone can help. For more information, go to www.redcross.org.
Safeway and Genuardi’s announced the start of their companywide fundraising campaign for Easter Seals, Special Olympics, and a range of job training programs that help people with disabilities live fuller lives. During the month of April, all Safeway owned stores in the U.S. and Canada will raise funds for organizations that are at the forefront of providing assistance, training, therapy and social outlets to the millions of people who live with physical or developmental disabilities. To date, Safeway has raised and donated more than $100 million to support organizations such as Easter Seals, Special Olympics and a range of other organizations that assist people with special needs.
In an effort to promote their long standing commitment to recycling and sustainable local agriculture, the eco-friendly Kreider Farms is offering a unique chicken and cow manure blend for use in vegetable gardens, flower beds and other plant growth. In stores now, the bagged manure is sold exclusively in retail grocery markets across the eastern Pennsylvania region, including Landis Markets, Gentile’s Market, Darrenkamp’s, Shady Maple, Green Hill Discount, Weaver’s Orchard, Meadowbrook Farm Market, Landisview Market, and Weis (Manheim). Kreider’s dehydrated manure blend carries the PA Department of Agriculture’s “PA Preferred” packaging logo, which identifies and supports high-quality Pennsylvania state agricultural products.
The 2011 Seafood Excellence Awards winners were announced at the close of the International Boston Seafood Show last month. Congratulations to this year’s winners, which included St. James Smokehouse Inc., which won the “Best New Retail” award for their St. James Scotch Reserve Smoked Salmon Infused with Hendrick’s Scottish Gin & Tonic. And, to Dish Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., which won the “Best New Foodservice” award for their Prawn Lollipop. Winners were selected from a group of finalists during a live judging by a panel of seafood buyers and experts from the retail and foodservice industries. This year’s judges included: Joe Koran, senior category development manager, seafood for Foodbuy; Ken Henessey, seafood category manager, Hannaford and Sweetbay Supermakets; and Will Wadsworth, culinary development chef, Mitchell’s Fish Market.
Kevin McDonnell, chief merchandising officer of Fairway Market, will be the featured dinner speaker during the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) Trade Relations Conference to be held May 31 and June 1 at The Borgata in Atlantic City. The program features McDonnell, who will present his views on the food industry and share his expertise on the marketplace in New Jersey during the event’s NJFC Executives Reception and Awards program. Also, during the event Larry Brown, long time consumer package goods executive and 27 year Pepsi veteran will be honored with the New Jersey Food Council Max Stone Trade Relations Award. “Mr. Brown brings over 30 years of experience in the beverage industry and has been personally involved with the Food Council for more than 20 years. His progression through a variety of sales and leadership roles are a testament to his dedication to the industry and the amount of respect he has garnered from his colleagues and peers,” said NJFC president Linda Doherty. This event is always enjoyable. Mark your calendars to attend. You won’t be disappointed.
Our condolences go out to the entire Haddon House family on the very recent loss of Josephine Lane who passed away at the age of 94. Josephine was a pioneer in the food business. As Harold Anderson’s life partner, they worked side by side establishing Haddon House Food Products in Medford, NJ in 1958. Together they grew Haddon House into a major force in the specialty food business. Never one to retire, Josephine continued working until as late as last month. Josephine was not only a keen business-woman, she was an amazing mother and grandmother to not only her son Bob and his family but also to Harold’s children and grandchildren. A whiz in the kitchen, my family and I had the honor and pleasure of sharing many delicious meals with Josephine and “Uncle” Harold as we called him, at their home. “Her passing is a major loss to Haddon House, the industry and to our family,” David Anderson Jr. said. “She will be deeply missed by everyone,” he said. Myself included.
Happy retirement wishes to Gerry Innocenti, who after over 48 years with Acme Markets is taking some time to smell the roses. Gerry took two years out of his tenure to serve our country, then returned to Acme. Judy Spires, president of King’s Supermarkets, who worked with Gerry while at Acme said; “I worked with Gerry for many years. He was a guy who came to work every single day like it was his first day. His energy was never ending. That energy also translated to his family. He was a fabulous family man. During his tenure at Acme, Gerry was a district manager for 20 years and made many contributions to Acme Markets.” Enjoy your retirement, Gerry.
Birthday shout outs for the renaissance month of April go out to: Charlie Poletti, Acosta; Ron Benjamin, Pro-Star Marketing; Ed Herr, Herr Foods; Terry Lowden, JO’H; Kevin Cook, Edy’s; Matt Davis, Pirate Brands; Larry Weaver, Global Dairy Brands; and George Price, Philadelphia Inquirer. Buon Compleanno a tutti!
Celebrating marital bliss this month are: Stephen and Alana Raiola, Farmland Dairies; Doug and Diane Buchanan, Brandywine Marketing Associates; Larry and Jutta Weaver, Global Dairy Brands; and Joanne and Michael Morabito III, Morabito Baking Co. Congratulations to all!
Quote of the month: “The income tax has made liars out of more Americans than golf has.” —Will Rogers