Now that we have survived the wettest two months on record, let’s hope the remainder of the fall will bring beautiful colors and drier and cooler weather.
The strength of the natural, organic and healthy lifestyle industry proved robust as ever, as evidenced by the faced that more than 20,000 industry members walked the trade show floor of Natural Products Expo East at the Baltimore Convention Center a few weeks ago. Eighty countries were represented. The show floor was comprised of 1,450 exhibits and of those, 355 companies were first time exhibitors. Keep in mind that not all exhibitors were food related. However, all products were related to the natural, organic and healthy living industry. From what I could see in the food section of the show, hemp products seemed to be the biggest trend. Yes, we even tasted hemp ice cream. This show is an interesting mix of national brands and home-grown companies. It’s worth a visit just to prove to the non-believers that organic and natural is here to stay. The winners of the New Product Showcase Awards as voted on by attendees were: best packaging-Tiny Fruits by Little Duck Organics; most innovative – Vampire Killer-Brad’s Raw Leafy Kale by Brad’s Raw Foods; best new green/environmentally-friendly – Snack Time by ChicoBag; best new food – Hibiscus Lemon LunaPops by LunaPops; best new health and beauty – Fair Trade Ethiopian Coffee Scrub by Planet Botanicals; and best new supplements/herbs – Vega Sport Electrolyte Hydrator by Sequel Naturals.
The retailers and wholesalers in our area are always participating in some kind of charitable cause and this past month there were so many that I find it necessary to give you all a synopsis of all the incredible things our retail friends are doing to help those in need. Genuardi’s launched its annual October breast cancer fundraising campaign as part of parent company Safeway’s chain-wide initiative. Since 2001 Genuardi’s stores have raised more than $1.4 million. The funds benefit leading-edge breast cancer research projects at some of North America’s top cancer centers as well as a range of nonprofit organizations focused on new treatments, raising awareness and enabling early detection.
To honor the goals of national Hunger Action Month, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. continued its commitment to alleviate hunger in communities where it operates this past September. The company’s effort took the form of employee engagement, food donations and investments in Feeding America and specific member food banks.
“Our employees as individuals, and our company as a whole, have rallied again during Hunger Action Month,” said Gina Goff, director of community involvement. “What we accomplished took the form of action, investment and food to make a difference in the lives of children and families.” C&S’ corporate responsibility focus is on alleviating hunger in the United States. To tap into the generosity of employees, and with the belief that there is something that everyone can do to help end hunger, C&S held its 9th annual Food for Kids Drive at all company locations. Employees donated peanut butter, soup, chili and other child-friendly food items, which were then given to the closest food bank. As in previous years, C&S is matching each pound of food collected with a $1 contribution to Feeding America to support national expansion of the BackPack Program. The aim of the BackPack Program is to meet the needs of hungry children by providing them with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to take home on weekends and during school vacations when other resources are not available. The Food Banks that benefited from this program in our area were: Central PA Food Bank, Harrisburg; Lehigh Valley Food Bank, Allentown, PA.
Supervalu has committed $1 million to sponsor 1,542 youth sports teams in markets where its banner stores operate. The sponsorships underscore the company’s commitment to its local neighborhoods and have helped to offset the cost of local youth baseball and soccer programs for kids between the ages of 4 and 10. All told, the sponsorships have supported 1,542 teams, providing more than 20,000 kids with the opportunity to participate in sports.
Shelly Nelson, Supervalu corporate director of strategic media services said, “Because diet and exercise are important to well-being, we saw this sponsorship as a complement to our focus on helping our shoppers eat well and a nice way to support stronger -and healthier -neighborhoods.” In our marketing area, Supervalu’s Acme Markets division is sponsoring 140 soccer teams this fall.
New Jersey ShopRite stores will honor six top performing high school athletic programs this Fall with the presentation of the ShopRite Cup. Now in its eighth year, the ShopRite Cup is presented jointly by ShopRite stores and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Steve Timko, executive director of the NJSIAA said: “Our participants not only learn the importance of teamwork during the season but also the benefits of hard work and determination. Whether they receive the cup or not, all of our athletes are winners.” “Participation in team sports is such an important part of a young person’s life,” said Karen Meleta, spokeswoman for ShopRite. “ShopRite is honored to recognize these athletes, their commitment to their sport and their dedication to excellence.” Recipients of the 2011 ShopRite Cup are: Hunterdon Central Regional High School; Delsea Regional High School; St. Rose of Belmar High School; Christian Brothers Academy; New Providence High School; and Haddonfield Memorial High School.
The Fresh Grocer supermarket chain has been chosen to receive awards from three prominent Philadelphia-based employment organizations for their superior employer techniques. These organizations, the JEVS Human Services (JEVS), the Marriott Foundation’s Bridges, and the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, each work closely with The Fresh Grocer in order to provide job placement and employment opportunities in underserved communities. JEVS’ 2011 Business Leadership Award will be presented to The Fresh Grocer at JEVS’ Strictly Business Awards Luncheon in October. JEVS is an organization specializing in aiding individuals to reach their fullest potential and prosper in their lives. The Marriott Foundations’ Bridges program will be presenting The Fresh Grocer with their Outstanding Employer of the Year Award at their upcoming Employer Recognition Event in November. The Bridges program was established to provide more employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Fresh Grocer was selected for this award because of their drive to take immediate action and recognize the strengths of individuals and allow the opportunity let them blossom. The Fresh Grocer will also be recognized with the Welcome Center for New Pennsylvanians’ 2011 Employer of Distinction Award at their eighth Solas Awards event this December. The Welcome Center works with The Fresh Grocer to help new citizens gain employment. The award will honor The Fresh Grocer’s commitment to providing and maintaining a diverse workforce. “The Fresh Grocer is committed to offering employment and career opportunities to members of our local community,” said Fresh Grocer president and CEO Patrick Burns. “Our partnerships with human service organizations like JEVS, Bridges, and the Welcome Center for New Pennsylvanians have been extremely beneficial in helping us to continuously achieve this goal.” I find it very impressive to see all the hard work and effort that goes into these projects come to fruition. Kudos to all!
Registration is continuing for the AMR/MAFTO dinner dance honoring the Redner Family November 4th through 6th at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. This annual event is benefits the scholarships given out each year to deserving college students. Applications must be filed by August 31 of each year to be considered for a scholarship. The weekend begins with a cocktail party Friday evening continues on Saturday with an afternoon of tasting products from area vendors and some adult libations and the dinner dance featuring the Soul Cruisers, always a crowd pleaser. The weekend is capped off with a delicious brunch on Sunday morning. AMR/MAFTO president Mike Marano tells me that registration is going well and that anyone interested in joining this fun loving crowd can go to the association’s website: www.amrmafto.org to register. Hope to see you all there in a few weeks!
A tip of the hat to Bob Higgins, executive director and his staff at Saint Joseph’s University Academy of Food Marketing on the success of the 43rd annual Citation Award given to Ahold USA. The elegant cocktail party and dinner dance was held on October 1 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown in Center City Philadelphia. Well over 1500 food industry executives donned their finest attire to fete Ahold USA CEO Carl Schlicker and his team. The AHOLD floral department personnel deserve special recognition for the magnificent floral arrangements made for this occasion. The evening benefited the Food Marketing Educational Foundation which supports Food Marketing Education at SJU.
More than 200 supermarket industry notables attended the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) annual Good Government Breakfast October 7 in Iselin, NJ. The event honors New Jersey legislators who are pro business proponents and allies of our industry. In addition, Elizabeth Chace-Marino, senior manager of government relations for Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, was presented with the “Good Government” Award, an honor that recognizes an individual in the food industry who demonstrates the spirit of public policy leadership and effective government advocacy. Liz is an active NJFC member in the area of public policy, while also representing Stop & Shop for five different state food trade associations, as well as several chambers of commerce and the Food Marketing Institute where she chairs the WIC Task Force Committee and serves on the Government Affairs Committee. “Liz received our highest honor for an industry government affairs representative for her strong commitment to furthering the goals of the Food Council and our public affairs agenda,” said Linda Doherty, president of NJFC. “Although she wears many hats, Liz is one of the most active participants in the Food Council and is greatly admired and appreciated by her colleagues throughout the industry.”
The circle of life continues as we send condolences to one of our own this month. Nina Weiland’s mother Helen Williams passed away on September 30 after a long illness. In addition to Nina and her husband John Weiland, Mrs. Williams is survived by her grandchildren, Jeffrey Weiland, Allison Weiland, Jennifer (Weiland) and Davide Mattucci,
and great-grandchildren Alessia and Gianluca Mattucci.I f you would like to send condolences to Nina, please email her at [email protected].
Congratulations to Kelly Tarzwell on her new position at Pepsi Beverage Company in Baltimore. Kelly will be responsible for the Mars Supermarket account in the Baltimore market.
Birthday shout outs for the colorful month of October go out to: Mike Villari, Citterio;
Kathleen Ellis, wife of Bernie Ellis, retired and now serving as a consultant for Rite Aid; Jeff Ghajar, Goya Foods; Mike Keba Jr., Giant Carlisle; Ray Nemeth, Herr Foods; Charlie Schuster, RMG, Carl Jablonski, Bud’s Market; Food Trade News’ own Nina Weiland; William Speakman, CFO of Best-Met Publishing; and Andy Metzger, son of Best-Met’s Jeff and Audrie Metzger. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Celebrating marital bliss this month are: Frank and Mary Frazier, ret. Cargill; Jane and Charlie Schuster, RMG; and Tim and Lisa Summy, Bimbo Bakries. Congratulations to all!
Don’t forget to look for us on the web at www.best-met.com and facebook!
Quote of the month: “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.” Henry David Thoreau