Welcome to the 38th annual Food Trade News Market Study! Always the definitive word in the retail food industry, Food Trade News tells it like it is with no nonsense, and the data presented leaves no stone unturned with no retailer left behind. Our fearless leader Jeff Metzger is quoted around the country and his opinions and insights on the industry are regularly sought after. Preparing an issue of this magnitude takes a monumental effort, so I offer a resounding round of applause to the Best-Met team: our publisher Jeff Metzger; editorial director Terri Maloney; digital strategist and marketing whiz Karen Fernandez; my Food Trade News partner in sales and schmooze Kevin Gallagher; our circulation manager Beth Pripstein; and the E-ink gang who keep the creative juices going. Finally, to you our readers and advertisers, a grateful nod for your continued support on this Market Study and every one of the issues we publish each year. With this issue in particular we compile the data you need to know to make your business and marketing plans for the Mid-Atlantic market. Mille grazie!
Acme Markets gave the trade a break this Memorial Day weekend by opening another sparkling new store on the Thursday before instead of the Friday before the unofficial start of summer, just like they did last year. The Sea Isle City Acme was torn down at the end of the summer season last year, and a new, much larger edifice now blends in perfectly with its neighbors. The store was about 11,000 square feet prior to the tear down and now stands at 26,400 square feet, plus the outdoor summer sundries department. “Our store celebrates our customers and we are thrilled to offer them such a fantastic new shopping experience,” said Dan Croce, president of Acme. “From our product selection to the design and layout of the store, our goal was to tailor this store for our neighbors in Sea Isle City. We’ve created a fresh, new feel to the shopping experience with greater selections, convenience, and variety. We look forward to continuing to bring the best of Acme to the residents of Sea Isle City for many years to come.” As at other openings, donations were made to local first responder teams and the always popular bench made of recycled materials was donated to the City of Sea Isle. Soon after, on June 7, senior management held a vendor meeting at its Malvern headquarters to bring the trade up to speed on what’s cooking at Acme. I am not going to spill any beans here, but let’s just say that Acme’s plan to get all stores to the GOLD standard, aka the “grand opening look daily,” is steaming ahead with 50 remodels planned. They have expanded the summer internship program, as was evidenced in the Sea Isle store which had about 20 students chomping at the bit to get to work. At the meeting, Croce announced that philly.com has named Acme the number one retailer in its Top Workplaces 2016 report. They still have kinks to work out, but they are in it for the long haul. With 22 stores along the Jersey Shore, the 2016 hot Shore summer song…oops, slogan is: “Summer is better at Acme.” Let’s hope so.
Once again, Ginat/Carlisle’s annual Support Our Troops in-store campaign was held May 8 through May 21 and the retailer made its largest donation to date – $623,905 – to the United Service Organizations Inc. (USO), a nonprofit that provides programs and services to soldiers and their families. Of the total raised by associates and customers, $514,636 went to the USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey (Liberty USO). In addition to the funds raised, the annual Women in Leadership Conference sponsored by Giant/Carlisle associates presented its local branch with a donation of 46 tons of food, cleaning and health care items to assist military families in the communities that they serve. “As part of our promise to be a better neighbor, we remain committed to supporting the brave men and women in the armed forces who serve our country both at home and abroad daily,” said Tom Lenkevich, president of Giant/Carlisle. “We have been proud to support the USO and the work they do to build morale and keep soldiers connected to their families since 2005.” Since Support Our Troops began in 2005, the retailer’s customers and associates have donated more than $4 million to the USO.
The International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) held its annual expo/seminar in Houston earlier this month. The expo, which sells out every year, had record breaking numbers to report: 1,926 booths representing 739 companies and 9,294 registered attendees which included the who’s who in retail purchasing, retail merchandising and retail executives, food manufacturers, brokers, distributors, and other leading industry professionals. This year’s seminar offered key insights into our business, the economy, the consumer and current trends. The speaker line-up included Shark Tank star Lori Greiner, chef and author Lidia Bastianich, Simon Sinek and Anthony Bourdain, who all attended book signings during expo hours. But my favorite was the early Sunday morning appearance of none other than Jerry Seinfeld who offered up the question, “Where else would I want to be at 10:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning?” He had a new product idea for us: alcohol coffees, so you can be the opposite of tired and sober; and a new type of coffee shop aptly named “Beat-It” with three types of coffee – scram, get out and see ‘ya. Seinfeld also asked, “If your phone is dead, does it really matter if you’re alive?” Well, does it? We in the audience laughed until we cried, and I heard many attendees comment that it was a great way to start the day! Agreed. Now, back to the expo we go. The new product showcase was a destination for attendees looking for unique and innovative trends all in one place. Buyers and merchandisers got an all-encompassing look at the newest and latest products, packaging, and services. The show and sell center showcased best-in-class merchandising ideas and innovative retailing concepts, along with new products, workshops, and demonstrations. I always look for new trends, or maybe a standout product I haven’t seen before. I found it at the Ambriola Company’s booth. If you are Italian and from the Northeast corridor, back in the day you probably had “Sunday dinner” every week at about 2:00 p.m. It most likely consisted of macaroni and gravy (it’s not sauce, it’s gravy), with gravy meat (meatballs, sausage and braciole) which were all topped with ricotta (Maggio, of course) and a blend of Locatelli Romano and Reggiano Parmigiano cheeses. Why the blend? When Italian immigrants came to America at the turn of the 20th century, times were tough, so the cheeses were blended to save money. The blend created a unique and delicious flavor, so generations going forward kept using it, my family included. Ambriola’s new product is called “Sunday Blend” and it comes in both seven and 16 ounce sizes. Something old is new again! Mangia bene! The 2017 Seminar and Expo will be June 4-6 in Anaheim, CA. See you there!
Speaking of Italian food, the Delaware Valley is home to many Italian family-owned food manufacturers and distributors. Two of them held events this past month honoring the past and celebrating the future. On June 7, Cento Foods dedicated a statue, complete with a trademark cigar, to its founder Alfred M. Ciccotelli Sr. on the grounds of the company headquarters in West Deptford, NJ. “Mr. C” as he was affectionately known, began his distribution company in 1963 with $265 he borrowed from his wife Anna. Today, it would be called a start-up. That money supplied the first month’s rent for a place on Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia. He later moved the business to the Pennsauken Mart and then to Westville. In 1982, Cento began producing superior quality products under the Cento label and the rest is history. At the dedication, Mr. C.’s son Rick addressed the crowd of family, friends and customers with some words of wisdom he learned from his father. “It’s all about taking care of the customer, relationships and treating people right all the time,” he said. “Mr. C. made the best of every situation and was a true leader.” At the dedication, Rick announced the creation of two scholarships, the Sons of Italy in America Alfred M. Ciccotelli Sr. Memoriam for Culinary Arts, which are open to students majoring in Burlington County Community College’s chef apprenticeship program. Following the speeches and blessings, guests were invited to feast on Italian specialties and fabulous pastries from Ferrara’s of Little Italy in New York City. The following week, on June 14, Chad Vilotti and James Liscio cut the ribbon on the new Liscio’s Bakery facility in Glassboro, NJ. The new bakery is in addition to one they will continue to operate, which is also located in Glassboro. At more than 100,000 square feet, the plant now employs 300 and will allow Liscio’s to grow going forward. On hand to help celebrate were New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, Glassboro Mayor Leo McCabe, and other local dignitaries. The Phillie Phanatic came to share his special kind of congratulations as did customers, brokers, family and friends. Family…that was the emphasis on this happy occasion. Both Chad and James were raised by single mothers who were taken from them too soon. Family means everything to these two men, and it shows in everything they do and how they treat their employees. Chad’s family has been in the baking business since 1910. His great-grandfather Luigi and his brother Charles started a business at 7th and Fitzwater Streets in Philadelphia and later moving to 11th and Catherine Streets where they remained until the family sold the business. They were also in the flour business, which Chad bought in 1997. James began his career in the baking industry at Master Bakers and moved on to Aversa’s. James joined up with Chad in 2002. Since that time, they have gone with the “two heads are better than one” theory and it has worked out well. Father Matt Weber blessed the factory and reminded everyone of the four Fs: faith, family, food and friends. But we know…it all starts with the bread.
The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Network of Executive Women (NEW) has announced its fall learning event, and it’s a good one. The 10th anniversary celebration, to be held at the Valley Forge Military Academy, will be all about “Taking Risks,” and will feature speakers: Judy Spires, chairperson and CEO of Kings Supermarkets, and Denise Morrison, president of Campbell Soup Company. A panel discussion will follow with:
Christopher J. Baldwin, president and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.; Amy Hahn, SVP-marketing at Ahold USA; Bobbie O’Hare, VP of business development at JOH; and Tara Weiner, retired senior partner, Deloitte & Touche, LLP. Details on how to register will be coming soon.
Everyone at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market (PWPM) agrees…it’s hard to believe it’s been five years since they moved into the state-of-the art, fully refrigerated and enclosed facility near the airport. “It seems like yesterday,” said Sonny DiCrecchio, president and CEO. “We are proud to pave the way as a leader in terms of cold chain management, product safety, staging, loading, security, and recycling.” During birthday week, the PWPM hosted Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, several area secretaries of agriculture, and port officials. “Our fifth birthday week is our way of thanking everyone who helped us achieve this milestone,” said DiCrecchio. “We look forward to many more years of service to our community, our employees, and our customers.” Happy birthday!
The Mid Atlantic Food Trades Organization (MAFTO) is planning some fabulous events this coming fall. But first there is a new event the board of directors thought would be
fun and family friendly, a four-hour fishing excursion leaving from Cape May on July 15 from 1-4pm. Only 60 places are available so if you are interested, register soon! MAFTO has a full schedule beginning with Coaches vs. Cancer on September 15. This event will feature a presentation by one of the Big 5 coaches and Ray Rastelli from Rastelli’s Market Fresh, Marlton, NJ. On October 5, Acme president Dan Croce will address the trade. The annual gala will be held on November 4-6 in Baltimore, MD. Honoree for 2016 is Safeway president Steve Burnham. The final event of 2016 will be A Christmas for All Kids and Monte Carlo Night. This is a fun event for everyone featuring an open bar, a buffet dinner and a night of funny money gambling with great prizes! MAFTO is calling on all members with college students in their families to have them register for the opportunity to receive a scholarship to their school. Eligibility requirements are: the applicant must be a member of MAFTO for one year or is the child, stepchild or grandchild of a qualified MAFTO member. And, you must be a full-time rising sophomore or higher college student. For details on all of the events or to apply for a college scholarship, please go to: www.mafto.org.
Speaking of college students, ‘tis the season for both high school and college and graduate school graduations. We send high fives to the graduates: Scott Brown, son of Jeff and Sandy Brown, Brown’s ShopRites, from Cherry Hill East High School; Emma Patragnoni, daughter of David Patragnoni of Wellshire Farms, from Shawnee High School; Ryan Gallagher, son of Food Trade News’ Kevin and Susan Gallagher, from Monroe High School; Louis Scaduto, son of Lou Scaduto of Food Circus Supermarkets, from the University of Richmond; Lauren Eni, Dietz & Watson, who received her MBA from Drexel University; and Eileen Acello, Academy of Food Marketing at Saint Joseph’s University, who received her second master’s degree, this time in organizational development and leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. Congratulations, class of 2016!
Birthday shout-outs for the summery month of June go to: Jeff Geiges, Acme Markets; Phil Scaduto, Food Circus Supermarkets; Mark Tarzwell, Mrs’s T’s; Jim Burke Sr., Seafood America; Bill Derbyshire, Coca Cola; Tom Morrison, Integrity/ESM; John Sottile, Lamagna Cheese Company; Nancy Rodgers-Fluharty, Pace Target Brokers; Ralph Nagle, Rastelli’s Market Fresh; Brian Chick, Charles Ritter, Inc.; Terri Maloney, Food World/Food Trade News editor; and our captain, Jeff Metzger. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Quote of the month: “The effective executives I have seen differ…in fact in almost everything that distinguishes human beings…Be yourself.” – Peter F. Drucker
Maria can be reached at [email protected]
