Tis the season to be…generous! That was the mood at the Mid Atlantic Food Trades Organization’s (MAFTO) annual “Christmas for All Kids”/Monte Carlo Night held December 2 at the infamous Williamson’s on Rt. 611 in Horsham, PA. Chief elf Bill Schlosky, aided by his second in command elf Joe Gardyan, both with Utz Snacks, and a team of board members, put together a memorable night of food, drink, revelry and merriment, not to mention a good dose of gambling (which benefited many local charities) and prizes for the attendees. More than 160 guests brought new unwrapped toys that were donated to Angels of God Clothing Closet. This year’s loot included two bicycles and a tall Star Wars Stormtrooper! Additional toys were purchased from the proceeds and donated to Sacred Heart Church located in the underserved area of Camden, NJ. Scott Vicari of Promo Point Marketing and I had the privilege of shopping for and delivering the toys to a very grateful Father Michael Doyle, pastor of Sacred Heart.
Consider adding this fun event to your holiday calendar – the first Friday of December 2017 – it’s a great way to begin the holiday season. MAFTO memberships are free…you can sign up at www.mafto.org
Burns Family Neighborhood Markets opened a much-anticipated Fresh Grocer in the Grays Ferry Section of South Philadelphia on December 9, just in time for the Christmas rush. And rush in the customers did, after waiting in a line that wound through the shopping center. Philadelphia’s Mayor James Kenney and other elected officials of the Burns team joined in the celebration. A $10,000 check to support local hunger relief efforts was presented to Philabundance, symbolizing the supermarket’s commitment to the community. The former Pathmark was completely renovated and expanded and the 57,000 square foot new Fresh Grocer now offers a state-of-the-art shopping experience with all the bells and whistles. This is going to be another winner for the Burns’ Family Neighborhood Markets!
Looks like South Philly is the place to be these days. Earlier this month, Acme Markets and real estate development firm The Goldenberg Group announced the signing of a lease to construct a new supermarket which will be located in the Snyder Plaza Shopping Center at Front Street and Snyder Avenue and will serve the Pennsport and Whitman neighborhoods of South Philadelphia as well as the greater Center City area. An existing building will be completely gutted and renovated to house the new Acme store, which will include both Starbucks coffee, as well as a beer and wine shop. The projected opening is slated for summer 2017. Dan Croce, Acme president, said, “From our product selection to the design and layout of the store, our goal will be to provide our customers with excellent service, convenience, and variety. We look forward to our opening next year and bringing the best of Acme to the community for many years to come.” Acme will join Target, Marshalls and 20 other retailers on Snyder Avenue, conveniently located off Route 95 and Columbus Boulevard. The announcement of Acme’s plan to open another store in South Philly is the latest step in The Goldenberg Group’s multi-year plan to enhance Snyder Plaza. In addition to new stores and other capital improvements, plans include the creation of public spaces, improved walkways and better connections to the neighborhoods (and hopefully a better parking lot).
The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has announced its honorees for the 2017 Night of Distinction. They are John Derderian of Allegiance Retail Services, Nico Sumas of Village Supermarkets and Frank Mastrangelo of Supervalu. These deserving members of the food industry will be feted on March 23 at the Palace in Somerset, NJ. The Industry Achievement Award is given each year to three industry leaders for their meaningful contribution to advance the mission of the NJFC, for achieving significant food business success and for their history of civic service within the New Jersey food community. It is truly the highlight of the NJFC year. For more information, please go to www.njfoodcouncil.org
As they do every year, this past November, Brown’s Super Stores partnered with the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC), churches, community groups, corporations and elected officials from the City of Philadelphia to coordinate a tremendous Thanksgiving basket distribution. This program was sponsored by Pepsi, Glory Foods, Table Talk Pie Co., Bimbo Bread, Flowers Baking, Schmidt Baking, T.M. Kovacevich and Guarino’s Produce, all of which supplied many of the items in this year’s baskets. Community partners distributed 2,000 baskets containing full dinners that fed more than 12,000 individuals citywide giving them a Thanksgiving meal to remember. The Phillie Phanatic also made a guest appearance supporting this good cause. A team of 75 to 100 volunteers assembled the baskets at the ShopRite of Oregon Avenue on November 19. Volunteers from the partners’ organizations were on hand to help with the packing of the baskets. On November 21, the baskets were distributed to the community groups from the ShopRite of Parkside.
Over the past year, I have traveled to many a store in the FTN coverage area. During those visits, a large number of elaborately decorated cakes have caught my eye. So, as a shout out to the cake decorators and those who manage them, the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) 22nd annual cake decorating challenge is approaching. The event will take place during IDDBA 17, which will be held in Anaheim, CA June 4-6. Contestants will compete in a three-day event where they craft and decorate a variety of specialty cakes ranging in size, theme, and shape. This challenge is open to supermarket decorators and contestants will be chosen based on the quality of their portfolio. The deadline for the portfolio and entry form to be received by the IDDBA is February 3, 2017. Contestants will be informed and physical portfolios returned around March 15, 2017. They will compete for first, second, and third place trophies. For the contest, IDDBA will cover transportation, lodging, and meals for each contestant. This is a can’t-miss event to gain recognition and experience in the industry. To register go to www.iddba.com.
I want to send a high five to my fellow Hawk, Colleen McDonnell, who began working at PMA recently as the exposition and sponsorship sales manager for the organization’s annual October show. Colleen worked for Wegmans in the specialty cheese department for six years before joining PMA. Congrats!
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has tapped Tom Beaver to replace Al Murray as the director of the organization’s division of marketing and development. This role is critical in enhancing the markets of New Jersey farm products by developing and expanding markets, both here and abroad. He had previously spent eight years with the New Jersey Farm Bureau. We look forward to seeing him at many events going forward.
The circle of life continues as we congratulate my buddy Nate Ostroff of Network Food Brokers, his wife Judi and their family on the arrival of their second granddaughter Avery Blake Ostroff. Little Miss Avery arrived on December 11 weighing in at 7 pounds 11 ounces. She is the daughter of Loren and Jordana Ostroff, and new baby sister of 3-year old Layla.
Birthday shout outs for the celebratory month of December go to: Larry Rothwell, Pennington Quality Market; Paul McGurkin, Integrity/ESM; Jay Gordon, Sales Management Partners; Dorothy Hamilton and Sue Rorke-Lawler, Acme Markets; Linda Naddeo, HP Hood; and Lane Gordon, Key Impact Foods. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Merry Christmahanakwanzika from all of us at Food Trade News. Thank you for your continued support and comradery throughout the year. As you celebrate this holiday season, be sure to include those less fortunate and our troops at home and abroad in your prayers. Peace, prosperity and good health in 2017! Buone feste!
Quote of the month: “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Maria can be reached at [email protected]
