Welcome to the August issue of Food Trade News everyone and I do hope you and your loved ones are all are safe and well and enjoying the final hazy days and heat of this summer! It seems like we’ve been in the throes of heat waves all summer long, but believe me I’m not complaining knowing what usually follows in a few short months.
Kudos to Linda Doherty, president of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), and her team as they kept the faith and held their annual golf outing at Suburban Golf club in Union, NJ. The outing followed all social distancing guidelines with contactless registration and gift bags filled with masks and sanitizing wipes.
“There was no doubt that this year proved to be a logistical challenge, but we were determined to host a safe, fun, socially-distanced outing for our sponsors,” said Doherty. “Since many summer golf events were either postponed or cancelled, members appreciated the great networking opportunity for food trade associates and retail executives; and the generosity we received from members who donate to our bountiful goody bags and robust raffle donations always makes this a popular event.” Doherty said the golf outing is a key fundraiser for the association; it helps support many ongoing initiatives and campaigns throughout the year to serve the food industry. “After these long months and stress on the industry, it was great to see so many friends and reconnect. It gives me hope for the future.”
I had a chance to attend the opening of the new Wegmans in Harrison, NY with my esteemed associate Maria Maggio. The 121,000 square foot marvel did not disappoint and even though pandemic protocols took away some of the usual pomp and circumstance, a new Wegmans store always has you saying “wow” upon entering. And this store fell right in line with all of its predecessors. There are more packaged foods than usual (again due to the pandemic) yet the perishable service departments are top notch. The store will be managed by Matt Dailor and I’m looking forward to a return visit.
The National Supermarket Association (NSA) held its 21st annual golf outing at Engineer’s Country Club in Roslyn, Long Island. While the date was rescheduled due to the pandemic, it did not deter the attendees from showing up in force to support the NSA, with all proceeds going to the NSA Foundation scholarship fund. Independent owners representing all banners (and all NSA members, too) as well as the vendor community were on hand in the sweltering heat to play some golf and start the process of trying to get back to some sense of socially interacting within all the guidelines of safety protocols. NSA national president William Rodriguez welcomed all the attendees to the event along with his lovely wife Rosa and the equally lovely Denise Diaz. I reminisced with William how 21 short years ago, the inaugural NSA outing was held at Fiddler’s Elbow in Bedminster, NJ and marveled at how big the event has become as well as how much good it is has done the NSA Scholarship Foundation. Truly amazing and a very worthy event. Well done to all!!
And while we are mentioning the NSA; anyone looking to reach the vibrant Hispanic marketplace should check out our next issue of Food Trade News (September) where we will be running a dedicated
editorial section for Hispanic Heritage month. Guest panelists and information regarding Hispanic Heritage month will all be part of the makeup of this issue. For those who don’t know, Food Trade News reaches more than 25,000 readers every month including the vital metro NY/NJ independent marketplace and your message will be seen be these coveted end users. Additionally, we will also be exploring the natural/organics business in the September issue as well!!! If interested, give me a call.
And here’s a shout out to everyone at GraceKennedy (GK) Foods USA as the big company continued its efforts to feed frontline workers during the pandemic. The company wound down its eight week “With Love from Grace” Appreciation Food Truck Tour, which has seen the company delivering hot lunches to some 2,000 essential workers over some 30 stops in New York and Florida since June. The program was launched out of GK Foods’ understanding of the vital role of grocery store workers in sustainable food supply.
The Grace team made stops at Pathmark, Bravo, Western Beef, Walmart, Presidente and ShopRite stores across New York and Florida and essential workers were treated to lunches consisting of Jamaican staples including jerk chicken, plantains, rice and peas, fish with festival and a selection of Grace Tropical Rhythms and coconut water.
“Grace is a family brand, known and loved both at home in Jamaica and internationally. While we have contributed to several relief efforts in cash and kind, we also wanted to ensure that retail partners in our key markets, who work to keep our communities fed, are recognized for the essential service that they provide. This was our way of showing our appreciation for the selflessness and courage displayed by grocery store workers in keeping stores open during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have helped millions of people get through the current global crisis without interruption, risking their lives, while maintaining the highest level of quality and service,” said Derrick Reckord, president and CEO of GraceKennedy Foods USA, LLC. Well done, everyone at GK Foods USA!
We heard from Wayne Pesce, president of the Connecticut Food Association (CFA). Wayne reiterated that the CFA has cancelled all in-person events for the remainder of the calendar year. However, they will be hosting a virtual event on December 3 to honor the heroic efforts of Connecticut’s grocery retail essential employees. Details are still being worked out and as soon as we have them we will pass them along or feel free to visit www.ctfoodassociation.org to keep up to date.
And congrats to Jim Dorey, president at Price Rite Supermarkets, and his entire team on a successful collaboration with Feed the Children. Since partnering with the organization in 2015, Price Rite has contributed more than 2 million pounds of food, totaling more than $7 million in gift-in-kind donations in the areas where Price Rite stores operate. The practice continued over this spring and summer, with identified families in need receiving 25-pound boxes of food, 15-pound boxes of personal care essentials, shelf-stable items and backpacks filled with school supplies. “Now more than ever families are facing food insecurity due to this pandemic,” said Dorey. “Giving back to the communities we serve is at the heart of Price Rite Marketplace and we’re proud to continue our partnership with Feed the Children for a sixth year and provide food and essentials to local families in need.”
Great job, Price Rite!!!
Well, I am going to wrap up for now everyone. I hope you all remain healthy, safe and sane. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer, and I’ll say my prayers if you say yours, and hopefully it will lead us all back to normalcy sooner than later! As always you can reach me at 201.250.2217 or [email protected].