Welcome to autumn, everyone. It has been a busy summer with nary a mask in sight and that has been a very good thing for everybody. And closing out the summer was the National Supermarket Association’s (NSA) highly successful three-day event at Resorts World Hotel & Casino in South Jamaica, Queens, NY. What was formerly a one-day trade show has morphed into a full business forum with workshops, seminars and speeches. The NSA has always wanted and wished for this type of showcase event for its membership, vendors and friends and this year it really delivered. Carrying a theme of “Nothing Will Stop Us,” day one kicked off with the opening ceremony followed by welcome remarks from NSA president Samuel Collado, former NSA president William Rodriguez and NSA trade show chairman Anthony Pena. Guest speakers that day included Bob Unanue, president and CEO of Goya Foods, and Ligia Bonetti, president and CEO of Grupo SID. An informative state of the industry review was offered by Nick Walker and Brian Audette of UNFI. And lastly an industry leaders panel – featuring Dennis Hickey of Krasdale Foods, George Knobloch of Key Food, Jonathan D’Onfrio of Associated Supermarket Group (ASG) and Jon Ewig of Porky Products – was moderated by Carlos Hernandez of Lions Sales Group and the NSA Florida chapter. Several topics were covered, including changing market conditions and consumer habits, supply channel issues and labor problems. The consensus among the panelists though was that Independent operators are still very viable in the urban market and in fact thrived during the pandemic more so than their chain store competitors. As Sam Collado summed up at the conclusion of the evening, “There is no crisis without solution, and there is no solution without determination.” Day two focused on informative workshops for producers and exporters seeking to initiate business opportunities in the U.S. and/or expand their current status. After several workshops, the day offered business exchanges and meetings with producers, sellers and distributors.
And finally the trade show wrapped up the final day of the three-day extravaganza. There was a constant buzz and excitement throughout the day from the attendees as well as the exhibitors. Independent owners filled the aisles seeking out new products and deals, and I witnessed many, many meetings being scheduled as follow-ups from show floor encounters. It was a big success overall and trade show chairman Pena told us that next year will be even better! Looking forward to it and congrats to all at the NSA.
Uncle Giuseppe’s opened its newest supermarket in the Westchester county town of Yorktown Heights. It is the 10th supermarket for the growing chain and, at 45,000 square feet, is Uncle G’s largest. Moving a quarter mile down the road from the store’s previous location, there were ample “oohs and aahs” from the overflow crowd as they entered the store.
“We are thrilled to be expanding Uncle Giuseppe’s in Yorktown,” said Carl DelPrete, CEO of Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace. “We have enjoyed being a part of the community for the past couple of years, and this exciting new store, one of our largest, will allow us to bring even more of what Uncle Giuseppe’s is known for to our customers. We look forward to continuing to be Yorktown’s grocery destination for years to come.”
The new Yorktown location continued the tradition of homemade favorites that include its full service deli featuring homemade dishes prepared using Old World recipes, an in-house bakery featuring specialty cakes, pastries, breads and desserts, a custom-cut meat department with in-house butchers, fresh and organic produce, a full seafood department, a gourmet cheese department featuring the finest and most sought-after selections from around the world, and special viewing rooms where pasta and mozzarella are made fresh daily. Also on site are sushi chefs creating sushi rolls, specialty rolls and sashimi and also taking custom orders. Gourmet chocolate, candy and gelato stations and a full coffee and espresso bar are also available with plenty of seating for guests who want to dine-in. All of this as well as an expanded natural and organic department and traditional grocery, frozen and dairy offerings. Really a spectacular store. And as Uncle G’s president Philip DelPrete told us, “Wait until the new Shrewsbury, NJ store opens in 2023!”
We were sorry to learn that Vincent “Vinnie” Campagnola passed away August 24 at the age of 63. Vinnie was a longtime fixture in the Northeast retail food business, especially for those in the specialty meat and deli side of the business. He most recently had been with Citterio USA since 2003 and also was a member of the West Washington Market Men’s club, serving as president in 1996-1997. He is survived by his wife Susan, son Vincent and his wife Nicole, daughters Gina and Nicole, and his mother Julia Campagnola, as well as many other family members. The family asks that any donations made in his memory be sent to MSKCC, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 for Epithelioid Sarcoma research.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., launched its very own online store just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month and holiday celebrations. Consumers across the nation can now order their favorite Goya products directly from Goya’s new online store and have them shipped directly to their home.
“We’re excited to expand our digital footprint and give consumers across the country another easy way to buy their favorite Goya products who otherwise may not have access to them. Despite the pandemic and the potential for a global food crisis, we have been working courageously to develop new and exciting products that are both nutritious and affordable,” said Goya’s Bob Unanue. The new store offers a wide variety of in-demand household staples and specialty products to purchase including Goya adobo, sazón, chipotles, anchovy stuffed olives, rice and beans, while also providing access to newly launched Goya products like Goya Latin Roots chips, baked fruit chips and aloe vera drinks that are more difficult to find in local supermarkets. Customers can expect fast shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. and will be able to purchase individual units and larger quantities, as well as variety packs including essential beans, seasonings, adobo, plantain chips, nectars, cookies and more. Goya is also expected to launch a variety of Goya branded merchandise including t-shirts, polos, hats, sweatshirts, aprons, cutting boards, and more, for the upcoming holiday season. If you would like to see how it looks go https://shop.goya.com.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Connecticut Food Association’s (CFA) 2022 Retailer of the Year Dinner at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. This year’s recipient is ShopRite Supermarkets and additional awards will be given to Goya Foods for community service and Tomra NA for next generation leadership. For more information or to reserve tickets contact the CFA at 860.216.4055 or by email at [email protected].
That will do it for now, everyone. I do hope you enjoyed your summer with family and friends and I very much look forward to seeing you at the many industry events ahead. As always you can reach me at [email protected] or 201.250.2217.