It’s the most wonderful time of the year over here…the 45th annual Food Trade News Market Study has arrived! Still the definitive word in the retail food industry, Food Trade News and Food World remain the go to publications whenever expert opinion is required. The Food Trade News Market Study, which covers all channels of retail distribution in 70 counties in PA, NJ, DE, NY and CT, goes where no other publication dares to go; giving you the data you need along with the in-depth analysis we know you depend on to make your business and marketing plans for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast markets. It takes the efforts of every member of our team to produce our publications each month. The Market Study takes it to another level and everyone needs to be acknowledged and thanked. So, I offer a resounding round of applause to the Best-Met team: our publisher Jeff Metzger; VP/ editorial director Terri Maloney; my Food Trade News partner in sales and schmooze Kevin Gallagher; our circulation manager Beth Pripstein; Matt Danielson and Jenny Jones at E-Ink; and the good folks at Evergreen Printing who both make us look good! And finally, to you, our readers and advertisers, a grateful and humble nod for your continued support of this Market Study and every one of the issues we publish each year. Grazie mille!
As the Zallie Family Markets prepares to celebrate 50 years in business on June 26 (more coming in our August issue), they opened not only a beautiful remodel of their Glassboro, NJ store in April, but also a ground up new store in Woolwich Township just before Memorial Day. At 87,000 square feet, this store is state of the art and includes the famous Zallie’s Fresh Kitchen, which makes everything in the prepared foods section from scratch; a European style produce market; indoor and outdoor cafes; a specialty cheese and charcuterie section that features everything necessary to entertain; and a covered drive up for grocery pick up and more! It’s worth the drive to see this incredible supermarket. David Zallie gave words of wisdom to his employees prior to the store opening basically saying that even with the tremendous product offerings, the way customers are treated will keep them coming back to shop in the store and make it the success it should be. Indeed. Congratulations to David Zallie and his team, headed up by Anthony Massoni, on a job well done!
Can you say charcuterie and grab and go? Is AI coming to the deli and bakery departments? That was the buzz at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s flagship event, IDDBA 23, held in Anaheim from June 4 to 6 (with June 4 being National Cheese Day in addition to June being dairy month). Over 9,000 industry members were registered for the show, which reached their pre-pandemic attendees. In 2019, IDDBA set a record for attendance, so industry shows and expos are definitely back in full force. The general sessions were excellent with Whitney Atkins, VP of marketing for IDDBA, and Heather Prach, VP of education, giving valuable information to those gathered. They pointed out things we already know about inflation, but one thing stood out: we are marketing to five, yes five, different generations, from Boomers to Gen Z, and each one has its own needs. Retailers do not have an easy go of it for sure. They offered up five guiding trends for 2023: Whole heart, Health and Self, the evolution of health, emphasizing both physical and emotional wellbeing; Consumer-Defined Convenience, the ever-growing importance of ease of meal planning, shopping, preparation and cleanup is driving sales growth; ESG, Environmental, Social and Governance, ESG is rapidly moving into the spotlight; Worth the Value, inflationary pressure is tremendous — emphasizing affordability, but it is not only about price nor does the market reflect a race to the bottom; and Technology and Innovation, performance optimization through consumer-facing, in-store and supply chain technology. There was a lot to unpack in that session. I could go on for hours. New products were arranged in the center of the show according to those trends. The What’s in Store section was bigger and better than ever with virtual slicing machines, robotic coffee, a bread bot, and an AI salad bar front and center. Of course, it was standing room only for Tom Hanks, who was charming and funny. Padma Lakshmi and Alton Brown were also entertaining, which was a nice break from the massive amount of important and educational information thrown at us. Newly appointed IDDBA president and CEO David Haaf, formerly of K-VA-T, was also excellent, speaking as if he has done this job his entire life. There were also many accolades given to departing president Mike Eardley who is now officially retired. At the end of the show, 117,554 pounds of food donations were made to the Second Harvest Foodbank of Orange County. It took 14 semi-trucks to make the delivery. “Community, and most importantly cultivating community, is one of IDDBA’s influencer pillars. We represent companies in the business to ultimately feed people. It is an honor to give back to the people of Orange County,” said Atkins. The IDDBA also partnered with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) during the onsite Cake’d event. In addition, IDDBA provided opportunities for area culinary students to gain insight into the industry and future careers paths through programs such as Fresh Careers. Not to be missed, IDDBA 24 will be held in Houston June 9-11.
The Ridge Scholars were announced by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) earlier this month. This year, scholarship winners earned a total of $67,500 toward their goals in higher education. Recipients are chosen by a panel of judges who review each applicant’s academic record, school, and community involvement, recommendations, and a submitted essay. “Kudos to this year’s Ridge Scholars, who represent some of our brightest young adults,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “They have amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, service, and academic and professional leadership. We are happy to recognize their efforts and help them reach their academic goals.” Individual scholarship amounts awarded every student with a $2,500 scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. Scholarship funds come from PFMA’s Education Trust and sponsoring PFMA member companies: The Giant Company, Karns Foods, Rutter’s, Sheetz, and Wawa. “Working in retail food service has been a fun and rewarding experience. It has taught me to be fast, detail-oriented, and friendly while performing a variety of job duties in a fast-paced environment. To think that a job I love that has helped fund my education has also allowed me the opportunity to become a Ridge Scholar is an amazing privilege for which I am grateful,” said Helayna Baer of Cheswick, PA. “The Ridge Scholarship will help me achieve my goal of expanding my learning experiences to study abroad in France.” PFMA sends thanks to its members for sponsoring the Ridge Scholars. Congrats!
As you have read on page 2 of this issue, the Best-Met Publishing family lost one of its founders, Dick Bestany last month. I met Dick in 1980 at the first Tri-State Dairy Deli Association’s trade show in Philadelphia. He was a staple at industry events in our market and knew all the players, from retailers to brokers to manufacturers. His contagious smile and sparkling eyes (not to mention that New England accent), were a welcome sight and guaranteed good conversation and storytelling. Dick was the consummate salesman, and his cocktail napkin presentations were legendary! When I came to work at Best-Met back in 2009, it was like coming home to see long lost relatives; it just fit and having known Dick (and Jeff too) for all those years made it that much easier. I know you are finally at peace and resting in the arms of the Lord. Addio, my friend.
The circle of life continues as Linda Doherty, president of the NJFC, and her husband Bill Tilton welcomed their second grandchild, Wyatt William Tilton to their family. Baby Wyatt was born on June 5, weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces. Parents Stacey and Drew Tilton and their new arrival are doing well, and big sister Delaney is over the moon thrilled to hold her new baby brother. Congratulations!
New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Doug Fisher has announced his retirement effective June 30, after a lifetime in the food industry and public service. A native of Bridgeton, NJ, Secretary Fisher was a retailer (Fischer’s Food Center) in his hometown until he turned to public service in 2001 serving in the NJ Assembly from the 3rd Legislative District and was re-elected three times, serving as deputy majority whip and chairman of the agriculture and natural resources committee. Even though he wasn’t looking for it, the secretary was recruited and confirmed in 2009 as secretary of agriculture by then Governor Jon Corzine. He has served under three New Jersey governors. During his 14-year tenure, he has been an involved leader serving the best interests of New Jersey’s 10,000 farms. In addition, numerous accolades from various New Jersey associations and groups have been bestowed upon him for his work in public service. Thank you for being an advocate for the New Jersey agricultural community. Enjoy your retirement, Secretary Fisher!
Corrections: Apologies for my mistakes in the May column of “Soup to Nutz” to Andy Morfopoulos for misspelling his name, (it’s Greek to me) and to Mark Phander for mislabeling the company he works for, CBIZ.
Celebrating another trip around the sun this June are: Phil Scaduto, Food Circus Supermarkets; Bill Derbyshire, Liberty Coca Cola; Jim Burke Sr. and Jim Burke Jr., Seafood America; Mark Tarzwell, Mrs. T’s; Tom Morrison, Integrity Food Marketing; Nancy Rodgers-Fluharty, Pace Target Brokers; Doug Clemens, Clemens Food Group; Terri Maloney, VP/ editorial director of Best-Met Publishing; and our publisher, the one and only Jeff Metzger! We also send special birthday wishes to Tom Genuardi, who is celebrating his 100th birthday this month in good health! Buon compleanno a tutti!
Quote of the month: “One of the greatest discoveries a person makes is to find they can do what they were afraid they couldn’t do.” Henry Ford
Maria can be reached at 443.631.0172 or [email protected]