Greetings everyone. Well, spring is in the air and it seems like we’re already off to the races with a full slate of trade shows under our belts and a full agenda of dinners and more shows and conferences to come over the next several weeks.
The always entertaining and highly energized Key Food selling show was held at the end of February at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. A Wild West theme was the spirit of the all-day event and a country rocking good time was had by all in attendance. Yes, there was a band playing throughout the entire day (and they were really good) along with the usual dance numbers and show girls (and BTW, where were the lil’ people???). But more importantly, the largest number of Key Food customers ever were on hand and eagerly searching out new products and show deals. Kudos to the entire Key Food team for putting together a truly unique show (you really have to go if you’ve never been to one) and leaving all of the customers and vendors eager for the next show.
Livoti’s Old World Market debuted their latest establishment at 1930 Route 88 in Brick Township, NJ. It is the fifth location for Livoti’s and quite possibly their diamond. The new Livoti’s spans an impressive 30,000 square feet, occupying a once-empty Pathmark location (and possibly a Corrado’s location before they ran out of finances). Known for their exceptional Italian-themed offerings and gourmet specialties, Livoti’s Old World Market offers a captivating shopping experience. The newest Livoti’s delivers a very similar vibe as an Uncle Giuseppe’s (and that is the supreme compliment).
At the grand opening, owner John Livoti said, “We hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality and service. To our existing customers, we extend our sincerest gratitude for your unwavering support and for those new to Livoti’s, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you into our stores, where smiles and warm hospitality await.”
In addition to its authentic Italian imports, Livoti’s will stock mainstream household items, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient shopping experience for all. This diverse product range has been made possible through its supplier, Associated Supermarket Group (ASG), underscoring Livoti’s commitment to delivering quality and value to its customers. Livoti’s will also offer home delivery services through various online platforms.
Joe Garcia, co-CEO and co-president of ASG, remarked, “The introduction of Livoti’s expansion into Ocean County, a cornerstone of recreational and full-time residencies, will undoubtedly enhance its vibrancy.” Additionally, Zulema Wiscovitch, co-CEO and co-president ASG, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The ASG family and its partners welcome the newest Livoti’s location to our network. We are committed to providing our retailers with a diverse product selection, competitive pricing, and personalized service to enhance their customer and shopper experience. We extend our best wishes to John and his team for their success.”
We were saddened to learn that Frank Boemio of Krasdale Foods passed away on March 4 at the age of 68. Frank had been battling for three years with cancer but refused to let his diagnosis slow him down. No matter the pain or discomfort it caused, Frank continued to work until the last month of his life and did his best to attend all of his family events. He endured surgeries, chemo, radiation, and even an experimental drug trial, yet his determination, faith, and family fueled him until his last day.
He started his career working retail with Co-Op City supermarkets and went as a manager to Food Emporium before landing at Krasdale in 1993. Starting as a retail specialist he rose to director of Florida retail operations and manager of new business development. Frank was very involved with the Catholic Institute of the Food Industry and participated in and led many fundraising efforts to benefit Calvary Hospital. He leaves behind his wife Donna and daughters Kristin (William) and Kathryn (Jon) and three grandchildren. The family requests that any memorial donations made in his name go to The Child Life Program at Yale New Haven Hospital, where donations support patients during their hospitalizations or outpatient treatments – www.givetoynhh.org – or to Regional Hospice Danbury where Frank spent the last three weeks of his life, and the family says the care and support were unmeasurable -www.regionalhospicect.org. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
We also heard that Tom Barnes died on March 1 . Tom was the consummate salesman no matter where he was plying his wares. He unfortunately did not get to enjoy retirement too long as just a year after he hung up his sales bag he passed away from pneumonia. He held a variety of sales management positions with World Finer Foods, Frito Lay and Keebler during his career. Rest in peace, Tom, and our condolences to his family.
A quick aside to please keep Jose Perez of Mastermind, Ltd. in your prayers. We heard that Jose was not doing well, and for one of the brightest minds and nicest men in our industry, we wish him quick healing and all the best on a road to recovery.
Way to go to everyone involved at Bozzuto’s for once again putting together one of the best selling shows on the East Coast. Michael Bozzuto and his entire team do not miss one detail in ensuring that their customers, vendors and all attendees are treated like celebrities while at the event which was held at the Mohegan Sun. With the guiding hand of Pam Carstens, the big two-day event continually always delivers for all attendees.
I had the chance to attend the National Grocers Association (NGA) 2024 Show at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. It was the largest show ever for NGA bringing together 3,600 grocery retail industry professionals March 10-12 and it included a sold-out expo hall featuring nearly 350 exhibitors. NGA president and CEO Greg Ferrara said, “The NGA Show continues to grow beyond our expectations, for attendance and exhibitors as well as the extensive on-trend educational offerings. I’m grateful for the companies that took time away from their stores and distribution centers to discover new ideas, products, trends, and connections to help them drive more growth.”
The big three-day event included 50 educational sessions and more than 100 speakers discussing the relevant topics facing food retailers. There were deep dives into tech, financial planning, employee retention, fresh trends, connecting with Gen Z, private label, retail media networks, the role of AI in competitive strategy, brand-focused advertising, omnichannel marketing and succession planning.
Another highlight of the event was the 2024 Creative Choice Award. The winners offered insights into exceptional marketing and merchandising campaigns in the independent grocery industry. Sponsored by Kellanova and Unilever, the categories covered topics like omnichannel marketing, community engagement, and innovations in center store and fresh. Participants were able to gain actionable ideas to enhance their own in-store programs. Some of the big winners from our area included Greenfield ShopRite of Huntington Station, NY for grand opening-larger operator category. Accepting the award for Greenfield was Ranjana Choudry, VP-advertising and social media at Wakefern, who stated that the opening wasn’t treated like a traditional opening, but rather a local family offering tremendous value to the community. Other local winners included an NGA Special Recognition in the People Positive category to Wakefern for the ShopRite LPGA Classic. And the Peter J. Larkin Community Service Award went to RoNetco Supermarkets which raised more than $141,000 during the ShopRite Partners in Caring Campaign, held in-store food drives to help local charities, gave employees days off to volunteer at local food pantries and gave monetary donations to local food banks. Also, the company raised $55,000 in November and December through the Check Out Hunger campaign, provided vans to pick up baked goods from stores to deliver to regional food pantries and supported a “Stuff the Bus” campaign the week before Thanksgiving to support the Sussex County social services food pantry, filling five buses of food and goods. The only missing “cherry on top” for the honor was that DJ Romano’s flight out to Vegas was cancelled and he could not make it in person to accept the award.
Well, that will do it for now. I’m looking forward to the spring season and all of the upcoming events and as always you can reach me at 201.250.2217 or [email protected].