It’s amazing!! It’s ginormous! It’s here! Welcome to the 46th annual Food Trade News Market Study. The numbers have been crunched, munched and digested; the final results are in! As expected, our retail landscape is ever-changing and Food Trade News remains the go to publication whenever expert opinion is required. The Food Trade News Market Study, which covers all channels of retail distribution in 70 counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Metro New York and Connecticut, goes where no other publication thinks to go. Our annual publication gives our readers the data and in-depth analysis necessary to make informed and intelligent business decisions and marketing plans for the Northeast market for the upcoming year. This important issue is available online throughout the year at foodtradenews.com so you can have access to the most comprehensive information at your fingertips. We couldn’t publish this remarkable issue without our team: Jeff Metzger, Terri Maloney, Kevin Gallagher, Beth Pripstein, the good folks at e-Ink and our accommodating printer, Evergreen. Finally, a grateful thank you to our readers and advertisers for your support throughout the year, and particularly for this Market Study issue. We couldn’t do what we do without you!
No child should go hungry in America but unfortunately, one in five kids face hunger in our country. While summer is often thought of as a time for fun, that is not the case for thousands of children and families throughout Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware who face food insecurity. For many, summer is the hungriest time of the year. Fortunately, retailers, food banks and food rescuers are stepping up to fill the gap for the neediest in our population. Of the staggering 32,000,000 pounds of food rescued by Sharing Excess, the lion’s share – about 65 percent – has come from the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. What’s more, fresh produce is a much needed and essential commodity that provides a nutritious boost to “fresh food deserts” where fruit and vegetables are often in short supply. With June being both Dairy Month and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, it’s a perfect time for Sharing Excess’s pop-up free food distribution sites in our most destitute areas to feature a wide variety of much needed but hard to find fresh produce. In turn, food insecure children will have healthy and delicious snacks throughout the summer. It’s a win-win with the real winners being the children.
As school cafeterias close down for the summer season, Philabundance is also stepping up to fill the seasonal meal gap by providing fresh, fun, and delicious breakfasts and lunches. On June 18, Philabundance CEO Loree Jones Brown was joined by Fred Morgan, regional director from The Giant Company, and other City of Philadelphia officials and community leaders to announce the summerlong Lunchbox initiative for the second year in a row. Lunchbox is a summer gap meal program designed to offer weekly nutritious, kid-friendly, ready-to-eat meals that families can pick up at their convenience throughout the summer. The wholesome meals will be created by the talented chefs at the Philabundance Community Kitchen. Menus include fresh turkey and cheese on whole grain bread, chopped salad, fresh fruit, yogurt, and juices.
“While government gap meal programs continue to grow, not all Philabundance communities in our nine-county service area will be able to take advantage of our region’s Summer Food Service Program outlets,” said Loree. “For those families who may be unable to meet program guidelines, including requirements to provide full documentation for children to eat USDA meals on site, the Philabundance Summer Lunchbox program offers an alternative.”
Last year, the Philabundance Community Kitchen team created 48,000 lunches. Due to the unprecedented demand this year and a $250,000 donation from The Giant Company, Philabundance will be distributing, 60,000 fresh ready-to-eat kid-friendly lunch meals at various youth-serving community locations in all nine Philabundance counties. Additionally, they are supplementing these fresh meals with over 11,000 pantry-friendly breakfast kits, each containing enough for two full breakfast meals. That is a 25 percent increase of lunches for kids from last year. “At The Giant Company, we believe everyone deserves a full plate – especially children,” said Morgan. “With one out of every three children in Philadelphia facing food insecurity, it’s clear the need for programs like the Philabundance Summer Lunchbox Program remains great. While we wish that wasn’t the case, it’s our hope that our continued support of this program provides relief to families by helping to close the summer meal gap.”
The Lunchbox program is also experiencing a substantial increase in volunteer support. The number of volunteer opportunities from 2023 has surged from 12 slots per week to 150 slots per week, marking an astounding 1,150 percent increase. Similarly, the total weekly volunteer hours have escalated from 48 hours to 525 hours, a remarkable 993.75 percent rise as well. The program will last for the 10-week span of summer, June 18 through August 24. Every child, age 18 and under is eligible to receive a Lunchbox meal.
Acme Markets and WK Kellogg Co. are teaming up to donate $50,000 to No Kid Hungry, a leading national campaign focused on eliminating childhood hunger. A check presentation was held at the Acme store in East Norriton, PA on May 31.
“Many children and families throughout the United States don’t always know where their next meal will come from, and that needs to change,” said Sarah Ludmer, chief wellbeing and sustainable business officer, WK Kellogg Co. “Through our Feeding Happiness sustainable business strategy, we aim to make eating well easy and fighting hunger is just one way we can help do that.”
No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by ensuring every child gets three meals a day. During the school year, No Kid Hungry helps schools get more breakfasts to kids, so they can start their day ready to learn. During the summer, No Kid Hungry helps families access critical programs that help cover the costs of preparing summer meals at home and help summer meal programs meet the needs of kids in rural communities.
“The support from partners like WK Kellogg Co and Acme is what fuels the critical work of No Kid Hungry,” explained Allison Shuffield of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. “Together we can make sure every child has the meals they need to start the school day as well as enjoy fun summer days.”
The financial support from WK Kellogg Co and Acme will help ensure that schools and communities across Acme’s footprint have access to school breakfast, summer meals and other critical resources.
“At Acme, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families facing food insecurity, said Dana Ward, director of communications and public affairs, “We are proud to work with WK Kellogg Co and No Kid Hungry to address hunger in our communities.”
Here’s to a fun filled summer for all children, complete with full bellies!
It’s hard to believe that the International Dairy, Deli, Bakery Association (IDDBA) is 60 years old. IDDBA was founded as the Wisconsin Cheese Seminar in 1964. In response to the changing needs of the industry, the association underwent name and organizational shifts to better align to member interests. The association’s name changed to the International Cheese and Deli Association in 1980 and the International Dairy-Deli Association in 1985 before assuming the current name in 1991.
“What a great last two and half days to celebrate IDDBA’s 60th anniversary. The show floor was filled with over 2,200 exhibitor booths and 10,000 registered attendees,” said David Haaf, IDDBA president/CEO.
Retailers from all over the country were out in force, staying on the show floor until closing each day. There was that much to take in. Photos from the event are on pages 24 and 25. Some highlights of the show included two moderated Q&As; one with world renowned chef and humanitarian Jose Andres and the other with Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame; and the association’s What’s In Store Live experience where the latest trends from product to packaging came to life. It was very different than in past years but was well received. Indeed, the show has evolved into one of the best trade shows out there, always fresh and keeping up with trends and looking for the next best idea.
In celebration of IDDBA’s 60th anniversary, the six Guiding Trends for 2024 are: 1) Food influences mind, body, spirit: there is no longer a one-size-fits-all diet prescription for optimal health; 2) Food influences sourcing, sustainability, salary: there is an increased focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing of ingredients, and local year over year; 3) Food influences technology of today and for tomorrow: the intersection of food and technology is a dynamic and evolving space; 4) Food influences the young, the youngish and the young at heart: food is a powerful influence that spans generations, impacting physical health, social interactions, cultural connections, and personal well-being across the lifespan; 5) Food influences community, convenience and cash flow: food plays a significant role in shaping various aspects of our lives, including family time, friendships, and financial considerations; and lastly 6) Food influences culture, cuisine and culinary explosions: increased travel, globalization, and cultural awareness have led to a rise in culinary tourism. It’s a lot to think about, but it’s something we must do. IDDBA recognizes food is what connects us all. So, on behalf of the exhibiting companies at the conclusion of the show, IDDBA gave food donations to the Houston Foodbank and Second Servings of Houston. See you next year at IDDBA 2025 in New Orleans, LA, June 1-3!
I would like to send a huge shout out to Dr. Ernest Baskin, who has been named chair of the department of Food, Pharma and Health at Saint Joseph’s University (SJU). Ernest came to SJU in 2015 as an assistant professor of food marketing and Gerald Peck Fellow; became an associate professor in 2021 and was just named department chair a few months ago. His impact on the department has been noticeable and the students really like learning from him. Congrats, Ernest!
The Baby Boom continues! We send warm wishes to Jesse Amoroso and his wife Jordyn, who welcomed their daughter, little Miss Francesca (Frankie) Amoroso, on May 31. All are doing well, and big brother Max can’t wait to teach her how to play golf! Grandparents Len and Nancy Amoroso are also over the moon with her arrival. Liberty Coca Cola’s John Tees just became a grandfather for the third time. Keenan Jacob Tees made his entrance on June 17, weighing in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces. First time parents Kyle (also with Liberty Coca Cola) and Nicolette Tees are thrilled to welcome baby Keenan! Looks like the Pace Target family is expanding as well. Colleen Potts, sales executive at Pace Target, and her husband Ian added Roman Anthony to their brood on May 24. Big sister Avery is looking forward to playing with her new baby brother. Congratulations to you all!
Celebrating another trip around the sun this hot month of June are: Phil Scaduto, Food Circus Supermarkets; Bill Derbyshire, Liberty Coca Cola; Mark Tarzwell, Mrs. T’s; Jesse Amoroso, Amoroso Baking Company; Jim Burke Sr. and Jim Burke Jr., Seafood America; Nancy Rodgers-Fluharty, Pace Target Brokers; Doug Clemens, Clemens Food Group; Tom Morrison, CA Ferolie; Terri Maloney, Best-Met’s VP and editorial director; and Jeff Metzger, our head honcho and publisher. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Quote of the month: “Today is a wonderful day. It’s one we’ve never seen before.” Pat Reser, Reser’s Fine Foods
Maria can be reached at 443.631.0172 or maria@foodtradenews.com.
