I hope you all got to enjoy some time off this summer and as we say farewell to the warm summer months we’re eagerly looking forward to the arrival of autumn here in the Metro New York area and all that it brings. There will be plenty of activity happening in our industry and one of the first events is the month-long National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from mid-September to mid-October. It is an opportunity for the industry to reflect on the history of people of Hispanic descent and their contributions to the food industry and their communities.
We have a wealth of entrepreneurs and independent owners, corporate executives, sales teams, administrative staff, distributors and store level personnel that are reflected in our industry’s Hispanic community. It touches every link along our supply chain and we are especially fortunate to have such vibrant representation here in the Metro New York/New Jersey area. Mid-September to mid-October calls special attention to the contributions of people and professionals of Hispanic descent and we are proud to trumpet their significance.
A prime example of the flourishing success of the Hispanic community in the food industry was witnessed recently as the National Supermarket Association (NSA) held its three-day International Trade Show at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ. Once again this year’s edition was co-hosted with Porky Products to help attract even more exhibitors and independent store owners.
Day one kicked off with a B2B networking session which provided an opportunity for exhibitors to connect with distributors, exporters, and international companies. The session also facilitated partnerships and collaborations and helped companies explore the chance to expand their reach and distribution channels. An opening night reception and a State of the Industry panel with Francisco Nieves of ASG, Eddie Vargas of Pioneer Supermarkets, Antonio Escalona of PepsiCo and Pablo Maldonado of Goya moderated by Ajay Dhawan of NSA Florida Chapter completed day one.
Big crowds of attendees were on hand for the start of the trade show and day two and overall estimates for the two-day show was that more than 5,000 people were in attendance. This show is turning into a must-attend event for the food industry and it is one of those “happenings” that should be added to your calendar for next year. Kudos go out to the NSA for continuing to grow this event year after year and well done to all at the NSA and Porky’s.
A tip of the hat to the good folks at Goya Foods as they have launched Goya Cares Hydrate for Hope. The campaign plans to raise awareness for the prevention and education of child abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and mental illness and will run from September 2024 to November 2024.
With the rising prevalence of child exploitation and mental health challenges in the United States, Goya Cares Hydrate for Hope aims to not only raise funds but also to foster greater awareness and education around the pressing need for the protection of our children. Goya Cares, a global initiative designed to support vulnerable communities through awareness, education, and resources that empower and protect children, has pledged to donate $200,000 or more from sales of Goya Coconut Water to help fund preventative education in schools nationwide.
“The safety and well-being of children is paramount, and through our Goya Cares Hydrate for Hope campaign, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of our children,” said Bob Unanue, President and CEO of Goya Foods. “Through education, awareness, and support we can help protect our most vulnerable population and our future generations. Together, we can initiate real change.” To learn more about Goya Cares and how to help you can visit www.goyacares.com.
The Connecticut Food Association (CFA) is gearing up for the upcoming state elections by hosting legislators in stores and highlighting the positive impact of grocery stores in their communities. CFA will also host fall fundraisers to back legislators who support the food industry. Wayne Pesce, CFA president, tells us that they will be busy at local festivals signing on consumers to support wine sales in grocery stores and to look for him and the CFA at the Norwalk Oyster Festival and Mystic Fire Fest as they expand their CTWINENOW grassroots campaign. Also, don’t forget the CFA Food Industry Champions’ Dinner on November 6 at Foxwoods Resort and Casino which will keynote speakers Karen Munson, CEO of Munson Chocolates, and Chris DiPentima, president and CEO of Connecticut Business Industry Association.
In addition to Hispanic Heritage Month, September is also Hunger Action Month and once again our food industry steps up like no other to make a difference in communities across the country. To wit, C&S is joining forces with some of the nation’s most effective hunger relief organizations to tackle hunger in the United States, including Food Corps, Feeding America, the Congressional Hunger Center, and Share Our Strength. Since 2014, C&S has teamed up with Food Corps, a national justice organization that partners with schools and communities to increase kids’ access to nourishing meals, food education, and culturally affirming experiences with food.
The Congressional Hunger Center’s mission is to develop, inspire, and connect leaders, and advocate public policies that create a food secure world.
Share 0ur Strength believes it takes more than food to end hunger. They help kids, families and communities through their No Kid Hungry campaign and work on the root causes of hunger to create more financial security for families.
And finally Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest), is the largest network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs in the country. Feeding America is the leading organization in the fight against hunger in the United States and is 200 food banks strong, and serves more than 40 million people in virtually every community in America. Well done, C&S!!!
Also, King Kullen is joining forces with American Dairy Association North East in support of “Fill a Glass with Hope” to provide fresh milk to families in need through Long Island Cares. Inc.-The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank. The campaign, which began on September 1 and runs through September 30 gives shoppers at King Kullen stores across Long Island an opportunity to donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout to help make milk available to children and families in their local community.
“King Kullen is a longtime supporter of Long Island Cares – Harry Chapin Food Bank,” said Tracey Cullen, SVP-company operations and Long Island Cares board member. “Twice a week, food is collected at nearly all of our King Kullen stores and all Wild by Nature stores and delivered to Long Island Cares’ headquarters and satellite facilities. During Hunger Action Month, we’re focusing on raising money for nutrient-rich milk to help fill a void at food banks.”
Kudos to all of our industry in the fight against hunger and let me know what your organization is doing so we can promote it.
Wakefern Food Corp. is hosting a supplier summit to find the best new foods and products for its supermarket banners. Interested suppliers and vendors must be based in markets where Wakefern banners operate, and the application process for Wakefern’s Total Store Local Supplier Summit kicked off on September 9 and runs for two weeks. Wakefern stated that they are focused on finding new, local suppliers who can offer unique, on-trend and exciting foods and products for potential addition to ShopRite and their other banners. Product submissions from all grocery categories are welcome and suppliers are encouraged to submit their application through the RangeMe application link. Wakefern will review all applications before selecting 10 finalists to pitch their products in person to the Wakefern team.
“We are excited to reach out to a variety of suppliers, entrepreneurs and small businesses as we look to discover the next great products for our stores. Wakefern is focused on finding local makers and producers in states where our members’ stores are located. Wakefern members live and work in the communities where their stores operate, and we always think it’s important to seek local suppliers who are part of the community,” said Darren Caudill, chief sales officer for Wakefern.
Wakefern has hosted similar supplier summits in the past to find new products for its private label lines Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry. Past winners have provided new store brand sauces, spices and even restaurant-quality frozen meals with vegetarian, plant-based, and gluten-free options. Can’t wait to hear who the winners are.
Well that’s a wrap for this month, everybody. Time to take a few sweaters out of the closet for the cooling weather and I look forward to seeing you out and about in the field. As always you can reach me at kevin@foodtradenews.com or 201.250.2217.