E-A-G-L-E-S! Eagles! We did it! Our Philadelphia Eagles avenged their Super Bowl loss of two years ago to the Kansas City Chiefs and came home with the Lombardi Trophy. There were so many great things about this Super Bowl (not the commercials – awful), including the fact that it was the most viewed Super Bowl ever. I am sure most of you could rattle off more statistics than I could ever write, so we won’t go there, but there is a reel on Instagram of Cooper DeJean’s Pick 6 in a dozen different languages that topped anything I have seen so far. Incredible…the announcers were screaming like he scored a soccer goal! Who says football is only an American sport? A word must also be said about our Philly fans; love them or hate them, they are the best in any sport in any city hands down! As we go to press, Philadelphia is preparing for a parade that will draw over one million happy people to our city, concluding appropriately at the Museum of Art, on the Rocky Steps. Well done, Eagles, well done.
The New Jersey Food Council’s (NJFC) Annual Membership Meeting was more like a family reunion celebration than a business meeting. Indeed, over 300 food industry members convened on January 28 at the Forsgate Country Club to laud the council’s outgoing chairman and welcome the new. At the meeting, the NJFC board of directors elected Jason Read, director of store operations, Region 1, Central North Jersey, at Wawa, as its new chairman, taking over for Andrew Kent, executive vice president, Glass Gardens ShopRite, who served as chairman for three years. Read, of Westfield, joined Wawa eight years ago as director of store operations, supporting more than 115 stores in Central and North Jersey and 10 area managers. Prior to Wawa, Read worked for Starbucks Coffee Co. for 14 years in roles across all domestic business operations. Last year, Read served as NJFC’s vice chairman; only the second convenience store member to take the organization’s helm in its history. In his remarks, Read expressed gratitude for Kent’s leadership over the past three years and highlighted the stellar reputation NJFC has among New Jersey state legislators. He leads the 2025 board that includes Michael Styer, Acme Markets, vice chairman; Michael Rothwell, Pennington Quality Market, treasurer; Rafael Cuellar, ShopRite of Passaic, secretary; and Linda Doherty, president and CEO, NJFC.
“It is my intention to build upon the foundation of success that Andrew has left and continue to instill the values and principles that have endured from the past 22 chairs before me over the course of the last 56 years,” Read said. “Our industry owes much to our NJFC team and the ever-increasing notoriety NJFC has among legislative leaders, state agencies and business groups.”
As part of meeting, the NJFC welcomed Brian Schaller, the president of Wawa, to share his insights about the industry and provide the oath of office to the new team of officers. Schaller has been with Wawa since 2002 and contributes to the community through board positions with the Wawa Associates in Need Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting Wawa associates suffering from catastrophic events. Shaller gave some interesting statistics to the attendees, noting that Wawa currently has 47 thousand employees with 100 stores opening in 2025 with their wingspan increasing to 13 states.
Finally, during a heartfelt speech, Doherty said the association “shares our gratitude and a great respect for Andrew and his highly accomplished term. Personally, having worked side by side with Andrew for the last three years, I am grateful for his insight, his superior advocacy efforts, his inclusive leadership and his ability to inspire others,” she said. “Andrew, I cannot thank you enough for your support, tireless optimism and friendship.”
Mike Rothwell presented Andrew with some parting gifts, including baseball equipment and accessories as he is a baseball coach for his son’s team; and a very special donation to the Yad Labanim Digital Memorial Project which was dedicated in honor of Andrew and Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.
On the heels of all this great news coming out of NJFC are some announcements connected to upcoming events. First, the annual Trade Relations Conference will be held on April 8 at Caesar’s Atlantic City, themed Emerging Technologies – Emerging Opportunities. The event will also feature a fireside chat with Joe Fantozzi, president of Allegiance Retail Services. Matt Lipowski, J&J Snack Foods, will receive the Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award. Second, the NJFC has announced the Night of Distinction recipients: Steve Heggelke, EVP merchandising, Bozzuto’s; Mike Stigers, president, Wakefern; and Robert Unanue, CEO, Goya Foods. These food industry icons will be feted on May 21 at the Palace at Somerset. For more information, go to njfoodcouncil.com.
Congratulations to Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) president and CEO Alex Baloga on his appointment to the Philadelphia City Council’s Food and Nutrition Security Task Force by Council President Kenyatta Johnson. The task force brings together leaders from across the region to develop strategies and policies that improve food security and nutrition for local communities. In other news, PFMA has announced the return of its popular podcast, Shelf Confidence, for its seventh season, premiering February 20, at 8:00 am. This season brings a fresh, new video-based format, offering listeners and viewers an in-depth look at the trends and innovations shaping the food and beverage industry. Each episode features expert insights from industry leaders, covering cutting-edge technology, food safety, sustainability, and retail innovation. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major streaming platforms, with video versions shared on PFMA’s social media channels. In addition, the PFMA Annual Conference will be held at the beautiful Omni Bedford Springs on May 13 and 14. More details to follow.
Earlier this month the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) announced the launch of its First Penguin Leadership Program (FPLP), a leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. Named after the “First Penguin” concept which was coined by Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch to recognize those who take bold risks in pursuit of progress, this exclusive program is designed to empower high-potential leaders with critical industry knowledge, leadership acumen, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
“The First Penguin Leadership Program represents NFRA’s deep commitment to fostering innovation and leadership within the frozen and refrigerated foods industry,” said Tricia Greyshock, president and CEO of NFRA. “This initiative will help build a strong leadership pipeline, ensuring that our categories remain at the forefront of retail and consumer trends.”
The FPLP is a yearlong, immersive experience that blends leadership development with deep industry insights. Participants will gain unparalleled access to executive mentorship, guided industry learning, and hands-on case study projects, culminating in a high-profile group presentation at the 2025 NFRA Convention in Orlando, FL. The program will feature: exclusive leadership workshops; retail and supply chain immersion; high-impact networking, executive-level recognition with a graduation ceremony and recognition at the NFRA Convention. The launch of the FPLP aligns with NFRA’s broader mission to support the industry’s growth and cultivate the next generation of executives, innovators, and changemakers. By equipping emerging leaders with the insights and skills necessary to navigate today’s complex retail and supply chain landscape, NFRA is investing in the future success of the frozen and refrigerated categories.
Taking a walk into the sunset this month after 43 years at Procacci Brothers is our friend Mike Maxwell. Maxwell spent his entire career at Procacci Brothers beginning in 1981, working alongside founder Joseph G. Procacci and current CEO Joseph M. Procacci. Together with their incredible team, they built a legacy defined by innovation, strong relationships, and commitment to service. Throughout his tenure, Mike exemplified the values of integrity, hard work, and leadership while inspiring all who had the privilege of working with him. Some of Mike’s notable career achievements include diversifying the company’s offerings as a full-service supplier; enhancing its reputation as a comprehensive supplier; and establishing Procacci’s floral division. He spearheaded the expansion of GS Distribution, strengthening the company’s logistical reach and operational efficiency. Mike cemented Procacci Brothers’ presence in the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, ensuring its status as a trusted produce distributor in the Philadelphia region. As a member of the Eastern Produce Council executive board, he contributed to the advancement of the produce industry, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the produce industry. As Mike prepares for his next chapter, he looks forward to spending time with his family and friends, especially his new grandchild! He also is planning to travel with his wife, Linda. Happy trails, Mike! We’re going to miss you!
Celebrating another trip around the sun this romantic month of February are: Sandra Sage, Clemens Food Group; Dennis Hickey, Krasdale; Guy Giordano, Vincent Giordano Corp.; Emilio Mignucci, Wakefern; Evan Ehlers, Sharing Excess; Neil Brassell, NEB Consulting, LLC; Bill Schlosky, Utz Snacks; my partner in schmooze here at Food Trade News, Kevin Gallagher; and special birthday hugs to my daughter, Rosalie Marfuggi, Atalanta Corporation.
Quote of the month: “The only certainty about tomorrow is that it will be different from today.” Brian Schaller, Wawa
Maria can be reached at 443.631.0172 or maria@foodtradenews.com.
