A heartfelt welcome to our loyal readers as we share the results of the 48th annual Food Trade News Market Study! 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. The numbers we crunch for this annual publication give our readers the data and in-depth analysis necessary to make informed and intelligent business decisions, not to mention their marketing plans for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets for the upcoming year. To put a publication like this together, it takes a village and we are fortunate to have a stellar team that makes the magic happen. Jeff Metzger, Terri Maloney, Kevin Gallagher and I have worked together on this issue for 15 years. As Jeff takes his final bow, we have added our new CEO, Alex Wissel, Greg Madison and Janani Ravi to help us carry this massive project going forward. Our deep appreciation goes to Matt Danielson and Jenny Jones at Eink, and to Evergreen Printing for their ability to make us look good each month. Finally, 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!
I mentioned above, Jeff is retiring from Best Met at the end of this month to become a professional Grandpa, a job he was made for. I have known him for more years than I care to mention (46). I met Jeff for the first time at either a Tri-State Dairy Deli or AMR meeting at Williamson’s atop the GSB building on City Avenue in Bala Cynwyd. He was kind of shy, not like Dick Bestany at all. One could say Dick and Jeff were the yin and yang of business partners. We got to know each other over the years as my company, Maggio Cheese, was a frequent advertiser and my photo was in way too many issues of Food Trade News. I went off to do other foodie endeavors in 1995, but when I wanted to get back into “the business,” my dear friend Nate Ostroff told me to call Jeff. “He knows where all the bodies are buried,” Nate said. After a meeting at the Cheesecake Factory in King of Prussia before Christmas 2008, Jeff called me in early January to offer me the job of VP of Food Trade News. Of course, I said yes. It was one of the best life decisions I’ve ever made, and 18 years later, I wish it was 1980 all over again. Jeff is an old school journalist whose goal is to get the story, but get it right, every single time. That’s how he taught me and every other person who has worked for him. Collaborating on a breaking story or digging for information was always an adventure but if we didn’t have confirmation, the story didn’t run. With patience, he taught me how to write a hard news story, too. Jeff’s leadership, integrity, passion and determination are what have made our publications successful for the past 48 years. He has amassed and retained a full rolodex of contacts and friends because he doesn’t betray anyone’s trust. Over the years, Jeff, Terri, Kevin and I have bonded in a way that has made us family, not just co-workers…and that’s the best anyone can ask for. As the late, great Tom Petty wrote, “I won’t say goodbye my friend, for you and I will meet again.” Thanks for everything, Jeff.
The Giant Company added to its Philadelphia presence on June 19 when they opened a 50,000 square foot store in the Andorra Shopping Center at 701 Cathedral Road. The location was formerly an Acme. Photos are on page. The new store is open seven days a week and adds more than 160 full- and part-time jobs to the local community.
Customers will find Giant’s signature fresh departments they have come to know in other stores.
“The opening of our newest Giant in the City of Brotherly Love reflects our continued commitment to serving a Philadelphia that continues to grow and thrive especially as the city prepares for a landmark summer ahead,” said John Ruane, president. “We are proud to welcome the Andorra neighborhood and deliver the value, freshness, and kindness our team brings to Philadelphia shoppers every day.”
Christina McAdams, a 25-year Giant veteran, will serve as store director. “Just in time for summer celebrations, our team is ready to serve customers no matter h ow they want to shop with us whether its in-store or online,” said McAdams. “From convenient amenities, enhanced product variety, and everyday savings, we can’t wait to bring the Giant shopping experience to the Andorra community.” As part of the company’s commitment to making a difference in the local communities it serves, it celebrated the+ opening by donating to the following organizations that are building healthier communities: the Table Food Pantry at Roxborough Church, The Salvation Army Roxborough Corps, Philadelphia Police 5th District, Philadelphia Fire Department.
On the same day, Giant celebrated the grand re-opening of its Hatfield, PA store located at 1540 Cowpath Road, following several months of major renovations. “From needed updates to our current departments to providing more product variety and an increased focus on value and freshness, this remodel puts our Hatfield neighbors front and center,” said Leah Marsland, Hatfield store manager. “We’re excited to offer our customers a refreshed shopping experience combined with the kindness they have come to expect from our store team.” So here’s what’s new: the store’s beer and wine area has been relocated to the front corner, and the pharmacy got an update with the addition of a pop-out area to administer vaccines in a more private setting. Giant’s signature “Wall of Values” has also been reimagined, offering one-stop shopping for key sale items from the weekly circular. Lastly, the deli and prepared foods department has undergone a complete overall and now offers more hot and prepared foods and Grab ‘n Go items keeping up with customer demand.
Redner’s Markets has announced the retirement of eight outstanding longtime members of the company’s leadership team whose dedication and commitment helped shape the company over decades of service. Together, these individuals represent just under three hundred years with Redner’s Markets, including several incredible milestones of 50 years with the company, leaving a lasting impact on employees, customers, and the communities they served. Deb Lauer, who has been with Redner’s for an astounding 50 years, is retiring from her role as director of front-end operations; Tony Serafin, who has been with Redner’s for an amazing 50 years, is retiring from his role as director of DSD & cafe operations; Rich Rabenold, who has been with the company for 32 years, is retiring from his role as vice president of finance; Jim Hassler, who has been with Redner’s for 40 years, is retiring from his role as grocery warehouse manager; Barbara Serafin, who has been with Redner’s Markets for 45 years, is retiring from her role in pricing integrity; Rusty Kehoe, who has been with the company for 30 years, is retiring from his role as director of non-foods operations; Jim Hickey, who has been with the company for 37 years, is retiring from his role as senior produce buyer; and finally, Brad Bemesderfer, who has been with Redner’s for 11 years, is retiring from his role as category manager. Happy trails to these loyal employees! Enjoy your well-earned retirement!
Once again, Herr’s put the power in the taste buds and hands of its hometown fans with its iconic Flavored by Philly campaign. This year, the competition honored America’s 250th birthday with flavors with a special Flavored by Philly: Taste the 250. Now in its fifth year, the Flavored by Philly competition has become a highly anticipated annual event. This special edition of Flavored by Philly: Taste of 250 honor freedom, liberty, and unity, that define both Philadelphia and the nation and pays tribute to the bold, authentic spirit that has always defined America’s birthplace. Each flavor concept, Freedom, Liberty, and Unity, represents an ideal that helped shape the American story. Nearly 100,000 votes were received from November 12 to December 10, 2025 and the results are in.
Here are the 2026 Herr’s Flavored by Philly Taste the 250 winners: Freedom Loaded Cheese Fries, inspired by the bold and enduring vision of American independence first declared at Independence Hall in Philadelphia; Liberty Hickory Barbeque, paying homage to the Philadelphia Liberty Bell, which has stood for liberty and bold beginnings since the birth of the nation; and United Jalapeño Cream Cheese, driven by the spirit of Betsy Ross, who is attributed with designing the first American Flag and whose house in Philadelphia stands to this day as a symbol of unity, “America’s 250th is an amazing time to be able to share potato chip flavors made by the people for the people,” said Ed Herr, executive chairman of the board of Herr’s. “Flavored by Philly: Taste the 250 is our way of honoring the city that continues to inspire our flavors and our fans.” The limited-time-only Herr’s Flavored by Philly: Taste the 250 potato chips are available for the summer everywhere Herr’s is sold, in store and online, just in time to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Huzzah!
Heaven gained another angel on June 14 when James A. Burke Sr., owner of Seafood America, passed away at the age of 83. His final days were a testament to the grit and fortitude that he demonstrated his entire life. He fought until the end, drawing on his incredible will and strength of character. Jim lost his father at the age of 8. He met and began working for Edwin Michelfelder at the age of 14, beginning his professional career. That being said, he found a way to graduate from North Catholic High School and LaSalle University. Jim eventually took over the Michelfelder’s business with his two partners and expanded it throughout Philadelphia and its suburbs through the mid-1980s. He then spent 40 years at Seafood America, a business he helped shape into what it is today, serving as president and CEO into his 80s. He came into the office until about a year ago. Jim was a true family man. I considered him a good friend. We enjoyed many chats in the Seafood America offices or at the Boston Seafood Show talking shop, especially about Acme, and I would often run into him and Eileen on the weekends at our favorite 50’s Diner in Furlong or at the gym we all work out at. Jim is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Eileen J. Burns Burke. They met as teenagers and shared 68 years together. He is also survived by his eight children, fourteen grandchildren who were the light of his life and a sister. James’ family will receive friends on Friday, July 10, from 9:00 a.m. until his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church 235 East State Street Doylestown, PA 18901. His interment will take place immediately following the Mass at St. Mary Cemetery which is adjacent to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Doylestown Health Foundation.
Rest in peace, Papa Smurf. You will be missed by us all.
Celebrating another trip around the sun this lovely month of June are Bill Derbyshire, Liberty Coca Cola; Jim Burke Jr., Seafood America; Doug Clemens, Clemens Food Group; Nancy Rodgers-Fluharty, Pace Target Brokers; Terri Maloney, our co-publisher, and Jeff Metzger, publisher emeritus. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Quote of the month: “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” T.S. Eliot
Maria can be reached at 443.631.0172 or maria@foodtradenews.com