Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award recipient Nick Brown, Kraft Heinz Customer Business Director, and Wakefern President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Stigers.
General business
April 16, 2024
New Jersey food retail and distribution business leaders recently gathered in Atlantic City to focus on the next generation of food supply chains and the evolving opportunities for New Jersey’s food industry.
“This conference shows that [our] We are committed to staying ahead of trends and looking to the future of our industry,” said Wawa’s Jason Reed, Vice Chairman of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC). “Trade relationships are at the heart of our association. These critical business relationships between our members, who are food retailers, suppliers, store operators, brokers, co-ops, and wholesalers, are part of New Jersey’s $136 billion “We are pushing the food distribution industry beyond the essentials.
This annual conference demonstrates NJFC’s commitment to fostering trade partnerships and improving the industry through member engagement, he added.
The show spotlighted Mike Stigers, the newly appointed President and COO of Wakefern Food Corporation. He currently leads one of the state’s largest employers and one of the most successful business cooperatives in the country. He participated in a “Fireside Chat” with his NJFC Board Chairman Andrew Kent at Glass Gardens ShopRites.
Attendees will also hear from talented visionaries and venture capital nonprofits, with Lawrence Inserra III of Price Rite serving as panel moderator, sharing their experiences and insights on “Entrepreneurial Perspectives: Entering the Food Industry.” We discussed.
“We talked about getting into the food industry and building a path to success,” Inserra said. “This session will guide you through the complexities of entrepreneurship in the dynamic and competitive food industry through success stories on overcoming challenges, innovative business strategies, paths to capital funding, and key milestones to success. We’ve provided inspiration and practical advice for you.
“We know that valuable lessons can be learned when entrepreneurs share their experiences facing challenges and setbacks,” he added. “Hearing how other companies overcame obstacles such as funding issues, regulatory hurdles, and market competition gave us insight into resilience and problem-solving in the food industry.”
Panelists included:
- Gonca Esendemir, Thumb Bread Co-Founder/CMO®
- Jim Gunton, Managing Partner, Tech Council Ventures
- Dr. Juan Salinas, Founder and CEO of Perfect Life Nutrition, sold under the P-nuff banner
“Each year at this event, we bring together all aspects of the food business to stimulate thoughtful ideas, strengthen trade objectives, actively participate in Food Council issues and advance the overall mission of the food industry. “We are giving special recognition to individuals in the industry who have supported the Food Council,” said Linda Dougherty, NJFC President and CEO. “I’m always happy to introduce this work.”
Jimmy Osling Trade Relations Award. ”
This year, we honor Nick Brown, NJFC Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Trade Relations Committee and Associate Director of Sales for Kraft Heinz, for his dedication to the association and his passion for advancing trade relations in the food industry. It was presented to me.
“Nick, you are a passionate role model for our Board of Directors and we appreciate your efforts to foster strong and meaningful trade partnerships,” said Mr. Reed.
NJFC also used trade relations meetings to resume in-person leadership development programs after they were suspended due to the pandemic. As part of the agenda, this year’s students were asked to stand and be recognized. This program, like the conference, is a valuable experience for future leaders in the food industry.
The meeting concluded with “Curtain Closer” golf held April 10 at Galloway National Golf Club in Galloway Township.
Mark your calendars for NJFC’s annual ‘Night of Distinction’ on Wednesday 15th May at Somerset Palace. Honorees include Neil Greenstein, president of Brookdale ShopRite and ShopRite of Newark. Stu Leonard Jr., President and CEO of Stu Leonards, Inc. and Samer Rahman, vice president and chief merchandising officer of Allegiance Retail Services.
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