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George Hajjar

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  1. The most popular articles with SFA News Daily readers in January focused on outlooks on industry trends, retailer-brand relationships, and the Red Sea conflict. In case you missed it, the following were the five most read stories in November. 1. Danone to Sell Horizon Organic, Wallaby to Private Equity Firm French food producer Danone signed an agreement to sell its U.S. organic dairy brands Horizon Organic and Wallaby to private equity firm Platinum Equity. 2. Targeted Strike Escalates Shipment Conflict in Red Sea After Houthi members defied an ultimatum to halt their attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea, a U.S.-led coalition launched more than a dozen strikes on the Yemeni force. 3. Supermarket Giant Drops Pepsi, Lay’s Price increases from global brands PepsiCo and Lay’s compelled one of the biggest supermarket chains in the world, French-owned Carrefour, to stop merchandising the brands throughout France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium. The conflict arose after more than two years of price increases from both brands. 4. Report Reveals Nuanced Packaging Insights For generic brand products, simplicity does not sell; however, for most other food offerings, minimalist packaging tends to increase the item’s perceived purity, show the findings of a Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University study. 5. Trends on the Radar: Winter Fancy Food Show Preview Denise Purcell, VP of resource development at Specialty Food Association, and Jen Cohan, PR consultant, previewed for attendees the categories, flavors, and ingredients likely to be displayed at the Show.
  2. At the Specialty Food Association's recent Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, George Hajjar, associate editor at the SFA, spoke with Cathy Strange, ambassador of food culture at Whole Foods Market. In this episode of Spill & Dish, they discussed how to teach others to taste with their five senses, what grocery buyers look for in specialty products, and standout trends for the year. Listen now.
  3. Denver-based beverage brand Frescos Naturales fills their beautiful cans with traditional aguas frescas with a twist, featuring classic flavors like tamarind, hibiscus, and mango. In this Spill & Dish podcast episode, Gretchen VanEsselstyn, SFA’s director of education, speaks with founder Juan Stewart about his journey to taste success, including his Shark Tank appearance! Listen now.
  4. Lewis Road Creamery is a New Zealand-based maker of the 10 Star Certified Salted Butter that was named Specialty Food Association’s 2023 sofi Product of the Year at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. In this episode, Julie Gallagher, director of content development for SFA, speaks with Lewis Road Creamery’s co-founder and director of marketing and communications, Lynette Maan, and vice president of sales and operations, Steve Muir, about the premium butter space, their product’s sofi win, and how Lewis Road Creamery does right by farmers, animals, and the Earth.
  5. New York-based shiitake mushroom chip company Popadelics is on a mission to bring attention to under-loved vegetables. In this Spill & Dish podcast episode, George Hajjar, associate editor at the SFA, speaks with co-founders and life partners Marilyn Yang and Michael Casali about transitioning to the food world from a finance background, the origins of the pandemic-born snack, and their recent success, particularly in alternate channels including Urban Outfitters. Additionally, Yang highlights some of the brand’s philanthropic achievements, including its partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research. Listen now.
  6. The most popular articles with SFA News Daily readers in November focused on retail executives’ outlooks on the current economic environment, industry trends, and the closing of a special grocery store. In case you missed it, the following were the top five most read stories in November. 1. Target CEO: Grocery Shoppers Pull Back Stressed budgets going into the holiday season have caused shoppers to pull back on all goods, including groceries, shared Target CEO Brian Cornell in an interview with CNBC. 2. Grocers Adjust Self-Checkout Strategies As backlash against self-checkouts continues to grow, retailers are responding by adjusting their approach. 3. PCC to Close Seattle Store PCC Community Markets, a community-owned grocery cooperative in Washington, said that its store in Downtown Seattle will close permanently on January 31, 2024. 4. Walmart CEO Expects Holiday Deflation Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said deflation could be coming in time for the holiday season as key grocery items like eggs, chicken, and seafood get cheaper. He added that general merchandise items are also feeling economic relief. 5. KeHE Unveils 2024 Macro Trends KeHE Distributors said that it has identified the top macro trends in the food and beverage industry to inform retailers’ product selections for 2024. Experts from KeHE identified seven predicted trends for the coming year.
  7. The most popular articles with SFA News Daily readers in October focused on consumer trends, inflation, and the Kroger-Albertsons merger. In case you missed it, the following were the top five most read stories in October: 1. Slideshow: Whole Foods Forecasts 2023 Trends Whole Foods Market unveiled anticipated food trends for 2023. The company is also making a Trends Discovery Box available, featuring 10 items that allow consumers to sample the trends. 2. SFA Trendspotters Name 2023 Specialty Food Trends Alternative seafood, nuanced heat, and naturally occurring sweeteners are among next year’s specialty food trends, according to the Specialty Food Association’s Trendspotter Panel. 3. Perceived Food Inflation Rate Outpaces Reality Americans believe inflation for food-at-home has hit 22.8 percent, 9.7 points higher than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual rate of 13.1 percent. 4. Regulators Seen Studying Kroger-Albertsons Merger Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. will likely face market-by-market scrutiny from federal regulators in its proposed merger with Boise-based Albertsons Cos., as the two companies have significant overlap and would gain considerable clout in the market. 5. Vongerichten Brings Global Influences to NYC Food Hall Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has opened a multi-restaurant culinary marketplace/food hall at the Seaport on Pier 17 in Manhattan, the former home of the Fulton Fish Market.
  8. New Zealand-based Heilala Vanilla was co-founded by a father and daughter who show their commitment to the people and land of Tonga with every bean and batch. In this Spill & Dish podcast episode, Gretchen VanEsselstyn, SFA’s director of education, speaks with Jennifer Boggiss about Heilala’s connections with chefs, journey to retail, B-Corp certification, and positive impact.
  9. Sam Mogannam is a chef and second-generation owner of San Francisco’s Bi-Rite Market and founder of the B Corp-certified Bi-Rite Family of Businesses, which includes two specialty markets, a creamery, catering commissary, and a nonprofit cooking school and education space. In this Spill & Dish podcast episode, Julie Gallagher, director of content development for the Specialty Food Association, speaks with Mogannam about the rich sensory experience that can be had at Bi-Rite, how he strives to maintain its B Corp status, and plans for a new store opening. Listen now.
  10. Dominic Biggi is a third-generation owner of Beaverton Foods, a gourmet condiments maker that also co-packs. In this episode of Spill & Dish, SFA’s 2023 Hall of Fame inductee talks about carving out his niche in a family business, the company’s more than 500 recipes, and what’s next for the specialty food business.
  11. The most-read SFA News Daily articles in September explored mergers and acquisitions between top retailers, retailers’ efforts to combat theft, and state legislation on food. In case you missed it, the following were the most popular stories last month. 1. Kroger, Albertsons to Sell Stores to C&S Kroger and Albertsons entered into an agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers to sell select stores, banners, distribution centers, offices, and private label brands in connection with their proposed merger for $1.9 billion. 2. California Advances Bill to Ban Four Food Additives The California Legislature passed a bill, titled Assembly Bill 418, to ban four food additives that have been linked to adverse health outcomes. 3. Target to Close Nine Stores Due to Theft Target shared that it will close nine stores across four states on October 21, citing theft as the main driver of the decision. Stores in Manhattan, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon are slated to close. 4. Retailers Employ Radical Tactics to Deter Theft Some stores have become the target of shoplifting, flash-mob robberies, break-ins, and thefts mid-supply chain, compelling retailers to take a radical approach to product shrink. 5. Boozy Versions of Beverages Blur Lines Brands such as Mountain Dew, SunnyD, Simply Orange Juice, and Eggo are marketing spiked beverages that some regulators fear have the potential to create consumer confusion and lead to inadvertent underage drinking.
  12. Good afternoon, You may find something useful by filtering by Texas in the SFA member directory. I hope this helps! Best, George Hajjar
  13. Good afternoon, You may find something useful in the SFA's 2022 Co-Manufacturer Resource Guide. The resource is free for members! Best, George Hajjar
  14. Cold-pressed grapeseed oil produces a high-quality, nutrient-rich product that can be used to bake, sauté, fry, and more. Salute Santé’s upcycled, chef-inspired grapeseed oil is a recent 2023 Gold Sofi Award winner and has been a leader in the alternative oil category for decades. The company also makes infused oils and grapeseed flour. In this episode of Spill & Dish, George Hajjar, content development associate at the Specialty Food Association, speaks with co-founders and life partners Valentin and Nanette Humer about the company’s mission to bring sustainability to the industry, how it began, and how its suite of products is produced. Listen now.
  15. The most-read SFA News Daily articles in August explored topics including mergers and acquisitions between big-name brands and retailers alike, retailers’ strategic efforts, and a shortage of rice that can have global consequences. In case you missed it, the following were the most popular stories last month. 1. Campbell Soup to Acquire Rao's Parent Campbell Soup and Sovos Brands, Inc., the parent company of soup and sauce brand Rao’s, shared that Campbell will acquire the premium brand for $23 per share in cash, representing a total value of approximately $2.7 billion. Sovos Brands specializes in premium pasta sauces, dry pasta, soups, frozen entrées, frozen pizza, and yogurts marketed under the Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s, and Noosa brands. 2. Giant Food Eliminates Fulfillment Centers Giant Food is closing its fulfillment centers, which facilitate home grocery delivery, in Hannover, Maryland; Manassas, Virginia; and Milford, Delaware. The 80,000-square-foot location in Manassas opened three months ago. 3. Aldi to Acquire Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarket Aldi shared that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket as part of a larger divestiture of Southeastern Grocers. 4. India’s Rice Ban Could Provoke Global Food Crisis On July 20, India banned exports of non-basmati white rice to quell domestic inflation; however, the removal of the food staple’s supply from international markets could trigger a global food crisis. 5. Whole Foods Accelerator Cohorts Announced Whole Foods Market has shared the participants in its two tracks of the Local and Emerging Accelerator Program LEAP: Early Growth and On the Verge. The LEAP initiative launched in 2022 with the inaugural Early Growth cohort and continues to advance Whole Foods’ core value of seeking win-win partnerships with suppliers, according to the company.
  16. Good afternoon, I hope you are well! I recommend consulting your local land-grant college or university. They often have a host of resources that you can take advantage of, and may be able to provide help with product development or food science needs. You can consult this guide to find your local relevant college or university: Best, George Hajjar
  17. The most-read SFA News Daily articles in July explored topics including a retailer’s battle against labor unions, the economics of supermarkets and pricing, and inclement weather affecting states and crops. In case you missed it, the following were the most popular stories last month. 1. NLRB Files Complaint Against Trader Joe's The National Labor Relations Board alleged in an unfair labor practices complaint against Trader Joe’s, that the retailer retaliated against workers attempting to organize a union. The NLRB also said the grocer threatened workers with frozen wages and more. 2. Sugar Shortage Puts Candy Production at Risk Tight sugar supplies are edging up candy companies’ costs and cutting into confectionary production months before the Halloween season. 3. Supermarkets Lose Share to Other Channels In 1997, supermarkets and small-format grocers held 37 percent share of American’s total food spending; as of 2022, that share had fallen to one quarter, according to data from the USDA. On the other hand, warehouse clubs and supercenters, like Walmart and Costco, increased their share of food spending from 4 to 10 percent over the same period. 4. Flooding Impacts Food Companies in Vermont Specialty food makers, retailers, and consumers in Vermont braced for more rainfall after heavy downpours earlier in the month caused widespread flooding and damage. 5. Big Brands Continue Raising Prices While making record profits, large consumer brands have continued to raise prices as the Federal Reserve works to stabilize inflation. Coca-Cola, Unilever, and PepsiCo all reported significant price hikes in the second quarter.
  18. Patrick Ford is the vice president of Ford’s Gourmet Foods, the family-owned brand that makes Bone Suckin’ Sauce, rubs, and seasonings, and is constantly innovating flavors and recipes to bring a dynamic breadth of products. In this episode, George Hajjar, associate editor at the SFA, speaks with Ford about working in a family business, and how it developed from humble origins into an award-winning brand. Listen Now.
  19. Good afternoon Becky, In the past, we have recommended Kashrus Magazine's Kosher Supervision Guide from www.kashrusmagazine.com. You should be able to purchase the 2021-2022 Kosher Supervision Guide using it. Best, George Hajjar
  20. Cynthia Duran, owner of Xinca Foods, had been seeking a vegan cheese to accompany her pupusas when, at the 2022 Summer Fancy Food Show, she met fellow exhibitor Dina DiCenso, cofounder of RIND by Dina and Joshua, who was debuting RIND's Carrot Cheese. In this episode, recorded on the 2023 Summer Fancy Food Show Big Idea Stage, Julie Gallagher, SFA’s director of content development, delves into how their serendipitous meeting led to the launch of Carrot Cheese and Loroco Pupusas.
  21. The most-read SFA News Daily articles in June covered topics including sofi Award winners, the Summer Fancy Food Show, and retailers’ suppliers. In case you missed it, the following were the most popular stories last month. 1. sofi Product of the Year, New Product of the Year Winners Named Top buyers named Lewis Road Creamery 10 Star Certified Salted Butter 2023 sofi Product of the Year and named Mochidoki Vegan Passionfruit Mochi Ice Cream sofi New Product of the Year at the Summer Fancy Food Show. 2. Whole Foods Announces Supplier All-Stars Whole Foods announced the winners of its annual Supplier All-Star Awards, recognizing 15 brands that raise the industry bar for quality, innovation, value, and social responsibility, and are aligned with Whole Foods Market’s core values, such as caring for local communities and practicing win-win partnerships, according to the company. 3. Wegmans to Shutter Multi-Level Store Wegmans will close its multi-level location in Natick, Massachusetts. The exact date has yet to be determined but will occur this summer. 4. Giada De Laurentiis Shares High-Impact Food Trends Giada De Laurentiis, chef, TV personality, author of ten cookbooks, and founder of Giadzy, spoke about emerging trends that are shaping the specialty food industry, and facilitating the success of her brand, during her keynote presentation at the Summer Fancy Food Show. 5. Albertsons Consolidates Private Labels Albertsons Companies, Inc. is rebranding its Signature Farms, Signature Care, and Signature Cafe products under Signature Select, featuring a new marketing campaign, logo, and updated packaging. The transition is expected to be complete in early 2024.
  22. Emre Imamoglu saw an opportunity to bring healthy eating habits from the Mediterranean to a U.S. audience in the form of CiboVita. In this episode, George Hajjar, associate editor at the Specialty Food Association, spoke with Imamoglu about the company’s health-first approach, its sofi award-winning product, and the business strategies that enabled its success. Listen Now.
  23. Twenty years ago, Jonathan Milo Leal launched Milo’s Whole World Gourmet, an Ohio-based specialty food maker of sofi Award winning products, that also offers boutique co-packing services. In this episode, Julie Gallagher, director of content development at SFA, chats with the entrepreneur about how he got his start, the business lessons he’s learned through the years, and the unique perspective he brings to the co-packing world. Listen now.
  24. Good afternoon, Thank you for your question. You will be able to order electric needs through the Javits Center. You can go to the Exhibitor Services Hub on our website under Order Forms to learn more. From there, click "order online" under the Javits Center Services. Please let us know if you have any more questions. Best, George
  25. In this episode, Megan Rooney, Program Development Manager at SFA, chats with David Gremmels of Rogue Creamery about the kismet that led him to cheese making, how gardening led to flavor innovation, his commitment to sustainability, and how SFA helped him jump-start distribution. Listen now.
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