The 47th annual Food Trade News Market Study has arrived just in time for our readers to add it to their summer 2025 reading lists! It seems that we continually say there’s so much change in our markets – 2025 was no exception. What follows on the pages of this issue is a recap of the past 12 months with a glimpse into the not-too-distant future.
An issue of this magnitude doesn’t just happen. It takes a Herculean effort from our small but mighty team, including on the Best-Met side, Kevin Gallagher, Terri Maloney and of course, our fearless leader with a 30-pound brain, Jeff Metzger; plus, the amazing talent of Jenny Jones and Matt Danielson at E-ink and the entire staff at Evergreen Printing. They make us look good! Lastly, a humble thank you to you, our advertisers and readers, for your continued support as we help you navigate the retail food industry. We couldn’t do what we do without you! For those of you who don’t have your own copy of the Food Trade News or Food World Market Studies, you can access the 2025 Market Studies as well as past issues plus keep up to date with every bit of industry news on our website foodtradenews.com. Sign up for breaking news and you’ll never be uninformed!
June is an incredibly busy month with graduations, Father’s Day, Flag Day, the summer solstice and the like, but it is also filled with our favorite national days: doughnut day (first Friday in June); corn on the cob day (June 11); pineapple day (June 27) and cheese day (June 4) accompanied by June is Dairy Month (June 1-30). So, it makes sense that the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) held its flagship event from June 1-3 in the fun city of New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The IDDBA 2025 show brought together over 10,000 attendees and more than 1,000 exhibiting companies over three days. The once-a-year extravaganza targeted serious buyers, merchandisers, and executives who share a passion for food and our industry. To give you a little backstory about IDDBA, it was founded in 1964 as the Wisconsin Cheese Seminar. The organization’s name evolved over time to reflect the changing needs and interests of the industry it serves, adding deli to its name, IDDA then adding the bakery category becoming the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association in 1991.
There were workshops concentrating on every aspect of the dairy, deli and bakery categories at What’s in Store, IDDBA president and CEO David Haaf’s yearly recap and special guest appearances by Michael Strahan, Carla Hall and Kevin Costner. Yes, THAT Kevin Costner. However, most important were the connections made, the customers acquired and the camaraderie our industry is famous for. A plethora of new products were featured in the convention center lobby. Over 230 new exhibitors (a new record) were sharing their stories and selling their products in a dedicated section that opened an hour early. In a debriefing with a few companies after the show, I heard only good things with the exhibitors saying they received quality leads. And there you have it, the raison d’etre for participating in these shows.
IDDBA reported that their annual post-show food drive generated 177,312 pounds of donations to local food banks in the area. As the annual trade show closed, exhibitors, staff, volunteers, and Second Harvest South Louisiana got to work loading almost 89 tons of donated dairy, bakery, foodservice, and deli items into 21 trailer trucks. Donations were routed to the New Orleans Food Bank and the Baton Rouge Food Bank for distribution to the local communities, making a difference in many people’s lives. Photos from the show are on pages 90-91. See you next year at IDDBA 2026, June 9-11 in Orlando!
Kudos to Linda Doherty and her incredible all-women team at the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) as they staged a memorable “Night of Distinction” on May 21 honoring food industry giants with a history of civic service within the New Jersey food community; Mike Stigers, president and COO of Wakefern; Steve Heggelke, EVP of merchandising and procurement for Bozzuto’s; and Bob Unanue, founder of Goya Cares.
With its powerful slate of honorees, the event drew hundreds of attendees, featuring prominent food industry glitterati at The Palace at Somerset Park. Among the special guests included former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
“To everyone joining us tonight, it is true that we all represent a remarkable industry during extraordinary times,” NJFC president and CEO Doherty said. “We thank you for your support, we appreciate your engagement, and we are grateful for your friendship and commitment.”
In his remarks, NJFC chair Jason Read of Wawa said: “Our board stands together with purpose, vision and remains united in our mission to advance, foster, and protect the New Jersey food industry under the banner of the Food Council. We are thankful for an active and engaged Board who stands together on industry issues, challenges and triumphs.”
Leftover food from the event was donated to Table to Table, a non-profit food rescue organization located in Saddle Brook. Congratulations to the honorees!
Taking a ride into the sunset this month on his motorcycle is Mike Mackin, a lifelong member of the Philadelphia food industry and MAFTO board member. Mike began his career at Genuardi’s when they had only four stores. Working from the ground up for three years, Mike left and began his 53-year long career in the bakery business. First with Hostess in Connecticut and back to South Jersey to work for Wonder Bread opening depots. Along the way he married his sweetheart, Carole, and raised two children. Mike stayed with Wonder for 37 years in various positions until they closed. He moved on to Schmidt Baking where he was going to work for just five years. Five years turned into 15 and now he’s decided to take a step back and enjoy his life with Carole, making memories with his grandchildren, riding his motorcycle and finding the next best place to have breakfast. But first, to commemorate his retirement, he’s skydiving with his daughter and son! Mike, enjoy your well-deserved retirement and I’ll meet you at the diner on Rt. 309 for breakfast soon. Happy trails!
The circle of life continues as we welcome Connor Avery Baskin, son of Megan and Dr. Ernest Baskin, chairman of the Food Pharma and Healthcare Department at SJU. He arrived into the world on May 29 at 10:27 pm. Baby Connor is 6 lbs, 11 oz and 21 inches long. The family is doing well and settling into the life of having a newborn. His baby sister Taylor is excited about having a little brother. Congratulations on the beautiful addition to your family!
Heaven gained another angel on May 21 when Thomas R. Furia Sr., founder and former president of Penn Jersey Paper Company and PJP Marketplace Grocery Stores passed away at 99 years of age surrounded by family. Tom was a pioneer in the paper industry, touching many lives through his relentless pursuit of excellence. He was a patient and faithful man, a listener, a lover of his family (his legacy) and his work (his passion). His true legacy will be how he treated those around him: with dignity, patience, integrity, humility and respect. Always humble, kind and gracious; a true gentleman of his generation. The last time I saw Tom was two years ago at the celebration of Murphy’s Markets 45-year anniversary. He was still sharp as a tack and enjoyed being with his industry friends. To tell you what kind of person he was, at the aforementioned event, Ron Murphy told the story of how Tom helped him purchase his first store. Ron needed $5,000 to complete the purchase. He went to Tom who gave him the money and told him to pay him when he could. When Ron went to pay him, Tom said, no need, just pay it forward in your lifetime. That’s who Tom was. And Ron did just that over and over.
Tom was the devoted father of Mary Joan Furia, Helene Hellwarth (John), Thomas R. Furia Jr., Carolyn Iuliano (Antonio), and Lisa Furia-Cruz (Francisco). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, his brother Robert R. Furia (Jean), and extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his brother James Furia. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Heart Transplant Program/Cardiomyopathy: www.give2.chop.edu or Tunnel to Towers 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island NY 10306 www.t2t.org. Rest in peace.
We also send condolences to industry veteran Judy Spires on the death of her beloved husband Bob. He was a gentleman and a family man and will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. You can read his formal obituary on page 20 of this issue.
Celebrating another trip around the sun this busy month of June are: Phil Scaduto, Food Circus Supermarkets; Jim Burke Sr. and Jim Burke Jr., Seafood America; Bill Derbyshire, Liberty Coca Cola; Doug Clemens, Clemens Food Group; Mark Tarzwell, retired, Mrs. T’s; Nancy Rodgers-Fluharty, Pace Target Brokers; Terri Maloney and Jeff Metzger. We also send special birthday wishes to the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, which celebrates 14 years in their still-awesome facility on Essington Avenue.
Quote of the month: “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” Marcus Aurelius
Maria can be reached at 443.631.0172 or [email protected].
