Greetings everyone and welcome to summer and the intensive heatwave we’ve been enduring. More importantly, welcome to the Food Trade News Annual Market Study issue!
While many of you might think that at this stage of our careers, president/executive publisher Jeff Metzger, co-publisher/editorial Terri Maloney co-publisher/marketing, Maria Maggio and myself (co-publisher/advertising) , would be able to put this project together in our sleep. But, au contraire mon frere.
This is a project that takes a complete effort for a few months. Data gathering, research, and proofing all go into what you now hold in your hands (or are reading on our website at foodtradenews.com). Thanks go out also to Matt Danielson, Jenny Jones and the entire team at Electronic Ink (E-ink) for their usual stellar pre-press production. We hope you enjoy and utilize this publication for all it is worth and please let us know if you have any comments or questions.
Since it is the summer season and people are flocking to the beach, Uncle Giuseppe’s has decided to be innovative and have launched Uncle G’s Ocean Beach Popup. The small market will launch on Fire Island at Ocean Beach for the summer season. The market will be stocked with signature cheeses, fresh pastas and sauces, sandwiches, antipasto platters, fully prepared meals and more. “We’ve always believed in bringing Uncle G’s to where our guests are and Fire Island is such a special place for so many of them,” said Carl DelPrete, CEO of Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace. Uncle Giuseppe’s was already a frequent deliverer of groceries and catered food to Fire Island, so the idea for a summer-long presence was a natural evolution. “This popup is our way of planting roots in a community that has embraced us with open arms, and giving beachgoers an easy way to enjoy the same fresh, quality food they love right here on the island,” DelPrete added. That is not the only expansion for Uncle G’s. As previously reported, they will be taking over the site of the former Pathmark and Stop & Shop in Greenvale, Long Island. A 40,000 square foot Bohemia location in late 2025 and most recently announced, the former King Kullen site in Levittown. When all is done Uncle G’s will have 14 locations in the area. Great job boys and girls!
It is with some sadness that we have to let you know of some passings of industry people that you may not have been aware of. Salvatore “Chip” Cingari, a longtime executive with Cingari Family ShopRites in Connecticut passed away on May 22 at the age of 78. A lifelong Stamford resident, Chip began his career in the grocery business, working for his grandfather Salvatore Sr. sweeping floors, separating and cleaning bottles, and stocking shelves in the family’s first store, also located in Stamford. After serving with the U.S. Army, Cingari rejoined the family business and, in 1969, married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Halam. He managed the nonperishable side of the grocery business, which has grown to include 12 stores across Connecticut, which make up the Cingari Family ShopRites which joined Wakefern in 1991.
Cingari was also known for making the world a better place, volunteering and helping others. The family has requested that donations be made in his memory to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org/donate.
Also leaving us on May 22 at the age of 67 was Joseph Clemente. Joe was instrumental in building one of the finest distribution companies in the Tri-State area, Clem Snacks Inc.
I remember seeing Clem Snacks billboards along the BQE in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn back in the late 1980s as I was peddling toilet paper in the borough and always wondered about the company. Jump forward several years to Joe becoming the Utz master distributor in the area and, thanks to the exponential growth of Utz, Clem Snacks soared. Joe was always an engaging individual who I shared many conversations with at the various golf outings in the industry (he loved golf). After selling the Clem Snacks division of the Clem Companies to Utz in 2022, Joe eased off a bit and handed the reigns of the company to family members. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 23 years, Valerie Brannick Clemente; three sons, Joseph C. Clemente Jr. (wife Kimia, children Ayla and Isabella), Michael Clemente (wife Alison, children Michael Jr. and Angelina), and Jesse Clemente (fiancé Gretty Garcia); mother Rita Clemente, brother Frank Clemente and sister Irma Clemente. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph F. Clemente. Joe Clemente leaves behind a legacy of integrity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends and community. The family requests that donations in his memory may be mailed to the Staten Island Golf Association (SIGA) to support the junior golf program: 1688 Victory Blvd, Suite #201, Staten Island, NY 10314. Checks should be made payable to “Staten Island Golf Association.” In the memo line, please indicate the donation is in memory of Joe Clemente. May his soul rest in peace.
Lastly, we were all shocked to learn that Jeff King, VP of center store for Bozzuto’s, passed away on June 18. Steve Heggelke, EVP-merchandising and procurement at Bozzuto’s, sent out a heartfelt note that I thought captures the thoughts and feelings of those who knew Jeff.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I share the devastating news of the unexpected passing of our dear colleague and friend, Jeff King, who passed away last night.
Jeff was more than just a valued member of the Bozzuto’s team – he was a trusted professional, a steady source of support, and above all, a kind and generous individual whose presence enriched the lives of everyone around him. His contributions to Bozzuto’s were immeasurable, and his absence will be profoundly felt throughout our organization and the entire industry. Over the course of his 19 years with Bozzuto’s, Jeff consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity, and a collaborative spirit that helped shape the culture and success of our company. Whether through his thoughtful mentorship, tireless work ethic, or his ability to get it done no matter what, he left an indelible mark on all of us – especially myself.
Beyond his professional life, Jeff’s heart was firmly rooted in his family. He was overwhelmingly dedicated to his wife, children, and grandchildren – always speaking of them with immense pride and love. His devotion to them was clear in everything he did, and his legacy as a husband, father, and grandfather is one of deep commitment, strength, and care.
As we process this loss, I know many of you may be grieving in your own way. Take time to reflect and support one another. In the coming days, we will share details about any memorial services or ways to honor Jeff’s memory. On behalf of the entire Bozzuto’s team, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Jeff’s family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched – especially his wife, Patty. Please take care of yourselves and each other during this difficult time.” Very well stated Steve and all we can add is May the Lord grant him eternal rest and perpetual light shine upon him….
Well, like I stated earlier, please go through this Market Study issue and I hope you enjoy it and find it beneficial for your business and your own personal information. Kudos to all of my associates at Best-Met Publishing for all of their hard team work and dedication in putting this together as there really is no other publication in the country that does a deep dive like this one. I look forward to seeing you out in the field and the many summer outings, shows and events. As always you can reach me at 201.250.2217 or [email protected] Hope to see you soon!!
