Greetings all and welcome to the dog days of summer! The combination of scorching temperatures, sudden storms, and heavier than normal traffic can turn even our usual rough commutes into a real test of patience. It’s like the recent weather and the roads are in a secret competition to see which can cause more chaos. Stay cool, stay safe, and hopefully we all make it safely to the many industry events going on and continue to enjoy the summer.
Big congratulations to Cingari Family Markets, as the Connecticut-based ShopRite supermarket company was named “Business of the Year” by the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.
Tom Cingari Jr., VP of produce, floral and e-commerce, accepted the award at Bridgeport’s Black Rock Yacht Club. The chamber’s “Business of the Year” award celebrates a company that has demonstrated exceptional growth, strong community leadership and a positive economic impact. Over its nearly century‑long history, Cingari Family Markets has expanded to include 10 ShopRite stores and two Cingari Family Markets across southwestern Connecticut. The family has invested in store renovations, expanded local hiring and training programs and contributed more than $5 million through the Cingari Family Foundation to support area schools, food pantries and healthcare institutions.
“This recognition reflects the efforts of our entire team”, said Thomas Cingari Sr., president and CEO. “Our associates’ dedication to quality, innovation and service is what truly sets us apart. We sincerely appreciate the chamber’s acknowledgement and are grateful to the Fairfield community for supporting our family business.” Great accomplishment Cingari family and all of the associates!
And while we are in the Nutmeg state, Wayne Pesce, president at the Connecticut Food Association (CFA), told us that their upcoming Food Industry Champions Celebration will be taking place on October 30 at Mohegan Sun. He invites everyone to join them as they honor the incredible people and partners who help shape the food industry. Honorees for the evening will be announced soon. For more information call the CFA at 860.216.4055 or email them at [email protected].
RDD Associates, a leading sales and marketing agency specializing in perishables sales and merchandising, has released a series of industry white papers from their leadership team that are a must read for anyone in the industry. Four just released topics have an in-depth observation for your establishment and business.
First up is “Selling Smarter in the City: Winning with Urban Independent Grocers. A Strategic Guide for Manufacturers in the crucial, yet complex NY Metro Market.” The piece is scripted by Mike Conese, VP of portfolio development and growth.
The next piece is “From Concept to Cart: Fast-tracking Product Launch Success in Grocery Retailers
Speed to Shelf and Trial Acceleration Essentials for Seamless New Item Execution” from James Perillo IV, VP/senior director of client services.
The third section is “Dairy Department Disruptors: Navigating Top Trends, from Cottage Cheese to Supply Chain Squeeze: What’s shaping the dairy aisle and how grocers and suppliers can adapt their strategies to capitalize on today’s market” from Tom Caruana, VP/senior director of client services.
The final piece is “Slicing Up Strategy: Mastering the Art & Science of Supermarket Deli Merchandising. An Insider Playbook for Driving Sales, Shopper Engagement, and Operational Excellence in the Deli Department” penned by Chris Vuono, VP/senior director of client services.
These first four papers are just the beginning for RDD. They told us that they will continue to grow this library and in-depth research over time, and as they become available we will keep you informed. To view the papers go to rddassociates.com/category/industry-white-paper/ – or contact RDD at rddassociates.com/.
One of our industry’s nicest events will occur on October 16 at Hackensack Golf Club in Oradell, NJ when the Friends of the Food Industry (FOFI) will hold its annual charity reception. FOFI’s mission is to provide financial assistance to people employed in the Food Industry and/or their families that have fallen on difficult times. This year’s honoree is Dennis Hickey, chief merchandising officer at Krasdale Foods Inc.
Additionally, FOFI will be presenting lifetime achievement awards to Robert Cignarella of RDD Associates, Jim O’Brien of ASM. and David Deo of Crossmark. For more information email [email protected] or Michael Casey at [email protected].
The Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 wrapped up earlier this month in New York City (See the wrap up coverage inside this issue). Top manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers from around the globe all converged on the Big Apple for three days of networking, and business opportunities. Among this year’s features was the first-ever North America Pastry Competition Championship, which took place in the River Pavilion. The Maker Prep Course debuted at the 2024 Show, inviting a cohort of up-and-coming specialty food manufacturers to participate in a collaborative, six-month educational program. This year, the first-ever Maker Prep Pavillion was on the show floor and featured graduates of the most recent Maker Prep Course. Fancy Food is a terrific show because I always meet new, early-stage/just-emerging brands that have real potential for growth, as well as the established companies that have gone from “unique” to “must-have” items in the supermarket. The show is also a great place to get your daily steps in because three floors of aisles and aisles of exhibitors will keep you going and going. Great show overall and I’m already looking forward to next year.
And while we were getting ready to go press we heard that Bob Yager has been appointed as Stop & Shop’s new executive VP of operations. Many of you know Bob as he been in executive positions with Stoppie since 2010 and had also had stints at ShopRite and Pathmark prior to that. Overall, he brings 35 years of experience to this elevated role. Bob is well known for his strategic leadership skills as well as his people-centered approach to development, and for being an overall great guy. Best wishes in your new spot Bob!
Well that will do it for this month. There are still plenty of events and activities left to carry us through the balance of the summer into September. Here’s hoping our paths cross at one (or many) of those events. As always you can reach me at 201.250.2217 or by emailing me at [email protected].
