NEW YORK, NY
The Specialty Food Association is kicking off January with a bang with the Winter Fancy Food Show. At the show, the Association honored six industry leaders as well as celebrated all of the members of the newly created Hall of Fame.
The Association announced the six winners of the third annual Leadership Awards before the Fancy Food Show, and presented the awards on January 11th. The awards honor members who have gone “above and beyond” in advancing food standards in society by creating social, economic and environmental impact through innovation and vision.
“The specialty food industry is fueled by passionate entrepreneurs who seek to make a difference through the products they bring to market. These leaders are making an even greater impact by pioneering new business practices, empowering workers, and taking risks,” says Ann Daw, President of the Specialty Food Association.
This year’s winners are:
Business Leadership
Citizenship
Vision
Members of the Specialty Food Association and others in the industry made the nominations for the awards, according to a press release. This year’s judges included David Gagnon, Organic Trade Association, Brattleboro, Vt.; John Raiche, UNFI, Providence, R.I.; Donna Daniels, Social Venture Network, San Francisco; Rory Treats, City Harvest, New York; and Errol Schweizer, Whole Foods Market, Austin, Texas.
Additionally, the Association announced the establishment of a Hall of Fame to honor the indivudials who have played significant roles in creating and shaping the $88.3 billion specialty food industry.
According to a press release, the inaugural inductees include 114 individuals who helped establish the industry in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, along with pioneers in specialty food retailing, tastemakers and culinary innovators.
“The specialty food industry is built on the creativity and passion of individuals who have worked hard to bring top-quality food and new flavors to market. We are proud to recognize these pioneers,” says Specialty Food Association President Ann Daw.
Inductees include Chuck Williams of Williams-Sonoma; David Bigelow and Eunice Bigelow, Bigelow Tea; Julee Rosso, Silver Palate; and Jerry Kehe and Joe Shannon, KeHE Foods. The inaugural class was selected by Association members and the Hall of Fame Committee.
For a full list of the inductees, click here.
DeliMarket TV would like to congratulate all six winners of the Leadership Awards as well as all of the inductees into the Hall of Fame!
