Specialty Food Association to Recognize Honorees With Leadership Awards at 47th Winter Fancy Food Show; Denise Purcell Comments

The specialty world is diverse and rich, made up of some of the most delicious food this world has to offer. Honoring those who make this industry possible, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) recently announced that six leaders in the sector will be recognized at the upcoming Winter Fancy Food Show (WFFS) held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from January 15–17.

“The specialty food industry is full of inspiring individuals advancing their businesses and making a difference in the world,” said Denise Purcell, Vice President, Resource Development. “We expanded the scope of our Leadership Awards to recognize even more of these remarkable business leaders.”

In recognition of their contributions to the $175 billion specialty food industry, the honorees will be celebrated on-site at the show on Monday, January 16, at 4 p.m. PST. If you’re in attendance, you won’t want to miss it!

According to a press release, the 2023 Leadership Award winners were selected in five areas, expanded this year to include Outstanding Buyer and Emerging Leader awards.

The Leadership Awards Honorees are as follows:

• Sustainability: Mike Noonan, Bitchin’ Sauce
• Citizenship: Luke Schneider, Fire Department Coffee
• Vision: David Kemp, Village Gourmet/Les Trois Petits Cochons
• Outstanding Buyer: Dwight Richmond, Town & Country Markets
• (Tie) Emerging Leader: Dani Zuchovicki, The Hatchery
• (Tie) Emerging Leader: David Schmunk, African Dream Foods

Congratulations to all who were named! Can’t wait to see you at Winter Fancy Food Show!