OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018

V ddb i sit cso us c a a t l.o rg LA MEXICANA

Mark Dixon, Acosta Sales & Marketing (714) 988-1319.

La Mexicana Food Products 4601 Pacific Boulevard, Vernon, CA 90058

LaMexicanaFoods.indd 1 2/20/15 4:41 PM Calendar

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION November 22 – Thanksgiving. DDBC of Southern California th www.ddbcsocal.org 30 – FISMC 80 Hi-Jinks Retailer Appreciation Luncheon, Disney Grand Californian Hotel. Informa- tion: www.fismc.org. In This Issue: December 1 – City of Hope Harvest Ball, Hyatt Regency Resort, Huntington Aguilar elected 2019 President Beach. Information: www.coh.org. Emily Aguilar (Daisy Brand) was elected to lead the DDBC Board of Directors 2-10 – Hanukkah. as President at the November 13 membership meeting of the Council. See a full 8 – DDBC and SCFRC combined Election Night report beginning on Page 10. Holiday Dinner Dance, Clubhouse at Anaheim Hills. Information: 562- 947-7016. 50th DDBC National Seminar 25 – Christmas Day. The Golden Anniversary National DDBC Seminar was an unqualified success 2019 according to the sold out attendance at the Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa in Rancho January Mirage. See all of the activities and more on the Seminar beginning on Page 16. 13-15 – Winter Fancy Food Show, Moscone Center, San Francisco, In- DDBC 2018 Award winners announced formation: www.specialtyfood.com/ Rey Garza (Bar-S Foods) and Matt Reeve (Smart & Final) will be inducted into shows-events. the DDBC Hall of Fame in January as all the 2018 award winners were announced 22 – DDBC Membership meeting, by the Past Presidents. Jaime Prager (Albertsons) is the 2018 Retailer of the Year; Awards Night; Embassy Suites Ho- Bob Cashen (Cacique, Inc.) and Barry Zuroff (Horizon Sales) are the Suppliers tel, Garden Grove. Information: 562- of the Year; and Don and Dalva Fisher will be presented the Presidents Award. 947-7016. Stories and photos begin on Page 6. 26 – Perishable Foods Council of Northern California Winter Gala, The Big Cheese(s) Silverado Resort, Napa. Information: www.perishablefoodscouncil.com. Steven Grant (Hidden Villa Ranch) and Tony Beneventi (Coca-Cola Refresh- February ments/Minute Maid) were honored as the October and November Big Cheese 17-20 – Refrigerated Foods Asso- Award winners this fall. Find out about these honorees on Page 34 and 36. ciation 39th Conference & Exhibition, Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina. Information: Advertiser index www.refrigeratedfoods.org. Carl Buddig 5 La Mexicana 2 Coca-Cola Refreshments Cover, 31 Marin Cheese 46 Hidden Villa 35 Premier Action Group 46 More calendar Page 46 Advertising, editorial information About the cover For advertising information in the Items to be submitted for editorial Coca-Cola Business Division of DDBC News, contact Dalva Fisher at consideration should be sent to: Editor, North America offers a wide variety 435-674-3504 or Pacific Rim Publish- DDBC News, P.O. Box 4533, Hunting- of refreshments from a myriad of ing Co., P.O. Box 4533, Huntington ton Beach, CA 92605-4533. brands the world knows and loves, Beach, CA 92647-4533. 714-375-3900. All submissions are subject to edit- including Minute Maid, the Simply FAX: 714-375-3906. ing for style and content. brand of fruit juices, including the DDBC NEWS (USPS 152-360, ISSN 00117862) is published 6 times per year for the DDBC delicious looking Simply Orange on of Southern California. Published by Pacific Rim Publishing Co., P.O. Box 4533, Huntington the cover, fairlife, Odwalla, Bright Beach, CA 92605-4533. 714-375-3900. FAX 714-375-3906. The DDBC address is P.O. Box 1872, and Early, Zico, Gold Peak, Suja and Whittier, CA 90609. Phone 562-947-7016. FAX: 562-947-7872. Subscription rates are $30 per year. Membership in the DDBC includes a subscription. many other lines of refreshing drink Copyright 2017 by the DDBC of Southern California. All rights reserved. products.

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 3 2019 Membership Application/Renewal for DDBC of Southern California

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Illingworth and §Ken Tisdell, 1998; §Jo Ann Benci and Ken Hanshaw, 1999; Tom Keyes, 2000; John Vitale, 2001; Bill Schwartz, 2002; Ted Hopkins and Dick Schwebe, 2003; Diane Beecher, §Stan Coop, and §Jerry Lewis, 2004; Don Fisher and Rona Reeves, 2005; §Bill MacAloney and Rob Willardson, 2006; Jim Veregge, 2007; Mark Dixon, 2008; Kathie Porter, 2009; John Brass, 2010; Jim DeKeyser OFFICIAL P UBLICATION and Burhan Nasser, 2011; Jack Taylor, 2012; Jeff Merill and Judy Norton, 2013; DDBC of Southern California Dave Daniel and Cheryl Kennick, 2014; Jim Allumbaugh and Debra Zimmerman, 2015; Sue Bargsten, 2016; Pete Hejny and Monica Stone, 2017. Dave Daniel, Editor RETAILER OF THE YEAR: §Stan Coop, 1975; §Bill MacAloney, 1976; www.ddbcsocal.org §Eddie Goldstein, 1977; §Pete Uraine, 1978; §Art Jelin, 1979; §A.A. “Bud” VOL. LV NO. 4 2018 • ISSN 00117862 Moorman, 1980; Ken Hanshaw, 1981; Eleanor Bennett, 1982; Gary Illingworth, 1983; §Harold Davis, 1984; John Vitale, 1985; Eddie Hoggatt, 1986; Don Fisher, Executive Director: Susan Steele 1987; §Fred Brandt, 1988; Diane Beecher, 1989; Les Taylor, 1990; Bob Johnson, OFFICERS: President: Robert Burke (Emkay Food Brokers); First Vice 1991; §Jerry Lewis, 1992; Dave Wolff, 1993; Dave Fernandez, 1994; Kathie President: Emily Aguilar (Daisy Brand); Second Vice President: Jaime Prager Porter, 1995; John Brass, 1996; Jim Veregge, 1997; §Bernie Brener; §Jean (Albertsons/Vons/Pavilion); Third Vice President: Jim Veregge (Supervalu); Sec- Dreshner, 1998; Cindy Mulvaney, 1999; Mark Miale, 2000; Mickey Gold, 2001; retary: Della Frorenza (Red Apple Cheese); Treasurer: Donna Harkema (Farmer Andre Mesropian, 2002; Joe Rodriquez, 2003; Pete Hejny, 2004; Manny Marin, John); Advisor: Dave MacDonald (HP Hood). 2005, Jim Roesler, 2006; Sue Bargsten, 2007; Steve Nguyen, 2008; Matt Reeve, DIRECTORS: Roger Arechiga (Bristol Farms); Mary Crocker (Alta Dena 2009; Robin Bell, 2010; Gayle DeCaro, 2011; Dennis McIntyre, 2012; Silvia Dairy); Debbie Jones (Albertsons/Vons/Pavilion); Sarah Ramirez (DPI Specialty Quiroz, 2013; Laura Taketomo, 2014; Miriam Welch, 2015; Melissa Griffin, 2016; Foods); Maria Romero (Smart & Final); Dave Sibell (Supervalu); Nancy Tyler Jim Amen, 2017. (Acosta); Damian Valez (Super King Markets); Lulu Vargas (Magnolia Foods). PRESIDENTS AWARD: §Don Lee, 1992; §Louis Vitale, 1995; §A.A. PAST PRESIDENTS: §Sydney Fisher, 1960; §Loyd Knutson, 1961; §Sam “Bud” Moorman, 1997; Diane Beecher, 1998; Eleanor Bennett, 1999; Mark Dixon, Freed, 1962; §Harry Schneider, 1963; §Earl Anderson, 1964; §Leo Cohen, 1965; 2007; Debra Zimmerman, 2012; Jim Veregge, 2017. §Art Jelin, 1966; §George Hobbs, 1967; §Eli Coleite, 1968; Bill Trapani, 1969; LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: §Walt Scheck, 1999; §Ken Tisdell, §Pete Uraine, 1970; §Otto Schirmer, 1971; §John Andikian, 1972; Ted Hopkins, 2001; Larry English, 2001; Charlice Makowski, 2005; Mark Roth, 2006; Tom 1973; §Stan Coop, 1974; §Ray Ferry, 1975; §A.A. “Bud” Moorman, 1976; Bill Ilharreguy 2006; John Vitale, 2010; Terry Fyffe, 2011; Mickey Gold, 2012; §Bill Schwartz, 1977; Eleanor Bennett, 1978; §Bob Garcia, 1979; §Harold Davis, 1980; MacAloney, 2012; Gilbert de Cardenas, 2013; Eleanor Bennett, 2014; Kevin Randall Chew, 1981; Gary Illingworth, 1982; §Ken Tisdell, 1983; John Vitale, Davis, 2014; Tom Keyes, 2015; Ralph Levy, Mark Levey, Alan Levey & Normark 1984; Gary Provenzano, 1985; Joe Jimenez, 1986; Dick Schwebe, 1987; Diane & Associates, 2016; Gary Illingworth, 2017. Beecher, 1988; Joe Matyasik, 1989; Don Fisher, 1990; Mark Stringer, 1991; §Jerry SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR: §George Hobbs, 1975; §Lou Agrati, 1976; Lewis, 1992; Mark Dixon, 1993; Kathie Porter, 1994; Jim Allumbaugh, 1995; Jim §Chico Santillan, 1977; Mark Levey, 1978; §Morrie Rosenfeld, 1979; §Ken Veregge, 1996; Rona Reeves, 1997; Joy Sawhill, 1998; Debra Zimmerman, 1999; Tisdell, 1980; §Walt Scheck, 1981; Larry English, 1982; §Bob Garcia, 1983; Ted Peter Hejny, 2000; Jeff Merrill, 2001; §Bill Hankes, 2002, Manny Marin 2003-04; Hopkins, 1984; Bob Fetzner, 1985; Joe Wilson, 1986; §Claus Simon, 1987; §Joe Bob Dressler, 2005; Jon Amidei, 2006; Sue Bargsten, 2007; §Rigo Landeros, Malin, 1988; Tom Keyes, 1989; §Creighton Wiggins, 1990; Gary Illingworth, 2008; Rey Garza, 2009; Lisa Juarez, 2010; Stacy Gilbert, 2011; Neil Swanson, 1991; Paul Yates, 1992; Rob Willardson, 1993; Mark Dixon, 1994; Dick Schwebe, 2012; Bill Mackie, 2013; Connie Thatcher, 2014; Cheryl Van Den Hende, 2015; 1995; Jim Allumbaugh, 1996; Paul Christianson, 1997; Rona Reeves, 1998; Bill Silvia Quiroz, 2016; Dave MacDonald, 2017. Schwartz, 1999; Jim DeKeyser, 2000; Burhan Nasser, 2001; Jeff Merrill, 2002; HALL OF FAME: §Harry Schneider, 1983; §Sam Freed and §Ralph Levey, §Bill Hankes, 2003; John Brass, 2004; Debra Zimmerman, 2005, Jack Taylor, 1984; §Pete Uraine, 1985; §Al Berger, 1986; §Eddie Goldstein and §George 2006; Jon Amidei and Bob Dressler, 2007; Paul Miller, 2008; Monica Stone, 2009; Hobbs, 1987; §A.A. “Bud” Moorman, 1988; §Morrie Rosenfeld and §Claus Judy Norton, 2010; Ann Dressler and Rey Garza, 2011; Lisa Juarez, 2012; Fred Simon, 1989; §Otto Schirmer and §Andy Stylianou, 1990; §Ray Ferry, 1991; §Bob Rowen, 2013; Craig Covell and John Nielsen, 2014; Barbara Dolbee, 2015; Vic Garcia and §Art Jelin, 1992; §Lou Agrati, 1993; §Bernie Brener, 1994; Mark Chiono and Jim Hardy, 2016; Larry & Laura Mastro and Neal Malsom, 2017. Levey, 1995; §Harold Davis, 1996; Eleanor Bennett and §Joe Malin, 1997; Gary § — Deceased. 4 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018

2018 DDBC Award Winners

Garza, Reeve set to enter Hall of Fame

Rey Garza, Bar-S Foods Matt Reeve, Smart & Final Bob Cashen, Cacique, Inc. Barry Zuroff, Horizon Sales 2018 Hall of Fame 2018 Hall of Fame 2018 Supplier of the Year 2018 Supplier of the Year

Jaime Prager, Albertsons Don Fisher, General Mills Dalva Fisher, DDBC News 2018 Retailer of the Year 2018 Presidents Award 2018 Presidents Award

Two longtime members and Also, the husband and wife Reeve also has been an ac- the strongest supporters of the supporters of the Dairy Deli team of Don and Dalva Fisher tive supporter of the DDBC, Council since the company was Bakery Council (DDBC) of will be honored later in the year having served on the Board of founded more than 40 years ago. Southern California, Rey Garza with the Presidents Award. Directors and has been a fea- Zuroff also has been active (Bar-S Foods) and Matt Reeve The awards are determined at tured speaker at past National on both the retail and supplier (Smart & Final) will be inducted the Past Presidents annual meet- Seminars. sides of the business and is one into the Council’s Hall of Fame ing each fall with the current Prager is on the current of the most visible of an active at the January meeting. president presiding. Board of Directors and serves membership from Horizon They will be joined at the Garza has been an active as the Awards Chairman at each Sales Corp. Awards Night ceremony by member of the DDBC and one Membership meeting. He has an Don Fisher served as Presi- Jaime Prager (Albertsons) as the of its biggest supporters at ev- impressive resume as a retailer, dent (1990), in addition to nu- Retailer of the Year and Bob ery event, where nearly every beginning with Ralphs. merous years on the Board. He Cashen (Cacique, Inc.) and Bar-S Foods associate is on Cashen has had a long career also has chaired three Seminars Barry Zuroff (Horizon Sales hand. He served as President in in the food industry, both on the and has a long history on both Corp.) as the Suppliers of the 2009 and was honored as Sup- retailer and supplier sides of the the Retailer and Supplier sides Year. plier of the Year in 2011. desk. Cacique has been one of Continued on Page 7 6 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 Industry News NGA chief Larkin announces retirement Peter Larkin, President and CEO of the nity to lead this great organization, which National Grocers Association, has an- truly represents the best entrepreneurs in our nounced to the NGA Board of Directors that industry and country. I’m proud of our ac- he will retire from the organization effec- complishments from growing our advocacy tive December 31, 2019. Larkin’s retirement and government relations program, dou- from NGA caps off a nearly 40-year career bling our membership, re-launching the in the supermarket industry. NGA Foundation and growing The NGA Larkin joined the NGA after successfully Show into the successful event that it is to- leading the California Grocers Association day,” he added. in Sacramento for a number of years. “Given the rapidly changing marketplace During Larkin’s tenure, NGA has expe- I believe organizations like NGA are more rienced retail and wholesale membership important today than ever. NGA is finan- growth that has more than doubled, rang- cially strong and very well positioned to ing from single-store supermarkets to re- continue its mission that began in 1982 as gional independent supermarket chains. an effective advocate and thought leader for Member engagement for the organization independent grocers for decades to come,” is at an all-time high as evidenced by the he concluded. numerous member driven share groups and The NGA Board of Directors has autho- committees, as well as the continued record Peter Larkin rized the creation of a search committee that breaking growth of The NGA Show, which will convene in mid-January. has nearly tripled its attendance levels with (About NGA: The National Grocers As- Larkin at the helm. sociation (NGA) is the national trade asso- Under Larkin’s leadership NGA’s gov- support our segment of the supermarket in- ciation representing the retail and whole- ernment relations and advocacy efforts have dustry. Peter has elevated NGA as an orga- sale grocers that comprise the independent been recognized as one of the most effec- nization and highlighted the important role sector of the food distribution industry. An tive in Washington, DC and have produced independent grocers have in the US independent retailer is a privately owned several wins for independent supermarkets economy and our nation’s food distribution or controlled food retail company operat- over the years, while the NGA Grocers Po- network. I wish Peter and Jody all the best ing a variety of formats. The independent litical Action Committee, launched during in the next chapter in their lives,” she said. grocery sector is accountable for close to Larkin’s term, has helped support candi- She is the owner of Kaune’s Neighborhood one percent of the nation’s overall economy dates for Congress who champion impor- Market in Santa Fe, N. Mex. and is responsible for generating $131 bil- tant policies to Main Street grocers. He has “When I started working for the Kroger lion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in also revitalized the NGA Foundation, which Company 36 years ago, little did I know that wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA mem- has seen considerable growth and today is I would one day have the honor to serve as bers include retail and wholesale grocers, focused on programs and services that sup- the President and CEO of NGA,” Larkin state grocers associations, as well as manu- port independent grocers’ most important said. facturers and service suppliers. For more asset, their people. “I am grateful to our members and Board information about NGA, visit Cheryl Sommer, Chairman of NGA of Directors for the privilege and opportu- www.nationalgrocers.org.. Board of Directors, said “Peter has led a renaissance of NGA and will be leaving an organization that is well prepared to sup- port our industry for many years to come. 2018 Award honorees –– “Peter’s passion and enthusiasm for Continued from Page 6 NGA and the independent grocer is infec- presented their Awards at the January tious, which is evidenced by the tremendous of the business. meeting. growth that NGA and The NGA Show has Dalva Fisher took over the reins as Ad- As is traditional, congratulatory experienced under his leadership. vertising Director of the DDBC News advertisements in the magazine are “Independent grocers serve as the cor- magazine in 1998 and has never looked available for each of the Award honorees nerstones of their communities and ensure back. by contacting Dalva Fisher at 435-674- consumers have vibrant choice in the mar- Each honoree except for the Fishers will 3504. ketplace, making it critical for independents be featured in separate stories in the Winter The deadline is Feb. 9. The magazine to have a strong advocate, such as NGA, to 2019 issue of DDBC News and will be will be distributed in mid-February. DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 7 President’s Message As Sinatra sang: ‘It was a very good year’ In June we heard speaker Cynthia Thanks to everyone McCloud, the Director of the Food Industry Management programs at USC and an who helped make it Adjunct Professor at the USC Marshall School of Business. She shared a lot of great a rousing success information, and if you ever get the chance to hear her speak, take the time to hear her. By ROBERT BURKE We also presented the Big Cheese Emkay Food Brokers Awards to Mike Carey (Kroger) April, and 2018 DDBC President Wendy Muller (Mission Foods) in June. In July Patrick Hernandez, Vice Another year is passing, and the DDBC President, Cyber Liability at Sullivan Curtis looks to next year. I would like to thank Monroe Insurance Services, educated us on everyone on the Board of Directors for their how to protect ourselves against the many time and contributions. We are all busy and cyber threats that put our personal and I appreciate the time given by each of you. company information at risk. Thank you, Jim Veregge, for all the We presented the Big Cheese Award for countless hours you give to the DDBC, and March to Brad Sexton (Reser’s Fine Foods), for all the advice and guidance you shared and July Big Cheese to Kirk Kolden (Square with me, and so many in the past. The H Brands). Robert Burke, Emkay Food Brokers DDBC wouldn’t be the same without you. In August we had the 5th Jean Dreshner 2018 DDBC President Thank you, Susan Steele, for all your Memorial Casino Night. Everyone enjoyed hard work. It is great having you there to the evening, and if you haven’t been to keep us all informed and on schedule with year. Please donate to this fund to help us Casino Night, come next year, you will have the annual responsibilities, you do so much continue this important tradition. a lot of fun. for us behind the scenes. The year started in January with the In October Jim Veregge (Supervalu) Thank you past President Dave Installation of Officers & Dinner held at received the President’s Award. We MacDonald for your role as Advisor, I Summit House Restaurant, it was a great presented Alan Stock (DPI Specialty Foods) appreciate the help you gave us. venue, and everyone had a blast. with his May Big Cheese. We also presented Emily Aguilar stepped in for me a couple February we honored award winners Rose Bueno (Jon’s Marketplace) with the of times as my First Vice President and did from 2017 at traditionally one of the best- October Big Cheese Award. a great job. Thank you. I knew I could count attended membership meetings of the year. The 50th Anniversary Seminar, took on you … you are always willing to help all We saw the induction of Pete Hejny place Nov. 2-4 at the 5-star resort Ritz of us with a big smile on your face. (Supervalu) and Monica Stone (Fuji Foods) Carlton in Rancho Mirage. Thanks to Co- I will say that the year passed quickly, into the Hall of Fame; and also honored Jim Chairmen Susan Bargsten (DPI Specialty and I’m proud to say I served as President Amen (Super A Markets) as the 2017 Foods) and Irene Graves (Quest Sales & of the DDBC. This is something my mentors Retailer of the Year; and Neal Malsom (Bar- Marketing) and all their team members for did, and I always hoped I would get the S Foods) and Larry and Laura Mastro putting on an outstanding seminar. opportunity to follow in their footsteps. I (Mastro & Associates) as the 2017 Everyone I spoke to said they had a great encourage you to get involved, not only will Suppliers of the Year. This was a big night time. you be helping a great organization, you’ll as 200 members and guests were in We look to have a solid board going into meet some really nice people, and make new attendence. We need more meeting turnouts 2019. December brings a close to the year friends along the way. Send an email to like this. with our combined DDBC & SCFRC Susan at the DDBC Office or talk to In March we featured former Angels star Holiday Dinner Dance in December at the someone who is on the board and let them Bobby Grich as our guest speaker. We also Anaheim Golf Course Clubhouse. know you would like your name put in as had Big Cheese Award honorees Roger Laura Taketomo (Food 4 Less) will be someone who wants to get involved. Arechiga (Bristol Farms), and Brad Sexton Chairman for the DDBC 2019 Seminar My term as President comes to an end, (Reser’s Fine Foods). which will be held at the Laguna Cliffs but I do assume new duties for next year as In April we had our Spring Golf Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point. This Advisor, Seminar Liaison, and Tournament at Tijeras Creek and everyone is a great location, make sure you sign up Scholarships. We are always trying to do had a fun day, thanks to a great job done by early as it will sell out. our best to help our members’ families, and Dave Sibell, Maria Romero, and the rest of we were able to give 13 Scholarships this the Golf Committee Team. Continued on Page 9 8 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 UNFI, Inc./Supervalu transaction complete United Natural Foods, Inc. completed on Oct. 22 the previously future. We believe that we can achieve these targets and leverage announced acquisition of Supervalu, Inc. for $32.50 per share in scalable systems to streamline our processes, more efficiently meet cash, or approximately $2.9 billion, including the assumption of the needs of our customers and reduce future capital expenditures. outstanding debt and liabilities. We look forward to providing an update on our integration efforts The completion follows the satisfaction of all closing conditions at our January 16, 2019 investor day.” including approval of the transaction by Supervalu shareholders Spinner will lead the combined entity, supported by the and receipt of all necessary antitrust following executives, who will continue approvals. In connection with the to report to him: Chris Testa, President completion of the transaction, of UNFI; Danielle Benedict, Chief Supervalu’s common stock ceased Human Resources Officer; Eric Dorne, trading prior to Oct. 22 and has been Chief Administrative Officer & Chief delisted from the New York Stock Information Officer; Paul Green, Chief Exchange. Supply Chain Officer; Jill Sutton, Chief Steve Spinner, UNFI’s Chairman Legal Officer, General Counsel & and Chief Executive Officer, said, “This Corporate Secretary; Mike Zechmeister, is an important milestone for UNFI. We Chief Financial Officer. will take the best from both businesses Griffin, previously UNFI’s Chief to create North America’s premier food Operating Officer, will serve as Chief wholesaler with significant scale, reach Executive Officer of Supervalu and and choices for our customers. We are Head of the Integration Committee. This pleased to welcome our new colleagues committee includes executives from from Supervalu as well as their both companies to drive the customers and suppliers to UNFI. Our implementation of best practices from companies share customer-centric each company and delivery of synergies cultures and dedicated associates who are committed to continuous as well as a rapid and smooth integration. improvement, which will help drive our integration programs.” The following executives will support the Supervalu business Sean Griffin, Chief Executive Officer of Supervalu and Head operations and report directly to Griffin: Anne Dament, EVP Retail, of the Integration Committee, said, “We are excited to continue to Marketing and Private Brands; AND Mike Stigers, EVP Wholesale. further build out the store to a more diverse customer base across the country, with both broad better-for-you natural, organic brands Dinner price increases due and fresh perimeter offerings, as we capitalize on opportunities to cross-sell and realize the benefits of the greater scale we now have The price of the dinner at the monthly membership meeting as a combined company.” Griffin added, “Work has will increase by $10, beginning at the January meeting. already begun for the Company to realize the significant projected The price with advance reservations will be $70. The price for run-rate cost synergies associated with this transaction – more than walk-ups with a reservation will be $75. $175 million by year three and more than $185 million by year “The increase is simply because of price increases to us,” said four – and we are committed to improving profitability into the Susan Steele, Executive Director.

President’s Message

Continued from Page 8 Debbie Jones (Safeway), Housing A huge thank you to all of the below people for serving the Nancy Tyler (Acosta), Election, Housing DDBC in 2018: Sarah Ramirez (DPI Specialty Foods), Election Dave MacDonald (HP Hood), Advisor, Sem. Liaison, Damian Valdez (Super King Markets), Membership, Welcoming, Scholarship Spring Golf Emily Aguilar (Daisy Brand), 1st VP/Membership, Welcoming Roger Arechiga (Bristol Farms), Website Jaime Prager (Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions), 2nd VP , Awards, Lulu Vargas (Magnolia Foods), Dinner Dance, Awards, Big Big Cheese Cheese Jim Veregge (Supervalu), 3rd VP, Program, Historian Dave Daniel (Pacific Rim Publishing), DDBC News Editor Donna Harkema (Farmer John), Treasurer Tom Griffin (Pacific Rim Publishing), DDBC photographer Della Frorenza (Red Apple Cheese) Secretary, Dinner Dance Susan Steele (DDBC), Executive Director Dave Sibell (Supervalu), Spring Golf, DDBC News Thank you for allowing me to serve as your 2018 President, Maria Romero (Smart & Final), Spring Golf, Website and a huge Thank You to all of our 2018 sponsors. We couldn’t do Mary Crocker (Alta Dena Dairy), Membership, Welcoming it without all of you. DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 9 November meeting of DDBC Aguilar set to lead 2019 Board as President

Newly elected Board members join current members for this .ert Arevalos, Nancy Tyler, incoming President Emily Aguilar, family portrait after the 2019 Election Night results were 2018 President Robert Burke, Dave Sibell, Matt Hebert, announced at the November meeting. From left, Larry Mary Crocker, Jaime Prager, Della Frorenza, Rose Bueno, Eiffert, Damian Valdez, Jim Veregge, Sarah Ramirez, Rob- Steven Grant, Maria Romero and Roger Arechiga.

Emily Aguilar (Daisy Brand) was elected 2019 President of the Refreshments) was presented the Big Cheese Award for December. Dairy Deli Bakery Council (DDBC) of Southern California during Also, Burke thanked all of the Sponsors the 50th National DDBC a busy membership meeting in November. Seminar earlier in the month in Rancho Mirage and Program Aguilar succeeds Robert Burke (Emkay Food Brokers), who Chairman Jim Veregge (United Natural Foods, Inc.) presented a will remain on the Board of look back at all 50 Seminars in a slide show he presented at the Directors as Advisor in the coming Seminar. year. The DDBC Award winners for 2018 also were announced. (See Suppliers elected to three-year Page 6). terms were Robert Arevalos (Processor’s Marketing & Research), Steven Grant (Hidden Villa Ranch), Matt Hebert (Lactalis), and Larry Eiffert (JTJ Sales). Sarah Ramirez was elected to a one-year term. Retailers Roger Arechiga (Bristol Farms), and Rose Bueno (Jon’s Marketplace) were elected to one-year terms. Past President Dave MacDonald (HP Hood) announced the 2018 Scholarship winners and presented the three of them in attendance – Allison Horsburgh, and sisters Divina and Grace Mesropian –with their prizes. (See Page 14). In other business at the meeting, Grant was presented the Big Allison Horsburgh, Divina Mesropian and Grace Mesropian Cheese Award for November and Tony Beneventi (Coca-Cola accepted Scholarships from Past President Dave MacDonald.

10 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 November meeting of DDBC

Steven Grant (Hidden Villa Ranch) receives the November Steven Grant was joined by co-workers and family on his Big Cheese Award from Jaime Prager (Albertsons). night to receive the Big Cheese Award.

Tony Beneventi (Coca-Cola Refreshments) receives the De- A large contingent of Tony Beneventi’s Coca-Cola Refresh- cember Big Cheese Award from Jaime Prager. ments family joined him as he recived the Big Cheese Award.

A “demo” program will be launched next year during the Mary Crocker (Alta Dena) tries to hide the $20 bill she recived social hour, according to, from left, Della Frorenza, Emily from Steven Grant campaigners Kellen and Ava Grant. (Just Aguilar, Donna Harkema, and Maria Romero. kidding!) DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 11 November meeting of DDBC

Vic Chiono (Coca-Cola Refreshments) with Roger Arechiga Miriam Welch (Albertsons) and David Nelson (Acosta). (Bristol Farms). Both companies are huge supporters of the DDBC.

Bob Dressler and Bruce Flanagan, both from Advantage Rey Garza (Bar-S Foods), Hector Moreno (Coca-Cola Re- Fresh. Flanagan had been in Oregon the past 4 years. freshments), and Rafael Galvan (Bar-S Foods).

Michael and Stephanie Martinez (both of Mastro & Associates) Brian Svoboda (Carl Buddig), Robert Arevalos (Processor’s with Sue Bargsten (DPI Specialty Foods) and Marc Draper Marketing & Research), with Barry Zuroff (Horizon Sales). (LeGrand Marketing) with the carved 50th Anniversary Cheese. 12 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 November meeting of DDBC

Jordan Francis (Carl Buddig), Jim Francis (JTJ Sales), and Kevin Jackson (Albertsons), Dave MacDonald (HP Hood), Jack Miller (Premier Action Group). Emily Aguilar (Daisy Brand), and Mark Dixon (Acosta).

Mary Crocker (Alta Dena), Michael Gregory (Lazy Acres), New member Jeff Carrick (Goodness Corp. of California) with and Willie Crocker (Bimbo Bakeries). Maria Romero (Smart & Final) and Jim Veregge (UNFI).

Christine Gonzales and Sarah Ramirez, both of DPI Spe- Cheryl Van Den Hende (Nasser), Henry Rodriguez (Nasser) cialty Foods. and Maria Romero (Smart & Final).

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 13 2018 DDBC Scholarship Recipients DDBC awards 13 scholarships The Dairy Deli Bakery Council (DDBC) of Southern Califor- nia has awarded 13 scholarships this fall. Recipients this year includes three awardees from 2017. They are Peyton Baird (U. of Mississippi), Christopher Centeno (Cal State Fullerton), and Amy Gutierrez (Cal Poly Pomona). The re- maining 10 awardees are sisters Divina Mesropian (Cal Baptist) and Grace Mesropian (Cal Baptist), Emily Gillmore (Cal Lutheran), Matthew MacDonald (Cal State San Marcos), Allison Horsburgh (Cal State San Marcos), Christian Eustquio (UCLA), Yasmin Romero (UCLA), Jennifer Devries (UC San Diego), Melissa Grif- Peyton Baird fin (U. Redlands), and Hayley Hensley (U. San Diego).

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Allison Horsburgh Haley Hensley Emily Gillmore Amy Gutierrez

Jennifer Devries Divina Mesropian Grace Mesropian Christopher Centeno

Melissa Griffin Matthew MacDonald Yasmin Romero Christian Eustquio 14 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 Retailer News

Donald promoted at Albertsons his career as a trainee in Florida with Publix. a young man, he was an entrepreneur, Albertsons Cos. recently announced Jim He joined Albertsons in 1976, which later working in businesses as diverse as sugar Donald as President and Chief Executive led to an appointment as vice president of cane, livestock, and cotton, before attending Officer, succeeding Bob Miller in the CEO operations in Arizona. In 1991, he was re- the University of Gujarat and earning a role. cruited by Sam Walton to join Walmart to bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Nearing Boise-based Albertsons announced that lead the development of its grocery busi- graduation in India, he earned admission to Donald, previously President and Chief ness and Superstore concept. Donald left the University of Southern California and Operating Officer, assumed the CEO reins for Safeway in 1994 to be the Senior Vice moved to Los Angeles in 1970 at the age of Sept. 12. Plans call for Miller to continue President of its 130-store Eastern region, a 26. as Chairman of Albertsons’ board of direc- position he held for two years. His first CEO As a young immigrant in the 1970s with tors. role was at Pathmark Stores from 1996 to only a few borrowed “Albertsons Cos. 2002. dollars, he struggled is uniquely positioned “Jim is an exceptional retailer. In the in those early years, to operate in both a seven months since he joined Albertsons often working two ‘four walls’ tradi- Cos., he’s flown tens of thousands of miles jobs while earning his tional environment and met personally with thousands of em- degree. and the ‘no walls’ ployees in hundreds of our stores, distribu- Solanki and a part- world of technology,” tion centers, manufacturing plants and of- ner bought a drive- Donald said in a state- fices around the country,” Miller stated. through dairy in the ment. “His expertise in listening to frontline South Bay in 1973 as “We serve 34 million customers each employees and customers, facilitating em- a means to support themselves and as a path week across our 2,300-plus stores and serve ployee engagement and generating sales is to citizenship. That business would become 5.5 million patients in our 1,700-plus phar- unmatched, and there is no better leader for the precursor to Big Saver Foods, which macies. That’s a significant food, health and Albertsons Cos. at this state in our evolu- Solanki founded with his wife, Nalini, in wellness footprint. We’re well-positioned to tion,” Miller added. 1976. serve the evolving needs of today’s cus- Miller served as Albertsons CEO since Over the course of 42 years as the owner tomer, wherever and whenever they choose 2006. He started his 57-year retail career in and operator of Big Saver Foods, Solanki to shop with us. I am looking forward to the backroom of a Southern California employed hundreds of people, operated 15 leading this dynamic company as we focus neighborhood supermarket. He took on locations, and gave back through a variety on innovation and customer-centric retail- roles of increasing responsibility, which led of charities to the communities they served. ing in all its forms,” he said. to a post as executive vice president of op- Beyond his business success, Solanki The move came just over a month after erations for Albertsons Inc. Miller left was most proud, professionally, of the Albertsons and Rite Aid Corp. said they Albertsons in 1991 and went on to serve as Solanki Foundation, which provides sup- were terminating their $24 billion merger CEO of Fred Meyer Inc.; COO and Vice port to numerous organizations in South- deal because of mounting Rite Aid share- Chairman of Kroger; and CEO of Rite Aid. ern California and his native India. holder opposition to the transaction, which He returned to lead Albertsons LLC as CEO Through the Solanki Foundation, he was was announced in February. The merger in 2006 after the divestiture of Albertsons an active supporter, board member and vol- would have joined the nation’s second-larg- Inc.’s assets. unteer for numerous organizations, includ- est supermarket operator with its third-larg- Albertsons Cos. operates stores in 35 ing a medical camp he helped found that est drug chain, creating a company with rev- states and the District of Columbia under provides free medical services in his home- enue of about $83 billion and approximately 20 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, town of Upleta, a girl’s school in Gujarat 4,900 stores, 4,350 pharmacies and 320 in- Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom that educates 1,200 underprivileged girls store health clinics across 38 states and Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, each year, the Yadunandan Center for India Washington, D.C. Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs, Studies at Cal State Long Beach that host Donald joined Albertsons in March as as well as meal kit company Plated, which lectures and helps exchange students, and President and COO, coming over from Ex- is based in New York. numerous other organizations. tended Stay America, where he was CEO Solanki is survived by Nalini, his wife from 2012 to 2015. Prior to that, he served Uka Solanki, 1944-2018 of 46 years, daughter Jyoti Kelly (son-in- as President and CEO Haggen Inc., from Uka Solanki, founder of Big Saver law Luke, grandson Jaan, and granddaugh- 2009 to 2011. He came to Haggen after six Foods, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 8, ter Arya), daughter Pratima, daughter Kavita years at Starbucks Corp., where he worked at the age of 74 from complications of a Huerta (son-in-law Jose, grandson Eric, his way up from President of the North chronic disease. granddaughter Sarah, and grandson Adam), America Division to president and CEO. Solanki was born in a small, rural city in son Harish and son Dharam Dave. A 47-year retail veteran, Donald began the state of Gujarat, India, in 1944. Even as Services have been held.

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 15 50th National DDBC Seminar

Rave reviews all around for Golden Anniversary Seminar By DAVE DANIEL Editor, DDBC News

Nearly everyone going in knew that the 50th Anniversary Semi- nar celebration had to be something special. No one really knew just how special it would be, but thanks to Co-Chairman Sue Bargsten (DPI Specialty Foods) and Irene Graves (Quest Sales & Marketing), no detail was forgotten and the result was nothing but rave reviews from the first tee shot of the Tisdell Cup National Deli Scramble golf tournament to the closing spec- tacular dinner and entertain show Saturday night at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Rancho Mirage. The centerpoint of each Seminar is the line-up of speakers for Seminar Co-Chairman Sue Bargsten (DPI Specialty Foods) the business sessions and Program Chairman Lisa Juarez (Fresh and Irene Graves (Quest Sales & Marketing) welcomed the Source) hit a home run with a variety of food industry notables crowd Friday afternoon. that are expert speakers who covered a wide variety of topics. Mark Dixon (Acosta), a veteran of more than 30 Seminars, kept the right balance as master of ceremonies, keeping his remarks brief but informative most of the time. Max McCalman, billed as a “Cheese expert and author,” opened the Friday afternoon session with a presentation that proved he really was an expert. His talk provided more information than one could think was possible. He was followed by Mike Servold, Senior VP of Marketing for the Food 4 Less division of Kroger, who gave professional and personal insights in a speech that definitely was not the norm for a food industry person. Steve Nguyen (UNFI), presented the golf awards (see Page 30) noting that the Firecliff Course at the Willow Springs Golf Resort was in pristine condition. The Saturday business session was a mind-blower, thanks to Master of Ceremonies Mark Dixon (Acosta) added just the the opening by Kevin Coupe (Morning News Beat), who presented right touch in keeping the programs moving along. “I have been to the future ...” and had nearly everyone wondering where we will be in the next couple of years. Coupe followed up with a short panel discussion with the Su- perior Grocers duo of Richard Wardwell and Carlos Guerra. Su- perior is Korean-owned, but caters mainly to a Hispanic clientele. Jim Veregge (UNFI), the DDBC Historian, presented a look back at all the 50 Seminars. He was followed by Psychology Profes- sor Jean Twenge, who helped explain the differences in different gen- erations and why they expect different things in their work lives. John Ciraulo (Stater Bros.) closed the session with a tribute to the late Chairman-CEO Jack Brown before sharing some personal observations. Della Frorenza (Red Apple Cheese) was in charge of the food and did a masterful job of putting together the menus and oversee- ing the National Festival Luncheon. Her committee members built a golden candy display while putting out a do-it-yourself donut bar, all of which came after an Give Lisa Juarez (Fresh Source) credit for putting together over-the-top food offering that was memorable. a monumental program that had something for everybody. It truly was a Seminar to remember.

16 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 50th National DDBC Seminar

Max McCalman, internationally known cheese expert, told Lisa Juarez (Fresh Source) wtih Max McCalman, and MC attendees that “Cheese is milk for adults.” Mark Dixon (Acosta).

Mike Servold (Food 4 Less) focused his talk on personal Program chairman Lisa Juarez, Mike Servold and Mark experiences instead of store experiences. Dixon.

One of the many displays in the lobby of th main ballroom, Every Business Session was presented to a full house dur- where the business sessions took place. ing the Seminar.

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 17 50th National DDBC Seminar Friday night

Tiffany and Rich Gillmore (Gelson’s Markets). Rose Bueno (Jon’s Marketplace) and Doug Threadgill (Smart & Final).

Letty Trinidad and Debbie Diebolt, both of Food 4 Less. Bob Dressler (Advantage Fresh) and wife Ann (Specialty Food Sales).

Dave Sibell (UNFI) with wife Denise. The 50th Anniversary Logo carved in an ice sculpture, which rose above a seafood bar.

18 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 50th National DDBC Seminar Friday night

Damian Valdez (Super King Markets) with wife Blanca. Jackie and Dan Devries (Advantage Solutions).

Tom Buddig with Jordan Francis and wife Stephanie, all Ron Mele (Coastal Marketing Group) with wife Elly. representing Carl Buddig Co.

A pair of cooks were on top of things with steaks and lob- A table of “gold” candy put together by Mary and Nancy ster hot off the grill for the buffet dinner. Ellis (Premier Sales Solutions) in honor of the “Golden Anniversary” of the National Seminar.

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 19 50th National DDBC Seminar Saturday Business

Kevin Coupe wowed the Saturday morning audience with Carlos Guera and Richard Wardwell of Superior Grocers his topic of “I have been to the future ...” were challenged by Kevin Coupe.

Richard Wardwell, Lisa Juarez, Carlos Guerra, Kevin DDBC Historian Jim Veregge (UNFI), took a nostalgic trip Couple, and Mark Dixon following the opening topic. down memory lane of 50 DDBC National Seminars.

Brian Barr (DPI Specialty Foods), Chris Groll (Florida’s John Sellers (Vallarta Supermarkets) and Joe Berg (Joseph Natural Growers), and Kevin Jackson (Albertsons). Farms).

20 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 50th National DDBC Seminar Saturday Business

Professor of Psychology Jean Twenge detailed the differ- Lisa Juarez with Jean Twenge and emcee Mark Dixon ences in generations from Baby Boomers to the Me Genera- (Acosta). tion.

John Ciraulo of Stater Bros. gave a nice tribute to the late Lisa Juarez, John Ciraulo and Mark Dixon. Jack Brown and offered personal insights.

The AV crew from Ralphs did another outstanding job dur- Stu Victor (Advantage Solutions) with Mike O’Donnell ing the business sessions. That’s Michael Rodrigues and Ed (UNFI). Silva.

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 21 50th National DDBC Seminar Festival luncheon

The do-it-yourself Taco Bar was a popular spot during the A carving station featuring a variety of hot meats (beef, National Deli Festival Luncheon buffet. turkey, ham) was a must stop for many diners.

Sandwich lovers had a field day with pastrami, roast beef Another scumptious station started with quiche and went and other delicious fare. up from there.

The Seafood Bar was another spot that had diners licking Desserts, including a do-it-yourself donut decorating sec- their lips. tion, was a popular station.

22 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 50th National DDBC Seminar Saturday night

Seminar Co-Chairman Irene Graves (Quest Sales & Mar- MC Mark Dixon (left) and DDBC President Robert Burke keting) and Sue Bargsten (DPI Specialty Foods) pause for presented Irene Graves and Sue Bargsten with a token of a moment near the end of the event. appreciation for a job well done.

The 50th National DDBC Seminar Committee was recog- nized on stage during a break in the Saturday night festivi- Laura Taketomo (Food 4 Less) will return as Seminar Chair- ties. Their hard work was evident throughout the weekend. man for 2019 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point.

A cheese carving of the Seminar logo was provided by The ballroom was packed with nearly 300 people for the LeClare Farms in Wisconsin and it made a hit as the cen- final dinner and show by the Rat Pack. terpiece of the eye-popping cheese table.

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 23 50th National DDBC Seminar Saturday night

Many of the Silent Auction items were near the momentoes The cheese table display put together by Gayle DeCaro and of each of the 50 Seminars, which were put together by Irene her team from Gelson’s Markets, was not only popular, but Graves and Laura Mastro. tasty.

DDBC Hall of Famers Diane Beecher and Eleanor Bennett, Felipa Centeno and Jim Veregge, both of UNFI, always make both retired and living in the Palm Springs neighborhood, a dashing couple at DDBC events. stopped by.

Annette Uehara and Past President Cheryl Van Den Hende, DDBC President Robert Burke (Emkay Food Brokers) and both of Nasser Co., Inc., are all smiles Saturday night. wife Cece during the reception.

24 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 50th National DDBC Seminar Saturday night

“Dean Martin” of the Rat Pack kicked off the entertainment “Sammy Davis Jr.” was a hit, even though he lamented the portion and wowed the crowd with his renditions. soft stage did not allow him to do any tap-dancing.

“Frank Sinatra” was up close and personal off the stage as The “Rat Pack” together on stage presented a fun and quick- he did his performance “his way.” witted performance for a packed house.

Seminar Co-Chairman Sue Bargsten finally got a chance to Randy and Sue Jones (Albertsons) with Ha and Paul Ramirez relax with husband Russ at the end of the Seminar. (Acosta).

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 25 50th National DDBC Seminar

Mary and Nancy Ellis (Premier Sales Solutions) put together Larry Eiffert (JTJ Sales), left, helped organize the “Cigar a candy table full of “golden” goodies to celebrate the Bar” in a far outside corner of the hotel. Golden Anniversary of the Seminar.

2018 DDBC’s National Seminar Committee

General Chairmen Irene Graves ...... Quest Sales & Mary Ellis (Candy Table) ...... Premier Sales ...... Marketing ...... Solutions Susan Bargsten ...... DPI Specialty Foods Nancy Ellis (Candy Table) ...... Premier Sales ...... Solutions Master of Ceremonies Mark Dixon ...... Acosta Gayle DeCaro (Cheese Table) ...... Gelson’s Tiffany Kim (Cheese Table) ...... Gelson’s Committees Sarah Ramirez (Cheese Table) ...... DPI Specialty Foods Jim Veregge (Historian) ...... Supervalu Susan Steele (Reservations) ...... DDBC Office Laura Russo (Decor) ...... Quest Sales/PSI Rona Reeves (Hospitality) ...... DDBC Volunteer ...... Foods Lisa Leandro (Attendance) ...... Eggland’s Best Ed Silva (Audio/Visual) ...... Ralphs Jim Veregge (Sponsorship) ...... Supervalu Michael Rodrigues (Audio/Visual) ...... Ralphs Damian Valdez (Sponsorship) ...... Super King Markets Melissa Griffin (Sponsorship) ...... Stater Bros. Laura Mastro (Silent Auction) ...... Mastro & Associates Jaime Prager (Sponsorship) ...... Albertsons/Vons/ Dottie Beamer (Silent Auction) ...... Premier Sales ...... Pavilion ...... Solutions Matt Reeve (Sponsorship) ...... Smart & Final Laura Taketomo (Silent Auction) ...... Food 4 Less John Sellers (Sponsorship) ...... Vallarta Markets Kyle Hetman (Sponsorship) ...... Gelson’s Larry Eiffert (Event Support) ...... JTJ Sales

Steve Nguyen (Golf) ...... Supervalu Robert Burke (DDBC President) ...... Emkay Food John Sellers (Golf) ...... Vallarta Markets ...... Brokers Della Frorenza (Deli Festival) ...... Red Apple Cheese Annette Uehara (Deli Festival) ...... Nasser Co., Inc. Gayle DeCaro (Seminar Advisor) ...... Gelson’s Mark Draper (Deli Festival) ...... LeGrand Marketing Melissa Blackburn (Deli Festival) ...... Horizon Sales Susan Steele (DDBC Exec. Dir.) ...... DDBC Barbara Gibbons (Deli Festival) ...... Western Foods Cheryl Van Den Hende (Deli Festival) ...... Nasser Co., Inc. Dave Daniel (Editor, DDBC News) ...... Pacific Rim Pub.

26 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 50th National DDBC Seminar 50 years of DDBC Seminars Year Chairman Theme Site

1968 Pete Uraine Deli Seminar Statler Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles 1969 Pete Uraine Deli Management Seminar El Mirador Hilton, Palm Springs 1970 Mark Levey Deli Management Seminar El Mirador Hotel, Palm Springs 1971 Pete Uraine Deli Management Seminar The Bahia, Mission Bay San Diego 1972 Jim Millican Deli Management Seminar Sheraton Harbor Island, San Diego 1973 Stan Coop Deli Management Seminar Rivera Hotel, Palm Springs 1974 Bill Williams Progress/Western States Deli Seminar Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel, San Diego 1975 Bill Schwartz Western States Deli Seminar: Case for Deli Canyon Hotel, Palm Springs 1976 Lon Wells Western States Deli Seminar: Directed Energy Canyon Hotel, Palm Springs 1977 Pete Uraine Western States Deli Seminar: People Hotel del Coronado, SanDiego 1978 Norman Solis Deli the World Over Canyon Hotel Palm Springs 1979 Ted Howard National Deli Seminar Bahia Hotel, San Diego 1980 Ted Howard National Deli Seminar Marriott Hotel Rancho Mirage 1981 Walt Scheck National Deli Seminar: Bottom Line–Let the Deli Do It Canyon Hotel, Palm Springs 1982 Joe Wilson Deli Merchandising in Action: A creative View for 82 Hotel del Coronado, San Diego 1983 Stan Coop/Joe Wilson Future World of Deli Hyatt Del Monte 1984 Ken Tisdell The Deli Team: Manufacturer, Broker, Distributor, Retailer, Consumer Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage 1985 Dick Schwebe 25 Silver Years Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage 1986 Joe Wilson Something New and Exciting Hotel Inter-Continental, San Diego 1987 Joe Malin Deli in the Desert Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Desert 1988 Gary Illingworth Deli Fiesta Santa Barbara Fess Parker Red Lion Inn,Santa Barbara 1990 Bob Fetzner The New West -1990’s Hyatt Regency Resort, Scottsdale 1991 Terry Fyffe Tides of Change Sheraton Grand Hotel, La Jolla 1992 Gary Illingworth Road to the Future Souffer Esmeralda Resort, Indain Wells 1993 Larry English Silver Achieved - Going for the Gold! Hyatt on the Bay, San Diego 1994 Don Fisher A Whole New World Stouffer Esmeralda Resort 1995 Barry Brown Comin’ Alive in ’95 Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage 1996 Rob Willardson Waves of Change Fess Parker Doubletree, Santa Barbara 1997 Mark Dixon Mission Impossible Rancho Bernardo Inn, Rancho Bernardo 1998 Barry Brown Celebrate in 98 Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage 1999 John Brass It’s About Time Rancho Bernardo Inn, Rancho Bernardo 2000 Don Fisher New Beginnings - Under the Big Top Esmeralda Resort, Indian Wells 2001 Kathie Porter Livin’ La Vida Loco Hilton Resort on Mission Bay 2002 Debra Zimmerman Art of Excellence Fess Parker Doubletree, Santa Barbara 2003 Rona Reeves Deli Classics Desert Springs JW Marriott 2004 Jeff Merrill Discovering New Traditions Torrey Pines, La Jolla 2005 Don Fisher Cruising Turbulent Times Royal Caribbean Cruise Line 2006 Sally Masters Continuing Traditions … with Excellence Fess Parker Doubletree, Santa Barbara 2007 Rona Reeves Fusion-People-Technology-Creating Balance Desert SpringS JW Marriott 2008 Jeff Merrill Back to Nature: A study in Fresh Organic & Natural Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai 2009 Jon Amidei/Bob Dressler Leaders of the Pack Desert Spring JW Marriott 2010 Jean Dreshner/Mark Dixon/ Sue Bargsten Survivor Food Isle Desert Springs JW Marriott 2011 Debra Zimmerman Come Together- Exploring Culinary Diversity Omni La Costa, Carlsbad 2012 Lisa Juarez Cultivating Leadership Bacara Resort, Santa Barbara 2013 Connie Thatcher/Liz Wilson Balanced Living Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Carlsbad 2014 Kristal Clark/Liz Wilson Success In Service Omni La Costa , Carlsbad 2015 Laura Taketomo Together Teamwork Laguna Cliffs Marriott,Dana Point 2016 Laura Taketomo Staying Relevant in a Changing World Laguna Cliffs Marriott,Dana Point 2017 Gayle De Caro/Silvia Quiroz The DIY Dinner Movement Rancho Bernardo Inn, Rancho Bernardo 2018 Sue Bargsten/Irene Graves Stars of the Past - Vision of the Future Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 27 50th National DDBC Seminar Sponsors Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

28 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 50th National DDBC Seminar Sponsors, Donors Seminar Sponsors 3 Little Pigs, LLC Coca-Cola/Minute Maid GlenOaks Farms Ralphs Grocery Acosta Columbus Foods Golden Cheese Reser’s Fine Foods Albertsons Daisy Hidden Villa Ranch Reynaldo’s Anderson International Danone Horizon Sales Rockview Farms Arla Foods Del Pacifico Jennie-O Sargento Aryzta/La Brea DeStafano Cheese La Pasta Savi Sales & Marketing Bar-S Foods Dolores Canning Lakeview Farms Silver Springs Bimbo Bakeries Don Jose Land O Frost Smart & Final Butterball DPI Specialty Foods Mastro & Associates Square-H Bands Cacique, Inc. Eggland’s Best Mayhew & Associates Supervalu Califia Farms Emkay Food Brokers Messana Cheese Tropicana/Pepsico Carl Buddig Emmi Roth Nestle USA Tyson Chicken of the Sea Frozen English Bay Premier Action Group Unilever Foods Farmer John Premier Sales Solutions Ventura Foods Chobani Finlandia Protein Specialists Yucatan Foods Coastal Marketing Group GFI Gourmet Foods Int. Quest Sales & Marketing Goody Bag Donors 34 Degrees Chobani Farmer John Leslie Stowe Quest Sales & Mkng. American Licorice Co. Columbus Florida’s Natural Litehouse Reser’s Fine Foods Arctic Zero Creative Snacks LLC GlenOaks Mission Foods Rich Products Bel Brands USA Dairyfood USA HP Hood Nestfresh Eggs Sabra Belgian Boys USA Daisy Horizon Organic Eggs Old Wisconsin Sargento Brandini Toffee Danone Island Snacks Penta Water Square-H Bands Calafia Farms Deep River Snacks Jarlsberg Pepperlane Products Stremrick’s Heritage Foods Carl Buddig Donsuemor Lakeview Farms Pulmuone Wonderful Champignon Yucatan Deli Festival and Cheese Table Donors 3 Little Pigs Delallo Lactalis Reser’s Fine Foods Acosta Divina La Panzanella Rich Products Albertsons/Vons Dutch Farms La Terra Fina Rising Sun Farms Alouette English Bay Laura Chenel Santa Monica Seafood Ararat Sparkling Water Florida’s Natural Lavosh Saputo Arizona Refrigerated Food 4 Less Lawrence Foods Savencia Atalanta Food Matach Le Clare Farms Savi Sales & Marketing Athenos Fuji Foods LeGrand Marketing Silver Springs Bake One Gelson’s Markets Nathan’s Simplot Bardwell Give & Go Nestle Waters Smithfield Bel Brand Gonnella Leslie Stowe Somerdale Bubbles Baking Gourmet Sweeets Magnolia Foods Southwind Busseto Guerrero Maple Hurst Superior on Main Cacique, Inc. Harlan Mastro & Associates Supremas Cafe Valley Hartman Group Mission Foods Taylor Farms Champignon Hidden Villa Ranch Monchevre The Lamb Co. Cheesecake Factory Horizon Sales Nassser Co. Three Bridges Columbus Hormel Norseland Ticklebelly Consider Jana Ocean Beauty Treehouse Creminelli Jennifer Grains Pasta Prima Tyson Cypress Grove Jon’s Marketplace Primrose United Bakery Daisy Kerry Gold Protein Specialists Ventura Foods Deep River Kontos Rembrandt Yucatan Foods Del Real Foods Red Apple Cheese Zacky Farms

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 29 50th National DDBC Seminar golf Tisdell Cup was perfect start to a perfect Seminar and hard-hitting trio took home top honors The 10th Tisdell Cup Golf Tournament, also known as the “Na- tional Deli Scramble,” was the opening tip-off to the National DDBC Seminar, as usual, and it was played on the near-perfect Firecliff Golf Course at the Willow Springs Golf Resort in Rancho Mirage on Friday morning. The trio of Robbie Ledford (Horizon Sales), Byron Ross (Johnsonville Sausage), and Bobby Miller (Yucatan) got off to a fast start and never looked back, finishing with a net 56 – 16 under par. Rob Graves and his son Kaden were joined by Jim Veregge (UNFI), and Rich Wardwell (Superior Grocers) to safely wrap up The team of Byron Ross (Johnsonville), Robbie Ledford (Ho- second place at 59 – 13 under par. rizon Sales), and Bobby Miller (Yucatan) finished as the lat- est winners of the Tisdell Cup.

Golf Chairman Steve Nguyen (UNFI) presents the Tisdell Rob Graves (Lakeview Farms), Kaden Graves, Rich Cup to winning team member Byron Ross (Johnsonville). Wardwell (Superior Grocers), and Jim Veregge (UNFI).

The “Most Honest” team of Damian and Blanca Valdez (Su- Kirby Saito (Reser’s), Mike Lanzizio (Sprouts), April per King) and Yoshiko and Rich Schmidt (Hidden Villa). DeWinter (Reser’s), and Bob Dressler (Advantage Fresh).

30 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 50th National DDBC Seminar golf

James Bruce (guest), Rey Garza (Bar-S), Brian Hanna (Scott Tom Buddig (Carl Buddig), Gavin Schlesinger (Albertsons), Bros. Dairy), Chris Hanna (Top O’the Morn Farms). Jack Miller (Premier Action Group), Jordan Francis (Buddig), Brian Svoboda (Buddig), Jeff Rowley (Buddig).

Larry Eiffert (JTJ Sales), Albert Davis (Ventura Foods), Mike Howard (LeGrand Marketing), Janet Tarisi (Smart & Bruce Laird (Ventura Foods), and Jim Francis (JTJ Sales). Final), Jennifer Draver (Jennifer’s Grains), and Kevin Draper (LeGrand Marketing).

Ken Derrickson (Food 4 Less), Kirk Kolden (Square-H John Romano (Albertsons), Michael Ihm (South Shore Deli), Brands), Eric Einhorst (Co-Sales), and Wayne Brown (Chal- Joe Farney (Processor’s Marketing & Research), and Mark lenge Dairy). Angelo (Albertons).

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 31 50th National DDBC Seminar golf

Tim Cohen (Hidden Villa), Doug Threadgill (Smart & Fi- Robert Arevalos (Processor’s Marketing & Research) and nal), Lorenzo Ross (Eggland’s Best). Dave Sibell (UNFI).

Mario Montenegro (Southwest Specialty Eggs), Barry Zuroff Chuck Forehand (Daisy), Emily Aguilar (Daisy), Steve (Horizon), Mark McKenzie (Hostess), and Stacy Wright Nguyen (UNFI), Frank Garrido (guest). (Tyson).

The Tisdell Cup awaits the latest engraving of the winning Jae Kim (Vallarta), Alan Stock (DPI Specialty Foods), Ken team members. Boatner (Ralphs), Abel Gutierrez (The Remington Group).

32 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 Industry News Holiday food sales should be increasing More than 85 percent of shoppers cite According to Accenture, this might help NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay quality as “important” or “very important,” to explain their trade up on both groceries says. “Confidence is near an all-time high, according to a survey reported by Specialty and grocer, and why they’re looking for unemployment is the lowest we’ve seen in Food News. grocers who can offer access to food at decades and take-home wages are up. All Consumers are also likely to “trade up” different stages of preparation. of that is reflected in consumers’ buying when shopping for food this holiday season, Overall, the representative sample of plans. Retailers expect strong demand this with more than half likely to shop from a 1,500 U.S. consumers found that Americans year, and are prepared with a wide array of high-quality retailer and nearly as many will spend an average of $658 on holiday merchandise while offering strong deals and likely to buy premium brands instead of the shopping this year, up from the average promotions during the busiest and most market’s own label. $632 in last year’s survey. Older millennials competitive shopping season of the year.” The survey results also indicate that will spend $779, on average, while nearly millennials are more likely to trade up on four times as many younger millennials Another survey by the International the quality of the food brands they buy and compared to Baby Boomers say they plan Council of Shopping Centers reports the grocers from which they buy. They are to spend more this holiday season. holiday shoppers will spend $122 billion on also more likely than other age groups to food and beverage. purchase from a grocer they normally don’t Another survey reports that consumers The firm forecasts shoppers will spend shop at if that provider offers access to food will spend an average of $1,007 during the $807 billion, an increase of 4.5 percent over at different stages of preparation, from raw holiday season, up 4.1 percent from 2017, last year. The average consumer plans to ingredients to chopped-and-diced according to the National Retail Federation spend $706.40 this holiday season, with ingredients and ready-to-eat products. and Prosper Insights & Analytics. more than half planning to spend more this When it comes to hosting, younger Consumers are expected to spend an year than last year. Of the 40 percent of millennials are 50 percent more likely than average of $215 on non-gift holiday items, consumers who will use click-and-collect, Baby Boomers to say they plan to host a including food, and 44 percent of holiday 82 percent expect to spend additional Christmas meal or party (60 percent vs. 40 shoppers will shop in grocery stores. An money at that store. percent) and to host a Thanksgiving meal equal number, 55 percent, will shop online Overall, nearly three in four holiday (62 percent vs. 41 percent), and more than and in department stores while 51 percent shoppers say promotions play a role in their four times as likely as Baby Boomers to say will go to discount stores. holiday shopping. Twenty percent state they they’re planning to host more holiday meals “The holidays are just around the corner are more influenced by promotions on social this year than last year. and consumers are ready to shop,” media compared to other mediums.

IDDBA releases ‘What’s in Store 2019’ What’s in Store 2019: Convenience. consumers, either have, or think they IDDBA. Figures can be downloaded for Time is a luxury. In a fast-paced world have. Our mission is to discover presentation at What’s in Store Online, many are searching to maximize time consumer’s needs, to study them, and holding more than 150 downloadable doing favorite things, and spend less time offer insights to help you better reach graphs and tables. doing the things that feel like chores. them,” said a spokesman for the Grocery shopping can sometimes feel International Dairy Deli Bakery About IDDBA: IDDBA is a nonprofit chore-like, thus, the advancements of Association (IDDBA). membership organization serving the • Click & Collect; The Association has published its dairy, deli, bakery, cheese, and super- • Meal Kits and do-it-yourself kits; “What’s In Store 2019.” It examines the market foodservice industries. Member • Grab-and-go prepared meals; and, dairy, deli, and bakery industries to craft companies enjoy many benefits and ser- • Cashier-less stores. What’s in Store for convenience with vices including the annual seminar and Manufacturers and retailers can valuable information and consumer expo, leading-edge research, training leverage the paradox: control without insights. programs, management tools, and an having to control too much. What’s in Store 2019 explores hun- annual trends report. For more informa- “We know, at the core of every dreds of findings in the latest edition of tion contact IDDBA at 608-310-5000 or purchase there’s a need that, as the annual trends publication for the visit iddba.org.

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 33 Big Cheese Award November Steven Grant, Hidden Villa Ranch Sales Manager knows egg-zackly why business relationships are the most important part of his job By DAVE DANIEL Editor, DDBC News

Steven Grant no doubt has heard all those trite expressions about being “a good egg” or “the yolk’s on him.” But there is nothing trite about the long-time Sales Manager for Hidden Villa Ranch and that is one of the reasons he has been selected as the Dairy Deli Bakery Council (DDBC) of Southern California Big Cheese Award honoree for November. “Relationships have been the key to any success that has come my way,” he said. “No matter what side they are on … such as with retailers or on the supply side … they mean a lot to me. I have been fortunate to be able to build long-lasting relationships that have been instrumental early in my career.” Grant is quick to share the award with the group at Hidden Villa Ranch, from founder and President Tim Luberski to Los Angeles Division Manager Rich Schmidt. “I have learned so much from them and others at this company, and I continue to learn from them,” Grant said. “My success is not my own, it be- longs to the entire team at Hidden Villa Ranch.” “This company really is a small family business but on a pretty large scale,” he said. While eggs are the primary business of Hidden Villa Ranch, the company also has a milk and dairy division that focuses prima- rily on exports to Mexico and the Pacific Rim. A Grant Family portrait, from left, Alana, Allyson, Kellen, Ava, But when you talk to Grant, you are talking eggs. Lots of eggs. Steven, and Hudson. “We have seven production facilities across the country and we After college, Grant took a job with Union Bank, helping cus- provide more than 2 billion eggs a year,” he notes. tomers open accounts and the like and spent five years honing his While Hidden Villa Ranch is the exclusive licensing agent for face-to-face people skills before joining Hidden Villa Ranch in Horizon Organic Eggs, the company also has its own brands, Nest September 2006, which means he is entering his 13th year with the Fresh and California Ranch Fresh, and is the private label pro- company. vider for a myriad of retailers across the country which Grant de- He and wife Allyson, who just celebrated their 10th anniver- scribes as the core of the company’s business. sary, have four children. They are Kellen (8), Ava (6), Hudson (4), In addition, Hidden Villa Ranch is a major supplier of food and Alana (2). service and industrial ingredients, which continues to grow the Obviously, 100 percent of his spare time is spent with family company’s business. activities. Kellen is a swimmer in a year- While Grant continues to point to his men- round sport while Ava and Hudson are both tors for his success, he got his first taste of playing soccer. “We are getting a taste of the food industry … and demonstrated his having different kids doing something dif- work ethic … as a high school student mak- ferent at the same time. It makes for some ing sandwiches at his local Togo’s. He did that tough schedules,” he says with a smile. for about a year and then moved to Starbucks “One of the fringe benefits of my job is and worked his way through Cal State Fuller- that we get free eggs … and with four kids, ton. we eat a lot of eggs … maybe 4 dozen a “No one in my family ever worked in the week,” adding he likes to cook. “Allyson food industry,” he said. “I did not grow up does most of the cooking but I like to grill. with any idea of the food business …it just was not on my radar.” Continued on Page 44 34 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 Always Better. Naturally!

STEVEN GRANT November DDBC Big Cheese

Everyone at Hidden Villa Ranch is proud to salute our very own Steven Grant. Big Cheese for November 2018. Way to go!

HiddenVillaRanch-BigCheese.indd 1 11/16/18 7:09 AM Big Cheese Award December Tony Beneventi, Minute Maid Sr. National Accounts “The most rewarding part of Manager always my job is dealing with challeng- keeps a busy schedule ing customers. Some people are uncomfortable during tough ne- By DAVE DANIEL gotiations; I find it very reward- Editor, DDBC News ing.” Sometimes Tony Beneventi must won- der how he got here. to Italy next year to meet and visit with ex- No one in his large Italian family in his tended family. native Chicago was ever in the food busi- “My brother is setting this up,” ness and here he is, nearing a third of a cen- Beneventi said. “We have never met any of tury in the food industry, including the last them but my brother has been correspond- 8 years as the Senior National Account Ex- ing with them, trying to meet them. This will ecutive with Coca-Cola North America be the first time in my career that I have Minute Maid Business Unit. taken two weeks in a row off work.” And now he has become the Big Cheese He and Jennifer are from the same neigh- Award honoree for December from the borhood in Chicago. She is a CPA for an Dairy Deli Bakery Council (DDBC) of investment firm and has no connection to Southern California. Tony Beneventi, Coca-Cola Refreshments the food industry. “When I was in high school in Chicago, When he does take a break from the of- I sold baked goods and ice cream in a café ume, trade spend, Gross profit and Net Rev- fice, all you have to do to find him is look near my home,” he said. “No one else in enue for the Southern California accounts. toward the nearest mountain. my family even came close to working in “One of the most rewarding parts of my “You will find us outside most of the the food industry.” job is handling tough negotiations. I find it time,” he said. “While everyone seems to He handles the multi-million dollar busi- very rewarding to reach that agreement like football, baseball and golf, I have been ness in Southern California for about 40 where both parties are satisfied,” he said. a cyclist for 40 years and into rock climb- brand packs and 300 SKUs for the Simply “When I have a challenging day, it’s the ing the last 15 years. I am horrible at golf, Orange, Minute Maid Lemonade and the people, my co-workers and customers, that but that is still way more fun than a day in complete line of products. He calls upon keep me engaged.” the office. all of the major chains in Southern Califor- Beneventi earned a BS degree in Busi- “We own a home in Cedar Pines Park nia. ness from Pepperdine’s Graziadio School just northwest of Lake Arrowhead so I And he does it all with a can of “red of Business and has put it to good use. He learned to do some construction work. Coke” or a glass of Simply Lemonade on worked for Frito Lay in San Diego and Or- When you own a home in the mountains in his desk. ange County before joining the Coca-Cola severe weather conditions it’s best to have Besides making sales calls with his ac- unit. the ability to do major repairs on your own.” count reps from Acosta, he is responsible He enjoys seeing all the people he has He and Jennifer enjoy hiking. “We both for writing the annual plan including vol- met in the food industry, even though they hiked up Mt. Whitney,” he said, “but she might have switched jobs over the years. draws the line about getting hooked up to a “The one thing I advise youngsters com- rope. I climbed the West face Half Dome in ing into the business is to not burn any Yosemite about 5 years ago and want to get bridges if they change jobs,” he said. “The up Cathedral Peak near Tuolumne Mead- people in our industry tend to stay in the ows.” industry. You never know who you might He remembers his first DDBC meeting be working with … or for … down the line.” in 2001. “I know a lot of the people at the Beneventi has had his share of travel- meetings and Coke has always been a big ing. “In the last 19 years I have been in al- supporter of the Council at events and the most every state in the union,” he said. Seminar,” he said. With that in mind, he and wife of 28 Please join with the DDBC in saluting years, Jennifer, have scheduled a trip to Beneventi as the Big Cheese Award hon- Denver for Thanksgiving and are heading oree for December. 36 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 We are so very honored to celebrate our very amazing own Tony Beneventi as the Big Cheese for December 2018! A simply perfect tribute to a top level associate.

We are also proud to salute Steven Grant of Hidden Villa Ranch, Big Cheese November 2018! October meeting of DDBC

Jim Veregge, who usually shines the spotlight on others, has it shone his way for a change Jim Veregge (Supervalu), who has been presented a multitude of awards from the Dairy Deli Bakery Council (DDBC) over the years, received another prestigious honor at the October member- ship meeting when the Presidents Award was bestowed upon him. Immediate Past President Dave MacDonald (HP Hood) made the well-received presentation in front of a near capacity audience that crowded the ballroom of the Embassy Suites Hotel in Garden Grove. Veregge, who serves the Board of Directors as the Third Vice President and Historian, is a Past President (1996), was the Council’s Retailer of the Year in 1997 and was inducted into the DDBC Hall of Famer, Historian, and Program Chairman DDBC Hall o f Fame in 2007. Jim Veregge is used to being at the podium at DDBC events. Also, one of his hobbies is geneology and he has prepared more than a dozen extensive research projects for members who have received the Lifetime Achievement Award. He makes the presen- tations, usually at a fall meeting, that often amazes the subjects, who have commented that he uncovers facts about family trees that even the honoree did not know. Veregge is only the eighth member to receive the Presidents Award. He was humble in accepting the plaque and offered 8 tips for being successful in the food industry. 1. Do the right thing. 2. Be prepared. 3. Pay attention. 4. Hire, train, and surround yourself with good people. 5. Get your education/degree. 6. Delegate and follow up. 7. Find your passion. 8. Give back. Veregge receives his Presidents Award from 2017 DDBC In other business at the meeting, Alan Stock (DPI Specialty President Dave MacDonald (HP Hood). Foods) was presented the Big Cheese Award for May. Scheduling conflicts had prevented him from receiving it earlier. Also, Rose Bueno (Jons Marketplace) was presented the Big Cheese Award for October. Both presentations were made by First Vice President Emily Aguilar (Daisy Brand), who was filling in for Jaime Prager (Albertsons), who was recovering from knee sur- gery. Sue Bargsten (DPI Specialty Foods), Co-Chairman with Irene Graves (Quest Sales & Marketing) for the 50th National Seminar at the Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa in Rancho Mirage, had announced the hotel was sold out, but Seminar packages were still available but other accommodations would be required. In other notes from Seminar members, Matt Hebert, formerly of Acosta, has been appointed Regional Sales Manager for Lactalis American Group. Also, Aimee Mizrahi introduced her granddaughter, Sophie Goodis, who has joined the family business of Anderson Interna- Veregge is flanked by sons Daniel (left) and William. tional. Sophie is the third generation, joining her mother, Brigitte Mizrahi. 38 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 October meeting of DDBC

Alan Stock (DPI Specialty Foods) receives the May Big A large contingent of DPI Specialty Foods associates and Cheese Award from Emily Aguilar (Daisy Brand). family were on hand to support Alan Stock on his award.

Rose Bueno (Jons Marketplace) received the October Big Associates and family members were in attendance to help Cheese award from Emily Aguilar (Daisy Brand). Rose Bueno celebrate her award.

Presidents Award honoree Jim Veregge is surrounded by DDBC President Robert Burke (Emkay), fourth from left, is many of his associates at Supervalu, including wife Felipa surrounded by the Bar-S team of Rey Garza, Pilar Villasana, Centeno (third from left). Paula Antrasian, Pat Nunez, and Rafael Galvan. DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 39 October meeting of DDBC

Bob Dressler (Advantage Fresh) with Connie Thatcher and DDBC Hall of Famer Gary Illingworth, Mark Wiley Phil Calderone, both of Advantage Solutions. (Altapac), and Jim Francis (JTJ Sales).

Roger Arechiga (Bristol Farms) and Erik Foster (Coca-Cola Cheryl Kennick (City of Hope) and Bob Cashen (Cacique, North America). Inc.).

Paul Frisina (Farmer John), Stacy Gilbert (Smithfield), and Annette Uehara and Dean Sandello, both of Nasser Co., Inc. Steve Nguyen (Supervalu).

40 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 October meeting of DDBC

Carmen Dauer (DPI Specialty Foods), with Sophie Goddis Matt Hebert and Trevor Thomas, both of Lactalis Ameri- and Aimee Mizrahi, both of Sincerely Brigitte. can Group. Hebert is new to the Lactalis company.

Dottie Beamer (Premier Sales Solutions) with the Smithfield John Spencer (Kraft Heinz) and Loyelle Ellis (Tyson Foods). group of Bill Gomez, Stacy Gilbert, and Scott Yanow.

The Banquet Room was full as more than 175 members and Jeff Daniel (Supervalu) and Larry Eiffert (JTJ Sales). guests were on hand for the awards ceremonies.

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 41 Talkin’ turkey Butterball hotline has heard them all Experts help cooks get through the hectic holiday time The holiday season is upon us when thoughts of “turkey” are in our heads … and when the Butterball Hotline cranks up to warp speed. When the hotline started in 1981 it was manned by six home economists. These days, nutritionists, food stylists, home economics teachers and a food scientist hold forth from a nondescript office building in Naperville, Ill. All are graduates of “Butterball University,” an all-day course in cooking a turkey in every possible way: convection oven, electric countertop, grill, even microwave. questions that we’re a little sad people even A few hours after his wife had given Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, this group had to ask: birth, a new dad called to make sure the responds to more than 100,000 calls, in “Should I remove the plastic wrap before turkey hadn’t been thawing too long while English and Spanish, along with countless I cook my turkey?” he’d been at the hospital. The Talk-Line texts, chats and social media posts. “I don’t want to touch the giblets. Can I staffer asked how much it weighed, to which Below are some of the classic questions fish them out with a coat hanger?” the flustered father replied, “The turkey or posed to the experts. “The turkey in my freezer is 23 years old. the baby?” After determining the turkey’s The most frequently asked question? Is it safe to eat?” weight and thawing time, she assured him How to defrost a turkey. “I don’t want to cook the whole turkey, he would be able to deliver a safe, delicious Taking turkey preparation an extra step, so I cut it in half with a chainsaw. How do I Thanksgiving dinner by the time mom and a Virginian wondered, “How do you thaw a get the chainsaw oil out of the turkey?” baby got home. fresh turkey?” The Talk-Line staffer “I scrubbed my raw turkey with a A woman in her seventies, cooking explained that fresh turkeys aren’t frozen toothbrush dipped in bleach for three hours. Thanksgiving dinner for the first time, and don’t need to be thawed. Is that enough to kill the harmful bacteria?” called for help because her mother said she Then there’s the time a lady was picking And the hits just keep coming: A father was tired of cooking and it was time her through the frozen turkeys at the grocery in charge of thawing the turkey and bathing daughter learned how to prepare the store, but couldn’t find one big enough for his toddler twins decided to hit two birds Thanksgiving meal. her family. She asked a stock boy, “Do these with one stone. “We could hear water Realizing his oven was too small to fit turkeys get any bigger?” The stock boy splashing in the background, and turns out his Thanksgiving turkey, a landlord came replied, “No ma’am, they’re dead.” he has his kids and the turkey in the tub all up with a solution: switch roles and “rent” Another classic call went like this: “If I at the same time,” said Nicole Johnson, one of his tenant’s ovens for $25. He figured put my phone in the turkey, can you tell me Talk-Line co-director. The man was calling his problems were solved, until he realized if it’s done?” to find out if the bath water would be an he’d have to constantly interrupt his tenant Then there are some callers on the prowl acceptable method for thawing the turkey. to baste the turkey. In a panic, he turned to for the best way to prepare a turkey for a One woman called the Talk-Line from a the Turkey Talk-Line to ask how often he’d vegetarian. closet so her family couldn’t hear her. “Can have to baste. The staffer assured the And one truck driver was curious if he you hear me? I’ve never cooked a turkey, relieved landlord that just once would do could cook his turkey on the engine block and my mother-in-law is convinced I can’t the trick. of his semi while he was driving. Even cook —and I can’t cook, but I want to do A disappointed woman called wondering better, would faster driving mean faster it,” she whispered. The expert walked her why her turkey had no breast meat. After a cooking? through all the steps, advising against conversation with a Talk-Line operator, it Here is a short list of some other basting the turkey (even though the mother- in-law insisted). Continued on Page 43 42 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 No joke: Butterball hotline has heard plenty Continued from Page 42 have found out you don’t have to rinse the Chihuahua called when her dog climbed turkey – just pat it dry with paper towels. inside the raw turkey. The poor pooch One mom called in and told how her little wasn’t able to get out of the opening through became apparent that the woman’s turkey girl had asked if they could slow-roast the which it had just squeezed. The Butterball was lying on the table upside down. turkey for three or four days because she expert explained how the owner could make A new bride cooking Thanksgiving liked how it made the house smell. The the opening larger without injuring the dog. dinner for the first time in a small, experts told her that the turkey should only Interestingly, the hotline has also fielded apartment-sized oven, wanted to make sure stay in the oven for a few hours and that it calls from owners of small rodents and her turkey wouldn’t expand during cooking wasn’t a good idea to leave it cooking for house cats. When pets and kids are around, (as baked goods do), and thus get stuck in four days. you really can’t turn away for a second. the oven. A proud gentleman called to tell the staff “One man called because he wanted to A lady from Colorado called about “how how he wrapped his turkey in a towel and propose to his girlfriend and wanted to put to thaw” her frozen turkey. She proudly stomped on it several times, breaking the the ring in the stuffing. And we advised him shared the fact that her turkey was stored in bones so it would fit in his pan. not to.” a snow bank outside. It had snowed the When a Talk-Line staffer asked a caller “A man calls and tells me, ‘I’m turning night before and it then dawned on her that what state her turkey was in (meaning how the oven on and it keeps turning off. I think she didn’t have a clue which snow bank her thawed was it) the caller responded with it’s broken.’ He asked if he could cook it on turkey was in. At that point, the conversation “Florida.” the grill. And of course you can,” Smith was really over because she was now on a Always be conscious of things going said. “I was talking to the wife while he was mission to go find her turkey. missing while dinner is cooking. “We had out turning on the grill, and she noticed that One caller had always cut the legs off one mom call, and she was stuffing the every time the oven turned on, the dog the turkey before putting it in the oven turkey, and the kids had their little Matchbox would jump up on top of it and turn it off.” thinking that was how you had to cook a cars, and they would park them in the Then there were the firefighters who turkey. She later learned that the only reason garage, so to speak. So they went to carve needed to thaw 12 turkeys at once. The her mom had been doing that was because the turkey and found the cars in the stuffing. hotline expert suggested they put the birds their oven had been so small that that was And the kids were like, ‘There they are!’ I in a large bin and use a fire hose to hose the only way to get the bird into the oven. had them throw away the stuffing, but the them down. A first-time Thanksgiving chef called rest of the turkey was fine.” Don’t eat Or the callers who have asked if you can Marge Klindera, a 20-year-plus Talk-Line Matchbox car stuffing. Do eat Matchbox thaw a frozen turkey using a hair dryer, an veteran, in tears Thanksgiving morning last car turkey. Thanksgiving saved. electric blanket, in an aquarium with tropi- year. She was so proud to have thawed the Toys aren’t the only things that will fit cal fish. The best way to thaw it fast is in turkey successfully and continued to rinse inside a turkey. You know you’re fully the kitchen sink. You’ll need 30 minutes for the turkey – with dish soap. The tears started initiated into hotline history when a caller each pound of bird and you should change flowing when the turkey wouldn’t stop calls to get help getting a dog out of their the water every half hour. sudsing. If only she called before she would Thanksgiving turkey. The owner of a Notes on nutrition: low-fat foods continue to gain Americans are choosing to purchase tent of food away from home dropped brands such as Kraft Singles and more low-fat foods than they did 35 less sharply to 37.4 percent of calories. Velveeta, reports the Chicago Tribune. years ago, regardless if the food is for Changes in fat content can occur be- Decline is also evident when looking at-home or away-from-home consump- cause of different choices being made by at the manufacturing landscape. The tion, according to the USDA. consumers (e.g., choosing a grilled number of U.S. cheese factories in- The analysis found that between chicken sandwich instead of fried creased 40 percent between 2000 and 1977-78 and 2011-14, the fat content of chicken), changes in product formulation 2017, but the growth is from small, spe- at-home foods consumed by Americans (i.e., food manufacturers developing a cialty cheesemakers, says Matt Gould, declined more than the fat content of lower fat lasagna), or both. editor at Dairy & Food Market Analyst. away-from-home foods. The fat content Though 40 percent of U.S. house- of food obtained from at-home and holds buy Kraft Singles, overall sales are away-from-home sources was essentially U.S. sales of processed cheese are flat, according to the company. Kraft is identical in 1977-78, with 41 percent of projected to drop 1.6 percent in 2018 as investing in research and development calories in those foods coming from fat. Millennials seek fancier cheeses with less to get American cheese into more homes, By 2011-14, the fat content of food preservatives, according to Euromonitor offering qualities that more natural at home dropped to 32.1 percent of calo- International. This is the fourth consecu- cheeses can’t, such as the ability to melt, ries. Over the same period, the fat con- tive year of decline for American cheese according to the report.

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 43 Industry News Rocha appointed by Latino Food Industry Latino Food Industry Association (LFIA) has announced the appointment of food industry veteran Lilly Rocha to the position of President of the organization. Rocha, founder of the Sabor Latino Food and project management, Sabor Latino has Industry Trade show, will lead the nation’s become a recognized brand in the Latin first national association representing Food industry and serves as the premier Latinos involved in every aspect of the food business platform for Latin food industry. professionals. In addition to serving as “We are honored that Lilly Rocha has President, Rocha will also maintain her seat accepted our offer to lead the Latino Food on the LFIA board. Industry Association as we launch a new Rocha developed a passion for healthy era of growth and expansion of our services eating while a student at UC Berkeley, for our members,” said Ruben Smith, Chair which grew into a commitment to of the LFIA board. “Her years of experience wholesome living. She enthusiastically and dedication to the introduction and shares her passion for healthy eating and expansion of Latino food to the nation’s other causes while volunteering for many many diverse communities will serve as a organizations, including The American real asset to our organization.” Heart Association; Long Beach Memorial “I am honored that the Board asked me Lilly Rocha Women’s Heart Institute; The Heart & to take the helm of this dynamic and President, LFIA Vascular Institute at LBMMC; NLBWA- influential organization,” she said. “LFIA’s National, LGELP-USC & ATC School focus and purpose is to advance the growth It was during that time that she developed Culinary Program in Montebello. Also, she and influence of Latinos in one of the a serious interest in trade show & is an avid rock climber. nation’s most lucrative and influential conference management, which eventually The LFIA was established to represent business arenas, and I’m prepared and led her to earn both the CMP & CMM Latinos in all aspects of the food industry anxious to lead that effort.” certifications (the highest in the meeting and is the leading voice addressing the Rocha is a graduate of the University of planning industry). Her company, Space 67 growing influence of this important and California, Berkeley, who also attended St. Productions, has produced corporate events growing demographic. The U.S. economy Mary’s University in London. She since 2009. After successfully managing has benefited from the sheer size of this graduated from UC Berkeley during the and growing corporate trade shows for consumer segment. With an estimated 54 height of the dot.com bubble in Silicon many organizations around the world, she million Latinos representing 17% of the Valley and her first job was as an event/ founded the Sabor Latino Food Industry U.S. population, it is easy to see how this project manager for NOKIA in Mountain Trade Show in 2013. consumer market has influenced the food View, Calif. With her expertise in sales, marketing and beverage industries in the U.S..

Big Cheese Award November, Steven Grant

Continued from Page 34 ing his shop. “I enjoy building stuff with the kids,” he said. “We If someone were to show up at our house Saturday afternoon and are still accumulating parts. We have a band saw and some chop stay for dinner, I would offer to throw some steaks on the grill saws and we are working our way up to a full shop.” along with a couple of cold beers.” Hidden Villa is an active supporter of the DDBC. The company Grant and the family love the outdoors and try to camp and hike provides the early morning made-to-order omelettes at the golf as much as possible. tournaments. “That provided us with a visible presence to the group “We have a big map of the National Parks on a wall at home and helped us become more ingrained with the organization. We and we put pins in the places we have been. We want to get to all attended our first Seminar when it was held at the Bacara in Santa of them. Last year we hopped in the SUV and drove to Yellowstone Barbara and we started seeing a lot of value in becoming more and Grand Tetons and then came back through Utah to Zion on the involved,” he said. way home. It was more than 3,000 miles in two weeks.” Please join with the DDBC in saluting Grant as the Big Cheese He also enjoys woodworking and is in the process of furnish- Award honoree for November. 44 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 Retailer News

Lee Gong, 1950-2018 Santa Rosa, Ca, 95403; American Heart would be more interested in trying a meal Lee H. Gong, a longtime member of the Association, www2.heart.org. kit from a retailer if offered a coupon. Perishables Food Council of Northern Services have been held. “Consumers have more options than ever California and a highly respected retailer before when it comes to how they purchase in Santa Rosa, died unexpectedly on Sept. Coupons continue to be popular groceries,” said Curtis Tingle, Chief Mar- 21. He was 68. Valassis, the Michigan-based leader in keting Officer, Valassis. “Whether they shop Gong moved to Stockton and later to activating consumers through intelligent online, in-store, use a delivery or pick-up Santa Rosa in 1963 and immediately media delivery, recently announced grocery- service or prepare meal kits at home, it’s became involved in the family business of specific insights from its 2018 Purse String critical for grocery retailers to consider G&G Supermarkets. He attended and Survey. The survey of more than 6,200 shopper preferences. Consumers want graduated with Piner High School’s first value-seeking consumers reveals grocery deals, convenience and a personalized ex- graduating class. He played on the baseball shopping preferences and evolving con- perience. Grocers who can deliver on these team and later in life he became the head sumer behaviors. increasing customer demands will win them baseball coach for Santa Rosa Christian According to the survey, 93 percent of over and gain their loyalty.” School. He assisted with Piner’s fund all respondents are interested in finding cou- According to the Valassis survey, shop- raisers for the football field lights. pons, coupon codes and deals for groceries pers are more likely to buy from a grocery He served in the Navy from 1969-1973, – making grocery the top category for deal retailer that: stationed at the Naval Photographic Center and coupon-finding. Although most con- • Rewards their loyalty with personalized Washington D.C. and Harbor Clearance sumers (82 percent) typically use coupons offers or discounts (83 percent – and 86 Unit Two, Norfolk, Va. for their routine, weekly grocery shopping percent for both moms and millennials); He re-joined the family business in 1973. trip, nearly half (47 percent) do so for their • Makes them feel like a valued customer He oversaw the Meat, Deli and Bakery fill-in trips as well. (67 percent); departments. He forged many lasting With the increasing popularity of e-com- • Safeguards and protects their privacy relationships through the years by the many merce, 13 percent of respondents say they and personal information (58 percent – 61 marketing ideas and events he implemented are buying more grocery items online and percent for baby boomers); and which gained local and national recognition. having them delivered to their homes com- • Provides a consistent experience no He was a board member on the Perishable pared to last year. This percentage jumps matter where/how they interact (54 percent). Foods Council. for both dads (23 percent) and Hispanics His hobbies and interest included (20 percent). While another 12 percent of baseball, bowling, fishing, golfing, respondents say they are buying more gro- Additions to the 2018 international hunting trips, trap shooting, cery items online and picking them up at collecting coins, antiques, and model trains. the store, millennials and millennial parents Resource Directory He prided himself on visiting every MLB are embracing this approach even more, at Please add the following additions and park, enjoyed many road trips, lunches and 20 and 22 percent, respectively. corrections to the 2018 DDBC Resource dinners with friends, business associates Retailers have an opportunity to capture Directory. and family. During his retirement, his pride even more of these online grocery shoppers, Membership and joy was his family and grandsons. Lee as nearly half (48 percent) of all respon- Cropp Cooperative – Organic Valley was a true friend who offered his help to all dents and 70 percent of millennial parents One Organic Way who needed it. He was a wonderful mentor agreed they would be more likely to shop La Farge, WI and gave great advice from the years of for groceries online if they could use more 608-632-6446 wisdom and experience. coupons. And, while online grocery shop- FAX 608-625-2600 He was pre-deceased by his father Gee ping is an emerging trend, 57 percent of con- Sharlane Hom Kai Gong and mother Fong Gong (two of sumers said grocery item availability – per- [email protected] the three founders of G&G Supermarket), haps due to both selection and the ability to Supplier Section sisters Carrie Gong Lowe and Betty Gong, satisfy an immediate need – makes them Cropp Cooperative – Organic Valley brother-in-law Eddie Doe. He is survived more likely to go into a physical store to 888-444-6455 by his beloved wife, son, daughter-in-law, shop over online channels. FAX 608-625-2600 and grandsons and a large extended family Grocer meal kits represent another op- www.organicvalley.coop of brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces and portunity. More than a third (36 percent) of One Organic Way nephews and their children. respondents and more than a half (52 per- La Farge, WI Memorial donations may be made to cent) of millennial parents would be inter- Milk/Cream Redwood Empire Coin Club, Youth Pro- ested in trying a grocer’s meal kit if offered Cheese gram, P.O. Box 9013, Santa Rosa 95405; at a store near them. Additionally, a major- Eggs Piner High Foundation, 1700 Fulton Road ity (82 percent) of consumers said they Butter

DDBC News, October-November-December 2018 45 Calendar

Continued from Page 3 ment, Foxtail GC, Rohnert Park. Informa- 19 – DDBC Membership meeting, Em- tion: www.cagrocers.com. bassy Suites Hotel, Garden Grove. Infor- 23-25 – Summer Fancy Food Show, mation: 562-947-7016. Javits Center, New York. Information: 24-27 – The 2019 NGA Show, San Di- www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events. MARIN CHEESE COMPANY ego Convention Center. Information: http:/ July 10 – CGAEF Southern California Golf /www.thengashow.com. Classic, Monarch Beach CC. Information: March www.cagrocers.com. Specializing in fine 6-9 – Natural Products Expo, Anaheim 23 – CGAEF Northern California Golf Convention Center. Information: Classic, Blackhawk CC, Danville. Informa- imported www.expowest.com. tion: www.cagrocers.com. 1/6-page ad here 28 – CGA Hall of Achievement Dinner, August marin cheese San Ramon Marriott. Information: 1/6-pageand ad domestic here 25-27 – Western Foodservice Expo, Los p.u. from july-aug-sept www.cagrocers.com. marin cheese Angeles Convention Center. Information: p. 46 April p.u.cheeses from march-april as 2017well www.westernfoodexpo.com. 9 – Grocers Day at the Capitol, Sacra- p. 30 September mento. Information: www.cagrocers.com. as a wide variety of 16 – Mexican Independence Day. 10 – City of Hope Fashion Show. 29-30 – Rosh Hashanah 17 – City of Hope Frozen Food Golf gourmet foods. 29-Oct. 1 – CGA Convention. Tournament. October May 8-9 – Yom Kippur. 4-8 – WAFC Convention, JW Marriott, 12-15 – NRFA Convention, Orlando. Palm Springs. Information: www.wafc.com. 63 Paul Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903 17 – FISMC Golf Tournament. June Phone: (415) 479-1200 November www.marincheese.com 2-4 – IDDBA Expo, Orlando, Fla. In- 9 – City of Hope Harvest Ball, Century formation: www.iddba.org. Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles. Information: 5 – Independent Grocers Golf Tourna- www.coh.org. Survey says ‘Foodies’ have become the majority in America A majority of Americans – 62 percent – minority, today that deeper interest in food 91 percent – of FCCs look online for recipes are food connected consumers (FCCs), has gone mainstream. and inspiration, they still shop at according to a national research study by The study shows FCCs are proactive supermarkets, club, and specialty shops, as Fogelson & Co. released in October. about cooking; prepare meals from scratch well as farmers’ markets. They also The researchers note that whereas a three or more times per week; and often regularly watch food shows, read food decade ago “foodies” were a specialized doctor recipes. While the vast majority – magazines, and follow bloggers online.

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46 DDBC News, October-November-December 2018

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