The J.M. Smucker Co.’s Post

Doing the "actual" work of supplier inclusion means more than just 'speaking' on panels or sharing what we're doing—it’s about rolling up our sleeves and getting involved in every step of the process It’s about mentoring suppliers 1-on-1, matching them with the right connections, and advocating for them every step of the way. It’s about working closely with procurement teams to align opportunities and build robust pipelines that create tangible impact because to 'diversify a supply chain means to de-risk a supply chain'. Most importantly, it’s about being transparent about where the real value lies and ensuring suppliers understand how to navigate complex landscapes. I'm excited to partner with Aramark Avendra International and Diversity Masterminds® on a 10-week development program. Together, we’ll help select diverse suppliers tackle the complexities of foodservice and distribution. Looking forward to the journey! #SupplierInclusion #LevelUp Sysco #SupplierDiversity #Mentorship #Partnership #Procurement #Foodservice #DEI Natily Santos, MBA Jonathan Mason Heather Cox 🎗️Mercedes Rodriguez

Great Place to Work, which has surveyed employees around the world about their experiences for three decades, is out with its 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces in Retail List. Several grocers made the cut – and actually went to the head of the class – in this year’s report. Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. came in at No. 1 for the ninth year in a row in fact, based on the criteria of positive employee feedback. The c-store chain Sheetz, Inc. took the second spot, followed by Target Corp. Coming in at No. 5 was Publix Super Markets, Other grocery, mass and c-store leaders in the top tier of the retail workplace rankings include Walmart (No. 7), Nugget Market, Inc. (No. 8), The Spinx Co. (No. 9), Island Pacific Supermarket (No. 11) and ALDI US (No. 18).

Sabert Chicago's workforce stands as a pinnacle of excellence, navigating the intricate challenges of crafting the renowned McDonald's sandwich clamshell and the iconic Starbucks coffee sleeves. Their journey is not merely one of production but a saga of pioneering processes and refining their artistry across time. The depth of expertise within the Sabert team, embodied by seasoned operators and industry professionals, propels them into a league of unparalleled production, quality, and efficiency within the realm of food service packaging. They have set a standard that remains unmatched, a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. Despite the claims of ostentatious sales professionals, the truth remains clear: Sabert Chicago's production processes reign supreme, leaving competitors in their wake. Their leadership in the industry is not a mere title but a reality that places any other group below them, emphasizing that anything less than the best is simply not enough in this competitive landscape.

So, this week's Food & Drink Business PLAY news bulletin is a lot. We start of with EXCITING NEWS of Commonwealth Bank backing #thehiveawards as our Platinum sponsor. Thrilled to have them on board, particularly considering it's the awards first year. Very very stoked. Then we have some fun news - Menz Confectionery is working for the good of humanity and bringing back the #pollywaffle. Eighth Day Foods is selling the company and its proprietary technology. There's already keen interest - turns out investors bored by the idea of building facilities but run hot when it comes to tech that could slash plant-based protein production costs by tenfold. Then I get serious and start monologuing at you all, stemming from Allan Fels report into price gouging and unfair pricing. And a brief round-up of the ongoing difficulty of being a #craftbrewery in Australia at the moment - two more voluntary administrations this week. PepsiCo has some c suite movements and appointments And Saputo Inc. announced a rather large non-cash goodwill impairment on its Australian operations... Lindy Hughson, Pippa Haupt, Sharon Rose Amos, Maria Christina, Owen Rossettin, Phil Sims, Kylie Lethbridge, Independent Brewers Association, Hawkers Beer, Big Shed Brewing, Kyle Faulconer, Alexia Horley, Stephan Anderson, Leanne Cutts, #foodandbeverage #foodandbeverageindustry #foodandbeveragemanufacturing #dairyindustry #brewing #beerindustry #beernews #pricinganalysis #confectionery #beverageindustry

🌟There are so many reasons to be proud of the company I work for, and these are only few of them. I love what I do because I fulfill my desire to be part of people development and to leave a mark in their growth. And what better example is a company which leads with people first culture. 🌟 People are drivers of a better tomorrow! That is why, everything starts with our great people at Molson Coors CEE. Here, we are creating a working environment, where our people feel safe and well, motivated and appreciated, where they can be the best version of themselves. 🚀 🌟 Learn more about how we champion great people in our businesses across Molson Coors CEE. Cheers! 🍻 #TopEmployers #careerinbeer #proudtobepartofit

Food Strategy Associates combine Operations and Commercial support to offer a unique consulting experience

Last year I shared a post about a couple of “Cool Chix” I serendipitously met during an event at Compass Group USA headquarters. Tracey Richardson (left) is the CEO/co-founder of Lilly’s of Charleston, and Miffy Jones (right) is the owner of Miffy’s Foods. Through the magic of the Foodbuy USA Supplier Diversity Accelerator program and the Eurest USA Better Together program, these women-owned businesses have partnered together to pair Tracey’s sensational seasoning and sauces with Miffy’s amazing all-purpose baking mix on chicken nuggets (“Cool Chix”) and wings (“Fly Chix”). Who doesn’t like food that is both cool and fly! So imagine my delight when I crisscrossed paths again with Tracey and Miffy last week during the Eurest and ESFM Supplier Diversity Summit – “The Power of Intentionality and Partnership” – at Truist Field in Charlotte. A robust mix of representatives from minority- and women-owned businesses came together with Compass leaders and supplier partners to share conversation about growth, distribution strategy, and solutions to the challenges they face on their journey. As Miffy noted during one of the panel discussions, “We’re creative people and we just want to create good stuff.” That good stuff also includes a commitment to inclusivity, making people feel like they belong so that they can be the best version of themselves, and employing folks from the local communities we serve so that our partnerships thrive and endure. Food is at the core of what we do here at Compass – engaging in a way that has meaningful impact is what gives us sustenance. #enchantment #sustenance #dei #eurest #foodbuy #compassgroup

Red Lobster has appointed 35-year-old Damola Adamolekun as its new CEO, marking a significant moment in the company’s history. Adamolekun, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker and previous CEO of P.F. Chang’s, steps into the role as the iconic seafood chain navigates through a challenging post-bankruptcy phase. Earlier this year, Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, facing over $1 billion in debt and a 30% drop in guest visits since 2019. The closure of over 100 locations added to its financial struggles. Adamolekun, renowned for generating $1 billion in revenue at P.F. Chang’s, is now tasked with leading Red Lobster’s recovery. His plan includes improving food quality, enhancing the customer dining experience, and revitalizing the brand's legacy. As the first Black CEO of P.F. Chang’s, Adamolekun has demonstrated strong leadership in driving business turnarounds. With his background in private equity and restaurant management, his expertise is crucial as Red Lobster seeks to exit bankruptcy and reestablish itself as a top seafood dining brand across 578 locations in the U.S. and Canada. #Leadership #RedLobster #CEO #BusinessTurnaround #CulinaryIndustry #Transformation #RestaurantLeadership #Seafood

Find out how convenience retailers can find and recruit new employees with innovative ideas shared in this new Vision Report from The Vision Group!