GGG Newsletter Q2 2019

1

T O B E PA R T O F E V E R Y F O O D E X P E R I E N C E atalanta + camerican + de medici + finica + khi + jf braun + swiss chalet fine foods + tipico

UPDATE 2019-Q2

HIGHLIGHTS 02

MOST VALUABLE PERSON

06

NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGNS

08

SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW

I SS U E 2

2

GELLERT GLOBAL GROUP

P OSI TI V E RES UL TS F ROM EM PL OY EE E NG AG E M EN T S U RVE Y From George G. Gellert, Chairman of Gellert Global Group

Thank you for participating in our TalentWatch Employee Engagement survey! Your feedback is extremely valuable to us, and we are thankful that 87% of the company participated.

We are proud to share that 81% of our organization is satisfied at work, a rate which is 11% higher than similar organizations of our size.

As we create strategies on how to excel in being a great place to work, we will leverage the following strengths and focus on improving the following:

OUR STRENGTHS: • Values • Job Satisfaction • Employee Engagement • Employee Retention • Pride in our Products

GE N E RAT E T E AM WORK

OUR AREAS OF FOCUS: • Communication • Policies, Practices & Procedures • Training & Development

ATALANTA: CRISTINA SOTOLONGO

CAMERICAN: GLORIA CHARLES

EXC E E D E XP E CTAT IONS

ATALANTA: JUSTIN MCMANUS

CAMERICAN: MAVIR VILLAMIZAR

COMPANY P I C NI C & TOWN HALL MEETI NG S EP T EMB ER 2019

3 K E Y O BJ E CTI VE UP DATE

G E RP P R OJ E C T O N TR ACK Shen Lu, GGG Chief Information Officer, and his leadership team announced that the Gellert Enterprise Resource Planning (GERP) project is on track. The project committee has done an excellent job of executing and delivering their tasks on schedule.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) vendor pre-selection has been narrowed down to three vendors (BLINCO, INFOR, ORACLE) for the final round of RFPs (Request for Proposal).

The goal is to choose the best-match solution for GGG business by October.

All four SME (Subject Matter Expert) teams have defined functions and workflows and achieved cross-company review and cross-team review.

The progress is substantial, and the teams are looking forward to more challenges and opportunities ahead. Thanks to everyone who contributes to the GERP project!

GELLERT GLOBAL GIVING

H ABI TAT F O R H UMA N IT Y

This year, Atalanta, Camerican and J.F. Braun volunteered as one group with Morris Habitat for Humanity. Partnering with local Habitat for Humanity chapters and local organizations provides the opportunity to build and rehabilitate houses in partnership with families in need. Thank you to all who took their time to participate!

GELLERT GLOBAL GIVING

F IRS T “TA KE YO UR KIDS TO WO RK DAY”

This year was the first time GGG participated in “Take Your Kids to Work Day.” At Atalanta, Maureen Grumka and Carly Biem from Human Resources and Jacque Folts from Marketing organized the event for over 35 kids. The participants received a Take Your Kids to Work Day custom-made T-shirt, Mazet Chocolate, plenty of snacks and a pizza lunch. The kids toured the building, then had a workshop were departments spent time teaching the kids what they do. It was a great time for all, including the parents!

Camerican and Swiss Chalet also held their own events.

A N N UA L TOU R D E EL IZ A BE T H

4

GELLERT GLOBAL GROUP

ATAL A N TA JOI N S F O R C E S TO DON AT E TO A L OCAL F OO D R E SC U E A BIG THANK YOU goes out to our Atalanta employees who demonstrated excellent teamwork.

Thanks to their joint efforts, they donated products to Table to Table, a New Jersey community-based food rescue program that collects prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and delivers it to organizations that serve the hungry in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Passaic counties.

Food is provided free of charge to more than 170 agencies throughout the area, including elder care facilities, drug rehab centers, homeless shelters, homes for victims of domestic violence, HIV day centers, and pantries serving the working poor. Table to Table is the first and only food rescue program in Northeast New Jersey solely dedicated to redistributing fresh, healthy, perishable foods. Table to Table was so appreciative and grateful. Let’s continue to think of them when our inventory becomes too old, or we have goods we are trying to move out quickly.

W E ST COAST T E AM VO L U N T E E R S T I M E TO C L E AN U P A PAR K Our Carson team took time on an early morning Saturday to clean up a local park in their area. Everyone had a great time, worked hard and got to know each other better.

5

DECA & OTTO DULCE DE LECHE WINS SOFI AWARD The Specialty Food Association’s sofi™ Awards have been honoring the best in specialty food for 47 years. On May 1, 2019, Deca & Otto Dulce de Leche, made with 100% Colombian water buffalo milk, was honored with a GOLD sofi™ Award in the Dessert Sauce, Topping or Syrup Category.

Winners were selected through a blind tasting process by a panel of 60 expert judges, including chefs, culinary instructors, recipe developers, food journalists and specialty food buyers. Products were evaluated on taste, ingredient quality and innovation—honorees are true innovators in their categories.

DEMEDICI OLIVE OILS TOOK HOME AWARDS AT THE NYIOCC Four extra-virgin olive oils from DeMedici Imports took home awards at the seventh annual New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) on May 10, 2019 in New York City.

Gold awards went to Marqués de Griñón, a medium blend from Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, and Mandranova Monocultivar Cerasuola, a robust Cerasuola from Italy. Mandranova Nocellara, a medium Nocellara del Belice from Sicily, Italy, and Frutto Dell’Olivo Melchiorri, a delicate blend from Umbria, Italy, won Silver prizes.

THE FABI AWARD 2019 Each year, The National Restaurant Association Show names the winners of the Food and Beverage (FABI Awards), recognizing food and beverage products that innovate in taste, creativity, packaging and profit potential. On March 7, the 2019 FABI award winners were announced. These important products will shape the future of taste throughout the industry for years to come. De Medici’s A L’Olivier Basque Pepper Fruit Vinegar was honored with this distinction.

6

GELLERT GLOBAL GROUP

CELEBRITY GOAT CHEESE DEBUTS EIGHT NEW FLAVORS The new cheeses debuted at the 2019 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. The flavored cheeses will be available seasonally and supported through an ongoing video and social media campaign.

These new, seasonal flavors are ontrend and meeting a robust consumer demand. Celebrity’s mild and tangy goat cheese is blended to be the perfect canvas for an array of artisanal flavor expressions. All the flavors are easy to enjoy as-is and fun to employ in a diverse array of culinary applications.

Recipes and pairing suggestions are offered along with the cheeses.

The fresh flavors for spring and summer are Cucumber Lemon, Beet and Chive and Amarena Cherry.

In autumn, Celebrity will introduce Spiced Sweet Potato, Maple Toffee and Horseradish Dill.

Cappuccino and Truffle goat cheeses

will launch this winter.

7

CHIMAY CHEESE & BEER LAUNCH NEW CAMPAIGN: CUT. SIP. REPEAT. “CUT. SIP. REPEAT.” encourages consumers to enjoy CHIMAY Cheese and Beer. Tastings and demos will take place in wine and beer shops, as well as in grocery stores. Atalanta’s Marketing team, led by Marissa DeMaio, created the campaign materials that include video shorts, a recipe booklet, pairing cards and giveaways for retailers to inspire the consumer to pair the cheese and beer together.

8

GELLERT GLOBAL GROUP

A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD AT THE SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW

This year customers took a trip around the world without leaving our booth. From Israeli hummus to traditional Italian cheeses, Atalanta’s sales team toured their customers around beautifully merchandised sections of the booth where they could taste samples of the product and engage with our suppliers. Even CNBC was there interviewing Tom Gellert about the pending tariffs and how they will impact the food industry.

MICHELIN STAR CHEF JUANLU FERNANDEZ FEATURED AT ATALANTA’S ANNUAL SUMMER FANCY FOOD EVENT

This year, the theme was “Take a culinary journey through Southern Spain,” with renowned Michelin-starred chef Juanlu Fernandez. Our Spanish supplier Alimentias (Don Juan) sponsored the event and brought in chef Juanlu to create and execute his menu. Chef Juanlu interpreted traditional southern Spanish dishes in a modern, stylish presentation. Guests could sample small bites of everything from Red Tuna Sashimi from Almadraba to an Iberian pork and Manchego pressed sandwich. Atalanta’s Chef Gus Caicedo worked side by side with Juanlu to help facilitate the event. Don Juan himself even joined us! It was one of Atalanta’s best Summer Fancy Food Show events yet!

Whom will it be next year?

9

10

GELLERT GLOBAL GROUP

HAPP Y 4 0 T H A N N IV E R SA RY D E M E D IC I!

In addition to Atalanta’s annual event, our DeMedici Imports team hosted a party to celebrate their 40th anniversary!

Their suppliers, friends and key accounts attended. The event took place at Home Studios in NYC during the Summer Fancy Food Show. Guests were welcomed into the DeMedici home and received a gift bag that included the newly launched DeMedici catalog, a custom-designed apron, and Amedei Chocolate Spread.

SWISS CHALET FINE FOODS COMPLETES INTEGRATION INTO ATALANTA. Swiss Chalet Fine Foods is now a division and their product portfolio is available to Atalanta customers across the country. The Miami team has completely moved into the same facility (GS) with the Atalanta team.

The Swiss Chalet sales team will work with our Foodservice Sales team to drive growth for the core Swiss Chalet Brands -such as La Rose Noire, Haco and Darbo to quality chefs everywhere.

Marc Eisesnon, Director of Business Development, will focus on building these brands through the Atalanta network and will work closely with the rest of the Business Development team. In particular with Sarah Mylod and the Specialty Grocery team. Alisa Malone will focus on in-store bakery opportunities on the high quality pastry brands from SCFF.

GROCERY DEPARTMENT The Grocery Department is pleased to welcome Enrique Escudero, who joins Atalanta as a Senior Business Development Manager reporting to Bob Gellert. Enrique has over 18 years of experience in the olive and olive oil industry. He grew up surrounded by farmers and his family is still involved in olive farming. He consistently strives to promote the healthy benefits of food products that will exceed expectations for the consumer.

SAFFRON TAKES A HIT Saffron prices from Spain will increase by at least 20%, effective today until next harvest.

Spanish police recently dismantled a lab where the product was being adulterated with a new coloring agent from Gardenia flowers from China. Our supplier will send Atalanta a lab report with every PO we receive to guarantee that our saffron is not adulterated with Gardenia flower color, which is illegal in Spain.

At the same time, Spanish saffron demand is steadily increasing, with limited harvest time remaining this year. Supply will be down overall as well.

11

CHEESE & SPECIALTY DELI DEPARTMENT AMMERLӒNDER TO LAUNCH A NEW LINE OF PREMIUM SLICED CHEESE FOR RETAIL The new retail line includes Ammerlӓnder Havarti, Swiss and Gouda, which are all available in 7 oz slices.

Havarti is a creamy cheese with a mellow, mild taste.

It’s wonderful on a sandwich with roast beef and sriracha mayo, or for snacking with crackers and apple slices.

With a classic, distinctive nutty flavor and smooth texture, Ammerlӓnder Swiss is an excellent choice for melting in a panini, topping a burger, or piling high with pastrami and sauerkraut.

Ammerlӓnder Gouda captures the best of this Dutch classic while infusing it with distinctly German tastes.

Ideal for slicing and shredding, this Gouda is great for topping pizzas, sandwiches and of course, for snacking. Pair Ammerlӓnder cheeses with off-dry Riesling, crisp Gewurztraminer, or a rich Doppelbock Lager. They are incredibly versatile and delicious.

LIDL PRESENTATION OF OUR CAPABILITIES AND NEW ITEMS

12

GELLERT GLOBAL GROUP L a u ra W i l s o n K a ta ri n a Carlso n

Re gio nal S ale s M anage r

Fie ld M e rchan d ise r

Na d i n e Ch arbo nne au

ATAL A NTA

N EW HIRES!

J o n a th a n R o d riguez Yve tte S a n t iago V i s hwa P a tel Joe Lee

Natio n al Acco unt M anage r Acco un ts Re ce ivable An alyst

S taf f Acco un tant

Cr ys ta l M a rtir

Inve n to r y M anage r

S u s a n J u s ti niano

Lo gistics S pe cialist

Ch e r y l A En t

Train in g S pe cialist

D ivisio n M an age r East

En ri q u e Me rin o

Q2 2019

J o s e p h I a covacci

Custo me r S e r vice Re pre se n tative

S e n io r B usine ss D eve lo pme n t M a na ger

S ale s Fin ancial An alyst

PROMOTIO N S & N E W ROL E S S H E N LU : C h ief Infor mat ion Office r V I CK Y GU ZM AN : Manage r of Financia l Pl a nning & Ana l ysis D E A N COHAGEN : Executive Director- Ret a il Sa l es GW E N M OOR E : Area Sale s Manage r C H RISTINE DAMO UR : Team Leade r- Ret a il D E NISE K R A M ER : Te am Le ader- Ret a il Sa l es

SAN DR A N ENO

A N DR EW S ER RA: Area Sale s Manage r DA NI E L M ENK ENS: Area Sale s Manager Nat io na l Al b erts o n’s /Safeway

R ECEIV ES GOLDEN APPLE AWARD

WEL CO M E N E W SUMMER INTE R NS

Garrett Albertson FINANCE

Evan Amin IT

Brandon Barrasso DEMEDICI

Kevin Sylvestri FINANCE

Eric Frank SALES

Kristine Jacobs GROCERY

Kenneth Martinez IT

Joseph Chang

Nicole DeLuca CHEESE

LOGISTICS

Alyssa Borroto HR

Simon Valderrama FINANCE

Sushanth Vulpala SUPPLY CHAIN

13

CAMERICAN & KHI NEW HIRES KHI Autumn Nesbeth – Director of Accounting Jazmin Torres – Accounting Intern Xavier Gonzalez – Summer Intern Traci Sargent – Logistics Coordinator

KHI AND HAPPY FAMILY (DANONE) A visit to Happy Family with KHI and the growers allowed the parties to discuss business to date as well as growth opportunities. KHI’s grower is certified CNCA Organic, which is the organic certification for China. In addition to being CNCA Organic certified for

Happy Family production, the grower is working with Happy Family on supporting them on organic regenerative output. As of now, there is an audit planned at the grower’s orchards in Chile during September for regenerative practices.

STRIKE UP SOME FUN Our second quarter employee outing and team building event took place at Bowlero at Fair Lawn in May. “Let’s strike up some fun. There’s no time to spare. We are going bowling and we want you there!”

Pizza and drinks were served, and the team and individual

prizes were awarded.

Congratulations to the winners!

WORK ANNIVERSARIES: Beth Medes-Vincent – April 2019 – 5 years Maritza DaCosta – May 2019 – 15 years

CAMERICAN/KHI WIN NEW BUSINESS TOGETHER WITH SMOOTHIE KING KHI added a third smoothie chain - Smoothie King - to their portfolio. Camerican and KHI are collaborating in a joint venture to work closely together to supply mango to the customer - one of the nation’s largest smoothie companies.

The contract marks a milestone: annual mango smoothie sales reached an all-time high of 8.5 million pounds.

FIREHOUSE CONFERENCE The conference was Firehouse’s 25-year anniversary celebration with franchisees and suppliers. The celebration took place in Orlando, FL and the welcome party was at Universal, with a New Orleans theme and a birthday cake celebrating their 25th birthday!

Camerican contributes to a booth for the franchisee pavilion area which is open over a three-day period. We have face time with the founders of Firehouse, Chris and Robin Sorensen (firefighter brothers), as well as their CEO and our procurement and quality contacts. We also have time to interact with the franchise owners and gain valuable insight and feedback on our products. In addition, they have a banquet celebrating their charity - Firehouse Public Safety Foundation. This fund supports grants for equipment for first responders around the country. We make a contribution on behalf of GGG every year.

14

GELLERT GLOBAL GROUP

THE MARIPOSA DAIRY STORY Atalanta’s Marketing Director, Marissa DeMaio and Marketing Coordinator, Cristina Lombardi, along with videographers and photographers, visited Mariposa Dairy to tell their story and document the production process for Celebrity Goat Cheese.

The team captured the cheese production process from start to finish, visited goat farms to watch goat-milking, and interviewed Bruce and Sharon VanBurg, the owners of Mariposa Dairy. They also saw their involvement in the community and met some farmers! The footage will be used for Celebrity Goat Cheese’s marketing campaign this year – on social media (Facebook, Instagram) and the newly branded website!

RAPTORS WIN -NBA FINALS

To celebrate the big W, our team showed support with our very own Jurassic Park! We wore team colors and showed our Raptors pride!

FINICA WAS IN ATTENDANCE AT THE LONGOS’ CHRISTMAS IN JULY SHOW.

Deli managers had the opportunity to sample both innovative and current items, booking cases for their holiday orders.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!

15

GELLERT GLOBAL GROUP PERSONAL NOTES H A PPY E N G AG E M E N T !

NORMA MORALES – B UYER AT ATAL ANTA- DAUGHTER MEE TS C HELS EA CLI NTON

Natalia Morales, a first grader at Elmora Elementary School in Elizabeth, NJ, was honored to meet Chelsea Clinton. Mrs. Clinton was on her children’s book signing tour and stopped by the school to read to first and second graders. Norma’s daughter was one of two kids chosen to meet Chelsea and receive a signed copy of her book.

Asked why her daughter was chosen, Norma proudly said, “I can tell you that she loves to read, she has good grades, she is very social, she is sweet, and she loves to be in charge.”

Atalanta’s James Harrity & fianace Lindsay Horst got engaged this summer!

ATA L A N TA S OCC E R T E AM

ANYONE F OR A RUN?

Atalanta’s Arthur Khayat, Andrea Berti, and Ben Feigenbutz ran the ½ marathon in NY

CO N G RAT S TO A LL O U R NEWB ORNS !

Atalanta’s Jessica Lotz Layla Snyder BORN: April 16, 2019

Atalanta’s Benjamin Feigenbutz Nicolas Feigenbutz BORN: June 20, 2019

Atalanta’s Justin Readon Christian Thomas Reardon BORN: JUNE 29, 2019 KHI’s Paola Cardenas Daniel Maximiliano BORN: April 8, 2019

Atalanta’s John McKnight London Earnestine-Yvette BORN: May 12, 2019

DO YOU HAVE UNIQUE STORIES TO SHARE? The Giving Team wants to highlight our employees that take time to work with nonprofit organizations, mentor children or volunteer at their local charities. Inspirational stories and acts of kindness can make a difference in the lives of people. We want to share these stories with everyone. Please send information to: givingteam@gellertglobalgroup.com

16

GELLERT GLOBAL GROUP