INSIDER NEWS FROM THE FOODSERVICE + HOSPITALITY SCENE SCOOP

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Sfa Announces 2023 Sofi Award Winners

SCOOP heard that Specialty Food Association has revealed the winners of its 2023 sofi Awards. Short for specialty outstanding food innovation, the sofi Awards are a celebration of creativity and culinary excellence.

Available only to product-qualified members of the SFA, the sofi Award entries were judged at the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University, SFA’s partner for the awards. FIC experts evaluated products in anonymous tastings across 53 categories using criteria that included flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation. There are 97 Gold and New Product sofi Award winners in total. A list of these products can be found here.

“The breadth of creativity and quality showcased by this year’s winners represents what the sofi Awards have been recognizing for over 50 years–the best of the best in specialty food,” said Denise Purcell, vice president, resource development for the SFA. “The innovation and care SFA’s members put into their products are the foundation of our industry and are what makes specialty foods special.”

Upcycled Food Association Appoints Crone As Permanent Ceo

SCOOP heard that The Upcycled Food Association announced that Angie Crone has assumed the role of permanent CEO. Crone has been with UFA and recently served as interim CEO. Under her guidance, the organization’s membership grew 38 percent and its flagship program, Upcycled Certified, doubled to include 374 certified products and ingredients.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead UFA into the next phase of growth,” said Crone in a statement. “I am grateful for the trust that the board and our team have placed in me, and I look forward to continuing to work with our talented team, UFA members, and our trusted partners to advance our mission and make a significant impact on the interconnected crises of food waste and climate change.”

Crone brings over a decade of experience in sustainable food systems, working with the CPG industry to implement global programs related to sustainable agriculture, ethical sourcing, and food security.

Sodexomagic Appoints Charles Johnson As President

SCOOP heard that SodexoMagic, the joint venture between Sodexo and Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) announced the appointment of Charles Johnson as its new President. Johnson, who played an instrumental role in creating SodexoMagic by proposing and brokering the deal between MJE and Sodexo, brings a wealth of experience in business strategy and development to the position.

“This is a full circle moment and we are excited to welcome Charles back to SodexoMagic,” said Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Chairman and CEO of MJE and Owner of SodexoMagic. “His experience, expertise in our business, and strong relationships will be critical in driving SodexoMagic’s growth and building on our reputation as the premier Minority Business Enterprise in our industry.”

During his previous tenure as vice president of business development at SodexoMagic for seven years, Johnson helped make the company the fastest-growing minority-owned food and facilities service company in the U.S. He returns to SodexoMagic after starting Ideal Concepts Group, a consulting firm which focuses on strategy, government relations, and supplier diversity. John - son also served as Vice President-Partner of FH Paschen, a Chicago-based general contractor and construction management firm with annual revenue of $800 million, and is a co-founder of Art in Motion School in Chicago, which educates over 600 students.

Garland Appoints Vp Sales

Garland, a leading Welbilt brand of commercial cooking equipment announced the appointment of Bob Dellert as Vice President of Sales. In his role, Dellert will lead all commercial activities across the Garland brand for both the general market and chain accounts.

He will develop and implement sales strategies to grow the business and build and strengthen relationships with key business partners including reps, dealers, buying groups, and consultants to deliver industry-leading solutions for customers. Dellert has been in the industry for over 15 years at various foodservice equipment companies starting at Lincoln Foodservice. He rejoins the Welbilt brand portfolio after most recently serving as Vice President of National Accounts at Alto-Shaam.

Commenting on the appointment, Graham Sams, President of Garland and Lincoln, said: “Bob Dellert is an accomplished and results-focused senior sales executive with extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership skills. He delivers impactful business solutions that provide direct and measurable ROI, consistently exceeding expectations.” continued on page 96