Six leaders in the specialty food world have been recognized with the 2024 Leadership Awards by the Specialty Food Association (SFA). The reason? Their contributions to the $194 billion specialty food industry.
“The specialty food industry is full of inspiring individuals growing their businesses and making a difference in the world,” said Denise Purcell, vice president, resource development for the SFA. “The scope of our Leadership Awards recognizes those who are impacting their local and global communities, championing specialty foods to consumers, and leading visionary businesses to advance the industry.”
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2024 Leadership Awards
Citizenship, for improving the lives of people and communities through ethical business practices or philanthropic work (e.g., hunger relief, literacy, childhood nutrition.) Phil Meldrum, FoodMatch
Emerging Leader, recognition for an individual in business less than five years demonstrating outstanding leadership in any of the award categories. Anna Hammond, Matriark Foods
Equity & Inclusion, for demonstrating business leadership in advancing best practices in the food industry to create economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for food industry personnel. For example employee benefits, equitable practices, diversity and inclusion, engaging and motivating employees in innovative ways. Antonio McBroom, Primo Partners
Outstanding Buyer, for championing specialty foods through excellence in product sourcing, merchandising, marketing, or mentoring of food companies. Paul Abbott, Giant Eagle
Sustainability, for environmental stewardship through sustainable production, ingredient use, packaging, waste reduction, animal welfare, and eco- or climate-friendly practices. Paul Willis, Niman Ranch
Vision, for pioneering new approaches, innovative products, and business models that have set in motion positive change and progress. Diego Silva, Avatar Natural Foods
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $194 billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 3,000 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by developing resources, information, education, and events that celebrate innovation and inclusivity.