Klondike Wins 11 Awards at US Championship Cheese Contest
Klondike Cheese Co. earned several honorable awards at the 2023 United States Championship Cheese Contest in both cheese and yogurt categories.
There is no lack of knowledge to making great cheese; there are five Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers at Klondike and all of its employees are committed to producing high quality, authentic and consistent products.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our entire team,” said Luke Buholzer, vice president of sales at Klondike Cheese Company.
Best of Class honors went to Odyssey Feta, Odyssey Peppercorn Feta and Buholzer Brothers Dill Havarti.
Placing second in their classes were Odyssey Plain, Sweet Heat and Low-fat Feta’s, Odyssey Blueberry Greek Yogurt and Odyssey Plain Greek Yogurt. Third place awards went to Odyssey Low-fat Vanilla Yogurt, Odyssey Peach Greek Yogurt and Odyssey Plain Greek Yogurt.
In total, Klondike received 11 top-three accolades.
“Every year, the competition increases across the country. Winning these awards shows our commitment to quality while embracing technology to be able to grow and meet customer’s demands. It pushes us to continue putting our best products out in the market day after day. It is humbling to see that hard work recognized by experienced judges during this contest,” Buholzer said.
The U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, held Feb. 21-23 in Green Bay, Wis., and hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, is the largest technical cheese, butter and yogurt competition in the United States and has been held biennially since 1981. A total of 2,249 entries of cheeses, butters and yogurts from 35 states were entered for technical evaluation.
For more information about Klondike Cheese Co., Odyssey and Buholzer Brothers products, including recipes and detailed product information, visit www.klondikecheese.com.
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Publix Launches Spring Feeding More Together Campaign
Publix, its customers and associates are working together to help alleviate hunger throughout the company’s operating area. Through its 2023 Feeding More Together spring campaign, Publix is helping nourish communities by providing nonperishable food and fresh produce to local Feeding America member food banks and pantries.
Associates and customers may donate any dollar amount at the register (up to $1,000) to help support people experiencing food insecurity. Customer donations provide nonperishable food items needed most by local food banks and pantries to serve their clients.
As part of this effort, Publix is donating $5 million in fresh produce this spring to help alleviate hunger in the company’s operating area. These donations of fresh fruits and vegetables will help provide much-needed nourishment to people facing hunger.
“We are proud to continue our founder George Jenkins’ legacy of giving back to our communities,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “Through our Feeding More Together campaign, donations will be given to local food banks to help alleviate hunger for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.”
Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the United States with more than 240,000 associates, currently operates 1,327 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 25 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business.
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Garner Foods Appoints Plumb as Senior EVP of Sales
Garner Foods has appointed Marion Plumb as senior executive VP of sales. Plumb will be responsible for overseeing the company’s foodservice sales, retail sales and customer support teams.
“I and the executive team at Garner Foods are very excited to add Marion to our company leadership,” said Ann Garner Riddle, CEO and president of Garner Foods. “I enjoyed getting to know him through the hiring process, and look forward to Marion leveraging his substantial experience to our Texas Pete and Green Mountain Gringo brands.”
Plumb brings over 32 years of leadership and sales experience to the role of leading sales over multiple trade channels. He most recently served as VP of sales in North America for the Champion brand, which saw significant growth under his tenure.
“I’m thrilled to join the team at Garner Foods,” said Plumb. “The company’s heritage, its loyalty to its people and community, as well as a deep passion for products, customers, and consumers were very attractive to me and made this an easy decision. If I could have drawn up my dream job, this would have been it.”
Plumb, a self-professed foodie and passionate cook of Creole, Cajun and soul Food cuisines, has personal ties to the company as well. He has been using Texas Pete Original Hot Sauce since he was a kid and is excited to contribute to such a beloved brand.
Plumb plans to protect and extend the brand’s heartland business while also growing and expanding into other markets. He believes brand investment and driving innovation in new categories, and product extensions will elevate the brand and delight its loyal consumers and attract new consumers within each market.
To learn more about Garner Foods, and their extensive products, visit their website at www.garnerfoods.com.