Southern Glazer’s Opens Louisiana Distribution Center
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits – a global distributor of beverage alcohol – announced the opening of its state-of-the-art distribution center in Geismar, La. The 375,000-square-foot facility, located at 6602 Industrial Drive, will continue to enhance supply chain efficiency and service levels for customers and suppliers.
Designed to support Southern Glazer’s long-term growth in the market, the Geismar facility serves as a strategic anchor in Louisiana, ensuring scalability for the next 30 years. The emerging technology incorporated in the distribution center allows for improved order fulfillment, leading to enhanced delivery service, faster turnaround times, and greater product availability.
“As we continue to invest in our supply chain infrastructure, this facility in Geismar reflects our commitment to providing best-in-class service for our customers and suppliers,” said David Gneo, Vice President, National Operations, Southern Glazer’s. “We are constantly working to strengthen our ability to meet growing demand while also prioritizing sustainability and operational excellence.”
The Geismar facility incorporates several emerging technologies and sustainability initiatives, including:
- Upgraded conveyor system with palletizer, improving material handling and order processing efficiency;
- Energy-efficient climate control to maintain optimal storage conditions while reducing energy consumption;
- LED lighting throughout the facility, enhancing visibility and sustainability efforts; and
- A partnership with Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation, to integrate advanced material handling systems with future expansion capabilities.
“This facility represents a pivotal investment in the future of our Louisiana operations,” said Jason Witty, Vice President, Operations, Central Region, Southern Glazer’s. “By increasing capacity and optimizing technology, we are strengthening our ability to serve customers with greater efficiency, ensuring they have access to the products they need when they need them.”
“Our team is excited to be operating in this high-tech distribution center,” said Juliana Purcello, Vice President, Operations, Louisiana, Southern Glazer’s. “This expansion reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers throughout the market.”
For more information about Southern Glazer’s and its commitment to operational excellence, visit www.southernglazers.com.
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SFA Names ‘People Awards’ Honorees
The Specialty Food Association announced the winners of its Leadership, Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2025. Collectively known as the “People Awards,” these three programs recognize individuals who have shaped and are currently shaping the $207-billion specialty food industry.
This year, the Specialty Food Association has adjusted the categories for the Leadership Awards, making room for two new award types: Next Generation Leader, of which there are three winners for 2025, and Volunteer of the Year, recognizing someone who has directly contributed to the Association’s success.
This year’s honorees are:
2025 Leadership Awards
Equity & Opportunity: Felicia Vieira, Crafted Brand Company
Citizenship: Collette Divitto, Collettey’s Cookie Corp.
Vision & Sustainability: Ayissi Nyembe, EMKAO FOODS
Outstanding Buyer: Holly Long, Whole Foods Market
Next Generation Leader: Caroline McGinley, Gringuita Cookies
Next Generation Leader: Devin Powell, Protein Candy
Next Generation Leader: Rina Perrault, Sun World International
Volunteer of the Year: Sarabjit Sawhney, South Amboy Kitchen, LLC
Click here to learn more(Opens in a new window) about the 2025 Leadership Award winners.
2025 Hall of Fame
Case D. Fischer, Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, Inc.
Patrick Ford, Bone Suckin’ Sauce
Karta Owens, Associated Buyers, Inc.
Kerry Bamberger, BWI, Inc.
Mitchell Berliner, MeatCrafters, Inc.
Matt Nielsen, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas
Heather Paul, Specialty Food Association
Norm Jelsma, Milo’s Whole Gourmet, LLC
Click here to get to know(Opens in a new window) the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees.
2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards
Annie Chun, Annie Chun’s, Inc./gimme Health Foods, Inc.
Stephen Broad, Annie Chun’s, Inc./gimme Health Foods, Inc.
Becky Renfro-Borbolla, Renfro Foods, Inc.
Doug Renfro, Renfro Foods, Inc.
Pamela Barefoot, Blue Crab Bay Co.
James Stott, Stonewall Kitchen
Jonathan King, Stonewall Kitchen
Ari Weinzweig, Zingerman’s
Click here to explore the bios(Opens in a new window) for the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winners.
“One of our most important roles at SFA is celebrating the specialty food industry’s successes, and the people behind them. We’re proud to recognize accomplished leaders each year through our People Awards programs,” said Bill Lynch, SFA President. “This year, with the launch of the Next Generation Leader, and Volunteer of the Year Awards, we’re evolving to reflect today’s SFA. Congratulations and thank you to all the honorees!”
All 2025 honorees will be recognized at a special SFA People Awards ceremony, taking place on Monday, June 30th, at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City and hosted by Jeni Britton, co-founder of Floura and founder of SFA member brand Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
The Summer Fancy Food Show—June 29-July 1 at NYC’s Javits Center—will showcase thousands of specialty food products from domestic and international exhibitors, educational programming, networking opportunities, and more. Registration for the Show is open now for qualified members of the specialty food trade, industry affiliates, and journalists. For more information, please click here(Opens in a new window).
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Naturally Seattle Names 6 Naturally Rising Finalists
Naturally Seattle, a non-profit organization supporting emerging better-for-you CPG brands in the Pacific Northwest, announced the six finalists for its Naturally Rising pitch competition. This annual event showcases the Pacific Northwest’s most innovative and purpose-driven emerging CPG brands. The event takes place on June 4 at Seattle University’s Pigott Auditorium.“Naturally Rising brings together the best of what our region has to offer – innovative products, purpose-driven founders, and a community committed to supporting sustainable, better-for-you brands.” said Debi Goldman, Executive Director of Naturally Seattle. “We’re proud to support these incredible leaders and we’re excited to see where this opportunity takes them.”
Formerly known as Pitch Slam, Naturally Rising provides a platform for emerging CPG brands to gain visibility, refine their pitch, and receive strategic mentorship for retail success. The winner of Naturally Seattle’s Naturally Rising competition will go on to pitch in the Naturally Network Naturally Rising competition at Newtopia Now – the premier natural products trade show – taking place in Denver, Colorado, August 20-22, 2025.
The six finalists competing in the 2025 Naturally Rising pitch competition are:
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Altitude Beverages, Sara Lara – Non-alcoholic refreshers with distinct flavors and functional ingredients, including L-theanine, lion’s mane, and magnesium.
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Mickelberry Gardens, Madelyn Morris – A certified B-Corp creating natural, healing products with honey, beeswax, bee pollen and propolis, sourced from beekeepers around the Pacific Northwest.
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The Jaiye Co., Ndey Mariama Jobe – Biodegradable baby wipes and diapers made from 100% FSC certified bamboo and formulated with hypoallergenic ingredients made for sensitive skin.
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Ringa, Stephanie McGregor – A zero-sugar, plant-powered drink with apple cider vinegar and prebiotics to support gut health and immunity.
This year’s competition will feature a panel of judges representing some of the most influential voices in the natural products industry, including leaders from Nutpods, NUUN, and TikTok Shop. The finalists will receive one-on-one mentorship from industry veterans with experience at companies like KeHe, Whole Foods, Kraft Heinz, and Good Now Foods, among others.
Tickets are on sale now: Naturally Rising takes place on June 4th, 2025, 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Pigott Auditorium at Seattle University. Prices are $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Purchase tickets HERE
A special thank you to Naturally Rising’s sponsors: Seattle University, Good Now Foods, NIQ, Tik Tok Shop, Range Me, Non-GMO Project, and Davis Wright Tremaine.
For more information about Naturally Seattle and the Naturally Rising pitch competition, visit www.naturallynetwork.org/naturally-rising.
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