Gourmet News

2 Publix Officers to Retire; Company Promotes 2 Other Officers

Published October 7, 2024

Publix Super Markets CEO Kevin Murphy announced the retirement of two officers and the promotion of two officers, effective Jan. 1.

After 46 years of dedicated service, Vice President of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing Randy Barber has announced his decision to retire at the end of this year.

Additionally, after more than a decade of dedicated service, Vice President of Facilities Bob McGarrity has also announced his decision to retire at the end of 2024.

“Randy’s dedication to overseeing our non-retail locations and ensuring retail and industrial operations have the equipment, supplies and packaging needed to operate at peak performance has made us a better company. He’s shared his passion for Publix and his vast knowledge of industrial operations with his teams for over four decades,” said Murphy. “Bob’s commitment to the design, construction and maintenance of our stores and equipment has continued to enhance the shopping experience for our customers. He’s perpetuated our culture of working together to accomplish a common goal. We are grateful for Randy’s and Bob’s years of dedicated service and the mentorship they have given to countless associates. We wish them well in their retirements.”

With Barber’s retirement, Publix is pleased to announce the promotion of Director of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing John Fisher to vice president of industrial maintenance and industrial operations purchasing.

With McGarrity’s retirement, Publix is pleased to announce the promotion of Architect Program Manager Dave Taulbee to vice president of facilities.

“Preparing talented leaders for the next step in their Publix careers is important to our future success,” said Murphy. “As we continue to grow, we need leaders like John and Dave who are focused on providing the best experience for our customers and associates. I am proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their future contributions.”

About Barber

Barber, 62, began his Publix career in 1978 as a front service clerk in Lakeland, Florida. He transferred to the Lakeland dairy plant in 1982, where he held various positions before being promoted to category manager of supplies purchasing in 2001. In 2009, he was named Lakeland dairy plant general manager; in 2013, he was promoted to director of industrial maintenance. He has been serving in his current role since 2018. Barber and his wife, Sharon, will remain in Lakeland. He is looking forward to spending time with family, hiking, fishing and auto racing.

About Fisher

Fisher, 53, began his Publix career in 2006 as a senior facilities engineer in Lakeland, Florida. In 2021, he was promoted to director of industrial maintenance and to his current role earlier this year. Fisher and his wife, Jennifer, will continue to reside in Lithia, Florida.

About McGarrity

McGarrity, 63, joined Publix in 2012 as director of construction in Lakeland, Florida. He was promoted to his current role in 2017. McGarrity and his wife, Lisa, will remain in Valrico, Florida. He is looking forward to spending time with family and traveling.

About Taulbee

Taulbee, 61, began his Publix career in 2001 as a store design architect in Lakeland, Florida. In 2005, he was promoted to architect manager and to his current role in 2021. Taulbee and his wife, Nicole, will continue to reside in Wesley Chapel, Florida.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 255,000 associates, currently operates 1,379 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 27 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. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

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Wild About Sprouts Raises Funds for Susan G. Komen

Published October 2, 2024

Rä Foods, a pioneer in food tech and functional foods, recently announced that its Wild About Sprouts brand is proudly announcing its partnership with Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, to raise awareness and support the breast cancer community. This collaboration aims to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer while highlighting the massive health benefits of broccoli sprouts.

One in 8 women in the United States will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and experts estimate that one-third of breast cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented with universal access to modern treatments.

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, all Wild About Sprouts products will feature special Susan G. Komen-branded pink packaging. This limited-time offering includes the popular 100% Broccoli Sprouts and the Alfalfa, Broccoli, and Kale blend.

Wild About Sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse. Broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, a natural compound studied for its potential role in supporting overall wellness and cellular health. Research suggests sulforaphane may help promote detoxification, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural defenses against abnormal cell growth. This partnership was created to help educate consumers on the powerful health benefits of broccoli sprouts.

Wild About Sprouts products are cultivated through the brand’s patented COLD-GROWN process, ensuring unmatched safety and freshness. Unlike traditional methods, Wild About Sprouts® products are grown inside their packaging, remaining untouched until harvested by the consumer—guaranteeing maximum freshness and an extended shelf life.

For every 3-ounce clamshell of these products sold between October 1-31, 2024, Rä Foods will donate $0.10 to Susan G. Komen, up to a total of $10,000. Additionally, the company has pledged a guaranteed minimum donation of $5,000 to support breast cancer research, regardless of sales.

Stephanie Browder, vice president of marketing of Rä Foods, stated, “We’re honored to partner with Susan G. Komen® this October. This collaboration allows us to contribute to a crucial cause while highlighting the incredible health benefits of our sprouts. We invite our customers to join us in supporting breast cancer research with our specially marked products.”

To support breast cancer research and experience the benefits of Wild About Sprouts, you can use the store locator at www.wildaboutsprouts.com/store-locator or purchase through Instacart at www.instacart.com/store/brands/wild-about-sprouts.

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Albertsons Toasts New Private Label Bee Lightly Wines

Published October 1, 2024

Albertsons Companies, Inc. has launched Bee Lightly , the newest addition to the company’s Own Brands wine portfolio, distinguished by its unique flat bottle design crafted from 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate. This innovative approach to wine packaging marks a first in the U.S. market, underscoring a commitment to recycled packaging solutions without compromising on the quality and flavor of wine that customers expect. With 91-point ratings from The Tasting Panel *, both the 2022 Bee Lightly Chardonnay and the 2023 Bee Lightly Rosé were developed with shoppers in mind, offering acclaimed French wines that are affordable and create a delightful experience with every sip.

“At Albertsons Cos., we are continuously looking for ways to distinguish ourselves within the wine sector and to expand our diverse selection of quality wines for our customers,” said Curtis Mann, Master of Wines at Albertsons Cos. “By launching our new Bee Lightly selection, we are offering shoppers quality, affordable wines from France while also redefining wine packaging standards.”

Bee Lightly is available at select Albertsons Cos. stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco and ACME, and for delivery soon through Vine & Cellar in California. The new wines feature carefully selected chardonnay and rosé varietals sourced from the up-and-coming Hérault and Limoux regions.

Bee Lightly Chardonnay : Harvested at night from a collective of vineyards and fermented in thermoregulated tanks to ensure an optimal environment, the chardonnay offers a unique palate with bright and intense aromas of melons and pears, with a hint of fresh butter and subtle honey and oak balance.
Bee Lightly Rosé : Capturing the essence of Southern France with its pale salmon color, the rosé presents a perfect pairing for light meals with its compelling flavor profile of fresh red fruit, hibiscus and dried rose petals.

Bringing the wines wines to Albertsons Cos. stores was a collaborative effort focused on customers. Albertsons Cos.’ Own Brands team, along with Mann, partnered with WX Brands , known for creating wine brands for global retailers, and Packamama , a climate tech packaging company committed to promoting a lower carbon future in the beverage industry, to develop Bee Lightly.

This new line of wines is distinguished by Packamama’s signature flat bottle design , made from recycled PET, a material that is 87% lighter than the material used for traditional glass bottles, and is recyclable. Packamama’s innovative flat packaging design has a smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional wine bottle shapes by reducing transportation related emissions, and the unique flat-pack shape also enhances logistic efficiency, enabling the transportation of nearly twice as many products on a single pallet. Bee Lightly in this Packamama bottle used 44% fewer pallets for shipping compared to standard glass bottles.

“The introduction of Bee Lightly into our Own Brands portfolio marks an innovative partnership and venture into wine packaging, highlighting our dedication to product quality and environmental stewardship,” said Brandon Brown, SVP of Own Brands at Albertsons Cos. “Additionally, we know that consumers today understand and recognize the quality and value that private label products can offer, which is why we’re pleased to unveil Bee Lightly premium wine varietals that deliver on quality and flavor at an affordable price.”

Bee Lightly joins Own Brands’ growing wine portfolio that includes Vinaforé , O Organics , Nadia , Quail Oak and Creamery wines.

To learn more, please click here.

* Using a 100-point scale, a wine rated 90 points or higher by The Tasting Panel is deemed to be outstanding or excellent.

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