Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/375622
I n April, the Specialty Food Association's board of directors formed a committee to nominate and honor those who could be considered founders and pioneers of bringing specialty foods to the U.S. market. With 120 names considered—ranging from founding members of the association to those who introduced unknown foods to the American palate—the committee was given the task to identify five to become the inaugural recipients of the association's Lifetime Achievement Awards. "The mission of these awards is to identify and celebrate the actions and special qualities of those persons widely recognized as having grown the industry, improved the association, inspired companies, and nurtured individuals," says Ron Tanner, vice president of philanthropy, government, and industry relations. "It is our plan, moving forward, to create a Hall of Fame, where each year five people will become Lifetime Achievement award recipients." The stories of these five specialty food visionaries and entrepreneurs tell of hard work, persistence, and keen business acu- men that helped elevate the specialty food industry to where it is today. BY NICOLE POTENZA DENIS Lifetime Awards In this inaugural event, the Specialty Food Association honors five pioneers who paved the way for specialty foods to thrive in the U.S. The 2014 Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize Harold Anderson, Mario Foah, Tony Matthews, Max Ries, and Russ Vernon. Achievement PHOTO: RIC CAMACHO 66 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com