GoMacro Wildlife Conservation Fund Raiser Returns
GoMacro, known for its organic, plant-based nutrition bars, is excited to partner with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for the fourth year in a row. Born from a family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established in 1977 as a pioneering conservation organization dedicated to protecting Africa’s wildlife and preserving habitats for the future of all wild species.
Best known for its Orphans’ Project, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust not only operates the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world, but also embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation, and protection of wildlife. Annually, a portion of net proceeds from Smooth Sanctuary MacroBars sold throughout the month of August will be donated to the Kenya-based nonprofit organization.
“Partnering with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one more way we live out our company principles to ‘Tread Lightly’ and ‘Give Back,’” said Jola Sonkin, CEO and co-founder of GoMacro. “Their holistic approach to providing both protection to animals and conservation of key habitats is aligned with our mission to have a positive impact on the planet.”
In addition to supporting the nonprofit’s efforts with the annual Give Back Bar, GoMacro has also “adopted” a young elephant named Dololo through the Orphans’ Project. Dololo was rescued by the trust just outside Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park after receiving a report of a calf submerged in a dam overnight with only his trunk raised for breath. Thanks to the nonprofit, and with donations from supporters like GoMacro, the orphaned elephant is receiving the medical care, nourishment, and enrichment he needs to eventually return to a wild herd.
“As a family-founded company, we’re proud to support a family-founded organization leading the effort in protecting the unique wildlife and environment of East Africa. We’re excited to continue our partnership with an organization that has international impact,” Sonkin said.
In addition to the Smooth Sanctuary MacroBar, GoMacro offers three other Give Back Bars —Everlasting Joy, Protein Replenishment, and Sunny Uplift — benefiting nonprofits Feeding San Diego, Solutions for Change, Farm Sanctuary and the Keep A Breast Foundation during dedicated times of each year.
The Double Chocolate + Peanut Butter Chips MacroBar is available for purchase at retailers nationwide, Amazon and gomacro.com.
For more news of interest to the snack food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Kraft Heinz Appoints Abrams-Rivera as CEO
Newly appointed Kraft Heinz CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera (left), and outgoing CEO Miguel Patricio (right) (Photo: Business Wire)
The Kraft Heinz Company announced that its board of directors has appointed Carlos Abrams-Rivera as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective Jan. 1. Until then, Abrams-Rivera will continue in his role as president of the North America zone with the added responsibilities of becoming president of Kraft Heinz, effective immediately.
Abrams-Rivera will take over as CEO from Miguel Patricio, who has served as CEO since 2019 and chair of the board since 2022. Patricio will transition to the role of non-executive chair of the board on Jan 1.
In his role as EVP and President of the North America Zone, Abrams-Rivera has successfully overseen the Company’s U.S. and Canadian operations.
“Carlos is the best person to lead the next phase of the Company’s transformation,” said Patricio. “His strategic and innovative mindset is ideal to continue to propel Kraft Heinz forward on our path to greatness.
“Since joining Kraft Heinz in 2020, he has consistently delivered strong results in the North American retail and Away From Home businesses. Carlos’ experience in both developed and emerging markets complements our ambition for growth. I feel privileged to entrust Carlos with the leadership of this great company, and I am confident that Kraft Heinz is poised for more growth in the years to come.”
Patricio will transition to a new role as non-executive chair of the board. Since 2019, when Patricio joined the company, he has led Kraft Heinz through a period of fundamental change in consumer trends, unprecedented business and global challenges, and consistent periods of top and bottom-line growth.
“We are extremely grateful for Miguel’s leadership over the past four years. He has a deep understanding of marketing and consumers, which was instrumental to the company’s turnaround,” said Jack Pope, lead director of the board. “The transition from Miguel to Carlos reflects the Board’s thoughtful succession planning and we are confident that the Company will continue to accelerate growth with Carlos assuming the role of CEO.
“He is an experienced leader with a long tenure in the food and beverage industry who has shown consistency and excellence in execution. Carlos’ leadership in transforming North America with innovative partnerships, tech-enabled solutions and developing and attracting world class talent will serve the company well into the future. We look forward to continuing to work with him.”
“I am humbled and honored to be appointed as the new CEO of Kraft Heinz. I would like to thank Miguel for his mentorship, all he has done to rekindle the spirit of Kraft Heinz and our culture, and for his partnership, now and in the future,” Abrams-Rivera said.
“I would also like to thank the board of directors for placing its trust in me. Finally, to the thousands of colleagues across Kraft Heinz that have welcomed and trusted me, I am excited to go into a bright future together.”
For news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
SEG Launches Annual School Donation Program
Southeastern Grocers Inc., is launching its third annual in-store community donation program benefiting more than 420 K-12 schools and school districts throughout the Southeast. Through Aug. 29, customers can donate $1, $5 or round up their purchase at checkout to help fund vital school resources and educational programs to ensure a successful start to the new school year.
Customers can also support their local schools and help better the environment by purchasing a Community Bag with a Giving Tag for $2.99 at all Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores. With each reusable bag purchase, $1 will go directly to the store’s chosen school or school district.
Raymond Rhee, Chief People Officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, “We firmly believe a strong community is built on the foundation of education. Through this community donation program, we are not only providing students with the tools they need, we’re also fostering a sense of togetherness and support within our neighborhoods.
“Every contribution makes a significant impact as we work together to build brighter futures for our youth – our future leaders – and in turn, nurture thriving communities for generations to come.”
As part of SEG’s continued commitment to furthering education, the grocer recently awarded 28 full- and part-time associates with college scholarships totaling $84,000. The SEG Scholarship Program has provided $212,000 in scholarships since its inception in 2020.
Interested associates with at least six months of tenure and a high school diploma or equivalent degree are encouraged to apply for the scholarship program. Each of this year’s 28 deserving scholarship recipients received $3,000 to help cover their expenses for the upcoming semester.
Additionally, with the National Retail Federation expecting a new record high spend this back-to-school season, SEG is helping customers stretch their wallets. SEG’s line of Own Brand products offers more than 8,000 quality items – including school essentials, delicious breakfast options and easy to pack lunch options – and provides an average savings of 20% compared to national brand products.
Customers can also find additional savings through Winn-Dixie’s “Down Down” program, offering lower prices on more than 150 commonly shopped items each season to help customers save more than 15 percent on average at their neighborhood store. Through the grocer’s “Down Down” program, customers can find discounted items marked with a red hand on signs and tags throughout Winn-Dixie stores.
Similarly, items marked with yellow and green signage at Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarket are part of the “Low Price” and “Low Low Price” programs providing families with deep discounts for back-to-school shopping.
For more information of interest to the grocery industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
