SEG Donates $1.1M+ in Supplies for Ukraine Relief
Southeastern Grocers Inc. is extending additional support for Ukraine relief with a donation of more than $1.1 million worth of cleaning and sanitation supplies, personal protective equipment and nonperishable food items to humanitarian nonprofit organization Mission 823.
“At Southeastern Grocers, we always put people first, whether they are in our five-state footprint or across the globe,” said Anthony Hucker, president and CEO. “We refuse to stand idle when the people of Ukraine are in urgent need. As a grocer, we know how important it is for our communities to have access to basic yet essential products, and through our partnership with Mission 823, it is our hope we can help provide some sense of comfort to the Ukrainian people. SEG stands with Ukraine.”
SEG’s donation will benefit Mission 823, a humanitarian nonprofit organization on the ground in Ukraine that seeks to help and protect at-risk children, including orphans and those on the streets suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and childhood traumas felt in war-torn areas. The organization also works with local task forces to help rescue children from human trafficking.
Shawn Sullivan, founder of Mission 823, said, “We are grateful to Southeastern Grocers for their generous contribution in support of the Ukrainian people. It’s because of compassionate, people-forward companies like SEG that we’re able to provide essential aid to evacuees and other at-risk groups. The situation in Ukraine continues to worsen and among the most affected are children. Thanks to SEG, we will be able to help more people during the most trying time of their lives.”
This donation of more than $1.1 million in supplies and nonperishable food items builds upon SEG’s support to the citizens of Ukraine. The grocer was among the first retailers to provide immediate aid with its charitable foundation’s donation of $250,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support Ukraine and its citizens as they fight to defend their country. SEG also has committed 100 percent of the proceeds from its private label Ukrainian vodka to the cause through March 31.
To learn more about Mission 823 and its efforts to help the people of Ukraine, or to make a donation, please visit www.mission823.com.
Has your specialty foods industry company donated funds or supplies to Ukraine relief? Gourmet News would like to know. Please email Senior Editor A.J. Flick, aj_f@oser.com, with your news.
Good Eggs Online Grocery Expands in Orange County
Good Eggs has introduced its online grocery marketplace across Orange County, bringing the brand’s food offerings and service to Orange County residents as it continues its expansion throughout Southern California.
Good Eggs offers an award-winning food assortment filled with locally sourced, organic groceries and meal offerings, the creation of thousands of jobs that pay living wages, customer service and the highest sourcing standards in the industry with sustainability practices that include 100 percent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging in every box.
“From our inception, Good Eggs has committed to a bold approach in grocery, one that is designed to repair our broken food system and force change by delivering quality without question and convenience without compromise,” said CEO Bentley Hall.
From an assortment of fresh groceries, local produce — sourced within 250 miles — and everyday staples to rotating selections of easy meal kits and ready-to-eat entrees, the online grocery marketplace will also feature SoCal favorites such as premium plant-based meats from Abbot’s Butcher, dates from Rancho Meladuco Date Farm, dairy products from Good Culture, cakes and cookies baked daily by Sweet Laurel and strawberries from California legend Harry’s Berries, among others.
Good Eggs will deliver to Anaheim, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda and more.
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TA Associates to Acquire Stonewall Kitchen
“Stonewall Kitchen, known for its high-quality artisan products, has been beloved by consumers around the world since its founding more than 30 years ago,” said Tim Alexander, a managing director at Harris Williams. “The company has thrived in partnership with Audax, and we are excited to see what it achieves in its next chapter with TA.”
“Stonewall Kitchen is building a one-of-a-kind family of brands that spans multiple categories. The brands possess a unique level of cohesiveness from a product positioning and brand ethos standpoint, and when combined with the power of the platform are generating strong growth relative to the categories in which they compete,” added Ryan Freeman, a managing director at Harris Williams.
“The successful expansion beyond food and into high-growth personal care and home fragrances categories speaks to Stonewall Kitchen’s platform strength,” added Kelly McPhilliamy, a managing director at Harris Williams. “The company is successfully executing an exciting strategy that delivers continued runway for growth.”
Stonewall Kitchen is a leading specialty food, home goods and personal care producer headquartered in York, Maine. Founded in 1991 by partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott, the two established the Stonewall Kitchen brand by selling jams and jellies at local farmers’ markets with a flavorful line of distinctive and high-quality products. Over time, they expanded the brand to include sauces, condiments, crackers, and baking mixes, always focusing on innovative product development, beautiful packaging, and exceptional guest service.
Stonewall Kitchen is a premier specialty food and home goods platform in North America, home to a family of premium quality brands including the flagship Stonewall Kitchen brand; the Vermont Coffee Company brand of high quality, non-GMO, certified organic coffee; the Urban Accents brand of globally-inspired spice mixes, seasonings, and sauces; the Village Candle brand of fragranced candles, gifts, and accessories; the Tillen Farms brand of pickled vegetables and cocktail cherries; the Napa Valley Naturals brand of olive oils, culinary oils, balsamic vinegars, and wine vinegars; the Montebello brand of artisan organic pasta imported from Italy; the Vermont Village brand of organic apple sauce and apple cider vinegars; the Michel Design Works brand of elegantly designed and crafted personal and home care products; and the Legal Sea Foods brand of restaurant-quality seafood sauces and condiments. The company boasts national and international distribution; a thriving catalog and online division; a cafe in York, Maine; and 10 retail stores throughout New England.
As winners of more than 30 prestigious awards from the Specialty Food Association and the recipient of the coveted Outstanding Product Line Honors three times, Stonewall Kitchen is proud to be one of the most awarded specialty food companies in the country.
Stonewall Kitchen’s origins are explored in the March issue of Gourmet News.
