Costco’s Jelinek Stepping Down, Vachris Promoted
Craig Jelinek has confirmed his intention to step down as chief executive officer of Costco Wholesale Corporation, effective Jan. 1. The board of directors has elected Ron Vachris, president and chief operating officer since February 2022, as president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1. Jelinek and Vachris have worked hand in hand over the last 21 months in Vachris’s role as president and for many years before that. This is the culmination of the long-standing succession plan that Jelinek has discussed with the board.
Vachris is a Costco veteran, with over 40 years of service to the company, starting as a forklift driver, and subsequently serving in every major role related to Costco’s business operations and merchandising activities.
“Costco has a very strong culture and a deep bench of management talent,” said Jelinek. “I have total confidence in Ron and feel that we are fortunate as a company to have an executive of his caliber to succeed me.”
Jelinek will remain with Costco through April, serving in an advisory role and assisting Vachris during the transition. Jelinek will also continue to serve on the board of directors and will stand for reelection at the January annual meeting.
The company announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on Costco common stock of $1.02 per share. The quarterly dividend is payable Nov. 17 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 3.
Costco operates 861 warehouses, including 591 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 107 in Canada, 40 in Mexico, 33 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 18 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, five in China, four in Spain, two in France, and one each in Iceland, New Zealand and Sweden. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.
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Truffle Avenue Extols Romanian Delicacy in US eCommerce
In a strategic shift in the culinary landscape, Truffle Avenue has launched its U.S.-based website—a platform for customers to select from various top-quality truffles and have them delivered directly to their home or business. The company challenges the conventional focus on Italian truffles, introducing food enthusiasts and chefs to the diverse and untapped world of Romanian truffles.
The Truffle Avenue website aims to facilitate a direct connection between truffle hunters and consumer guaranteeing premium quality and authentic flavor profiles distinct to the Romanian terrain.
Truffle Avenue’s website delivers transparency and quality to customers. It enables users to explore and order varying types, weights, and sizes of hand-picked, fresh black and white truffles, all from unique climatic and soil conditions.
The launch of Truffle Avenue’s website is a stride towards reshaping perceptions and nurturing appreciation for the rich, varied, and undiscovered truffle-producing regions of Eastern Europe. It debunks the entrenched belief in the exclusivity of Italian truffles, highlighting the distinctive flavors of Romanian truffles.
Horatiu’s mission also serves to recognize the diligent and highly skilled Romanian truffle hunters, spotlighting the untold stories and immense efforts invested in sourcing this delicacy.
Truffle Avenue brings a fresh perspective to the food industry and offers a chance for gourmands to explore new culinary territories.
“In gastronomy, an ingredient’s journey is as crucial as its flavor,” said Horatiu Terpe, founder.
In recent years, the demand to buy fresh truffles has amplified. As this continues, exploration of diverse produce markets is paramount. Truffle Avenue is strategically positioned to meet this growing demand, pioneering a model that ensures truffles are harvested post-order, and truffle delivery occurs overnight to retain maximum flavor for customers.
Truffle Avenue promises the freshest and most premium truffles at competitive prices, linking discerning palates to authentic Romanian truffles and establishing Romania as a crucial contender in the global truffle market. The website’s launch paves the way for households and businesses across America to have easy access to quality Romanian truffles.
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Quirch Foods Opens Distributing Facility in South
Quirch Foods, LLC, a leading provider of high-quality food products, celebrated the grand opening of its distribution center that will service the Tennessee and Kentucky area. This facility is strategically located to cater to this region, bolstering the company’s commitment to exceptional customer service and timely delivery of fresh and frozen protein items as well as a collection of well-known retail brands including Panamei Seafood, High River Angus, Mambo Foods, Chiquita Brands frozen Tropicals and Fruits, among others.
“Our new distribution center is a testament to our dedication to providing our valued customers in Tennessee and Kentucky with prompt and reliable access to our wide array of premium food products,” said Frank Grande, president and CEO of Quirch Foods. “We are excited about the positive impact this expansion will have on our operational capabilities and, ultimately, our ability to better serve our customers as well as provide solutions to their growing food needs.”
In addition to enhancing our distribution capabilities and ensuring efficiency throughout our supply chain, the 65,000 square foot facility will create job opportunities in the local community, promoting economic growth and contributing to the region’s prosperity. The company believes in fostering positive relationships with its neighbors and actively engaging with the communities it serves. This investment represents a significant milestone in our mission to meet the growing demand for its products.
Quirch Foods is a food distribution company servicing ethnic, independent, and national grocers as well as foodservice and other customers across the United States, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Quirch Foods operates approximately 500 refrigerated trucks and over 2.3 million square feet of combined distribution space through 21 facilities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Washington, Oklahoma, Oregon and Puerto Rico.
Quirch Foods is the exclusive distributor of High River Angus, McKinneys Beef, Panamei Seafood, Diamond Reef Seafood, Kikiriquirch poultry, Mambo Foods, and is a licensed distributor of Certified Angus Beef and Chiquita Brands frozen Tropicals and Fruits.
To learn more, visit Quirch Foods online, follow Quirch Foods (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn), or call (800) 458-5252.
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