Niman Ranch Calls Prop 12 Ruling ‘Watershed Moment for Animal Welfare’
Chipotle Young Farmers Initiative full rights photography
Niman Ranch, the humane animal care leader, today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Proposition 12.
“This is a truly watershed moment for animal welfare. Since day one, Niman Ranch has been one of the only companies to ban the use of crates for raising hogs and today our more than 500 independent family farmer partners proudly raise their pigs 100 percent crate free. We applaud the Supreme Court’s decision and this historic moment for humane animal care.”
– Chris Oliviero, General Manager, Niman Ranch
California’s Proposition 12, passed in 2018, requires farmers to provide more space for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs and calves raised for veal including that these animals be able to stand up, lie down, turn around and extend their limbs. It would also ban the sale of products in the state that do not meet the new standards. On May 11, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Proposition 12 as constitutional.
Niman Ranch is a network of independent family farmers and ranchers raising pork, beef and lamb humanely and sustainably, with no antibiotics or added hormones—ever. Niman Ranch is the largest farmer and rancher network in North America to be Certified Humane, an animal welfare certification considered rigorous and meaningful by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The company has always been 100 percent crate free and goes much further with animals raised outdoors or in deeply bedded pens, with no tail docking, teeth clipping or other standard industry practices.
Niman Ranch is the only pork company to submit an Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court in support of Proposition 12. Its products are available at values driven restaurants and grocers across the country. Customers include Shake Shack, Chipotle and ButcherBox.
For more news of interest to the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Florida Food Products Hires Neat as CFO
Florida Food Products, LLC, one of the world’s largest independent providers of natural ingredients, has named Kevin Neat, former chief financial officer of Johnson & Johnson’s North American Consumer Health business (now publicly listed as Kenvue), as chief financial officer. Neat will be a part of FFP’s executive leadership team and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of FFP’s financial and IT functions.
Neat boasts more than two decades of international experience leading high performance finance teams at companies across the consumer packaged goods, healthcare, aerospace and chemical manufacturing industries. He has successfully managed large organizations, collaborated in the development and implementation of effective business growth strategies, and developed and delivered profitability improvement initiatives. Most recently, as Neat oversaw the business responsible for some of the world’s best-known brands, including Band-Aid, Tylenol and Neutrogena, among others.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin – well-recognized for his track record in developing and leading best-in-class finance organizations – to FFP as we continue to strengthen our leadership team,” said Jim Holdrieth, chief executive officer. “Over the past 18 months. we have successfully and strategically scaled our business, completing four strategic acquisitions, and are confident that Kevin’s decades of experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow FFP.”
Neat added, “I am pleased to join FFP as we scale, diversify, and accelerate our growth. I look forward to working with the talented FFP team to help the Company continue on its successful path by providing natural, healthy, high-quality ingredients to leading consumer brands, manufacturers, and foodservice distributors.”
Neat has spent most of his career in progressively senior global finance leadership positions at J&J, including the medical devices and supply chain divisions. He also served in senior financial leadership roles at McNeil Nutritionals, the producer of SPLENDA sweeteners, VIACTIV Dietary Supplements, and LACTAID branded products, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Cordis Corporation, B/E Aerospace and International Paper. Neat earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration finance and an M.B.A. from Stetson University.
Founded in 1954, Florida Food Products is one of the world’s largest, independent provider of natural ingredients. FFP formulates and produces innovative clean label fruit, vegetable, and botanical based ingredients serving the food, beverage, and health end markets. The company’s products offer compelling alternatives to chemically derived ingredients and can enhance such things as taste, texture, shelf life, moisture and color. The company operates facilitates across the country and partners with some of the most respected consumer brands, manufacturers, and foodservice providers. For additional information, please visit Florida Food Products’ website.
For more news of interest to the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
SEG Celebrates Leader for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is commemorating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by celebrating the achievements and contributions of one of its leaders.
Raymond Rhee began his career with SEG nearly 35 years ago as a bagger at Winn-Dixie and has held various positions of increasing responsibility in retail operations, accounting, strategic planning and finance. Since he assumed the role of SEG’s chief people officer, Rhee has made significant contributions to the grocer’s people team, spearheading efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, and implementing initiatives to support Asian American and Pacific Islander associates.
Anthony Hucker, president and CEO for Southeastern Grocers, said, “As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re honored to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our Chief People Officer Raymond Rhee. Raymond personifies our people-first culture with his dedication to being a Reliable, Empathetic, Accountable Leader, along with his steadfast commitment to developing associates to be R.E.A.L., too. His leadership, diligence, unique perspective and unwavering efforts to support our associates and strengthen our company have been instrumental to the enrichment of our workplace culture.”
As chief people officer, Rhee leads SEG’s human resources strategy with proven results in building a winning culture that fosters belonging, inclusion and diversity. He oversees talent acquisition and management, organizational development, training, leadership development, associate relations, compensation and benefits. Rhee also serves as the president of SEG’s charitable arm, the SEG Gives Foundation. He is committed to driving SEG’s culture of giving back and supporting local communities within the grocer’s five-state footprint and beyond. Additionally, Rhee is the executive sponsor to the grocer’s associate resource group Asians and Pacific Islanders for Resource and Education (ASPIRE).
Rhee said, “As an Asian American, I am proud to be part of a company that celebrates diversity. As a people-first organization, we are committed to ensuring every associate feels seen, heard and supported in their professional journey. Our unique experiences and perspectives are valuable assets, and by embracing diversity and equity, we can create a more vibrant and dynamic workplace. It is an honor to work alongside a team that shares this vision and recognizes the importance of celebrating our differences.”
As a company committed to cultivating belonging, inclusion and diversity in its workplace, SEG is honored to observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by commemorating the rich cultures and traditions of these communities, while promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of their collective histories.
In addition to recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, SEG also annually observes and celebrates Black History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth and Veterans Day. Many celebrations are led and organized by one of SEG’s eight associate resource groups which include: Women’s Development Network, Emerging Leaders, SEG Pride, Pa’lante, African Americans FOCUS, ASPIRE, Military Families and Working Parents Network.
Through Rhee’s leadership, guidance and commitment to belonging, inclusion and diversity, SEG’s people-first, inclusive culture earned recognition by top media outlets including: Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for the second year in a row; Newsweek’s 2023 list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity; Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Loved Workplaces; Fortune’s 2022 Best Workplaces in Retail; The Silicon Review® as one of the 30 Fabulous Companies of the Year; and certification as a Great Place to Work® for the third year in a row.
SEG believes its team should mirror the diversity of its unique customers and communities in order to provide exceptional service and promote inclusivity. Those interested in joining SEG’s award-winning workplace and family of more than 37,000 dedicated associates are encouraged to visit segrocers.com/careers or a local Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket or Winn-Dixie grocery store for more information.
For more news about the grocery industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
