Black Rifle Coffee Appoints Mondzelewski as CMO
Black Rifle Coffee Company has appointed Chris Mondzelewski as chief marketing officer, effective May 1.
In this newly created position, Mondzelewski will be responsible for developing and executing all aspects of BRC’s marketing strategy to drive business growth and market share across all channels including direct-to-consumer, wholesale, the bagged coffee and ready-to-drink product portfolio, and retail coffee shops.
Mondzelewski brings over 20 years of consumer marketing, business and leadership experience, most recently serving as the chief growth officer of Mars’ $12B+ Global Petcare business. Throughout his almost 12-year tenure at Mars, he consistently grew his responsibilities, holding multiple marketing and business development leadership roles in which he led transformative growth and operational improvement strategies across numerous brands.
Prior to joining Mars, he held marketing roles at Kraft Foods, where he launched several successful campaigns, including the most successful innovation & campaign in recent Kraft Cheese history. Before his business career, Mondzelewski was a Marine for five years, deploying in support of Operation Desert Freedom.
“I am excited to have Chris join our team. He brings great value to the company as a marketing leader with a demonstrated track record and a strong personal connection to the military and first-responder community,” said founder and CEO Evan Hafer. “Following our successful entrance into the FDM (Food, Drug and Mass) market, the unmatched growth of our ready-to-drink coffee and the evolution of our outposts, there’s great opportunity for Chris to leverage his expertise to capitalize on our strong brand momentum. I look forward to collaborating with him and continuing our path to profitable, sustainable growth.”
In addition, BRC announced that Chief Retail Officer Heath Nielsen is leaving the company. Co-CEO Tom Davin, who has deep experience innovating retail growth strategies for category-defining brands, will assume Heath’s responsibilities.
Co-CEO Tom Davin added, “As we shared on our last earning’s call, our outposts saw notable growth year-over-year. I look forward to collaborating with Chris as we continue to optimize existing outposts and look to continue to build upon our 26 company-owned and franchise locations.”
Black Rifle Coffee Company is a veteran-founded coffee company serving premium coffee. Founded in 2014 by Green Beret Hafer, Black Rifle develops its roast profiles with the same mission focus learned while serving in the military. BRCC is committed to supporting veterans, active-duty military, first responders and the American way of life.
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Southeastern Grocers Raises Funds for Children’s Hospitals
Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is collaborating with nine Southeast children’s hospitals to raise essential funds in support of the pediatric care facilities specialized and emergency services that provide critical care for local children and their families every day.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 2 million children and adolescents are admitted to hospitals in the United States each year. To support these vital community resources, through April 25, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers are encouraged to donate $1, $5 or round up their total grocery bill while shopping at their neighborhood stores. All donations made during the program will support the local children’s hospital partner and aid young patients and their families as they work towards healing and recovery.
Raymond Rhee, chief people officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, “At Southeastern Grocers, we are dedicated to giving back to our local communities and believe every child deserves access to the best possible care. We are proud to join like-minded individuals to make a significant impact in the lives of local children with this initiative. Our heartfelt hope is that, together, we can make a meaningful difference and support the invaluable work of these remarkable hospitals.”
The contributions collected during SEG’s community donation program will be donated directly to the following nine children’s hospitals to support each facility’s pediatric specialty programs, family centered support, therapeutic activities, research, child advocacy and other vital programs:
Wolfson Children’s Hospital (Jacksonville)
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children (Orlando)
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida (Fort Myers)
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg)
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (Miami)
Studer Family Children’s Hospital (Pensacola)
Children’s of Alabama (Birmingham, Alabama)
Children’s of Mississippi (Gulfport, Mississippi)
Ochsner Hospital for Children (New Orleans)
Since the program’s inception in 2021, SEG has raised more than $858,000 for its children’s hospital partners and remains committed to providing ongoing support to deserving hospitals in the communities it serves.
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California Avocado Season Under Way
The California Avocado Commission announces the kickoff to the 2023 season with fresh, delicious fruit available now through summer. From smoothies and salads to dips and desserts, California avocados are packed with flavor and nutrients, and are a versatile staple in any diet.
In celebration of the new season, CAC encourages consumers to experience all that California avocados have to offer, while sharing some knowledge along the way. Ever wonder when, where and how to shop for California avocados? Curious about the best way to cut an avocado? To ensure you make the most of this delicious fruit, CAC is rounding up the top five things to know about California avocados so you’re prepared all season long:
- Although you may see avocados in stores all year round, it’s important to know that California avocados are only available from spring through summer
- Look for California on the label to ensure you’re enjoying locally grown California avocados. And if you can’t find conventionally grown California avocados, don’t forget to check the organic section!
- Locally grown California avocados are cared for by about 3,000 growers and picked at their peak, resulting in fruit that is consistent in taste and texture. Since they are grown close to home, California avocados go from tree to table in just a few days
- California avocados are a sodium- and cholesterol-free heart-healthy superfood. The greatest concentration of beneficial carotenoids is in the dark green fruit of the avocado closest to the peel. To get to the heart-healthy nutrient-dense fruit directly under the peel, peel the skin from the avocado, instead of scooping. Learn more about CAC’s “nick and peel” method here
- From smoothies and salads to dips and desserts, CAC’s website offers unlimited access to unique and versatile recipes featuring in-season California avocados, such as this Dungeness Crab Stuffed California Avocado recipe and this Strawberry, Watermelon, Avocado and Mint Smoothie recipe, perfect for the warmer months
“We’re all pros when it comes to eating avocados, but knowing where to find California avocados and understanding the benefits of buying local are the first steps to a consistent experience,” said Terry Splane, vice president of marketing of the commission. “We hope you find these tips helpful the next time you’re shopping for California avocados, and we encourage you to take advantage of fresh, in-season California avocados to help elevate every meal for any occasion.”
For additional tips and tricks, delicious seasonal recipes, avocado nutrition and more, California avocado enthusiasts can visit CaliforniaAvocado.com, and follow along on Facebook at Facebook.com/CaliforniaAvocados, and on Twitter and Instagram at @CA_Avocados.
Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to enhance the premium positioning of California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities. California avocados are cultivated with uncompromising dedication to quality and freshness, by about 3,000 growers in the Golden State. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry. Visit CaliforniaAvocado.com.
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