Channel Business

Tractor Supply to Hold Nationwide Farmers Market

Published September 23, 2022

On Saturday, Oct. 1, Tractor Supply, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, will host a nationwide Farmers Market to showcase the talent and products of local farmers, growers, craft makers, artisans and other producers within the community. The community is invited to shop and explore homemade and homegrown goods from local vendors and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities.

The free event will be hosted outside of all 2,000+ Tractor Supply stores nationwide, featuring vendors who sell a variety of goods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, accessories, specialty food and drink and more.

Many of the vendors look forward to this event and return year after year. This is the third year Andrea Nixon from Best Friends Farms will be at the Tractor Supply store in Pahrump, Nev., selling fresh vegetables, plants and local hemp products. She also likes to offer advice to her neighbors looking to start a garden.

“I really love this event because I get to meet lots of great people,” Nixon said. “I enjoy being able to help them with growing tips because gardening in the desert is tough.”

For Jennifer Ewald, the Tractor Supply Farmers Market gives her an opportunity to share the good works of The Farmette donkey rescue in Pipersville, Pa. This year, The Farmette will be selling homemade wreaths, jewelry and other items featuring donkeys to raise money and awareness for the non-profit rescue.

“I enjoy seeing all of the other vendors and talking with all those who come out from the community,” said Ewald.

“The Tractor Supply Farmers Market event provides a platform for growing family farms and makers and gives the community an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity,” said Kimberley Gardiner, chief marketing officer of Tractor Supply. “We take pride in the communities that we serve and look forward to giving our customers the space to enjoy the hard work of their neighbors with their friends, families and neighbors.”

The Farmers Market event at Tractor Supply will offer a wide range of vendors whose specialty ranges from plants and herbs to soaps and candles. Go online to learn more about Tractor Supply’s Farmers Market and Tractor Supply Company.

Although registration for vendors is closed, customers can reach out to their local store for additional information regarding vendors and activities.

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Bronco Wine Company Board Appoints Leonard as President/CEO

Published September 22, 2022

Fred Franzia (Photo: Bronco Wine Company)

Following the recent death of founder and longtime CEO Fred Franzia, Bronco Wine Company’s board of directors has appointed Daniel J. Leonard as Bronco’s new president/CEO.

Leonard was the clear choice to helm the family-owned business given his long-standing relationship with Fred Franzia and the Franzia family, according to the company.

“As we look to the future, we’re confident Dan is the right person to lead Bronco Wine Company and carry on the long legacy that Fred built,” said Mark Couchman, vice chairman of the board of directors.

Leonard has been part of the Bronco family for the past 35 years, most recently in the role of senior vice president, chief financial officer. He and his wife, Bonnie, have lived in the San Joaquin Valley for 35 years and have six children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In addition, he has served on the board of directors for the Wine Institute, a voice for the California wine industry, for the past 30 years, and the boards of directors of Oak Valley Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, Oak Valley Community Bank, for 10 years . Dan holds a bachelor’s degree of business administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Leonard ’s connection to the Franzia family, decision-making experience and strong leadership will add to Bronco’s storied success, according to the company. Specifically, Leonard will oversee the development of multiple business units that comprise the Franzia Family Enterprises to allow the Enterprise to leverage its agricultural, wine production, transportation and distribution assets to drive growth. Leonard also will be tasked with implementing the 2023 strategic plan announced earlier this year by the Enterprise Leadership Team.

“I humbly accept the position as President/CEO and my focus will be to ensure Bronco will continue to be a leader in the wine industry,” Leonard said. “During the past 50 years, a solid foundation has been built by Fred T., his brother Joseph S. and Cousin John, and I intend to continue the growth of the company with the help of the exceptional management team we have in place today.”

Leonard assumed the role of president/CEO immediately.

Founded in 1973 by Franzia brothers Fred T. and Joseph S., along with their cousin, John F, Bronco Wine Company has grown to become a force in the US wine industry while remaining family-owned. Although producing a diverse range of wines over 100 unique brands, neither Bronco Wine Company nor the Franzia family are affiliated with the Franzia bag-in-a-box wine product.

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Bell Flavors & Fragrances Promotes 3 Executives

Published September 22, 2022

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. has promoted three executives to senior leadership positions at its headquarters in Northbrook, Ill.

Megan Paul has been promoted to the role of sensory scientist. In her new role, Paul will lead sensory work for all flavor technology and internal formula management projects. She will also continue leading flavor panels to support key flavor and product development efforts.

During her tenure at Bell, Paul has demonstrated strong drive for results and commitment to the sensory consumer science discipline. Key accomplishments include strategic leadership of sensory panels for FMP label requirements and select formula management projects. Paul also proved instrumental in efforts to increase efficiencies in panel set up and created SOPs for lab processes. She is now a subject matter expert in Compusense and R Software and on track to complete her graduate certificate in sensory and consumer science by end of 2022.

Noor Abo Alzahb has been promoted to the position of sales project manager. In this role, Alzahb will be responsible for management and growth for a segment of customer accounts as well as processing incoming requests for potential customers by screening website and telephone inquiries. She will continue to improve the Bell Flavors & Fragrances customer experience through process improvements and working directly with the flavor and fragrance sales teams to streamline work flow. Another key responsibility consists of developing relevant reporting. Consequently, her efforts will continue to improve sales activity and win rates. Additionally, Alzahb will be engaged in sales team projects including support for large group meetings and improving the customer experience.

Since joining Bell in 2019, Alzahb has been working as an administrative lab assistant in flavors. She commands extensive understanding of Bell customer and project systems that will prove key in her new role. Prior to Bell, Alzahb worked in positions with a strong focus on customer experience.

David Banks has been promoted to the position of senior marketing director. His role on the marketing team is pivotal to creating and executing new concepts, business models and channels to drive Bell’s position as an innovation leader in the flavors and fragrances industries. In this role, he will plan marketing and branding objectives, analyze market trends and recommend marketing and business development strategies, overseeing advertising, press releases, email and social media campaigns and strategies.

Since joining Bell three years ago, Banks has led marketing projects with a significant cross-functional collaboration. He has secured a depth in understanding the Bell customer and the marketplace and has developed partnerships with key talent at Bell to help our customer determine and realize their current and future needs.

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 100 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has nine manufacturing plants worldwide including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, and China. Bell operates sales offices in more than 40 countries. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to customers.

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