Caridises Receive SNAC Circle of Honor Award
SNAC International announced Andy and Tony Caridis of Heat and Control as the recipients of the 2025 Circle of Honor Award, presented at SNAXPO25 in Orlando, Fla.
Established in 1994, the Circle of Honor Award recognizes the most visionary and transformative executives in the snack food industry. These candidates demonstrate exceptional innovation and business acumen that are shaping the industry’s future.
This year’s honorees, Andy and Tony Caridis, exemplify that legacy. Andy, who founded Heat and Control in 1950 with the aim of revolutionizing food industry heating methods, laid the groundwork for one of the most influential companies in food processing and packaging. His original innovation—a remote heat exchanger designed to replace direct burner systems—sparked decades of groundbreaking technology development.
Under the leadership of the father-son duo, Heat and Control has launched state-of-the-art equipment, such as thermal ovens, chicken fryers, and potato chip fryers—technology that currently powers production lines for leading snack manufacturers worldwide.
“We are incredibly humbled to be recognized as this year’s Circle of Honor winner,” says Tony. “SNAC International has been immensely helpful to a company like Heat and Control. Working with them exposes us to the entire United States, expands our business, and ultimately connects us to the rest of the world.”
With decades of experience and a steadfast commitment to innovation, Andy and Tony have been instrumental in shaping the future of snack production. They have redefined what is possible in snack manufacturing—streamlining operations, enhancing food quality, and establishing new industry standards.
“Heat and Control has been one of the innovative pillars of the snack industry for the past 75 years,” said Christine Cochran, CEO of SNAC International. “This award is a testament to the ingenuity and forward-thinking heating solutions that Andy and Tony have brought to our industry. Whether they realize it or not, many established and emerging brands owe their success to Andy and Tony.”
To view the commemorative video, click here.
Founded in 1937, SNAC International (formerly Snack Food Association) is the leading international trade association for the snack industry representing over 200 companies worldwide, including suppliers, marketers, and manufacturers. Upon its three pillars of education, advocacy, and networking, SNAC is committed to connecting the snack industry to create growth and opportunity. For more information, visit www.snacintl.org.
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Parmigiano Reggiano Serves Fun at Miami Open
Parmigiano Reggiano, one of the globe’s most beloved Italian imports, will serve as a first-time, official sponsor of the Miami Open presented by Itaú. Attendees at the annual tennis tournament, which kicks off on March 16 and concludes March 30, can indulge in the Italian cheese courtside and interact with the brand via a series of activations.
“We are delighted to partner with the Miami Open, one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments. Both Parmigiano Reggiano and the Open share the same values of excellence, passion, and well-being,” says Parmigiano Reggiano Chief Marketing Officer Carmine Forbuso. “The U.S. is Parmigiano Reggiano’s largest export market, with an export share of 22 percent – amounting to more than 16,000 tons exported in 2024 – with a daily growing demand from consumers who appreciate high-quality, authentic products.
“We believe the Miami Open is an ideal platform to tell our story and showcase what makes Parmigiano Reggiano unique. We see this as more than a sponsorship, but rather a way to truly connect with both longtime and uninitiated American consumers.”
As the exclusive cheese sponsor at this year’s Miami Open, the brand aims to enhance the fan experience by widely showcasing the DOP product in suite menu packages and concessions – offering both traditional dishes and novel creations such as Parmigiano Reggiano Popsicles. Entire cheese wheels, engraved with the Miami Open logo, will also be on display throughout the tournament, most notably in the Player’s Club.
In addition, the brand will present an array of opportunities for spectators to engage with the brand during the two-week tournament. March 21 will mark Parmigiano Reggiano Day at the stadium, during which celebrity chef David Rocco will put fans to the test with a Parmigiano Reggiano Pronunciation Challenge, quizzing them on the correct pronunciation of the notoriously tricky name of the cheese. Winners will receive Parmigiano Reggiano and additional merchandise.
The lighthearted campaign hopes to bolster the identity of genuine Parmigiano Reggiano, often confused with Italian-sounding hard cheeses and imitators. The activation will also host a crowd-pleasing wheel cracking.
The sponsorship will include social and digital integrations across the tournament, specifically videoboard promotions; visible signage broadcast integration of the Tennis Channel; and dedicated creative within media platforms, social media and in the stadium. The brand will also host media guests, trade partners and retailers throughout tournament sessions.
The Miami Open presented by Itaú attracts nearly 400,000 fans annually to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Founded in 1985, the 15-day event is a 1000-level tournament on both the men’s ATP and women’s WTA tours.
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The Fresh Market Opens 1st Spirits & Wine Store
The Fresh Market announced the opening of its first-ever Spirits & Wine store. The premium grocer officially opened the doors of its new store Friday, March 7 and is excited to bring the same exceptional shopping experience to its new adult beverages concept.
The new Spirits & Wine store is located adjacent to The Fresh Market’s Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., grocery store location and features a wide selection of premium spirits, wines and craft beer, plus assorted mixers, snacks, glassware, and wine by the glass. Guests can expect more than 7,000 square feet of retail space dedicated to a carefully curated range of spirits including bourbon, whiskies, rums and vodkas, alongside a comprehensive wine selection ranging from European to domestic offerings, craft beers, and chilled beverage coolers.
“The opening of our Spirits & Wine store is an incredible opportunity to expand on our popular beverage program,” said The Fresh Market CEO, Brian Johnson. “Our guests already trust us to provide the highest quality ingredients and finest flavors from around the world. Now, with our Spirits & Wine store, they can enjoy the same impeccable hospitality paired with our new, top-shelf beverage offerings to help make their shopping experience extraordinary.”
Voted #1 in three categories by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024—”Best Grocery Store Bakery”, “Best Grocery Store Deli” and “Best Grocery Store Prepared Foods”—and recognized for three years in a row as the “Best Grocery Store in America”, and as a top 5 most trusted grocery retail brand for specialty and natural/organic foods in the 2022 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards, The Fresh Market helps guests discover the best with time-saving meal solutions, unique ingredients, and delicious food for any occasion.
From fresh produce and exceptional meat and seafood to signature baked goods and thousands of organic options, the specialty grocer has something to please every palate. The Fresh Market currently operates more than 165 grocery stores in 22 states across the U.S. and one Spirits & Wine store, inspiring guests to discover new flavors and cook with confidence. For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com or follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and Pinterest.
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