Gourmet News

Sol-Ti Founder O’Donnell Steps Down as President, CEO

Published August 24, 2023

Sol-ti founder Ryne O’Donnell along with the board of directors has appointed former chief executive officer of Pressed Juicery, Pawan Kalra, as president & CEO of the company. O’Donnell steps into new role as founder, chairman and chief vitality advocate, nine years after founding the company.

“The board and I led an exhaustive search to find the ideal leader for Sol-ti’s future. Pawan’s experience and background provide the optimal blend of commercialization expertise, manufacturing and operational excellence with financial acumen – skillsets which drive meaningful growth to build upon our existing national distribution foundation,” said O’Donnell.

O’Donnell continued, “Furthermore, Pawan brings people together, leveraging individuals’ strengths to improve team performance. It is also important that the leader of our organization believes in leading a healthy lifestyle and commitment to sustainability, both attributes that drew us to Pawan.”

Most recently, Kalra was at Pressed Juicery for over six years in various leadership positions including CFO and COO, and culminating in his role as CEO, which he held for more than three years. Prior to Pressed Juicery, he was CFO at Pinkberry in which he was instrumental in navigating through growth and liquidity.

“What is unique about Pawan is his experience in leading companies through growth phases while improving profitability. His accomplishments at Pinkberry – which spanned across 20+ countries with 260+ locations as well as at Pressed Juicery – where he led the company through its expansion into grocery and retail distribution, market expansion of their 100+ brick and mortar stores, and driving their digital growth strategy is downright impressive,” said O’Donnell.

Kalra added, “I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Sol-ti as we embark on the next chapter of the brand’s growth journey. As I’ve had an opportunity to spend time with Ryne over the last few months, I was drawn to Sol-ti’s authentic commitment to help consumers lead a healthier lifestyle without compromise. I look forward to bringing the brand into more homes nationally.”

According to IRI, Sol-ti has increased distribution to 55,000+ Points of Distribution in the US, spanning 8,500+ retail locations and producing a record revenue period for the company, last 12 weeks ending June 18.

Sol-ti is distributed nationally in more than 8,500+ retail locations and is headquartered in San Diego, Calif.

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Southern Glazer’s Donates $50K for Maui Fire Relief

Published August 24, 2023

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is donating a total of $50,000 to two charities, Maui Strong Fund – Hawaii Community Foundation and Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui, to support Maui fire relief efforts after recent wildfires caused heartbreaking devastation across the island.

Southern Glazer’s is donating $25,000 to the Maui Strong Fund – Hawaii Community Foundation, which is providing financial resources that can be deployed quickly, with a focus on rapid response and recovery in Maui. The company is also donating $25,000 to the Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui to help provide immediate assistance to the hardworking restaurant, bar and hospitality workers displaced by the devastating wildfires that have impacted West Maui communities from Lahaina to Kapalua, home of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

In addition to this corporate donation, grassroots efforts have been led by Southern Glazer’s employees to raise nearly $50,000 for a fellow team member who lost their home during the disaster.

“The outpour of support we’ve received from community members, supplier partners, and our Southern Glazer’s family is so greatly appreciated,” said Warren Shon, executive vice president and Hawaii general manager, Southern Glazer’s. “The road to recovery for Maui will be long, but I know that we’ll continue to work together to support our neighbors and organizations that are working around the clock to rebuild our beautiful and resilient island.”

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned company. The company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its WEBB Banks division in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

In 2022, Southern Glazer’s was listed as one of Forbes Best Employers for Diversity. In 2021, Southern Glazer’s was selected as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, as well as named by Newsweek as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve and enjoy its products responsibly.

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The Fresh Market Raising Funds for Victims of Maui Fires

Published August 23, 2023

The Fresh Market, Inc. is stepping up to support the victims of the devastating fires in Hawaii. The specialty food retailer is hosting a five-day register roundup at all of its stores to raise money for those affected by the Maui fires. The funds raised during the event will be donated to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines to provide meals to people impacted by humanitarian, natural and community crises around the globe.

The roundup fundraiser will take place from Wed., Aug. 23, and run through Sun., Aug. 27 in all 160 of The Fresh Market’s stores. During this time, guests are encouraged to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the difference being donated to WCK.

The nonprofit is providing meals to first responders and affected community members, in distribution points and door-to-door wherever needed. Additionally, WCK has positioned food trucks across several severely impacted areas. The WCK Relief team was quick to mobilize soon after the fires spread and has provided more than 50,000 meals to people in need throughout Maui and the Big Island.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the fires in Hawaii and want to do our part to help the victims,” said The Fresh Market CEO Jason Potter. “By supporting World Central Kitchen, we can ensure that those affected by the fires receive nourishing meals during this difficult time. Every cent counts, and even a small contribution can make a big difference in supporting the Maui wildfire relief efforts and helping victims on their path to recovery.

Founded by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen has been supporting communities in need since 2010, providing meals to people affected by natural and manmade disasters. WCK’s Chef Relief Team mobilizes to the frontlines with the urgency of now to start cooking and provide meals to people in need.

Deploying its model of quick action, leveraging local resources, adapting in real time, and by partnering with organizations on the ground, WCK provides freshly made, nutritious meals quickly and effectively, firm in the belief that a humble plate of food is more than a meal – it’s a sign that someone cares.

Voted as the “Best Supermarket in America” by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 and 2021, “America’s Best Customer Service 2021” by Newsweek and Statista and 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 160 stores in 22 states across the United States, inspiring guests to discover new flavors and cook with confidence.

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