Gourmet News

Vollrath’s Bartelt Retires; Lampe to Join as CEO, President

Published February 20, 2023

After successfully navigating the global supply chain challenges and having a record-breaking year of sales in 2022, Vollrath Company President and CEO Paul Bartelt has decided to retire after leading the organization for over 15 years.

Erik Lampe will join the company in March to assume the position of president initially and then take over as CEO in June. He comes to Vollrath with a background in general management, strategic growth, innovation, and operational performance for industrial companies. He spent the majority of his career working for Oshkosh Corporation and McKinsey & Company, where he served in a variety of strategic leadership roles. For the last year, he worked as a principal for Comvest Partners’ Operating Advisory Group, where he served as a leader for the firm’s privately held companies, guiding them through the recent dynamic environment.

Bartelt says: “There comes a time for all of us to move on, and I feel confident that this is the right moment for me to transition to the next phase of my life. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to be the President and CEO of this great company, and with Erik, I am confident to leave the organization in the most competent hands.” Bartelt will remain on the Vollrath Board for the foreseeable future and will continue to provide support for the company and the new CEO.

“Given Vollrath’s family-held history and long-term orientation into the future, I am proud to be a part of the company’s next chapter as it surpasses the 150-year anniversary,” says Lampe.

Additionally, VP of Finance and CFO Steve Heun has also decided to step down after being with the company for over 15 years also.

Tina Kreidler, the current director of finance & controller at Vollrath, will be promoted to VP of Finance and will work closely with Heun until his departure this fall.

Danielle Kohler, Chairwoman of the Vollrath Board, said: “The family wants to thank Paul and Steve for doing a tremendous job over their 15-year tenure. They have built an incredible company and team. We are also grateful they will both be with us for a smooth transition into the next chapter of the company. We are confident that Erik Lampe, who is stepping into Paul’s shoes as our next CEO, is highly qualified and will fit well into our culture as our new leader.”

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Goya Foods Sends Food, Drinks to East Palestine, Ohio

Published February 20, 2023

Goya Foods, through its Goya Gives global initiative, is sending ready-to-serve Goya food and beverages to the people of East Palestine and surrounding areas in response to the Ohio train derailment.

“The impact of this disaster is devastating on both the community and the environment. East Palestine has been treated like a forgotten town, and while this may be a small community, it is not a forgotten community by Goya. We are always present during moments of tragedy for all people in need,” said Bob Unanue, president and CEO of Goya Foods.

Goya products will be received and distributed with the help of Chaney Nezbeth, executive director of Way Station, a community resource for families and individuals in need.

“Being able to offer the residents of East Palestine food and beverages options that don’t require their tap water for preparation is something no one else had even thought of. The variety of items that Goya is providing is incredible and absolutely needed right now,” Nezbeth said.

Through Goya Gives, Goya is always at the forefront of natural disasters and humanitarian relief efforts, donating millions of pounds of food each year in the United States and worldwide. Most recently, Goya donated food to the people of Turkey and Syria.

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Miyoko’s Creamery Founder Leaves Company

Published February 17, 2023

Leading plant milk dairy maker Miyoko’s Creamery and its founder, Miyoko Schinner, have parted ways as the company enters a new stage of growth. With this, Miyoko has exited as CEO and is no longer involved in day-to-day operations.

Miyoko’s Creamery has partnered with esteemed executive search firm, Heidrick & Struggles, to fill the open seat with a highly qualified, passionate, and mission-driven leader, ready to take the company into its next stage of growth. Company CFO, Jon Blair, has stepped into the role of interim president to guide this transition. Blair brings strong CPG experience and critical plant-based industry know-how to the role, having served as CFO at Rebbl and head of finance at Plum Organics.

Through this transitional period, Miyoko’s Creamery is making significant strides to perfect the art of creating cheese and butter from plant milks. The company continues to bring innovative, delicious and better-for-you dairy alternatives to market that appeal to consumers seeking plant-forward eating, including the company’s recently launched, category first-of-its-kind Cinnamon Raisin Plant Milk Cream Cheese product.

The company remains ever committed to delivering the highest quality vegan products to serve customers and challenge category norms with taste appeal, culinary excellence, and compassion. Through this commitment, Miyoko’s Creamery continues to be a Public Benefit Corporation with a stated public benefit that includes “selling new products that contain only plants, no animal ingredients, in order to eliminate animal suffering, reduce environmental stress, and improve human health”.

“Looking towards the future and exponential growth of the company, we are excited to continue and expand upon our brand mission and uphold our certified B Corporation of innovating products that only contain plant ingredients that are better for human health,” Blair said. “We also plan to make our current portfolio of products more available and to innovate products with simple, vegan ingredients, time-honored techniques, and delicious flavors.

“We continue to be driven by our core company values of craft, compassion, conviviality and courage, with these principles as our guiding light for future growth to come in the coming months and years.”

Miyoko’s cheese and butter are loved by chefs, pizzaiolos, cheesemongers, and sommeliers worldwide. Rapidly becoming a foodie favorite, Miyoko’s products are widely available in over 20,000 retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Target, Kroger and Walmart as well as in-home delivery services like Whole Foods Market via Amazon delivery and Instacart via select retailers, as well as on Miyokos.com.

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