Gourmet News

NGA Praises FTC for Challenge to Kroger, Albertsons Merger

Published February 28, 2024

The National Grocers Association issued a response to the Federal Trade Commission’s decision to challenge the merger between Kroger and Albertsons:

“Every day, America’s local independent supermarkets face economic challenges due to the influence of massive power buyer chains who use their leverage over suppliers at the expense of smaller rivals in the marketplace,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO. “NGA appreciates the FTC’s commitment to preserving competition in the grocery sector.”

The challenge underscores the importance of mitigating substantial buyer power wielded by the nation’s largest supermarket chains, which have been unchecked by federal regulators for decades. According to one study, four big food retailers now control 69 percent of the nation’s supermarket shelves, utilizing this dominance to exert pressure on suppliers, farmers and ranchers resulting in deals that shift higher prices onto smaller stores. This corporate marriage of two supermarket giants is engineered to enhance the largest conventional grocery chain’s leverage over suppliers at the expense of smaller rivals and grocery shoppers.

The risks associated with excessive buyer power have been on full display since COVID-era supply chain disruptions and the emergence of historic food price inflation. In the early part of the pandemic, dominant chains leveraged their influence to coercively squeeze food suppliers to meet specific trade demands. As the big box stores remained stocked, consumers in urban and rural areas who largely shop at independent grocery stores bore the brunt of these marketplace abuses and in many cases were left without household necessities. Independent grocers and their customers have also faced higher inflationary price increases as dominant national grocers used their dominant position to force higher inflationary burdens on their smaller competitors.

“NGA appreciates the FTC’s commitment to a competitive grocery industry, and we look forward to the FTC taking further action to level the playing field, including enforcing antitrust laws like the Robinson-Patman Act that prohibit economic discrimination against independent grocers and their customers,” said Chris Jones, NGA’s chief government relations officer and counsel.

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THesis Hotel Appoints Giua as Director of Restaurants, Bars

Published February 28, 2024

THesis Hotel, a lifestyle hotel in Coral Gables known for its chef-driven culinary concepts and exceptional dining experiences, has appointed Massimiliano Giua as director of restaurants and bars to lead the hotel to new heights while keeping it at the forefront of Miami’s culinary scene and maintaining its status as a cultural hub. Giua, with his wealth of expertise, will bring fresh perspectives to THesis Hotel’s culinary concepts, while continuing to celebrate the well-known flavors and innovative experiences that guests know and love.

“I am thrilled that Massimiliano Giua is joining THesis as our new Director of Restaurants and Bars,” said General Manager Vikash Maharaj. “With a passion for curating memorable experiences and a keen attention to detail, he is a dynamic leader when demonstrating the behaviors and qualities that represent the values of the hotel and its culinary concepts. His commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate the luxury hospitality industry has positioned him as a key player in shaping upscale experiences that he will now bring to THesis Hotel, further enhancing the guest experience. ”

Giua’s journey in the hospitality industry began with a strong foundation and has evolved into a distinguished career, starting in Italy and holding positions at various luxury properties in the United Kingdom, New York City and Miami. Recently, in 2019, Giua opened and took charge of managing the restaurant and bar staff at the prestigious Mr C Hotel by Cipriani in Coconut Grove, Miami. Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success. In this role, he successfully managed restaurant and bar staff and played a crucial role in maintaining client relationships to ensure a luxurious and memorable guest experience. His dedication to quality-driven service and team development set the stage for his continued success.

Giua’s career progression led him to his most recent role as the general manager at The Bath Club, a private membership club in Miami, where he assumed a comprehensive leadership role in 2023. Here, Giua oversaw all operational aspects, including sales and marketing, human resources, and food and beverage, contributing significantly to the club’s profitability and growth. His hands-on approach involved daily property inspections, meticulous payroll management, and coordination across various departments.

“As I step into my new role as director of restaurants and bars at THesis Hotel, I am committed to offering outstanding customer service while maintaining THesis Hotel’s renowned culinary reputation,” said Giua. “My extensive travel experiences and immersion in luxury hospitality have shaped my understanding of diverse cultures and exceptional customer service, inspiring my career in the industry. I constantly strive for excellence in service delivery and emphasize the importance of engaging with guests to create lasting connections, enhancing the overall dining experience, ensuring THesis Hotel continues to be a dynamic destination for culinary excellence.”

THesis Hotel Miami is located at 1350 S. Dixie Highway in Coral Gables and is home to the celebrated signature restaurant, Mamey. For more information, visit thesishotelmiami.com, call 305.667.5611, or follow the hotel on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Landing on the New York Times’ “36 Hours in Miami” guide, THesis Hotel Miami is a modern property that serves as a cultural hub in Coral Gables with 245 contemporary guest rooms and suites in a strikingly designed building. THesis is a culinary-driven property with luxury amenities that include a sun-filled rooftop pool with tropical views, a poolside bar perfect for soaking up the Florida sun and an open-air paseo.

With a robust year-round calendar of programming and events – all open to the public – THesis is not only a hotel but a destination where curious, like-minded individuals exchange ideas, celebrate art, discover new cultural experiences and engage with the community. Conceived as a modern-day town square and communal gathering space at the intersection of three historic neighborhoods – Coral Gables, South Miami and Coconut Grove – THesis fosters genuine connection and creative expression. Follow on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking Honors Lotus Foods CEO Burke

Published February 27, 2024

Lotus Foods CEO Andrew Burke has been honored with a 2024 MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking. Presented by Big Path Capital, this accolade underscores Burke’s visionary leadership and commitment to driving positive change within the industry.

“This award recognizes the great work being done by every member of our team,” says Burke. “We are dedicated to scaling our impact and building on the legacy that Ken and Caryl began more than 29 years ago.”

Andrew Burke assumed the role of CEO in July 2023, succeeding co-founders Caryl Levine and Ken Lee, who were honored for the same award in 2023 for promoting organic and regenerative rice-growing practices. Levine and Lee continue to serve as visionaries on the board. Since arriving at Lotus Foods in 2019, Burke has adeptly navigated the company through challenging times, including the pandemic, efficiently scaling the business. This transition marks a pivotal moment in Lotus Foods’ nearly three-decade journey, as the company reaffirms its dedication to advancing sustainable and equitable food systems.

Reflecting on Burke’s tenure, Levine and Lee remarked, “Andrew’s leadership has been instrumental in propelling Lotus Foods forward, enhancing revenue streams, and attracting top-tier talent. Andrew’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment make him the ideal candidate to lead the company into its next phase of evolution, expanding regenerative organic agriculture and combating climate change.”

Burke’s recognition takes into account his decades of leadership and relevant industry experience prior to taking up the reins at Lotus Foods, including as CEO of TCHO Chocolate. Alongside fellow honorees, Burke joins the 2024 MO 100 cohort, inspiring and empowering businesses to prioritize impact and purpose. This year’s honorees reflect the burgeoning momentum of companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility.

Michael Whelchel, founder and CEO of Big Path, lauded the honorees, stating, “The MO 100 Top Impact CEO Ranking celebrates leaders who harness the power of capitalism to foster shared prosperity. These CEOs are driving transformative change, championing a new paradigm of capitalism that prioritizes positive outcomes for all stakeholders.”

The 2024 MO 100 ranking spotlights 100 executives spearheading social and environmental impact within high-growth enterprises. These leaders exemplify the value of stakeholder-focused business models, which prioritize the well-being of shareholders, employees, customers, communities, and the environment alike.

With half the world’s population relying on rice for sustenance, Lotus Foods has long been at the forefront of promoting sustainable rice farming practices and biodiversity. Since its inception in 1995, the company has championed organic farming methods, farmer resilience, and initiatives empowering women. Lotus Foods’ latest Impact Report showcases its ongoing commitment to creating positive change in the industry and in rice-farming communities.

Burke and his fellow honorees will be celebrated at the MO 100 Awards Gala during the 2024 MO CEO Summit, scheduled for April 15-17, 2024, in Austin, Texas. The event will convene 200 purpose-driven CEOs for insightful panels, networking opportunities, and collaborative endeavors.

Since 1995, Lotus Foods has partnered in direct and fair trade with small family farmers around the world who are growing rice more sustainably while preserving rice biodiversity. Lotus Foods’ product line includes pigmented heirloom and organic rice varieties such as Forbidden Rice, Jade Pearl Rice, Red Rice, traditional Basmati and Jasmine Rice and Tri-color Rice as well as Rice Ramen, Pad Thai Rice Noodles and Rice Ramen Noodle Soup Cups. Products are available at major retailers nationwide.

As a certified B Corporation, Lotus Foods is committed to “Changing How Rice Is Grown around the World” by focusing on rice grown using the System of Rice Intensification, which it calls More Crop Per Drop. SRI minimizes water usage, builds soil, empowers women, rewards farmers with higher yields, and reduces climate impact. Lotus Foods’ basmati farmers who use these practices were the first rice farmers ever to be Regenerative Organic Certified and recently achieved the Gold level, making Lotus Foods’ Organic White and Brown Basmati Rice the only ROC Gold certified rice.

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