Food Marketing Partners: Expertise Rooted in Industry Relationships

Food Marketing Partners is a collaborative network of seasoned consulting professionals with deep expertise across every facet of the food industry. Born from decades of trusted relationships and hands-on experience in both domestic and international markets, the network offers strategic insights and tailored solutions to help food businesses grow, innovate, and thrive in a competitive landscape.
​

• ​Chef Warehouse Market Report​

Why John R. Fugazzie is the Leader for Food Exchange

​John R. Fugazzie brings decades of hands-on leadership and strategic expertise in the food industry, making him uniquely qualified to guide Food Exchange. His career spans executive roles in supermarket operations and food distribution, including:

• Wakefern / ShopRite – Managed large-scale retail operations and supply chain strategies for one of the nation’s leading supermarket cooperatives.
• Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A\&P) – Oversaw merchandising and category management for a historic grocery brand, driving innovation and customer engagement.
• Cheese Importing Expertise – Served in senior roles with Anco and Schratter, two of the most respected names in specialty cheese importing, ensuring quality and authenticity in global sourcing.
• Domestic Cheese Leadership – Worked with Stella, a premier domestic cheese brand, to expand market presence and strengthen partnerships across retail and foodservice channels.

John’s deep knowledge of product development, supply chain logistics, and consumer trends, combined with his commitment to authenticity and sustainability, positions him as a visionary leader for Food Exchange. His experience bridges international trade and local retail, ensuring that Food Exchange delivers trusted insights, curated products, and industry connections for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

join the helping-Food Business and Careers Development LinkedIn Group

​Food Industry Articles of significance
​

New York Bans Grocers From Refusing Cash Payments

Kroger’s Corporate Employees Must Return to Office 5 Days a Week

Schnucks’ Parent Company Completes Acquisition of Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers

U.S. eGrocery Sales Growth Hits Record $12.5 Billion in September

Amazon Launches New Private Label Grocery Brand
The new Amazon Grocery own brand includes more than 1,000 items and unites the Amazon Fresh and Happy Belly brands

​Aldi Rebranding Private Label Assortment
The grocer's new effort will give the Aldi name prominence on product packaging

​Amazon to Deliver Winn-Dixie Groceries In Florida

Study: Specialty Coffee Consumption Hits All-Time High

The Fresh Market Named Best Grocery Store by USA TODAY

U.S. eGrocery Sales Hit Record High in August 2025: What You Need to Know

Kraft Heinz splits into two companies

A Fresh Perspective: Consumers Value Premium, Minimally Processed Foods

Wakefern Buying Morton Williams Supermarkets

Young Men Aren’t Drinking—and the Industry Should Pay Attention to Why

"Brazilian mango growers are on the brink of collapse due to new U.S. tariffs"

Ferrero Group to Acquire Kellogg

Del Monte Foods Files Chapter 11, Seeks Buyer July 2, 2025
The 138-year-old American subsidiary of a Singapore holding company will continue operating with a $912.5 million loan until a buyer is found; blames ‘challenges intensified by a dynamic macroeconomic environment.’

​C&S Wholesale Grocers acquires SpartanNash for $1.77B
​SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam had previously said the distributor was hungry for M&A opportunities

NRA 2025 Show: Key Trends for Hispanic Retailers

Walmart Remains Dominant Grocery Retailer

eGrocery Sales Jump to $9.7 Billion as Delivery Gains Momentum

Colombian avocado season expands

​Amazon restructures its grocery and c-store business

Dollar General hits $40B in fiscal year net sales for first time

January visits to Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's were up more than 7% from last year, according to foot traffic data from Placer.ai. That's double the increases for Walmart and Target.

Fresh Produce Captures US Grocery Shoppers’ Interest, but Tariffs May Push Prices Upward

The Fresh Market Opens 1st Spirits & Wine Store

The U.S. beverage industry is vast and diverse, encompassing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Here are some key statistics for various categories:
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Soft Drinks: Accounted for approximately $297.5 billion in revenue in 2022[1].
• Bottled Water: The second-most profitable category, with retail sales of $1.2 billion in 2019[1].
• Liquid Refreshment Beverages (LRB): Includes bottled water, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit beverages, ready-to-drink coffee and tea, sports beverages, and value-added water[2].

Alcoholic Beverages

• Alcoholic Beverage Industry: Generated $252.8 billion in sales in 2019[1].
• Beer: One of the largest segments within alcoholic beverages, contributing significantly to overall sales[1].

Overall Market

• Total Market Cap: The U.S. beverage industry had a total market cap of $762.3 billion as of December 2022[1].

These figures highlight the significant economic impact of the beverage industry in the U.S. 

References
[1] 15+ U.S. Beverage Industry Statistics [2023]: Refreshing ... - Zippia
[2] Non-alcoholic beverages and soft drinks in the U.S. - Statista

The lowest alcohol content among spiked seltzers is 2% ABV (alcohol by volume), found in Pacer Low Proof Seltzer[1]. This makes it a lighter option compared to most other hard seltzers, which typically range from 4% to 5% ABV[2][1].
References
[1] The Calories, Carbs, and Alcohol in Every Hard Seltzer Brand - VinePair
[2] List Of Hard Seltzers In America By Alcohol Content ABV

​The history of home milk delivery is quite fascinating and dates back to the late 1700s. Here's a brief overview:
​
Early Beginnings

• Late 1700s: Home milk delivery began in Vermont in 1785. At this time, families typically had their own cows, but as people moved to urban areas, they started buying milk from local dairy farmers
• Early 1800s: Milk was delivered in bulk containers, and customers would use their own jugs or pails to collect it

The Rise of Glass Milk Bottles

• 1878: The first glass milk bottle was patented, making it easier to deliver and track milk
• 1884: Henry D. Thatcher invented a glass milk bottle with a cap, further improving the delivery process

Peak of Milk Delivery

• 1920s-1950s: Home milk delivery became very popular. Milkmen delivered fresh milk daily to ensure it didn't spoil, as refrigeration was not common in homes
  . Insulated boxes or milk boxes built into homes were used to keep the milk fresh

Decline and Modern Resurgence

• Mid-1900s: The rise of supermarkets and household refrigerators led to a decline in home milk delivery. People began buying milk from stores and storing it at home
• Today: While not as common as it once was, home milk delivery has seen a resurgence in some areas, with companies offering fresh, local milk and other dairy products delivered directly to customers' homes

Here are some of the largest milk home delivery companies in the USA:

1. Royal Crest Dairy: Based in Colorado, Royal Crest Dairy has been providing home delivery of milk and other dairy products since 1927
2. ​Shatto Milk Company: This family-owned dairy farm in Missouri offers home delivery of fresh milk and other dairy products
3. Modern Milkman: Operating in Connecticut, Modern Milkman delivers fresh milk and other farm products directly to customers' homes
4. Marburger Farm Dairy: Located in Pennsylvania, Marburger Farm Dairy provides home delivery of milk and other dairy products,

Here's a comparison of sales between fluid milk and plant-based milk alternatives in the U.S.:
Fluid Milk

• Total Sales: Fluid milk sales have been declining over the years. In 2022, the U.S. retail sales of fluid milk amounted to approximately 40 billion pounds[1].

Plant-Based Milk Alternatives

• Total Sales: Plant-based milk alternatives have been growing in popularity. In 2024, sales of plant-based milk alternatives amounted to $2.9 billion[2].

While fluid milk still dominates in terms of volume, plant-based alternatives are gaining traction, driven by changing consumer preferences and dietary habits[3].

References
[1] Fluid Milk Consumption Continues Downward Trend, Proving Difficult to ...
[2] U.S. plant-based milks - statistics & facts | Statista
[3] Similar yet different: Meet today’s consumer of dairy and alternatives ...
​

​To calculate the sales equivalent of 40 billion pounds of milk, we need to know the current price per pound. As of March 2025, the price of milk is approximately $18.62 per hundredweight (cwt)[1]. Since 1 hundredweight equals 100 pounds, the price per pound is $0.1862.
Calculation:[ \text{Total Sales} = 40 \text{ billion pounds} \times \$0.1862 \text{ per pound} ] [ \text{Total Sales} = 40,000,000,000 \times 0.1862 ] [ \text{Total Sales} \approx \$7.448 \text{ billion} ]
So, the sales equivalent of 40 billion pounds of milk is approximately $7.448 billion[1].
Would you like to explore more about milk pricing trends or other dairy products?

References
[1] Milk PRICE Today | Milk Spot Price Chart | Live Price of Milk per Ounce ...

Over the past decade, milk consumption in the United States has seen a significant decline. Here are some key points:

• Per Capita Consumption: Americans have reduced their milk consumption by over 50 pounds per capita[1]. This trend is projected to continue, with consumption expected to reach just over 126 pounds per person by 2032[1].
• Fluid Milk: The decline in fluid milk consumption has been particularly notable, falling at a faster rate during the 2010s than in previous decades[2]. In 2019, the daily per capita consumption of fluid milk was 0.49 cups, down from 0.62 cups in 2010[2].

Despite efforts to reverse this trend, changing dietary habits and the rise of plant-based milk alternatives have contributed to the ongoing decrease in milk consumption[2].


References
[1] U.S. milk market - statistics & facts | Statista
[2] Fluid Milk Consumption Continues Downward Trend, Proving Difficult to ...

In the United States, milk sales encompass various types and categories. Here are some key statistics:

• Total Milk Sales: In 2022, the U.S. retail sales of milk amounted to approximately 40 billion pounds[1].
• Whole Milk: This category led the market, generating sales of over 14 billion pounds[1].

These figures highlight the significant consumption of milk across different varieties.

References
[1] U.S. milk market - statistics & facts | Statista

Cencosud operates several well-known retail food store banners across Latin America and the U.S. Here are the main ones:
Chile

• Jumbo – Hypermarkets
• Santa Isabel – Supermarkets

Argentina

• Jumbo – Hypermarkets
• Disco – Supermarkets
• Vea – Discount supermarkets

Brazil

• GBarbosa – Supermarkets
• Prezunic – Supermarkets
• Bretas – Supermarkets
• Perini – Specialty food stores

Colombia

• Jumbo – Hypermarkets
• Metro – Supermarkets

Peru

• Wong – Premium supermarkets
• Metro – Supermarkets

United States

• The Fresh Market – Specialty grocery stores

They also operate convenience stores and e-commerce platforms under various names in these countries.
Would you like me to also include their non-food retail banners (like department stores and home improvement) or focus only on food retail?

As of mid-2025, The Fresh Market operates 178–179 stores across the U.S.:

• ScrapeHero reports 179 locations in 22 states (data from August 19, 2025) [scrapehero.com]
• POI-data (July 2025) lists 216 locations—this likely includes specialty formats like "Spirits & Wine" [poidata.io]
• Company press releases confirm 172 total stores as of May 2025, with new openings adding at least three more by August/September [thefreshmarket.com], [progressiv…grocer.com]

📈 Summary:
If counting core grocery stores, about 178–179 locations nationwide.

Here are Cencosud’s non-food retail banners across its markets:
Department Stores

• Paris – Fashion, apparel, and home goods (Chile, Peru)
• Johnson – Apparel and accessories (Chile)

Home Improvement

• Easy – Home improvement and DIY (Chile, Argentina, Colombia)
• Blaisten – Specialized home décor and construction materials (Argentina)

Shopping Centers

• Cencosud Shopping – Operates malls and commercial centers in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru

Financial Services

• Cencosud Scotiabank – Credit cards and financial products (Chile, Argentina)

These banners complement their food retail operations and make Cencosud one of the largest diversified retailers in Latin America.

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food-trade-news-market-study-issue-june-2024.pdf
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File Type:	pdf

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NY Metro Market Study 2024

NY Metro Market Study 2023: 
https://www.foodtradenews.com/2023/06/27/food-trade-news-2023-market-study-issue/

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The PG 100: The Biggest Players in Grocery Retail
Progressive Grocer releases annual list of North America's top food and consumables retailerpg_100.xlsx
Download File

At a Crossroads: Progressive Grocer's 90th Annual Report
12 imperatives for grocers looking to thrive in an era of change

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Walmart, Amazon far ahead of supermarkets among online shoppers, survey finds
​

Prior results 2023
Jan. 2023 U.S. eGrocery Sales Dip 1.2% from Year Ago to $8.4 Billion
Feb. 2023 U.S. eGrocery Sales total $8.8 Billion, up 1.5% YOY
Mar. 2023 U.S. eGrocery Sales total $8 billion, down 7.6% vs. year ago
April 2023 U.S. eGrocery sales inch up 1% vs. year ago to $8.2 billion as market evolves
May U.S. eGrocery sales down 3.4% versus year ago, finishing at $6.9 billion

2022
Jan 2022 U.S. Online Grocery Results: Pickup defied downward YOY sales trend
Feb 2022 U.S. Online Grocery: Sales reach $8.7 billion, up nearly 9% vs last year
​Mar 2022 U.S. Online Grocery: Sales total $8.7 billion, down 6% vs last year
Apr 2022 U.S. Online Grocery: Sales total $8.1 billion, down nearly 4% vs last year
May 2022 Total U.S. eGrocery Sales Up Almost 2% versus last year to $7.1 Billion
June 2022 U.S. Online eGrocery: Sales total $7.2 billion, up 6% versus prior year
July 2022 U.S. eGrocery sales climb 17% versus year ago to $7.8 billion
Aug 2022 U.S. eGrocery sales down 1% versus year ago to $8.5 billion
Sept 2022: Third Quarter Ends with Mixed Results for eGrocery Sales
Oct 2022 U.S eGrocery Sales hold steady at $7.8 billion MOM but down 3% YOY
Nov 2022 U.S. eGrocery Sales Total $7.7 Billion, a 10% Drop Versus Year Ago
Dec. 2022 U.S. eGrocery Sales reach $9.1 Billion, up 2.4% YOY

​Marketing/Business Leadership

• ​   Advisory Councils
•    B Corporations
•    Branding
•    Business Development
•    Business Incubation
• ​   Category Management
•    CR Management
•    e-Commerce
•    Ethnic Marketing
•    Leadership Development
•    Marketing Strategy
• ​   Mentoring
•    Mergers & Acquisitions 
•    Omni-channel strategy
• ​   Product with Purpose
•    Social Change Management
•    Social Media Marketing
•    Start-ups   
•    Strategic Partnerships
•    Talent Pipeline Development

Community Leadership

• ​  Community Engagement
•   Community Social Impact 
•   Diversity
•   Economic Development
•   Employee Engagement
•   Local hire
•   Non Profit Leadership
•   Social Responsibility 
•   Workforce Development

​​Food Category Expertise

•   Beer & Wine
•    Alcohol Beverages
•    Perishable Foods
•    Frozen Foods
•    ​Hydroponic Grown Foods
•    Imported Foods
•    Meat Products
•    Organic Foods   
• ​   Produce
•    Seafood
•    Specialty Foods

EU Food Farming Fisheries
​commission.europa.eu/food-farming-fisheries_en

CEA page

Food Processing

Greek Yogurt Market To Reach $11.2B Globally By 2027
​
16 Different Types of Butter and How to Use Them

Presentations from NY Produce Show 2024
​​Presentations from NY Produce Show Conferences

NJ Agriculture_industry_profile_summer_2024.pdf
Download File

05-25_cw_market_report.pdf
File Size:	1387 kb
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NJ Retail Labor Market information.pdf Download File
RETAILERS 
​Windsight Grocery​
Tempur Sealy closes $5B Mattress Firm takeover, plans rebrand to Somnigroup

​Kansas City, MO 64112-2513
816-756-1000 | Toll-free: 800-338-6201
[email protected]

bakemag.com
bakingbusiness.com
dairyprocessing.com
foodbusinessnews.net
meatpoultry.com
petfoodprocessing.net

supermarketperimeter.com
world-grain.com
foodentrepreneurexperience.com
purchasingseminar.com
soslandtrends.com

​Trade Publications
Advertising Age
Brand Marketing
Brandweek
Chile Pepper Magazine
Convenience Store News
Delicious!
Discount Store News
Food Manufacturing
Food Product Design
Gourmet Retailer
Natural Foods Merchandiser Prepared Foods
Progressive Grocer Promo Magazine Supermarket News

​Food Associations / Organizations list:

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
Almond Board of California
American Assoc. of Candy Technologists
American Assoc. of Cereal Chemists
American Assoc. of Meat Processors
American Bakers Assoc.
American Cheese Society
American Chemical Society
American Correctional Food Service Assoc.
American Dairy Products Institute, 312/782-4888
American Dairy Science Assoc.
American Dietetic Assoc.
American Egg Board
American Frozen Food Institute
American Institute of Baking
American Institute of Wine & Food, 415/255-3000
American Meat Institute
American Meat Science Assoc.
American Mushroom Institute
American Oil Chemists Society
American Peanut Council, 703/838-9500
American School Foodservice Assoc.
American Shrimp Processors Assoc., 504/368-1571
American Society of Baking
American Society of Brewing Chemists
American Soybean Assoc.
American Spice Trade Assoc.
American Sugar Alliance
American Sugar Beet Growers Assoc.
American Wholesale Marketers Assoc.
AOAC International
Apple Processors Assoc.
Apricot Producers of California
Aseptic Packaging Council
Assoc. for Dressings & Sauces
Assoc. of Food & Drug Officials
Assoc. of Sales & Marketing Companies

Bakery Industry Sanitation Standards Committee, 773/274-3242
Beer Institute
Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers Assoc.

California Avocado Commission
California Date Administrative Committee
California Egg Commission
California Fig Advisory Board
California Pistachio Commission
California Prune Board
California Strawberry Commission
Cheese Importers Assoc. of America,212/753-7500
Cherry Marketing Institute Inc.
Chilled Foods Assoc., 404/252-3663
Chocolate Manufacturers Assoc. of the U.S.A.
Closure Manufacturers Assoc.
Composite Can & Tube Institute
Cookie & Snack Bakers Assoc., 423/472-1561
Corn Refiners Assoc. Inc.
Council for Responsible Nutrition
Cranberry Institute, 508/295-4132

Eastern Perishable Products Assoc.

Flavor & Extract Manufacturing Assoc., 202/293-5800
Flexible Packaging Assoc.
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Assoc.
Florida Tomato Committee
The Food & Drug Law Institute
Food Distributors International
Food Executives International Foundation, 301/469-8716
Food Ingredient Distributors Assoc., 219/432-3033
Food Institute
Food Marketing Institute
Food Processing Machinery & Supplies Assoc.
Food Processors Institute
Foodservice and Packaging Institute

Glass Packaging Institute
The Glutamate Assoc.
Grocery Manufacturers of America

The Hazelnut Council
Hazelnut Marketing Board

Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onions
Idaho Potato Commission
Independent Bakers Assoc.
Institute of Food Technologists
Institute of Packaging Professionals
Institute of Shortening & Edible Oils Inc.
International Assoc. of Food Industry Suppliers
International Assoc. for Food Protection
International Bottled Water Assoc.
International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Assoc.
International Dairy Foods Assoc.
International Food Additives Council
International Food Information Council
International Foodservice Manufacturers Assoc.
International Ice Cream Assoc.
International Jelly & Preserve Assoc.
International Society of Beverage Technologists

Kosher Foods Distributors Assoc.

Meat Industry Suppliers Assoc.
Mid-America Food Processors Assoc., 614/889-0882
Midwest Food Processors Assoc.
Milk Industry Foundation

National Assoc. for the Specialty Food Trade
National Assoc. of Beverage Importers
National Assoc. of Fruits, Flavors & Syrups
National Assoc. of Margarine Manufacturers
National Assoc. of Wholesaler-Distributors, 202/872-0885
National Beer Wholesalers Assoc., 703/683-4300
National Beverage Packaging Assoc.
National Chicken Council
National Cattlemen's Beef Assoc.
National Cheese Institute
National Coffee Assoc.
National Confectioners Assoc.
National Corn Growers Assoc.
National Cottonseed Products Assoc.
National Fisheries Institute
National Food Distributors Assoc.
National Food Processors Assoc.
National Frozen Food Assoc.
National Frozen Pizza Institute, 703/821-0770
National Grocers Assoc., 703/437-5300
National Honey Board
National Ice Cream & Yogurt Retailers Assoc. Inc.
National Institute of Oilseed Products
National Juice Products Assoc.
National Meat Assoc.
National Meat Canners Assoc., 703/841-3680
National Milk Producers Federation
National Nutritional Foods Assoc.
National Oilseed Processors Assoc.
National Paperbox Assoc.
National Pasta Assoc.
National Pecan Shellers Assoc.
National Pork Producers Council
National Potato Council
National Prepared Food Assoc.
National Restaurant Assoc.
National Soft Drink Assoc.
National Sunflower Assoc.
National Turkey Federation
National Watermelon Assoc., 912/775-2130
National Yogurt Assoc.
North American Blueberry Council
North American Meat Processors Assoc.
North American Millers' Assoc., 202/484-2200
Northeast Fresh Foods Alliance, 617/963-9726
Northwest Food Processors Assoc.
Organic Trade Assoc.
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)
Paperboard Packaging Council
Peanut & Tree Nut Processors Assoc.
Peanut Advisory Board
The Peanut Institute Inc.
Pear Bureau Northwest
Pet Food Institute
Plastics Institute of America Inc.
Private Label Manufacturers Assoc.
Processed Apples Institute
Produce Marketing Assoc.
Refrigerated Foods Assoc., 770/452-0660
Research Chefs Association
R&D Associates
Retailer's Bakery Association
Salt Institute
Scale Manufacturers Assoc. Inc.
Snack Food Assoc.
Society for Foodservice Management
Southeastern Food Processors Association
Soy Protein Council
The Sugar Assoc.
Tea Assoc. of the USA Inc.
Tortilla Industry Assoc.
United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Assoc.
United Soybean Board
U.S. Dairy Export Council
U.S. Meat Export Federation
U.S. Poultry & Egg Assoc.
USA Rice Federation
Walnut Marketing Board
Washington State Apple Commission
Wheat Foods Council

​Government Food-Related Links
Consumer Information Center
Food and Nutrition Information Center
The National Agriculture Library
The New NLEA Food Label Page from the FDA
Nutrient Data Lab of the USDA's Ag Research Service
U.S.D.A. Home Page

American Association of Meat Proccessors
A.W.M.A. American Wholesale Marketers Association
California Avocado Commission
California Specialty Foods Association
Canadian Food Brokers Assn
Grocery Manufacturers of America
FMI
(Food Marketing Institute)
FPI (Food Service & Packaging Institute)
International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation
Nat. Amer. Whlsl. Grocer's Assn.-Intnat'l. Foodservice Distributors Assn.
Saskathewan Food Industry
SFA (Snack Food Assn)

Food Import Associations / Organizations
Authentic Italian Foods Association USA

American Association of Exporters and Importers

Cheese Importers Association of America

Food Export Associations / Organizations
Food Export USA