Specialty Food Association Debuts Lifetime Achievement

In honor of those who have pioneered the way in the specialty food industry, the Specialty Food Association announced the debut of its Lifetime Achievement Awards.

As defined by the association’s Lifetime Achievement Awards Committee, the purpose of the award is to “identify and celebrate the actions and special qualities of those persons widely recognized as having grown the industry, improved the association, inspired companies and nurtured individuals.”

Working from a list of more than 100 individuals, the committee selected the following specialty food leaders as recipients of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award:

• Harold Anderson, Haddon House Food Products Inc., Medford, N.J.: A visionary who became one of the most respected and successful men in the specialty food industry. This distributor is remembered for his exceptionally ethical business approach (awarded posthumously).
• Mario Foah, Foah International, Atlanta: Foah pioneered the introduction of Italian specialty foods into the United States, beginning in 1952, and fostered the popularity of balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes and even espresso machines.
•  Anthony R. “Tony” Matthews, Food From Britain, Atlanta: Matthews built the presence of imported British foods throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico via innovative promotions and partnerships.
• Max Ries, Reese Finer Foods, Chicago: Max Ries was a showman who created a market for specialty foods through the introduction of innovative products and marketing acumen (awarded posthumously).
• Russ Vernon, West Point Market, Akron, Ohio: Vernon demonstrated that specialty foods could be in demand beyond the East Coast. His West Point Market in Akron is regarded as one of the outstanding specialty food retailers in America.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented yesterday at the Summer Fancy Food Show as part of the red-carpet keynote event and sofi™ Awards ceremony at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

A special display about the lives and accomplishments of the Lifetime Achievement honorees wase presented at Javits Center in the center’s Crystal Palace throughout the show.