Last updated on June 13th, 2024
Fresh food producer FiveStar Gourmet Foods is bringing aboard produce industry veteran Michael Solomon as president, effective immediately. Reporting to CEO Tal Shoshan, Solomon will oversee all day-to-day operations out of the company’s Ontario, California headquarters.
Shoshan will continue to oversee the company’s innovation and strategic growth.
FiveStar Gourmet Foods owns Simply Fresh and has been producing healthy foods for more than two decades. With multiple processing SQF level 3 USDA/FDA facilities nationwide, FiveStar produces and distributes a complete line of retail and foodservice products that are both premium and affordable.
“Growth and innovation in the fresh prepared foods landscape has only intensified through the pandemic. We are expecting continued strong performance and Michael’s specific expertise is a driving factor in our future success as a premium producer of smart and delicious fresh prepared foods,” said Shoshan. “Michael will be working closely with us to streamline operations, identify new strategic partners and help continue to strengthen our position as the fastest growing brand within fresh value-added.”
Solomon earned a degree in business and managerial economics from Union College and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. He joins FiveStar Gourmet Foods from Dole Fresh Vegetables, where he also served as president. Prior to this, he held roles as president at Pom Wonderful and president and CEO of Ready Pac Foods, where he led the organization through several years of record performance. Solomon also has run a successful business consultancy for more than 30 years.
“Tal and I have a long history as both competitors and friends. I admire his drive and commitment to growth and innovation in the category,” said Solomon. “I’ve been impressed with FiveStar’s market position and have a strong vision for how we’ll collaborate to take the company to the next level. FiveStar has a modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure, an unparalleled food safety record and the strongest innovation pipeline in the industry. It’s easy to see that FiveStar has a clear path for major growth, and I am really excited to join as president.”
Retailers’ efforts to repurpose salad bars coupled with ongoing consumer demand for fresh, healthy packaged meals and salads amid the pandemic have helped grow the category over the past year. FiveStar Gourmet Foods has observed growth based on its convenient, portable offerings, including seasonal and limited time offering salad options. The company also recently partnered with Beyond Meat to launch a new line of alternative protein salads.
To view the product lineup and learn more about FiveStar Gourmet Foods, visit FiveStarGourmetFoods.com.
