Snak King CEO Barry Levin has received the Circle of Honor Award for his outstanding contributions to SNAC International, the snack industry and his accomplishments in growing Snak King. The presentation was made Aug. 23 at SNAXPO21 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Congratulations to Barry Levin and the entire Snak King family on this outstanding honor,” said Elizabeth Avery, president and CEO of SNAC International. “Barry is a terrific leader, entrepreneur and all-around special person. His extensive contributions to the snack industry and to the association continue today.”
In 1979, at age 21, Levin accepted an offer to manage a one-year-old, financially challenged pork rind manufacturing plant for absentee owners. Within the first year, he and his two fellow employees were able to make the company profitable.
Shortly thereafter, Levin had the opportunity to buy into the company, and over the following five years he purchased the balance of the business.
Snak King began by producing a single item out of a 1,200-square-foot facility and now manufactures more than 950 SKU’s with more than 1,000 associates in California and Illinois.
Levin has been a strong supporter and leader of the association from his early days in the industry. He served as western regional president in 1992 and as chairman of the board in 2001-02. He also served as chairman of SNAC’s Executive Leadership Forum Committee in 2006.
Levin believes SNAC International has played a major role in the development of Snak King, cherishing all the friendships made along the way. When torrential rains triggered Snak King’s roof to collapse in 2004, SNAC’s supplier members immediately activated to help rebuild the plant and help Levin reopen his business as quickly as possible.
“I knew I had to remain a member of the association and continue to grow my network of people I could rely on, and hopefully help them some day,” Levin said. “We have a responsibility to our companies, but we also have a responsibility to each other. The camaraderie and friendship are key to working together and making sure we all put out quality product.”
“Barry is really the snack king,” said Cindy Kuester, VP of sales at Snak King. “And I am so happy he is receiving this award. It’s people like Barry that really make things happen, create jobs and opportunities for people like me.”
Levin accepted the award at SNAXPO in front of his family including his wife, son and daughter, as well as his Snak King associates and hundreds of industry colleagues.
“I’m deeply humbled and grateful to receive the Circle of Honor Award,” Levin said. “This award is for all of us.”
Watch the video commemorating Barry Levin’s Circle of Honor induction here.
Founded in 1937, SNAC International (formerly Snack Food Association) is an international trade association for the snack industry representing more than 400 companies worldwide, including suppliers, marketers and manufacturers. Upon its three pillars of education, advocacy and networking, SNAC is committed to connecting the snack industry to create growth and opportunity. For more information, visit snacintl.org.
