Two of Festival Foods’ senior directors, Jackie Johnson and Jessica Fontenot, were recently named Champions of Change by the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA).
The award recognizes leaders in the food industry who are making a positive impact on their companies and communities. Johnson and Fontenot, both in Festival’s Fresh Foods Department, were hailed for their innovative contributions.
[RELATED: Festival Foods Recognizes 2023 Business Partners Of The Year]
As senior director of fresh item management at Festival Foods, Johnson has implemented AI technology in the deli and bakery departments. This approach is helping teams prepare for future challenges and has resulted in several gains, including increased sales and reduced inventory loss. In addition, Johnson has streamlined operations and enhanced flexibility in labor scheduling with employees.
In her role as senior director of bakery, Fontenot has fostered a culture of openness, collaboration and innovation. Under her guidance, Festival Foods’ bakery department has seen growth in sales, gross profit and distribution. Initiatives such as launching a new cake commissary and partnering with local suppliers have elevated the bakery experience for customers.
Johnson and Fontenot promote the company’s values of servant leadership and commitment to associate development.
About Festival Foods
Founded in 1946 as Skogen’s IGA, Festival Foods is a Wisconsin family- and employee-owned grocer. The company, which began operating as Festival Foods in 1990, has more than 8,000 full- and part-time employees and operates 41 full-service supermarkets across the state.
