Hundreds of food industry executives from across the state gathered May 21 for The New Jersey Food Council’s annual Night of Distinction, which recognized three industry leaders for their impact on the industry, community service and helping advance the NJFC’s mission.
The Industry Achievement Award honorees included Steve Heggelke, EVP of merchandising and procurement for Bozzuto’s, Bob Unanue, founder of Goya Cares, and Mike Stigers, president and COO of Wakefern Food Corp.
“To everyone joining us tonight, it is true that we all represent a remarkable industry during extraordinary times,” said Linda Doherty, NJFC president and CEO. “We thank you for your support, we appreciate your engagement, and we are grateful for your friendship and commitment.”
Jason Read of Wawa, who chairs the NJFC’s board of directors, said the group “stands together with purpose, vision and remains united” in its mission to advance, foster and protect the New Jersey food industry.
“We are thankful for an active and engaged board that stands together on industry issues, challenges and triumphs,” he said. “Whether it’s advocating to advance the organized retail crime bill into law or opposing burdensome legislation, the NJFC board serves as one essential and effective voice for the industry.”
Gary Capozzi of Pepsi Beverages Co., who served as master of ceremonies, described the turnout as a “who’s who” of the New Jersey grocery industry.
“We come together to celebrate and pay tribute to our industry leaders who have helped us strive to be the best-in-class food trade association in the country, all because of your support,” he said.
Leftover food from the event was donated to Table to Table, a nonprofit food rescue organization in Saddle Brook.
The NJFC represents nearly 400 companies, including 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 people.
A closer look at the award recipients:
Steve Heggelke
Heggelke joined Bozzuto’s in 1997 as director of sales and merchandising for Adam’s Super Food Stores. Today, he is responsible for all merchandising, procurement and chain store sales areas.
He also serves on the board of directors for FMI – The Food Industry Association and the National Grocers Association. He also is director emeritus and past chairman of the Northeast Wholesale Food Distributors Association.
Bob Unanue
Unanue was a part of New Jersey-based and family-owned Goya for nearly 50 years, where he led the largest Hispanic-owned food company in U.S., including more than two decades as president and CEO.
Unanue used the company’s international platform to better the world through Goya Gives – a program that supports more than 300 charitable endeavors, programs, scholarships and events – and Goya Cares, a global initiative to show solidarity against child trafficking.
Mike Stigers
Stigers’ grocery career spans five decades, starting as a part-time courtesy clerk in California. He’s worked every aspect of the business, including retail, wholesale, operations, merchandising and supply chain.
Stigers has held numerous national leadership roles, including past president of the Western Association of Food Chains and former chair of the National Grocers Association.
He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, mentoring the next generation of food industry leaders.
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