New Jersey’s food retail and distribution industry gathered April 14 at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino for the New Jersey Food Council’s annual Trade Relations Conference.
The theme of the conference was the “AI Revolution and How Retailers Go to Market.” The event gave food industry leaders the opportunity to examine next-level discoveries redefining food distribution, AI infrastructure and supply chain relationships.
“Trade relations is the pulse of the mission of the [NJFC] as it drives our beyond essential $157 billion food distribution industry in New Jersey,” said Jason Read of Wawa, chairman of the NJFC board of directors.
“This conference reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering strong trade partnerships, engaging our members, and elevating the industry to the next level. Moreover, this conference exemplifies the Food Council’s dedication of staying ahead of emerging trends and shaping the future of food distribution. With an exceptional roster of speakers, we aim to inspire, inform, and strengthen our food industry. NJFC is ensuring our industry not only thrives today but also leads the way into the next 250 years of growth, opportunity and progress.”
From advanced data analytics and predictive insights to personalized marketing and smarter merchandising, AI is redefining how the industry connects with customers and positions its products.
“The way AI technology is transforming our industry is nothing short of remarkable, and having leaders share their expertise helps us all navigate this rapidly evolving landscape with greater confidence and excitement,” said Linda Doherty, NJFC president and CEO. “I’m sure all our attendees learned something new.”
Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award presented
The conference was also the opportunity to present the annual Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award. The award recognizes a leader who brings together all aspects of the food business, stimulates thoughtful ideas, enhances trade goals, participates actively in Food Council priorities and supports the overall mission of the statewide association.
This year the award was presented to Ken Scher, SVP of business development at Associated Supermarket Group. Scher was honored for his dedication to the food council, his inspiring enthusiasm for fostering trade relations and his act of kindness as a founder of Friends of the Food Industry.
“Ken is truly deserving of this award for his remarkable 45-year journey in the grocery industry, where his leadership, dedication, and relationships have made a lasting impact on everyone,” said Jonathan D’Onofrio, EVP of operations at ASG, who presented the award. “Beyond Ken’s professional success, his heartfelt commitment to helping others through Friends of the Food Industry truly reflects the kind of person he is.”
[RELATED: ASG SVP Scher Receives NJFC’s Trade Relations Award]
Fireside chat and expert panel
Following the award presentation, the NJFC heard an engaging 45-minute fireside chat. The conversation was between Sean Thompson, president of Albertsons Companies Mid-Atlantic Division, and Mike Styer, NJFC board vice chair and VP of sales support for Albertsons Mid Atlantic. The two industry veterans shared an in-depth discussion about AI and other hot topics.
Attendees also heard from a panel of visionaries who examined cutting-edge AI tools and trends shaping the future of food trade. The panel was moderated by Lawrence Inserra III, president of Inserra Price Rite.
The panel included:
- Alice Fang, VP of enterprise data and innovation at C&S Wholesale Grocers;
- Michael Johnson, president of New Jersey Innovation Institute; and
- Seth Nieman, chief strategy officer at ClearDemand.
“By examining these trends, we provided valuable perspectives on the evolving intersection of technology and commerce — helping businesses adapt, innovate, and seize new growth opportunities in today’s competitive marketplace,” Inserra said.
Supermarkets; panelists Alice Fang, C&S Wholesale Grocers; Michael Johnson, Ph. D., New
Jersey Innovation Institute; and Seth Nieman, ClearDemand; along with NJFC President and
CEO Linda Doherty; and NJFC Associate Vice Chair Gary Capozzi, Pepsi Beverages.
Conference concludes with golf outing
The conference concluded with a “Curtain Closer” golf outing held April 15 at Galloway National Golf Club in Galloway Township.
The NJFC’s “Night of Distinction” event will take place on May 20 at the Palace of Somerset. Honorees of industry achievement awards include Anthony Calandra, owner of Calandra’s Enterprises; Jim Dorey, president and chief operating officer of Inserra Supermarkets; Ron Murphy Sr., president of Murphy’s Fresh Markets; and Colleen Wegman, president and chief executive officer of Wegmans Food Markets.
[RELATED: NJFC Re-Elects Read As Board Chair, Celebrates Record Growth]