FISMC Leadership Summit Convenes SoCal Grocery Leaders, Honors Fong

The Food Industries Sales Managers’ Club of Southern California brought together retailers, manufacturers, brokers and industry partners from throughout the grocery community for its 2026 FISMC Leadership Summit, held Aug. 25 at Anaheim Hills Golf Club in Anaheim, California.

The annual event featured an executive panel of California grocery and CPG leaders and celebrated the career of Ron Fong, president and CEO of the California Grocers Association, ahead of his upcoming retirement.

“For more than 90 years, FISMC has been bringing our Southern California food industry together,” said 2026 FISMC President Liz Gustafson, a member of the Yogi team. “The fact that we’re still here, still connecting people and creating opportunities to come together, is pretty special.”

Executive panel

The summit’s panel discussion was built around questions submitted by FISMC members, with topics ranging from leadership and the future of grocery to changing consumer expectations, technology and AI, retail partnerships and the business climate in California.

Panelists included Jonson Chen, chairman of 99 Ranch Market; Fong; Lynn Melillo, VP of risk and asset management for Good Food Holdings; Adam Salgado, chief experience officer of Heritage Grocers Group; and Richard Wardwell, president and CEO of Superior Grocers. Joe Perez of CRV Recycling Solutions moderated the conversation and helped shape the program from member-submitted questions.

Honoring Fong

A central highlight of the afternoon was an award presentation honoring Fong as he prepares to retire after a long tenure leading CGA and advocating on behalf of California’s grocery industry. Leadership Summit Chair Laureen Purpura of CA Fortune and Co-Chair Christina Ortiz of CA Carlin presented the award, recognizing Fong’s leadership, longtime support of FISMC and impact on generations of grocery professionals.

FISMC also recognized the volunteer leaders behind the event, including Purpura and Ortiz, along with Lori Gardner of Del Monte Foods and Lisa Leandro of Central Valley Eggs. Additional thanks went to the event’s day-of volunteers, Bristol Farms for donating table centerpieces, and table sponsors UNFI, Yogi and Ole Mexican Foods.

Upcoming FISMC events include the club’s annual golf tournament Sept. 16, benefiting City of Hope, and its Holiday Hi-Jinks Retailer Appreciation Luncheon Dec. 4, supporting Olive Crest.

Founded in 1934, FISMC is a volunteer-led organization providing a forum for relationship building, education and connection within the Southern California food industry.