Message from the Carolina's
It’s hard to believe it’s already June 2024. It feels like just yesterday we were closing out 2023 and celebrating a successful year. Now, with the first half of 2024 behind us, we are full of momentum and have much to accomplish as partners in the coming months. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the trust you place in Riteway Sales and Marketing to manage your business in the Southeast. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and support.
My name is Jamie Mann, and I have the privilege of leading the Riteway Sales and Marketing Team in the Carolinas. In this edition of the Riteway Forward, we are excited to highlight our Carolinas office. September 2024 marks three years since we opened our office in Greenville, SC—a decision made easy by the encouragement and support of many of you, our valued clients.
We are proud to report that our accomplishments have far exceeded expectations. Our dedicated team has delivered significant growth for our clients, helping their businesses thrive in the Carolina markets. As our business continues to expand, so does our team of professionals, all committed to driving success for your brands.
Our team is eager to share our capabilities, experience, and strong market relationships with you. We are confident that our partnership can further strengthen your business within Carolina retailers and help you achieve new levels of success.
Thank you once again for your partnership and the opportunity to collaborate on your exceptional brands in the Carolinas and across the Southeast. Together, we look forward to continued success and growth.
Warm regards,
Jamie Mann
Director of Carolina Team
Riteway Sales and Marketing
Community & Industry News
Publix shopper demographics, Baby Boomers are the single largest demographic age bracket at 34% of shoppers and index at 112%. African Americans(16%) and Hispanic shoppers (18%) over index as a percent of total shoppers, the indexes are 135% and 107% respectively.
Publix shoppers are more positive than the general shopping public as it relates to “Job Security”, “Overall Health”, “Ability to Afford Everyday Expenses” sentiment responses. (Page 6) A contributing factor to this difference is 34% of Publix consumers earn over $100k per year.
“In Store” purchasing increased first quarter 2024 to 94% . This is an increase from third quarter 2023 of 91% and fourth quarter 89%. One of the reasons for this large percentage of “In store shopping” percentage is that 42% of Publix shoppers say “Publix provides stress free shopping” vs 30% across all other retailers.
Although Publix outperforms in consumers perception of “shopping experience” and “consumer connection” it slightly under performs in value perception. Well maintained stores and high performing employees add to overhead and labor costs.
Publix 1st Quarter Earnings and Stock Report
Publix reported first quarter sales of $15.1 billion, a 5% increase. The company estimates sales increased 1% due to the effect of the Easter holiday being in the first quarter of 2024. In 2023, the effect of the Easter holiday was in the second quarter. Publix’s stock price increased from $15.20 per share to $16.25 per share. Publix stock is not publicly traded and is made available for sale only to current Publix associates and members of its board of directors.
Publix CEO, Kevin Murphy said “I’m proud of our associates, the owners of Publix, for continuing to make shopping a pleasure for our customers.”
Riteway Sales and Marketing Champions Education through NFFFA Scholarship Fund
Riteway Sales and Marketing, a prominent food broker with offices in Lakeland, Jacksonville, and Greenville, SC, continues to demonstrate its commitment to community support through active involvement in the North Florida Frozen Food Association (NFFFA). As a long-standing member of NFFFA, Riteway not only participates in the organization’s initiatives but also significantly contributes to its philanthropic efforts. Their participation was highlighted recently at the NFFFA Scholarship Gala, where members gathered to celebrate and support educational opportunities for local students.
The NFFFA, known for its extensive influence in bringing diverse products and industry knowledge to the local market, has made a remarkable impact through the establishment of the NFFFA Doug Milne Scholarship Fund. This fund, organized as a 501c3 Corporation, is dedicated to fostering education by providing scholarships to deserving students pursuing four-year degrees at colleges and universities. To date, the fund has awarded an impressive $533,525 to 260 students, enabling them to achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Riteway Sales and Marketing’s dedication to the NFFFA and its scholarship fund underscores their broader commitment to community enhancement and educational support. By attending and supporting events like the Scholarship Gala, Riteway helps to ensure that the next generation has access to the resources and opportunities necessary for success. Their involvement not only strengthens the NFFFA’s mission but also reinforces the importance of industry leaders giving back to the communities that support them.
Steve Critelli, Angela Vigliotti, Nelson Marquez, and Dale Ray
Standing from the left: Tom Gentry, Tom Gladfelter (MMI) and Steve Critelli
Sitting from the left: Nelson Marquez, Haywood Hawthorne (President of Retail for Golden Krust), Drew Gladfelter (MMI), Dale Ray and Angela Vigliotti
Nelson Marquez, David Taylor, Russ Thompson (SEG Buyer) and Dale Ray
Angela Vigliotti and Tracy Aquila (Vice President of Merchandising, Frozen and Dairy at SEG)
Steve Critelli, Nelson Marques, Angela Vigliotti and Dale Ray
Tom Gentry Sr. and Dale Ray
Meet Our Staff
Bobby Duncan
Meet Bobby Duncan, one of the driving forces in our Carolina office.✨
He has an extensive background including 42 years in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, and 32 years specializing in the brokerage business. Bobby brings unparalleled expertise and dedication as Senior Business Manager.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bobby is a pillar of his community and a devoted family man.
He’s been happily married to his wife Annette for 28 years, and together they’ve raised two remarkable daughters, Abbigail and Isabelle, both proud graduates of Clemson University.
When he’s not busy building brands for our CPG partners or developing long term relationships with our grocery clients, you’ll find Bobby indulging in his passions for golfing and fishing. But his commitment to making a difference doesn’t stop there—Bobby generously dedicates his spare time to mentoring high school students, shaping future leaders in our community.
Join us in celebrating Bobby Duncan for his outstanding contributions, both in and out of the office. His attention to detail, leadership skills and extensive experience make him a valued team member. Thank you, Bobby, for all that you do!
SEG Gala
Steve Critelli, President of Riteway and Dale Ray, Sales Director Jacksonville office, recently attended the SEG Gala in Orlando, FL. The event raised over $4 million to support the SEG Gives Foundation which works to make meaningful change in the communities they serve. The Foundation works to help alleviate hunger, recover and rebuild after natural disasters occurrences, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with military heroes and their families and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities.
Riteway Sales and Marketing Embraces Cultural Diversity at HOLI Event
Riteway Sales and Marketing’s brand managers recently participated in a vibrant HOLI celebration, highlighting the company’s dedication to cultural diversity and community engagement. With offices in Jacksonville, Lakeland, and Greenville, SC, Riteway is committed to supporting events that foster inclusivity and showcase the richness of different cultures. The HOLI Celebration, organized by Southeastern Grocers Women’s Development Network (WDN) and Southeastern Grocers Aspire teams, was a perfect platform for this. Held in the spring at the SEG Support Center, the event brought together music, color, and cuisine, with a special focus on Women Owned Suppliers.
This colorful event invited women-owned suppliers to showcase their products and engage with the community. Among the participants was Meli’s Cookies, a brand represented by the Jacksonville Riteway team, as the Meli’s Cookies team could not attend in person. The event saw an enthusiastic turnout of 100-150 associates and their families, all eager to explore the diverse offerings and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Riteway’s participation underscored their commitment to supporting women-owned businesses and celebrating cultural diversity.
By taking part in such community-centric events, Riteway Sales and Marketing continues to strengthen its ties with local communities and promote diversity within the food industry. The HOLI event not only provided an opportunity for brand managers to connect with potential customers but also reinforced the importance of inclusivity and support for women entrepreneurs. Through these efforts, Riteway remains at the forefront of fostering a more diverse and inclusive business environment.
Food City Charity Golf Tournament
Riteway and Kinders Premium Seasonings teamed up for a great cause at the annual Food City Charity Golf Tournament. The event took place in Sevierville, TN and raises money for local charities in the area. Food City is headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia with stores in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.
Our Carolina office team members that participated in this great event were Jamie Mann, Director of the Carolina’s, Ginger West, Sr. Business Mgr., and Diane Trammell, Sr. Insights Mgr.