A Note From Chris Smith
Wow, this year has flown by! It’s hard to believe we’re already in the 4th quarter, and I’m sure many of you feel the same. While we stay focused on closing out the year strong, it’s important to pause and reflect on the hard work and dedication that’s brought us this far. Together, we’ve tackled our goals and objectives head-on, and we should celebrate our achievements, learn from our challenges, and prepare for the exciting opportunities that 2025 holds.
This year hasn’t been without its hurdles—rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increasing service demands from our retailers have certainly tested our resilience. I’m proud of how we’ve navigated these headwinds, using innovative solutions, persistence, and our unwavering commitment to serving our retailers, consumers, and each other at the highest level. We couldn’t have done it without incredible partners like you, and we are deeply grateful for your continued trust in us.
As we enter the holiday season, it’s also a time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, create lasting memories, and be thankful for all we’ve accomplished. I encourage each of you to take moments to recharge and enjoy time with family and friends. After all, that’s the true reward for the hard work we put in each day.
Let’s close out the year on a high note. Thank you again for choosing Riteway!
Community & Industry News
Riteway Sales and Marketing would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Publix Super Markets for being named Supermarket News magazine’s 2024 Retailer of the Year! As the largest employee-owned company in the U.S., Publix continues to set the bar for excellence. With 45 new stores opened in 2023 and even more in 2024, Publix’s growth is impressive. We also applaud their recent accolades, including making Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the 27th consecutive year and ranking No. 1 in Newsweek’s 2024 America’s Best Customer Service list for the sixth year in a row. Riteway is proud of our long-standing partnership with Publix, and we look forward to continued success together! Link to article
Food Price Inflation Cools to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Since the peak of post-COVID price hikes, food and beverage inflation, including fresh categories, has significantly slowed down. Over the last three years, we’ve seen inflation gradually taper off, with 2024 showing price increases of less than 2%. As inflation stabilizes and returns to pre-pandemic norms, this is welcome news for both brands and retailers alike, providing a more stable pricing environment in the grocery sector. The cooling of inflation should also encourage more consumer spending and confidence in the months ahead.
Private Brands Continue to Outperform National Brands in 2024
In the first half of 2024, Private Brands have seen impressive growth as more consumers turn to budget-friendly options. Private brand unit growth is up by +2.15%, outperforming National Brands, which saw a slight decline of -0.06%. Additionally, Private Brand dollar sales have increased by +3.29% YTD, surpassing National Brands’ growth of +1.28%. As consumers continue to seek value, Private Brands are gaining traction, proving that price-conscious shoppers are playing a significant role in the shift from National to Private Brands. The latest sales trends underscore this ongoing momentum for Private Brands in the marketplace.
Ice Cream Social
Riteway Sales and Marketing is proud to be an active member of the North Florida Frozen Refrigerated Foods Association (NFFRFA). Recently, our Jacksonville team members, Dale Ray and Angela Vigliotti, participated in NFFRFA’s largest summer event, the Pine Castle Ice Cream Social. This event supports Pine Castle’s mission of empowering adults with intellectual and developmental challenges by providing opportunities to learn, work, and connect. NFFRFA has a rich history of bringing diverse products and valuable category knowledge to the local market, and we’re honored to contribute to their efforts in the community.
Employee Spotlights
Riteway Sales & Marketing Announces Promotions and an Addition to the Leadership Team as Growth Continues in the Southeast
Riteway Sales and Marketing is pleased to announce several promotions and an addition to the leadership team as the food brokerage company continues to expand its presence in the southeast. As Riteway experiences ongoing growth, the company recognizes the need to both augment its staff and acknowledge the contributions of its current team members.
Promotions:
Dale Ray has been promoted to Vice President – Southeastern Grocers Team.
Chris Smith has been promoted to Vice President – Publix Team
Jamie Mann has been promoted to Vice President – Carolina Team
Ed Field has been promoted to Vice President – Business Insights
Mark Meyer has been promoted to Director – Space Technology
Foster Hall has been promoted to Sr. Business Manager
Alex Payne has been promoted to Director of Publix Business Insights Team
Tom Edmiston has been promoted to Director of Sales – Publix Team
Tim Lightfoot has been promoted to Director of Sales – Publix Team
These valued employees are accomplished in the CPG and retail grocery industry and consistently exceed expectations in their roles. The Riteway team remains dedicated to providing stellar service to both the brands they represent and their grocery retail partners.
Addition to our Leadership team: Christina Keppel, Vice President of Shopper Marketing
Vice President – Shopper Marketing:
Christina Keppel has joined the team in this newly created position on July 22, 2024. Christina brings significant experience in Shopper Marketing, having previously worked at Neptune Retail Solutions (formerly known as News America) and Grocery TV.