Letter From The President
Dear Valued Partners and Friends,
I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to each of you as we embark on a new and exciting journey with the inaugural edition of “The Riteway Forward” –your local source for information relating to the Southeast CPG marketplace. As the President of Riteway Sales and Marketing, it is with immense gratitude that I reflect on the successes and achievements we collectively celebrated in 2023. Your unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in our accomplishments, and for that, I extend my sincere thanks. As we step into 2024, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. In this newsletter, we aim to keep you informed and engaged with insightful perspectives on the CPG as well as the grocery industry, shining a spotlight on our dedicated team members, featuring one of our vibrant office locations in the Southeast US, and showcasing the meaningful community initiatives that Riteway proudly participates giving back to the areas we work and live. Join us on this exciting journey as we navigate The Riteway Forward together.
Warm regards,
Steve Critelli
President, Riteway Sales and Marketing
Community & Industry News
The Best Regional Grocery Chains in America
As reported in Progressive Grocer, Publix has been recognized as a leader among regional grocery retailers. Read how Publix maintains its “Super Regional” Grocer status, as well as being identified as the largest employee-owned company in the country with 250,000 associates in the southeast.
Top 100 Consumer Goods Companies of 2023
For over 45 years, Riteway Sales and Marketing has been representing top brands across a spectrum of consumer product categories. Our sales team has a proven track record of combining service and performance to deliver solutions by elevating brands with winning strategies for top CPG brands. Read which brands where named the top 100 CPG companies in 2023 by ConsumerGoods.com.
Publix Goes Bigger in Florida
Progressive Grocer reported that Publix Super Markets new store format is larger than previous stores. The newest stores are over 50,000 square feet and operate all across the southeast with its newest footprint in Kentucky. The latest store opened in Louisville In January 2024.
Industry Insights: Leading the Way
Our associates are leaders in the CPG and retail organizations. Serving on the boards of Grocery Manufacturers Representatives as well as participating in the 2023 NextUp event. Our dedicated team proudly takes part in shaping the industry landscape by assuming leadership roles at events and influential trade associations.
Riteway Sales and Marketing: Nurturing Communities Through Compassion
At Riteway Sales and Marketing, our journey has been more than just about business success; it’s been about building strong, vibrant communities. From the very beginning, our founding principles have emphasized the importance of giving back, and this commitment has remained unwavering throughout our years of operation.
One of the key pillars of our community engagement has been our dedication to addressing issues of food insecurity, especially among children. We believe that every child deserves a healthy start, and it is our responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the communities where we live and work.
Riteway has forged a longstanding partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Polk County, an organization that aligns with our values and mission. This incredible non-profit tirelessly works to provide a crucial lifeline to children in need. Specifically, they supply an average of 10,600 meals to students after school each month, ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry.
As we expand our footprint in the southeast, we are excited to extend our support to additional non-profits that share our vision for community upliftment. Riteway Sales and Marketing is committed to making a positive impact wherever we operate, and we look forward to contributing to the well-being of communities across the region.
Meet Our Staff
Karen Martin
We are delighted to shine the spotlight on Business Manager Karen Martin, a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Currently a key player in our sales team at Riteway Sales and Marketing, Karen has been making waves in the industry with her unparalleled expertise and dedication. Her extensive knowledge and deep-rooted connections in the industry have significantly contributed to her success at Riteway.
Beyond her role at Riteway, Karen serves on the board of directors for the Florida Grocery Manufacturers Representatives (GMR), and has been an active member for 13 years. Her commitment to industry associations reflects her passion for staying at the forefront of industry trends and fostering collaboration among professionals.
On a personal note, Karen enjoys a well-rounded set of interests. Whether it’s perfecting her swing on the golf course, engaging in a competitive game of pickleball, or indulging in a Netflix binge, Karen knows how to balance work and play. Her loyal companion, Cody Boy, a golden retriever, adds an extra layer of joy to her life.
Karen Martin is not just an invaluable asset to our team; she’s a dynamic force driving positive change in the CPG industry. We’re proud to have her on board, and we look forward to witnessing her continued success and contributions to both our company and the broader professional community. Cheers to Karen!
Riteway Sales and Marketing Greenville Office: A Hub of Success in the Heart of the Carolinas
In the heart of Greenville, South Carolina, a beacon of success has emerged – the Riteway Sales and Marketing food brokerage branch, established in 2022, is making waves in the industry with its remarkable growth and dedicated team. As we step into 2024, we are thrilled to share the exciting developments and achievements that our Greenville office has enjoyed over the last year.
Since its inception, the Greenville office has experienced tremendous growth, becoming a pivotal player in the grocery retail and representing Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands. In 2023 alone, the office welcomed four new talented team members, enhancing our capabilities and expertise to better serve our clients.
What truly sets our Greenville team apart is the wealth of experience within its ranks. The tenured team boasts over 180 years of combined experience in the grocery retail and CPG industry, showcasing a depth of knowledge that is unparalleled. Led by Jamie Mann, the team includes seasoned professionals Ginger West, Bobby Duncan, Danny Brooks, Sharon Ledford, Diane Trammell, and LuAnn Wallace.
Situated strategically in the middle of prominent grocery retailers, including Food City, Ingles, Lowes Food, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Pig Carolina, W. Lee Flowers, The Fresh Market, and Earth Fare, our Greenville office enjoys a geographically advantageous location. This positioning allows us to foster strong relationships and provide optimal support to clients throughout the Carolinas.
Our commitment to industry engagement is evident in our active involvement in trade associations. The Greenville team is gearing up to be a proud sponsor of the upcoming MDI Retailer show to be held in Greenville. As sponsors, we will host a dinner for the MDI/Lowes Food Leadership team and sponsor the supplier reception, further solidifying our dedication to collaborative partnerships within the industry.
“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our Greenville team. Their hard work, combined with strategic alignment and industry engagement, has positioned Riteway Sales and Marketing as a leading force in the Carolinas. The Greenville office exemplifies our commitment to excellence and client success,” said Steve Critelli, President at Riteway Sales and Marketing.
As we look ahead, the future is bright for Riteway Sales and Marketing’s Greenville office. We anticipate continued growth, strengthened client relationships, and a commitment to being at the forefront of industry innovation. Congratulations to Jamie and the Greenville team for their continued success.