CELTIC MARKETING NEWSLETTER Our People Make the Difference! 13th Edition 2018 By: Henry Naviasky Mid-Atlantic Update Happy St. Patrick s Day and Happy March! Spring is coming. It may still feel like winter, but warm weather will soon be here. As we wait, please read about the changes going on in the Mid-Atlantic Region. We are sorry to say, but Farm Fresh is no longer. Farm Fresh has stores in the Tidewater area of Virginia and North Carolina. This Super Valu owned company has sold 21 of the 38 stores to Kroger, Harris Teeter and Food Lion. The other stores will soon be sold too. This will leave 67 stores under the Super Valu Banners of Shopper s and Shop & Save. The Ahold banners of Giant Landover, Giant Carlisle and Food Lion all had same store increases for the fourth quarter in 2017. Bill Cavanaugh is calling on both Giant headquarters for Celtic Marketing. When Ahold Delhaize announced the restructure, they informed the industry that each division will be referred to as a brand and managed separately. Reviews are being conducted at each brand headquarters and they are keeping us very busy. The Giant Category Manager at Carlisle is Crickett Blauch and the buyer is Amanda McNair. The Category Manager in Landover is Cindy Volk and the buyer is Mike Schlicker. We are sorry to inform you that Ed Gritsavage has left Celtic Marketing to go to work for Bob s Red Mill. Ed has done a fabulous job for us and we wish he and his family the best for the future. We have hired a replacement that will remain nameless until he gives his notice. The new person will be in Vermont on April 2 nd and then returning to the Carolinas to call on Ingles, Food Lion, Lowes and MDI. More on that later. Safeway is also becoming very aggressive. We only receive about 2-3 weeks notice on all reviews. If they are Kehe items that are inline these reviews are being done with the Kehe representatives only. Chris Krawchuck is our NOSHE BUYER, and now has Rice, Pasta and Sauce, and Spreads. Lidl has slowed its progress to a crawl. Lidl is pushing private label brands so currently they only offer an 8 foot section of branded specialty and natural products in the stores. They have a portal to sign up if you are interested in pursuing business opportunities. Grocery Independents still play a role in the Mid-Atlantic Region and Celtic Marketing is very active selling this trade. For more information on independent business please contact Rose Davis and she can explain some of the opportunities with Kehe in their spotlight program and UNFI in their case stack push. There is great opportunity for incremental sales up and down the east coast. We can also add MCB s and customize plans for the independent market.
Celtic News! Please welcome the newest members of the Celtic family! Seth Shelton & Hannah Welcomed a daughter, Mila Ryan Shelton on February 7, 2018. 8 lbs. 9 oz. & 22" long. Celtic 2nd Quarter Anniversaries April Rose Davis 8 years Deidre Flynn 5 years May Christopher Mirabelli 8 years Nate Bell 6 years Tara DiMicco 3 years Brian Garvey 2 years June Dan McGrath - 10 years Edward Ounjian - 10 years Michael McVey- 4 years Erika Pierce & Rene Bathalon Welcomed a son, Wylder Stanley Bathalon on January 27, 2018. 8 lbs. & 21 long. Kerryanne Downer 3 years Steve & Chris Lasher 7 years
Industry News 2018 Cavallaro Summer Selling Show~Niagara Falls, NY Ali from Better Life at Chex Show MDI Show in Hickory, NC Celtic Marketing's David Colomb at the Kinney Show-Syracuse, NY Dinosaur Luncheon at Tops Markets Summer Selling Show Imperial Show
Industry News The Bob s Red Mill Team awarded Dave Colomb the Sales Rep of the Year award. Due to the storm Dave was not able to make the trip to Anaheim and Dan accepted the award on his behalf. From left, Mike McDonald, Ed Ounjian, Henry Naviasky, Dan Hughes, Bob Agnew, David Brier, Jimmy Jefferson Paula Yoder McMahon, Tops Markets. Phil Simms, Retired NY Giants QB and Super bowl Winner. Dan Hughes, Celtic Marketing Henry Naviasky and Phil Simms talking about The Ravens? Alison is celebrating 40 years with Edward & Sons as a company. A true pioneer in the Natural and Organic Industry. Contact Us Celtic Marketing 1350 Main Street St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-748-4574 www.celtic-marketing.com Nassau Show-Jim Leahey of Rice Select writing up an order with Joel Cortes- Nassau buyer (middle) and customer, Jerry Abde - Owner of Barzini Supermarkets. Nassau Show-David Hollister and Kyle Davis of Oleoestepa
Industry Displays Vermont Village Malt Vinegar is ready! Xochitl and Desert Pepper at Tops~ Amherst, NY Salada at Tops ~Amherst, NY St. Regis on End Cap at Tops ~ Lagrangville, NY Vermont Village at Market Basket~ Burlington, MA Penotti at Giant Landover~ Wheaton, MD Smash Crispy Shipper at Tops~ Camden, NY
Industry Displays Alessi Farro & Bar Harbor at Tops ~Fayetteville, NY Dare Whippets Wing Display at Tops~ Cazenovia, NY Two Rivers Hot Chocolate Shipper at Stop & Shop~ East Harwich, MA Alessi Display at the Tops~ Auburn, NY Polar at Harris Teeter~ Apex, NC
Save the Date!! Celtic Marketing's 14th Annual Golf Outing to Benefit the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation When: September 6, 2018 Where: St. Johnsbury Country Club $150.00 Golf & Dinner $30.00 dinner only Please plan to attend our appreciation BBQ dinner, Wednesday night, at the Hughes Residence. The bar opens at 6:00pm and we supply shuttle service to and from the Comfort Inn. RAFFLE PRIZES NEEDED! Your generous raffle prize donations are part of our golf outing success! If you are willing to donate or have any questions, please contact Melissa Newland at Melissa@celtic-marketing.com or 802-748-4574.