The event featured prominent food industry executives from across the region

Food industry giants from across New Jersey gathered May 21 at The Palace at Somerset Park, as the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) honored preeminent leaders in the industry during the annual “Night of Distinction” reception.

The event, with its powerful slate of honorees, drew hundreds of attendees, featuring prominent food industry executives from across the region. Among the special guests included former Gov. Chris Christie.

“To everyone joining us tonight, it is true that we all represent a remarkable industry during extraordinary times,” NJFC President & CEO Linda Doherty said. “We thank you for your support, we appreciate your engagement, and we are grateful for your friendship and commitment.”

In his remarks, NJFC Chair Jason Read said: “Our board stands together with purpose, vision and remains united in our mission to advance, foster, and protect the New Jersey food industry under the banner of the Food Council. We are thankful for an active and engaged Board who stands together on industry issues, challenges and triumphs. Whether it’s advocating to advance the Organized Retail Crime bill into law or opposing burdensome legislation, the NJFC Board serves as one essential and effective voice for the industry.”

As always, there was much to celebrate at the annual Night of Distinction, including three industry leaders who have made major contributions to advance the mission of the NJFC, have achieved significant grocery industry success and have a history of civic service within the New Jersey food community.

“This event truly represents the ‘who’s who’ of the New Jersey grocery industry, as we come together to celebrate and pay tribute to our industry leaders who have helped us strive to be the best-in-class food trade association in the country, all because of your support,” said Gary Capozzi of Pepsi Beverages, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

The honorees were: Steve Heggelke, Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Procurement for Bozzuto’s; Bob Unanue, Founder of Goya Cares; and Mike Stigers, President & COO of Wakefern. 

• Steve Heggelke joined Bozzuto’s in 1997 as Director of Sales and Merchandising for Adam’s Super Food Stores. Heggelke is now the Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Procurement at Bozzuto’s, responsible for all merchandising, procurement and chain store sales areas. 
  
  Heggelke also serves on the Board of Directors for the Food Marketing Institute and the National Grocers Association. He is also Director Emeritus and past Chairman of the Northeast Wholesale Food Distributors Association. In addition, Heggelke has served on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Connecticut, the Catholic Institute of the Food Industry and the Rhode Island Food Distributors Association. 
  
  
• Bob Unanue, founder of Goya Cares, was a part of New Jersey-based and family-owned Goya for nearly 50 years, where he led the company across the United States and beyond. With more than 20 years as President & CEO of the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, Unanue used the international platform to make the world a better place through Goya Gives, a program that supports more than 300 charitable endeavors, programs, scholarships, and events, and Goya Cares, a global initiative to show solidarity against child trafficking. 
  
  Unanue established Goya Cares to bring together organizations and businesses to help communities recognize the dangers of child trafficking and share the importance of preventative education. 
  
  
• Mike Stigers, president & COO of Wakefern, enjoys a career that spans five decades, starting as a part-time courtesy clerk in California. He’s worked every angle of the business, including retail, wholesale, operations, merchandising and supply chain.
  
  Stigers has worked in numerous national leadership roles — from being a past President of the Western Association of Food Chains and former chair of the National Grocers Association.
  
  He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, mentoring the next generation of food industry leaders. He understands the responsibility of offering his time and talent to emerging professionals to further their roles and advance the interests of the food industry.

Leftover food from the event was donated to Table to Table, a non-profit food rescue organization located in Saddle Brook.