New Jersey Food Council to Honor Industry Leaders

The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) will host the "Night of Distinction" reception on Thursday, March 19, at the Palace at Somerset, in Somerset, N.J., at which the trade group will give Industry Achievement Awards to Joe McCarthy, VP metro New York of Bimbo Bakeries USA; Christina Minardi, president, Northeast division, Whole Foods Market; Joe Pagano, produce director, Inserra Supermarkets; and Phil Scaduto, VP, Food Circus Supermarkets.

The awards are given for meaningful contributions to advance the mission of the NJFC, achieving significant food business success, and civic service within the New Jersey food community.

"This distinguished class of food industry leaders is being recognized for their continued achievements in the ultra-competitive New Jersey marketplace," noted NJFC President Linda Doherty. "Mike Murphy, SVP of Quick Chek Corp. and secretary of the NJFC board, will present Joe McCarthy with his Industry Achievement Award; Lou Scaduto, president of Food Circus Supermarkets, will present Phil Scaduto with his Industry Achievement Award; Larry Inserra Jr., president of Inserra Supermarkets will present Joe Pagano with his Industry Achievement Award; and I will be proud to present Christina Minardi with her Industry Achievement Award."

Honorees will also receive Joint Resolutions of the New Jersey State Legislature in commemoration of their industry achievements and dedication to business in the Garden State.

The event usually draws more than 500 guests, according to the Trenton, N.J.-based council, which has almost 400 members representing more than 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, and manufacturing and service companies.