Company Happenings
J im Miller Wins Fresh Gourmet's Western Region Account Executive of the Year 
Congrats to Jim Miller, our Spokane Client Manager, on winning the Fresh Gourmet Western Region Account Executive of the Year for 2018.  

Strong year over year growth, successful launches of high priority new items and/or product groupings and strong relationship building were key to Jim's achievement.

Pictured left to right: Bob Waldusky, Director of Sales Fresh Gourmet; Jim Miller, Spokane Client Manager Impact Group.
Impact Group Recognized by Little Secrets
Little Secrets recently honored Impact Group East with a Broker of the Year Award for 2018. “We are so pleased to receive this recognition of our hard work last year on behalf of Little Secrets,” said Melanie Melia. "This is the first time we've been awarded this honor by Little Secrets."

Pictured left to right: Megan Coppola, Little Secrets National Sales Manager; Melanie Melia, Impact Group Natural East, Division Manager; Piper McMillin, Little Secrets Natural Channel Sales Manager
Cluep founders, Sobi Walia, Karan Walia, and Anton Mamonov pose for a picture after accepting Adweek's Brand Stars of Toronto Award. 

Cluep (a subsidiary of Impact Group) was recognized as one of Toronto's most influential leaders in marketing, media and tech at the exciting event.

"Brand Stars of Toronto celebrates the talented marketers and brand leaders who exemplify the city's growth, evolution and commitment to progress." - Adweek
Industry Updates
Kroger Co. and Loop, an innovative waste management company , recently announced an exclusive grocery retail partnership agreement in the United States, with plans to pilot a new reusable packaging system. 
Whole Foods Market opened its new 25,000 square-foot Malibu store , located in The Park at Cross Creek on June 12. Opening day celebrations included samples from local vendors, music and giveaways.

The popular Vermont-based ice cream maker could redefine the term "brain freeze" with its plan to make CBD-infused ice cream once CBD is legalized on a federal level.
Industry Insights
Impact Group's proprietary access to customized data insights and reports from our data partners below help to make us a leading industry expert.
Although the flame may be the same, the products that are being seared (and how they’re being topped) on backyard barbecues are changing; along with plant-based meat, consumer desire for bold new condiments and packaging is emerging. 
See how different types of alternative meats are performing compared to conventional and specialty groups in SPINS Natural Positioned products.
BBQ & Steak sauce promotions are up 16% from last year. Take a look at the full analysis from Numerators.
Impact Insights
Impact Group places a strong emphasis on closely following the biggest industry trends and analysis to better serve and inform our partners, clients and employees.

While meat substitutes like veggie burgers and tofu are nothing new, several innovative companies are on track to disrupt the global meat market by rebuilding America’s staple protein from the ground up .  

The future of designer food is upon us and a DNA manipulator called CRISPR could potentially alter your produce's genetic makeup before hitting your local grocer's shelves. Learn more about CRISPR and how it will affect the grocery industry.

Mike Paasch is a Master BBQ Judge, competitive BBQ cook, and former Impact Group division lead from Kansas City. Mike talked with us about his life traveling the country eating 'que. Take a look at his story and get ready for grill season!
Industry Events
Impact Group East Represents at UNFI
The entire Impact Group Natural East sales team was at the UNFI Holiday Tabletop Show at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut on June 4-6. They met with 37 vendors and enjoyed productive visits with each one. The team also toasted Joyce Shaw (second from left – blonde) on her retirement (last day is June 14) following 12 years of truly excellent service with Wildfire Sales/Impact Group.

Denver, CO, based Natural Grocers is asking shoppers to share what "{N}powers" them to live a healthy lifestyle on social media for the chance to win free groceries and other prizes this summer.
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