The New Jersey Food Council gathered industry leaders, retailers, suppliers and wholesalers at Caesars Atlantic City on April 8 for its annual Trade Relations Conference, highlighting the evolving role of technology in the state’s $136 billion food distribution sector.
With a theme of “Emerging Technology & Emerging Opportunities,” the event featured a fireside chat, technology panel, and the presentation of the Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award.
“Trade relations is a core mission of the Food Council. It’s the relationships between our retail, supplier, broker and wholesale members that drive the state’s food economy,” said Jason Read of Wawa, chairman of the NJFC Board of Directors.
The conference also celebrated a legislative win: the passage of the Organized Retail Theft Bill, signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on April 1. Spearheaded by NJFC, the bill increases penalties for certain retail theft offenses.
“This was a remarkable display of collaboration by our board and loss prevention members,” said NJFC President Linda Doherty. “It shows the impact of coordinated advocacy on real outcomes.”
Matt Lipowski of J&J Snacks received the 2025 Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award for his leadership in uniting stakeholders across the food industry. Lipowski also serves as vice chair of NJFC’s Leadership Development program.
“Matt’s career is defined by trust, collaboration and mentorship,” said Ostling, who presented the award and was a former colleague of Lipowski’s at BIMBO Bakeries.
The conference included a fireside chat with Joe Fantozzi, president of Allegiance Retail Services, and Lou Scaduto Jr., CEO of Food Circus Supermarkets, covering key issues shaping retail and distribution.
A panel discussion on innovation in food retail technology featured:
- Nawshi Williams, VP of Analytics & Insights, CROSSMARK
- Kenny Olson, VP of Growth/Product Strategy, In-Store Connect by Quad
- David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer, Instacart
The panel was moderated by Lawrence Inserra III, president of Inserra Price Rite, who said the discussion aimed to help businesses better understand tools that “enhance customer interaction and supply chain collaboration.”
The event concluded with a golf outing at Galloway National Golf Club on April 9.
NJFC’s next major event, the “Night of Distinction,” will take place May 21 at the Palace at Somerset Park. Honorees include Mike Stigers of Wakefern, Steve Heggelke of Bozzuto’s Inc., and Bob Unanue of Goya Cares.
