The $67.6 billion U.S. natural foods movement may seem new to some. But for producers like Amy's Kitchen and many other North Bay-based food companies, it's a long-standing way of life with many economic, environmental and social benefits.
That was the driving force behind Naturally North Bay's annual event held on Wednesday night, which also included awards for the industry's three-star performers. His list of 200 attendees included a “who's who list” of key figures in the local natural foods movement.
A celebratory crowd gathered at Amy's new 120,000 square foot Petaluma headquarters at Kentucky Street and Western Avenue. It has its own rich history.
“As a founding member, this is huge,” said Amy President Paul Schieffer, adding that the natural foods festival marks the company's first anniversary at its new location. Founded in 1988 by husband and wife team Andy and Rachel Berliner, the organic food manufacturer was previously located in Petaluma's Corporate Circle.
“We wanted to be downtown and be part of the community,” he said during a tour of the building.
Terry Park, research librarian for the Petaluma Historical Society, said the building once housed Carithers Department Store, which was built in 1941 by Petaluma business owner Mose Goldman for a chain of stores.
“The last time I was in this building, it was a furniture store,” said Stacey Powers, Exchange Bank's vice president of commercial relationship banking, recalling her childhood.
Powers, CEO of Bygg Foods' Norse Code, a Petaluma food and beverage company that won the Best Food Newcomer award, presided over the awards ceremony as part of the event held on the grand staircase in the front atrium. ), Mr. Smŧri Ŧsmundsson was introduced.
“We wanted to create something different than what's on the market,” Schmundson told the group. A Sonoma County food developer later explained that he was referring to a delicious protein powder.
The other two awards captured the continued spirit and commitment to food and agriculture in the movement and industry, and in some cases a return to these values.
Albert Strauss celebrated the 30th anniversary of his family's creamery by introducing People + Community Award recipient Hannah Stefanoni.
“She is an example of the next generation in the agricultural community,” Strauss told the crowd, calling out an up-and-coming agricultural star who learned about her profession and then came back “to make a difference” and implement innovative practices. emphasized.
Stefanoni grew up in Petaluma Dairy (Chiappetta) and later attended college in Oklahoma and Washington. In 2020 she returned to her hometown to work for Clover Sonoma, where she is also a founding member of Naturally North Bay.
“When I retired, it was hard for me, but I wanted to go and learn how to help the dairy farm,” Stefanoni said. She currently serves as Dairy and Sustainability Manager at Clover.
In another hometown award, attorney John McKee of Carl McKee Power & Ross in Santa Rosa was recognized for his environmentally friendly efforts at his Petaluma office, as well as the Alvarado Street Bakery's Compliance and Quality Award. The Planet Prize was presented to director Michelle Zimmerman. .
Zimmerman pointed to her time making pot pies for Amy as an early introduction to the food industry.
“I remember coming home with gravy in my shoe,” she said.
As the decades passed, the national organic food movement grew by leaps and bounds. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sales increased by $7 billion over the previous year. Ten states dominate this sector, with California leading the way with 32% of the market.
Naturally, North Bay will host a Leadership Roundtable on April 26th at 7:30 a.m. with guest Philippe Bouwassou, CEO of Blue Dots Partners, who is also a TEDx speaker, author, and venture capitalist. It's planned.
Susan Wood covers law, cannabis, production, transportation, agriculture, as well as banking and finance. She can be reached at 530-545-8662 or susan.wood@busjrnl.com.
