Rich Levering

🐟 Communication with Flavor: 5WPR drives new era for Acme Smoked Fish. 5WPR, one of the largest independent PR agencies in the U.S., becomes agency of record for Acme Smoked Fish Corp, New York's benchmark in premium smoked seafood. The alliance seeks to reinforce the brand's cultural and emotional relevance with creative storytelling, high-impact activations and strategic influence. 📲 Discover how a century-old tradition is reinventing itself to win over new audiences: https://lnkd.in/guRtc_i7 #BrandStrategy #FoodCulture #PublicRelations #Storytelling Leigh Ann Ambrosi

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TZG’s Eric Orlando, Director of Government Affairs for the Brewers Guild of New Jersey (formerly NJ Brewer's Association), talked with Albert Gattullo’s Craft Beer Cast to unpack the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s (ABC) proposed regulations that would undermine the hard-won legislative victories from last year. Huge thanks to Al Gattullo for shining a light on this issue and having Eric on the show. Catch Eric’s full interview here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eFAj63Ff What’s next: The ABC is accepting public comments until November 1. Email abcpublic@njoag.gov to share your thoughts and perspective. Need more information on these latest proposals or more insights on alcohol regulation in New Jersey? Contact Eric at eorlando@tzgrp.com. In the weeks ahead, Eric will be speaking about these regulations and what’s happening in New Jersey’s craft alcohol beverage industry at the NJICLE’s Liquor Licensing Update 2025 on October 28. Stay tuned.

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King Brothers Dairy wanted to grow beyond the farm store. Their goal was expanding into retail shelves, restaurants, and communities across Upstate NY. We partnered with them to build a full brand strategy from the ground up: ✅ Refreshed identity + packaging ✅ Strategic marketing + content ✅ Social media + PR support ✅ Award-winning sales materials The result is a brand that feels just as strong in the dairy aisle as it does on the farm. Rooted in legacy and ready for what’s next. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g8uSiHru

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Breweries are a key industry for inclusion. Taprooms are places where people gather and come together. We know not everyone can make it to the New York State Brewers Association conference so we created a FREE GUIDE for brewery owners and operators. Get yours today to find out how disability inclusion can help your business. https://lnkd.in/euXeXtGU #brewery #inclusivity #goodbusiness #freeresources

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🚨 Anheuser-Busch Announces It Will Close Two Breweries and Sell Another Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) will close two of its breweries and sell another, Brewbound reported today. ABI is selling its Newark, New Jersey location to property developer Goodman Group and will end operations at its Merrimack, New Hampshire and Fairfield, California facilities next year. The shutterings will lower the beverage conglomerate’s brewery count to nine. ABI cited updates to production at other facilities as the reason for the consolidation. More details at the link in comments...

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One of the earliest signals that an emerging CPG brand is beginning to resonate at retail is simple. Reorders. Today’s KeHE Distributors Connect reporting on yesterday’s sales showed reorders for Oval Coffee Roasters from both Earth Fare, a natural channel chain, and Natures Pavillion Natural Food Market and independent in New Jersey, both INFRA natural food retailers. For emerging brands, signals like this are meaningful because they represent several things happening at once. Proof of product. Proof of consumer demand. Proof that the retail placement and distribution strategy are working. Independent natural retailers and regional chains often serve as the proving ground for specialty brands. When stores reorder and begin expanding distribution, it suggests shoppers are discovering the product and returning to the shelf. In the case of Oval Coffee Roasters, the brand is built around clear concepts led by Director of Coffee Christopher Alspach. Women-Grown coffees Naturally processed coffees Half caff blends Combined with Pacific Northwest style light roast profiles roasted in New York City. For CPG brands operating in the natural channel, moments like these often serve as early signals that a product is beginning to find its place in the market.

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The Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council, in partnership with the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI), a subcontractor to the Beef Checkoff, and the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, hosted its first-ever “Meat Me in the Kitchen” Culinary Masterclass on Tuesday evening, May 20th at Ninety Acres Cooking School in Peapack, New Jersey. The event welcomed an exclusive audience of New Jersey-based registered dietitian nutritionists from a variety of specialty areas for a hands-on culinary workshop designed to highlight the versatility and nutritional value of pork and beef. Attendees worked in groups under the direction of the Ninety Acres culinary team to prepare and enjoy two featured recipes: Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Pecan Mustard Sauce and Beef Filet Steak with Roquefort Rosemary Sauce. In addition to the cooking experience, attendees engaged in a lively discussion about pork and beef’s role in a balanced diet. This was conducted through an “icebreaker” style activity where participants were asked a question and had to reflect upon their perceptions and experiences. Representatives from the PA Pork Producers Council and NEBPI were on hand to answer questions, share insights and facilitate the conversation.  PA Pork Producers Council would like to thank NEBPI and the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for their collaboration in making this event a success. The “Meat Me in the Kitchen Culinary Masterclass marks a continued effort to build trust in animal agriculture and create engaging educational experiences that connect nutrition and health professionals with the people and processes behind their food.  Follow along as we promote pork and pig farmers throughout the year on Facebook and Instagram or on our website.

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Plant-Based Dessert Company for Sale 🍨🌱 A rare opportunity to acquire a well-established New England–based plant-based dessert brand, founded in 2011 and recognized as an early leader in the fast-growing $600M+ vegan dessert market. This award-winning company manufactures, distributes, and supplies food service partners with premium, small-batch, plant-based treats made only with high-quality ingredients. With strong brand integrity, loyal customers, vertical integration, and long-standing partnerships, the business is positioned for scalable growth as demand for “better-for-you” desserts accelerates. Ideal for mission-driven entrepreneurs looking to expand in the plant-based, clean-label, or premium CPG space. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Eo5OjC #PlantBasedBusiness #VeganEntrepreneur #BusinessForSale #VeganBusiness #BayState

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Excited to share that LvlUp CPG Fund is investing in KIT NON-ALC —an award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer brand pioneering the better-for-you beverage space. 🍻 Founded in 2021 in Portland, Maine, by Rob Barrett and Will Fisher, Kit NA is Maine’s first exclusively NA brewery. With their smashable variety pack and flavors like Blonde, Golden, and Hazy IPA, the brand has rapidly expanded into retailers including Wegmans Food Markets, Big Y World Class Market, Price Chopper Supermarkets-Market 32, Whole Foods Market, and Total Wine & More across the East Coast. What impressed us most: 🔷 A true moat: award-winning taste with gluten-removed, vegan-friendly recipes. 🔷 Powerful traction: multi-channel distribution with growing DTC and retail presence. 🔷 Shared vision: giving consumers a no-compromise, flavorful alternative—“Have a beer that’s true to you” We’re thrilled to partner with Kit NA as they scale their platform into the booming non-alcoholic beer sector. Welcome to the family, Rob, Will, and the whole KIT team! 🚀 💸 Would you like to be considered for funding from the LvlUp Ventures CPG Fund? Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/ee9zRHJE #LvlUpVentures #CPG #investing #nonalcoholicbeer #betterforyou #HaveAKit #startup #ScalingTogether #vc #venturecapital #beverage #consumer

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The Boston Beer Company’s CMO, Lesya Lysyj, is stepping down after seven years at the helm, marking another turning point for a company navigating shrinking categories and shifting consumer taste. With revenue down 11.2% in Q3 2025, hard seltzer in decline and volumes continuing to contract, the maker of Samuel Adams and Truly now faces a deeper strategic question: where does growth come from when both beer and seltzer are losing momentum? As marketing moves to an interim structure, the challenge is no longer just brand storytelling. It is portfolio reinvention in a market that has moved on. More here: https://bit.ly/4rvbg8l

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Experiential Marketing | Old City Media | Shelf Confidence S9E2 Cutting through the noise has never been more challenging for food and beverage brands. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Ray Sheehan, Founder of PFMA member Old City Media, to explore how experiential marketing helps brands connect directly with consumers in meaningful, measurable ways. Ray shares how Old City #Media grew into a national experiential marketing partner, working with retailers and #brands to create in-store activations, community engagement programs, and live events that drive real results. The conversation covers shopper engagement in crowded retail environments, common visibility challenges brands face, and how human-centered marketing strategies can build stronger connections and long-term loyalty. For retailers and industry #partners, this episode offers practical insight into how experiential marketing can complement traditional strategies and create memorable customer experiences where it matters most. Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. Listen NOW 🎙️ https://loom.ly/0UASP9w

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Ferrero Group plans to acquire WK Kellogg in a deal worth $3.1 billion. The breakfast cereal giant's brands include Frosted Flakes, Special K, Apple Jacks, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops and Raisin Bran. https://lnkd.in/drCETynP

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Rye Whiskey & Reinvention: Maryland’s Distilling Scene Is On Fire Maryland is reclaiming its legacy as a powerhouse of American distilling—led by passionate producers and visionaries like Eli Breitburg-Smith, President of the MARYLAND DISTILLERS GUILD and co-founder of Baltimore Spirits Co.. From advocating game-changing legislation to crafting genre-defying spirits like Baltamaro and Fumus Pumila, Eli and his peers are blending heritage with fearless innovation. With Rye Whiskey now officially recognized as the state spirit, Maryland’s distillers are driving growth through sustainability, tourism, and unmatched creativity—from award-winning ryes to Puerto Rican pitorro and fruit brandies. Discover how a new generation of craft distillers is reshaping Maryland into one of the most exciting destinations for spirits lovers in the U.S. Read the full story on how the Maryland Distillers Guild is shaping the future https://lnkd.in/dX2akMQy . . . . #craftspirits #maryland #whiskey #rye #baltimorespirits #sustainabledistilling #usaratings . . Beverage Trade Network | Malvika Patel | MARYLAND FARMS WINE & SPIRITS, LLC | Sagamore Spirit

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A Bryn Mawr wine distributor’s legal challenge against the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is drawing attention to long-standing issues in how wine reaches local restaurants. Click here to read 👉 https://ebx.sh/vmJha9

Assemblywoman Andrea Katz’s bill (A5718) would make it easier for retailers to sell Jersey Fresh wine, beer, cider, and spirits, boosting our farmers, supporting local businesses, and keeping our agricultural heritage thriving. At Recklesstown Farm Distillery, spirits are made with Jersey-grown ingredients and proudly wear the Jersey Fresh label. Hear more from Asw. Katz and Recklesstown Farm Distillery on this legislation. New Jersey Department of Agriculture

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The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) represents the New Jersey wine community annually at the New Jersey Agriculture Convention. Joining over 90 delegates and agricultural leaders from across the state for insightful panels, meaningful conversations, and collaboration, we focused on the future of New Jersey agriculture and wine. Our friends at Farm Credit East have provided generous support and education during our monthly GSWGA meeting held at the convention, and we look forward to their impactful Wine Benchmarks Program. Farm Credit East provides significant support to the Northeast wine and grape industry through its specialized Winery Benchmarks Program. This program helps winery and cidery businesses compare their financial and operational performance against industry peers, offering in-depth analysis to improve on many fronts. Cheers to all that's ahead for the NJ wine community and our partners! #farmcrediteast #agconvention #newjerseywine #newjerseywines #agritourism Farm Credit East, ACA Jersey Fresh New Jersey Department of Agriculture

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Fruit Forward: 5 Key Flavor Trends Transforming Dessert Menus Interesting data from Technomic Ignite reveals the top trending fruits in foodservice desserts over the past year, with some surprising frontrunners: Rhubarb (90% growth) is leading the charge, bringing its distinctive tartness to restaurant dessert menus nationwide. This traditional pie ingredient is experiencing a remarkable renaissance across upscale dining establishments. Yuzu (60% growth) continues its impressive rise, with chefs embracing this Japanese citrus for its complex flavor profile that balances bright acidity with floral notes. More traditional options like peach (20.8%), dates (17.4%), and coconut (17%) round out the top five, showing steady growth as versatile ingredients that appeal to both traditional and adventurous palates. What's driving these trends? Consumers are increasingly seeking novel flavor experiences and ingredients with perceived functional benefits. The surge in rhubarb and yuzu specifically points to growing interest in tart, complex flavors that create memorable dining experiences. How is your business incorporating these trending fruits into your offerings? Have you noticed changing consumer preferences toward these distinctive flavor profiles? #FoodTrends #CulinaryInnovation #RestaurantIndustry #DessertTrends #FoodService

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New York’s legislators are proposing to allow major supermarket corporations to sell wine, which would cripple thousands of small wine & liquor stores and their workers. Metropolitan Package Store Association Executive Director Michael Correra tells Market Watch Magazine why the proposed WIGS legislation must be stopped. #metropsa #smallbusiness #nys

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