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    • Speakers

    Participants - Foods Roundtable Summit Panelists

    Matt Thomas (moderator) Publisher/co-owner at Culture Cheese Mag and Former Senior Director (Buyer Relations) at Specialty Food Association
    Carlos Solomón General Manager at NH Collections Hotels
    Emilio Mignucci Vice President at Di Bruno Bros
    Angelica Intriago Owner of Despaña Brand Foods
    Avi Kahn Director of Business Development at B&A Food Broker

    Wines Roundtable Summit Panelists

    Courtney Schiessl Magrini (moderator) Editor in Chief, Seven Fifty Daily
    Ray Isle Executive Wine Editor at Food & Wine Magazine
    Victor Ordoñez National Sales & Marketing Manager at Jorge Ordoñez Selections
    Ania Fedorova Director of Beverage at Creative Culinary Management Company
    Vanessa Colin, MW Global Head of Wine Retail at Sotheby's

    Food Advisory Council Profiles

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    Emilio Mignucci

    Vice President of Culinary Pioneering, Di Bruno Bros. (Wakefern)

     

    Emilio Mignucci has over 30 years of experience in the specialty food industry and is a key figure at Di Bruno Bros., a Philadelphia-based gourmet food retailer. As Vice President of Culinary Pioneering, he has played an instrumental role in expanding the company's product offerings and enhancing its reputation for high-quality, artisanal foods. Di Bruno Bros. boasts five retail locations, 11 private labels, and over 3,000 retailers nationwide carrying their brands. Emilio's deep passion for food and commitment to fostering a vibrant food community has positioned Di Bruno Bros. as a leader in the gourmet food market.

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    Carlos Salomón

    General Manager, NH Collection Hotels

     

    Carlos Salomón, General Manager at NH Collection Hotels, is a seasoned hospitality leader with over two decades of experience. He expertly oversees operations, ensuring exceptional service and guest experiences. With NH being a Spanish hotel chain, Carlos leverages his deep understanding of the U.S. market to introduce and position Spanish products. His initiatives include introducing picnic baskets featuring Spanish products from Campo Grande and transforming the hotel's bar, MAD BAR, to prominently feature Spanish wines. Carlos’ extensive work with top-tier chefs, including 3-star Michelin chef Santi Santamaria, adds further value to his expertise in aligning Spanish products with U.S. consumer preferences.

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    Avi Kahn

    Director of Business Development, B&A Food Brokers

     

    Avi Kahn is a dynamic leader in the food brokerage industry, serving as the Director of Business Development at B&A Food Brokers. With a strong background in strategic sales and market expansion, Avi specializes in connecting international food brands with the U.S. market. He has been instrumental in enhancing B&A's portfolio, working with partners such as Costco, Ctown, Food Bazaar, Foodtown, Publix, ShopRite, The Ritz-Carlton, and Target. B&A collaborates with leading foodservice distributors, operators, and manufacturers, offering strategic solutions that help brands enter new markets and expand their presence.

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    Angelica Intriago

    Owner and Vice President, Despaña Brand Foods

     

    Angelica Intriago serves as the Owner and Vice President of Despaña Brand Foods, a leading importer and retailer specializing in premium Spanish foods. With extensive experience navigating the complexities of introducing and establishing Spanish products in the U.S. market, Angelica plays a key role in bridging the gap between Spanish producers and American consumers. Despaña’s curated selection of gourmet products is widely distributed to chefs, restaurants, retail outlets, and catering companies throughout New York City and across the nation, offering direct shipments to ensure accessibility of authentic Spanish cuisine.

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    Emily Murphy

    Sales Manager, Baldor Specialty Foods, Inc

     

    Emily Murphy is the Sales Manager at Baldor Specialty Foods, a leading provider of fine foods and fresh produce. With expertise in sourcing specialty and seasonal products from around the globe, 

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    Jennifer Sussman

    Vice President Category Management, The Chefs Warehouse, Inc.

     

    Jennifer Sussman brings over 18 years of experience in the specialty wholesale food industry, currently serving as Vice President of Category Management at The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. The company is a premier distributor, catering to restaurants, hotels, country clubs, and fine food retailers across North America and beyond. With access to over 3,000 suppliers and nearly 100,000 SKUs, Jennifer's leadership ensures that The Chefs’ Warehouse continues to provide top-tier ingredients and products to fine dining establishments, culinary schools, casinos, and more, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

    Profiles Food 'Roundtable Summit Panelists' Discussion

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    Matt Thomas, Food 'Roundtable' Moderator

    Co-Owner, Culture Cheese Magazine and Former Director at Specialty Food Association

     

    With over 25 years in business development and marketing, Matt Thomas specializes in the international artisan food trade. At the Specialty Food Association, he was pivotal in driving attendance and key buyer programs for the Fancy Food Shows.SFA, founded in 1952, is a  not-for-profit trade association representing the $207-billion specialty food industry. It includes over 3,800 businesses worldwide, promoting innovation and inclusivity through resources, education, and events like the Fancy Food Shows and the sofi™ Awards. As co-owner of Culture Cheese Magazine, Matt uses his extensive industry network to connect with consumers and leaders, focusing on developing effective sales channels and innovative buyer programs in the food and beverage sector.

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    Carlos Salomón

    General Manager, NH Collection Hotels

     

    Carlos Salomón, General Manager at NH Collection Hotels, is a seasoned hospitality leader with over two decades of experience. He expertly oversees operations, ensuring exceptional service and guest experiences. With NH being a Spanish hotel chain, Carlos leverages his deep understanding of the U.S. market to introduce and position Spanish products. His initiatives include introducing picnic baskets featuring Spanish products from Campo Grande and transforming the hotel's bar, MAD BAR, to prominently feature Spanish wines. Carlos’ extensive work with top-tier chefs, including 3-star Michelin chef Santi Santamaria, adds further value to his expertise in aligning Spanish products with U.S. consumer preferences.

    emiliomingnucci.png

    Emilio Mignucci

    Vice President of Culinary Pioneering, Di Bruno Bros. (Wakefern)

     

    Emilio Mignucci has over 30 years of experience in the specialty food industry and is a key figure at Di Bruno Bros., a Philadelphia-based gourmet food retailer. As Vice President of Culinary Pioneering, he has played an instrumental role in expanding the company's product offerings and enhancing its reputation for high-quality, artisanal foods. Di Bruno Bros. boasts five retail locations, 11 private labels, and over 3,000 retailers nationwide carrying their brands. Emilio's deep passion for food and commitment to fostering a vibrant food community has positioned Di Bruno Bros. as a leader in the gourmet food market.

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    Avi Kahn

    Director of Business Development, B&A Food Brokers

     

    Avi Kahn is a dynamic leader in the food brokerage industry, serving as the Director of Business Development at B&A Food Brokers. With a strong background in strategic sales and market expansion, Avi specializes in connecting international food brands with the U.S. market. He has been instrumental in enhancing B&A's portfolio, working with partners such as Costco, Ctown, Food Bazaar, Foodtown, Publix, ShopRite, The Ritz-Carlton, and Target. B&A collaborates with leading foodservice distributors, operators, and manufacturers, offering strategic solutions that help brands enter new markets and expand their presence.

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    Angelica Intriago

    Owner and Vice President, Despaña Brand Foods

     

    Angelica Intriago serves as the Owner and Vice President of Despaña Brand Foods, a leading importer and retailer specializing in premium Spanish foods. With extensive experience navigating the complexities of introducing and establishing Spanish products in the U.S. market, Angelica plays a key role in bridging the gap between Spanish producers and American consumers. Despaña’s curated selection of gourmet products is widely distributed to chefs, restaurants, retail outlets, and catering companies throughout New York City and across the nation, offering direct shipments to ensure accessibility of authentic Spanish cuisine.

    Wine Advisory Council Profiles

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    Jaime De Leon

    Director of Adult Beverage, Roundy's Supermarkets

     

    Jaime De Leon is the Director of Adult Beverage at Roundy's Supermarkets, a subsidiary of Kroger, overseeing a robust network of 149 stores across Wisconsin and Illinois under the Pick 'n Save and Mariano's banners. With a strong background in the food and beverage industry, Jaime leads the development of strategic beverage programs, enhancing product offerings and customer experience. His expertise in market trends and consumer preferences drives successful initiatives that boost sales and expand Roundy's presence in the competitive grocery market​. 

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    Susan Kostrzewa

    Editor, Writer, Content & Publishing Strategist

     

    Susan Kostrzewa is an award-winning journalist with over 20 years in wine, food, and lifestyle publishing. As former Editor-in-Chief at Wine Enthusiast, she led a major rebrand and digital expansion. She now runs Resplendent Ink, offering content consulting, and contributes as a writer for JamesSuckling.com. Her work focuses on cultural storytelling, gender equality, and environmental awareness. Recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Leaders in Wine by Wine Business Monthly, Susan has received multiple accolades for her contributions to media and wine education.

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    Victor Ordóñez

    National Sales & Marketing Manager, Jorge Ordóñez Selections

     

    Victor Ordóñez is a seasoned professional in the wine industry, currently serving as the National Sales & Marketing Manager at Jorge Ordóñez Selections. With extensive experience in wine marketing and sales, Victor is instrumental in promoting Spanish wines across the US market. He is passionate about introducing innovative marketing strategies to expand the reach of Spanish wines and enhance their reputation globally. Victor's deep understanding of wine culture and consumer trends drives his success in building strong brand identities and fostering growth within the competitive wine industry.

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    Jeremy Hart

    Founder, Somm AI

     

    Jeremy Hart is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in sales, brand management, and strategic marketing. He managed over 400 SKUs from 56 brands across six states and contributed to a multiyear Wine Spectator's Top 100 Winner. At Somm.ai, Jeremy serves as the Chief Strategic Marketing and Co-Founder, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance wine selection and purchasing processes. Somm.ai offers the world's largest database of wine and spirits lists, providing real-time insights and data-driven strategies to improve sales and distribution​ (Somm.ai - On-Premise Intelligence). Jeremy's strong communication skills have enabled him to host the closing dinner at the prestigious TexSom Conference for five consecutive years.

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    Ania Fedorova

    Director of Beverage, Creative Culinary Management Company

     

    As the Beverage Director at Creative Culinary Management Company and former National Beverage Director at City Winery, Ania specializes in beverage menu engineering, strategic partnerships, and staff training. She curates and oversees the wine lists for some of the most prestigious restaurants and bars in New York’s Seaport District, including The Building by Jean-Georges, The Fulton by Jean-Georges, Malibu Farm, and The Rooftop at Pier 17 among others. With expertise in revenue management, inventory control, menu development, and education, Ania brings a comprehensive approach to beverage program success, enhancing both guest experience and operational efficiency.

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    Emily Nevin-Giannini

    Beverage Director, Barcelona Wine Bar

     

    Emily Nevin-Giannini is the Beverage Director at Barcelona Wine Bar, a renowned restaurant chain with the largest Spanish wine list in the U.S., featuring over 50% Spanish wines and an extensive selection of Sherry. Emily is an accomplished wine educator and specialist, holding advanced certifications from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, along with certifications in Rioja and Sherry wines. Her role involves extensive travel to source wines, with a focus on small producers using high-quality methods. Her deep expertise in Spanish and South American wines shapes the beverage program at Barcelona Wine Bar, ensuring it remains a leader in authentic and innovative wine offerings.

    Profiles Wine 'Roundtable Summit Panelists' Discussion

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    Courtney Schiessl Magrini

    Editor in Chief, Seven Fifty Daily

     

    Courtney Schiessl Magrini is the Editor in Chief of SevenFifty Daily, the leading online publication for the wine and spirits industry in the U.S. In her role, Courtney oversees a range of content that explores the business and culture of beverage alcohol, providing key insights and reporting on industry trends, innovations, and challenges. Under her editorial leadership, SevenFifty Daily has become a go-to resource for professionals across the three tiers of the industry, including producers, distributors, and buyers. With her extensive background as a sommelier and journalist, Courtney brings a wealth of expertise and perspective to her role, shaping meaningful conversations within the beverage community.

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    Ray Isle

    Executive Wine Editor, Food & Wine Magazine


    Ray Isle is the Executive Wine Editor at Food & Wine, one of the largest industry magazines in the U.S., with nearly 1 million in circulation and an affluent audience of close to 10 million. He also serves as the Wine and Spirits Editor for Travel + Leisure. Ray writes the monthly "Bottle Service" column for Food & Wine and contributes regularly on topics of wine, spirits, and wine-related travel for both publications. His work has been featured in Departures, The Washington Post, and Time. Ray is a three-time James Beard Award nominee in beverage writing and a two-time winner of the IACP Award for Narrative Beverage

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    Victor Ordóñez

    National Sales & Marketing Manager, Jorge Ordóñez Selections

     

    Victor Ordóñez is a seasoned professional in the wine industry, currently serving as the National Sales & Marketing Manager at Jorge Ordóñez Selections. With extensive experience in wine marketing and sales, Victor is instrumental in promoting Spanish wines across the US market. He is passionate about introducing innovative marketing strategies to expand the reach of Spanish wines and enhance their reputation globally. Victor's deep understanding of wine culture and consumer trends drives his success in building strong brand identities and fostering growth within the competitive wine industry.

    aniafedorova.png

    Ania Fedorova

    Director of Beverage, Creative Culinary Management Company

     

    As the Beverage Director at Creative Culinary Management Company and former National Beverage Director at City Winery, Ania specializes in beverage menu engineering, strategic partnerships, and staff training. She curates and oversees the wine lists for some of the most prestigious restaurants and bars in New York’s Seaport District, including The Building by Jean-Georges, The Fulton by Jean-Georges, Malibu Farm, and The Rooftop at Pier 17 among others. With expertise in revenue management, inventory control, menu development, and education, Ania brings a comprehensive approach to beverage program success, enhancing both guest experience and operational efficiency.

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    Vanessa Colin, MW

    Global Head of Wine Retail, Sotheby´s

     

    Vanessa, formerly Chief Wine Officer at Wine Access, brings extensive experience managing diverse wine portfolios, including over 250 Spanish SKUs annually. Now serving as Global Head of Wine Retail at Sotheby’s, she oversees a premium wine selection, featuring 75 Spanish SKUs per year. Her expertise spans both educational and business perspectives, making her a valuable asset to the conversation. With a background in one of the top 10 national wine retailers (Wine Access) and her current role at a luxury retailer (Sotheby’s), Vanessa offers unique insights into both mainstream and high-end markets.

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