New Jersey Food Council honors 3 industry leaders at “Night of Distinction”

The New Jersey Food Council honored leaders in the food industry during the annual “Night of Distinction” reception on May 21 at The Palace at Somerset Park.

The event drew hundreds of attendees, featuring prominent food industry executives from across the region. Former Gov. Chris Christie was among the special guests.

“To everyone joining us tonight, it is true that we all represent a remarkable industry during extraordinary times,” NJFC President & CEO Linda Doherty said. “We thank you for your support, we appreciate your engagement, and we are grateful for your friendship and commitment.”

The three honorees at the annual “Night of Distinction” — Steve Heggelke, executive vice president of merchandising and procurement for Bozzuto’s; Bob Unanue, founder of Goya Cares; and Mike Stigers, president & COO of Wakefern — are industry leaders who have made major contributions to advance the mission of the NJFC, have achieved significant grocery industry success, and have a history of civic service within the New Jersey food community.

• Steve Heggelke joined Bozzuto’s in 1997 as director of sales and merchandising for Adam’s Super Food Stores. He also serves on the board of directors for the Food Marketing Institute and the National Grocers Association. Heggelke is director emeritus and past chairman of the Northeast Wholesale Food Distributors Association. In addition, he has served on the board of directors for Special Olympics Connecticut, the Catholic Institute of the Food Industry and the Rhode Island Food Distributors Association.
• Bob Unanue was a part of New Jersey-based and family-owned Goya for nearly 50 years, where he led the company across the United States and beyond. With more than 20 years as president and CEO of the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, Unanue used the international platform to make the world a better place through Goya Gives, a program that supports more than 300 charitable endeavors, programs, scholarships, and events, and Goya Cares, a global initiative to show solidarity against child trafficking.
• Mike Stigers’ career spans five decades, starting as a part-time courtesy clerk in California. He’s worked in retail, wholesale, operations, merchandising, and supply chain. Stigers was a past president of the Western Association of Food Chains and former chair of the National Grocers Association. He serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, mentoring the next generation of food industry leaders. 

In his remarks, NJFC Chair Jason Read said: “Our board stands together with purpose, vision,  and remains united in our mission to advance, foster, and protect the New Jersey food industry under the banner of the Food Council. Whether it’s advocating to advance the Organized Retail Crime bill into law or opposing burdensome legislation, the NJFC Board serves as one essential and effective voice for the industry.”