As part of the Summit on Agri-Food Export, the Group Export, in partnership with Export Development Canada (EDC), has invited The Fresh Market to speak at this industry-renowned event.
In addition to the conference, Michelle Beck, Director of Merchandising Private Label, and Nathan Baldwin, Vice President of Strategic Innovation at The Fresh Market, will meet with exporting companies who are members of Group Export in a B2B format on June 18, 2024, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participating companies in the B2B meetings must also attend the Summit on Agri-Food Export.
The details regarding the B2B meetings (location, specific times, procedures, people in charge, etc.) will be communicated via email only to the selected companies chosen to participate.
Who is The Fresh Market ?
An American chain headquartered in North Carolina, The Fresh Market operates a total of 160 stores primarily located on the East Coast of the United States – a strategic location for Quebec agri-food companies. Renowned for its specialty products and extensive selection of freshly prepared items, The Fresh Market was voted Best Grocery Store in America for the third consecutive year in 2023. In its first year of B2B meetings at the Summit, the Group Export found this type of market aligned perfectly with its members’ offerings.
The Fresh Market was acquired by Cencosud two years ago. Selling to The Fresh Market can be an interesting gateway to Latin America.
How to participate to B2B Meetings with The Fresh Market?
On May 8, 2024, it will be possible to submit your application for the B2B meetings with The Fresh Market. Indeed, a registration form will be available at that time – you will have two weeks to submit your application.
A member of the Market Development team will contact you in early June to inform you if you have been selected for a B2B meeting with The Fresh Market, based on the selection criteria. If you are selected, you will also receive all the details regarding the meeting, including the time, location, and schedule.
Please note that the selection criteria will be disclosed in the coming weeks.
Two Key Buyers @ The Fresh Market
Nathan Baldwin, Vice-President of Strategic Innovation
Nathan Baldwin is the Group Vice President of Strategic Innovation and Culinary for The Fresh Market. Nathan joined The Fresh Market in early 2023 to lead the growth of the brand’s “restaurant” concept inside all new stores. In the last year he has taken on additional leadership roles leading Innovation for the brand, the Culinary R&D Team, Food Service in the Deli and Meals Solutions department, and the Private Label Team. In addition, he serves on the brand’s Senior Leadership Team.
Nathan earned his BBA in Restaurant and Hotel Management from the Anderson School of Management at The University of New Mexico. He then went to work for Brinker International, where he spent 25 years. Starting as a Restaurant Manager, he worked his way up to various roles in the company’s corporate office as Senior Director of Culinary Operations, Vice President of Operation Services, and Vice President of Franchise and Strategic Growth. Immediately prior to leaving Brinker for The Fresh Market, he served on the Senior Leadership Team and was the Vice President of Restaurant Services, where he designed, simplified, and executed operational strategy and innovation to support more than 1350 company and franchise restaurants.
Michelle Beck, Director, Merchandising Private Label
Michelle Beck, Director of Own Brands and Local Merchandising, is a 23+ year corporate professional in private brand development for both health and food products. Her family, food and building brands for consumers to fall in love with is her passion. Michelle has been with The Fresh Market for nearly 12 years in Merchandising and Private Label as a corporative initiative project manager and leading product development. Prior to The Fresh Market, she worked for a large multilevel marketing company creating their private brands, advertising specialties for corporate clients and in a non- profit as a Communication’s Director. Her long career in private label began early at The Perrigo Company as an intern, advancing across roles as a Pharmacy Education Manager, Category Manager and Promotional Manager. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in Merchandising from Western Michigan University.
This project is possible thanks to Export Development Canada (EDC)
Export Development Canada partnered with Group Export to facilitate the approach and coordination of The Fresh Market’s arrival in Quebec as part of the Summit on Agri-Food Export. As an important partner of the Group Export with contacts to buyers worldwide, EDC provides numerous opportunities for Quebec-based agri-food exporting companies.
Who is EDC ?
As an expert in international risk, EDC assists Canadian businesses in understanding, managing, and assuming risks to expand beyond Canada’s borders. Since 1944, companies of all sizes and across various sectors have relied on the organization to gain export knowledge and access the financial solutions needed to succeed in global markets.
Contact: Karen Trujillo | ktrujillo@edc.ca | 450-926-6133
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