Lenberg Farms Wins Top Awards at UK Nantwich and ACS Competitions

August 07 2017

Elizabeth, NJ- Atalanta's supplier, Mariposa Dairy, took home several awards at both the UK Nantwich Cheese Competition and at the American Cheese Society Competition for Lenberg Farms cheeses.

At the UK Nantwich Cheese Competition, Lenberg Farms Lindsay Bandaged Goat Cheddar won gold – 1st place – for the "Farmhouse/Traditional Bandaged Cheese" category; Lenberg Farms Tania won gold – 1st place for the "Best Canadian Cheese, Sheep" category; and Lenberg Farms Zoey placed 2nd for the "Best Canadian Cheese, any variety" category.

The 2017 UK Nantwich Cheese Competition took place on July 25th and 26th, 2017. This competition, now in its 120th year, showcased the very best dairy produced from all over the world. Expert judges weighed in on a record number of entries, 5,685 in all.

At the ACS, Lenberg Farms Zoey took 1st place for the Washed Rind Cheese category, made from goat's and sheep's milk.

The American Cheese Society Competition (ACS) was hosted in Denver, CO on July 26-29th, 2017. The ACS holds one of the biggest and most important events of its kind, featuring more than 1,600 American artisan and specialty cheeses.

CAFFÈ VERGNANO LAUNCHES THE ÈSPRESSO1882 COMPOSTABLE RANGE AT THE SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW:

June 28 2017

De Medici Imports celebrates at the Summer Fancy Food Show: 10th anniversary with Gellert Global Group The launch of Château Miraval Extra Virgin Olive Oil

June 19 2017

Elizabeth, NJ - De Medici Imports & Gellert Global Group will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their partnership at this month's Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. In 2007, De Medici joined The Group in order to find a wider audience for their specialty ingredients. In 2015, De Medici officially became a part of Atalanta, which is part of the GGG portfolio. Founded in 1979, De Medici Imports brought the first Tuscan extra virgin olive oil marketed nationally in the United States. Since then, De Medici has been a leader in taste education for the specialty food business community connecting old-world, artisan producers with American retailers.

Steve Kaufman, EVP of De Medici states, "One of the most important goals we had at the time of the purchase was to maintain the whole "terroir" of De Medici so to speak, as we slowly integrated into Atalanta. I believe we did this quite well and it was reassuring to hear this feedback from our customers. The strong commitment from the Gellert family continues to support the De Medici quality and experience as we expand into some more broad-based business. Miraval is an example of our continued search for the best of the best in our collection".

DE MEDICI IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF CHÂTEAU MIRAVAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Tucked away in its own private valley in an ancient village in Provence, Château Miraval has cultivated 26 acres of organic olive groves that sit high above ancient stone walled terraces dating back to Roman times. The organic oil crafted from these and neighboring groves, comes in a beautifully designed yet functional black sandstone bottle, which helps protect the oil from damaging UV rays. The sweet, peppery olive oil has notes of almond, hazelnut, and artichoke, with aromas of freshly cut grass and a spicy finish. Château Miraval Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an exciting and fitting addition to De Medici's exclusive and meticulously researched collection of authentic foods from Italy, France, Spain, Argentina, Greece and the United States.

De Medici's products have been awarded 28 NASFT Awards, including 2012's Outstanding Classic Product, Villa Manodori 'Artigianale' Balsamic Vinegar from three-star Michelin Chef Massimo Bottura. Several of De Medici's extra virgin olive oils earned awards at the 2017 New York International Olive Oil Competition, the largest and most respected olive oil quality competition in the world, including the Sicilian Mandranova Nocellara which received its third Gold Award; Gold award winners, Marqués de Griñón "Oleum Artis" from Toledo, Spain, Badia a Coltibuono Albereto from Tuscany; and Silver award winners, Marina Colonna and Melchiorri from Italy.

De Medici looks forward to continuing to serve the specialty food community in a thriving partnership with Atalanta, and to being a leading voice in the industry advocating artisan producers and authentic, regional products. For more information about De Medici Imports, please visit www.demedici.com or stop by booth #2538 at the Summer Fancy Food Show to taste their award-winning products! 

FABI Award 2017

March 15 2017

ATALANTA AWARDED 2017 FABI AWARD
PIACENTI TUSCAN ROASTED PORCHETTA WITH HERBS

Elizabeth, NJ – For the fourth year in a row, the National Restaurant Association has recognized Atalanta Corporation for its
new and innovative products. This year, Piacenti Tuscan Roasted Porchetta with Herbs took center stage and received a FABI
Award for its superb expression of regional flavors and unique attributes.

The Food and Beverage Innovation (FABI) Awards recognize new products for breakthrough achievement in taste,
marketability, creativity and profitability potential in foodservice operations. This year's recipients are recognized for their ontrend
menu items, healthy alternatives, and breakthrough ingredients. The 2017 FABI Awards will be presented at the National
Restaurant Association Show (NRA), May 20-23 in Chicago.

Always on the lookout for unique and authentic food items, Atalanta discovered a truly regional product from San Gimignano,
Tuscany. Salumificio Toscano Piacenti has perfected master craftsmanship over generations, working from ancient Roman
recipes. Andrea Berti, Senior Business Development Manager for Atalanta, explains "What caught our attention about
Salumificio Piacenti was their modern yet traditional production method. The long roasting with local herbs is steeped in the
ancient culinary traditions and creates this amazing combination of flavors that we fell in love with it. We knew this would be
a special item to bring to our customers."

Roasted Porchetta with Herbs is crafted from Pork Loins wrapped in Pork Belly and brined in a traditional family recipe that
includes local Tuscan herbs and spices. Before roasting, this delicious Porchetta is glazed with the same ingredients that are in
the brine including wild fennel, then roasted for ten hours. The result is a succulent roast, full of rich pork flavor with a hint
of earthy juniper berries, wild fennel, and other Mediterranean spices. Piacentti also offers Roasted Ham with Herbs, Roasted
Pork Loin with Herbs and Tuscan Prosciutto DOP.

Atalanta is the exclusive importer of Salumifico Toscano Piacenti. For more information or to sample our product, visit booth
#2409 at the NRA® Show, May 20-23, McCormick Place- Chicago, IL.

CELEBRITY™ GOAT CHEESE RECOGNIZED BY AMERICAN GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARD 2016

October 03 2016

Elizabeth, NJ - Atalanta Corporation, a leading global food importer, in conjunction with Princeton-based design agency, Zullo, has been awarded the American Graphic Design Award 2016 for Celebrity™ Goat Cheese Package Design. Atalanta partners with Zullo on various branding and packaging projects.

This is the second award, the agency has won with Atalanta's product. In 2015, Zullo and Atalanta were recognized for the redesign of Atalanta's premium line Del Destino® Ready to Eat Quinoa Cups.

Graphic Design USA invites thousands of creative professionals and organizations to participate in this competition. GDUSA honors outstanding design within the industry and its power to generate an emotional link between brand and consumer.

The update of Celebrity Goat Cheese packaging is part of Atalanta Corporation's larger initiative to refresh this award-winning brand. Mari Meriluoto, Director of Brand Development, says "Our goal was to elevate the brand identity to reflect the high-quality product and to resonate with the specialty cheese consumers of today, with a quirky but superior image. The tagline 'Famously Good' reflects the award- winning status of the line, and the goat with the sunglasses completes the connection with the brand name 'Celebrity'."

Celebrity Goat Dairy products are made from 100% pure Canadian goat's milk, collected from family-run farms in Southern Ontario, Canada. These award-winning Celebrity goat's milk cheeses are available in many varieties.

For more information on Celebrity Goat Cheese visit www.celebritygoat.com

For more information on Graphic Design USA visit www.gdusa.com 

George Gellert, Chairman & CEO of The Gellert Global Group awarded the L. Joseph Thomas Leadership Award from Cornell University

August 22 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEElizabeth, NJ – George Gellert, Chairman & CEO of The Gellert Global Group, is the recipient of the L. Joseph Thomas Leadership Award from Cornell University's Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. The Gellert Group is the largest privately-owned food importer in the United States.

Gellert earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 and an MBA degree in 1962 from Cornell University, and a JD degree in 1963 from Cornell Law School. The award was presented to him in May and is Johnson's highest honor. It recognizes alumni for their exceptional demonstration of vision and leadership, sound business sense and commitment to the community.

In addition to the award, the summer edition of Cornell Enterprise, a publication for and about the University's alumni, profiled Mr. Gellert in a feature article entitled, "Bringing A 'Benevolent Competitiveness' To Family Business." He was interviewed about the power of relationships, leadership and his determination to look forward.

Steve O'Mara, President of J.F. Braun, a Gellert Global Group company, stated in the article, "[Gellert] has a kind of never-stop-fighting mentality that has reached down into the entire organization."

In building the successful global business, Gellert says,"My Cornell education was a great foundation for my life and I've incorporated leadership lessons from my professors into my business approach. I am truly honored to receive this recognition from such a highly-renowned institution."

FINICA WINS TOP AWARDS AT THE 2016 AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY COMPETITION

August 11 2016

Elizabeth, NJ – The American Cheese Society Competition was hosted in Des Moines, Iowa on July 27-30th. With more than 1,200 in attendance, the ACS holds one of the biggest events of its kind, featuring 1,843 entries from over 250 companies. Finica's Canadian partner, Mariposa Dairy, took home an award for its Celebrity line. Placing 1st in cloth bound Cheddar, is Lindsay Bandaged Goat Cheddar, which is handcrafted, in small batches using premium Ontario's goat milk.

Quality Cheese from Vaughan Ontario, Canada took 2nd place in its category, Fresh Unripened Cheeses made from cow's milk, PC Crema Di Burrata. This cheese is made with 100% Canadian milk and has a soft and buttery interior. 2nd place in the Fresh Mozzarella category was awarded to, Zerto Fresh Mozzarella. This cheese is made with nothing but pure fresh milk. It's creamy texture and mild flavor are much softer than the mass produced mozzarella.

President of Finica, Paul Blake comments on Lindsay Bandaged Goat Cheddar, "We haven't seen a cheese in Ontario come along with this kind of taste profile in many years. We are excited about its future. Fortunately, most haven't heard about it due to its limited supply, which is no longer an issue".

ACS Judging & Competition awards were given to cheese and dairy products that had achieved technical excellence and exhibited the highest aesthetic qualities. Products are recognized for their achievements in flavor, aroma, texture and appearance.

For more information on these items above, please visit www.finica.com, www.mariposadairy.com or www.atalantacorp.com.

ATALANTA PARTNERS WITH SCOTTISH DAIRY

June 27 2016

ATALANTA PARTNERS WITH SCOTTISH DAIRY Elizabeth, NJ- Atalanta Corporation, in partnership with Scottish Development International, will feature a selection of Scottish cheeses at the Summer Fancy Food Show, June 26-28, in NYC. SDI supports the industry presence of Scottish food and drink internationally by forming strong relationships with businesses worldwide.

As American consumers gain interest in Scottish artisanal products, Atalanta's product team and Scottish Dairy have been working for over a year to develop strong relationships with a number of individual producers in order to find the right products for the marketplace. "We are delighted to be associated with these Scottish dairies and believe that their unique products will complement our successful Mull of Kintyre brand of Scottish specialty cheese", said John Rodger, Atalanta's VP of Cheese and Specialty Deli.

Roddy Wilde, representing Scottish Dairy, agrees, "The Scottish Dairy Brand represents well known regional artisan brands and the launch with Atalanta is a major step forward in the promotion of Scottish dairy products in the United States. Products are carefully selected according to strict criteria, made with 100% Scottish milk. They are supported by well established partners, ensuring ready access for all customers to these superb variety of cheeses from Scotland."

In the first wave of the launch, Atalanta will feature two dairies and will roll out several more distinctive specialty cheeses in the weeks following the show. A section of Atalanta's booth will be dedicated to Scottish cheeses, displaying the new Connage Highland Farms Dunlop and The Island Smokery Orkney Smokey Red in addition to their original Scottish brand, Mull of Kintyre. In addition to this strategic partnership with SDI, Atalanta continues to work with Coombe Castle International Ltd, on rounding out their specialty producers from the U.K. "Coombe Castle plays a critical role for us and continues to introduce us to new products and suppliers", states Marissa DeMaio, Atalanta's Director of Retail Marketing.

Each of these cheeses has a unique story of its own. Connage Highland Dairy is based on the shores of the Moray Firth, near Inverness. The farm has been running for 65 years, with several generations managing operations.The recipe for their multi-award winning cheese, Connage Dunlop, originated in the town of Dunlop, Scotland, and dates back to 1668. Connage Dunlop is traditionally cloth-bound and matured for 7 months. Orkney Smokey Red hails from the pristine Orkney Islands where The Island Smokery has been producing smoked mature Orkney cheddar for the past ten years and has recently expanded to meet the growing demand of their product range. Because of the wood used, this double-smoked 14 month old mature cheddar possesses a unique island flavor.

From the craggy west coast of Mull of Kintyre comes an award winning cheddar crafted in the historic Campbeltown Creamery, which has been producing cheese since 1923. Rugged, bold and full of character, this cheddar is slowly aged to perfection and then hand selected by master cheese graders to ensur e its distinctive taste.

Atalanta and SDI will host a reception on Monday, June 27th, at New York City's famed Battery Gardens to coincide with the Summer Fancy Food Show launch. During this event, Atalanta's guests will be able to meet the cheese makers firsthand and enjoy an evening of Scottish culture that will feature samplings of the cheeses and other authentic Scottish fare, drink, and entertainment. Visit Atalanta at the Summer Fancy Food Show, June 26-28, 2016, at the Jacob Javits Center, Booth # 2542.

EIFFEL TOWER GETS A REFRESH

June 03 2016

Elizabeth, NJ – Atalanta Corporation has developed new packaging for its premium French line, Eiffel Tower®. The new look incorporates a vintage feel with elements of modern design. Created by Vision Creative Group (Cedar Knolls, NJ) the update was inspired by the French sensibility of combining classic and modern elements with an attention to detail.

With over $4 million dollars in sales Eiffel Tower is one of Atalanta's premium brands and spans across several categories including Brie and Swiss cheeses, escargots, mustards and vinegars. Part of Atalanta's marketing strategy to create a differentiated identity for its established brands, Eiffel Tower's new look will now be competitive in the market place. Tom Gellert, VP of Atalanta comments,"Eiffel Tower is one our more prominent brands at retail and we believe that we must keep our packaging relevant to the consumer of today. With this new brand identity, Eiffel Tower will certainly stand out in the deli case. The new branding makes the line more competitive in food service as well."

Debuting at IDDBA in Houston,Texas, the brand's launch will be supported by trade and consumer advertising, sales training and promotions. Atalanta will be exhibiting at booth # 4801 with Eiffel Tower as one their main focus displays. 

ATALANTA LAUNCHES CUCINA CLASSICA

May 05 2016

Atalanta Expands "Regg It Up" Campaign

April 11 2016

Exclusive Partnership between Atalanta & Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano

New Website/Social Media & Visual Merchandise to Showcase "Regg It Up"

Elizabeth, NJ- Atalanta one of the largest privately held food importers in the US expands its "Regg It Up" brand campaign to include a new website, social media and updated merchandising materials. Launched in 2015, this successful campaign supports retailers who recognize that offering the highest quality original, authentic PDO Parmigiano-Reggiano is important to their customers.

The campaign, created in house by Atalanta's Retail Marketing Team, showcases the authenticity of PDO Parmigiano-Reggiano with video displays, recipe cards, and case cards for use at store level.

From a consumer point of view, "Regg It Up" inspires home cooks to elevate their cooking. Simple to gourmet recipes, the history of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and other informative facts can all be found on the new "Regg It Up" website and social media platforms.

Atalanta's Director of Retail Marketing, Marissa DeMaio, states: "Some of our top partners in the country have had huge success with this campaign and we continue to support our accounts and the consumer with in-store merchandising material and digital media to keep the concept interesting and fresh."

Parmigiano-Reggiano was one of the first Italian products to earn the certification as a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product, guaranteeing that the cheese is made according to traditional methods in strictly defined geographical areas. Atalanta has an exclusive partnership with Agriform, which is among the top Italian companies for the production of PDO cheeses.

The " Regg it Up" Cheese and Deli In-Store Merchandising Kit includes a video display monitor in a "cheese wheel" with USB plug-in screen, a recipe video, recipe cards and merchandising manual. Visit the new "Regg It Up"website at http://www.reggitup.com For more information on this program please contact an Atalanta Sales

ATALANTA AWARDED TWO 2016 FABI AWARDS

March 16 2016

Elizabeth, NJ – For the third year in a row, the National Restaurant Association has recognized Atalanta Corporation for its new and innovative products. This year Del Destino Peruvian Sauces and L'Estornell Smoked Oil took center stage for their global flavors and unique attributes. The 2016 FABI Awards will be presented at the National Restaurant Association Show (NRA), May 21-24 in Chicago.

The Food and Beverage Innovation (FABI) Awards recognize new products for breakthrough achievement in taste, marketability, creativity and profitability potential in foodservice operations.

This year an array of global flavors, gluten-free products, and healthy alternative beverages gave the panel much to debate. Atalanta continues to search the globe for exciting flavors and trend-setting ideas. The new collection of Peruvian Sauces from Del Destino feature authentic ingredients such as the Amarillo chili pepper that is a staple in Peruvian cooking. Ranging from spicy and creamy to tangy and fresh, these versatile sauces will satisfy adventurous palates looking for diverse flavors. The line consists of seven sauces, three of which were awarded the 2016 prize: Aji Sauce, Mochero Pepper & Cilantro Sauce and Rocoto Sauce.

Discovered by De Medici, a division of Atalanta, VEÁ's L'Estornell Smoked Oil perfectly combines fruity extra-virgin Arbequina olive oil with the aromatic smoke of pinecones from Catalonia's Montseny area. By employing a cold-smoking technique, the oil is infused with a balanced, subtle smokiness that enhances the flavor of the oil without overpowering it. A natural partner for grilled meat, fish, and vegetables, L'Estornell Smoked Oil also adds wood-fired flavor to dressings and sauces. Atalanta is the exclusive importer of Del Destino Peruvian Sauces and L'Estornell Smoked Oil. For more information or to sample our products visit booth #2409 at the NRA® Show, May 21-24, McCormick Place- Chicago, IL.

AMERICAN PACKAGE DESIGN AWARD FOR ATALANTA’S DEL DESTINO QUINOA CUPS

March 01 2016

Del Destino® Quinoa Cups were selected amongst 2,000 submissions for the 2015 award. This annual competition has been sponsored by Graphic Design USA for over 50 years. The organization honors outstanding work and superior graphics in the industry and celebrates the power of design and its ability to generate an emotional link between the brand and the consumer.

The redesign of Del Destino® Quinoa Salads is a part of Atalanta Corporation's larger initiative to refresh the brand, first developed in 1971. Today, the line enjoys sales well over $50 MM. The now, award-winning look will aesthetically elevate the brand to be more competitive at retail and food service customers.

For more information on Graphic Design USA visit www.gdusa.com

A NEW LOOK FOR DEL DESTINO

February 17 2016

Elizabeth, NJ - Atalanta Corporation, one of the largest privately owned food importers in the U.S. announces a major re-branding effort for its premium product line, Del Destino. Del Destino is a $50 MM line of premium quality Mediterranean products, including various vegetables, condiments and grains. The line is primarily sold in food service but also has retail and club distribution. Del Destino is one of Atalanta's original brands with strong brand awareness in the food service category. The name Del Destino was originally inspired by Giuseppe Verdi's opera: La Forza Del Destino.

The objectives with re-branding are to have a uniform brand identity that reflects the premium, Mediterranean positioning, and to communicate the product benefits more effectively at retail and food-service levels. The project started in fall 2015 and will continue until all the items in the line have been updated. The new logo reflects the premium Mediterranean positioning and includes a compass that communicates the brand name (Del Destino = Destiny/Fate). The blue color will clearly distinguish the Del Destino brand in kitchens and large product images will help identify each variety. Zullo Agency, based in Princeton, NJ, has been selected to execute the re-branding project.

Bob Gellert, Executive Vice President of Atalanta, in charge of the Grocery Department says: "We are very excited to roll out the new brand identity with our customers, and expect it to help grow our already strong sales with both food service and retail/club customers." Atalanta is an importer and distributor of premium specialty food brands including gourmet olive oils, vinegars, mustards, cheese and pastas. Our products are distributed nationally in retail stores and restaurants that focus on premium, high quality food products.

Atalanta Teams with Palmer Food Service for a Sweety Drop® Chef Competition

November 20 2015

Snowdonia Black Bomber: A Royal Favorite

October 23 2015

Elizabeth, NJ –SNOWDONIA CHEESE COMPANY enjoyed a successful summer having garnered a host of awards, and press revelation of a royal fan.

It's been reported that HRH Prince William's favorite meal during his time in the Royal Air Force (RAF) was a Welsh lamb burger topped with award winning Snowdonia Cheese Company Black Bomber Extra Mature Cheddar and served on brioche topped with a fried egg, after former RAF Chef Gareth Matheson released details and a recipe for the royal burger of choice. The news spread across the press, reaching across the English Channel, into the French Media and now into the US.

This delicious recipe features ground lamb combined with mint sauce and paprika. Shaped into a generous half-pound patty and topped with Black Bomber Cheddar, this burger has become a popular choice in restaurants recreating a dish fit for a future King. The iconic Black Bomber Extra Mature Cheddar has a powerful flavor with the Snowdonia Cheese Company signature melt in the mouth texture. Coated in a smart black wax and featuring the Snowdonia label that pays tribute to the brand's North Wales heritage.

Commercial Director Richard Newton-Jones said: "We are extremely proud that our product is favored by Prince William, and chefs looking to use premium ingredients in their dishes. The quintessential cheese brand Snowdonia Cheese Company uses only the finest quality of ingredients in their expertly crafted cheese, maintaining the integrity of the product.

Little Black Bomber has won awards at The Great British Cheese Awards, Nantwich International Cheese Awards and the World Cheese Awards. Snowdonia Cheese Company awards in 2015 have included Gold for Green Thunder and Ginger Spice at the Royal Welsh Show, 1st for Black Bomber, Beechwood and Ruby Mist at the Bakewell Show with Green Thunder and Ginger Spice receiving 2nd.

Atalanta Corporation is the exclusive importer of Black Bomber and the entire Snowdonia Cheese Company range. For more information on these items please visit www.atalantacorp.com and www.snowdoniacheesecompany.co.uk

Press Contact: Susan Lopez news@atalanta1.com

Atalanta Ranked 15 Out of 100 Privately Held Companies in NJ

August 28 2015

Atalanta Corporation & Affiliates has been ranked #15 out of 100 privately held companies in New Jersey and ranked #1 in Union County. This month both Atalanta and its parent company, Gellert Global Group, have been featured by NJBIZ. In the Leaderboard section of the August 17th issue, the Gellert family was interviewed for an article about being part of the New Jersey Business Community  Atalanta Corporation & Affiliates where also in the NJBIZ article on New Jersey's Top 100 privately held companies, mentioning the company in the Top 50 list.

NJBIZ magazine reaches companies both large and small from all industries that have a presence in New Jersey.

Atalanta Wins Top Awards at ACS

August 06 2015

ATALANTA WINS TOP AWARDS AT THE 2015 AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY COMPETITION

Elizabeth, NJ- Atalanta took home 6 ribbons at the 2015 American Cheese Society Competition, including two for First Place. Hosted
in Providence, Rhode Island on July 31, 2015, the ACS held one of the biggest events of its kind, featuring 1,600+ American artisan and specialty cheeses. 267 companies submitted 1 ,779 products for the judging & competition.

Atalanta's Canadian partner, Mariposa Dairy took home several honors for its artisanal lines. Celebrity™ Original Goat Cheese, acclaimed for its wonderful creamy texture and recognized for its distinctively tangy taste, won First Place in the category of Fresh Rindless Goat's Milk Cheese Aged 0-30 days. This 100% Ontario goat's milk cheese is an exceptional product and has won 2 years in a row at the ACS competition. Lenberg Farms Lindsay Bandaged Cheddar placed second in the category Cheddar Wrapped in Cloth, Linen-Aged over 12 months. This cheddar is handcrafted in small batches using premium Ontario goat's milk, resulting in a unique and delightful cheese. 

Quality Cheese, from Ontario, Canada took First Place in the Fresh Mozzarella-8 ounce category with their Bella Casara Buffalo Mozzarella, a slightly salty, milky, mozzarella. Second Place for Open Category–Fresh Unripened Cheeses-Made from Cows Milk went to Stracchino, a cheese described as Gorgonzola without the blue. Eiffel Tower Brie took 3rd Place for Soft-Ripened Cheeses, and Oxford Street Buffalo, was awarded 3rd Place for American Made/International Style Cheese made from Sheep's, Mixed or other Milks.

Atalanta's Vice President, Tom Gellert states, "We are so proud of our cheesemaker partners. This recognition is a reflection of the
passion that they bring to their craft."

ACS Judging & Competition awards are given to cheese and dairy products that have achieved technical excellence and exhibit the highest aesthetic qualities. Products are recognized for their achievements in flavor, aroma, texture and appearance. For more information, visit http://www.cheesejudging.org.

FINICA/ATALANTA WIN MULTIPLE AWARDS AT THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL CHEESE AWARDS

July 30 2015

Elizabeth, NJ- The International Cheese Awards, held in Nantwich, UK took place on July 28-29, 2015. A record number of cheeses, more than 4,500 competed at the largest cheese show in the world, with entries from 274 exhibitors from 31 countries. Atalanta's sister company, Finica is proud to be part of such a colossal event.

Ontario, Canada based Finica Food Specialties, is a leading importer and distributor of specialty cheese and gourmet food items from around the world took home four awards at the 2015 International Cheese Awards.

Gold Awards went to Mariposa Dairy's artisanal lines which include, Lindsay Bandaged Goat Cheddar for Best Canadian Cheese and Tania, for Best Canadian Sheep Cheese. Lindsay Bandaged Goat Cheddar competed in the category of Hard Pressed cheese open to non UK producers winning Silver.

Last but not least, our newest member to our artisanal cheese family Zoey was awarded Bronze for Best Canadian Washed Rind Cheese.

Finica's President, Paul Blake states, "We are a proud supporter of artisanal cheese which is locally made here in Canada. The cheeses we carry are some of the best in the world and we are honored to be acknowledged at such a prestigious event such as the International Cheese Awards in Nantwich, UK."

Atalanta Corporation Partners with Real Greek Artisan®

June 24 2015

Atalanta Corporation Partners with Real Greek Artisan®
June 24, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Elizabeth, NJ - Real Greek Artisan®, a leading Greek Feta cheese and specialty food line, will be featured at the Summer Fancy Food show on June 28-30, 2015, in New York City at Atalanta Corporation's booth #2540. With the support of the European Commission to protect products of designated origins, Real Greek Feta was reintroduced to the market with PDO and PGI labels in 2002. Real Greek Artisan® aims to educate the consumer on Greece's culinary history and promote true Greek products and ingredients.

Greece holds a centuries-old cultivation tradition and is the leader in the world market offering the authentic, healthy foods that comprise the Mediterranean diet. Atalanta will partner exclusively with Real Greek Artisan® line in the United States, which includes Feta cheese, Kalamata Olives and Olive Oil. With the combination of existing distribution and new business being developed through Atalanta, the company anticipates further growth in brand awareness sales and Greek product education, John Rodger, Atalanta's Vice President of Cheese and Specialty Deli Division comments, "We are thrilled to be representing the Real Greek Artisan® brand and working with their premium product line. It is important that the trade and the consumer know that these are quality foods in very attractive packaging that will give focus to another authentic, traditional category." Atalanta's launch of the Real Greek Artisan® line will coincide with an advertising campaign in trade and consumer publications to promote the line. Atalanta is the exclusive importer of Real Greek Artisan® Feta cheese and the Real Greek Artisan® specialty food line. For more on these items, please visit booth #2540 at the Summer Fancy Food Show June 28-30 (Jacob Javits Center – New York, NY).

Online information may be found at www.atalantacorp.com or www.realgreekartisan.gr.
Atalanta Corporation | 1 Atalanta Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07206 | (908) 351-8000 | www.atalantacorp.com
atalanta | camerican | finica | swiss chalet fine foods | jf braun | tipico | de medici

Press Contact: Elizabeth Ackmann (908) 372-7451

news@atalanta1.com

Gellert Global Group Founders Endow Food Safety Research Chair at Cornell University

June 16 2015

Elizabeth, NJ – Gellert Global Group's Chairman and CEO, George Gellert and family announced an endowment for the Department of Food Science at Cornell University – Ithaca, NY.

The gift has created a new professorship at the University that will focus on prevention and control of bacterial foodborne illnesses and zoonotic diseases passed from animals to humans, including public health threats.

Gellert Global Group (GGGroup) is one of the largest collections of privately held food importing companies in North America. GGGroup has been involved in importing food products for nearly 100 years with a focus on product integrity and food safety. Today, the global corporation has staff members visiting over 150 suppliers on an annual basis. Food Safety is paramount to the GGGroup companies. Their proactive approach includes an in-house six-member Quality Control and Food Safety team with three Cornellians all of which oversee the strict adherence to quality with all supplying parties and execute Environmental Testing Protocol for cheese plants and a FSMA Audit Scope.

Gellert, a Cornell graduate,(BA '60, MBA '62, J.D. '63), acknowledged the importance of Cornell, both in his family and company growth. "The association my family and I have had with Cornell has been a crucial element to our success in the food business. As leaders in the food industry, it is important to contribute to a business environment focused on food safety."

The Department of Food Science at Cornell University integrates the disciplines of chemistry, biology, nutrition, physiology, biotechnology and engineering to ensure that all people have access to healthy, affordable food.

In May, the program's first research chair was announced Martin Wiedmann, Ph.D. '97. Gellert congratulated the recipient, "It is a privilege for us to see that Cornell continues its leadership role in this discipline. Professor Wiedmann is one of the world's leading experts on foodborne illness and we are honored that he will be the inaugural appointee." Wiedmann is an internationally recognized expert on microorganisms that cause foodborne deaths.

For more information on Cornell visit www.cornell.edu and to learn more about the Gellert family visit www.gellertglobalgroup.com.

Press Contact: Elizabeth Ackmann
(908) 393-7451 | news@atalanta1.com

Finica Food Specialties Canada Celebrates 20th Anniversary as Member of Gellert Global Group

June 15 2015

Elizabeth, NJ - Ontario-based Finica Food Specialties, a leading importer and distributor of specialty cheese and gourmet food items from around the world, is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a member of the Gellert Global Group. Two decades of integration and dynamic growth has transformed Finica Food Specialties, increasing sales ten-fold with a portfolio of award-winning items.

Founded in 1968 by Henning Strait and Gunther Mueller, Finica gained recognition with exclusive import rights for Valio® cheese products from Finland. The company name "Finica" originated from Finland (FI) being the rst supply partner, Nina (NI) being Strait's only daughter; "CA" stood for Canada. Their select line of German food specialties and Finnish cheese was distributed throughout local Ontario delicatessens and specialty food boutiques. Unable to keep with the changing tides in the food industry, business began to decline in the early 1990s. Around that time, the Gellert Global Group began to expand its presence in the United States food arena and look for further growth opportunities. George Gellert, the group's Founder and President made an oer to Henning Strait who accepted in February 1995. 

During this initial period, Finica repositioned itself to once again command a presence in the food importation market. Following his hiring, its current President, Paul Blake, oversaw several steps to revive the company which included expanding their cheese import portfolio to premium exclusives.

Their first major success was importing Zerto® Asiago from Wisconsin that went on to become the company's largest item in sales and solidied a distribution partnership with then Antigo Cheese, which later became Sartori Foods. The second major achievement was introducing Celebrity® Canadian Goat cheeses from local farmstead operation Mariposa Dairies, a Canadian business success story that now employees 60 people. Through combined eorts over the past 20 years, they are the second largest producer of goat cheese in Canada.

Finica went on to build their portfolio with non-dairy quota items, creating strategic partnerships with leading brands and companies, such as Menu® Italian Specialty foods and Dalmatia® jams, 34 degrees® crackers and Volpi® Artisan Salami.

Their success prompted a move in 2013 to their current 26,000 square-foot oce and distribution facility in Mississauga, Ontario. Today the company continues to represent respected quality brands and products from around the world including Beemster® Dutch cheese, Collier's Powerful Welsh Cheddar®, Snowdonia Cheese Company® Welsh cheese, and Sartori Bellavitano®. Their product line boasts over 95 awards and accolades including Lenberg Farms® Artisan Lindsay Bandaged Goat Cheddar and Zerto® Fresh Mozzarella Logs.

Blake reflects, "Over the last 20 years we have been able to grow and succeed with a business model focused on a true passion for the industry, strong relationships with customers and suppliers and developing a portfolio that oers value and new, innovative ideas. It is important for us to take risks as you will never over achieve if you do not push the envelope. " As a member of the Elizabeth, NJ based Gellert Global Group, Finica represents over 100 years in the food import industry, supplying the needs of retailers, distributors, foodservice chains, hotels, cruise lines, and food manufacturers. The combined revenues of the Group exceed $1 billion.

For more information visit Finica Food Specialties at www.nica.com, or the Gellert Global Group at www.gellertglobalgroup.com.

Press Contact: Elizabeth Ackmann
(908) 393-7451 | news@atalanta1.com

A Star Is Reborn - Celebrity™ Goat Cheese Introduces New Look

June 09 2015

Elizabeth, NJ – Atalanta Corporation announces the unveiling of a new design in its product packaging for Celebrity, its Canadian goat's milk line. The initial run of the new packages will be presented at the Specialty Food Association's Summer Fancy Food Show later this month.

The development of the fresh new look reects Atalanta's commitment to build strong consumer brands, create consumer awareness and drive sales. After months of exploration and consumer research, the unanimous choice to eectively market Celebrity to its targeted demographic is the packaging design with the sunglass-wearing spokes-goat.

"The new identity ensures three things for this Atalanta brand," said Mari Meriluoto, Director of Brand Development. "A consistent premium branded look to the entire Celebrity product line, a clear communication of Celebrity's innovative avor combinations, and a modern, approachable personality that connects with the target demographic."

Celebrity Goat Cheeses are the award winning creation of Mariposa Dairy. Well known for their unique avor combinations and creamy texture, these delicious cheeses are made with 100% pure Ontario goats milk, and are as "famously good" as the new tagline exclaims.

The new look and feel is a signicant improvement over the old packaging and will also be incorporated on the Canadian Goat Brie and Goat Butters. The introduction will coincide with a website launch and advertising campaign in trade and consumer publications to promote the line.

Atalanta is the exclusive importer of Celebrity goat's milk line. For more information on these items, please visit www.atalantacorp.com or www.celebritygoat.com and visit booth #2540 at the Summer Fancy Food Show June 28-30, Javits Center – New York, NY.

Press Contact: Elizabeth Ackmann
(908) 372-7451 news@atalanta1.com

Atalanta Mifroma Launch PR 2015

June 02 2015

Elizabeth, NJ – Atalanta Corporation will debut a new line of Switzerland Specialty cheeses from Mifroma at the Specialty Food Association's Summer Fancy Food Show in New York, NY, this June. Mifroma Premium is a line of the best artisan cheeses made across Switzerland. Carefully chosen from the 26 cantons, or regions, each reflects a piece of Switzerland's history, terrain and food traditions.

Mifroma Premium cheeses are the result of centuries of artisan knowledge and skills married with the most modern quality control and production technologies. The lush Alpine pastures and mountainous terrain of Switzerland are ideal for the free-ranging herds that produce the milk used to make these Alpine specialties. Most Mifroma Premium cheeses are crafted by one single dairy, and some carry the AOP label. This name protection guarantees the cheeses' quality and origin. AOP products not only safeguard heritage recipes and techniques, but also protect the legacy of specialty producers for generations to come. 

"Mifroma has done an excellent job in the last four years to create and establish their premium brand and we cannot be more excited to be working hand in hand with them to take it to the next level," remarks John Rodger, Vice President of the Cheese & Specialty Deli Division at Atalanta. Besides the most exquisite edible tour of Switzerland Mifroma is proud to announce Adopt-an-Alp, launched under the Mifroma Premium umbrella. The program invites retailers to adopt their Alp of choice and witness the production of these ne cheeses during the summer months. The retailer commits to a certain quantity which will ensure an exclusive on their Alp cheeses for the fourth quarter.

Atalanta's launch of the Mifroma line will coincide with an advertising campaign in trade and consumer publications to promote the line.

Atalanta is the exclusive importer of Mifroma Premium cheeses. For more information on these items, please visit www.atalantacorp.com or www.mifroma.com and visit booth #2540 at the Summer Fancy Food Show June 28-30, Javits Center – New York, NY.

Press Contact: Elizabeth Ackmann
(908) 372-7451 news@atalanta1.com

Gellert Global Group Opens New Warehouse in Carson, California

May 15 2015

Elizabeth, NJ - The Gellert Global Group has announced the opening of their new 204,000 square foot warehouse located in Carson, California. The Group consists of leading North American food importing companies and has been involved in importing food products for nearly 100 years. Andy Gellert, President of Gellert Global Group, remarked on the recent expansion, "The new space is a great opportunity to increase our presence on the West Coast and become more productive and efficient, in order to better serve our customers and suppliers." The Group supplies the needs of retailers, distributors, foodservice chains, hotels, cruise
lines, and food manufacturers. The combined revenues of the Group exceed $1 billion.

The new complex, Gellert Global Group West, includes ambient storage for almost 10,000 pallet positions. There are three temperature controlled zones: a 65° chocolate room for Swiss Chalet that accomodates over 2,100 pallet positions, a 34° room with 2,200 pallet positions, and a -5° freezer with 246 pallet positions. The
building will also host a test kitchen, training room, and soon a custom bonded storage area. The new warehouse, located at 810 E. 233rd st. Carson, CA 90745, will be managed by West Logistics.

Atalanta Corporation and Swiss Chalet Fine Foods will be moving to this new West Coast facility from their current residence in neighboring Vernon. The building will also accomodate product inventory for The Group's members Camerican International and JF Braun. 

For more information on the Gellert Global Group, visit www.gellertglobalgroup.com, or for Atalanta Corporation, visit www.atalantacorp.com.

Atalanta's Bella Casara Ricotta Wins at 2015 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix

April 29 2015

Elizabeth, NJ – Atalanta Corporation's Canadian partner Quality Cheese's Bella Casara Ricotta took home top honors in the Fresh Cheese category at the 2015 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix Gala of Champions held on April 22, 2015. Sponsored and hosted every two years by Dairy Farmers of Canada, the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix celebrates the high quality, versatility and great taste of cheese made from 100% Canadian milk by cheese makers from Prince Edward Island to British Columbia. An esteemed panel of Canadian food industry experts selected the top performing cheeses in 27 categories by evaluating each cheese using a six point scale that includes appearance, flavor, color, texture, body, and salt content. Of the 281 record entries in February, 81 were pared down for the finals. At the event, the panel announced a Grand Champion as well as 27 individual category winners including Bella Casara Ricotta.

Developed from fresh, 100% Canadian cow's milk, Bella Casara mimics the semi-sweet flavor of Italian ricotta with the classic milky aroma and creamy flavor. Bella Casara Ricotta was named Grand Champion at the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix in 2013 and Quality Cheese has won numerous other national and international awards.

Quality Cheese began as a small, local cheese manufacturing company located in Vaughan, Ontario. The fourth-generation family company has expanded into a well-respected, international distributor of many fine cheeses, combining time-honored Italian traditions, true European cultures and artisan cheese making techniques. "We are always striving to make good cheese for our customers. We appreciate the support from our US partner Atalanta and we will continue to grow with them to develop great cheese," Albert Borgo, President of Sales & Marketing, Quality Cheese.

Atalanta Corporation is the exclusive importer of the Quality Cheese range, including Bella Casara Ricotta. For more information on the items above, please visit www.atalantacorp.com and www.bellacasaracheese.com.

Press contact:
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Atalanta Awarded 2015 FABI for Quinoa Innovations

April 22 2015

Elizabeth, NJ - Atalanta Corporation has received two honors for its Del Destino Ready to Eat Quinoa Salad and the Del Destino Ready to Eat Quinoa trays at this year's Food and Beverage Innovations Awards. The 2015 FABI Awards will be presented at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Show May 16-19 in Chicago, IL.

The FABI Awards recognize products that are unique, original, and new to the foodservice market. Voted on by a diverse panel of foodservice professionals, the awards identify new products that allow operators to capitalize on today's consumer trends and support new profit opportunities.

The innovative quinoa products represent Atalanta's continued focus on quality ingredients and trend-setting ideas. Del Destino's Ready to Eat Quinoa Salad utilizes pre-cooked quinoa and premium vegetables, and is a shelf-stable and ready-to-eat meal available in five distinct flavor combinations. Both products deliver great taste and convenience in a nutritious, high-protein, vegetarian meal. Daniel Sanchez, Senior Product Manager at Atalanta Corporation, has been a pioneer of the quinoa trend at Atalanta. He reflects on the recent award: "Atalanta is proud to continuously think outside of the box about what can simplify customers' lives while still getting the best ingredients. Through months of research and dedication, we have created a unique, healthy, and beautiful all around ready-to-eat meal. Developing the proper packaging has been a long road, but the finished product is now what we consider a meal that is fresher, healthier, and better tasting than what can be prepared at home."

Atalanta introduced Del Destino Ready to Eat Quinoa trays in both red and white varieties that offer restaurants immediate menu integration in a revolutionary packaging. Requiring no additional cooking or preparation, this versatile, shelf-stable and ready-to-eat quinoa delivers outstanding taste, consistent preparation without added labor costs, and superior storage and handling capabilities.

The recent nod from the NRA is a back-to-back win for Atalanta who took home two awards for Sweety Drop Peppers and Pivetti Skura Nera Black Flour in 2014. Atalanta's Vice President and third generation member of the family-owned company, Tom Gellert, describes Atalanta's impression on the food industry. "For over 70 years we have strived to make an impact on the way people eat. We feel the four main ways to do this are to offer a product that can provide a health benefit to the consumer, is authentic, provides a pleasant taste, and is deliverable in a cost effective manner. We believe that we have succeeded with these products in all four ways."

Atalanta is the exclusive importer of Del Destino Ready to Eat Quinoa Salad and Ready to Eat Quinoa. For more information on these items, please visit www.atalantacorp.com or booth #1815 at the NRA Show, McCormick Place – Chicago, IL.

Press contact:
news@atalanta1.com

Snowdonia Cheese Company® Black Bomber® Voted Best British Cheese Brand

January 26 2015

Elizabeth, NJ - Black Bomber® has been named the best-selling British cheese brand in English specialty food shops in an annual survey by prominent United Kingdom trade magazine Fine Food Digest.

For the fourth year running, the magazine – published by the prestigious Guild of Fine Food – asked delis, cheesemongers, farm shops and high-end food halls to name the best-performing products in every main section of their shop.

Snowdonia Cheese Company's Black Bomber extra mature cheddar was voted the best-selling British cheese, ahead of a Stilton and two West Country (South West England) cheddars.

The survey was distributed to over 4,000 specialty food stores, including members of the Guild of Fine Food, which also runs the influential Great Taste awards scheme and the World Cheese Awards.

Snowdonia Cheese Company® Managing Director John Newton-Jones said, "We have just received the news that we had won the title of Best British Cheese Brand and are absolutely thrilled.

"Some 14 years ago we brought a cheese to market that redefined the image of cheddar, and met with some resistance, it has now been voted the favorite by people who live in the world of cheese and fine food and we couldn't be prouder."

The iconic Black Bomber® extra mature cheddar has a powerful flavor with the Snowdonia Cheese Company® signature melt in the mouth texture. Coated in a smart black wax, it features the Snowdonia label that pays tribute to the brand's North Wales heritage. Mick Whitworth, editor of Fine Food Digest, said, "Delis and farm shops always love to stock a few quirky, little-known foods, but they also need popular favorites that will keep shoppers coming back week after week. Our 2014-15 Best Brands Survey showed that Black Bomber really delivers the goods for specialist food shops – and their customers."

The quintessential cheese brand Snowdonia Cheese Company® uses only the finest quality of ingredients in their expertly crafted cheese, maintaining the integrity of the product.

Atalanta Corporation is the exclusive importer of Black Bomber® and the entire Snowdonia Cheese Company® range. For more information on these items please visit www.atalantacorp.com and www.snowdoniacheesecompany.co.uk.

Press contact:
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Atalanta Launches New Look, New Website

January 08 2015

Elizabeth, NJ – Atalanta Corporation continues its 70th anniversary celebration by launching a new logo and a refreshed,mobile and tablet-ready website, www.atalantacorp.com. The redesign strengthens the company’s online presence and enhances product and brand awareness, while supporting marketing and training efforts.

As a part of this objective, Atalanta is proud to offer an expansive resource section with product catalogs, tradeshow and press updates as well as in-depth information on products, recipes and pairings. The site will also provide social media integration with company and product updates appearing regularly. The new website will better inform our customers, brokers, partners and employees alike on all of our products and services.

“We are excited to share this great resource with the specialty foods community.” Thomas Gellert, Vice President, Atalanta,said. “We invite all those passionate about food to learn and engage with our wonderful products and their applications on the site. If only we could taste it!” Visit us at www.atalantacorp.com.

About Atalanta Corporation
Dating back to 1945, Atalanta is a third-generation family-operated business which has grown to become the largest privately held food importer in the United States, specializing in imported cheese, charcuterie, grocery and seafood products and brand marketing, including private brands Celebrity®, Del Destino®, Eiffel Tower® and Zerto®. In 2015, the company will celebrate its 70th anniversary.

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Atalanta Corporation Celebrates 70th Anniversary

January 05 2015

Elizabeth, NJ – Atalanta Corporation, a food importer specializing in cheese, charcuterie, grocery and seafood products, will celebrate their 70th year as a third generation family-operated business in early 2015.

Atalanta's success in the food industry began in 1945 importing Polish hams. The late Leon Rubin and Herbert Moeller incorporated Atalanta Trading Company in New York City looking to fill the void in the U.S. domestic food importing market. Much of Atalanta's early success was centered on key relations with the international community that garnered exclusive contracts with the imported meats and cheese markets. In 1970, the company rebranded into what is now Atalanta Corporation and in the late 1980s, their continued expansion in both product diversity and personnel prompted a move to its current headquarters in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Today, Atalanta continues to operate as a "family" with four Gellert family members working in the business along with an additional 260 employees, "More than 70% of family-run businesses don't survive through the first generation, and 80% don't survive through the second generation. We are now on our third generation. That's a milestone." remarked Atalanta Corporation CEO George G. Gellert.

To ensure that the business continues to thrive, Atalanta places resilience and adaptability at the forefront of their business model while continuing to build strong relations with both customers and suppliers. George reflected on Atalanta's growth, "We started as a company that imported Polish hams and seafood, even beef and wood products, and we've diversified to thousands of products over the years." George's son Thomas, current vice president of Atalanta, follows, "70 years is significant. To hit this milestone means we have been able to adapt as business demanded. We have had to have flexibility and strength to navigate the ups and downs over these seven decades. Few family businesses have been able to achieve this. We have had hundreds of hardworking, dedicated employees that have helped us get here. Loyal customers, supportive suppliers have all contributed to our success."

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Jersey Company Shops The World In Search Of Innovative Menu Solutions For Culinary Professionals

September 04 2014

It's a dog-eat-dog world out there. So how do you differentiate your foodservice import and distribution business from everyone else?

If you're Atalanta Corporation, you find specialty food products from all over the world before anyone else, educate your customers about them, then show them ways they can use these new products in multiple ways on their menus, all while keeping costs down.

According to John Stephano, director of marketing and training, when the company started in 1945, it chose Atalanta, the goddess of speed and hunting, to represent its prowess in securing the most unique products from around the globe and its ability to get them to customers quickly and easily.

"What our product managers do really well is source products," he says. "We find unique products from throughout the globe and we get them to our foodservice customers in the highest quality and the most competitive price. We as an importing company go out to our suppliers and find the most innovative and trend setting specialty foods, the products that are going to add value to our operators and distributors in a very competitive marketplace ."

Atalanta began importing Krakus Polish hams almost 70 years ago, he notes. "We were an importer of goods from Eastern European countries, behind the Iron Curtain, and political maneuvering was key. Atalanta needed to master the uniqueness and process of importing really well."

"And our founders did that better than anyone else in the industry."

Stephano says the company, because of our rich history and commitment to their customers, believes no one else can source, import and then get product to its distributors faster than Atalanta can. "It could be Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy, Collier's Welsh Cheddar from Wales. It could be saffron from Spain, artichokes from Peru. Over the last 70 years, we've developed a logistics, importing and product awareness process that finds these unique foods, gets them to customers first and helps them beat their competition to the marketplace, allowing them to see clearly the value we add."

Today, with competition so intense – and margins so tight – to make yourself stand out is paramount, Stephano says. And the company, which serves every foodservice sector from chain restaurants to institutions, white tablecloth to quick-serve – does it through finding the right food products no one has or has ever heard of, then distributing quicker and more cost effective than anyone else.

He likes to cite the Sweety Drop pepper from Peru as an example. "We now do a significant amount of market trend analysis, so we get a chance to see trends often before they hit the consumer. We see them on two levels – either from an increased category volume demand or from our specialty stores focused product selection. Right now, Peruvian and South American cuisine is super hot. Chefs all over the country are pressing for this pepper. White tablecloth restaurants want to garnish it on premium flat breads, or dress it on a specialty pizza, or even drop it into a trendy cocktail. We also are seeing an enormous volume increase in the Piquillo pepper. Several of our chain restaurants' customers are currently in menu development with many of these South American products feverishly trying to get them on their menus. Our Chefs are just begging for it. We can get it for them. We get to go to market quicker and faster than others," he says.

Stephano loves to tell the story of how Atalanta found the Sweety Drop pepper. "It's a lagrima, teardrop shaped, pepper and it was found in the Amazon rainforest. One of our outstanding suppliers in Peru discovered it a couple of years ago. He brought it back to Peru and started to cultivate it. Because of the strength of our relationship, he reached out to us immediately knowing we had the capability to get to customers' tables and ultimately the ever demanding public better than anyone else in the industry. Our excellent sales team took over from there they put feelers out into the US market and began to create a market. Our culinary team then brought it to the Research Chefs Association Show in Portland this past spring, and the Chefs could not stop tasting and gazing at it. The color is brilliant red. The crunchy texture sweet flavor profile with just a hint of heat is very sexy. Right there our customers started a trend. We are just glad to be a part of what is happening.

"Every time they put it in their mouths, they came up with a new concept or recipe. One Chef says, pepper vodka cocktails. Another says a rustic Spanish flat bread with baby arugula and shaved Manchego cheese and throw these Sweety Drop peppers on top," says Stephano. "A chef worked with me to develop a goat cheese stuffed Piquillo pepper recipe where we use ancient grain farro, crumbled Canadian goat cheese, olive oil, lemon juice and the Sweety Drop pepper and stuff it into a beautiful red Peruvian Piquillo pepper."

Stephano, a Chef himself, says their event team is actually working on using these peppers in not only savory recipes but sweet applications like panna cotta. "You can use the Sweety Drop in side dish applications, salads, garnishes, and there's a very real possibility for some unique sweet applications. There's this big huge fusion of flavors now of sweet and savory and this pepper fits ideally."

Stephano is really excited about a new demographic that's helping the company stretch and expand its networks and customers. "We're talking about the millennials," he says. "Years ago, if a food company wanted to launch a product, you'd go to the international food shows, study the demographics, evaluate pricing metrics and packaging, then after a long time hopefully release it. Today a young couple goes on a date in Portland at a hot new restaurant, where we are seeing a lot of new trends develop, and the Chef introduces an appetizer special using our black flour in a rustic pizza. They love it, they need to know the passion of its origin, they take a picture, post it instantaneously on Facebook or Instagram and it goes viral to their foodie friends. Next, one of their friends from college, in let's say Philly, sees it and she's going on a date the next day and she goes to the Chef and says, "I WANT THIS can you make it?"

"In less than 24 hours your brand new specialty food product just traveled 4,000 miles and the Chefs of these chain restaurants and menu developers of these white table cloth hot spots just throw up their hands in disbelief. Our industry now has no choice but to quickly understand this new arena and quickly adjust to the speed to which our customers desire these products," he says. He adds that Atalanta is in a unique position to capitalize on this.

"Because of our network of suppliers, growers across the globe and awareness of developing trends, we're the ones whose salespeople introduce it through our distributors faster than you can blink. We used to be able to launch a product. Now millennials and today's foodies are discovering these foods and simply demanding them. There is no time any more to launch and release a product. You have to be first to market, offer specialty and high-end products today and that's where we shine. Millennials are in control of the flavors, trends and stories today and will be for the forseeable future."

Stephano says where his company really differentiates itself from others is in its ability to help Chefs and Buyers use its products in many different culinary applications. "If we sell a Chimay beer cheese, or a Danish crumbled blue cheese, we provide our customers with recipes and culinary ideas using those products. We teach them how to take it and develop an exceptional three cheese soufflé as apposed to just showing how it looks beautiful on a premium cheese board – We need to offer and share multiple ways to use this product from the appetizer course through the dessert course. By doing this, Chains can drive down costs because they now use these products through the entire spectrum of the menu."

It's particularly important for foodservice operations who may have to order expensive cheeses, then throw them out when they're not used in time for other dishes. "Think Parmigiano Reggiano. It's a gorgeous product, with a rich Italian history of over 750 years, probably the most well known specialty cheese on the planet. But here's what happens in the back of the house. They order a whole wheel of it, and it's pricy, maybe around $1,600. They have a wedding, a huge catering event or a corporate conference, and they crack the wheel and chunk it into beautiful wedges. They pair it with fresh fruit and fantastic wines on a banquette table. It becomes the centerpiece of the catering event.

"People get excited about it. 'Where did you get this?' 'Ooh, this is so-oo good!' They tell their friends, try this cheese, it comes from this unique dairy in Parma. Now, That's what everyone in our industry has done really well. But here's what happens next. The catering event is over, the guys in the back of the house take the cheese and wrap it and then throw it in the walk-in. The sous-chef comes back two weeks later, the cheese is dried out or has mold all over it, puts it on the prep table, then looks at it and he gets upset because the product wasn't taken care of and most importantly doesn't know how else to use the cheese other than grating it on top of pasta, so he throws it away. The last experience the sous-chef has with one of our specialty food products is throwing it in the trash. There's no other industry in the world where you could get away with that."

So what does Atalanta do about that? "We introduce, teach, and offer culinary applications. Meaning, we had a great party, used this premium cheese, now what do I do with it? We have to teach them how to use this in soups, in baked dishes, and how to use this in as many culinary apps as we can," Stephano says. "Now we've truly provided value to the product. We need to be able to take our specialty products and power the entire menu. And that's what we're doing." Stephano says that what Atalanta is now bringing to the table is a teaching-tool and a cost-saving product.

"We're teaching the passion behind it, the story behind it, and the culinary app behind it. We want to offer you an artisanal aged Mahon from Spain and we want to see that on all your specialty cheese boards. But if we're not teaching you how to use that cheese with small plates and tapas or how to take the cheese and put it in a high-end grilled cheese sandwich or how to incorporate that into a specialty salad, we've really missed an opportunity, and then we're just selling products."

Stephano says the company's goals are to offer culinary solutions to its customers. "And the hottest way to do that is to teach them what's happening from a trend basis, offer them multiple uses of a product and teach them the passion and culinary apps behind it. Ultimately, when we do that, we help our customers increase their margins and ultimately their profits."

For more information about Atalanta Corporation, visit www.atalantacorp.com.

Press Contact:
news@atalanta1.com

Atalanta Wins Top Prizes at the Canadian Cheese Awards

April 14 2014

Elizabeth, NJ - Atalanta Corporation came home with an astonishing eight awards at the first annual Canadian Cheese Awards, held on April 7 in Toronto, Ontario. The competition hosted cheesemakers from across Canada, with nearly 300 products from 76 producers. The independent competition honored cheeses from several provinces, spanning all types including cow, sheep, goat and water buffalo milk cheeses.

Atalanta's valued partner, Quality Cheese, won three top awards for its Bella Casara Mascarpone, winning Best Ontario Cheese, Best Fresh Cheese and Best Cow's Milk Cheese. Director of Sales and Marketing Albert Borgo told the crowd, "We launched [the cheese] last summer but it has evolved. I think we took a more natural approach, using fresh milk, fresh cream and fresh butter. We're always trying to do things better."

Mariposa Dairy and their artisanal cheese line, Lenberg Farms, placed first in both the Best Sheep's Milk and Best Goat's Milk category, for their Tania Sheep's Milk Cheese and Lindsay
Bandaged Cheddar, respectively. Beyond the Lenberg Farms line, the popular brand of Celebrity Goat Cheeses is also produced by the award-winning Mariposa Dairy. 

Prince Edward Island's own COWS CREAMERY grabbed top honors in the Best Old Cheddar and Best Atlantic Canada Cheese category for their Extra Old Cheddar.

The awards garnered quite a buzz in the Canadian cheese industry, looking for a way to showcase speciality cheeses from across the country. With a bit of flare and fun, the awards even invited the public for a tasting session in the evening, with producers sharing their love of cheese for all. To learn more, click on these exciting articles from The Star and York Region. For more information about Atalanta, please visit www.atalantacorp.com.

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Atalanta Wows at the World Championship Cheese Contest

March 24 2014

Elizabeth, NJ – The World Championship Cheese Contest crowned a new king last week, as the bi-annual competition held in Wisconsin named the Original Schweizer Rohmilch Emmentaler the world's top cheese. Not far behind were several Atalanta favorites, taking home a total of eight awards including five first place honors.

Hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, the show honors cheeses in 90 different categories. The competition took place over several weeks, with more than 2,600 entries from 22 countries.

Atalanta award winners included Canadian specialties Ashlyn Soft Ripened Goat's Milk Cheese, and COWS CREAMERY Extra Old and Appletree Smoked Cheddar. Beemster also took home the two top awards in the Mild Gouda category for its Beemster Vlaskaas and Beemster Medium. Award-winning St. Clemens creamery took home first prize in the Gorgonzola category for its Bornzola cheese, while perennial favorite Queso Manchego D.O. by Dehesa de Los Llanos Gran Reserva placed second in the Hard Sheep's Milk Cheese category (see sidebar for complete list of Atalanta award-winners). 

The winners from The World Championships Cheese Contest join an extensive and accomplished line of cheeses distributed by Atalanta Corporation. For more product information about Atalanta, visit www.atalantacorp.com.

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Atalanta Products Recognized by the Prestigious FABI Awards

March 11 2014

Elizabeth, NJ - The National Restaurant Association has announced its annual award recipients of the 2014 Food & Beverage Innovations Awards to be presented at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, with Atalanta receiving two top honors. As the exclusive importer, Atalanta will receive two 2014 FABI awards for its Pivetti Skura Nera Pizza Flour and Sweety Drop Peppers.

The FABI Awards recognize products that are unique, original and new to the foodservice market. Voted on by a diverse panel of foodservice professionals, the awards identify new products that allow operators to capitalize on today's consumer trends and support new profit opportunities.

Pivetti Skura Nera Pizza Flour is the newest product to offer innovation to the pizza and pasta industry. This distinct, black ash flour is produced by slow-roasted wheat, resulting in a hearty, toasted flavor, complemented by a deep smoky color. Dating as far back as the 18th century, Skura Nera was traditionally referred to as gran arso or "burnt grains", the remaining grains from the harvest that combined with the sun charred soil. Today, Skura Nera Pizza Flour presents an ideal taste and presentation for artisan style pizzas, pastas and breads.

Atalanta's Sweety Drop Peppers are sweet, little tear drop-shaped peppers with a brilliant red hue. This new and versatile pepper originated in the Amazon rainforest. Its sweet flavor and distinctive crunch is a colorful and unique topping for salads, pizzas or even baked goods.

Atalanta Corporation is proud to have Skura Nera Pizza Flour and Sweety Drop Peppers as part of its extensive line of award-winning products. Look for featured Atalanta items at this year's National Restaurant Association Show, Booth #2540, and the annual International Pizza Expo, Booth #347.

For more information about Atalanta Corporation, visit www.atalantacorp.com.

Press Contact:
news@atalanta1.com

Atalanta Releases New Products at the Fancy Food Show Elizabeth, NJ

January 09 2014

Elizabeth, NJ - At this year's 2014 Winter Fancy Food Show, Atalanta is unveiling a new way to take buyers, retailers and consumers alike on a culinary tour they won't soon forget. Spanning the entire perimeter of the largest booth at the show, Atalanta will showcase new and innovative items with our updated deli counter display. From Italian cheeses to Spanish charcuterie, and trending categories such as Grab-and-Go and fusion cuisines, Atalanta is poised to command attention with our exciting line of products.

Our Chimay line of cheeses continues to expand, with the introduction of Chimay Grand Reserve and Chimay Dore Gold. Both cheeses are washed in the Chimay Trappist monk's famous selection of beers to give them a full, robust taste. 

The biggest draw to our booth, the cheese case, will feature our newest category: fixed weight cheeses. With cuts from classic English brands like Coombe Castle to artisan styles of Italian Asiago, Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano and Piave, the selection offers convenience in a retail ready size.

Other key items, including our selection of Spanish and Italian charcuterie, take center stage with Pata Negra Iberico hams and Fontana's premium Italian meats. 

Atalanta's expanding grocery line is also in the spotlight, where Toschi's BalSoy, an innovative combination of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Asian soy sauce create a bold but balanced blend.

Atalanta is proud to introduce this extensive line of new products into our family of award-winning items. Look for Atalanta at the Winter Fancy Food Show, booth #4609. For more information, visit www.atalantacorp.com.

Press Contact:
news@atalanta1.com