The Specialty Food Association (SFA) announced that Walter Robb will keynote the 2018 Leadership Awards, which honor food industry entrepreneurs in the categories of Business Leadership, Citizenship, and Vision. Robb is an apt choice for a celebration of positive social, economic and environmental impact.
With a long and varied entrepreneurial history in natural foods ranging from retailer to farmer to consultant, Robb joined Whole Foods Market in 1991. In 2010, he was named co-CEO along with John Mackey and joined the Whole Foods Market Board of Directors. In 2017, Robb transitioned his leadership focus to his role as Chairman of the Board for Whole Kids Foundation and Whole Cities Foundation. Robb also serves on the Board of Directors for Union Square Hospitality Group, The Container Store, FoodMaven and HeatGenie.
“The SFA Leadership Awards honor people who do social good through their businesses,” says Phil Kafarakis, president of the Specialty Food Association. “Through his leadership at Whole Foods Market and in his newest ventures, Robb exemplifies the goodness of the specialty food industry.”
The awards will be presented during the SFA’s Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco at a special ceremony on Sunday, January 21 from 5:00-6:30 pm. A reception sponsored by the Association’s Natural & Organic Council will follow the awards ceremony.
The Winter Fancy Food Show is a trade-only event. The Specialty Food Association provides complimentary press badges to qualified media. Learn more and register.
The Specialty Food Association is a thriving community of food artisans, importers and entrepreneurs. Established in 1952 in New York, the not-for-profit trade association provides its 3,500 members in the U.S. and abroad with resources, knowledge and connections to champion and nurture their companies in an always-evolving marketplace. The Association owns and produces the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, and presents the sofi Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at specialtyfood.com.
