Anthony Fassio

What’s ahead for California avocado season? West Pak’s Joe Nava, Vice President of Sales & Business Development, joins fellow industry leaders in AndNowUKnow | The Snack’s California Avocado SnackChat to share insights on what to expect. From locally grown fruit to in-store execution, the season brings strong opportunity for retailers. Read the full feature: https://lnkd.in/gw9uMkj8 #CaliforniaAvocados #WestPakAvocado #AVO360 #RetailStrategy #FreshProduce

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As reported in The Rogue Valley Times, we are excited to share the latest Economic Impact Report, which confirms that our state’s wine industry remains a powerhouse of growth, contributing a staggering $8.49 billion to Oregon’s economy in 2024. The industry’s impact is described as "tangible, growing, and distinctly positive," touching every corner of the state from tourism to local employment. Notably, wine-related tourism saw a massive 13.5% jump, underscoring Oregon’s evolving status as a world-class destination for travelers seeking authentic vineyard experiences. Cheers 🥂 to the thousands of growers and producers who made wine grapes Oregon's most valuable fruit in 2024. By generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting over 38,000 jobs, the #OregonWine industry proves it is not just a source of world-class bottles, but a foundational pillar of the state's prosperity and global identity. https://lnkd.in/gmygZYiN

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For more than 5 years, I’ve been working to convince the wine industry to change. Millennials and Gen Z are in terrible financial positions. They work so much just to make ends meet. That means they have even less time and energy to deal with unnecessary levels of wine complexity. And, we all knew this was coming. Businesses must adapt and this is clearly an example of chasing the last generation while sacrificing an industry’s future. The MBA-level case study writes itself. We knew consumers had less time, were more locally-oriented in the products they enjoy, wanted to know the people behind products, and they need to understand the price more than ever. Yet the tools and partnerships to do this are clearly lacking adoption. I created Somm Says as a way to more efficiently reach, engage, understand, and sever each and every wine lover across the country. Few listened, most derided the idea that anything needed to change. Now Wine Dispensary, our retail brand, is growing immensely. We were up top- and bottom-line. Year to date, same store sales are up 25%. While red wines volume is down, white and sparkling wines are up double-digits. 6-month retention is higher than ever even after growing in 2025 as well. It turns out that if you stop looking backwards, the future is bright for the beverage industry, especially wine. If only a new generation of leaders could get access to the capital needed to fuel growth. https://lnkd.in/gmmsk8UT

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Innovation is on the menu at Ventura Foods. The Irvine-based company was recently featured in the Orange County Business Journal for its continued growth and evolution into a flavor-forward partner for major foodservice brands. By combining culinary expertise with strategic expansion, Ventura Foods is helping lead the next chapter of the industry from right here in Orange County. https://lnkd.in/gq8SG3WQ #irvinecompany #lovewhereyouwork #worklife #innovation

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Thank you Christopher Doering for featuring The Food Institute in its latest Food Dive article. As I mentioned in a recent LinkedIn post (https://lnkd.in/eMD5jk4s) companies need to be hyperfocused on the following in 2026: 1) Building in financial flexibility (equity, debt, cash) 2) Reduction of fixed / operating costs 3) Innovation with a clear (and short) path to customer acquisition / revenue Despite the challenging operating environment, there are clear examples of food and beverage companies that are doing things right (e.g., offering clear value proposition, health and wellness orientation, focused innovation with a shortened concept-to-commercialization strategy, etc.) https://lnkd.in/em-M3ww7

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Hello LinkedIn friends! It's been a while. After nearly ten years in the craft beer business, I’m proud to share the launch of the Oregon Beverage Collective - a partnership built on the belief that we are stronger together. Working with other like-minded industry professionals in a challenging landscape, we've taken a leap of faith to meet the moment and set ourselves up for success. To us this isn't "working smarter not harder", this is "working smarter and harder", something necessary in the current craft beer climate. Putting together this deal was not easy. It was new and uncertain territory for most everyone involved. We opened a restaurant in the midst of the transaction (if you're out in Prineville, come check us out! https://lnkd.in/gw26WZ4H), launched new brands, pivoted strategies, and more. We're honored to continue the legacy that Paul, Larry and the team have built with Crux Fermentation Project. They've built an amazing brand, and their brewery sets us up for success to navigate consumer preference in the beverage category moving forward. It's important to us that Oregon Beverage Collective serves as a platform that allows each brand to stay true to its identity while benefiting from shared resources, aligned strategy, and collective momentum. Excited for what’s ahead. Stronger together. 🍻 #OregonBeverageCollective #CraftBeer #CraftCider #OregonBusiness #StrongerTogether

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"Changing the Menu: California’s Historic Break Up with Ultra-Processed Foods Starts in Schools" Our Executive Director, Beth Katz, joined a panel to discuss the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and human capital as it relates to ultra-processed foods in the California school food system. A few highlights from the conversation: 🔹 The Reformulation Challenge: How the food manufacturing sector adapts to new regulations and the risks of the school-only product versions. 🔹 The Infrastructure Gap: Why funding for fresh food must be paired with investments in the infrastructure of school kitchens. 🔹 Investing in People: Recognizing that shifting from "box-opening" to scratch cooking requires deep investment in workforce training and fair wages. Read the full event recap: https://lnkd.in/eTF_Yu22 #SchoolFood #FoodSystems #PublicHealth #FarmToSchool #FoodPolicy

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The 2026 Food Solutions Exchange and Conference (FSX), hosted by the Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA), aims to bring together leaders across the food production ecosystem. The event (taking place March 11-13 in Rancho Mirage, CA) will include producers, equipment manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders. Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x0q3Z

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A meaningful milestone for Tharra Company. Tharra is launching in 40+ new stores across California, including 24 BevMo stores and 20 Total Wine & More stores, while also expanding into 6 additional BevMo stores in Washington. California is the largest spirits market in the U.S. and one of the most important markets for Tharra Company. Seeing the brand expand across key retailers in California, while also continuing to grow in Washington, where we started, means a lot. Grateful to the teams at BevMo and Total Wine & More, and grateful to every partner, customer, supporter, and friend who has backed us along the way. Building a brand from the ground up is never easy, and that is exactly why moments like these feel so worth celebrating. To find your nearest store, visit: tharra.co/visit-us #TharraCompany #FounderJourney #RetailExpansion #California #Washington #BevMo #TotalWine #SpiritsIndustry #Startups

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Industry Announcement | Wine In 2026, Basil & Salt Showcase, in partnership with G1NBC Food Network, will present the 2026 Pacific Northwest Wine Selections, including the Basil & Salt Showcase Wine Honors. This is an editorial curation, not a competition or scoring system. Our focus is on identifying standout wines, varietals, and tasting room experiences that reflect craftsmanship, place, and hospitality across the Pacific Northwest. Selection areas include: • Sparkling wines • Varietal excellence • Tasting room experience • Sustainability & craft • Food-forward wines Final selections and honors will be announced December 2026, with coverage spanning editorial features and national broadcast distribution through G1NBC Food Network. This initiative reflects a unified media family: Basil & Salt Showcase leads wine evaluation and editorial storytelling, while G1NBC Food Network serves as the broadcast home—amplifying these stories to a wider audience. #WineIndustry #PacificNorthwestWine #BasilAndSaltShowcase #G1NBCFoodNetwork #WineTrade #WineryLife #WineMedia

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At the center of large food programs, School Food Professionals have the ability to transform food systems for the better. Christina Lawson, Director of Food Services at Western Placer Unified School District, is doing just that with her district’s farm to school program. Her school food team sources fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats from as many local producers as possible so that students are getting the freshest, tastiest meals while local farms have buyers they can rely on. Learn more about California’s farm to school movement: https://lnkd.in/exKF2UEA

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THINC³ Tank Media Presents ~ What happens when a fruit brandy distillery helps pioneer American single malt whiskey? In this episode of "I Drink, Therefore I Am," Martin Duffy speaks with Caitlin Bartlemay of Clear Creek Distillery and Hood River Distillers, Inc about craft distilling, regional identity, and the evolution of American single malt. You’ll hear: • How Clear Creek built its reputation on fruit brandies rooted in Pacific Northwest agriculture before creating one of America’s earliest single malts • Why independent distilleries are leaning into tourism, collaboration, and local partnerships to grow their communities and brands • The behind-the-scenes story of Clear Creek’s Douglas Fir eau de vie made from hand-foraged buds near Mount Hood If you’re interested in whiskey, craft spirits, or how regional producers shape categories from the ground up, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen/watch here: https://lnkd.in/d-dHbnMM

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"For the dairy industry, interest in whole foods creates a timely opportunity. From cheese to milk to yogurt, dairy competes well in a marketplace that increasingly rewards familiar whole foods," says Dairy Council of California's Amy DeLisio in a guest column: https://lnkd.in/gDwKf5_s

📉 Major shakeup in the beverage distribution world: Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) will lay off more than 1,700 workers as it exits the California market. The implications for suppliers, retailers, and the state's distribution landscape will be significant. https://lnkd.in/gh87vFNb #BeverageIndustry #WorkforceChanges #DistributionNews #AlcoholIndustry #CaliforniaBusiness

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California’s winegrape industry is at a critical moment, and CAWG is responding by advancing a slate of bills to strengthen local winegrowing, support family farms, and reinforce consumer trust in California wine. “Growers are under real pressure, but they’re not sitting on the sidelines,” said Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. “This legislative package reflects growers taking responsibility for the issues within our control, expanding opportunities for Californians to buy and experience local wine, addressing rising cost pressures, and ensuring wine labels reflect what’s actually in the bottle. Our message is straightforward: In California, we grow wine, and our growers are proud of the wine we grow.” Read CAWG's latest Substack article here: https://lnkd.in/g6gGA82e

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Foodservice Feature from Brian Brozovic 🥩🍽️ California’s foodservice industry has weathered its share of storms — from pandemic shutdowns and high labor costs to supply restrictions resulting from Prop 12. Many operators have closed their doors, but others like House of Beef have found ways to adapt and thrive. Owner Steve Medlen has adapted to the challenging climate with live music, outdoor dining and pre-portioned, value-added products that save labor and reduce waste. #foodservice #meatprocessing 🔗 Read the full feature: https://ow.ly/IJ7j50WFwsa 📸: House of Beef

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