QUALITALY_127

Februar y/March 202 2 III MAGAZINE WHAT CAN IGF INC AND CIC DO TOGETHER IN THE COMING YEARS? Continue to broaden their horizons. With ‘our’ branded products, we provide an offer of unquestionable quality, ensuring that they are in line with the US market and perfect for launching within the territory. YOU HAVE A HUGE NEW WAREHOUSE. IT WAS A MAJOR INVESTMENT. IS THIS A SIGN THAT THE CONDITIONS FOR EXPANSION ARE IN PLACE? Yes, we decided to make this big investment because the business has grown and we needed a bigger space. We are a company that continues to grow organically and to invest in itself. We also plan new investments over the next five years to support our growth. THE US ECONOMY SEEMS TO HAVE TAKEN OFF AFTER THE PANDEMIC: IS THIS TRUE? Yes, we are having a golden moment in America, especially in the food sector. Covid took a lot from us, but the recovery has gone with a bang. WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF IGF INC? WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT, FAMILY-OWNED FOOD DISTRIBUTOR. WE SELL OUR PRODUCTS TO OTHER INDEPENDENT FOOD COMPANIES IN THE MID-ATLANTIC, SOUTHEAST AND MID-WEST. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2022-23? We will open our new facility in Woodbridge, Virginia and work to grow our Chicago market. We will develop and diversify our truck fleet, expand our existing markets with more 5-day weekly deliveries while continuing to provide unique items. WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR CIC PRODUCTS? Artichokes, tomatoes and oil. HOW DO YOU FIGHT “ITALIAN SOUNDING” AND HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER THE IMPORT OF QUALITY GOODS FROM ITALY? Having reliable suppliers with quality products. EXPANDING PRODUCTS IGF’s product list grows in number and distribution increases. The company is looking for new products under the CIC brand that are also innovative, that excite and inspire customers. The brand is also planning to develop its dairy and confectionery business with the help of highly specialised chefs. https://www.igf-inc.com/ AT PAGE 14-17 FOCUS ON Skyrocketing prices? Let’s learn to be greener OPERATING COSTS IN THE RESTAU- RANT INDUSTRY ARE SOARING. THE MAIN CULPRITS ARE HIGH ENERGY PRICES AND CLIMATE CHANGE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A RISE IN MENU PRIC- ES. UNLESS... by Manuela Falchero In 2022, the accounts of restaurateurs are likely to take a hit: the clouds of what experts call a ‘perfect storm’ are gathering in the skies over kitchens. In other words, phenomena of different origins are occur- ring, but they are converging to create a critical economic scenario.