Saint Louis, Missouri (PRWEB) August 29, 2014 -- Bissinger’s announced today that Carla Ravarino is joining the firm, serving as Director of Sales, East Region. Ravarino has over 20 years experience in business development, portfolio management, sales and operations.
A veteran in both the food and specialty retailer industries, Ravarino was most recently National Account Executive at Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. She played a key management role in developing, opening and managing more than 500 locations in the Foodservice and Licensed Stores divisions throughout the country. She also served in multiple roles with specialty retailer Neiman-Marcus in corporate buying, store management and sales.
“I am pleased to be a part of such a committed, industry-revered company and being surrounded by people very passionate about the art of crafting fine chocolate,” said Ravarino. “Growing up in St. Louis, I have an innate affinity for the Bissinger's brand and high-quality confections.” Ravarino comes from a long linage of food retailers as well. Her family’s former pasta company business originated in 1901 and was committed to brand recognition, quality products and service excellence in the industry.
Ravarino will be responsible for wholesale sales efforts, working with the Bissinger's Broker Network and key customers in the East region to grow the brand. “We feel very fortunate to have her on our team,” said Jeff Tillery, Vice President of Sales and Business Development. “She is a natural fit for the company, has a strong background working with brokers and is well-versed in overseeing multiple territories.”
Earlier this month, Bissinger’s moved into their new headquarters facility, combining multiple operations under one roof -- a beautiful, historic 220,000 SF building that underwent $15 million in renovations. The additional space allows for new, state-of-the-art equipment, private tours, special event space and ensures it keeps up with strong growth in both the retail and wholesale sectors. “It’s a transformative time at Bissinger’s,” said President and CEO Tim Fogerty. “The new facility allows us to continue our commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and providing unique and sophisticated flavor combinations—while staying true to our long-standing legacy.”
Backed by centuries of confectionery excellence, the company traces its roots back to 17th Century France when King Louis XIV granted them the title of “Confiseur Imperial” for confectionery excellence. Sourcing the finest all natural, sustainable ingredients is the company’s central focus. Bissinger’s is the recipient of numerous sofiTM Awards and may be found at the larger national stores such as Whole Foods Market, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales as well as the high-end boutique retailers like local Straub’s and Draeger’s Markets across the country.
BISSINGER’S HANDCRAFTED CHOCOLATIER King Louis XIV granted the Bissinger family the title “Confiseur Imperial” in honor of confectionery excellence. At Bissinger’s inception in 17th Century France, Confectioners were known as true artisans of their time and were the most highly regarded of all tradesmen in their craft. The Bissinger name spread quickly and their confections were soon a favorite throughout Europe.
For more than 350 years, Bissinger’s confections have been made with our signature European chocolate and the classic skills that have been handed down from generation to generation of Chocolatiers. We seek out only the finest ingredients to provide both unique and innovative flavor combinations—all while staying true to our long-standing legacy. We believe that part of enjoying fine confections comes from a rich understanding of our history, sourcing only premium ingredients and the passionate attention to detail that goes into every piece we craft.
Bissinger’s confections can be purchased at Whole Foods Markets and Neiman Marcus; our retail locations; through our national catalog; visiting us online at http://www.bissingers.com; or by phone 800.325.8881.
Contact: Rosemary Sturm
314-615-2432; rosemary(at)bissingers(dot)com
rosemary sturm, Bissinger's, http://www.bissingers.com, +1 314-615-2432, [email protected]
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