Andrew Itzkowitz Email and Phone Number
As a sales and business development leader with over 20 years of experience in the CPG food industry, I’ve dedicated my career to helping brands thrive in dynamic retail and foodservice markets. From launching startups to expanding distribution for established players, I bring a deep passion for innovation and sustainability to every challenge. Whether it’s developing strategic sales plans, collaborating with high-performing teams, or unlocking new opportunities through data-driven insights, my mission is clear: drive growth, cultivate partnerships, and create lasting impact.Throughout my career, I’ve worked with exceptional brands like Bonne Maman Preserves, Yogi Tea, Choice Organics, & MyForest Foods, achieving measurable results:- Spearheaded the launch of MyBACON, a plant-based bacon line, securing placement in over 400 retail locations, including Whole Foods, Fairway Market, Union Market and other key accounts. Developed and managed a DSD distribution operation and team, providing white-glove sales and merchandising services to over 100 premium retailers and achieving 3X category velocities.- Managed sales for Yogi Tea & Choice Organics across the Eastern US & Canada, delivering consistent double-digit growth.- Established deep and lasting relationships for Bonne Maman across the US & Canada, working with best in class importers, distributors, brokers and retailers in retail and foodservice channels to increase brand visibility and sales.- Doubled distribution for Hooray Foods, a plant-based meat alternative startup, expanding to over 1,000 stores across North America.I combine expertise in category management, channel strategy, and trade promotion with a 360 degree approach. My ability to manage broker and distributor networks, negotiate with major retailers, develop impactful retail promotions, and analyze IRI and SPINS syndicated data, has helped brands thrive in an increasingly competitive market.I’m passionate about connecting groundbreaking products with the right audiences and building lasting relationships. Whether you’re a buyer, procurement specialist, forager, or category manager seeking innovative food solutions, I’m eager to collaborate on opportunities that align with our shared goals. Let’s connect and explore how I can help bring value to your shelves or menus.📩 Let’s connect! Message me here or email andrew@startupai.co
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Managing Director And Co-FounderOval Coffee RoastersNew York, Ny, Us
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Cpg Food Sales Management & Business Development ConsultantStartup Ai - Cpg Sales Management & Consulting Jan 2024 - PresentSTARTUP AI, a Sales Management & Consulting Agency, specializes in emerging better-for-you natural and specialty brands. As STARTUP AI continues to onboard exceptional brands, I'm eager to showcase their products to retailers and distributors across the retail and foodservice industry. -
Business Development & Retail Sales LeaderMyforest Foods Sep 2022 - Dec 2023Green Island, New York, Us• Strategic Market Expansion: Spearheaded the launch of MyBacon, a mycelium-based bacon alternative, securing listings at over 400 key accounts across natural, specialty, and conventional channels, including Whole Foods Market Northeast (off-cycle authorization), Shoprite, Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage, DeCicco's, MOM's Organic Market, and other best-in-class independents.• Direct Store Delivery (DSD) Success: Designed and led an internal DSD program servicing over 100 premium retailers across NYC and the Hudson Valley. Activities included optimizing shelf placement, soliciting reorders, issuing spoils credits, monitoring SRPs (everyday and promotional), installing merchandising materials, and collaborating with store management—ensuring consistent retail success and visibility.• Unparalleled Category Performance: Through tailored sales, merchandising, and promotional efforts, grew MyBacon's velocities to 3X that of leading competitive plant-based bacons in the Natural Channel, as validated by SPINS data.• Distribution Partnership Expansion: Established and nurtured a strategic partnership with Rainforest Distribution, driving new account acquisition and retail growth across the Northeast, North-Atlantic, and Mid-Atlantic regions.• Innovative Sales Leadership: Leveraged cross-functional collaboration and data-driven insights to implement field sales strategies that consistently outperformed expectations, positioning MyBacon as a leader in plant-based innovation. -
Director Of Retail SalesHooray Foods Sep 2021 - May 2022San Francisco, California, Us• Strategic Account Expansion: Rapidly expanded distribution for Hooray Foods’ plant-based bacon across natural and conventional channels, securing placement in over 1,000 stores, including Wegmans, Big Y, Better Health, and Fairway Markets. Before: Limited presence in select natural accounts. After: Broader retail footprint spanning key mainstream and specialty retailers.• Influencing Key Decision Makers: Adopted an educational forward approach to plant-based merchandising, securing pivotal meetings with major buyers, including the Albertsons national bacon buyer, UNFI Meat Category Management, KeHE Fresh National Sales, and other industry leaders. Before: Limited access to category influencers. After: Developed relationships with top decision-makers to position Hooray Foods as an innovative category leader.• Broker and Distributor Partnerships: Established critical partnerships with Green Spoon Sales for nationwide retail brokerage and Whitetoque for foodservice distribution, making Hooray Foods a preferred choice for chefs creating plant-based menus. Before: Minimal representation in key channels. After: Robust broker and distributor relationships driving growth in retail and foodservice markets.• Data-Backed Selling Strategy: Utilized SPINS data and industry insights to identify category opportunities, tailoring sales pitches to resonate with both conventional and natural buyers. Before: Generalized sales strategy. After: Targeted, data-driven approach that increased buyer engagement and closed key accounts.• Demo-Driven Velocity Growth: Executed a Whole Foods Market demo campaign in January 2022, achieving a 450% sales lift, the highest post-COVID velocity for the brand. Before: Limited in-store engagement. After: Effective demos directly boosted consumer trial and sales performance. -
Regional Sales Manager, Eastern Us & Canada - Yogi Tea & Choice OrganicsYogi Nov 2015 - May 2021Eugene, Oregon, Us• Sales Growth & Market Penetration:Managed $13MM in annual sales with a focus on key accounts across the Eastern US and Canada, primarily growing Yogi Tea and Choice Organics through existing channels, and opening up new retail channels. Drove double-digit annual growth for Yogi Tea and Choice Organics through strategic partnerships with brokers, distributors, and retailers, resulting in consistent sales increases and market share expansion. • Trade Spend & Promotional Strategy:Managed a $2MM trade budget to operate promotional activities across key retail accounts. Developed and executed targeted promotional plans with distributors and retailers, optimizing trade spend and ensuring cost-effective growth. Successfully maintained trade spend within budget.• Key Account Development & Retention:Oversaw and strengthened relationships with major retailers like Ahold/Delhaize, Big Y, and Wakefern, Loblaw’s, Price Chopper, and Tops Markets ensuring product availability and proper merchandising. Led annual business reviews and category reviews to secure incremental listings for new and existing SKUs, driving additional sales opportunities.• Distributor & Product Launch Strategy:Managed an average pf 40 SKUs across distributors and retailers. Spearheaded successful new SKU launches every year, working closely retailers, distributors, and with the production and operations teams to ensure high fill rates and optimal product assortment across retailers. • Syndicated Data Analysis & Category Insights: Leveraged syndicated data (SPINS/IRI) to identify category trends and market opportunities, providing detailed insights that improved merchandising strategies and inventory planning. -
North American Account & Brand Manager - Bonne Maman PreservesAndros Foods North America May 2011 - Oct 2015Rye, New York, Us• Brand Expansion & Distribution:Drove the expansion of Bonne Maman’s presence in the US and Canada by securing new listings at major chains including Costco, BJ’s, and expanding SKU facings and assortments at conventional and natural grocery chains. • Sales Growth through Promotional Strategies:Developed and executed customized retail promotions across multiple channels (Conventional, Natural, Specialty, Mass, Club). Promoted brand visibility through national cross-sampling campaigns with leading brands like Montchevre Goat Cheese and Justin’s Nut Butter, yielding increases in consumer trial during targeted promotions.• New Product Development & Launches:Spearheaded the launch of multiple new products and secondary displays, including the Bonne Maman Frozen Desserts, Tartlets, Holiday Gift Pack Sampler Set, and Spreads for Cheese products gaining distribution in the deli set. Coordinated development between the French HQ & US Operations• Retailer & Distributor Relationships:Established strong partnerships with national importers, distributors and brokers, conducting in-depth category reviews that identified key growth opportunities and set strategy alignment. This collaboration led to the increased distribution for Bonne Maman across the U.S. & Canada. • Category Analysis & Insights:Routinely analyzed syndicated sales data (SPINS/IRI) to gain deep insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and product performance, enabling the team to optimize pricing strategies and promotional spend. -
Director Of Sales & Marketing - Shabtai Gourmet Gluten Free BakeryCinderella Sweets Gluten Free Bakery May 2003 - May 2011• Revenue Growth & Market Expansion:Successfully developed a gluten-free division that generated +$1MM in annual sales across grocery, frozen, and bakery departments. Spearheading nationwide distribution with major specialty food distributors such as KeHE, UNFI, DPI, and Garden Spot, expanding the brand’s reach and increasing retail placements to over 1,000 locations. • Retail & Distribution Success:Secured product listings at prominent regional supermarket chains and specialty retailers, including Shoprite, Lunds/Byerlys, and natural/organic health food stores. Led the design and implementation of display shippers for secondary placements.• Packaging Innovation & New Market Segments:Developed a private label gluten-free in-store bakery program at Lunds/Byerlys and a branded Fresh Bakery program at Shoprite, expanding the brand’s presence in key retail locations.• Brand Visibility & Reach:Developed and managed the brand’s website to enhance e-commerce sales and improve brand awareness, • Strategic Partnerships & Industry Leadership:Forged partnerships with national gluten-free organizations, enhancing the brand’s credibility and contributing to wider consumer adoption. Represented the brand at trade shows and distributor selling events,
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Director Of Natural Food SalesBlue And White Foods, Llc Feb 2010 - Jul 2010• Launched & Expanded Natural Foods Division:Established the natural foods division for a major NYC-based kosher distributor, transitioning from exclusively kosher retail accounts to offering products across natural food retailers, expanding reach into new product categories, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and other allergen-free foods.• Strategic Marketing & Brand Exposure:Promoted key natural food brands by exhibiting at industry events, including Natural Products Expo West and the National Restaurant Association's Shows, increasing brand recognition and attracting key retail buyers and new distribution opportunities.• Retail Sales & Distribution:Drove sales growth by securing product placements in +50 natural and specialty independent stores throughout New York City, across refrigerated, frozen, and grocery departments.• Allergen-Free Product Advocacy & Partnerships:Built strong partnerships with allergen-free support groups in the Tri-State area to foster community engagement and increase awareness of the company’s allergen-free product offerings.• Consulting for Brand Development & Market Penetration:Consulted for Abeles-Hermann, Veggie Made Great, and NutraSalt, advising on reformulating products and successfully rebranding to be healthier and more natural, thus appealing to a broader, health-conscious demographic.
Andrew Itzkowitz Education Details
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Queens CollegeBusiness
Frequently Asked Questions about Andrew Itzkowitz
What company does Andrew Itzkowitz work for?
Andrew Itzkowitz works for Oval Coffee Roasters
What is Andrew Itzkowitz's role at the current company?
Andrew Itzkowitz's current role is Managing Director and Co-Founder.
What schools did Andrew Itzkowitz attend?
Andrew Itzkowitz attended Queens College.
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