Jean Gattuso honoured at the 2015 Golden Pencil Awards Ceremony

TORONTO, Nov. 24, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Jean Gattuso, President and Chief Operating Officer of Lassonde Industries inc., was honoured at the 2015 Golden Pencil Awards ceremony held at the Fairmont Royal York yesterday evening.

The Golden Pencil Award is the highest honour granted by the Canadian food industry, this award is presented to individuals who, through career dedication, have made a significant and worthwhile contribution to the Canadian Food Industry.

"I wish to thank the Nomination Committee and the Executive Committee of the Golden Pencil Awards for their recognition as well as all the people who supported my nomination for their contribution," said Mr. Gattuso. "It is a great honour for me to be named among individuals who are legends of the food industry."

When Jean first joined Lassonde the company was a regional player in the fruit juices and drinks category with $81 million in sales and a share value of $3. Under his leadership the company became Canada's top fruit juice and drink manufacturer and with the recent purchase of Clement Pappas & Co. Inc. of New Jersey and Apple & Eve in New York, the company is now positioned as a leader in the North American market with sales totalling over $1.1 billion.

The 2015 Golden Pencil Award was presented to Jean by Peter Mattson, Vice-President Sales, North America for Lassonde and a longtime colleague.

About Lassonde

Lassonde Industries Inc. is a North American leader in the development, manufacture and sale of a wide range of ready-to-drink fruit and vegetable juices and drinks marketed under brands such as Everfresh, Fairlee, Fruité, Graves, Oasis and Rougemont.

Lassonde is also the second largest producer of store brand shelf-stable fruit juices and drinks in the United States and a major producer of cranberry sauces.

In 2014, Lassonde completed the acquisition of Apple & Eve, LLC of Port Washington, New York, a leading national brand juice company in the United States. This company offers more than 100 different products sold under its flagship brand, Apple & Eve, and also under the Northland, Seneca and The Switch brands.

Lassonde also develops, manufactures and markets specialty food products under brands such as Antico and Canton. The Company imports and markets selected wines from various countries and manufactures apple ciders and cider-based beverages.

The Company produces superior quality products through the expertise of approximately 2,100 people working in 14 plants across Canada and the United States. To learn more, visit www.lassonde.com.

 

SOURCE Lassonde Industries Inc.

Media contact: Stefano Bertolli, Vice-President Communications, Lassonde Industries Inc., 450-469-4926, extension 10265