Tracy, Calif. – January 29, 2019 – The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently announced the presentation of a Golden Seal Award to Mark Finocchio, President of Pinnacle Food Sales of Florida, in recognition for “Outstanding Achievement” in sales and promotion of California cheese in the Southeast.
The award, which recognizes individuals and partner organizations for contributions “above and beyond” to the California dairy industry, was presented in the CMAB’s booth during the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. CMAB CEO, John Talbot, presented Finocchio with a wooden plaque featuring a three-dimensional depiction of the Real California Milk seal.
“We appreciate Mark’s hard work and dedication to building a home for California cheese and dairy products in the Southeast,” said Talbot. “His relationships with retailers like Harris Teeter, Lowes, Publix and Winn Dixie are key to the continued growth in demand for Real California dairy in the east.”
The Golden Seal Award was launched in 2017 to recognize California dairy processor partners for their rapid and generous response to hurricane victims in Texas and Florida. The award is presented annually to individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to California dairy farm families and the promotion of California dairy. Past recipients include Cacique, Inc., the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP), FitPro, Pacific Cheese, Rizo Lopez and Super Store Industries.
California is the nation’s leading milk producer. It also produces more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. Dairy products made with Real California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk seal and are available throughout the U.S. and around the world.