Paterson, N.J. – Jan. 22, 2015 – Kontos Foods, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of traditional Greek and Mediterranean foods, was recognized this month for its contributions and leadership in the New Jersey food processing industry, and also for its economic leadership in the community. On Jan. 14, the state’s Acting Governor, Kim Guadagno, presented the company with a special proclamation.
As part of a program to connect New Jersey’s businesses to the communities they call home, Acting Governor Guadagno led a delegation of local economy stakeholders in her visit to Kontos Foods’ headquarters in Paterson, N.J. Present at the event were Paterson Mayor Jose Torres and representatives from the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce, Paterson Habitat for Humanity, Passaic County Community College Center for Continuing Education & Workforce Development, New Jersey Youth Corps/Paterson Public Schools, Passaic County Economic Development Corporation, St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation of Paterson and William Paterson University Center for Professional Education, all of which Kontos Foods has provided support.
“We don’t often think about the eco-systems that corporations like Kontos Foods help to create when they take hold in cities like Paterson,” said Acting Governor Guadagno. “While businesses are a critical component to our economy, they also engage in their communities, which is just as important. I asked the leadership of local community organizations to join me here today to highlight some of the great work that has been done in collaboration with Kontos Foods.”
The visit also celebrated New Jersey’s national recognition as a 2014 “Top Five” Agribusiness & Food Processing Award winner from Expansion Solutions Magazine. The Magazine connects key site selection consultants and corporate real estate brokers with information about progressive communities and the benefits they offer. The award highlights New Jersey’s thriving $105 billion food and agriculture sector, which includes nearly 2,000 food manufacturing companies that employ about 31,000 people.
“This national recognition is a direct result of New Jersey’s commitment to creating a positive business environment where companies like Kontos have access to the valuable resources that help their businesses succeed,” added Acting Governor Guadagno. “I am proud of this award, but more importantly, I am proud of Kontos Foods and other New Jersey companies that invest time and money back into the local eco-system.”
Steve Kontos, Vice President of Kontos Foods, commented: “We take great pride in employing members of our local community and contributing to the overall economic growth of the entire region. New Jersey is a great place to do business, and we are thrilled and honored to receive this proclamation about the positive impact Kontos Foods has had on Paterson and the surrounding areas.”
Find Kontos Foods on Twitter @KontosFoods, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Kontosfoods and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/kontosfoods/.
Note to Editors:
The people in the photo are as follows: Paterson, NJ Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres; New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno; Steve Kontos, Nancy Kontos; Paterson, NJ Chamber of Commerce Jamie Dykes; and Kathy Comodromos of Kontos Foods.
A jpg file is available upon request; email [email protected].
About Kontos Foods
Founded in 1987, Kontos Foods, Inc. is a Paterson, New Jersey-based provider of traditional Mediterranean foods for restaurants, hotels, food service, retail specialty stores and supermarkets worldwide. The family-owned company specializes in hand-stretched flatbreads, including the Kontos Pocket-Less Pita®, Fillo dough, pastries, olives, gyro meats, and Greek yogurts, as well as nearly 50 varieties of multi-ethnic flatbreads. Kontos, which has over 225 employees and was founded by Evripides (Evris) Kontos with his son Steven, together bring over 100 years’ experience in the premium food industry. The company’s bread and Fillo products are made in the USA. Visit www.kontos.com or call (973) 278-2800.
