2023 Private Label Hall of Fame: Nancy Ragozzino, Ragozzino Foods
16 leaders from the world of private brands were recently honored as the newest inductees to the Private Label Hall of Fame.
During a ceremony held during the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s (PLMA) Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., members of the Class of 2023 shared stories of the challenges each has overcome to succeed in a highly competitive industry.
Created in 2006 to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the global private brand industry, this year’s event featured updated categories that each included two retail and two supplier honorees. The categories are Next Gen Private Label Leader, Private Brand Innovator, Private Brand Champion and Lifetime Achievement.
“We proudly celebrate the outstanding achievements of these proven leaders and innovators,” said Peggy Davies, president of PLMA. “Their hard work and dedication are instrumental to the success of the store brands business.”
“The 16 honorees represent the best of the best from across the world of private label and showcase the depth of talent the industry has to offer,” said Greg Sleter, executive editor and associate publisher of Store Brands. “This august group of retailers and suppliers have had a major impact on the private label business and will continue to do so in the years ahead.”
This special section features profiles of each of the new Hall of Famers.
Nancy Ragozzino
President
Ragozzino Foods
Lifetime Achievement
Having been involved with her family’s Connecticut-based frozen entree business for 40 years, Nancy Ragozzino has held several positions at Ragozzino Foods before taking over as president of the private label supplier in 2014.
“I always knew I wanted to work at the family business, but started my career as national accounts for restaurant chains, but in order to diversify our portfolio we moved into the retail arena,” said Ragozzino. “I love both segments of the business.”
With experience in research & development and quality assurance under her belt, Ragozzino now serves as president and as the only salesperson for a business that produces private label products for notable retailers such as Walmart, H-E-B, Publix and Wegmans.
Ragozzino has also used her network to create relationships with several celebrities to help them bring their ideas to life. Starting with R&B icon Patti Labelle’s line of frozen foods, her passion and commitment turned into a stream of clients by celebrities, agents and buyers who know her as the one who can deliver quality products.
As a hands-on leader, she starts her days ensuring the manufacturing plant gets running on a high note, and then bounces throughout the building ensuring all her teams are firing on all cylinders, knowing the most complex details about every aspect of the business.
Looking ahead, Ragozzino said she has no plans of retiring soon, and looks to continue growing the family business, leading by example for the company’s employees.
“I owe all my success to my many loyal customers and employees. Ragozzino Foods is grateful for both and would not be where we are without either,” said Ragozzino. “We have received several awards over the years and it’s such a great feeling being recognized as going above and beyond, where in the end I am just doing my job. My personal goals are to be able to teach the next generation what I have learned over the years.”