Tweet: #SChefShowdown judges to be: @FitFoodieChef; @cantudesigns Chef Harold Plein; @npdfood Harry Balzer; and @RachaelRaymag Janet McCracken

May 20, 2014 – ARLINGTON, VA – The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today is pleased to announce the judges of the second-annual Supermarket Chef Showdown: 

• Harry Balzer, Chief Industry Analyst and Vice President for The NPD Group, Inc.; 
• Chef Jennifer Bucko Lamplough, Instructor for the Robert Morris University Institute of Culinary Arts;
• Janet McCracken, Test Kitchen Director for Everyday with Rachael Ray; and
• Chef Harold Plein, award-winning Culinary Researcher and Developer with Cantu Designs.

“We’re delighted to have chefs and industry experts from so many different parts of the culinary community as judges,” says Phil Lempert, the host for the Supermarket Chef Showdown. “The Supermarket Chef Showdown judges have expertise in healthy cooking, food creation and innovation, and food and diet trends that will push these supermarket chefs to their creative limits.”  

More than 130 supermarket chefs, representing a record 30 different retailers will compete for unique one-of-a-kind foodie experiences, including exclusive dinners, trips, tastings and a trip for two to the 2015 Mardi Gras, and of course, “bragging rights.” The contest takes place at the FMI Connect, July 11, 2014, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Learn more and see the finalists at www.SupermarketChefShowdown.com. Follow the competition @SCShowdown.

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About FMI Connect
The Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI) newly envisioned tradeshow, FMI Connect, offers attendees a global food retail experience June 10-13, 2014 in Chicago. FMI Connect provides solutions to growing basket size; increasing customer trips; improving margins; increasing market share; and developing leadership. FMI Connect is the only food retail showcase with something for every aspect of the food retail business: From consumer goods to capital goods, fresh produce to fresh ideas. In 2014, FMI Connect will be co-located with United Fresh 2014, PACK EXPO International, U.S. Food Showcase 2014 and InterBev Beverage.  www.fmiconnect.net