SAN FRANCISCO: Edelman has expanded its US food and nutrition operations by establishing a dedicated practice to foodservice and food manufacturing.
Food industry vet Susan Hughes joins Edelman as a San Francisco-based SVP to lead this new group, reporting to SF general manager Nicole Didda.
In addition to her leadership role, Hughes will direct the food service and food technology communications programs for the Almond Board of California.
Hughes left her own food comms firm, Strategic Food Marketing, where she handled clients such as Torani/R. Torre & Co., Clear Springs Foods, the California Avocado Commission, and the California Fresh Apricot Council. Prior to starting her own firm, Hughes had worked for Wisconsin's Milk Marketing Board.
Edelman's food and beverage business, which grew by 13% in 2003, includes clients such as the Almond Board of California, American Dietetic Association, Bush Brothers and Company, Centrum, ConAgra Foods, Dairy Management, Hershey Co., Kraft, Merisant, Wild Oats, and Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Co.
