happy endings
Behold! My incredibly whiny essay about how difficult it is to get my chocolate got the attention of the owner of the distribution company I use! He wrote me the following awesome message, and since then we have been emailing about how I can get my chocolate without begging. Life is wonderful!!
Dear Lagusta,
I was quite interested today as I read you comments and web blogs about your frustration in getting fair trade and organic chocolate (Callebaut) via Ambassador Foods in NJ..
I am the founder of Qzina Specialty Foods, and a little more than a year ago we purchased Ambassador Foods, which had offices in NJ, IL, and CA. As I read, you can imagine, I was not too happy with what you had to say, but I understand it fully. I even remember JOE, the sales rep we let go, who you mentioned in your posting. Sales, service, and strong product knowledge was not his calling. Nonetheless we still struggle finding people who have the background and knowledge, and desire, to deliver what you and I expect.
Callebaut themselves, is equally as difficult for us to deal with as they are for you. I have never known a supplier to be so much work, so I know and sympathize with your dealings with Ambassador.
I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know your frustration is heard, and as much as I can do I will do to change the people, culture, service, and professionalism at Qzina/Ambassador. I am about as big a chocolate nut as you will ever find. I have been in manufacturing and distribution of chocolate for 25 years, and before that my father was a candy maker, and his father also. I am about service and product support. Today at Qzina it is difficult to deliver that to a level that even satisfies me, with 8 branches, spread over 2 countries, we try to hire culinary staff wherever possible. We are constantly improving, but we are not there yet in NJ, and I know that.
If there is anything I can do to make your chocolate life any easier, please don’t hesitate to call on me.
Sincerely,
Richard A Foley
CEO & Founder
Qzina Specialty Foods Inc
One Response to “happy endings”
Great blog! Found you doing a search for the string “organic Callebaut chocolate 11lb bar”.
I laughed and laughed! Glad it turned out for you!
**Susanne**
PS Thank you for your commitment to O/F/T. Check out what we’re up to, if you get a chance, in teaching people to feed themselves sustainably, at http://www.friendlyaquaponcis.com.
Aloha!