HOMEWOOD, Ill. -- Carl Buddig & Co. has announced the addition of Marlon Villanueva, of Mississauga, Ontario, as the company's new Canadian sales manager. Villanueva will report to John Vigna, vice president of sales, and he will oversee sales, marketing and brand management for the company's Buddig and Old Wisconsin product lines in Canada.
Villanueva replaces Robert Luce, who is retiring after 25 years. During his lengthy career with Buddig, Luce is credited with expanding the company's national distribution network.
Previously, Villanueva successfully managed a portfolio of brands in successive management positions with leading natural and specialty food distributor Tree of Life Canada. At Buddig he will focus on leveraging the company's extensive, coast-to-coast distribution network to grow product sales through retail grocery stores, warehouse clubs and other key accounts. Key areas of responsibility include supporting the launch of new products, providing promotional and marketing support for existing product lines, as well as pricing and inventory management.
"Marlon is a welcome addition to the Buddig team," said Tom Buddig, executive vice president marketing, Carl Buddig & Co. "He brings to the position a strong track record of sales growth and a deep understanding of our category. These skills build upon the solid work and strong legacy that Bob Luce leaves behind as he focuses on retirement."
In Canada, Buddig and Old Wisconsin products are distributed through Skilcor Northbud and Tree of Life and available at retailers such as Sobeys and Loblaws.
In other company news, Old Wisconsin has introduced a new lineup of Snack Stick products available in a variety of sizes and flavors: 1.5-oz. Hot Habanero Snack Stick, 1.5-oz. Original Snack Stick, 2.5-oz. Original Twin Stick, 2.5-oz. Turkey & Cheddar Smoke Stack and 1.0-oz. Turkey & Cheddar Smoke Stack.
Based in Homewood, Ill., Carl Buddig & Co. is a family-owned, privately held company managed by the third generation of the original founder. It offers thin-sliced lean meats for sandwiches, snacks and special recipes.
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