Kate Weisman, category manager - foodservice commissary, at Westborough, Massachusetts-based EG America, was a finalist for foodservice, large chains, in CSP’s 2025 Category Manager of the Year (CMOY) awards.
This year's CMOY awards featured 14 winners across seven categories. Winners from both small (99 or fewer stores) and large chains (100 stores or more) were selected for the first time in each category.
Here is the Q&A from her conversation with CSP on trends she’s watching, creating inviting offers and more:
What’s new and exciting in your category?
I recently took on a new category of sale, so I’m excited to see what commissary brings this year. As far as roller grill, be on the lookout for EG stores to make a splash with items you’re only able to get in one of our stores.
What do you love about your category?
What I love about this category, and really any category, is the opportunity to see the latest innovations from our vendor partners and collaborate with them to bring those ideas to life in our foodservice offerings. It’s exciting to be part of that creative process and see how it enhances what we can offer.
What trends are you watching?
I’m closely watching and doubling down on in-store customization for consumers as well as how to enhance a snacking occasion.
What products performed well in the past year?
In this past year we saw great success on the launch of the Chicken & Waffle Rollerbites, which was a fun collab with Home Market Foods. Also, we saw a giant lift in attachment items, such as hash browns or chips with sandwiches.
What are your goals/most looking forward to in 2025?
In 2025, I’m looking forward to creating an environment of fresh and inviting food offers to reach all different customers.
What are the biggest challenges?
I believe that 2025 will witness increased price competition between convenience stores and quick-service restaurants (QSRs). In the latter half of 2024, we observed QSRs introducing meal deals as a significant price relief strategy, and I anticipate this trend will continue. To remain competitive, it will be essential for us to identify the right products at the right price points to effectively engage our consumers.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.