Page 41 - 2020 ICCO Canada Pentola d'Oro - Under the Stars

“As has been the case with “We enforced the changes quite early on,” noted Longo. “Safety was always
other businesses, it has
been a very challenging
year, but we are extremely
proud of our teams,” said
Longo, who is an ICCO
Canada Board Member.
“I feel we’ve adapted
very well to
the situation.”
When the pandemic became a
reality several months ago, Longo
and her team set up committees
comprising staff and management.
The committees, which initially met
daily and are still in place now,
focused on communication and
preparation.
As new pandemic information and
protocols emerged, they were able
to respond and adapt quickly. As
always, the priority was the well-
being of team members and guests.
“Everyone had a voice,” said Longo.
“We were open and transparent to
our team and guests. We weren’t
doing things in isolation; we were in
line with what they wanted to see
occur.”
Moreover, the committees provided
team members with an opportunity
to voice their opinions, concerns and
as a platform to suggest what they
needed.
top of mind.”
In addition to implementing safety measures around cleanliness, disinfecting,
masks and social distancing, that’s also meant transforming various areas in the
store with health protocols as the guiding principle.
“Our hot and cold bars have changed to full-service,” explains Longo. “Some of
the specialty Longo services like the deli meats, bakery and prepared foods
sections are slowly resuming to normalcy with the addition of plexiglass and full
PPE requirements.”
While the experience has no doubt been demanding, Longo points out that it’s
also had some positive results. Longo, who said the retailer has always put its
team members first, said that philosophy was more important than ever before.
“We’re a family-run business. Putting our team members first is really important
in terms of having them feel respected, heard and valued.”
In terms of trends, Longo has noticed the online grocery sector has grown
exponentially and will continue to grow in importance as guests adjust to new
working from home realities. Also, she’s noticed that more people are cooking
at home, sometimes even creating some staples from scratch, such as dough for
bread and pizza.
When it comes to the selling and distribution of Made-in-Italy products, Longo
said interest has been higher than ever. “There’s an appetite for great food,” she
said. “And Italy produces a lot of wonderful products. We support by carrying
a wide assortment of authentic Made-In-Italy products in stores and online at
www.grocerygateway.com.”
So, what does the future hold for the food sector?
“We’re still learning what the new normal looks like,” explained Longo. “The
whole retail sector has changed indefinitely, however, we are confident we can
create remarkable food experiences by putting Family Standards at the heart
of everything we do.”
She added that proactive safety measures will remain in place for the
foreseeable future, and that Longo’s will continue to adapt based on
recommendations from government agencies as well as industry bodies.
“There has been a silver lining, though. We now know we can react to situations
quickly and adapt as needed.”
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