“Together Talks” #133: Itaberco - presented by KLS
KLS - Klimson Logistics Solutions
www.klimsonls.com --- 708-980-0920 --- [email protected]
Some Background on Itaberco
Today's edition of "Together Talks" campaign, KLS had the privilege to speak with Itaberco and President, Berj Ghazarian. We were also joined by Alisondra Peters, who manages Itaberco's Sales & Marketing departments. Itaberco, a forward-thinking company specializing in fine dessert and beverage ingredients, is always ahead of the curve when it comes to industry trends and innovations. Their client-centered approach ensures that each operation receives tailored solutions, focusing on creativity, quality, food safety, and success.
When did the company begin?
The company began in 2011.
Story of how it was created?
My family has been in the food manufacturing business for over 40 years. In 2011, my father and I saw a great opportunity to expand our family business into the dessert and beverage space. Initially focused on the gelato industry, we realized that our family’s products provided value to a larger food and beverage industry. This realization inspired us to start Itaberco.
My father, Boris, has been in the industry for over four decades, laying the foundation in the U.S. for our products. We built on this foundation and brought Itaberco to life, and I am proud?to have the opportunity to work side by side with my father in this business.
Partner with KLS
KLS offers LTL and FTL for both dry and reefer transportation.
Our nationwide coverage provides companies a reliable, consistent, and dependable logistics partner to handle your trucking needs.
For more information on how we can help call our office today 708-980-0920 or reach us via our email quote request here!
What separates your company from competition?
We stand out in the U.S. flavor and mix industry through our three unique qualities:
Alisondra:?We also have a corporate pastry chef and are developing a chef ambassador program to support even small businesses, offering them resources to enhance their operations.
Navigating Challenges
What have been the biggest challenges? Running a manufacturing business in the food and beverage space is challenging due to the significant upfront costs and stringent food safety standards. We are proud to be an SQF-certified facility, the highest global food safety standard. To grow a manufacturing business with these high standards from a start-up to a full-fledged business was a big challenge we had to overcome years ago.
The pandemic was particularly challenging, impacting industries like hospitality and restaurants, which are vital to our business. Fortunately, our dedicated staff helped us weather the storm, though it took years to recover.
Strategic Transition and Brand Recognition
What were your concerns about making this transition?
We aimed for rapid brand recognition. The food industry, like many others, values established brands. We invested heavily in marketing, trade shows, and networking to make a big impact quickly. This strategy was crucial for gaining traction and supporting our manufacturing business.
How beneficial was it having the guidance of your father's experience? Having my father, Boris, as a mentor and partner was invaluable. Family businesses can be tough, but we complement each other's skills. Boris is a visionary, excelling in big-picture problem-solving and manufacturing design. I focus on business development and management, helping translate his visionary ideas into actionable plans.
Leadership Growth and Empowerment
How have you grown as a leader?
I've learned that business challenges often boil down to people and processes. Building a clear vision and core values early on is crucial for attracting the right people and ensuring the business can thrive without relying solely on the founders. I’ve learned that once you have a clear vision and the right people, you can really begin to empower those around you to propel the business forward. I see my growth coming from realizing this and embracing it.
What aspect of entrepreneurship do you appreciate the most?
Watching the people around me grow is the most fulfilling aspect. Whether they stay with the company or move on, seeing their progress is incredibly rewarding. I also love to see people bring their ideas to life in a way that is sustainable and creates valuable opportunities in the market. Nothing gets me more excited than to see aspiring entrepreneurs take the leap of faith and start a new concept that our product can be a part of.
How does the company acknowledge the victories? We hold quarterly offsite leadership meetings to plan and reflect, celebrating our wins and setting new goals. Additionally, we have a Core Value Ambassadorship program, which recognizes employees who exemplify our core values, rewarding them in front of the entire company.
Alisondra:?We also hold company-wide meetings to share reflections and future goals, ensuring everyone is aligned with our mission.
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Ideal Partnerships and Lessons Learned
What types of companies do you view as a potential fit?
We cater to two markets: 1. specialty food service companies—bars, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, frozen dessert shops—that value quality and trust us as their advisor. 2. Specialty dessert & beverage manufacturers— bakery manufacturers, dairies, breweries, confectioners— that tend to work closely with our R&D team. Our products improve quality, provide flexibility, save time and enhance efficiency, allowing our partners to focus on their core strengths.
Share a mistake you made or a lesson you learned?
Post-pandemic, we pivoted to launch a retail product line, but it diverted our focus from our core business. It taught us the importance of staying true to our identity and our core focus. I believe there will be a time in the future where our products will be in retail locations but my lesson was that everything has its time.
What is your why?
We value meaningful relationships with each other and our community. The relationships we build are why we come to work every day. It's about creating a family-like environment with our employees and customers.
Community and Industry Reflections?
If you had a magic wand, what would you change about your industry?
I would love to fix the logistics challenges faced by the entire industry. I would love to be able to get our product to any customer, anywhere in the US within 24 hours at a reasonable price. I know this sounds impossible, but you asked if I were to have a magic wand!
Do you have a moment that brings you the most joy?
Moving into our new manufacturing facility in 2021 was a turning point. Seeing the pride and joy on our staff's faces was incredibly rewarding.
Looking Forward
We are actively seeking a distributor in the Pacific Northwest and Texas who aligns with our values and specializes in the food and dessert space. We are also excited to pursue our vision of becoming the leader of artisan flavors and mixes for the specialty dessert and beverage industry.
Piece of Advice
Surround yourself with people who care about you and your business. Empower them to do what they are capable of, and always be willing to listen more than you speak.
Interested in being featured with "Together Talks"?
KLS is booking our upcoming schedule now!
Contact us as we would love to learn your story and share it amongst our audience.
Weekly we provide 2 companies our platform to expand their reach courtesy of our campaign. Let's collaborate!!!
In Closing
KLS wants to thank Itaberco and President, Berj Ghazarian and Alisondra Peters, Sales and Marketing Managerfor today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for their journey with their social handles below!
Business Resources!
Look at our new page HERE?designed to provide excellent opportunities that may be of interest to you. These are a compilation from our chats within our "Together Talks". If you have any suggestions please let us know as we would love to provide more valuable insight to our community!
Klimson Logistics Solutions - Together Talks with Itaberco feature #133