-By James Mellgren

With very few exceptions, Atalanta Corp. provides one-stop shopping for specialty buyers throughout North America (the Gellert Group also consists of Finica Foods, a distribution in Canada). TGR recently spoke with Tom Gellert, whose father George sits as chairman of the board. The following are some of his thoughts on the company, the industry and his role in both.

Atalanta, the fleet-footed huntress of Greek mythology, is a name perhaps better known to anyone in the cheese or deli business as one of the largest importers in the United States of specialty products from Europe and around the globe. As a part of the Gellert Global Group, Atalanta is a multinational food importer specializing in specialty meats, cheeses and grocery products. The company has a presence on three continents and agents in every major commerce center of the world, making it a force to be reckoned with in the specialty food realm. Atalanta was founded in 1945 as an import agent, establishing itself early on as a savvy marketer. It was the first company to market Polish hams, for example, the first foods to be imported from Eastern Europe to America. Atalanta has achieved success as a result of close relationships with its suppliers, excellent credit and a worldwide reputation for innovative marketing and exclusive trade agreements.

Atalanta is justly famous for its wide assortment of specialty cheeses -- over 1,500 at last count -- ranging from sweet, fresh goat cheeses to giant wheels of fully aged mountain cheeses. Although renowned for its expertise with and knowledge of the Italian pantry, Atalanta's list of cheeses includes superb selections from every great cheese-producing country in Europe. In addition, it imports a host of specialty foods to accompany all its marvelous cheeses, foods including spicy mostardas, wine jellies, fruit spreads, anchovies, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, crackers, honeys, chocolate and much more. With very few exceptions, the company provides one-stop shopping for specialty buyers throughout North America (the Gellert Group also consists of Finica Foods, a distribution in Canada). I recently spoke with Tom Gellert, whose father George sits as chairman of the board. The following are some of his thoughts on the company, the industry and his role in both.

The Gourmet Retailer (TGR): What is your title and role in the company?

Tom Gellert (TG): I wear many hats. I spend most of my time with four of the Global Gellert Group companies: Tipico Products, DeMedici Imports, Finica Foods and, naturally, Atalanta. Within Atalanta, most of my time is spent overseeing the cheese and specialty deli department. Within the department, I personally spend more time on Italian products, but for the most part, we have other people that handle specific areas and specific cheeses, people like Margaret Cicogna and others.

TGR: What sets your company apart from the competition? What are your strengths?

TG: The diversity of our product mix makes it extremely advantageous when dealing with our customers. Also, because we bring in so many containers, we can consolidate shipments, making it easier to try new products and bring in special items for our customers. But it's not just our product mix that sets us apart, but also the people that are part of our team, passionate people that we empower to work on specialty products. We also have great, supportive suppliers that have been working with us for many years, most of whom work with us exclusively.

TGR: You seem to speak Italian fluently. Was this a conscious effort or did it come from association?

TG: I lived in Italy for two years right after college in order to begin my career. I was there to develop much of our Italian business for the States as well as to export cheeses all over the world.

TGR: What do you see as some of the trends and challenges facing the industry today?

TG: Price points, for one. There are ceilings regarding retail prices for consumers, something we all have to consider. Also, there has been a real shift in the way people relate to food and cooking, and in wanting to know where their food comes from. It's a generational thing, I suppose. Twenty years ago, for example, concerns for the environment were just taking hold and, today, these kinds of things are second nature to all of us. People today are much more aware of quality and are interested in their health and the healthfulness of their food.

TGR: What goes into the process of evaluating new product additions?

TG: Of course, quality, tradition and the integrity of the producers. With the volume of containers we bring in, it is very cost-effective to bring and try new items. We also encourage our customers to try new things, and they have gained trust in us.

TGR: What are your best-selling products?

TG: Well, cheese, of course, and particularly Italian cheeses do very well for us. But although people tend to think of us for the Italian cheeses, we actually have a great diversity of products from Spain, the U.K., Denmark, Holland and other countries. In other words, we do a lot more than just Italian cheeses. And we are much more than just cheese. We also have specialty meats, breads, desserts, coffee, grocery items and more.

TGR: How important are trade shows to you and Atalanta?

TG: They are very important but, depending on the venue, they are important for different reasons. For example, the domestic shows are more about selling, meeting with our customers and introducing new products. The shows overseas are really more about meeting with our suppliers. In the end, we don't limit ourselves to trade shows for finding new products. You have to get out there and go to factories and out-of-the-way places to find things that are different than what everyone else has.

TGR: What's the most rewarding aspect to you personally in your business?

TG: It's great to work with products that you are passionate about. Also, it's my family's business, so it's very rewarding to be a part of that and to have a great team of people that work with us. We also have great suppliers and great customers that we have built wonderful relationships with over the years, and that too makes this business very rewarding.

To find out more about Atalanta Corp., go to www.atalanta1.com.