Kahiki Foods, Inc., a producer of frozen Asian meals and appetizers, announced on September 16 that Martin Kelly as has been named president of the Columbus, Ohio, USA-headquartered company.
The new chief executive brings over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry to the job. In addition to working with Coca-Cola and Miller Beer, he has held top positions for several specialty food and beverage operations, including Magic Hat Brewing Company and Boylan Bottling Company.
Kelly’s track record in the development and implementation of strategies that drive profitable growth, combined with his ability to elevate brands to category leadership, will be instrumental for Kahiki. This overall approach and vision for brand building will be implemented as Kahiki works with retailers to capitalize on the untapped opportunity that exists in the frozen Asian Food category in the United States.
This fall, Kelly plans to lead Kahiki in the expansion of the company’s recently launched StirFresh line of frozen ready meals, announce a major consumer giveaway, and debut two new products at the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Show which will take place in Orlando, Florida, October 11-14.
“I was drawn to Kahiki because I see the potential for the company to be something really special,” said Kelly. “We are focused on exciting and delighting consumers by leveraging our entrepreneurial spirit to be fast, flexible and nimble in product development, as well as in our customer relationships and approach to manufacturing.”
Kahiki has made pivotal improvements in 2014 to better position itself for continued growth in the frozen Asian food category, including a major redesign of its online presence and company website, Kahiki.com, and updated branding and packaging of all its products.
The new StirFresh line, consisting of meals for two that can be prepared in a skillet or wok in 12 minutes, presently comes in five flavors with customizable sauce options. Among the offerings are General Tso’s Chicken and Garlic Shrimp & Vegetables. All of Kahiki’s recipes are made naturally, with no additives, preservatives or MSG.
