On August 1, entrepreneur Alexander Wissel acquired Best-Met Publishing Company, Inc., publisher of Food World, Food Trade News, and the Grocery Industry Directory, and operator of website foodtradenews.com.
The Columbia, MD-based publishing firm was founded 47 years ago by Jeff Metzger and his partner Richard Bestany, who passed away in 2023. In 1978, Metzger and Bestany acquired Food World from its original owner Seymour Goodman who created the Baltimore-Washington food industry trade publication in 1946. Seven months later, Best-Met purchased the assets of Food Trade News from North American Publishing Co. That publication covered Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware and traces its roots to 1945.
Over the past 40 years, both publications have expanded their coverage areas to include Metro New York, New England, Virginia, the Carolinas and most recently Florida.
Best-Met began publishing its grocery industry reference guide – the Grocery Industry Directory – in 1995 and established its website – foodtradenews.com – in 2011.
Wissel, a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, has a background in e-publishing, market research, financial services, and real estate. Metzger, who becomes publisher emeritus of Best-Met, will continue to assist the company with both editorial and advertising responsibilities as the business transitions to new ownership.
Current Best-Met executives Terri Maloney, co-publisher-editorial; Maria Maggio, co-publisher marketing; and Kevin Gallagher, co-publisher-sales, will continue in their current roles.
“It’s time to pass the torch,” said Metzger of his decision to sell. “I’ve had a wonderful, fulfilling career. I’ve learned so much in the last 47 years and met so many great people while also having lots of fun in the process. I’ve also been working with Alex for the past few months as we hammered out the details of the deal. I think our readers and advertisers will find him to be highly intelligent, outgoing and creative. As the grocery business continues to evolve, particularly in the area of technology, I’m confident he will be a worthy successor.”
When asked for comment on the decision to purchase, Wissel explained, “We are honored to be able to continue the legacy that this organization has made over the past 47 years. Jeff and his team are incredible resources for the grocery industry. I’m looking forward to learning from them.”
The mission at Best-Met Publishing is to strengthen the grocery industry by delivering powerful insights, advocating for a vibrant and competitive marketplace, and equipping leaders with the intelligence they need to thrive.
Wissel continued “We are committed to feeding growth and fueling leadership across every corner of the grocery ecosystem. I’m excited to join Food World and Food Trade News, and will be working on growing our contributors, insights and industry intelligence. This will continue to be a trusted cornerstone for grocery professionals.”
