Food is a big part of your life. Do you have other culinary interests?
One of my greatest passions is to bring awareness of this industry to students. Many people in the food industry claim to have just stumbled into it, and they never leave because it is an amazing industry! There are many folks who major in a STEM field and are completely unaware that you can use any of those scientific degrees toward a career in food where you can apply both science and artistry to your creations.
We love working with the culinary science students at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), as well. The CIA created this culinary science degree because they know many of their graduates will be chefs at food companies, such as PepsiCo, Nestle, etc. Not restaurants. They need to know both the art and science of their craft to develop the foods of the future.
What does your dinner table look like with your family?
I am a mom of five boys. There is
nothing I cherish more than when we can all gather around a table and just be together. It’s
the conversation and the connection that I long for. Many of my boys are now adulting so finding that time is invaluable.
I made sure that my boys grew up trying many different types of food. They are adventurous and open-minded to trying new things. I love that.
I also love hosting Football Unity Dinners for my high school boys’ team. They are a sight to behold. You have about 60 starving football players over and it is literally like a school of piranha. They come in so fast and devour all that is laid before them. Each and every one of them graciously says thank you. They are grateful for the meal and the time spent together.
What is your vision for Edlong’s future and the impact on food for consumers and culinary professionals?
Even more than helping our customers succeed in the market—which is something we are very committed to—I would love Edlong to be the cornerstone company in our industry that starts the conversation around the legacy we will leave behind as an industry? My belief is if we all work together to make a difference around food insecurity, we can change the world. We have a responsibility to feed the world in the most economical, nourishing way. How can we all get creative and use our resources and talents for the greater good? Let’s come together and be Food Heroes. Create never-before-thought-of solutions that will ensure the food supply is sustainable for generations to come.
Laurette and family pictured L-R.
Gavin, Stewart, Laurette, Declan, Garret and Christopher