Ask Jim? Who is Jim?
Jim Cortesi is a grandmaster of the food and grocery industry. He has the answers for what you want to know to bring your specialty food product to the market. Besides his 25+ years of experience as a specialty food buyer and leading distribution manager, Jim is proficient in analyzing client requirements for their consumers needs. He maintains a thorough understanding of the marketplace, competitors, and industry trends to identify new business and marketing opportunities for his clients. He recognizes the potential of a client's product and offers guidance in taking the right marketing steps to move their product into consumers homes. Jim's charismatic personality allows him to connect with his clients in an approachable way. He keeps up with his client relationships, offering a “door is always open” policy.
Ask Jim to join your journey into marketing.
I Have A Product. Now What?
Many people have MILLION DOLLAR ideas but do not know how to execute those ideas. The components of transforming an idea into an in-store product can be daunting—That's where I come in. No matter what stage you are at in bringing your product to market, I am here to help consult, educate, connect, and achieve your end goal.
Take A Brief Look At My clients
Just to name a few...
Donkey Chips
“Jim Cortesi has the ability and knowledge to help any business in our industry, like he’s done for us. He has the ability to take any food product or concept to market, putting that product or company in the right position to succeed. Whether it’s by his Trade Show experience, marketing, advertising or just navigating the complicated internal process of getting set-up with a distributor or end-user, Jim’s Knowledge is second to none. With his years of experience Jim has seen and participated in most, if not all, aspects of bringing food products or concepts to market. “
- Dominic Gallo
President & Owner
Lonely Olive Tree Organics
“Jim Cortesi, the person who gave me a chance in 2011 to allow Lonely Olive Tree Organics Olive Oil to be available for the very first time in the American grocery marketplace. Lonely Olive Tree Organics and Nota Olive Oil Skincare will be working with Jim & his company very soon to continue spreading our message of the many health benefits our family’s olive oil offers. Crazy how experiences, relationships and friendships come together sometimes. Jim, thanks for believing in us and our product. I will never forget that meeting. Excited for the future!”
- Dimitrios Kallianis
Restaurant Owner & Olive Oil Producer
Slim Kim Popcorn
“Jimmy Cortesi was the 1st buyer for a high-end grocer that ordered Slim Kim popcorn. He was beyond helpful to me in sharing his tremendous knowledge of the grocery business, along with his network of connections in the industry. I’m forever grateful for his guidance and support.”
- Kimberly Cohen
President & Owner
Tiesta Tea Company
“I started Tiesta Tea when I was 21 years old at the University of Illinois. We started doing Farmer's Markets, and then after graduation, we moved to Chicago to focus on the business. At the time, Jim was a buyer for a high-end grocer and he was one of the first buyers I ever did business with. I didn't understand the industry at the time, but Jim helped me learn the ropes with brokers, distributors, buyers and other key personnel pieces of the grocery business. Since then, our company has sold over $30,000,000 in revenue. Jim knows when he sees a winner and also knows what changes are needed to become a winner. Jim is an expert in the food industry and someone I'd highly recommend.”
- Patrick Tannous
President & co-founder
The Hungry Monkey Baking Company, LLC
“After starting out at a local farmers market, Jim helped my small business, The Hungry Monkey Baking Company, LLC., get into a local grocery store chain; that was 10 years ago. Now we have a recognized brand and product line that is growing nationally. Jim is skilled in bringing product ideas to market -- from conception to store shelves and beyond. I recommend Jim without reservation.”
- Cindy Kienzle
Founder
Isola Imports
“I have worked with Jim for over 20 years at many levels. Jim was one of my first buyers I sold to and he has a great mind for marketing and building awareness to retail products. Then working closely together in distribution sales, Jim was able to bring our products to the many retailers across the Midwest. He has shown me some important and critical steps to marketing our specialty products over the years. Also I am fond of his ability to build relationships at every position he has held in the food industry.”
-Jay Nitti
Isola Imports
Old Havana Foods
“We worked with Jim when he was the buyer for a high-end grocer and we were looking to get our products on the shelf. Jim is very levelheaded, understands the dynamics of the grocery business and is always looking out for the best interest of the vendors and the retailer. Jim is very professional and a great person to work with in the grocery business.”
- Betty Hogan
CEO
Heaven's Honey Inc.
“Jim has helped grow my business Heaven’s Honey, by providing the steps to get into local grocery store chains. He helped me every step of the way and was very easy to work with. He is highly skilled in bringing in products, how to market them, and how to scale a business. He has excellent communication skills, responds on time, and was very professional. I highly endorse Jim without any doubt!”
- Abdullah Motiwala
President
Freespirit Granola
“As the sole manufacturer, packer, delivery person and business owner of Freespirit Granola, I was determined to sell my premium product in retail grocery stores. Five years ago Jim Cortesi led me through the difficult process with his experienced eye, crucial honesty, and invaluable industry network. Fortunately my product has had strong growth and recognition. I am eternally grateful to Jim for making the daunting Grocery World more accessible. I would highly recommend the guidance of Jim Cortesi for their product dream to market reality.”
- Laura Vancil
Owner