About the Founder
Dianne has been a leader since her start at Surdyk’s Cheese Shop in Minneapolis in 1983. She subsequently opened the food hall at Dayton Hudson Department Stores, then brought specialty foods to Grand Union. The next step was director of sales for Dean & Deluca, introducing customers to Balsamic Vinegar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. In 1990, Di
Dianne has been a leader since her start at Surdyk’s Cheese Shop in Minneapolis in 1983. She subsequently opened the food hall at Dayton Hudson Department Stores, then brought specialty foods to Grand Union. The next step was director of sales for Dean & Deluca, introducing customers to Balsamic Vinegar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. In 1990, Dianne started her brokerage company working with manufacturers and importers of natural, organic and specialty foods. She was inducted into the Specialty Food Hall of Fame in 2016 for her contributions to the industry.