At Avon Food Company, continuous improvement isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a philosophy that has been deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA since its founding. As we move forward into an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Michael Anastos, we are more committed than ever to refining our processes, enhancing our products, and staying ahead of industry trends. Michael’s vision for the future is rooted in this commitment to constant growth and improvement, ensuring that Avon Food Company remains a leader in the food industry for years to come.
A Fresh Vision for Growth and Innovation
When Michael Anastos took over the family business in January 2023, it marked the beginning of a new era for Avon Food Company. While Michael brings his own ideas and perspective to the table, his approach is also shaped by the strong foundation laid by his parents, Steve and Heidee, who built the company on values of quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. For Michael, continuous improvement is not only about advancing operations but also about ensuring that Avon Food stays true to the principles that made it successful in the first place.
“I’ve always believed that the work my parents did to grow this company was amazing, but the key to long-term success is adapting and evolving. The food industry is dynamic, and we need to be constantly improving to meet the needs of our customers and to stay ahead of the competition,” says Michael. “That’s why we’ve been focused on updating our systems, investing in technology, and improving every aspect of our production processes.”
Key Areas of Focus for Continuous Improvement
Under Michael’s leadership, Avon Food Company has set its sights on several key areas for continuous improvement. From production upgrades to enhancing food safety protocols, here’s how we’re pushing the envelope to make Avon Food Company even better:
1. Upgrading Production Lines for Greater Efficiency
One of Michael’s first initiatives was to streamline Avon Food Company’s production process. The company has already begun making significant investments in upgrading its production lines, starting with the renovation of Production Line 2 in April 2023 and upcoming plans for Production Line 1 in 2025. These renovations will not only increase efficiency but also help ensure that Avon’s products maintain the highest standards of quality and consistency.
“These renovations are not just about increasing speed,” Michael explains. “It’s about creating a more flexible and efficient system that allows us to scale without compromising the quality of our products. Our customers trust us, and we need to be able to meet their needs without ever cutting corners."
2. Embracing Cutting-Edge Technology
Technology plays a huge role in Avon Food Company’s strategy for continuous improvement. Michael is leading the charge in implementing advanced technologies that will help optimize production, improve food safety, and enhance customer service. From automation in packaging and quality control to improved data analytics for forecasting demand, technology is helping Avon Food Company run more smoothly and respond faster to market changes.
“We are investing in technologies that will allow us to be more agile and efficient,” Michael says. “From predictive analytics to automated systems, these tools give us better insights into how we can improve our processes and stay ahead of industry trends.”
3. Achieving and Maintaining High Standards in Food Safety
Food safety has always been a priority at Avon Food Company, and with the recent achievement of SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification in October 2024, Michael has reinforced this commitment. SQF certification is one of the most respected food safety standards in the industry, and it’s a testament to Avon Food’s dedication to maintaining the highest quality and safety standards in every step of the production process.
“We’ve always taken food safety seriously, but achieving SQF certification has helped us take our commitment to the next level,” Michael says. “It’s not just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about ensuring our customers can trust the safety and integrity of every product we make.”
4. Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement Across the Team
For Michael, continuous improvement isn’t just about technology or systems; it’s about people. He believes that fostering a culture of improvement and collaboration across the entire organization is key to sustaining long-term success. From production teams to customer service, Michael has worked to instill a mindset of constant learning, problem-solving, and feedback throughout the company.
“We’re not just upgrading machines and systems—we’re also empowering our employees to share their ideas and take ownership of improvements in their areas,” Michael explains. “The people at Avon Food Company are our greatest asset, and by investing in their growth and development, we can ensure that continuous improvement is a part of everything we do.”
5. Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing
Sustainability is a core part of Michael’s vision for the future of Avon Food Company. As the demand for environmentally conscious practices continues to grow, Michael has prioritized sustainable sourcing, reducing waste, and implementing energy-efficient solutions across operations. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in the ongoing upgrades to the company’s production lines, which include more eco-friendly machinery and waste-reduction initiatives.
“We want to be a company that not only produces great food but also takes care of the planet,” Michael says. “That means making responsible decisions about the ingredients we source, how we package our products, and how we reduce our environmental impact.”
Looking Toward the Future
As Avon Food Company continues to grow and evolve, Michael’s dedication to continuous improvement will remain a driving force. Whether it’s through enhancing production capacity, embracing new technologies, or fostering a culture of innovation, Michael’s leadership is ensuring that the company is well-positioned for success in a rapidly changing industry.
“Our goal is simple: to keep getting better,” says Michael. “We want to be the company that sets the standard for quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Continuous improvement isn’t a one-time project—it’s a long-term commitment to always doing better for our customers, our team, and our community.”
At Avon Food Company, we are excited about the future. Under Michael’s leadership, we are not only preserving the values that have made us successful but also embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation. The best is yet to come, and we’re looking forward to sharing the journey with you.