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Writer's pictureJanet Irizarry

Amy Stern's Recipe for PR Success in the Food & Beverage Industry



In the dynamic realm of public relations (PR), where reputation and visibility are paramount, finding the right professional can make all the difference. Enter Amy Stern, a seasoned marketing and PR expert with a remarkable track record in shaping public perception and driving success in competitive markets, specializing in the hospitality industry, specifically food and beverage. 


Stern’s journey into PR was serendipitous, ignited by her interactions with PR professionals while working in travel and leisure publications. Stern's profound passion for hospitality and food stems from her upbringing, deeply influenced by her parents. Her father's career in the grocery industry, which led to owning a chain of 10 supermarkets, and her mother's talent for cooking and entertaining fostered her love for the industry even before she pursued it professionally. She credits these experiences with her ability to comprehend the intricacies, challenges, and evolving trends within the restaurant and food sectors.


Transitioning into PR, Stern quickly made her mark by working with prestigious brands like Cuisinart and collaborating with culinary icons such as Lydia Bastianich and Eric Ripert. Securing a position at 3E Public Relations, a company rooted in New Jersey for over three decades, she now spearheads as Senior Vice President, leveraging the "3E" approach - entertaining, educating, and engaging - to cultivate enduring connections with clients' target audiences through adept orchestration of strategic brand management, media relations, partnerships, and collaborations.


Stern thrives on overcoming challenges, like representing a new ice cream client in a competitive market dominated by industry giants such as Häagen-Dazs and Talenti. "In these situations, creating awareness is essential," she explains. "We want consumers to notice us in the freezer aisle and think, 'Ah, I recognize them!' It's about showcasing what makes the brand unique and clearly articulating a point of difference in the category—crafting a compelling story that highlights one’s distinct values, flavors, and journey."


Additionally, Stern stresses the importance of creating narratives that resonate with both the media and her clients. Acting as a strategic matchmaker, she ensures each story has a newsworthy angle while effectively conveying the client's message. "Success in PR requires considering all perspectives," she notes. "Simply echoing the client's narrative isn't enough; we must authentically represent the essence of the brand while resonating with the audiences that media have a responsibility to serve."


Her ability to build strategic alliances between brands, talent, retail, and partners sets her apart, elevating startups to the national stage and growing recognized brands like French’s Mustard and Frank’s RedHot. Stern's success is not only attributed to her extensive industry knowledge but also her knack for cultivating and nurturing relationships. Her vast network of influencers, journalists, and industry professionals enables her to secure media coverage, elevate key thought leaders, build partnerships, and create collaborations that drive exposure, brand recognition, and success for her clients.


"Given our profound experience in the food and restaurant industry," says Stern, "there are occasions when we can add value by acting in a consultancy capacity." For example, she described how leveraging long-standing industry relationships, she directed her team to create a robust think tank as part of the strategy required to develop a sustainability platform for a key client. "We assembled a diverse group of experts that included previous clients, past clients, commodities experts, C-suite executives and brand leaders to delve into effective strategies, anticipate potential challenges, and draw insights from successful experiences in this sector."


Ultimately, Amy Stern epitomizes a blend of passion, skill, and strategic insight, empowering her to cultivate impactful relationships and propel her clients towards success in the dynamic realm of food and beverage PR. Stern’s key point of difference is transforming brand centric content into newsworthy story angles that resonate with both consumer and trade media.  Businesses can have confidence that their brand's reputation and visibility are carefully handled, ready to grow and gain recognition in the fiercely competitive industry.


Amy Stern 3E Public Relation 19D Chapin Road

Pine Brook, NJ 07058

Phone:(973) 202-8332 Email: astern@3Epr.com

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