BOSCO LAS VEGAS -- Jeno Paulucci used his induction into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame to challenge the industry to promote frozen food as the ultimate meal solution.
Paulucci, chairman and chief executive officer of Sanford, Fla.-based Luigino's, recommended that the industry raise $20 million to create a strong advertising campaign. Luigino's makes Michelina's and Yu Sing frozen entrees.
Paulucci pledged to commit $3.2 million, or 16% of $20 million, to the effort. He based the figure on his 16% share of the entree market for the 12 weeks ended Sept. 14, 1997, according to Information Resources Inc., Chicago.
Paulucci urged industry leaders to stress convenience, freshness and quality.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Frozen Food Convention here. Other inductees were Edward K. Driebe, founder and chairman of Pocono Produce Co., Stroudsburg, Pa., and Philip B. Fletcher, chairman and CEO of ConAgra, Omaha, Neb.
