George J. Latella

George J. Latella is an Assistant Professor of Practice and Peck Fellow in the Department of Food, Pharma and Healthcare and Department of Management at the Haub School of Business, Saint Joseph's University. With over 30 years of teaching experience in Food Marketing, he integrates extensive industry expertise into his classroom instruction and has received multiple teaching and advising awards.

His academic credentials include:

• MBA in Marketing from Saint Joseph's University Haub School of Business
• BS in Marketing from Drexel University Lebow School of Business

Professor Latella's research centers on practical applications in food industry marketing, with emphasis on generational consumer behavior (Millennials and Baby Boomers), brand strategy, category management, and e-commerce. His work bridges academic theory with real-world sales and marketing challenges faced by retailers and manufacturers, drawing from his 35+ years of executive experience in the food sector.

His publications reveal consistent focus on actionable marketing frameworks for the food industry, particularly addressing execution challenges, demographic targeting, and retailer-manufacturer dynamics. The articles demonstrate applied research connecting consumer insights with trade marketing strategies across diverse retail environments.

He has received significant recognition for educational excellence:

• Distinguished Teaching Award (1998)
• Teaching Excellence Award (2006)
• Teaching Excellence Award (2012)
• Best Professor in the Haub School of Business (2016)

Professor Latella actively mentors students through programs like the NGA Challenge (with multiple student wins over 15 years), conducts USDA-sponsored study tours for international scholars, and provides industry training for organizations including NASFT and Ferrero. He currently supports small food businesses through the Urban League of Philadelphia BRAP and developed SBDC pandemic-era webinars for food entrepreneurship.

He maintains active industry engagement as partner in Bria & Latella's Italian Deli & Kitchen, consultant for Beacon Marketing Group and Latella & Associates, and board member for Food Industry Summit, CYO Board, Kristin's Krusade, and Food Marketing Association.