For many of us, quarantine has brought a new appreciation for the simple things in life. A visit to the grocery store isn’t merely an opportunity to go out and possibly see a friend in passing, but rather a comfort that no matter what happens globally, there is food to be bought! My recent visit with Aliza Klagsbrun, assistant buyer at Gourmet Glatt, made me realize how much recognition is deserved by those who facilitate that.

It sounds pretty simple, the title assistant buyer. But what exactly does a buyer do?

A buyer in the food business is in charge of ordering whatever items the store needs to sell. You have buyers for the meat, produce, and fish departments. My department focuses on the center of the store — the groceries, meat provisions (deli and packaged meats), dairy, and frozen foods. We keep track of inventory, bring in new products, negotiate prices with companies, decide on sales and promotions, and more.

So when you were a little girl you decided, “When I grow up I want to be a buyer for Gourmet Glatt?”

Not quite. But the lingo and conversation about what happens behind the scenes in the food business are in my blood. My father has worked in the food industry for over 35 years, first as a sales manager for a Spanish food company and then at Bloom’s. He brought Sabra to the national level and was also instrumental in building other brands. He’s been working on the other side of the table as a buyer for the last eleven and a half years.

Growing up, I loved hearing about the trade shows like Kosherfest, the Fancy Food Show, and private label shows. And of course, we loved the swag and samples my father brought home. It’s pretty cool that now I get to attend those shows with him or even be sent as the Gourmet Glatt representative.

How did you start out in Gourmet Glatt?

I started out working in data entry. I slowly began taking on more responsibilities and, when I realized how much I loved working here, I started taking business classes in college to enhance what I do. I’m probably the only frum female working as a buyer anywhere in the country.