STAMFORD, CT — Cingari Family Markets, the Stamford-based, family-owned supermarket company that operates 10 ShopRite stores and two Grade A Markets in Connecticut, announced that brand supervisor John Cingari has been named a 2026 Store Brands Rising Star by Store Brands.
The award recognizes emerging private label leaders shaping the future of store brands through innovation, collaboration and strategic thinking. It also highlights professionals who are elevating product quality, strengthening brand identity and developing ideas aimed at today's consumers.
Cingari Family Markets said Cingari has played a key role in the company's rebranding and private label expansion, helping unify the family business's legacy in the community with a more modern, fresh-first identity.
He has also helped expand the company's Cingari Family Markets private label products and fresh prepared foods, including vertically integrated products such as the family's signature marinara sauce, olive oils, spices, scratch-baked breads, and chef-prepared entrees and sides.
"John’s recognition is a reflection of the entire Cingari Family Markets team and the care that goes into every part of our private label program," said Cingari Family Markets CEO Tom Cingari Sr., in a news release. "This achievement belongs to the designers who gave the brand its look, the recipe makers who brought our family flavors to life, the merchants and store teams who execute every day, and everyone across our organization who helped turn an idea into a family of products our customers can trust and enjoy."
The recognition comes as Cingari Family Markets continues to invest in its identity as a Connecticut-based, family-run grocer serving communities across southwestern Connecticut.
According to the company, John Cingari's nomination by Store Brands also reflects his commitment to the community.
Through the Cingari Family Foundation and related initiatives, the family business has contributed millions of dollars to local organizations, with a focus on food security and charitable giving throughout the region, a news release noted.
"Being named a Rising Star is deeply meaningful, but I see it as recognition of a collective effort," John Cingari said in a news release. "Our family, our teammates, our designers, our recipe developers, and our store associates all played a part in building something special. We set out to create products that feel authentic to our history and relevant to today’s customer, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Stamford, CT Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.