Mizkan America
Deborah Cross has extensive experience in communications and marketing. Deborah started their career as a Sales and Marketing Assistant at Coca Cola Africa in 1989. Deborah then worked as the Director at Elizabeth Hindmarch Public Relations (EHPR) in the UK, where they led B2B PR initiatives and managed high-profile accounts. Deborah then joined Burson-Marsteller as a Manager before moving on to Sourcebooks, Inc. as the Director of Media Relations. Deborah later worked at Weber Shandwick as a Senior Vice President, managing large accounts and leading creative teams. Deborah also founded their own consulting company, Deborah Cross Creative, where they developed successful marketing campaigns for clients such as Allstate and Hyatt Place. Deborah then joined Nestle USA as the Division and Brand Affairs for Nestle Pizza, overseeing both internal and external communications. Currently, Deborah works for Mizkan America as the Director of Communications, providing executive counsel and leading change-management and PR efforts for the company's food brands.
Deborah Cross has a Bachelor's degree in French and Spanish from Central College. Deborah also completed a Spanish Immersion Course at Universidad de Granada, focusing on Spanish Language and Literature. In addition, they received a Certificat Moyen from Université Paris-Sorbonne, specializing in French language, literature, and history.
Mizkan America
At Mizkan America, Inc., our success comes from over 200 years of rich Japanese tradition. Our roots go back to 19th century Handa where, in 1804, Mr. Matazaemon Nakano began producing rice vinegar using byproducts from the production of sake (rice alcohol). Little did he know that as he sold this new product to local sushi chefs, he was laying the groundwork for a company that would become the largest vinegar producer in the world. Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor To Life™ for more than 200 years. As one of the leading makers of condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 17 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. Since 2005, Mizkan America has seen dramatic growth and their portfolio now includes a wide variety of vinegars, Italian and Asian sauces, mustards, cooking wines, wine reductions, sushi seasoning, and salad dressings. Mizkan America brands include: Ragú® , Bertolli®, Holland House®, NAKANO®, Nature’s Intent®, World Harbors®, Barengo®, Mitsukan®, and Four Monks®. Mizkan America is also the exclusive distributor for Angostura® Bitters in North America. For more information about Mizkan America, please visit: www.Mizkan.com. About The Mizkan Group The Mizkan Group is a privately held, international food manufacturer, headquartered in Handa City, Japan, with a heritage that spans more than 200 years. Always guided by the company’s Two Principles (Offer customers only the finest products; and Continually challenge the status quo), the Mizkan Group offers a line-up of well-known international brands under the Mizkan umbrella and is a leader in the liquid condiment category. The Mizkan Group has operating facilities around the globe in places including: Japan, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.