Meet the Producer: Michael Thompson

In 1931, Napoleon Barmakiam, diamond-cutter by trade and hobbyist baker, decided to create and sell a whole-wheat cracker that reflected his family’s Armenian heritage. Today, 70-year-old Venus Wafers is owned by Barmakian’s grandson, Luke, and has expanded its original Armenian crackers and flatbreads to seven brands (Venus, Haute Cuisine, 8 Grain, CaPeachio's, Nejaime’s Lavash, Deli-catessen and The Original Mariner Biscuit Company) in 24 flavors, all adhering to the original mission of its founder: to produce better-for-you varieties.

In 2008, Luke Barmakiam hired Michael Thompson, a cracker-industry executive with 30 years of experience, to manage the day-to-day operations at Venus Wafers. The company’s best seller is Nejaime’s Lavasch, a traditional Armenian flatbread with a light texture and unique blend of seasonings, and Venus’ newest introduction is a first for the cracker industry: a Non-GMO Project Verified water cracker under its Original Mariner Biscuit Company brand. The Non-GMO Project offers North America’s only independent verification for products made according to best practices for GMO. With this verification, Venus will display the Non-GMO Project seal on its new packaging and expanded range of water crackers.

The Original Mariner Biscuit Company Water Crackers have also been verified vegan by the Vegan Action/Vegan Awareness Foundation and certified kosher by the Orthodox Union and will carry both of these symbols as well.

Thompson shares more with foodspring.com:

What is your favorite Venus Wafers product and why?

Of course I like the traditional items we bake, but right now I am enjoying our new line of water crackers under the Mariner label. They’re non-GMO verified and really good.

Who is your culinary idol and why?  

I met Chef Paul Prudhomme years ago and always enjoyed his friendship. In fact I have depended on his booth for my lunch at trade shows in five countries.

What’s your guilty food pleasure?

Chocolate—ice cream is really a necessity!

Best meal ever?

[New York City’s] Tavern on the Green in July 1995. I can’t remember what we ate, but the champagne was great and [my wife] Susan accepted my marriage proposal.

If you weren’t making artisanal crackers, what would you be doing instead?

When I retired from Dare Foods, I volunteered as a Score counselor and I am still involved with them on a part-time basis. When I retire from Venus, I’ll be able to counsel with them more than once a month.

Aside from your products, what three items can you always find in your kitchen?

My wife’s the cook but I buy the coffee (Starbucks’ Italian Roast), the wine and the ice cream—love that Moose Tracks.—Denise Shoukas

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