About Hudson Valley Foie Gras

Izzy Yanay

Izzy Yanay, Vice President and General Manager (52)– has served as Vice President and General Manager of Hudson Valley Foie Gras since co-founding the company in 1990. Mr. Yanay, widely recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities in the breeding, growing, feeding and processing of ducks for production of foie gras, started the first foie gras farm and processing plant in the US in 1982. This was also the first vertically integrated foie gras operation in the world, where all the facets of the operation were done at one location. Mr. Yanay and his partners developed a market for foie gras throughout the US and Canada that was previously non-existent.

In 1990 Mr. Yanay co-founded a new operation, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, with Michael Ginor. They further developed the domestic market, increasing the demand for and recognition of foie gras in the US. In 2000 they were recognized for their work and were introduced into the Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America of the James Beard Foundation.

Prior to coming to America, Mr. Yanay was field manager for the largest foie gras producer in Israel, in charge of all field operations, from breeding through growing, feeding and slaughter. After completeing his service in the Israeli Defense Force he received a B.A. in movies and philosophy from the University of Tel Aviv and a B.S.C. in Agriculture from the Agriculture Branch of the Hebrew University of Jeruselem.

Bios: Michael Ginor | Izzy Yanay | Awards