VANCOUVER, CANADA - Launching a first-ever innovation, the fresh produce grower, marketer, and distributor Oppy has partnered with CanePak to create bagasse-based packaging. Compostable, recyclable, and printed with vegetable-based inks, the pack will debut with one-pound units of green kiwifruit bearing Oppy’s popular KeeWee brand.
“Bagasse requires less chemical processing than tree-based pulp, which means its environmental impact is reduced even further,” Oppy’s Director of Marketing Services Cathie MacDonald said. “Oppy is dedicated to innovative packaging solutions that place the environment at the forefront of our work instead of as an afterthought, which is aligned with our ‘expect the world from us’ promise.”
Since bagasse fibers are a byproduct of sugarcane production, the new pack utilizes an existing agricultural waste stream so it requires no new materials, no additional cultivation areas, and has no impact on existing forest areas. According to a press release, it also leverages the growing consumer emphasis on environmental sustainability in packaging and is home compostable in as little as four weeks under the right conditions.
“CanePak Paperboard is proud to support Oppy’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation by advancing the use of 100 percent bagasse fiber packaging,” CanePak Paperboards Co-Founder Minto Roy said. “Tree-Free packaging that aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging that is recyclable, minimizes landfill waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation.”
The KeeWee brand, which features a playful and bright kiwi character, was introduced in 2016 to meet retailers’ demands for a product that energizes the consumer and fuels repeat sales. The groundbreaking pack is therefore a natural fit for the fun, youth-focused KeeWee character, which aims to resonate with consumers and retailers alike.
“Innovation is at the heart of Oppy’s continued success over the years and this is just one of a series of developments that underscore our deep commitment to sustainable business practices across our value chain,” Oppy’s Senior Manager of Insights and Innovation Garland Perkins said. “At Oppy, innovation is more than a product or a package, it is a framework that guides all of our work on a fundamental level and we expect to launch even more developments on this front in the coming years.”
Oppy’s other sustainability initiatives include partnering with the How2Recycle label program to inspire families to recycle produce packaging, in addition to introducing a Top Seal machine in its Vancouver, BC, warehouse for repacking bulk items, reducing necessary plastic by 30 percent in comparison to traditional packs. Oppy also supports the work of the BC Marine Trails Network Association by donating to its plastic clean-up initiatives.
Follow along with us at ANUK as we uncover the latest sustainability initiatives across the industry.
BENTONVILLE, AR - New executives get the tongues a-wagging here at AndNowUKnow, especially when these execs are moving and shaking at retail giants like Walmart. Donna Morris was recently tapped as the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. In this new role, she will be responsible for retaining and developing talent.
According to a posting on the retailer’s website, Morris brings nearly twenty years of leadership experience to the table. She has an extensive background in delivering people solutions, developing and managing teams, and helping build a high-performance culture that promotes diversity and inclusion.
“Excited to welcome Donna Morris to the team as our new Chief People Officer,” President and CEO Doug McMillon wrote to news source Pulse 2.0. “Her passion for people and two decades of leadership experience will be invaluable as we all work together to deliver for customers and create opportunities for our associates.”
Morris previously worked for Adobe, where she led all of the company’s Human Resources, real estate, and security operations. During her tenure there, she implemented several family-friendly initiatives, including expanding the family leave policy and simplifying standard HR processes.
Congratulations to Donna on this new role! Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in retail news.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - Expansion in all its forms is noteworthy on the buy-side as market competition continues to rage, and Dollar General is taking a firm stance in people. The retailer announced it plans to create more than 8,000 new career opportunities in fiscal 2020 through “anticipated store and distribution center growth,” and expects to invest approximately 1.7 million training hours to support employees’ education and development in fiscal year 2020.
“At Dollar General, we are proud to invest in our employees as a competitive advantage, and we believe the ability to grow and develop a career is one of the most attractive currencies we offer,” said Kathy Reardon, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. “Candidates who join Dollar General can find numerous opportunities to begin or develop their career, demonstrated by the fact that approximately 12,000 current store managers and tens of thousands of additional employees have been promoted from within.”
As balance and joy in the workplace become more and more prevalent in our industry and beyond, Dollar General touts award-winning training and development opportunities, which were recognized in 2019 by Training Magazine as a top worldwide training program.
“We are also proud to provide employees with a culture rooted in our mission of Serving Others, world-class training and development programs that support our employees’ career growth, and a continual commitment to recruit, train, and develop top talent to best serve our customers. We look forward to welcoming additional employees to the Dollar General family this year,” Reardon continued.
In the past five years alone, Dollar General has added approximately 35,000 net new jobs to the American economy, growing its workforce from 105,000 employees in February 2015 to more than 143,000 current employees, according to a press release.
Dollar General was recently named as Retailer of the Year by Mass Market Retailer and was among Fortune Magazine’s 2020 list of World’s Most Admired Companies.
To read the full benefits and offerings of working for this expanding business, check out the complete announcement here. And for more crucial shifts in all aspects of the industry, continue to check in with AndNowUKnow.
GLENNVILLE, GA - As sustainability continues circulating on the newswire, visionaries step up to put it into action. Walt Dasher, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for G&R Farms, is one of those visionaries spearheading the company’s latest initiative: shipping Peruvian Sweet Onions that are Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM.
“The sweet onions we import from Peru are grown in ways that benefit farm families, wildlife, and the environment,” Dasher commented. “We support our growers and their efforts to help protect the environment and ensure sustainable livelihoods.”
According to a press release, the Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and promote the rights and welfare of workers, their families, and communities. Farms that meet comprehensive standards for sustainability earn the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal. These standards help ensure that soils, waterways, and wildlife habitats are protected and that farmworkers are paid just wages, work in safe conditions, and have improved access to decent housing, medical care, and schools for their children.
With consumer awareness of sustainable farming and demand for a healthier planet still strong, retailers can capitalize on the momentum when displaying products bearing the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal.
Keep reading ANUK as we cover more sustainability efforts and initiatives in the produce community.
DALLAS, TX - There’s nothing like a new partnership to get the industry’s blood pumping on this fine Monday. This time around it’s Avocados From Mexico (AFM) and Brighter Bites announcing the renewal of their powerhouse partnership. With AFM adding its avocado prowess to Brighter Bites’ star-studded partners list, the two are only furthering their mission of bring avocados and nutrition education materials to thousands of families across Texas, New York, Maryland, and Florida.
“We are excited to partner with Brighter Bites again this year, providing healthy fruits and vegetables to students across the country for the third consecutive year,” said Alvaro Luque, CEO and President of Avocados From Mexico. “We understand the challenges many families face to get proper nutrition, which is why our AFM employees are grateful for the chance to actively participate in making a difference, especially in our local community.”
Starting this month, AFM will sponsor fresh deliveries of avocados and nutrition education materials to schools across the nation, supporting more than 18,000 families who participate in Brighter Bites, according to a press release.
“Brighter Bites is thrilled to partner again with AFM and the incredible opportunities the relationship provides,” said Brighter Bites CEO Rich Dachman. “Together, we’re able to deliver this delicious, nutrient-dense superfood into the hands of the thousands of families we serve in the U.S.”
The partnership also builds on the AFM Life company platform, which is dedicated to preserving the wellbeing of AFM’s employees, their families, and the greater neighboring community.
“Partnering with Brighter Bites allows AFM to fulfill our commitment to doing good, spreading health and wellness in the community, and educating our neighbors on the great benefits of the delicious, always-in-season avocado,” said Stephanie Bazan, Vice President of Trade and Promotion for Avocados From Mexico. “Education is a key pillar for us so we’re excited about the development of our co-branded nutrition education materials for families, offering tips on ripening and healthy recipes the whole family can enjoy along with the donated avocados.”
Congratulations to Avocados From Mexico and Brighter Bites on exemplifying only the very best qualities of the produce industry!
HOUSTON, TX - As one de Saint-Exupéry taught us, a goal without a plan is just a wish. And for its ambitious goals in stewardship, Sysco has designed a Sustainability Bond Framework. The framework details projects as the foodservice distributor works toward its 2025 corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, focusing on three key areas: people, products, and planet.
“Sysco has been engaged in corporate social responsibility initiatives since its inception. Over the years, our strategic approach to environmental, social, and governance matters has evolved as our business has grown. We are committed to creating positive change in our organization, the environment and the communities we serve, a commitment that ultimately enhances the value of our business,” the company says on its website.
In the framework, the company lays out: types of projects that are eligible for financing or refinancing with the use of any potential bond proceeds, how any projects would be evaluated and selected, how any potential proceeds would be managed, and how the company may provide any allocation and impact reporting.
Sysco announced its 2025 CSR goals back in 2018, setting forth a comprehensive set of objectives, including:
- Sourcing 20% of its electricity from renewable sources
- Powering 20% of its truck fleet with alternative fuels
- Expanding its sustainable agriculture program to five fresh crops
- Doubling the availability of Sysco Brand organic produce
- Increasing its spend with women- and minority-owned suppliers by 25%
This latest move, according to a press release, sets a clear path for the future and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to caring for people, sourcing products responsibly and protecting the planet.
Sysco said that the framework is the strategy under which it may issue green, social and/or sustainability bonds to advance the company’s 2025 CSR goals. You can read about eligibility under the framework in the full announcement here and access the actual plan here.
Who will be next in breaking the mold for how to make the greatest impact on the world with the least impact on the planet? We will continue to bring you the latest in our industry and all that affects it.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL - After announcing its closure last August, the residents of Florida missed the three-store chain. However, it seems like Floridians were eager to bring Native Sun stores back, so Owner and Founder Aaron Gottlieb ran a pop-up restaurant to appease the locals. Apparently the pop-up was a huge success because Gottlieb recently announced that Native Sun Natural Foods Market will reopen its Jacksonville Beach location.
“We are excited about this, we are ready—the team is ready,” Gottlieb said. “It’s a little different than opening up a new store and turning things on for the first time.”
According to the Jacksonville Business Journal, the location will offer many of the same services it previously offered but will be including an in-store restaurant instead of Native Sun’s deli. Gottlieb added that a grab-and-go area and a full-service salad and soup bar are other changes to the past model.
“We really right-sized our foodservice; there are favorites that will stay and there [are] some items that we loved but just didn’t fit into the model anymore,” Gottlieb said. “We’ll have to answer to our customers, but we believe it’s the right thing for our total model.”
Gottlieb attributed the previous closures to an increase in specialty grocers in the market. In November, Gottlieb teased he would be reopening Native Sun, but only in Jacksonville Beach.
“I have no desire to be a chain,” Gottlieb said. “Part of the reason that we’ll be able to have success in this endeavor is that we don’t need a headquarters—the owner is able to work in the store rather than out of an office.”
Gottlieb further commented on how the market has changed, but so did his perception on the competition.
“You know, I used to pass grocery stores and think of them as competitors,” Gottlieb said. “Now I pass grocery stores and I go look at all those people competing against each other. We’re here to put a smile on people’s faces.”
With the new independent store, I’m sure the natives of Jacksonville Beach are more than happy to get their natural grocer again.
“I’m trying not to focus on ‘we’re reopening a grocery in a heated market.’ Instead, we’re opening up a community business that is meant to serve our marketplace and in the community that we’re in,” Gottlieb said.
For more updates in the fresh produce world, keep an eye out for AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - When I hear “peak season,” I think promotions, ad opportunities, and innovative ways to drive demand. In the case of the blueberry category, so does Naturipe Farms. The company is celebrating the Year of the Blueberry this month by announcing its third annual FeBLUEary campaign and peak organic blueberries ready to ship.
“When you think of peak blueberry season, you probably think of warm summer months when you might visit a local farm and pick your own berries. That’s one peak for sure. But for the growers that supply fresh blueberries to your local grocery store, peak season comes earlier. And at Naturipe, we are the first out of the gate,” CarrieAnn Arias, Vice President of Marketing, stated. “February is our first organic blueberry peak, and it begins before the rest of the industry. For consumers who prefer organic blueberries, it’s a particularly exciting time with record-high volume being available. Now’s the time to get fresh, tasty, high-quality berries.”
Naturipe’s organic blueberries are at record levels in February during the organic peak but will be available all year round for retailer partners. Consider cross-merchandising with strawberries. Both are much loved during Valentine’s Day and can increase the overall ring at the register.
With FeBLUEary already upon us, retailers can tap signage opportunities and specialty displays throughout grocery stores, as well as blueberry-inspired recipes on Naturipe’s social media channels. Three years ago, Naturipe kicked off the FeBLUEary program to celebrate the first peak volume of organic blueberries for the year, according to a press release. The celebration this year is even more exciting as the company will see record volume of both organic and conventional blueberries in 2020.
“Last month we announced this year is expected to be our biggest blueberry year on record. Now that February is here, we’ll start seeing the fruits of our labor as the anticipated production comes to life in stores across the country,” added Arias. “Consumers have become increasingly interested in all of the innovative ways to incorporate our berries into every meal. We cannot wait to celebrate all of our berries this FeBLUEary and beyond.”
With a February full of opportunities like these, it is hard to truly be “blue” about anything, really. Pun intended.
DELANO, CA - In the midst of winter comes a crucial step in bringing California’s table grapes to retail. As companies begin pruning the vine to prepare for the upcoming growing season, I tapped Jasmine Vineyard’s President Jon Zaninovich to find out more.
“Right now we’re pruning Summer Crunch and Sweet Globe, and we have completed pruning Celebration and Summer Royal. We have pulled out acreage of Scarlet Royal. Right now, we are evaluating what varieties to plant next and also what is available. So, we are letting some ground sit and relax until we decide what to do,” Jon explained to me. “We’re also excited to share that Jasmine Vineyards earned 3 of the top 6 spots in the 2nd Annual Pruning Competition.”
This year’s competition took place on January 25 in Shafter, California, and gained press coverage on Telemundo Fresno. Organized by the California Farmworker Foundation (CFF), the event draws hundreds to cheer on highly-skilled competitors armed with pruning shears and a fierce determination to bring home the gold. As Jon was happy to share with me, Jasmine Vineyards’ very own Sonia Arredondo and Victor Cervantes (2nd place), and Jesus Sanchez (3rd place) earned that hard-won recognition.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in what’s happening in produce.
CORAL GABLES, FL - As the move to sustainability increases in momentum, more companies are taking note. Companies like Fresh Del Monte Produce, however, are making waves. The producer and distributor announced that it has appointed Hans Sauter as the company’s first Chief Sustainability Officer.
“If there is anything I’ve learned during my time with Del Monte, it is that we have to keep our eyes to the future,” Sauter said. “We want to expand our sustainability initiatives and commit to our performance, people, and our planet. That’s how we build a Better World Tomorrow.”
In his new role, Sauter will maintain and advance projects and partnerships that commit to the health and wellbeing of the planet. Sauter will continue to help lead Fresh Del Monte Produce and help the company in its efforts to focus heavily on sustainability throughout the business, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of working towards A Better World Tomorrow.
According to the press release, Fresh Del Monte Produce vowed to continue its initiatives in its 2019 Corporate Sustainability Report. The company is planning on focusing its efforts on the following key areas:
- Sustainably Sourced Products: increasing its global volume sourced from certified sustainable farms
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: lessening its contribution of greenhouse gasses by investing in a new fleet of vessels and in various renewable energy projects, including the installation of solar panels at various facilities
- Protecting Wildlife While Promoting Biodiversity: continue supporting reforestation efforts in the areas Del Monte farms
- Promote Growth of Communities: providing more educational opportunities to students and adult learners
- Applying Responsible Farming Techniques: preserving the production potential of our lands, conserving water, and reducing waste throughout the supply chain.
For more information on Fresh Del Monte Produce and its sustainability efforts, click here. For more updates on sustainability, produce, and businesses making strides, keep reading AndNowUKnow.