SAN FRANCISCO, CA - GrubMarket is on a verifiable acquisition streak, scooping up the Northern California-based companies EJ Food Distributor and Eating with the Seasons just last month. The company recently announced yet another acquisition, this time nabbing Organic Harvest Network (OHN), a leading and highly reputable provider of organic produce. OHN’s proprietary internet software platform is specifically designed to assist growers with crop planning, accounting, pricing, and supply chain. These types of sales planning and technological forecasting capabilities have made OHN an incredibly valuable partner for multiple California organic growers.
“Organic Harvest Network is a symbolic brand in the organic produce world. We have always been impressed with its deep connections to some of the finest organic farms in the country, along with its corporate integrity and sales transparency,” said Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket. “It is an incredibly valued partner to farmers, and it sells some of the most exceptional, organic produce directly from farms to many of the largest national grocery chains. We love what it is doing, and we look forward to propelling its growth through additional farm partnerships and even more sales channels.”
As a result of this acquisition, GrubMarket will provide OHN with additional technological expertise and a vast existing customer base across the West Coast, according to a press release. The headquarters for OHN will remain in Northern California, and the company will continue to be led by founder Giuseppe Salvato and business partner Peter Oszaczky.
"GrubMarket recognizes the corporate values and history of Organic Harvest Network, and it respects our focus on maintaining the exceptional quality and integrity of all of the organic farms we work with, which are among the first organically certified farms dating back to the 1980s,” said Salvato. “We sincerely look forward to working with the GrubMarket Team to provide even more sales opportunities and technological capabilities for our farms."
GrubMarket will leverage OHN's portfolio of farm partners, to further bolster and grow its existing produce offerings. Who will be next on GrubMarket’s auction block? Follow along with us at ANUK to find out.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - We all love reading about good deeds, and the Allen Lund Company proves that any act of kindness can go a long way. The company announced that it completed its fourth year of Acts of Kindness, totaling 86 good deeds for 2019.
“I am very pleased with how our Acts of Kindness initiative has progressed over the last four years. By doing these purposeful acts, we are showing communities how grateful we are for their support which has always been important to my parents as well as promoting kindness to others,” commented Eddie Lund, President. “Encouraging philanthropy is a cornerstone for our company, and we are thrilled to continue to see our employees getting involved with organizations that are meaningful to them and helping people that are in need.”
According to a press release, this tradition kicked off in 2016 to commemorate ALC’s 40th year in business and has only grown since. ALC’s 35 nationwide offices, support departments, and corporate departments have devoted their time to some worthy causes and have surpassed goals this past year, including:
- The Cardinal Manning Center - Los Angeles, CA
- Gilda's Club of Madison - Madison, WI
- Great Cycle Challenge USA - San Antonio, TX
- We Care LA - Los Angeles, CA
- Kids' Food Basket - Grand Rapids, MI
- Flood Support - Little Rock, AZ
- Wreaths Across America - Corporate, La Cañada Flintridge, CA; Boston, MA; Phoenix, AZ
- Navidad en el Barrio - Corporate, La Cañada Flintridge, CA
- One80 Place - Charleston, SC
- Therapeutic Riding Institute - Cincinnati, OH
- Military Heroes 5/10K Run - Dallas, TX
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Orlando, FL
We at AndNowUKnow thank the Allen Lund Company for its commitment to making an impactful change in the community.
IRVINE, CA - The beloved avocado season is in full swing, and the California Avocado Commission (CAC) announced a significantly larger crop forecast for this fiscal year (November 2019 through October 2020). In the prior year, CAC reported 369 million pounds. A larger volume will likely mean a longer California avocado season and expanded distribution compared to 2019, which is good for business across the board.
“The current estimate for the 2020 California avocado crop, 369 million pounds, is 70 percent higher than last season,” said Tom Bellamore, CAC President. “There was plenty of much-welcomed rain last year, which had a positive impact on tree health and this year’s bountiful fruit set.”
According to a press release, some smaller California retailers already have transitioned to California avocados thanks to early harvesting in January, which helped support the Big Game.
Coming out of that big eating day, there is more yet to come for the popular fruit, according to Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing.
“Retailers can keep the momentum of the avocado category going after the Big Game with merchandising that combines Valentine’s Day and the good news about avocados and heart health,” said DeLyser. “Fresh California Avocados are a heart-healthy fruit. They provide naturally good fats, are low in saturated fat, and are cholesterol-, sodium- and trans fat-free.”
California avocado season is expected to build into March, with peak volume available from April through the American summer holidays. Some of the harvest is expected to continue beyond September.
“Distribution will be targeted mainly to California and the West, and with greater volume there may be opportunity this year for customers outside this region who prefer to merchandise California avocados in season,” DeLyser continued. “We’re working with avocado handlers, participating retailers, and foodservice operators to set up timely crop transitions and customized promotions in advance of new advertising that will start in spring.”
In support of this year’s larger crop, the commission is evolving its Made of California advertising campaign with new creative and innovative uses of media, interactive communication with fans, and brand advocates. Exciting, new events also round out CAC’s marketing plans.
DeLyser said she encourages trade partners to contact their CAC representative (if they haven’t already) to discuss the opportunity for customized California avocado programs, including merchandising materials, nutrition communication support and other programs during California avocado season.
Here’s to another year filled with green gold!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Recently, Fresh Solutions Network announced that NoKota Packers, a third-generation packer and shipper of red potatoes and an exclusive supplier of Side Delights® potatoes, appointed a new leader to drive the company forward. Carissa Olsen will succeed Steve Tweten as the new President and CEO of NoKota Packers.
“Having spent my entire career at this company, I am honored to move into this role of President and CEO. Starting as an Administrative Assistant and working my way through various parts of the business—food safety, HR, employee safety, grower relations, shipping and billing, and accounting—have helped me immensely with the nuts and bolts of the business operations,” noted Olsen. “My father, who will retire at the end of this season, was NoKota’s first employee, so I grew up around the business, following him while he worked in the plant and touring potato fields. Pairing my experience in various roles with my knowledge of the history and current operations has prepared me thoroughly for this position.”
According to a press release, Olsen joined the company 15 years ago as an Administrative Assistant. She then transitioned to the role of Director of Operations for six years before stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer in February 2017.
“I have watched Carissa grow up at NoKota,” Tweten said. “I am confident she will continue to be innovative with our operation while preserving NoKota’s commitment to our employees, growers, and customers.”
During her career at NoKota Packers, Olsen has been active in the community with leadership roles, including serving as a church council trustee, president of daycare board, president of booster clubs, and treasurer of H509 scholarship board.
“We are thrilled that Carissa has accepted this role,” added Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “She will continue to lead with the same clarity of vision, mission, and purpose that has made NoKota successful over the last 40 years, while honoring the legacy of the founders and continuing it for future generations.”
In addition to this appointment, Mike Rerick, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Steve Johnson, Sales, will continue in their current capacity with the company.
“We are lucky to have them and their experience,” added Olsen. “I am thankful they will continue to fill those key roles in this transition.”
Olsen graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mayville State University with a B.S. in Business Education in 2003. She is also a graduate of the Dale Carnegie business immersion course and the Dale Carnegie leadership for managers course.
Congratulations to Carissa Olsen on her new position! For more exciting developments in the produce industry, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
AUSTIN, TX - Though I’m no marketer by trade, I left last year’s fourth annual BrandStorm™ with major marketing pep in my step. In fact, my drive back to Sacramento from San Francisco, albeit short, was one full of hashing and rehashing all that I learned, discussed, and experienced at the United Fresh event. With the fifth annual BrandStorm just days away, I’m betting next week’s show will be just as impactful as years prior—meaning come with extra space in your suitcase for those ideas, innovations, and notes you’ll gather during the event.
Each and every year, produce’s most formidable marketing minds converge on BrandStorm like no other event in the industry. If this doesn’t prove how important this must-attend show is, let these marketing mavens’ words wash over you as we all gear up for February 10th through 12th…
“In the marketing world, Austin, Texas, is known to many of us due to South by Southwest (SXSW). With United Fresh taking BrandStorm to Austin this year, I am looking forward to the awesome, creative vibe the city has and all the great conversations that will be held over the course of the conference with great marketers across the produce industry,” said Chris Veillon, Chief Marketing Officer of Pure Flavor®.
While past BrandStorms already provide a roadmap for this year’s event’s success, the United Fresh team has left little to the imagination in terms of what attendees will be doing while in Austin next week. With cutting-edge keynotes, workshops, and exclusive experiences filling up the itinerary, there’s enough happening on February 10-12 that will incite jealousy in those who can’t attend.
“BrandStorm is an exciting event to learn new trends, network with fellow marketing executives, and build new relationships within the produce industry all while expanding your marketing knowledge,” Krista Beckstead, Marketing and Branding Specialist of Starr Ranch Growers, shared with me. “I’ve attended BrandStorm several times in the past and look forward to attending it again this year.”
This year’s BrandStorm will kick off with an opening keynote that will be delivered by Dr. Todd Dewett (author of Show Your Ink: Harnessing the Power of Authenticity), followed by a speaker lineup to envy, including Hugh Forrest, 30+-year SXSW content creator.
“BrandStorm is the marketing event of the year,” Megan Jacobsen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Gills Onions, emphasized. “You can feel the energy in the room and our industry’s passion for communicating the story of fresh produce. The event offers a phenomenal program and the information you get out of it is incredible. I attended last year, and I encourage folks to go—because you need to go!”
Day two will offer attendees the chance to enjoy a food media panel breakfast general session, “Winning in Today’s Food Media,” that will feature the following food culture personalities:
- Carla Hall, American Chef, TV Personality, and Best-selling Author
- Melanie Hansche, Deputy Editor, Food & Wine Magazine
- Debra Puchalla, Senior Vice President, Digital Programming & Video, Food Network, Genius Kitchen & Cooking Channel for Discovery
- Kristen Hartke, Food Writer, Washington Post/NPR The Salt
- And Moderator, Chadwick Boyd, Food & Lifestyle Expert, Television Host, Author and Owner, Lovely & Delicious Enterprises
In addition, Cece’s Veggie Co.’s Founder, Mason Arnold, will take the stage to share his past business ventures, the current state of entrepreneurship in fresh produce, and what he sees on the horizon.
“BrandStorm offers the perfect synergy between produce and marketing,” John Chamberlain, Vice President Marketing of Limoneira, told me. “There’s something for everyone in our industry to learn—the content is inspiring, relevant, and actionable. And….it’s a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to interacting with United Fresh colleagues in Austin (one of our nation’s most vibrant cities).”
On top of keynote speakers, the fifth annual BrandStorm will provide workshops where our industry’s top-notch marketers can wrestle with topics like sustainability, brand packaging, digital marketing, and more.
“I have attended the last three BrandStorms and find that they get better and better. I love the willingness of the committee to explore new ideas each year, like the FRESHx Passion Pitches, yet build on past year learnings to take us deeper into the trends and topics most relevant to fresh produce marketing,” shared LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti, Director, Marketing Communications, for EFI. “Whether it's your first or your fifth BrandStorm, everyone will take away larger trends to shape overarching strategies along with tactics that can be implemented immediately.”
New this year is the FRESHx Passion Pitches, an interactive pitch-style presentation of creative strategies for elevating fresh produce in the global food narrative. This year’s pitchers will include Chris Veillon, John Chamberlain, LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti, Jason Stemm, and Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak.
“We are thrilled to be presenting one of the FRESHx Passion Pitches this year at the United Fresh BrandStorm Conference,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, President and CEO of the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH). “At PBH, we believe that the industry must come together to elevate new fruit and vegetable consumption behaviors as a national priority—to grow and protect the future of our industry as well as to serve the public good. United Fresh has created an important platform in BrandStorm for the fresh produce marketing community to learn and grow together. It really is a fantastic meeting of the best marketing minds.”
“I’m looking forward to my first BrandStorm and being on the FRESHx stage,” Jason Stemm, Vice President of Padilla, revealed to me. “I’ve always heard great feedback on the content and attendees and am glad to be sharing my thoughts on the future of fresh produce with those who will help shape it.”
LeAnne added, “I am excited to hear the other FRESHx Passion Pitches and to share my perspective on making human to human connections, because I think they will truly build on the dialogue we've been engaging in over the past few years during the conference. I believe that the conference is critical to our industry as we must continue to differentiate ourselves in the competitive food space and elevate beyond commodities. BrandStorm provides the inspiration and tools we need, plus brings us together as an industry to think about the collective whole of the produce department and increasing consumption.”
Also new this year is the Exhibitor Storm Surge, an alternative to the sold-out BrandStorm tour. This opportunity will bring marketers together to focus on growing the success of their exhibits throughout the year.
“BrandStorm is so important on a professional and personal level. I like to meet and interact with the people I’m working with, and BrandStorm is a great event to meet new people to partner with,” Megan continued. “There are also great opportunities for personal development. Overall, the show leaves us marketers feeling refreshed.”
Have we convinced you that you need a one-way ticket to Austin? I know the ANUK team sure is! As a certifiable must-attend event, BrandStorm is the place to be this February, whether you’re a bona fide marketing maven, a merchandising up-and-comer, or just curious about the craft.
As more opportunities to strengthen the fresh produce industry arise, AndNowUKnow will keep you in the loop.
ONTARIO, CA - With nearly 30 years of industry experience and a wealth of buyside knowledge under his belt, Alfonso Cano has joined Cardenas Markets as the company’s Senior Director of Produce and Floral. As January wrapped up, I had the chance to chat with the industry veteran as he took a beat to reflect on his years in the industry so far and what is yet to come.
“I have always had great respect and esteem for Cardenas Markets and its family-run feel and go-to-market strategy," Alfonso shares with me. "Cardenas is a big company that works small—a value that allows the company to cultivate strong relationships in the community and retain that family mentality and close-knit culture that shoppers really desire in an age where many corporations are moving further away from that intimate retail experience. I am incredibly excited and honored to join the Cardenas team.”
In operation since 1981, Cardenas operates more than 59 locations throughout California and Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson, Arizona.
Alfonso comes to Cardenas Markets from his role at the Director level of Floral and Produce for Albertsons Companies—an experience he honors with the utmost gratitude and appreciation.
“I cannot thank the Albertsons team enough for the opportunities they provided me over the past two years,” Alfonso tells me. “My time with Albertsons was the most challenging and rewarding years of my career. It truly was like working in the lion’s den where leaders and the best minds in produce are found. The admiration I have for my peers at Albertsons runs deep and I thank them for their time, their knowledge, and their passion.”
As Alfonso looks to dig into his new role with Cardenas, he shares that one of his main goals is to further expand the prominent Latino market vision and help the company reach its scale and then, of course, to evolve beyond it.
“Cardenas offers the resources and the support to maximize a vision for growth and realizing the format’s full potential,” Alfonso says. “The road ahead is only paved with opportunity.”
During his tenure, Alfonso has had the amazing opportunity to work with grocery teams at Albertsons, Vons, and Northgate Markets, as well, where he enjoyed getting more and more involved with the buying process. Cardenas Markets is currently owned by global investment firm KKR, which made the acquisition in 2016. In 2017, KKR bought another Latino chain, Mi Pueblo, out of bankruptcy and merged it with Cardenas, which operates California’s Bay Area-based Mi Pueblo stores. Cardenas also acquired locations from Los Altos Ranch Market which have been integrated into the Cardenas operating system.
“In terms of values, mission, and industry impact, Cardenas has a fresh leadership team with an energized outlook on the market," he shares. "I am excited to help these leaders execute their vision and expand our presence in fresh produce.”
As you can see—and from what I understood right off the bat—Alfonso’s own passion runs deep. As we talk about his early days in Orange County, California, where he grew up to his work on sales floors and then corporate desks, I realize that Alfonso truly does give himself fully to whatever position he takes and whatever task he invests in. And, since it is winter here in the U.S. we inevitably talk snow, then snowboarding—a passion we both share.
“Traveling around as much as I have during my career, has given me the opportunity to discover parts of the U.S. that are amazing and that I may not have had a chance to experience if I had not gone on the road. The great part about this type of adventure is that you find a deeper love for the things you cherish, like snowboarding, and boy does the U.S. have some incredible mountains,” Alfonso remarks.
As he relays his recent day on a mountain in Utah, I can’t help but see Alfonso as all people should—more than just his role, more than just a father, more than just a snowboarder, runner, and mountain biker (yes, he stays quite busy). The great thing about my job is that you get to see the full person—and a full life.
Congrats, Alfonso, on joining the Cardenas Markets team! We look forward to seeing how you pave the path ahead and what the coveted company has in store!
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - Empire Company, the parent company of Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Farm Boy, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Rachelle Béry, recently announced an innovative partnership with District Ventures, one of Canada’s leading companies dedicated to the food, beverage, and health CPG industries. Through the partnership, the national grocer has become the title sponsor of District Ventures’ Accelerator program and District Ventures Kitchen.
“Empire has a rich history of meaningfully investing in local growers and suppliers across Canada,” said Jana Sobey, Vice President of Merchandising, Thrifty Foods, Community, and Field for Sobeys Inc. “Supporting local is at the heart of everything we do, and we are incredibly proud to stand side-by-side with District Ventures as we continue to nurture the countless innovative food entrepreneurs in communities large and small right across our country.”
According to the press release, food entrepreneurs in the District Ventures Accelerator program will receive valuable support from Empire, including coaching from Local Development Managers and opportunities to bring their products to the grocer’s store shelves within a region or across Canada. The new partnership with District Ventures is a natural extension of Empire’s long-standing commitment to being the national grocer that Canadian families can count on for local food and well-being products.
“This exciting new partnership is enormous for entrepreneurs and companies in the food, beverage, and health industries,” said Arlene Dickinson, CEO of District Ventures. “Since 2015, we have been committed to supporting early-stage companies in these spaces. Empire’s sponsorship highlights the importance of this work and reinforces the fact that we need to support companies that both feed and nourish our communities and assist them in achieving their fullest potential.”
Recently, District Ventures acquired Food Starter, a 20,000-square-foot commercial kitchen, from the city of Toronto. Now operating as District Ventures Kitchen, the kitchen will provide local food and beverage entrepreneurs access to a broad array of equipment and programming to help build and grow their businesses, including production spaces, packaging facilities, and business advisory services. Both the District Ventures Kitchen and District Ventures Accelerator facilities will now include the Sobeys logo.
How will this new relationship shape future retail partnerships? Keep reading ANUK as we bring you more updates.
EAST MIDLANDS, U.K. - Aldi is going all in on growth this year, recently locking down multiple Lucky’s locations in the U.S. and setting its sights on another acquisition in France. Most recently though, the grocer opened its newest and largest distribution center (DC) in England. The facility was a roughly $83 million (£64m) investment and spans over 600,000 square feet. It is the United Kingdom’s eleventh Aldi DC and is expected to make the region’s supply chain more efficient than ever.
“Our new Sawley distribution centre significantly increases our capacity and allows us to open even more stores across the East Midlands to cater for the growing number of shoppers switching to Aldi,” Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi U.K. and IRL, said. “Although some of our newest and most popular stores are situated in the East Midlands, there are still many towns and cities where we have a limited presence or none at all. This is something that we are looking to address in the coming years.”
According to East Midlands Business Link, the new DC is part of a $1.3 billion (£1 billion) investment strategy that Aldi announced. This plan includes new stores and store upgrades in addition to significant time spent refurbishing DC’s. The new facility will employ over 400 individuals and service more than 80 stores.
Will Aldi’s growth strategy continue ramping up in the U.K., or will it turn its attention Stateside? In any case, you can count on ANUK to give you the latest.
IRVINE, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!
Today, I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see the latest around all growing regions.
RAIN LEAVING ITS MARK, NEXT COMES COLD TEMPERATURES TO CULIACÁN
Culiacán and the other growing regions of Sinaloa received between 1.25” to 1.50” of rain Sunday night through Monday. Today, there is still a 60 percent of an additional .25” or rain. This rain halted harvest yesterday and will most likely today as well. As the rain finally moves out tomorrow, expect cold temperatures on the backside of the storm. Expect Wednesday night’s low to be 40° with an occasional tempearture in the high 30°s in isolated areas. Thursday night will have a low of 44° and Thursday a low of 49°.
Expect volumes to drop, markets to tighten, and prices to rise this week in Nogales on all items as a consequence of this rain and colder temperatures. Also, look for quality issues due to rain damage on all items. If you can still pick up some cheap fruit today, you might want to buy an extra load or two.
COLD TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE WEST TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY
The same storm system that hit Sinaloa will also bring cold temperatures to major growing regions throughout California, Arizona, and Baja CA, Mexico.
The Coachella Valley had a minimum temperature last night of 38° and tonight will be 33°. It won’t be until Thursday that the lows are back in the 40°s. The maximum temperatures are also very cool, reaching only into the low 60°s. Yuma is also cool but not as bad as Coachella with temperatures about 5° warmer across-the-board.
Oxnard had a minimum temperature last night of 38° and will see 39° tonight. Maximum temperatures these last two days were only in the upper 50°s. Look for a dip in production.
Strawberry regions of Vizcaíno in Baja CA will dip into the mid 30°s tonight and tomorrow night. Look for daily highs to reach only to 66° for the next few days. Look for a dip in production from this area.
FREEZE WARNING FOR CITRUS REGION OF SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Same storm system as mentioned above will bring freezing temperatures to the San Joaquin Valley of California tonight and tomorrow.
Last night was the coldest night of the week dipping into the upper 20°s in the citrus regions of Bakersfield, Visalia, and Orange Cove. Tonight will also be in the upper 20°s and low 30°s for tomorrow.
You should check with shippers to see if harvest or crop will be affected.
Thank you as always! We will be back later this week with another report.
SELAH, WA - Long-standing partnerships like the one between Rainier Fruit and Allan Bros. Fruit are hard to come by, but the two managed to lock down a mutually beneficial relationship in 1995. The two most recently teamed up to create a new demand-based packing line that can easily transition to different customer’s needs. Allan Bros. invested in a $35 million apple packing facility, which is where this ambitious initiative blossomed.
“This is just one example of how Rainier Fruit and our family of growers like Allan Bros. are looking ahead and utilizing technology to drive sales opportunities,” remarked Andy Tudor, Vice President of Business Development at Rainier Fruit. “Our customers around the world are asking for more on-demand services and these past few years we’ve accepted that challenge to make capital improvements that are some of the best in the world and on-trend with the expectations of new packs and new varieties.”
Allan Bros. specializes in growing premium apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Envy™, Jazz™, and Pink Lady®. According to a press release, this upgrade allows Allan Bros., and in turn Rainier Fruit, to keep up with the needs of the ever-changing apple category and the demands for custom packs that drive retail sales opportunities.
“Our new packing warehouse and line will equip us with predictive analytics and very precise handling of our fruit,” said Miles Kohl, Allan Bros. Fruits' CEO. “We inaugurated the new facility and modern technology with the fall harvest and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results that are yielding new efficiencies in our final outputs.”
The new apple packing facility includes a hybrid line that maximizes output by utilizing its capability of pre-sizing fruit. This line allows for a reduction of fruit handling and labor, which in turn avoids bruising or damaging the fruit. Additionally, the state-of-the-art technology also includes proprietary operational analytics software and Compac LED color and defect sorting, as well as near infrared internal imaging that helps gather additional information on every apple.
What other great initiatives by Rainier and Allan Bros. will come to fruition? Follow along with us at AndNowUKnow as we continue to report.