ELGIN, MN - The market’s continuous addition of products and varieties calls for more aggressive strategies at the marketing level. The grower and developer of premium apple varieties, Honeybear Brands, faces continuously-evolving consumer demands and preferences, meaning its offerings need to evolve as well. Based on these consumer preferences, the company has decided to up its game via product packaging, announcing two new programs.
“Our business continues to grow, and the introduction of these graphic kid-friendly pouches provides consumers a recognizable brand they can associate with Honeybear quality apples,” said Kristi Harris, Brand Manager. “Our goal is for consumers to experience premium flavors inside the bright packaging and be assured that only the best apples available get to wear the bear label.”
Honeybear’s two-pound Honey Cubbie pouches have been met with great success, and will soon be available in three-pound packages for Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Pazazz™ varieties, according to a press release. In response to the growing consumer appetite for these high-graphic packages, the company is also updating its organic pouch program, which compliments the continued expansion of all its organic offerings. Consumers will now be able to choose from their favorite varieties (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith) grown organically and available in two-pound pouches. According to data from the Organic Food Association, United States organic food sales increased an average of 8.8 percent annually from 2014 to 2018.
“Consumer choices are continually evolving,” said Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We have been matching the organic trend by transitioning orchards into organic production for many years. It’s an important part of our mix and not just here in the United States. We have the largest planting of organic Honeycrisp in the Southern hemisphere. We are growing, packing, and shipping premium organic varieties from the best apple producing regions in North and South America providing our retail partners with year-round supply assurance of fresh apples and pears.”
Honeybear, the pioneer of Honeycrisp apples in Washington State, has more than forty years of experience growing around the world. The new packaging and organic expansion follow another successful year for the company with expanded acreage and record sales for Pazazz, star of the company’s varietal development program. The company grows, picks, packs, and delivers premium varieties and customer favorites to major retail banners across North America and offers best-in-class support and supply chain management for every customer from orchard to store.
Keep a lookout for these fun-sized apple pouches as a way to draw in a variety of customers. And don’t forget to check back with us at AndNowUKnow for the latest in produce news.
SUMMERLAND, BC, CANADA - For those familiar with the trade show circuit, the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit is a whirlwind of networking and innovation. As we navigate the lead-up to the show, we’ve touched base with some companies we believe buyers should mark on their “must-see” list. Okanagan Specialty Fruits® is one such company. I talked to President Neal Carter to find out what Okanagan Specialty Fruits has in store for showgoers.
“This year, we're excited to continue the expansion of our product line and are offering two new options for our customers,” he began. “Our brand-new 5 oz packages of fresh slices will be available in both our Arctic® Golden and Arctic® Granny varieties and are the perfect size for grab ‘n go snacking. This is also the first year that our harvest will support our introduction into the foodservice industry so we are thrilled to be debuting a 40 oz option specifically for foodservice and retail in-store fresh-cut programs.”
In addition, Okanagan will be showcasing its Arctic ApBitz®, which are dried apple snacks in the shape of fries. As the perfect snacking option, ApBitz contains just the one ingredient: Arctic apples. Samples of both products will be available for attendees to try, alongside a new “Charcuterie Bar” where folks can experiment with different food pairings for Arctic apples. (Exactly what my millennial heart desires!)
“Our key messaging at the show reinforces the many opportunities that Arctic apples offer to the produce industry. The just-picked flavor and fresh appearance of Arctic apple slices provide retail and foodservice the ability to utilize fresh slices without sacrificing flavor, convenience, and customer satisfaction,” Neal explained to me. “We are also excited to share the results from comparative taste testing research we completed earlier this year. In taste comparisons, consumers prefer fresh Arctic Golden apple slices over sweet, red apple slices of the leading national sliced apple brand. The results are a testament to the exceptional quality of Arctic apple slices.”
Given that Okanagan developed Arctic apples specifically for slicing, the result is a just-picked eating experience that’s unparalleled, Neal shared. The non-browning benefit of Arctic apples also ensures that “fewer apples are wasted and more apples are tasted.” A sentiment we can all get behind, I’m sure.
As the company makes its way into the foodservice sector, I asked Neal how this was made possible, and what Okanagan has done to ensure new growth opportunities.
“We expect to have 8.5 million pounds from the 2019 crop, a substantial volume increase over the 1.7 million pounds produced in 2018. This large volume increase opens up new opportunities for our company including new retail partnerships and our entry into the foodservice industry,” he shared.
The exciting news doesn’t end there, as Neal offered up another tidbit before signing off.
“We’re also extremely excited to be launching our new tagline at Fresh Summit: Cool Fruit, Epic Freshness™. We have a 'cool' new booth this year, and we will have an 'epic' prize wheel that you can spin to win some swag and a chance to win an Apple watch,” he concluded.
Do you need any more reasons to check out Okanagan Specialty Fruits? Stop by booth #183 to see the apple wizards in person, and follow alongside AndNowUKnow’s coverage of the event.
PORTERVILLE, CA - One of the great things about living in California is that we have some of the world’s finest and most trusted fresh produce companies right in our own backyard. From San Diego’s avocado orchards to asparagus in the Delta growing regions, the sweet, hardy, and savory from across the produce aisle call the West Coast home. From North to South, the fertile land of the state has a little something for every retailer and foodservice partner and one of those companies always addressing the needs of its growing base of customer relationships is Homegrown Organic Farms.
Cherie France, Marketing Manager, joins me in the thick of the company’s fall harvest to talk about what is growing on the vine, the tree, and the shrub.
“Demand is high for fall fruit as we move towards the holiday push and we are meeting that increasing demand with our organic grapes—Red seedless, green Seedless, and black seedless—along with our organic Asian pears and organic pomegranates,” Cherie tells me, adding that the promotional opportunities for the season’s peak items are ripe with value.
For packaging and merchandising options, Homegrown has retailers covered as well with pouch bag programs for pomegranates, grapes, and Asian pears as well as an extra “Organic” sticker to help reduce shrink at retail on bulk items.
“One of the challenges for retailers can be what happens when the fruit hits the register. There is a lot of room for error when identifying conventional and organic items separately,” Cherie shares with me. “Calling out the organic items helps our retail partners get the best idea of their overall sales and the unique produce categories. We are retailer’s organic-one-stop-shop, 365 days a year. We’ve got your fall favorites covered and then will transition directly into our organic citrus program in time for the holidays!”
Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we bring you more on the seasonal fall push and all the opportunities there are to be tapped as the cool sets in and produce heats up!
SALINAS, CA - How well do you know your kales? Not every type of kale is created equal, and Church Brothers Farms would like to demystify this on-trend, and still growing in-demand vegetable!
The varieties that have been infusing salad menus with new options over the last few years are baby kales.
Church Brothers Farms grows its own seed varieties, that can take up to one year to produce. From seed to harvest, baby kales take 22-40 days to grow, based on the time of year and desired leaf size.
Harvesting baby kale uses minimal labor with a self-propelled tender leaf crop harvest machine. An adjustable bandsaw blade cuts the leaves to a set position using a “lawn mower” action. Cut to cool management is key for baby kale. Once harvested, the baby kale is taken to Church Brothers Farms’ True Leaf Farms processing plant to be cooled down and triple washed.
Mature, curly kale is grown and harvested entirely different—taking 85 to 120 days to grow its first crop. These taller kale plants range from 2-4 feet tall, and are hand-harvested anywhere from 3 to 7 times depending on the time of year. After the plant leaves are harvested, kale generally takes 3-4 weeks for new leaves to regrow on the kale plant stalk.
In the last two years, these growers have been trialing mechanically harvesting this same crop that is traditionally hand harvested. The goal is to increase efficiency and match increasing demand for mature, curly kale.
PROVIDENCE, RI - Late last year, reports began circling the newswire that asserted UNFI was possibly seeking a buyer for its Cub Foods banner. While at the time, UNFI remained tight-lipped about its search, the retailer has now officially disclosed that not only is it planning on divesting Cub Foods—as well as its Shoppers banner—but deals are in the works as we speak.
Following the release of its fourth quarter financial report for fiscal 2019, the company’s Chairman and CEO, Steve Spinner, disclosed in a call with analysts a few pivotal details regarding UNFI’s sale of both its Cub Foods and Shoppers banners.
“We're working diligently to divest both Shoppers and Cub and have advisors fully engaged to push this forward who were working on several deals, each of which involves multiple stores, which increases the level of complexity,” Spinner said. “The tentative timeline, which experience suggests is subject to change, has us completing the Shoppers sales early in calendar 2020. At Cub, we are also in a process and expect to have something to announce early in calendar year 2020 as well.”
While Spinner did not reveal who was interested in purchasing Shoppers and Cub Foods, he did speak highly of both banners and the role they’ve played in UNFI’s bottom line in its last quarter.
“We’re pleased with Cub’s results and the work being led by a new leadership team within that organization,” Spinner stated. “We're excited about building on fiscal 2019's accomplishments and delivering better, stronger results across the business in fiscal 2020…Our culture and people are dedicated to transforming the world of food distribution safely and with integrity. We're aggressively pursuing cross-selling consistent with our build-out-the-store strategy."
UNFI also rocked the retail market late last year when it acquired SuperValu, which Spinner also addressed in the retailer’s quarterly report.
“This past fiscal year has been a transformational one for us as we began realizing some of the key benefits and competitive advantages from the SuperValu acquisition that will be foundation of our long-term success,” Spinner asserted.
As we await more information on UNFI’s two possible divestments, you can bet your bottom dollar that AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest.
MODESTO, CA - A brand-new Save Mart has graced Modesto. This 54,000-square-foot flagship store has local at its heart, bringing in farm stand-style produce, varieties of freshly-made options, and innovative new products that shoppers will be dying to see.
“Modesto is more than where we are, it’s who we are,” stated Nicole Pesco, CEO of The Save Mart Companies. “We’re family-owned with deep roots and longstanding friendships with local ranchers, farmers, and producers who help fulfill our vision every day. It means a lot to us to be part of this neighborhood because this is where we grew up and are now raising our own families. We’re proud of our hometown and the hardworking people who live here.”
Taking farm-to-fork to heart, the new Save Mart is a bounty of local fare. Shoppers will immediately notice the products from local purveyors, including Fiscalini cheese, Ratto Bros. produce, Rosie’s Donuts, Diamond Almonds, and Dust Bowl beer.
“Save Mart’s new state-of-the-art supermarket will not only serve the local community by providing fresh wholesome food, but will provide great jobs to local residents,” said Dave White, Executive Director of Opportunity Stanislaus, the leading non-profit organization committed to improving the economic vitality of the region. “The Save Mart Companies plays a unique role in Stanislaus County with its headquarters here and the company’s commitment to sourcing products from local growers and purveyors to their network of 207 stores.”
According to a company press release, Modesto’s new Save Mart store will also serve as an innovation center for the company, which operates 207 stores throughout California and Northern Nevada under the banners of FoodMaxx, Lucky, and Save Mart.
As this new flagship store continues to take Modesto shoppers by storm, how will other Northern California retailers up their game? AndNowUKnow will continue to report the latest in retail innovation.
PORTLAND, OR - Bridges Produce has recently announced the new hire of Fernando Rodriguez. Rodriguez joins the sales team concentrating in the Mexico Sales side, and will be based out of Nogales, Arizona. His main duties will encompass sales, warehouse management, and quality assurance. Having been in the produce industry since he was 23 years old and his extensive experience in the area, Rodriguez is a surefire fit for the role.
“Fernando’s team player attitude and deep knowledge of the industry will make him a great addition” said Ben Johnson, President. “Having Fernando on our team and working with our Nogales warehouse will help us provide better customer service to both our grower partners, our customers, and logistics partners, enabling all stakeholders to thrive.”
According to a press release, Rodriguez started out at a Nogales produce warehouse as a dispatcher to supplement his teaching job. Rodriguez is a veteran on the Nogales produce scene, having worked most recently at Franks Distributing, and prior to that at SunFed and The Produce Exchange.
“I’m excited to work for Bridges Produce in sales and marketing, and happy to help in any way possible to succeed and grow within the company,” said Rodriguez.
The 2019/2020 Mexican season is ramping up with organic cucumbers, English cucumber, zucchini, and yellow squash shipping now and eggplant starting soon. As the season continues, Bridges will also have organic hard squash, chili peppers, bell peppers, green beans, and melons available from its Mexican partners Rico Farms and Floriza Organicos (Aztlan Organic).
“In the U.S. market, we continue to see higher demand for organic products, leading to increased production every year. I am glad that people are eating healthier by consuming more fruits and vegetables, because this means more business and more production for our grower partners in Mexico. Due to expanding demand and our high-quality product, we expect to have a strong 2019-20 season,” stated Rodriguez.
To meet Fernando Rodriguez and visit with the rest of the Bridges Team, stopy by the PMA Fresh Summit booth #2884. Congratulations to Rodriguez and Bridges and the happy news!
OXNARD, CA - I know Millennials didn't invent avocados, but if anyone represents the fruit, it’d be us. Mashed, spread, or, sliced, we just can’t get enough. I’d imagine the students of Ventura College were overjoyed when Mission Produce announced its plan to plant an avocado grove there. The company teamed up with Halter-Encinas Enterprises, Coast Water Solutions, Brokaw Nursery, and Quality Ag to complete the project in hopes of inspiring an interactive learning environment, advancing academic research, and attracting students to careers in agriculture.
“Ventura County is a close-knit and productive agriculture community,” said Vice President of Global Sourcing, Keith Barnard. “When students see and interact with the avocado learning lab, we know they’ll get excited about our industry.”
Barnard joined the Ventura College Foundation Board in 2018 and played a key role in spearheading this project. The nearly one-acre plot houses over a hundred, year-old Hass avocado trees, which were planted on berms to encourage proper drainage. Additionally, the trees are fed water and fertilizer via an efficient and controlled irrigation system.
“The partnership between Ventura College, the Ventura College Foundation, and Mission Produce is a perfect example of ways educational entities can collaborate with innovative companies in our community,” said City of Ventura Mayor and Ventura College Foundation Board Member, Matt LaVere. “This new avocado learning lab, along with the college’s commitment to agricultural education, will provide students the training and experience necessary to obtain highly-successful careers in our local agricultural sector."
Under the leadership of faculty and program director, Dr. Dorothy Farias, Ventura College’s agriculture program currently serves 20 students, but the goal is to increase class offerings and boost enrollment. Now that the project is complete, students in the Department will oversee and nurture the land.
“This hands-on experience will give our students the freedom to learn in a practical way. We are grateful for the companies’ donations and eagerness to develop these types of programs on our campus and create a new pipeline of potential employees for the local ag industry,” said Farias.
Resources on Ventura College’s new avocado orchard were not spared, as it features innovative techniques that mimic the company’s advanced farming practices.
“Ventura College is grateful to have industry partners like Mission Produce to ensure our students have the opportunity to learn in an environment that meets current industry standards,” said Ventura College’s President, Dr. Kim Hoffmans.
Mission’s donated grove will no doubt have a huge impact on the students who work with it, setting all of us up with a group of future produce purveyors. The Ventura College ag program is making me seriously reconsider this whole “writing” thing. But, I digress. Keep up with us at ANUK as we narrate the story of produce.
LOS GATOS, CA - Transforming the global supply chain is an endeavor all of us in the industry hold dear to our hearts. For Procurant, a Silicon Valley company, this supply chain transformation is getting closer to reality. The company announced the release of ProcurantConnect®, a cloud-based service that enables growers and shippers of perishable goods to easily connect and collaborate with trading partners. The solution also includes out-of-the-box support for transmitting product traceability data to the IBM Food Trust.
“Trading partners in the food supply chain share a lot of information with each other, but variations in the way each company handles data leads to custom integration projects that can be expensive and time-consuming to set up and maintain,” said Ray Connelly, Vice President Supplier Strategy. “We now have a simple and cost-effective solution for food suppliers that are being asked to share new kinds of data in new formats with multiple trading partners.”
According to a press release, ProcurantConnect is a first-of-its-kind solution that provides a single connection point for sending and receiving a variety of files. All that companies need to do is pick a channel and select what information they want to exchange via a set of pre-built connection channels, data formats, and monitoring and notification capabilities.
Its features include:
- A single integration point for data transfer
- Flexible file formatting options including text, CSV, XML, JSON, etc.
- Flexible connection options including EDI, SFTP, direct folder access, etc.
- Status monitoring, alerting and reporting
- Out-of-the-box support for submitting data to the IBM Food Trust
The cloud-based service is part of a continuum of solutions from Procurant that leverage a single, global platform designed for the unique requirements of the food industry. All Procurant solutions benefit from the strengths of a shared infrastructure, including:
- Scalability at consumer performance levels on all layers, from the user interface to business logic to storage.
- Mobile functionality as an integral part of the platform, with a focus on managing by exception.
- Blockchain optimized with a hybrid approach that flexibly interacts with multiple blockchain platforms.
At the end of the day, the result is a platform that helps farmers, producers, shippers, distributors, and retailers in their strategic planning as well as their day-to-day supply chain processes.
Stick with AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest in what’s happening in innovative new supply chain options.
SUNBURY, PA - Back in July, Weis Markets welcomed Bob Gleeson as the new Vice President of Fresh Merchandising. Today, Weis announced it has promoted Matt Burke as the new Regional Vice President. Burke will be coming in as Jimmy Daly’s successor, who has also announced his retirement.
“Matt brings a wealth of experience in building associate engagement and leading successful teams while achieving strong business results. We look forward to working with him in his new role,” said Kurt Schertle, Chief Operating Officer. “We’d also like to thank Jimmy Daly for his years of service and for the leadership he provided during his time with our company. We wish him well in the years ahead.”
According to the press release, Burke will be reporting to David Gose, Senior Vice President of Operations, and will now oversee the day-to-day operations of 67 stores located in Binghamton, New York; Northeastern Pennsylvania; the Poconos; Northern New Jersey; the Central Susquehanna Valley including Sunbury and State College, PA. Burke has been with the company since 2016 when he joined as District Manager for the Central Susquehanna Valley/Sunbury. He has more than 25 years of store and multi-unit retail management experience. Burke holds a BA in Business Administration from Morehead State University, Morehead, Kentucky.
Congratulations to Matt Burke on his recent promotion and we at ANUK wish Jimmy Daly all the best in his retirement!