PITTSBURGH, PA - As Giant Eagle has been trialing new technology, utilizing Grabango’s tech to pilot checkout-free shopping, it's also been shaking up its leadership team. Although no official announcement has yet been made, the retailer has a new President. This new executive, Beth Newlands Campbell, quietly swept onto the scene, with the only formal announcement coming in the form of a change to her LinkedIn.
According to her LinkedIn page, Campbell assumed this position in July. Prior to stepping in at Giant Eagle, the industry veteran was President of Rexall Drugstore. Throughout her career, Campbell has shown an aptitude for retail, gaining experience in a variety of roles that span across marketing departments to merchandising and planning. She has also previously worked at Ahold Delhaize banners, including Hannaford and Food Lion, both at which she served as President. As if this wasn’t enough, she was also President at Sobeys from 2012-2014.
As Giant Eagle continues to trial new formats in an ever-changing retail landscape, AndNowUKnow will report on how Campbell’s expertise lends a hand to its strategy.
SANTA BARBARA, CA - Whether you are a buyer, grower, or supplier, in our industry, if you want to succeed you need to be sustainable. For those looking for a seat at the sustainability table, your chair is waiting for you at the exclusive 2019 California Central Coast Sustainability Exchange (CCCSE) on October 15 and 16.
“Consumers are increasingly looking at purchases with an eye to sustainability, and so are our customers,” said John Carter, Limoneira’s Vice President of Global Sales. “We were part of the first Sustainability Exchange five years ago, and it was very successful. A lot has changed in sustainability over the past few years. With PMA Fresh Summit taking place in Anaheim this year, we all agreed it would be a great time to have retail and foodservice executives, industry leaders, and growers together here at Limoneira for another session.”
Everyone will have an opportunity to listen and share their experiences with sustainability at this intimate event at picturesque Limoneira Ranch in Ventura, California. There will be an opportunity to tour latest sustainability innovations at Limoneira and Calavo, enjoy a farm-to-table dinner, and network while being treated to specialty cocktails, entertainment, and more, courtesy of the sponsors.
"I am looking forward to meeting like-minded people in the industry and hearing what successful initiatives they have implemented. This industry learns well from each other. So, the more I can learn, the more PMA can help inspire others to be more sustainable," Ed Treacy, VP of Supply Chain and Sustainability for PMA, shared. "Part of our mission is to inspire industry members to adopt sustainable business practices that benefit the planet, and the people on the planet, profitably. Attending sustainability-related events like the CCCSE is a great way to see sustainability in action."
During the evening, attendees will hear representatives from across the supply chain about the benefits, challenges, and the growing demand to tell their sustainability story. This will include a range of voices from SCS Global and Dana Gunders to Produce Mom Lori Taylor and rPlanet Earth.
The following morning the event will wrap up with tours of some of the area's most sustainable local operations, including Duda Farm Fresh Foods and San Miguel Produce.
“We are so proud to have leaders in sustainability like Limoneira and Calavo partner with us as we return to Fresh Summit in Anaheim,” said Nikki Rodoni, Founder and CEO of Measure to Improve. “When we had the idea to revive the successful Sustainability Exchange, I couldn’t imagine a better host to lead by example in how sustainability is not just a good business practice, but good business overall. That is the message we are looking to spread as we invite key decision-makers to see sustainable operations in action with their own eyes.”
One of the influential minds of our industry that experienced the first Sustainability Exchange was Longo Brothers’ Director of Produce and Floral, Mimmo Franzone.
“The 2014 event was fantastic! The growers of Ventura County showed us first hand all the great things they were doing when it came to sustainability and innovation. Over the past five years, the produce landscape has changed dramatically and the need for more sustainable initiatives is definitely top of mind. I’m looking forward to this year’s event as I will be able to bring back a ton of insights to our teams at the store level, which will allow them to share with our guests all the great things our grower partners are doing to make the world—and its food—cleaner and safer,” Mimmo told me.
John agreed, also citing the innovations in sustainability that have taken place just in the few years since the inaugural exchange.
“There are many new and exciting practices and procedures being done region-wide and we want to shine a spotlight on them during the event. It’s going to be relevant, focused, and enjoyable. We’re looking forward to it!” he concluded.
It is not lost on me that, for many of us, this will be the busiest week of the fresh produce calendar. Every moment will likely be accounted for in the name of growing our respective businesses. So, while it may seem difficult to carve out time upfront, Nikki reminds us that the long-term pay-off will more than make-up for it.
“Sustainability is what everyone’s customers are asking for, so the value of seeing these initiatives for yourself is immeasurable. By working with suppliers such as Limoneira, Calavo, San Miguel, and many others seeking to achieve a completely sustainable operation, buyers will be able to confidently and credibly say they are sourcing their produce sustainably. An event like this brings an immediate return to a retailer or foodservice buyer who is in search of companies taking a proactive approach to telling their sustainability story,” Nikki explained.
One of the best parts of working in produce is the frequent intersection of bottom lines and better living, and increasing sustainable practices is the next step in strengthening those ties. Hope to see you at the table!
For more information about how you can get a seat at the table, contact Nikki Rodoni at [email protected]
LOS ANGELES, CA - The plant-based meat craze has been ramping up in several fast-food chains and restaurants in the past few months. The category’s top two brands are Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, but only the former has actually been available to consumers for purchase. But as of tomorrow, Impossible Foods’ plant-based meat will be available at Gelson’s Markets locations in Southern California. 27 of the chain’s stores will launch the retail sale of Impossible Burgers, closing the competitive gap between it and the Beyond Meat brand, which is carried by over seven big-name grocers.
According to The Verge, Gelson’s will limit customers to the purchase of ten packages per visit in hopes of avoiding the widely-prevalent plant-based meat shortages. The company teased the release of its product for the past week on social media, tempting consumers to guess which location would be the first to launch it, but divulged on Tuesday that it will be the Gelson’s Markets location in Westfield Century City, Los Angeles.
Previously, the brand has been available at over 17,000 restaurants, meaning consumers couldn’t simply reach into their fridge to scratch the itch for an Impossible Burger. That will all change tomorrow when Gelson’s warmly welcomes the brand to the retail sector. Congratulations to Impossible Foods and Gelson’s Markets on their joint effort in this endeavor. Don’t forget to check back with us at AndNowUKnow while we continue to cover the latest news.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Podcasts have become a part of everyday life, with consumers listening to them as they go about their daily lives. With this in mind, SweeTango® apples recently announced that it will be in the spotlight on top-ranked podcasts this fall, with an ad campaign that will reach listeners during the apple’s peak season between September and November.
“SweeTango is among the first produce items to conduct podcast advertising, and our 2018 campaign exceeded expectations,” stated Jennifer Parkhill, Executive Director of Next Big Thing, the over 50-member grower cooperative that grows SweeTango. “We reached 1.8 million downloads across seven different podcasts, which was 20 percent above the original 1.5 million forecasted. We found it to be a very effective way to drive sales by raising awareness about everyone’s favorite apple during its peak season of availability. We’re excited to build on the momentum we set last season.”
A press release noted that SweeTango apple growers have partnered with nine podcasts that have listener followings who fit the demographic profile of current SweeTango shoppers, including an emphasis on millennial and Gen Z listeners to develop those audiences as well. Podcast hosts will speak to the apple’s incredible crunch and flavor, which has hints of citrus, honey, and spice. Their personal endorsement of the apple will air both before and in the middle of episodes which topics will cover food and cooking, pop culture and entertainment, and interviews with public figures.
Podcasts featuring SweeTango ads in 2019 are listed as follows:
- Oprah’s Supersoul Conversations
- WTF with Marc Maron
- How Did This Get Made?
- The Rewatchables with Bill Simmons
- The Sporkful
- The Splendid Table
- Call Your Girlfriend
- Gastropod
- Spilled Milk
The 2019 SweeTango podcast campaign is projected to reach nearly 8 million downloads by increasing the number of podcasts and investing in programs with larger listening audiences with superstar hosts like Oprah Winfrey, actor and comedian Marc Maron, and sportswriter and analyst Bill Simmons.
Check back in with AndNowUKnow about the latest in how companies are standing out.
TEXAS - As if our friends in the South haven’t experienced enough weather-related tragedy, Eastern Texas was pounded by Tropical Depression Imelda overnight. The excessive rainfall brought on by the storm has resulted in major flash flooding East and North of Houston. Although the flooding prompted widespread evacuations, the storm shows no signs of slowing down.
According to npr, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the severe weather "has caused widespread and severe property damage and threatens loss of life." Due to this, he declared a state of emergency in 13 counties this morning.
The city of Beaumont specifically faces extreme challenges, as most roads there are flooded according to CNN. Officials urge residents not to drive, meaning industry transportation is also at stake. Several counties in Texas have reported up to 30 inches of rain, and even more is expected to hit this evening.
CNN offered an image that depicts several distribution vehicles lined up on Interstate 10 between Houston and Beaumont, surrounded by cars on side streets that are almost entirely submerged in rainwater. As of now, we haven’t received updates on how this will affect crops throughout the region, but ANUK will keep you updated.
WOODRIDGE, IL - Much to the industry's delight, Produce Pro Software’s User Group 2019 kicked off today. This year, the event is taking place at the Sofitel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois, September 19-20. This is the eleventh installment of this conference at the national level, and with 175 participants, User Group 2019 breaks another record in the event’s attendance history.
With an emphasis on team building, this year’s User Group will provide attendees an opportunity for networking, connecting, and sharing knowledge about system experiences, checkout the latest product features, attend sessions led by industry experts, and learn more about the system and best practices.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide a forum where we educate the Produce Pro user community on the system, features, new ideas, and plans for the future. This allows them to get the most out of their investment,” said Kristen Santangelo, Marketing Manager. “When customers return to work they are armed with tips, ideas, and concepts that can be shared within their organizations.”
This year’s event theme revolves around Produce Pro Software’s content teams and how Produce Pro can address and manage the fast-paced progression of the industry. Topics for those part of its User Group include:
- Order Management
- Inventory
- Outbound
- General Systems and Accounting
- New Products
- Education and Consulting
Back by popular demand, attendees also have the opportunity to engage in DIY Tech Labs along with bonus round table discussions with Produce Pro Gurus. Both foster a more intimate and engaging experience for users.
“In the ever-changing world of produce, being able to stay ahead of the curve and having the flexibility to adapt and evolve within the organization is so important,” Kristen added.
Another highlight of this year’s event is the Keynote Speaker: Ben Whiting, Leadership Development professional. His speech will teach mind-reading strategies to help attendees connect with friends, colleagues, and customers. Attendees will also see a panel discussion with a mix of Produce Pro staff members and users of the system. And, President Dave Donat will talk about the Top 10 "Cool" features of the Produce Pro Software system, which is always a highlight.
At the end of our discussion Kristen added: “We are always looking to advance our system. So, once the conference ends, we review and evaluate customer feedback, which helps us continue to improve and enhance the system based on both the user’s changing needs and the needs of the industry.”
For more information about Produce Pro Software, go to producepro.com or call 630.395.9600. Stick with us at AndNowUKnow for more industry updates.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - There are many things in the fresh produce industry that we have little to no control over: seasons changing, Mother Nature’s dynamic disposition, traffic, etc. But one thing that each company can own a steady hand in, is building an amazing team that can elevate its game, drive innovation forward, and bring a better product to market. With these goals in mind, Country Sweet Produce (CSP) and its Bako Sweet® brand are welcoming a new face to the team with the hiring of industry veteran Bob Haarhues as the company’s Director of Sales and Marketing.
“I’m thrilled with the opportunity to be part of such a great company and work with such an impressive team. From growing practices to production—the dedication, commitment, collaboration, and work ethic from the entire team at CSP is remarkable,” Bob tells me, sharing his excitement and energy as he reflects on the company. “Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, my fresh produce career has been thorough encompassing retail operations, sales and marketing, and new product development. CSP is an exciting company for innovation, organic products, and the overall highest quality. Having the opportunity to contribute is truly an honor.”
There is no better time than now for Bob to join the CSP team as the company streamlines its business model and ramps up its go-to-market strategies and products to respond to retailers’ and foodservice operators' desire for higher-quality programs and better customer service. Speaking of the needs of the retailer, Bob comes with an impressive background from time at SuperValu in Corporate Produce for Store Formats to his time as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Crunch Pak. When it comes to anticipating the buyers’ needs, Bob has the insights needed from both seats at the table.
"This is such a tremendous addition to Country Sweet Produce. Bob's experience and leadership skills couldn't come at a better time for us at CSP with the growth of our new items and innovations to the sweet potato category. We are all too thrilled to have him here,” President Mike Valpredo shares. “Bob is hitting the ground running and jumping right into the mix as harvest on our 2019 crop gets underway.”
Congratulations, Bob and the Country Sweet Produce team, on the amazing growth and the road ahead!
BAKERSFIELD, CA - High-flavor California table grape varieties not only anchor the produce department from summer through the fall—and for some companies, even into December—but they change the way that the consumer perceives flavor and raises the bar on expectations throughout the produce department. Anthony Vineyards is one of those companies that not only promotes excellence in the category but promises consistent and quality programs that can continue, year after year, to uphold the retailer’ promise to its shoppers.
“There are so many new grape varieties flooding the market, but the true test of anything new is its staying power and a company’s ability to supply the demand that they have created,” John Harley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing shares with me. “At Anthony Vineyards, we bring our partners a vertically-integrated program of traditional and niche varieties that keeps them at the forefront of both grape offerings and marketing, by anticipating trends and transforming their category destinations.”
As a conventional and organic grape shipper and producer, the company brings newer high-flavor varieties like the Sweet Sapphire, Sweet Heart, Candy Heart, and Candy Dream as well as other varieties like Sweet Globe, Sweet Scarlet, and Timco to name a few. And Anthony Vineyards has more than a few varieties in its marketing and merchandising tool kit, with over 25 varieties to choose from at different times during the year.
“Currently, we have great promotable volumes across green and red organic and conventional varieties with good size, brix, and a great eating experience,” John tells me. “We work closely with our customers to truly partner on their needs and have even upped our organic production by 20 percent in the past couple years to further engage them in the ongoing conversation about the consumer’s changing buying behaviors.”
Anthony Vineyards offers clamshells and variety-specific pouch bags to address those needs and more. The season for the Bakersfield-based company runs through December to take you all the way to the end of the year.
New is great, but new and consistent is better. At least that is what I am hearing from growers across the board. Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we cover the innovations and vision of the California table grape industry.
SELAH, WA - Apples, pears, and...socks? Oh, my! Yes, you heard me right. Rainier Fruit has announced its second annual holiday marketing program, the Pears for Pairs campaign. Pears for Pairs aligns with the team's Wholesome to the Core company values of giving back to the community, and truly is a testament to Rainier's ability to balance business with a great cause. Rainier will contribute a portion of the proceeds of bulk pear and bag pear sales this holiday season to the tenth annual Hanes National Sock Drive.
“Last year’s Pears for Pairs campaign gave us an opportunity to share our #WholesometotheCore values across our entire supply chain,” said Rainier CEO Mark Zirkle. “From our staff that organized events that culminated in the donation of socks and towels to the Union Gospel Mission in Yakima, to the retailers that promoted the ‘Pears for Pairs’ campaign."
The tie in for retailers? The campaign also helped participating retailers drive high double-digit increases in year-over-year volume sales of pears. This campaign is open to all retailers and will run from September through December at retail locations across the U.S.
During the 2018 holiday season, Rainier, along with the growers at Matson Fruit Company and Blue Star Growers, donated over 20,000 pairs of socks to five charitable organizations across the United States.
“Based on our research, pears are an impulse buy, so we found pairing purchases with the opportunity for giving back drove consumer behavior and captured category sales,” said Andy Tudor, Rainier's Vice President of Business Development.
The Hanes National Sock Drive is part of Hanes for Good, HanesBrands’ corporate social responsibility program, according to a press release, which focuses on environmental stewardship, workplace quality, and community building.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Rainier Fruit Company again this year to expand the reach and impact of our Hanes National Sock Drive,” said Sidney Falken, Chief Branding Officer for HanesBrands.
We are excited to support the news of this launch and encourage others in our industry to find a cause that aligns with their values as well!
CINCINNATI, OH; SANTA BARBARA, CA - Apeel Sciences has lately been making bold moves to enhance its supplier network, bolstering its ability to provide high-quality, fresh produce year-round. Mega retailer Kroger, it seems, has taken notice, partnering with Apeel to distribute the company’s longer-lasting avocados in more than 1,100 Kroger stores in the U.S.
"Kroger is excited to offer more customers Apeel avocados and introduce longer-lasting limes and asparagus, marking another milestone on our journey to achieving our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision," said Frank Romero, Kroger's Vice President of Produce. "Apeel's innovative food-based solution has proven to extend the life of perishable produce, reducing food waste in transport, in our retail stores, and in our customers' homes."
Kroger also plans to introduce two new produce categories—Apeel limes and Apeel asparagus—through a pilot in the Cincinnati, Ohio, market this fall, according to a press release.
The expansion of Apeel’s avocados is the result of a successful pilot that Kroger launched a year ago in 109 of its Midwest stores. The pilot significantly reduced category food waste, which is a boon for both consumers and retailers. The company’s avocados, limes, and asparagus retain their just-harvested quality for longer than produce without Apeel technology. The company’s produce is also less reliant on refrigeration, extending consumers’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables and reducing food waste.
"Kroger is leading the way to alleviate the foodwaste crisis at every level, from its supply chain to its retail stores to the homes of over 11 million customers who shop at Kroger every day," said James Rogers, CEO of Apeel Sciences. "We're excited to expand our partnership with Kroger to further prevent food waste while simultaneously giving families more access and time to enjoy healthy fresh produce."
Kroger’s partnership with Apeel will potentially prevent millions of pieces of produce from ending up in a landfill each year, resulting in:
- Millions of avocados "rescued" from going to waste
- Dozens of acres of farmland preserved
- Emission reductions of thousands of metric tons in greenhouse gases
- Over a billion gallons of water use savings
- 100,000+ GJ of non-renewable energy reductions
The food-waste issues facing the U.S. are increasingly urgent—an estimated 40 percent of food produced is thrown away, while one in eight Americans struggle with hunger. If even one-third of this food is saved, it would impact consumers’ access to food tremendously. Reducing food waste is beneficial for the environment as well, since food waste comprises roughly eight percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions that cause harm to the Earth.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more news on produce partnerships.