CORAL GABLES, FL - There are few robust portfolios like that of Del Monte Fresh, and the food-focused powerhouse has officially added to it with its new Better Break™ convenience line of prepared meals.
“We are so excited to unveil Better Break,” said Dennis Christou, Vice President Marketing, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. “We know that our consumers—millennials especially—are looking for tasty, convenient, and wholesome options when it comes to lunch and afternoon snacking. Better Break is our solution for everyone who may be too busy to prepare their own plant-forward options, and we look forward to adding them to our Del Monte® lineup at our retailers nationwide.”
Having been made available across the U.S. late this summer, the new chef-inspired meals are available in varieties such as:
- Spicy Pomodoro: made with kohlrabi linguine and chunky, spicy chipotle pepper tomato sauce
- Zesty Green Chile: kohlrabi, cauliflower, kale, chickpea, and bell peppers tossed in a tangy green chile sauce
- Summer Corn: cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, kale, and corn sauce with roasted corn and bell pepper
The Better Break convenience line stems from FMI – Power of Produce 2019 data that illustrates a growing desire among millennials (60 percent of older millennials and 55 percent of younger millennials) to incorporate more produce during lunch.
According to a press release, these new products meet consumer demand in a groundbreaking new way, created to minimize prep time that can come along with peeling, seeding, and cutting.
In addition to combating these obstacles in fresh produce consumption, Better Break provides a wholesome choice for consumers aiming to enjoy a quick, convenient, healthy lunch or snack option. Better Break products are based on fresh vegetables and contain 130 calories or less per serving, with heat-and-eat, microwave-safe BPA-free packaging allowing for a quick snack or small, healthy meal at a moment’s notice.
Featuring cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes, kale, and corn, plus a delicious sauce, new Better Break offers both vegetarian and plant-based options, packed with 4g of protein per serving.
With an SRP of $3.99, the new single-serve 7 oz. offering is available at retailers nationwide now.
USA - No matter how many people are rooting for grocery delivery and programs, shoppers will still visit actual stores. But just like restaurants and services, grocery stores also fall under the scrutiny of steely reviewers. From big names like Whole Foods to regional niche favorites like Hong Kong Supermarket, reviewers have rated everything in between on Yelp, and 24/7 Tempo has compiled what it believes to be the top 30 markets in the nation, naming Whole Foods Markets as the top organic grocery store.
A business school study of grocery store customer loyalty last year found that 83 percent of shoppers regularly visited between four and nine stores for groceries over a 12-month period. 24/7 Tempo grabbed the top 350 supermarkets, excluding restaurants and delis, and honed in on the top representative store if it was part of a chain. According to 24/7 Tempo, the factors taken into consideration for the list were: convenience, store organization, cleanliness, price, shopper rewards programs, availability of specific products, how a chain treats its employees, and how the parent company is perceived to behave in general. If you ask me, that’s a lot of research to find a good place to buy some dinner. Amongst that list were:
- Eataly NYC Flatiron, New York, NY–1st
- Whole Foods Market, Austin, TX–5th
- Trader Joe’s, New York, NY–6th
- Costco, Honolulu, HI–8th
- Safeway, San Francisco, CA–14th
For the full list of supermarkets and the Yelp reviews to back it up, click here. Us here at ANUK will be taking notes on where to visit when we go traveling.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Vision Produce Company is making major leadership moves, recently announcing the promotion of Dan Lawton to the role of President and Managing Partner. Lawton will soon be taking over the day-to-day operation of Vision Produce, though Bill Vogel will retain his role as Chairman and CEO.
“I’ve been with Bill for over twenty years now, mainly because of his great leadership and philosophy on building a successful company,” said Lawton in a press release. “So, with the help of a very experienced Executive Team, Sales Team, and all the other valued employees at Vision Produce Company. I am honored to continue on with that philosophy and prosper for many years to come.”
Lawton has deep roots in the produce industry that span all the way back to 1994, when he began his career with Dole Fresh Fruit Company. In 1999, he joined Vision Produce and has been a crucial member of the company’s sales and procurement desk for many years. Throughout his time at Vision Produce, Lawton managed the company's Tropical Department before moving on to Vice President. In that role, he was instrumental in helping the Vision Produce maintain and expand its business. Lawton graduated from Long Beach State University in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
“Dan’s deep experience with trade operations, customer service, and business relationships makes him the perfect person to lead our company into the next generation,” Vogel commented.
Congratulations to Dan on the new role!
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger is a retailer with a commanding presence in the industry. Whenever it does anything innovative of the sort, all of us within the industry sit up and take notice. No stranger to testing out new formats, Kroger has also embrace the plant-based trend in a big way. Now, it’s leaning harder into this space as it plans to test out a dedicated plant-based meat section with help from the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA).
"The test, which emerged from our partnership with PBFA, will allow us to unearth rich insight regarding how to best merchandise the category and connect with consumers," Marcellus Harris, Assistant Commodity Manager in the meat department for Kroger, commented.
According to a report from Food & Wine, the new department will be a subsection of the retailer’s standard meat departments. Kroger will be testing the new department over 20 weeks in 60 of its stores across Denver, Colorado; Indiana; and Illinois.
The locations were chosen to reach a wide enough range of customers to generate comprehensive data to inform Kroger of the new department’s effect on overall sales.
"Plant-based meat sales have been increasing dramatically year over year, even while most of them are placed where only the most dedicated consumers are likely to find and purchase them," said Julie Emmett, Senior Director of Retail Partnerships for PBFA. "We are confident that this test will demonstrate that plant-based meat sales will increase even more when consumers have easier access to them. We applaud Kroger for taking the lead on plant-based meat merchandising, and we are confident that the outcome will be a win for retailers, suppliers, and especially for consumers."
Will this new plant-based meat section help rocket vegetables to the top? AndNowUKnow will be here to report the latest.
MIAMI, FL - As of today, industry veteran James Paul has joined the Sales Team at Crystal Valley Foods and will handle sales for the entire product line, including asparagus. Before Crystal Valley, Paul was the Senior Category Director for the asparagus category at Grower Direct Marketing. In his new position, Paul will be based in Stockton, California.
“I am excited to have joined the team at Crystal Valley,” said Paul. “The company is a respected leader in the industry and is well-known for its quality products and customer service. I am looking forward to being a part of its continued growth and helping to expand and create new relationships in the U.S. and Canada.”
With a degree from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Paul has also held sales and marketing positions at Greg Paul Produce, Giumarra, Altar Produce, Prima Bella Produce, Apio, and Boskovich Farms.
“We are thrilled that James has joined Crystal Valley,” said Jay Rodriguez, President. “With a family history in the fresh produce industry, Paul brings over 30 years of sales and marketing experience to the company. He is an accomplished and dynamic professional and his passion for the business will make him a great addition to our team.”
Congratulations to James Paul on his new and exciting role at Crystal Valley Foods!
NASHVILLE, TN - Nashville is known for many things: country music, honky-tonks, and publishing, of all things. But what it was known for from this September 12-14 was organics and foodservice, and boy, it did not disappoint. We took the temperature of several amazing produce powerhouses and also that of our own boots on the ground at Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Innovations—who helped me understand what made this show one for the books.
With over 800 attendees and 225 industry buyers present, not only was this show ideal for talking business, it was a great place to meet new faces and connect with old ones.
“I think the weekend can best be summed up by a passage quoted by keynote speaker, Steve Robinson,” David Sherrod, SEPC President and CEO, shared with me. “Matthew 5:41 says, ‘And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.’ The SEPC went the extra mile to deliver one of the best networking events ever. Every educational session delivered expert industry input backed by syndicated data. Both Shasta Nelson and Steve Robinson provided key insights and wonderful words to live by in their keynote addresses. In addition, our attendees were treated to a private concert by new country music star, Chris Lane. From start to finish, Southern Innovations topped the charts and we couldn't be more pleased with its great turnout."
On top of putting together an expo that is sure to go down in organics history, SEPC also released a report called Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Organics but Were Afraid to Ask, a valuable data set for those in organic produce.
“Organic produce has been a shining star in a challenged perimeter for several years now,” David continued. “We are encouraged by the study results and see that there is still ample opportunity and consumer interest for organic to drive continued growth for produce for the country, and the Southeast specifically. While organic produce uptake in the Southeast still lags behind that of the rest of the U.S., we are catching up fast with above-average dollar gains of plus-12.3 percent.”
As buyers mingled with those exhibiting, those boots-on-the-ground moments rang true, and highlighted what is so vital about our industry. When it comes down to it, we’re all go-getters, out there trying to provide the best produce possible to the world.
“Southern Innovations provides the perfect opportunity to address two different segments of our industry and address the organic and foodservice buyer and talk specifically to their needs,” Stephanie Hilton, Marketing and Business Development for Tom Lange Company, told me of her experience. “The expo size and conference makeup is perfect for multiple networking opportunities and meaningful conversations. It is a not-to-be missed event.”
Not-to-be missed was the running theme of this event, as showgoers mingled and talked about new innovations, the future of organics, and where our industry fits into ever-changing consumer trends.
“This conference has grown into something really special and unique. I’m leaving inspired by truly innovative discussions and products,” Amanda Keefer, Managing Director of Produce for Kids, expressed to me.
Mike Roberts, Director of Produce Operations for Harps Food Stores, also echoed the importance of this particular show.
“SEPC Southern Innovations is a great show and, although regional, you can meet people and make connections from all regions of the country,” he told me. “Those kinds of opportunities along with the ease of the show format and strong bonds you make at this show truly set it apart!”
Of those 225 buyers, we were lucky to also hear the perspective from one of US Foods’ own top dogs—a treat for a trade journalist such as myself.
“Once again, the SEPC provided a first-class show focused on the needs of the foodservice customer by providing educational and networking opportunities in a relaxed atmosphere!” Frank Swanson, US Foods’ Senior Manager Produce Operations, remarked.
We also tapped Nicole Hulstein, Food Lion’s Category Manager, to hear about the value she finds in this particular show.
"SEPC Southern Innovations continues to prove its relevance to the produce industry. The focus of organics, innovation, and foodservice trends provides the opportunity for continued dialogue of business needs of the current market and the market of tomorrow,” she explained.
It wasn’t all business throughout Southern Innovations—although we know that doing business and having fun is what the produce industry is all about! There was golfing and sporting clay fun to be had, of which several industry vets came out on top.
The winning golf team was comprised of Dug Schwalls, Brandon Parker, John Williams, and Tomas Gonzalez.
Sporting Clays:
1st - Mike Prather, Andy Garrett, Jon Schwalls, Robert James, Seab Temples
2nd - Jordan Kowalski, Spencer Ensley, John Baker, Brad Hansman, Jacqueline Soria
3rd - Quad Whitworth, BJ McCormick, Jimmy Alderman, Eric Frasse, Clark Roper
In addition to these awards, SEPC also handed out the Next Generation Award to Andrew Hare of Vertical Roots, for being an exemplary model of what a next-generation produce leader looks like.
So many exciting things, so little time! As always, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest details in everything produce industry related.
ORLANDO, FL - If you doubt that Disney is the happiest place on Earth, maybe it's because you didn't know it has some skin in the fruit and veg game. According to delish, Disney World features a futuristic greenhouse that’s available for guests’ viewing via the Living with the Land ride, an educational boat tour located in Future World. The ride highlights the history of farming in addition to a glimpse at agricultural advances that have yet to come.
Disney pitches the ride as such: "Discover a cornucopia of fruits and veggies from around the world—some modified to jaw-dropping effect." This is in reference to the customized Mickey Mouse-shaped pumpkins, nine-pound lemons, and other uniquely-grown items featured in the greenhouse.
Travel & Leisure, reports that Disney World also harbors a food lab where innovative studies are conducted. Furthermore, soil-less hydroponic and integrated pest management systems can be accessed via the “Behind the Seeds” tour, where guests can interact with animals, sample produce, and learn about growing techniques used at the park.
I don’t know about you guys, but my Mickey ears are already in the suitcase. The innovative agricultural practices at Disney World will no doubt contribute to the future of our industry. Stay with us at AndNowUKnow for the most magical produce concepts around.
WASHINGTON, DC - United Fresh announced yesterday that Representative Jim McGovern is slotted as Keynote Speaker for the Opening General Session Breakfast at this year’s annual Washington Conference. His speech will fall on the morning of Tuesday, September 17.
“As we gather our industry in DC to share our critical message on the importance of ensuring families and children have access to the fresh produce we supply, I can think of no more fitting advocate to keynote our kick-off breakfast,” said Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther. “Congressman McGovern is a fearless leader, fighting at every turn for strong school meal programs and access to nutritious foods for everyone.”
Representative McGovern was elected to Congress in 1996 and now serves as Chairman of the House Rules Committee. He is known as a steadfast Congressional leader in nutrition and hunger initiatives, as he founded the Food as Medicine Working Group in 2018 within the Congressional Hunger Caucus, and is a Senior Member of the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Nutrition and Oversight. He also is a member of the Specialty Crops Caucus.
The United Fresh Washington Conference will bring hundreds of produce industry leaders to DC from September 16-18, engaging them in strategic face-to-face dialogue with key members of Congress and top Regulatory Officials. For more information and to register, visit www.unitedfresh.org.
Follow along with ANUK as we continue turning over the latest news in the industry to you, our viewership.
EVANS, GA - Earth Fare, an organic grocer that seems to take some of its strategies out of the Trader Joe’s playbook, announced its latest Southern expansion in Evans, Georgia. The Augusta Chronicle reported that a sign variance approval alerted those sniffing around the grocery newswire—folks like me. This approval thus allows Earth Fare to begin developing a 21,000-square-foot grocery store. Although The Fresh Market was also in the running for this space, the deal fell through after the company closed more than a dozen stores.
The new store will have a competitor not too far from its doorstep, too. Metro Spirit noted that a Publix is just across the street.
The retailer’s press room has not yet issued a statement, and declined to comment on the current Evans store. However, The August Chronicle reported that artist renderings submitted to Columbia County officials shows that the new store will feature a newer, more urban concept design.
Marketing materials, the news source suggested, show that the new store will also place more emphasis on freshly-prepared items, inlcuding things like sandwiches, wraps, beverages, salads, and prepared foods. The specialty grocer will continue to lean into its natural foods association, bringing consumers foods that are free of artificial sugars and preservatives.
Where will Earth Fare head to next? Should other retailers—like Publix—be worried? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest.
NASHVILLE, TN - For those watching from afar, SEPC’s Southern Innovations Organics and Foodservice Expo is well underway over in Tennessee. The event brings associates from across the chain to network, educate, and enlighten on the latest that the produce industry has to offer. With convenience being sought out more than ever, I caught up with BrightFarms to get the scoop on what they have in store. Abby Prior, Vice President of Marketing, sat down with me to talk about what Southern Innovations means to BrightFarms.
“Southern Innovations is incredibly important for us,” Abby shares. “It’s exciting for us and the rest of the controlled-environment community that the industry is embracing us at events like this. Local is the new organic; the demand has always been there. BrightFarms is making it available to consumers on a year-round basis.”
So, what does BrightFarms plan on introducing to the masses? The company has sent Jack Holland, Key Account Manager, and Brian Jenny, VP of Sales, to unveil three new products at the event: Sunny Crunch, Spring Mix, and Crunchy Romaine. The packaged lettuce products are geared to launch BrightFarms into foodservice; the new varieties are all pre-cut, making it low labor for the foodservice industry, and have many culinary applications from salads to sandwiches.
“We’re a mission-driven company. We’re about the health of people and the planet,” Abby continues. “We provide more people with access to more locally-grown, nutritious, and fresher produce that makes them want to eat more of it. We’re bringing more opportunities for fresher, local eating experiences to more places in our consumers’ local communities.”
Grown both up and down the East Coast as well as in the Midwest, the hardy selections hold up beautifully in foodservice applications while also bringing local to the table. Stop by BrightFarms’ booth #214 to chat with Jack Holland and Brian Jenny to find out more about the latest selections and how they could benefit you.