PHOENIX, AZ - Sprouts Farmers Market is celebrating growth in several forms as it looks back on a successful quarter with the release of its 13-week third-quarter financial report. For the period ending September 29, 2024, the retail chain reported an increase in net sales, reaching $1.9 billion for the quarter.

"The third quarter was another exceptional performance by our Sprouts team," said Jack Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer. "We are driving robust traffic growth and continue to execute at a very high level. We remain confident in our long-term growth potential."

Sprouts shared several other highlights in the report, including comparable store sales growth of 8 percent. Also strengthening its third quarter performance was the opening of nine new stores, bringing the retailer’s total footprint to 428 stores in 23 states.

As the company looks toward Q4, Sprouts has forecasted comparable store sales growth of 8 to 10 percent, according to a press release. For the full year, the retailer’s outlook includes approximately 12 percent net sales growth, approximately 7 percent comparable store sales growth, and 33 new stores.

For a deeper look at the company’s Q3 performance, click here.

And be on the lookout for more retail updates from ANUK.

WASHINGTON, DC - The annual White House Halloween festivities, hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, will include thousands of pumpkins, apples, baby carrots, and vibrant mums, proudly provided by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). As part of the White House “Hallo-READ!” event, more than 8,000 local public school students and military-connected children will gather on the White House South Lawn for an exciting afternoon of trick-or-treating.

“IFPA is honored to take part in the cherished tradition of Halloween at the White House. This celebration is a fantastic opportunity to showcase fresh, healthy treats and highlight the abundance of U.S. grown produce by our member companies,” said Cathy Burns, Chief Executive Officer. “Featuring fresh produce in our nation’s capital underscores the vital role the produce industry plays in every community and is central to our mission to remove barriers to healthful eating by expanding access to fresh produce wherever children live, learn, and play. The White House provides a perfect setting to advance this goal, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this joyful event.”

A press release shared IFPA’s support, including Sarah’s Homegrown® Heirloom, Jack O’Lantern and mini pumpkins from Frey Farms, whole apples from Yes! Apples, snack-sized bags of baby carrots from Grimmway Farms, and vibrant mums from Metrolina Greenhouses to add fresh floral décor throughout the South Lawn. Keany Produce & Gourmet is providing wholesale-distributor services for IFPA’s fresh produce donations.

“From the White House to your house, and every household in between, our industry is at the table providing nourishment and wellness with healthy food and beautiful flowers,” Burns added. “We are proud to collaborate with DC Central Kitchen to serve our D.C. neighbors delicious holiday meals while ensuring none of our beautiful products go to waste.”

After the White House event, IFPA will donate Frey Farms pumpkins to DC Central Kitchen, a renowned nonprofit and social enterprise. These pumpkins will be used in holiday meals distributed to the local community.

More thematic holiday reporting is ahead, so keep a tab open for ANUK.

HOUSTON, TX - Do you need a new sweatshirt to cuddle up in this winter? How about a ballcap for the rain? Brighter Bites might have just what you are looking for with its latest online launch. The nonprofit organization recently released several new items on its storefront to help raise awareness about its mission.

“We are happy to offer this selection of branded items to our supporters,” said Lindsay Jenkins, Director of Development. “We think it is such a fun way to raise awareness of our mission wherever you are!”

Brighter Bites opened the online storefront in hopes of further spreading its mission to bring fresh produce and nutrition education to families in need. According to a press release, all of the proceeds from the store go directly toward helping to create communities of health through fresh food with the goal of changing behavior among children and their families to achieve long-term health.

“With the holidays around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your hands on some Brighter Bites gear,” said Jenkins. “From aprons and hats to shirts, hoodies, and more, we have something for everyone to wear and show that they are a part of a movement encouraging healthier habits among all.”

To purchase items from the Brighter Bites storefront, click here.

Industry news never stops, so stick with us at ANUK.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - We are deeply saddened to report the news that Craig Hope, Chief Executive Officer of AC Foods, has passed away after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Hope’s remarkable journey through the food and agriculture industries, from E&J Gallo and Kraft Foods/Nabisco to Earthbound Farms and Country Fresh, before his role as CEO and Director of Diamond Foods, and recent post as CEO of AC Foods, has left an indelible mark on each organization and individual he touched.

“Craig was more than a colleague; he was a key pillar in the foundation of our community. His unwavering passion, commitment, and loyalty inspired all of us,” Rob Hurlbut, Managing Director at Agriculture Capital, shared. “His leadership and profound understanding of the agricultural sector have indelibly shaped our company. He will be sorely missed, not only as a leader but as a dear friend.”

Hope’s love for his family, including his wife Jan and his beloved children, Nicole and Brad, are foundational to his legacy, we learned from a press release. In honoring his memory, his wife has suggested that Hope’s community make donations in his honor to charities close to their hearts, in lieu of flowers.

“The depth of knowledge and network Craig brought to AC Foods was immense,” Scott Owens, President and General Manager of Citrus at AC Foods, added. “His influence extended far beyond our company, touching everyone he worked with. His loss amplifies the void he leaves behind in both our hearts and the industry.”

Roger Smith, Senior Vice President of Nursery and Genetics/Operational Services at AC Foods, also highlighted Hope’s humane leadership.

“Craig’s belief in family was at the core of his leadership. He nurtured a family within our company culture that made us stronger and more united. His legacy of kindness and integrity will continue to guide us,” Smith said.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. Augustine Catholic Church. The memorial service will be followed by a funeral reception at The Club at Ruby Hill.

Our deepest condolences go out to all those who knew and loved this industry great.

REEDLEY, CA - Get ready to add a pop of bold color to your produce floor! Organic and conventional citrus will infuse brightness on even the gloomiest days this winter, because bringing some sunshine to your customers’ carts this domestic season is Fruit World’s citrus.

“My family’s heirloom Washington Navel ranch, which has been in our family for three generations, is now certified organic after three years of conversion. We are excited to bring these super sweet oranges to retailers seeking organic citrus,” said Bianca Kaprielian, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “On top of the heirloom Washingtons, we also have high-brix Fisher and Atwood Navels that are sure to be a crowd pleaser and boost repeat sales.”

Known for unbeatable flavor and bold packaging, Fruit World’s citrus lineup includes organic and conventional Mandarins, organic Navel, Cara Cara, and Blood oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and Minneolas. Fruit World's organic lemons, sweet limes, grapefruit, and Navel oranges—including newly certified organic Washington Navels—are ready to outshine the season’s gray skies with a big, bright dose of California sunshine.

This season, Fruit World is also introducing new specialty items, including organic Mandarinquats, Limequats, and Buddha’s Hand citron.

“At our core, we understand the importance of keeping family farms thriving for future
generations,” added Kaprielian. “That’s why we work so hard to care for our grower partners and keep our land healthy. We’re proud of our EFI certification because it reflects the commitment and care we take in our business.”

Fruit World’s winter citrus program offers a wide range of organic and conventional varieties shipping throughout the season. Organic lemons and sweet limes are available now, with organic grapefruit, Navel oranges, and Mandarins starting in mid-November. Minneolas and Buddha’s Hand will follow in early December, while specialty varieties like Cara Caras, Blood oranges, Mandarinquats, and Limequats will round out the season from January through March, a press release explained.

Load up your shelves with these standout selections through spring!

SANTA PAULA, CA - Avocado imagery seems to be everywhere these days. As the category continues to increase in consumer popularity, I began to wonder about the current state of the market as we enter squarely into autumn. My curiosity brought me to an expert in the avocado market, Peter Shore, Vice President of Product Management at Calavo. I asked Shore a few questions that got down to the nuts and bolts of the avocado market, including variety, sizing, and prices. Here's what he had to share.

“Hass avocados are being harvested and shipped from Mexico, with lighter volumes arriving from Colombia as well,” Shore informs me.

If this were summertime, harvest would be coming from Calavo’s California operation, but since it is currently the fall, international varieties are shipping.

I also asked about how last season and this season compare, as well as pricing and demand. I know there’s demand in my kitchen, but what does the big picture look like for shoppers?

“The seasons are similar,” Shore explains. “Size curve is trending toward small sizes, with good supplies of 60s, 70s, and 84s coming out of Mexico. We are limited on 40s and larger and expect the size curve to gradually increase through November and into December.”

Shore went on to discuss where promotional prices are available, noting that promotional prices are available on 60s and smaller—an excellent size for bagging.

Consumers across generations are picking up avocados from the grocer on a regular basis. Calavo is certainly prepared to meet this demand with a variety of Hass avocado sizes, packaging options including bagging, and year-round supply both domestic and international.

So next time you’re planogramming avocados, consider what shoppers are imagining; a fresh produce item for certain, but a current cultural icon as well.