ENCINO, CA - Gelson’s Markets, is bringing back a successful program to give fruit and veg growers, producers, and distributors a chance to have their products stocked in all 27 of the Southern California-based retailer’s locations. Known as “Gelson’s Local Discoveries,” the pitch event will be held at the Gelson’s distribution center in Santa Fe Springs, CA, on September 10, where 70 Center Store and 15 Fresh department product spots will be up for grabs.
"We are excited to invite local fresh purveyors and add them to our already popular local day,” Paul Kneeland, Executive Director for Fresh Operations, commented. “Some smaller- and medium-size local companies don't have the resources to come to market and we really love helping them! Looking forward to an exciting day and already have several local vendors signed up!”
According to Orange County Breeze, the event will be open to local vendors who operate within 50 miles of a Gelson’s store, which includes locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties. Between 8 am and 2 pm on the day of the event, each vendor will have no more than 25 minutes to pitch their products to senior Gelson’s buyers. The pitches should explain what makes the product special, including special attributes like organic, gluten free, vegan, etc., the news source reports. Winning vendors will not only gain shelf space in the retailer’s stores, but also have their products promoted by Gelson’s through in-store, online, and local media marketing.
The first Gelson’s Local Discoveries took place last year on June 6, and was enormously successful, giving several local vendors further access to consumers. Gelson’s has helped launch many local brands in the past, including Health-Ade Kombucha, Califa Farms, Chica’s Chips, Coolhaus Ice Cream, Groundwork Coffee, and BJ’s Brewhouse Beer.
“The response was so encouraging that we decided to make this a twice-annual event, and will likely hold them in the spring and fall next year,” commented John Bagan, Chief Merchandising Officer. “We look forward to meeting new entrepreneurs and are excited to be introduced to some terrific local discoveries to surprise and delight our customers.”
Which lucky vendors will stand out from the pack and earn a place in Gelson’s Markets stores across the lucrative region? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.
GLENVILLE, GA - Bland Farms® and Vidalia Brands® is looking to expand its reach in the Northeast region by hiring Sam Burleson. Burleson will lead the sales and marketing team as the new Northeast Sales Lead moving forward, bringing in over 30 years of experience with him.
“Sam brings a great perspective to Bland Farms,” said Delbert Bland, President. “He has a great eye for new business opportunities and an exceptional ability to develop and maintain good retailer relationships. We are excited to add Sam, a well-respected veteran, and his business and product development skill set to the team.”
According to the press release, Burleson will step in to lead client-grower relations while also playing a leadership role in how to continue to expand Bland’s strategic retailer partnerships from coast to coast. His diverse background will be pivotal to the Bland family team, specialising in performance-driven sales and marketing executive pioneering business strategies that increase product awareness, market share, and profitability. For 20 years, Burleson has known the Bland family both professionally and personally, so he’s practically already part of the family himself.
“I have admired Bland Farms and Vidalia Brands for many years, so I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of a premier sweet onion grower in the industry,” Burleson commented. “I look forward to creating new business opportunities and expanding our retailer relationships in the Northeast.”
Congratulations Burleson on your new adventure! Stay with ANUK for more on the latest hiring news.
SACRAMENTO, CA - As most of you know, our team at AndNowUKnow is also the creators of the fresh produce trade news print publication, The Snack Magazine. Due to heightened demand for a November presence in the mailboxes of our revered viewership, we have decided to launch a 9th issue to our annual eight-issue spread. Slated to drop for the month of November, this issue will focus on the culinary innovations of the top categories and companies across our industry as we hit that infamous, and might I say lucrative, holiday push.
From WTFs (What the Forks) and UP CLOSE pieces, to core features that will tap food trends and the arena of burgeoning culinary artistry, this issue will bring the industry’s most flavor-forward together for an issue that belongs in retailers’, foodservice operators’, and buyers’ kitchens along with their office coffee tables and bookshelves. The barrier to entry? The time you are wasting now ;)
Interested in getting involved: Give us a shout here.
One of our industry friends shared her excitement with us, so scroll below to see what she had to say...
Gabriela D’Arrigo, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, D’Arrigo New York
"The November Snack Issue comes at one of the best times of the year for produce because everyone is focused on food. Thanksgiving is the big kickoff for the holiday buying season and as distributors we look for tools to help us get our customers excited about not only the popular items, but the unconventional ones too. The WTF segment is a great catalyst for some of these unconventional produce items to get some great recognition."
The issue is filling up fast, my friends, hope to see you on the page for November and in the kitchen!
NEW YORK, NY - Am I one of the few people that stares at the Wegmans’ “Future Store Locations” page in the hopes of seeing new markets? I’m sure there are other consumers out there who do it, too, because the retailer is beloved by all. This week, though, I was able to get pumped for the shoppers of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, because Wegmans is planning to build out its store count in Brooklyn, New York, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
Both of these stores, according to the company’s website, are due to open soon. The store in Raleigh will open September 29, 2019; the Brooklyn store will open October 27, 2019.
In addition to those stores, there were other “Future Sites” listed, which included Greenville, Delaware; Annapolis and Rockville, Maryland; Middletown, New Jersey; Cary, Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest, North Carolina; Alexandria, Arcola, and Reston, Virginia; and Wisconsin Avenue, Washington D.C.
Wegmans noted on its website that thousands of people write in asking them to build a store near their hometown. So, if I write in a thousand letters, do you think they’ll come to California? Asking for a friend.
Continue to stick with AndNowUKnow on the latest in retail news.
MOLINE, IL - Deere & Company, more famously recognized by its brand John Deere, announced the promotion of John C. May to Chief Executive Officer as well as his appointment to the Board. May previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer, but will enter his role as CEO in early November. The company is best known by farmers and blue-collar workers as many of its products are made to till the land.
"John's record of success and proven leadership skills make him highly qualified to lead Deere and guide its success in the years ahead," Samuel R. Allen, Chairman and current Chief Executive Officer, said in a press release. "His experience in precision agriculture, information technology, and overseas operations will be instrumental in driving the company's digitalization journey and extending its success in agricultural and construction equipment."
Deere & Company plans for Allen to remain a Chairman of the Board of Directors when he steps down later this year. May joined the company in 1997, which came as a surprise to me since that’s the year I was born (talk about loyalty). In 2012, he joined the Senior Management Team as President and only went up from there. Just last year, he was named President of the Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, responsible for global harvesting, turf and utility, crop care platforms, and intelligent-solutions group in the Americas and Australia.
May’s long and weathered path to CEO is both inspiring and exciting for industry professionals of every variety. Under this new leadership, we at ANUK can’t wait to see how the company continues to impact produce production for years to come.
SALINAS, CA - We love a marketing agency specializing in the produce sector. We extra love when said agency is backed by a strong group of diverse individuals, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a business. That’s why we’re thrilled that Moxxy Marketing was recently certified as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA).
"This certification is a nice milestone for Moxxy and may create additional growth opportunities," said Karen Nardozza, President and CEO. "But I’m proud of our entire team. Our diversity empowers our collaborative environment. Everyone at Moxxy has a voice and we expect them to use it. We encourage all Moxxers to engage fully—men and women, junior- and senior-levels, and all ages and positions."
Qualifying for this certification is no easy feat. Companies must be 51 percent owned by women who are U.S. citizens and be directed and operated by women on the daily. In other words, the company must run on girl power! Founded by Nardozza in 2007, the business passed these requirements with flying colors.
Additional key leadership roles occupied by women include:
- Molly Briseño, who has worked with Nardozza in various capacities since 2005, is Moxxy’s Vice President responsible for operations and managing key accounts.
- Debbie Cintora, who has been with Moxxy for three years, rose quickly through the ranks from an entry-level account coordinator position she accepted upon graduating from college, to an accomplished account manager leading Moxxy’s largest client accounts and marketing campaigns.
"Karen has developed a unique environment at Moxxy, which has definitely influenced our service delivery and strong reputation," said Briseño. "Full participation by everyone on the team is an important part of our culture, and it contributes to the amazing work quality that has fueled our growth and expansion."
Moxxy headquarters are in Salinas, California, with satellite offices in Reno, Nevada, and Atlanta, Georgia. The company serves clients throughout the United States and has worked with companies in Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Congratulations to Moxxy Marketing on its incredible certification as a WOSB!
GLENMONT, NY - LEAD New York, a 34-year-old leadership program, has a new member in Matt Wells, New York Apple Sales’ (NYAS) Director of Field Services, Glenmont New York. This intensive program has inspired more than 500 graduates to take on leadership roles in various segments of food, agricultural, and natural resource industries in the Northeast.
According to a press release, Wells will be privy to seminars, workshops, and field travel experiences both in and out of New York State, including a week-long international study trip. Throughout the length of the program, participants will focus on leadership skill development, self-awareness, civic engagement, in addition to cultivating a greater understanding of rural issues and cultivating leadership networks.
Those who enter the program come with different levels of leadership experience and diverse backgrounds, but all of them share a desire to lead New York’s food, ag, and rural communities. Through LEAD New York, they will become immersed in the latest trends, issues, perceptions, and technological advancements in food and agriculture and get hands-on experience through facility tours and face-to-face meetings with influential figures.
Participants will gain leadership and communication skills including public speaking, meeting management, and effective listening while building valuable professional relationships. The program enhances an overall understanding of agriculture and our food system from production to consumption, allowing individuals to seek creative solutions to today’s problems and anticipate tomorrow’s needs.
Congratulations to Matt on this exciting opportunity!
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - I am a lover of potatoes; my favorite way to eat them is to cut them up into wedges, throw whatever seasonings I have at my disposal, pop them into the oven, and peek at them Great British Bake Off-style. Admittedly, the whole entire process takes me a good 30-50 minutes (depending on how many I make). Now that I’ve talked with Christa Wagner, Director of Advertising & Promotions for The Little Potato Company, I may have to buy some of these new Easy Sides products coming out. Man, she sure does her job well.
“Easy Sides is a super convenient product for consumers; our potatoes are pre-cooked and pre-seasoned. All you have to do is open them up, put them in a skillet, and you will get crispy potatoes in just seven minutes,” Christa tells me. “They’re super easy to eat, mom-friendly, weeknight-friendly, and great for anyone who is time-starved and is looking for no-stress dinner solutions.”
The Easy Sides line is available in Onion & Garlic, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Paprika & Bell Pepper, and Sweet Bell Pepper & Onion. Not only are the various flavors delicious, consumers can enjoy crispy potatoes straight from the skillet in a quicker fashion. But if time is really tight, you can have Little potatoes in five minutes with Microwave Ready Kits.
“The other new product we’re launching at PMA is an extension to our best-selling Microwave Ready line,” Christa continues. “These take five minutes, and we are adding a zesty new flavor, Lemon & Garden Herb, to our already popular family of products.”
In talking to Christa, The Little Potato Company has done a great deal of consumer research and better understands what consumers want. The company now has a variety of products to meet the needs of different consumers’ taste and cooking styles—any night of the week. If you’re itching to cook the old-fashioned way or you have any favorite recipe ideas to play with, the company’s Little Creamers, named for the naturally buttery taste and creamy texture, are available in 1.5- and 3-lb bags. They come pre-washed, making the fresh bagged Little potatoes a time saver in the kitchen. No matter how you enjoy them, The Little Potato Company's Creamers are bred to be small and easy to eat with the tasty and nutritious skin, so no peeling needed!
Along with the new Easy Sides and Microwave Ready Kits, the company also offers fresh, Oven/Grill Ready Kits in four flavors. For bigger gatherings this season, the 3 lb Holiday Blend of the Terrific Trio will be featured this Thanksgiving and Christmas.
If you’ll be attending PMA Fresh Summit this year, stop by booth #789 to find out more on what The Little Potato Company is up to. Stay tuned with AndNowUKnow as we cover the event in the months to come.
ROCKY MOUNT, NC - Last week North Carolina law enforcement shook down a produce perp during his attempted getaway. A deputy and sergeant spotted the thief’s vehicle stuck in the mud along with a bed full of allegedly stolen watermelons.
The abc affiliate, News Channel 12, reported that Edgecombe County Sheriffs were alerted to the crime when they received a call from a watermelon grower with suspicion of crop theft. When responders searched the scene, they came across a man’s pickup truck weighed down by watermelons in the middle of the field. Once Sheriffs discovered the dozens of melons, they charged and arrested the thief on the basis of misdemeanor larceny.
Thanks to Edgecombe County Sheriffs, another bounty of fruit was returned to safety despite the violent act carried out against it. Keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow to follow more produce heists.
DALLAS, TX - Kroger has had its eye on growth this year, and with growth comes the need for operational support. The grocer has teamed with Ocado to construct multiple fulfillment centers, with announced locations in Groveland, Florida; Forest Park, Georgia; and Monroe, Ohio. Kroger also partnered with Penske Logistics to build a distribution center in Michigan. Expanding its distribution footprint even further, Kroger has targeted Texas, announcing plans to open a new warehouse in Dallas.
The new facility will take up approximately 55 acres, and the retailer submitted its request to the Dallas City Council for $3.7 million in 10-year and five-year property and business personal property tax abatements, and $2 million from 2012 bond money designated for economic development in southern Dallas, for a total of $5.7 million, according to Dallas News.
"While we are still working through the approval process, we are excited about transforming the grocery retail landscape in the North Texas region," Kroger said in a statement.
The news source reports that the Dallas City Council voted unanimously to approve the $5.7 million request, estimating that the city will recoup most of the investment through sales taxes within the next five years.
The new facility is part of Kroger's larger expansion strategy to build 20 Ocado-powered distribution centers across the country—each one set to cost approximately $55 million.
Where will Kroger set its sights for its next facility? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.