BELDING, MI - In response to the growing popularity of the premium branded apple, Smitten® North America is moving into new territory; the brand announced the first-ever Midwestern harvest of Smitten apples this week.
“The growing popularity of this apple at retail has been impressive,” said Don Zornes, North America Marketing Director, in a press release. “Expanding production is a necessary and exciting response to meet that popularity.”
Developed in New Zealand by the Prevar Breeding program, Smitten is a blend of Gala, Braeburn, Fiesta, and Falstaff.
“We fell in love with this apple many years ago and are thrilled to join New Zealand and Washington in producing this extraordinary apple,” said Chris Sandwick, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BelleHarvest—the Midwest licensee for Smitten apples, who will begin marketing the first Michigan-grown Smitten apples in the coming weeks. “We believe it has the eating quality to please even the most cynical snacker.”
According to the company’s press release, the apple variety boasts outstanding flavor and exceptional crunch.
“We’ve only had enough so far to feed friends and family,” added Tony Blattner, President of BelleHarvest and grower of Smitten apples. “Now we have the chance to share this exceptional apple with our retail partners, as well.”
For more on exciting developments and new offerings in our industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - Dollar General is trying to keep up with the ever-evolving retail chain by recruiting 7,000 new employees—from store managers and assistant store managers to lead sales associates and part- and full-time sales associates, the company is seeking to fill roles to support its retail store operations. In addition to the positions already mentioned, Dollar General is looking for district managers and regional directors.
“Dollar General is proud of its strong track record of supporting the growth and development of our approximately 134,000 employees across our organization,” said Bob Ravener, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. “We continue to make significant investments in employee programs focused on development and benefits. As a rapidly-growing company that has built more than 6,000 new stores and created approximately 50,000 net new jobs in the past decade alone, we believe we provide our employees with a wide range of exciting opportunities to advance within the Company. We look forward to welcoming new candidates to the Dollar General team and helping them achieve their career ambitions.”
According to a press release, now through Sunday, September 23, the company’s stores, spread out throughout 44 states, will interview candidates applying for a position at the energetic, innovative, diverse, and teamwork-driven locations. Hiring information can be found online.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY - LGS Specialty Sales is gearing up for fall festivities by announcing the debut of its new food and lifestyle blog Darling Dish, which offers recipe inspiration and information for items like Darling® Citrus, Suavo Avocado®, and Tiny Tim’s®.
“The blog is an opportunity for us to share our unique story and relationship with farmers around the world,” said President and Founder Luke Sears. “We want to extend the invitation for people to see a behind-the-scenes view of our company's culture and growing operations to cultivate a greater relationship and connect readers to stories from our groves abroad.”
Darling Dish will post recipes and lifestyle content once a week that not only take readers through the groves that grow the flavorful fruits of LGS, but also provide readers sneak peeks at upcoming promotions, new products, and more.
In addition, LGS is also kicking off its first sweepstakes, Squeeze the Day, which will run September through October and will encourage shopper brand advocacy, provide resources to local non-profits, and increase citrus sales. Those who enter will have a chance to win a $500 Visa gift card plus the opportunity to gift $500 to one of four pre-selected charities: Brighter Bites, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Hope Community Service, and Susan G. Komen.
In a press release, LGS notes that it is looking forward to giving back to its loyal shoppers in addition to organizations that align with its core value of fighting hunger and food waste and providing aid to those in need.
Now through December, LGS will also be sending shipments of fresh clementines to classrooms across the U.S. as a means to continue its commitment to support healthy communities. Each month, shoppers can go online and fill out a form for a chance to enter the Clementines For Your Classroom promotion to win two 5 lbs boxes of Darling Clementines®.
For additional information, please visit www.lgssales.com, or follow Darling Clementines’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional recipe inspiration. For more of the latest fresh fruit and veg news, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
WESTLAKE, CA - Dole Food Company has reportedly decided to part ways with its headquarters—at least ownership of its headquarters. The company has reportedly sold its 168,00-square-foot home, located at One Dole Drive in Westlake Village, California, to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for $50 million.
According to a report by the Commercial Observer, One Dole Drive has served as Dole’s home base for more than 20 years. The Hilton Foundation was previously a short-term tenant at the property, and the organization will also continue to own and operate a LEED platinum-certified property just two miles away from the Westlake campus.
Dole will continue to occupy a portion of the campus, presumably as a tenant of the Hilton Foundation.
An unnamed spokesperson for Dole confirmed the sale to the Commercial Observer, stating: “we are very happy the building will be in good hands moving forward.”
Dole’s representative in the transaction, CBRE, issued a statement on the transaction.
“One Dole Drive is a truly unique property,” Mike Longo, CBRE’s Vice President, said. “There is nothing like it in the entire market. Dole Foods has been a great contributor and employer in the City of Westlake. It’s exciting to see that this property will be handed-off to such a distinguished family with an exceptional philanthropic mission.”
No reports have been forthcoming about Dole’s relocation plans—nor its plans to reinvest the proceeds of the sale.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN & ST. LOUIS, MO - SuperValu and Schnuck Markets have announced a new deal, in which the former has agreed to sell 19 of its 36 Shop ‘n Save stores to the latter. By the end of October, each of the 19 stores, many of which are located in the St. Louis, MO, market, will be closed and ready to make their Schnucks-owned debut. As part of the acquisition, Schnucks has agreed to allow SuperValu to serve as the primary supplier for nine of its existing stores located across northern Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
“Since announcing plans to pursue the sale of our Shop ‘n Save banner earlier this Spring, the team has worked diligently and successfully to put this agreement together,” said Mark Gross, SuperValu’s President and CEO. “This transaction is an important step in the continued transformation of our business. Schnucks is an excellent retailer in the St. Louis area, and we’re pleased that these stores will become a part of their operation, including continuing to serve the communities and providing jobs to many of our employees.”
After this acquisition, 17 Shop ‘n Save stores will remain, however, SuperValu noted that if an additional buyer or buyers cannot be found “in the near term,” the stores will be closed later this year. SuperValu’s St. Louis Distribution Center is also expected to close later this year, as it predominantly serves Shop ‘n Save stores.
A complete list of stores, pharmacies, and fuel centers to be sold to Schnucks under this agreement can be found here.
MURRIETA, CA - On the heels of announcing three new organic avocado brands earlier this year, West Pak was more than ready to hit the ground running at Southern Innovations Organics and Foodservice Expo. From September 6th through 8th at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the organic-focused retail produce event served as the perfect background for all the new products West Pak brought to the table.
“Organics are a rapidly expanding market, so it makes sense that West Pak’s new brands have been well-received by the organic community,” said Eastern Regional Sales Manager Scott Ross, who was exhibiting at Southern Innovations for West Pak Avocado. “Our conventional bagged avocado marketing and sales program is off to a great start, and the organic versions have taken our overall retail offerings to new heights.”
West Pak first unveiled its new retail lines of bagged organic avocados at Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, California, in July. The lines, which are the first branded organic retail offerings for the company, include I Love Avocados Organic, California Gold Organic, and LiL’Cados Organic.
The I Love Avocados Organic line was created to inspiring health-minded people to live a life of wellness, while the California Gold Organic brand presents local-grove avocado goodness from the Golden State. LiL’Cados Organic offer single-serving avocados and appeal to the growing mini-fruit market.
West Pak has become a fully certified and operational organic packing house, according to a press release. The company complies with all organic production and handling requirements, even performing self-audits to ensure that it meets or exceeds all National Organic Program organic guidelines.
And that’s not the last major launch for West Pak this year. The conventional version of LiL’Cados, as well as Viva Avocados, will officially debut at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit in Orlando on October 18-20, 2018, and the California Gold brand will follow in early 2019.
For more on major product launches and innovation in the produce industry, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest.
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Last month, the Tom Lange Family of Companies had much to celebrate; the company celebrated the careers of three retiring veteran employees and welcomed four fresh faces into leadership roles.
In Atlanta, the company celebrated the storied 42-year career of Eric Hoffmann, bidding the Vice President of Sales and Board Member farewell will welcoming long-time employee Chase Tatham into the vacated VP role.
Eric started his career in Indianapolis and transferred to Atlanta in 1982 to expand the Tom Lange presence and was instrumental in building the Atlanta team. He will remain on the Tom Lange Company Board of Directors.
Trevor Powell was also promoted to Vice President of Sales for Lange Logistics, operating out of the company’s Atlanta office.
In the company’s Indianapolis office, Rick Harsnett, Vice President of Sales, retired from the Company after 39 years. According to the company’s press release, Rick joined the Indianapolis office in 1979, and under his leadership and direction, the Indianapolis office has grown and prospered.
John Caito, a 21 years plus veteran of the company, has been promoted to Vice President of Sales for the Indianapolis office.
Steve Holdren was promoted from Sales Manager to Vice President of Sales for the company’s Chicago office.
And, in Houston, Barry Rutherford, Account Manager, retired from the Company after 34 years. The company noted that Barry built a reputation based on excellent service and noted that the Houston office will continue his legacy.
“I want to personally thank Eric, Rick, and Barry for all they have accomplished in their distinguished careers,” said President Greg Reinauer. “Your contributions have been instrumental in growing this company and preparing us for the future. This is a very exciting time for our company as we promote four exceptional associates to the role of Vice President. Congratulations to Chase, Trevor, John, and Steve on the next jump in your careers. Your drive and proven leadership will continue to push us to the next level.”
Chairman and CEO Rock Gumpert expressed similar sentiments.
“It seems like only yesterday that Eric and Rick came to work in the Indy office,” said Rock. “Their feisty and fun-loving nature meant there was never a dull moment. The friendship and loyalty of both men has been a gift and an honor. I would like to personally thank each for their tireless contributions to the company.”
Rock also recalled meeting Barry for the first time, saying: “I call him the quiet man because of his calm and dedicated service to the company, his customers, his family, his community, his church, and anyone in need. He is truly one of the great guys! Good luck and enjoy your retirement Eric, Rick and Barry.”
From all of us at ANUK, sincere congratulations to Eric, Rick, and Barry on your retirement—and to Chase, Trevor, John, and Steve on the new roles!
ROSEMONT, IL - Every year, US Foods takes stock of its more than 3,000 suppliers, choosing just a four special partners to recognize. For 2018, one of our produce industry own made the top of the list and will be honored at US Foods’ Fall Food Lovers Forum in Chicago: Mann Packing. The Salinas, California-based company was chosen for the annual Produce Award based on its full pipeline of great products and continuous support of US Foods, whether on-the-ground at the local level or when providing strategic logistics solutions.
“These exemplary vendor partners go above and beyond to help us provide the highest quality products and business solutions to our more than 250,000 customers across the U.S.,” said Andrew Iacobucci, the foodservice company’s Chief Merchandising Officer. “We’re proud to work with such outstanding organizations who share our customer focus, commitment to innovation, and cultural beliefs. Congratulations to the winning companies for setting the standard for quality and excellence in our industry.”
Each category had five nominees that were selected based on their impressive partnerships with US Foods throughout the year, according to a press release, then rated on criteria such as innovation and product quality, support and collaboration, and exemplifying US Foods cultural beliefs and goals. Winners were selected by the US Foods field leadership team and merchandising and sales employees who interact with these suppliers on a daily basis.
In addition to Mann Packing, companies honored include:
Center-of-the-Plate and Supplier of the Year Awards:
Trident Seafoods has been a valued partner to US Foods for decades and truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader in the protein industry. Its sustainability-driven mission is commendable and it’s complemented by a commitment to its partners’ success.
Grocery Award:
Sugar Foods Corporation consistently delivers high quality products that play a significant role in an operator’s menu. It continuously deliver reliable service in this highly collaborative partnership. Sugar Foods raises the bar every year to provide a competitive and “Easy” advantage for US Foods’ business.
Non-Foods:
ProGuard Service and Solutions partners with US Foods throughout all areas of the organization to provide best-in-class cleaning and sanitizing products. It is always one step ahead in responding to the ever-changing needs of customers in this specialty area.
Congratulations to Mann Packing and the three other companies honored by US Foods. Here's to another year of excellence!
FELLSMERE, FL - After investing much of this year to undertake a complete packaging redesign, B&W Quality Growers is ready to unveil its new look. It all came to down to leveraging the company’s strengths—exceptional quality, highly nutritious and unique products, and nearly 150 years of experience—to make a personal connection with consumers.
“Our goal in modernizing the packaging was to showcase our key differentiators in a simple, yet compelling way,” shared Todd Gosule, EVP of Sales and Marketing.
The new packaging has prominent product names, informative flavor descriptors, and recipe images that make the bags visually appealing to consumers. B&W’s tagline “Exceptional Quality. Distinctive Flavor.” surrounds its logo, connecting the brand with a first-rate culinary experience. These, along with adding a “Since 1870” establishment date and a new, modernized white woodgrain background, provide a distinctive and artisan feel that balances modernity and tradition.
Alongside these elements, B&W will continue to proudly display the logo of Family Reach, a valued corporate partner dedicated to alleviating the financial burden of cancer for families across the country.
“We believe it was important to incorporate the Family Reach logo because their honorable mission resonates with B&W’s family-centric values,” said Gosule.
CEO Mark DeLeo also commented on the new branding, having noted, “The quality and flavor of our baby leaves speak for themselves, which, combined with B&W’s authenticity, honesty, and a consumer-centric approach, set us apart as a brand.”
For more on innovative branding and new marketing achievements in fresh produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Autumn is the perect time for sugar and spice and all things nice! And with Giumarra Companies latest addition to its retail lineup, retailers and consumers alike are getting to tap into a new festive treat. Beginning mid-October, Giumarra is bringing its new, proprietary persimmon variety, Sugar & Spice™, to market.
“We sampled Sugar & Spice last fall with a select group of customers, and the response to the flavor was overwhelmingly positive,” said Giumarra Reedley’s Director of Sales Jeannine Martin. “It is high Brix, with unique notes of fall baking spices and a touch of vanilla. Its texture is similar to a crunchy Fuyu. A creamier texture occurs when additional ripening happens at home, much like an avocado’s transitional ripening process.”
Shaped like a traditional Hachiya persimmon but with a ready-to-eat texture Fuyu fans will recognize, the new Sugar & Spice variety is bolstering Giumarra’s fall persimmon program, which also includes the aforementioned varieties. Sugar & Spice is also grown in the San Joaquin Valley in California, expanding Giumarra’s California-grown program.
“We look forward to expanding our growing persimmon category with this proprietary new variety perfect for fall celebrations,” said Kellee Harris, Western Region Business Director. “Sugar & Spice is locally-grown in California and packed with nutritional value. It lends a burst of color and flavor to salads and desserts.”
According to a press release, Giumarra is packing the Sugar & Spice in a one-layer tray pack with PLU #4427 (or a retailer-assigned PLU) or a larger 8-10-piece consumer pack with UPC.
“With the addition of Sugar & Spice and an overall increase in our persimmon program, Giumarra is now the largest supplier of California persimmons in the U.S.,” added Harris. “Our Fuyu persimmons just started shipping and our total persimmon program will conclude in December.”
For more on fall varieties retailers should keep their eyes on, keep reading AndNowUKnow.