WASHINGTON, DC - Sarah Grady—U.S. Strategic Supply Chain Manager at McDonald’s Corporation for Produce, Fruit, Potato, & Beverage categories—has been appointed to the United Fresh Produce Association’s Board of Directors by Chairwoman Cindy Jewell.
Grady is stepping into her new position with the Association as Shannon Mikulskis with Chik-fil-A exits the Board. Mikulskis shared that she and the Chik-fil-A team will continue to support United Fresh’s work moving forward.
“We appreciate Shannon’s service on the United Board, and congratulate Sarah on her new appointment to the Board,” Jewell expressed. “McDonald’s has been a long-time supporter of United, and we appreciate the company’s commitment to providing great-tasting, high-quality, fresh produce to consumers at their restaurants across the world.”
Grady will step into the Vice Chairman role of the Retail-Foodservice Board at United Fresh, a Board of which she is a current member.
In her current role with McDonald’s, Grady focuses on strengthening strategic partnerships between the corporation’s produce and fruit suppliers along with other companies throughout the industry in an effort to find resolutions for important issues impacting the produce and fruit supply chains.
Prior to her career and endeavors, Grady received her Bachelor’s degree in economics from Knox College and an MBA from Kellstadt School of Business at DePaul University. In addition to her participation on United Fresh’s Board, Grady is a board member of the Illinois Medical District Guesthouse Foundation.
Congratulations to both Sarah Grady and the United Fresh Produce Association’s Board of Directors on this exciting addition to the organization!
LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA - LIV Organic Produce is making moves to build its sales team and grow its profile in the landscape of organic produce. The grower partnership, launched earlier this year, has added Carrie Briones to its team—in order to oversee sales and grower relations. Carrie brings nearly two decades of produce experience to her new role—building out the burgeoning company’s citrus program.
“Having our relationships with many families and multi-generational growers, over decades of service, has given us a tremendous start in achieving our goal—to continue to help them establish, maintain and leverage a stable spot in the supply chain,” Carrie said. “We are here to be long term partners, but we also understand we need to show results sooner than later. There’s an immediate need for these established family farms to have a presence and some level of security in the changing marketplace.”
Carrie began her career as a coordinator at Riverside Arlington Heights Fruit Exchange—a Sunkist-affiliated exchange—at the age of 20. She has, since then, accrued 17 years’ experience in the produce industry—including 15 years in sales and 12 years working with organic commodities.
LIV Organic Produce’s inaugural citrus season is currently heating up, Carrie tells me, and customers can look forward to a strong season—with year-round supply of a citrus staple and good supply coming in a variety of key citrus categories.
“We currently have year round lemon supply and a good season coming on for California-grown minneolas, navels, and grapefruit—with packaging to fit retailer’s needs.
We at AndNowUKnow congratulate Carrie on her new role and the entire LIV Organic Team on an auspicious start to the season and to the company. Stick with us for more fresh produce news.
PROVIDENCE, RI - Earlier this year, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) announced it was acquiring SuperValu for $2.9 billion a day before its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended July 28, 2018. This week, UNFI reported its financial results from that time period, noting growth across the board and plans to continue that upward momentum through the 2018 calendar year.
“We are on track to close the SuperValu transaction in the fourth quarter of calendar 2018, and our teams are hard at work planning for the integration to capture the significant synergies and strategic benefits of this transformative combination, positioning our company for growth and value creation,” said Chairman and CEO Steven Spinner.
UNFI also announnced in its earnings conference call that it has appointed Sean Griffin as the new SuperValu CEO.
"We have a robust plan and team in place, and we're delighted that Sean Griffin is energized to lead this effort as the incoming CEO of SuperValu," said Spinner in the conference call. "Sean has more than 30 years of industry experience, and with him at the helm, we have a high degree of confidence that we'll be able to capitalize on the synergy opportunities and realize the full potential of this transformative combination."
According to a press release, the company’s fourth quarter fiscal 2018 results included the following:
- Supermarkets net sales of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 were $707 million, a 1.1 percent year-over-year growth compared to fourth quarter sales of fiscal 2017 of $699 million
- Gross margin for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 was 14.50%, a decrease of 125 basis points from 15.75% for the same period last year
- Operating expenses increased $19.1 million, to $326.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to $307.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017
- Operating income decreased $11.7 million to $49.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to $61.5 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017
- Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased 15.6%, or $6.1 million, to $32.8 million from $38.9 million, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017
“We continued to deliver solid top-line growth across our customer channels, demonstrating sustained strong demand for UNFI’s product assortment and services. On the bottom-line, our results reflected the impact of customer mix shift and higher than anticipated freight costs, while improvement in our working capital has resulted in record free cash flow for the quarter,” Spinner said about the company’s financial report.
For more information regarding the pending SuperValu acquisition, set to close in the fourth quarter of the 2018 calendar year, and UNFI’s financial report, click here.
For more fresh produce and grocery retail news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
MURIETTA, CA - It’s no secret: avocados have taken over the world. Or at least, the world’s taste buds. Those at West Pak Avocado recognize this, as the company announced its continued export growth for 2018, and forecasts additional progress with global markets for 2019.
Having recently returned from Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, the avocado supplier experienced a marked increase in commitments with existing and new customers. The company noted that it has seen exponential growth in its export program over the last two years in traditional markets such as Japan and Canada, along with new emerging markets such as the Middle East, Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries.
"The popularity of avocados is increasing across the globe thanks to education efforts to help people realize the benefits of green fruit,” said Vice President of Global Sourcing and International Business Development Kellen Newhouse. “Also, avocados as a whole have been deemed a wholesome part of a healthy lifestyle, and more people want to be a part of it. As the popularity of avocados continues to expand, West Pak will do its part to supply the tremendous demand.”
According to a press release, West Pak has expanded its presence across Asia, into China, Singapore, Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia. West Pak’s I Love Avocados™ brand of bagged avocados has also been placed into retailers throughout Singapore and Dubai.
“The growth of our export program has been pretty robust over the past few years. In addition to our dedication to supplying the best possible avocados and building strong long-term client relationships, I attribute our success with exports to the way that we manage things. We run West Pak differently than other companies and our export customers appreciate it. When they have a request, we make a decision and respond to them right away—whether it’s a price, a response to a price, or even marketing or other support. They are not waiting for a communication chain. Because of that speed and our attention to detail, business has been very good for us,” Newhouse added.
To meet the global demand for avocados, West Pak has tapped its mastery of transportation logistics, ripening technology, and marketing expertise. The company has increased production with local growers and processing facilities in the U.S. and Mexico, with additional sourcing from Chile and Peru. The idea is to supply year-round options for avocados to customers around the world.
“Looking ahead, we forecast continued growth into 2019 with increased avocado orders in existing territories,” he concluded. “The world is falling in love with avocados, and we will see growth in traditional export markets as well as new ones for the foreseeable future.”
For the latest in fresh produce buzz, keep reading here at AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - At the upcoming Monterey County Sustainability Working Group (MCSWG), recycling issues plaguing the industry—including China’s closed doors to recycling imports from the U.S. that has, consequently, led to an impending crisis for recyclers in the ag industry—will be addressed. The event is set to take place on September 27th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CSUMB at Salinas City Center in Downtown Salinas; an RSVP is required to attend.
“This meeting is intended to be informative, start the conversation, inspire collaboration, and support this industries efforts in taking a proactive approach to finding solutions to the growing recycling crisis,” said Nikki Rodoni, Founder and CEO, Measure to Improve. “No one company or industry alone is going to solve this issue. It's going to take partnerships, investments, creative thinking, and most importantly, collaboration up and down the supply chain.”
Monterey County’s agriculture sector is one of the most productive in the world and a major economic force for the region. With that being said, growers, processors, and shippers will see big financial hits to dispose materials that have been traditionally recycled because the County will be without a recycling solution for a large percentage of the materials (waste) it generates, according to a press release.
China’s National Sword is a strict policy that restricts the amount of contamination allowed in a shipment of recyclable materials and has banned other materials outright. This has, therefore, resulted in a disruption in recycling operations at regional and local levels, and the new higher standards pack on more labor and resources in the U.S. to prevent bales of mixed paper and plastics from being landfilled, the press release conveys. As a result, there has been a decline in recycling revenues, a strain in the economic viability for current recycling operations.
“The produce industry is always responding to the changes in conditions under which they operate, and always looking for ways to improve their processes. It is how the industry succeeds. Now, more than ever, we need to develop new partnerships and ways to manage plastic waste. The MCSWG meeting will provide a great beginning to the conversation,” Agriculture Commissioner for Monterey County Henry S. Gonzales shared.
The MCSWG’s meeting will dive into the urgent issue. New and innovative solutions are needed for the agriculture industry or else the region will struggle to reach recycling goals and be met with mounting costs, the organization shares in the release. The MCSWG meeting will offer a platform for stakeholders to gather insight from each other as they look for solutions, reframing the future of recycling for the fresh produce industry, among others, in Monterey County.
“The produce industry is tremendously resilient and has overcome many past challenges. Today, we are confronted with a new challenge: recycling ag-related plastics. To overcome this challenge, the Monterey County Sustainability Working Group meeting will present an opportunity to prepare and position the industry for long-term success,” President of Grower-Shipper Association of Central California Jim Bogart explained.
Almost 100 attendees are expected to turn out for the meeting to provide a voice for their companies based in the Central Coast region.
Speakers include the following:
- Teresa Bui, Special Advisor to the Director of CalRecycle
- Tim Brownell, Director of Operations for Monterey Regional Waste Management District
- Louis Vasquez, Director of Corporate Development for Revolution Plastics
- Marcy Rustad, Chief Operating Officer for Think Beyond Plastic
Those wanting to RSVP can visit the Eventbrite page here. The password is “Recycling.”
“Monterey County Farm Bureau supports recycling of farm waste, particularly plastics, and works to find solutions for our members. The Future of Recycling event will help members to become more aware of their waste stream and how they can improve the environment around their fields,” said Norm Groot, Executive Director of Farm Bureau of Monterey County.
For more fresh produce news and the inside scoop on how industry professionals are working to improve business, check back with us at AndNowUKnow!
CHESAPEAKE, VA - As college students return to their campuses this fall, Dollar Tree associates might soon be making their way to a campus all their own. As part of its continuing integration of Family Dollar, Dollar Tree is consolidating its support centers in Matthews, North Carolina, and Chesapeake, Virginia, to a newly completed corporate campus in Chesapeake.
“Leadership from both banners has continued to work together to integrate our two organizations and invest in future growth,” said Gary Philbin, Dollar Tree's CEO, in a statement. “The completion of our expanded headquarters in Virginia will facilitate the most important phase of the integration."
A company press release relays that Family Dollar will close its Matthews, NC, headquarters following the consolidation, while the Matthews distribution center will remain open. The new centralized support center is expected to be completed by the fall of 2019—approximately 700 associates will be offered an opportunity to relocate to the new center when it opens.
Dollar Tree Officials said the move to bring the two teams together will improve and streamline the company’s ability to support its stores more effectively via enhanced collaboration, communication, and teamwork.
“Our new 12-story, 510,000-square-foot office tower represents the anchor of a dynamic campus environment serving the needs of our associates," said Bob Sasser, Dollar Tree's Executive Chairman. "We are eager to welcome all associates relocating to the Chesapeake area to participate in, and benefit from, the company's next phase of growth."
Will this corporate campus work in the discount chain’s favor? AndNowUKnow will keeps its eyes peeled for the latest.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Some of my favorite hues to wash over fall’s sunsets are purples. The beautiful color transitions seamlessly from breezy porch-lit chats with friends and family to the holiday spreads enjoyed by all, and Frieda’s Specialty Produce is celebrating the craving for purple with the new crop of Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes, which will ship in September—just in time for the holiday ad planning and pre-book.
“Our Stokes Purple sweet potatoes sales volume has gone up nearly 30 percent since 2017, and there is no sign of slowing down. According to Google Trends, ‘purple sweet potato’ search has spiked every year around Thanksgiving for the past five years, and we’re expecting the spike to be even bigger this year,” said Alex Jackson Berkley, Assistant Sales Manager. “Today’s shoppers are literally looking for visually pleasing foods to serve at the holidays. They are more comfortable in the kitchen than ever before and not afraid to put a new twist on their traditional holiday menus with sweet potato pies and other Instagram-worthy dishes for their friends and family."
The exclusively distributed Frieda’s item sits boldly on the shelf and calls out to consumers because of its vibrant color, smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and abundance of antioxidants. Because of these great qualities, consumers just love them!
One of the best aspects of these beauties is that their charm really shines when advertised.
“Purple stands out from the sea of orange and brown for the fall, and pops against the red and green of the holiday season,” Berkley shared.
Retailers wanting to stock Frieda’s Stokes Purple pretties—among other items, such as cauliflower, rainbow baby carrots, celery root, and Cippoline onions—this holiday season can check in with a Frieda’s account manager.
For more fresh produce news, stick with AndNowUKnow.
SACRAMENTO, CA - It’s a good day to be in produce, as California Governor Jerry Brown just signed a bill into law that will push fruit and veg to the forefront of meals in hospitals, prisons, and other health care facilities. This week, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1138 which requires plant-based meal options—containing no animal products or by-products including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs—be provided at every meal to patients across the state.
“Whether to protect animals, our climate, or our health, those of us who choose to eat a vegan diet can celebrate today with Governor Brown’s signing of SB 1138. SB 1138 ensures that people in hospitals, healthcare facilities, or prison have access to plant-based meals,” said Senator Nancy Skinner, who authored Senate Bill 1138, according to AP News.
SB 1138 not only helps champion health, but also can help save hospitals $5,000 per year, as vegetarian entrées cost 50 percent less than meat entrées, according to a report by St. Joseph Health System.
The passing of the bill was met with approval from the bill’s co-sponsor, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit with over 12,000 doctor members.
“Thanks to Senator Skinner and Governor Jerry Brown for passing this historic law that will provide plant-based options to hospital patients looking to fight heart disease, diabetes, and obesity—or who simply want a more healthful meal,” said the committee’s President Neal Barnard, M.D., F.A.C.C., according to a press release. “Now, it’s time for California hospitals to start putting into practice the plant-based meals recommended by the American Medical Association and the American College of Cardiology.”
Will more states follow Governor Brown’s lead to help people incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant-based options into their diets? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep its eye on the latest legislation that's spreading the love of produce to more around the world.
IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission is ripe and ready to celebrate 40 years in the industry. This October, the Commission has big plans to bless up at PMA Fresh Summit—held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, October 17th through 20th—with a new booth format and activities to celebrate its ruby anniversary.
“Since its inception in 1978, the California Avocado Commission has been helping to grow avocado consumption with renowned success,” said Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing, in a press release. “PMA Fresh Summit is a unique opportunity to connect with many people in the produce industry; it’s the perfect event to launch the Commission’s celebration.”
CAC will be exhibiting at Fresh Summit—and featuring a slew of birthday innovations to ring in its 40th. At booth #2143, CAC will showcase a two-story booth boasting new California avocado booth graphics—featuring highlights of CAC’s 40-year history—and a selfie-friendly graphic wall showcasing California avocado advertising campaigns.
According to CAC's press release, the booth will feature an upstairs meeting room where CAC will host visiting dietitians from the Produce for Better Health Foundation, as well as other meetings by appointment.
The Commission is also hosting a contest in which show-goers who visit booth #2143 can identify CAC employees in a collage and earn California avocado t-shirts.
“Fresh Summit attendees are invited to share in our 40-year anniversary kick-off at the California Avocado Commission booth #2143,” DeLyser added. “We will have the latest information about the 2019 crop and plan to share new data on the conventional and organic segments of the category as well as ideas for building customized marketing programs for next season with key retailers.”
Don’t forget to stop by booth #2143 to visit CAC; maybe the ANUK team will see you there!
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United Fresh Start Foundation’s annual conference FreshStart 2019, brings the industry together to increase children’s access to fresh produce. The event will once again feature a silent auction benefiting the foundation, as well as a half-day education program focused on how the fresh produce industry can increase children’s access to fruits and veggies. Set to take place January 15-17, 2019 at the La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, CA, there will also be volunteer leader meetings and the annual Gala Dinner recognizing the recipient of United Fresh’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I’m excited to start the new year with such an important event for the foundation! This annual event brings the industry together to fundamentally change the way the next generation connects with fresh produce,” said Phil Muir, President & CEO, Muir Copper Canyon Farms, and Chairman, United Fresh Start Foundation Board of Trustees. “Not only will we showcase the significant impact we’ve had on kids in just the last year, but we also will kick off our yearly fundraising efforts, which will enable us to launch new programs and partnerships while continuing to grow our current initiatives.”
According to a press release, last year’s auction and golf tournament raised over $100,000 to support the foundation’s mission of increasing children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2018 alone, the foundation has provided grants to 20 community-based non-profits who provide children with fresh produce during the times they are not in school, continued its leadership in the national Salad Bars to Schools initiative through partnerships with produce companies and events like Tour de Fresh, and connected produce companies with more than 60 school buyers and menu planners from school districts around the nation at its annual School Foodservice Forum, among other on-going partnerships and activities.
“I can’t think of a more important cause to support, or a nicer place to be than Palm Springs in January,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing at California Giant Berry Farms and United Fresh Chairman of the Board. “We invite the industry and our volunteer leaders to join us in supporting a great cause while we kick off a new year, together!”
To register for FreshStart 2019, visit www.unitedfreshstart.org.