BAKERSFIELD, CA - As the year kicks off, Bako Sweet® encourages retailers to prepare for February merchandising strategies that highlight heart health and nutrition. With February recognized as both Heart Health Month and National Sweet Potato Month, this period presents a prime opportunity to drive consumer engagement and sales with heart-smart choices like Bako Sweet Potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are a certified “heart-healthy” food by the American Heart Association, and for good reason. They’re rich in fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol, and high in potassium, a key nutrient that regulates blood pressure. Combined with their natural antioxidants, sweet potatoes support cardiovascular health while offering a versatile and delicious option for everyday meals and snacks.

Veronica Rouse, Registered Dietitian and creator of The Heart Dietitian, emphasizes their nutritional benefits, saying “sweet potatoes are a heart-healthy powerhouse, packed with fiber to reduce cholesterol, potassium to regulate blood pressure, and antioxidants to combat inflammation and oxidative stress. I often recommend swapping rice, pasta, or white potatoes for sweet potato options to boost nutrition and support heart health.”

To capitalize on this unique window, Bako Sweet is rolling out refreshed pink packaging and vibrant heart-health display bins, designed to capture attention and inspire shoppers to make better-for-you choices. As a press release shared, both the packaging and displays will prominently feature the American Heart Association’s “Heart-Check” logo, giving health-conscious consumers an easy visual cue that they’re choosing a certified heart-healthy product.

“Healthy eating remains a priority for shoppers as they enter the new year, and February is the ideal time to highlight the role sweet potatoes play in supporting heart health,” said Susan Noritake, Director of Sales at Bako Sweet. “Our bright packaging and merchandising solutions not only educate shoppers about the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes but also make it easier for them to incorporate this versatile vegetable into their meals. For retailers, it’s a win-win opportunity to drive incremental sales while meeting the demand for heart-smart choices.”

Throughout February, Bako Sweet will also amplify their campaign with influencer partnerships, registered dietitian collaborations, and social media activations. Shoppers can expect engaging giveaways, practical tips, and recipes that showcase how heart-healthy eating can be delicious, easy, and fun.

The campaign will also spotlight recipes such as Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies, a playful heart-shaped treat that aligns perfectly with the theme of Heart Health Month. Featuring a QR code on the display bins, shoppers can quickly access this recipe, adding a digital layer of engagement to in-store promotions.

For more information about Bako Sweet, visit bakosweet.com or contact the sales team at [email protected] or 661-858-1075 x818 to place an order.

ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $27.52 billion for the retail month of December, the five weeks ended January 5, 2025, an increase of 9.9 percent from $25.03 billion last year.

Net sales for the first 18 weeks were $94.04 billion, an increase of 8 percent from $87.07 billion last year, a recent press release shared.

E-commerce sales in December were positively impacted by an estimated 15 percentage points due to Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber Monday occurring a week later this year versus last year. Total and comparable sales were positively impacted by approximately one and one-half percent as a result of the shift in E-commerce sales.

Additional discussion of these results is available in a pre-recorded message. It can be accessed by visiting investor.costco.com (click on “Events & Presentations”). This message will be available through 4:00 p.m. (PT) on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Costco currently operates 897 warehouses, including 617 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 109 in Canada, 41 in Mexico, 36 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 19 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, two in France, and one each in Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.

To view the full report, click here. And keep clicking on ANUK for more retail news.

PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. announced actions it is taking to advance the company’s multi-year strategy focused on creating more customized value for its customers and suppliers and driving profitable growth.

In support of its strategy, the company will realign its commercial wholesale organization into two product-centered divisions, Conventional Grocery Products and Natural, Organic, Specialty, and Fresh Products, while continuing to enhance its enterprise-wide commercial and supply chain capabilities.

Louis Martin, currently President of Wholesale, will become President of Conventional Grocery Products and UNFI Chief Commercial Officer. Mark Bushway, currently Chief Supply Chain Officer, will become President of Natural, Organic, Specialty, and Fresh Products and UNFI Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Each division will have focused sales teams aligned to the unique product and service needs of the 30,000 retail locations that UNFI serves. Both divisions will be supported by dedicated functional experts in merchandising, operations, procurement, and supplier services.

Capability centers of excellence in areas including supply chain, professional and digital services, and private brands will work across the divisions to support sales leaders in building customized programs to help customers and suppliers accelerate their growth strategies, a press release explained.

Sandy Douglas, UNFI CEO said, “This realignment is another step in the execution of our plan to add value and improve efficiency and effectiveness for our customers and suppliers. By empowering our commercial teams to provide a more customized product and service-centered experience, we intend to help our customers and suppliers differentiate, compete, and grow profitably through a more responsive, efficient, and effective operating model."

We'll continue to keep our eyes on the newswire for more updates, so stay tuned!

SALINAS, CA - PlantTape, a leader in agricultural technology, is proud to announce the commercial launch of its latest innovation: an Automated Tomato Transplanter. This cutting-edge solution is poised to transform the way tomatoes are transplanted, offering increased efficiency and precision for growers worldwide.

Designed with extensive input from tomato growers and industry experts, the Automated Tomato Transplanter addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by modern agriculturalists. This innovative module can plant up to 12" tall transplants, ensuring rapid and uniform planting across fields.

With the capability to bury plants 8" deep and inject over 400 gallons of water per acre, this technology optimizes growing conditions for maximum crop health and productivity, a press release noted.

"Our team is thrilled to introduce the Automated Tomato Transplanter, the culmination of years of research, development, and collaboration with the tomato industry," said Danielle Michaels, Director of North America Sales at PlantTape. "We recognized the need for a solution that expedites the planting process while saving planting labor, and we're proud to deliver a product that achieves both."

Currently, the Automated Tomato Transplanter is available for commercial planting trials for the 2025 tomato season. Growers interested in learning more about this groundbreaking technology are encouraged to reach out to Jesus Vasquez at PlantTape for additional information.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for updates on industry innovations like this.

CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist® Farms, North America's leading grower and shipper of fresh artichokes, is pleased to announce the promotion of Glen Alameda to its Chief Operating Officer role. Glen brings with him a rich heritage and a wealth of experience, rooted in a family legacy of farming that dates back to the company's founding in 1924. You could say agriculture runs in his veins—literally. As the fourth generation to carry on the vision of this 100-year-old, industry-leading company, Glen represents a proud tradition. Notably, the company holds the distinction of being the largest grower and shipper of artichokes in North America.

Glen's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, and a Master of Science from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Combined with his upbringing in the industry, Glen's professional experience spans product development and implementation, logistics management, supply chain oversight, and compliance direction. These roles have equipped him with the skills and insight necessary to excel as the company's new Chief Operating Officer.

“I know Glen will hit the ground running, implementing new efficiencies that will serve Ocean Mist for many years to come,” said Chris Drew, President and Chief Executive Officer. “His broad experience, strong leadership, unwavering optimism, and exceptional work ethic will be invaluable as he settles into this role and helps the company grow and evolve into the future.”

In his new role, Alameda will oversee and manage all company coolers and facilities in Castroville and Coachella, California. He will also provide direct leadership and support in the Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Sustainability sectors. As a press release stated, a key focus of his role will be driving innovation by contributing to new product development, expanding value-added offerings, and bringing forward-thinking solutions to fruition.

Additionally, Alameda will collaborate closely with the Director of Harvesting, Serafin Ruiz, to analyze harvest volumes, variances, and product quality. His efforts will be instrumental in identifying and implementing efficiencies related to labor, crew management, and mechanization, ensuring streamlined operations and improved productivity.

“I’m deeply honored to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Ocean Mist Farms. This company has been a cornerstone of my life, and I am committed to building on its legacy of quality, sustainability, and innovation. I look forward to working alongside our talented team to drive continued growth and ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry for generations to come,” said Alameda.

Drew concluded, "Glen is an indispensable member of the Ocean Mist Farms team, uniquely equipped to take on this role with the energy, expertise, and vision it demands. His continued contributions will play a vital role in driving the company’s evolution and ensuring its success well into the next century. I look forward to our ongoing partnership."

Congratulations from all of us here at AndNowUKnow to Glen on this new appointment!