CHINA - Walmart has recently taken new steps to cement itself as a top retailer in the Chinese market, particularly in the grocery delivery sector. The mega retailer is investing $1.2 billion (8 billion yuan) in its Chinese operations over the next two decades to cover the costs of new distribution centers and grocery delivery services, according to a CNN Business report.
“I think China is going to be a tremendous business opportunity,” Doug McMillon, CEO, said back in June during an investor conference, according to the news source. “We continue to focus on being a strong regional business here.”
Since announcing its latest investment, Walmart has invested $102 million (700 million yuan) in a new perishables-focused distribution center in southern China. The company also revealed earlier this year that it would be bolstering its presence in the Chinese market with 40 Sam’s Clubs planned to open by 2020. Walmart currently operates 443 brick-and-mortar stores in China, including both its Walmart and Sam’s Club brands, CNN Business reports.
“Walmart continues to increase investments in supply-chain logistics in order to…provide our Chinese customers with great fresh products and improve our service,” said Ryan McDaniel, SVP of Supply Chain, Walmart China, in a statement.
Will this recent move to corner the Chinese retail market be one more step on the path to global domination? AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-date on the details.
RIO RICO, AZ - I think we all like a good sweat to deal with the day-to-day of our industry’s dynamic markets and pressing demands. Matt Mandel is one of those individuals taking that concept to the next level and for a great cause. The Vice President of Operations for SunFed® is once again riding in the annual Tour de Fresh which will take participants along the Big Sur Coast of California, starting from Carmel and going through Cambria, and commencing in Anaheim at the 2019 PMA Fresh Summit.
“I’m super stoked to be riding on the Tour de Fresh again this year. Apart from the great experience of the ride itself, it is a terrific opportunity to raise money for a truly great cause," Matt shares with me. "Healthy eating is so crucial in young children as it helps establish good eating habits while fueling their brains and bodies for proper development. With two little guys of my own at home, it is super important to set a good example for them and I think this event helps to check all the boxes.”
The four-day cycling event unites the fresh produce industry to benefit the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools campaign. The program has placed over 5,500 salad bars in schools and has fed healthy fruit and vegetables to nearly three million kids.
With the 300-mile trek, the team hopes to raise over $150,000 this year to donate to schools across the country so that their students will have access to the fresh fruit and vegetables that we know contribute to healthy lifestyles and improved eating habits
SunFed notes that 18.5 percent of U.S. children aged two to nineteen are obese. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults; meaning that over 13.5 million children could benefit from access to fresh produce. Talk about a worthy goal.
Helping Matt and the other cyclists achieve their goal is easy! You too can help Matt raise money for Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools by clicking here and donate directly to Matt’s campaign or visit Tour de Fresh to view and support the other riders, read more about the Tour de Fresh campaign or sign up to ride as well if you’re interested!
UNITED STATES - While the British television superchef has already established multiple restaurants here in the United States, he's still hungry for more outside of his current Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Baltimore venues. Through his recent partnership with Lion Capital, a private equity firm, the joint venture expects to open 100 new locations nationwide by 2024. I gotta tell ya, it's the bee's knees.
“I fell in love with this country 20 years ago. There’s a will here. My goal, right now, is to establish one of the most exciting food brands in America,” Ramsay told Forbes. “Being a control freak, I needed the right partner on board. There’s a lot of businesses that don’t like that kind of stranglehold. For me, the partnership was crucial.”
Forbes reported that two new concepts may come from the deal: Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza and Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen.
“It may seem aggressive, but we’re not opening up 80 or 90 of the same restaurant,” he added. “We’re crossing over with a multilayered brand. That’s the bit that I’ve worked hard at. We’ve divided and conquered.”
Will Ramsay team up with any of our industry's leading produce providers as part of this restaurant expansion? AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date.
WENATCHEE, WA - If you have yet to make any hot destination plans this summer, Stemilt Growers is recommending retailers and consumers alike take a trip to flavor town via its Artisan Organics™ peaches and nectarines. With season officially kicking off in mid-July and packing expected to begin July 15, the grower is already anticipating excellent quality and unbelievable flavor, so get those produce aisles ready!
“With the long, cold winter, flavors are really going to be enhanced this year,” stated Brianna Shales, Communications Manager. “Those cold winter months provide our trees with a protective snow blanket that acts as an insulator and when it melts, provides a lot of nutrients to the tree, which results in an explosion of flavor and a juicy bite.”
According to a press release, retailers can expect to see volumes pick up quickly before reaching substantial volumes by the end of the month. In terms of varieties, the Artisan Organics peach season starts with the famous Zee Lady, with Sierra Rich and Sweet Dream making up most of August’s volumes, while August Lady wraps up the season in September. On the nectarine side, Grand Bright, Honey Haven, and August Bright round out the key varieties lineup. Many of these varieties are classic peach and nectarine varieties that provide a great balance between acids and sugars, which is exactly what consumers are looking for in the fruits.
“To really make the most of the organic peach and nectarine season, retailers should have big promotional ads starting in the middle of August through the middle of September,” said Shales. “Their ads should address the opportunity to go big with bulk or appeal to families on the go who are need in of the Lil Snappers® 2lb pouch bag, available in both organic peaches and nectarines.”
Stemilt’s stonefruit varieties have been marketed under the Artisan Organics brand for more than a decade, during which the Douglas family has primarily grown the company’s organic crop in the southcentral portion of Washington—an ideal growing locale thanks to its arid climate, hot days, cool nights, and abundance of fresh water sources.
“The Douglas family has farmed for four generations and knows how this region’s climate affects their organic crops. They have spent years perfecting the art of growing organics and they have found what works and what doesn’t,” noted Shales. “Washington is an excellent place to grow organic produce thanks to the dry elements. This climate takes away the risk of brown rot due to extra moisture in the air and the cool nights allow the tree to reenergize. Then, warm sunny days help grow large-sized fruits with high sugars and vibrant colors.”
This year, the Artisan Organics brand is ringing in its 30th year. In honor of the milestone, Stemilt Growers is continuing its commitment to its organic mission, which includes bringing new and exciting, organic and conventional varieties to market.
“Nearly 30 years have passed since Tom Mathison, Stemilt’s Founder, made that bold move to grow fruits organically, but his legacy lives on thanks to the vision of his grandsons, West and Tate,” concluded Shales. “West and Tate are constantly striving to find the newest, greatest organic varieties and focusing on flavor so that our organic fruits meet our mission of delighting consumers.”
For more fresh produce news like this, stay right here with AndNowUKnow.
PORTLAND, OR - Have you ever wished a trade show was longer? Whether it be to really, truly savor all the opportunities available with most of produce’s heaviest hitters in one room or because getting out of the office for a couple of days is a sweet relief? Well, you’re not alone! As Sydney Fairchild, Marketing, Sustainability, and Compliance for Bridges Produce, and I discussed the upcoming Organic Produce Summit (OPS), she let slip that this is one show she wishes never ended—and honestly, I concur!
“OPS is an amazing show, especially because it provides wonderful face-to-face opportunities for us to connect in person with buyers from across the country. OPS feels more personal thanks to the limited number of exhibitors and attendees and the ten-by-ten booth format, which makes it easier to see all that the organic industry has to offer,” Sydney shared with me. “To take advantage of this, Bridges Produce includes sales reps from different divisions with different specialties–apples, pears, squash, potatoes, onions, berries, and Mexican veg–in OPS. This helps us demonstrate the strong relationships between our category leads and farmers that are crucial to us being able to provide the best service to the customers as well as the growers.”
If you happen to stop by Bridges Produce’s booth (which you should in order to talk it up with the company’s savvy team), you’ll have the chance to hear about their growing berry program, another season offering year-round hard squash availability, and the fall and winter Mexican season.
“One of our goals for OPS is to work with the buyers to optimize their upcoming programs. This is a crucial time to be discussing our customers’ needs when it comes to squash, melons, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplant out of Mexico as we are buying the seed and finishing up crop planning for our fall season now. By working closely with the buyers, we can ensure we are not able to only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations,” Sydney noted.
OPS is a spot-on show for the company as Bridges Produce was founded on the premise of organics (in 2002) and hasn’t strayed from its roots in its 17-year run.
“We believe organic agriculture is crucial to nourishing the health of our families, the environment, our customers, our grower partners, and the farmworkers.” Sydney explained. “We pride ourselves on being able to support Fair Trade and ethical labor practices, and we’re fully dedicated to prioritizing sustainable business.”
Stop by booth #722 to find out more about what Bridges Organic Produce has to offer now and next season!
For more of the latest trade show news, keep following AndNowUKnow.
ORLANDO, FL - Oh how lucky to get a new Lucky’s. Lucky’s Market is opening a new, 120,000-square-foot central distribution center in Orlando this fall, which will primarily house produce and bulk foods.
“Not only will the (distribution center) enable Lucky’s to bring in more products and options, it will help decrease our cost of goods and help us pass more savings along to our customers," stated Stacey Dark, Vice President of Distribution, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The specialty grocery store first started with two chefs in 2003 in Boulder, Colorado. Lucky’s has now reached 39 stores, 21 of which are in Florida.
The two chefs plan on upping that Florida count to 50, opening stores in Brandon and Clearwater after finishing the Tampa Bay unveiling last year.
Kroger Co., which happens to be one of the largest supermarket chains by revenue in the nation, is planning on supporting Lucky’s Market in its financial endeavours to conquer all of Florida. Will it succeed or will its luck run out? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest in produce.
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger is taking new steps to enter the foodservice arena, announcing the opening of its new food hall in Cincinnati, Ohio, this September. Described as a “first-of-its-kind dining experience,” the new food court will offer five local dining options at its Kroger on the Rhine downtown location.
“As our hometown, Cincinnati has always been special to Kroger,” said Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO. “Over the years, we’ve invested in the city in many ways, and our new downtown store is just one more way we are investing in local innovation, redefining the customer experience, and partnering for customer value.”
According to CityBeat, the food hall will feature local Cincinnati favorites like Django Western Taco, Queen City Whip, Eli’s BBQ, Dope Asian Street Fare, and Kroger’s Kitchen 1883 Cafe and Bar, as well as a Murray’s Cheese Bar and a Starbucks.
“Kroger's new food hall concept is our latest culinary creation,” commented Kroger's Senior Director of Culinary Development Teri Rose. “It will be an exciting food-centric space our customers can enjoy.”
Will Kroger’s new foodservice concept be a step in a new direction for the retailer? AndNowUKnow will report.
SALINAS, CA - If you’ve been sipping the celery Kool-Aid with the rest of us, then you know the celery category is one of the hottest around these days. In fact, despite the veg's iconic green coloring, Ocean Mist Farms’ John Chobanian, Commodity Account Manager, confirmed that the celery market is red-hot, with no signs of cooling off anytime soon.
“The impact of National Celery Month in March, which inspired the added attention to celery juicing, has created this red-hot market of the past few months. We can only hope that juicers keep juicing, and consumers keep enjoying this wonderful commodity,” John told me. “I would also describe the market as very unsettled, however, since we’re coming off of the previous highs. In general, the celery market has been good since Thanksgiving and with sustained unprecedented levels.”
While the market has been good, John also revealed that there was a slight dip recently, which he is anticipating will bounce back as early as this week as celery prices stabilize for both retail and foodservice, and demand returns to healthy levels.
In addition, warm weather reduced weights slightly, but again John noted that it would not affect Ocean Mist Farms’ quality in the long term.
“We are currently in our summer plantings. Generally, we lighten up over the summer months due to the competition in home-grown markets,” John explained. “So far, quality has been exceptional, with no change expected for the foreseeable future and our volume is steady compared to last year. We always attempt to match volume with demand from regular business and contracts.”
For more crop updates like this, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
SACRAMENTO, CA - One of the things I love best about our industry is how much we all love produce. Your enthusiasm shines through in all you do, so we like to reward you for all your hard apple-searching work by sending out $100 in cash!
Returning champ Monina Knox came back to sweep the competition aside. Representing both the buy-side and Sobey’s, she had some large shoes to fill—but fill them she did! She spotted that apple like a produce pro and claimed the cash lickety-split.
“What a perfect way for you to look at what’s going on in the produce industry and make a contest out of it! When people ask me how I know about what goes on in the industry I just say one thing…..ANUK!” Monina shared with me.
Kyle Stock, representing the supply-side and Fresh Concepts, celebrated his first-time winner status—and also showed off his comedic chops.
“I stumbled upon The Snack by googling ‘the best produce magazine in the world,’ and they popped right up! I love reading The Snack because they sprinkle so many funny nuggets of wisdom throughout their pages. For example, I learned that carrots will help your vision, but beer will give you double vision! And I also learned that if life give you melons, then you’re probably dyslexic! Anyway, The Snack is amazing, and I look forward to reading every issue they produce.”
I think we’ve got a new writer on our hands!
Don’t worry about not winning this time! Subscribe to The Snack Magazine here (subscription is valued at $129 per year), and keep an eye out for future contest announcements on ANUK.
June 2019 Snack Magazine-Volume 41
Remember that contest rules require that submissions include a person pointing out the logo on the cover of The Snack Magazine, and the countdown only begins once we announce the contest in AndNowUKnow’s newsletter.
Congratulations to our June winners! We’ll see you all again when our July issue rolls out!
IRVINE, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!
Today, I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see where the rain is falling, the sun is shining, and everything in between.
HEAT CONTINUES IN MICHIGAN
Above average temperatures continue in Michigan with highs in the upper 80°s and lows in the low 70°s. These temperatures are approximatly 10° above normal for both the high and low. By the time the heat breaks, they will have experienced over 10 consecutive days of above average temperatures.
I would expect production out of these regions to be affected. The heat may cause quality issues or only cause production to rise. If buying products out of this region of the country, please check with shippers. These warmer temperatures will continue through at least Friday. On Saturday, July 6, things will finally begin to cool with highs dropping into the low 80°s and lows around 60°. Next week, temperatures will remain at the adjusted lower range.
DAILY RAINS COMING TO EAST COAST OF U.S.
Starting tomorrow, expect daily rain in all growing regions up and down the eastern coast of the U.S. Rain totals will range anywhere from .15” up to .50” daily. This rain will last through at least Sunday in all regions and will continue until Tuesday of next week in specific areas.
Please check the app for locations and commodities that will be affected.
CA SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY A LITTLE ON THE COOL SIDE THROUGH THE 4TH
Although one would not usually think 95° is on the cool side, but summer in SJ Valley of CA has high temperatures of about 8° below normal. More importantly, the minimum temperatures for the next four days will be in the mid 60°s. This is about 10° below normal for July. May affect production just a bit? Who knows for sure. Please check with shippers.
Temperatures will begin to warm starting Saturday with maximum temperatures topping 101° and minimum temperatures in the mid 70°s. Look for production to pick up early next week on all commodities coming from this region.
NO MAJOR HURRICANE ACTIVITY
There are no pending storms that will make landfall in either the U.S. or Mexico in the next 48 hours. There is a second hurricane that has formed out of over the Pacific off the southern coast of Mexico but is heading northwest out away from land. This storm has been named Barbara.
We will continue to keep you informed about any newly formed storms as soon as it happens.
HEAT WAVE COMING TO THE NORTHWEST MID NEXT WEEK
Today and tomorrow will be on the cool side for the states of Oregon and Washington with maximum temperatures in the low 80°s and minimum temperatures in the mid to high 50°s.
Starting July 4th, temperatures will begin to warm with highs reaching into the upper 80°s and lows in the mid 60°s. Come next Wednesday, July 10, things will change as the high temperatures will reach into the mid 90°s.
May affect production of tree fruit out of the regions. Might want to keep an eye on this region if buying commodities out of the Northwest.
At this point we cannot tell how long these higher temperatures will last. We will have an update later this week.
Thank you to all our readers for your positive comments and have a wonderful 4th of July. See you back here next time.