AUSTRALIA - Trends come and go, but coffee is forever™. (I know this isn't trademarked, but if anyone knows how to go about doing that, help a sister out.) 2018 brought us oat milk, enough CBD products to knock me out for a whole year, and the broccoli latte. However, we’re in 2019 now, which means the broccoli latte is OUT and the cauliflower latte is IN.
Capitalizing on the hubbub the broccoli latte caused, Fresh Select CEO John Said wanted to bring another headline-making coffee drink to life.
“Broccoli latte was a great story, a bit of a novelty create awareness on what is possible,” Said shared with ABC Rural. “Our thinking was that cauliflower is a bit creamier and its color is similar to milk, and it wouldn’t look like a green coffee.”
Made with seven grams of cauliflower powder, Said noted that the creaminess of the vegetable helps cut down the bitterness of the coffee. To each their own, of course, but I like coffee as bitter as my soul.
As for what’s next in the world of the powdered vegetable? Said explained that he wants food companies to consider how products like this can up consumers’ intake of fruit and veggies. Will we start seeing powdered banana lattes? Powdered date loaves? Only time will tell.
Stick here with AndNowUKnow for all things related to produce.
CORONA, CA - The Organic Produce Summit is on the horizon, and if Veg-Fresh is not yet on your itinerary of stops it certainly should be. With an expanded portfolio of offerings and a milestone to celebrate, Veg-Fresh is certainly sharing the love with buy-side partners.
“We launched our resealable snacking line back in 2017, but have recently expanded the product mix this spring. We have rolled out a complete line of organic snacking tomatoes–cherries, grapes, medleys, and golds,” Monique McLaws, Marketing Director, tells me. “The packaging is not only convenient with the resealable technology, but the items themselves are very eye-catching at shelf—they pop whether they are merchandised as a family of four or even just as a stand-alone item.”
Monique adds that the new packaging, which is tamper-evident, reduces 32 percent of packaging weight compared to standard plastic clamshells. The Veg-Fresh team is further helping retailers ensure the items stand out to shoppers with in-store shippers and pallet promotions that have been created especially for these items.
When I ask about how these additions help bolster Veg-Fresh’s strength as a partner to retailers, Randy Cancellieri, Owner/Partner, tells me that Veg-Fresh has always been, first and foremost, a tomato house.
“While we are proud to be a one-stop shop for almost every organic and conventional item, our roots from the beginning have always been in tomatoes. As our organic label, Good Life Organic, continues to gain more and more foothold with consumers, it makes sense for us to have this organic snacking tomato line available. Medley tomatoes especially have seen a big uptick in the snacking tomato category and we want to capture that market. We have had great success with our Good Life Organic grape tomatoes since 2012, and we’re excited to round out the line with the medleys, golds, and grapes. It’s a move that feels right for our brand,” he shares.
And there is no doubt in the team’s ability to do that, as it celebrates 30 years in the industry this year. With more up its sleeve to properly celebrate and mark that milestone, you better believe there is more to watch out for from this company. For now, get ready to see them up close at this year’s Organic Produce Summit, FPFC Expo, and PMA Foodservice Show, all in the coming weeks.
DOWNERS GROVE, IL - Fresh Thyme Farmers Market has revealed that two executives roles have been filled. Dean Little has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Tod Pepin will be the new Chief Merchandising Officer. Making sure communities live healthier lifestyles is the main focus and reason for this new change in leadership.
“As we continue our commitment to making fresh, organic food accessible to all, we are incredibly happy to promote and bring on these innovative leaders whose passion matches our own,” said Chris Sherrell, President and CEO. “We are confident these talented executives will offer fresh ideas, deliver new innovations, and lead the company to continued success.”
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Little joined the Fresh Thyme team in 2017 as Chief Operations Officer. He previously served as SVP of Operations for Price Chopper. As Chief Operating Officer, Little will continue to have oversight of store operations, new store development, asset protection, and food safety, with the added responsibility of the company’s real estate, construction and distribution center operations.
According to a press release, Pepin has experience in merchandising strategy, category management, replenishment, and retail operations with more than 25 years in the industry. Previously, Pepin served as Senior Vice President of Foods Merchandising for Meijer. Pepin came to Meijer from Delhaize America, where he served as the Senior Vice President of Merchandising Governance, Private Brands and Business Planning. In this position, he oversaw consistency of execution, performance, and accountability across all retail banners. Fresh Thyme is thrilled to bring Pepin on as the new Chief Merchandising Officer with oversight of all merchandising, marketing, and pricing for the company.
For updates on Fresh Thyme Farmers Market new leadership team, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - Naturipe Farms has welcomed a new team member to enrich its Business Development department—Glenn Daniels, who will fill the position of Director of Business Development. In this new role, Daniels will oversee the expansion of the company’s Value-Added Fresh product lines.
“There are so many opportunities just waiting to be explored in the berry category, and Naturipe has a great portfolio of products to work with,” said Daniels. “Naturipe Farms is the leader in value added berries. Berries really are the best snack around and consumers love them, so this is a great time to join the movement.”
Daniels previously spent 18 years at Earthbound Farm, where his most recent role was as VP of Customer Development (East), before which, he worked at Dole Fresh Vegetables for 12 years, according to a press release. Originally from Palatine, Illinois, Daniels earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing from Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
“Glenn has more than 30 years of sales experience in the produce industry, and we are thrilled to have him join our team,” said Steven Ware, Vice President and General Manager, Naturipe Value-Added Fresh.
Congratulations to Glenn on his new role! We’re sure he’ll be a great addition to the team!
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA - Nancy Johnston, a renowned produce industry veteran, recently joined Renaissance Food Group (RFG) as its Vice President of Produce Procurement. For this role, Johnston will be in charge of the company’s procurement initiatives and will lead all aspects of both the corporate and regional procurement teams.
To this new role, Johnston will bring 30 years of experience in the industry. Her skills include sales management, team building and mentoring, new product development, and marketing and brand development. Prior to RFG, she served as Senior Sales Manager for Sysco Corporation, during which she launched and managed the latest Sysco/FreshPoint brand revitalization. She has also held various roles at The Richard Kaiser Company and TKO Farms.
On top of her wealth of industry knowledge, Johnston has worked to make a positive impact within the produce world. According to a press release, she has worked on programs like PMA’s Center for Growing Talent Women’s Fresh Perspectives and PMA Fresh Connections, where she mentors students. She also participates in the Produce for Better Health Foundation and Southeast Produce Council.
“RFG is excited to have Nancy join our team,” stated Raina Nelson, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain. “She is a well-respected industry professional, and we look forward to her contributions in leadership, expertise, and knowledge. We also express our gratitude to Debbie Vest for her years of service to RFG and celebrate her devotion to this industry. We wish her a wonderful retirement.”
Johnston officially began working with RFG as of June 3, 2019, but will assume Debbie Vest’s role effective June 30, 2019.
Congratulations to Nancy from all of us here at the ANUK team!
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - Dole is looking to be a mighty marketing king (so enemies beware!) with its latest campaign that’s warthogging (get it, like piggybacking? #Pumbaa!) off of the lead up to the release of Disney’s The Lion King. But instead of launching a typical marketing campaign, Dole is making sure its newest consumer promotion—the latest chapter of its “Powering the Hero Within” initiative—is fit for a movie that features the powerful, the pleasurable, the indestructible Beyoncé—wrong movie reference, but oh well!
Dole revealed it is hosting the “No-Worry Traditions Contest,” a unique family traditions contest that will award one fan with a “no-worry” family vacation in Hawaii(!!!). To support the contest, the produce provider has also crafted 10 original, easy, and nutrition- and fruit-and-veg-packed recipes, inspired by The Lion King, its iconic discography, and its cast of characters.
The new recipes were developed by Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s Nutrition and Health Communications Manger, with parents, health, and convenience in mind. The recipes include the following:
- Banana Peel the Loaf Tonight, a new take on everyone’s favorite banana bread featuring DOLE® Bananas, avocados, pecans, and rolled oats
- Circle of Life Salad, based on the new DOLE Bountiful Triple Quinoa Kit with DOLE Apples, DOLE Red Onions, walnuts, and sesame seeds
- Dole Suya Skewers, assembled with grilled fruits and vegetables
- Frittata for a King
- Dukkah Crusted Tuna with Kelewele Plantains
- Lion Cub Lunch
- Lion King Cobb Salad
- Peri Peri Spicy Chicken, which tops the new DOLE Bountiful Lentil Cucumber Kit with skinless chicken breasts, nonfat Greek yogurt, and spices
- Pride Rock Peanut Tofu with Broccoli & Tomatoes
- Serengeti Superfood Paleo Pizza, a healthier version of the American staple made with chickpeas, DOLE Sweet Potatoes, DOLE Mushrooms, and DOLE Asparagus
In addition to the recipes, Dole is bringing the circle of life to produce aisles with revamped banana and pineapple packaging that features Simba, Nala, Rafiki, Zazu, Timon, Pumbaa, and more. The “Powering the Hero Within” initiative also offers consumers healthy eating tips and insider scoops from bloggers and influencers.
From July 1 until August 4, consumers and Disney enthusiasts can share their favorite family tradition on social media, with the hashtag #NoWorryTraditions and in accordance with the official rules, to enter the running for a trip to Hawaii. Each week during the contest's run, five winners will receive official The Lion King merchandise, including an official Mighty Roar Simba Interactive Plush Toy from Hasbro, plus a custom Dole hammock so shoppers can fully embrace the Hakuna Matata lifestyle. Of these five winners, one, with the most creative, unique, and sentimental family tradition, will receive the Grand Prize of a five-day, five-night family vacation in Hawaii, that will include the following:
- round-trip airfare
- deluxe accommodations at a luxury resort hotel on Oahu
- the choice of a guided kayak, jeep, horseback, or farm-to-table food tour, or another excursion option at the Kualoa Private Nature Reserve in Kaneohe
- a VIP experience at the Dole Plantation—one of the most-visited attractions in Hawaii—which will allow the winner to create a customized experience from the activities offered at the famous destination, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, Plantation Garden Tour, Pineapple Maze, and lunch or dinner at the Plantation Grille featuring different variations of the world-famous DOLE Whip plus assorted entrees and desserts based on DOLE Pineapples, according to a press release
Visit www.dole.com/Disney for more information! And for more ways to be prepared for sensational news coming out of the fresh produce industry, stay right here with AndNowUKnow.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - After weeks of tense negotiations between Albertsons, its banner Vons, and Kroger-owned Ralph’s and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135 (UFCW Local 135), the Southern California union voted on June 25 to authorize a strike. The vote doesn’t necessarily mean a strike will begin immediately, but if negotiations continue to fail, workers could soon be hitting the picket lines.
“The members—they kicked butt yesterday,” said Bruce “Todd” Walters, President of the San Diego and Imperial Counties branch of the United Food and Commercial Workers union. “I’m very proud of them. I’m proud of Local 135.”
According to Times of San Diego, the union has participated in 17 negotiating sessions so far and was unable to reach an agreement on the issues of benefits, wages, and other concerns. UFCW Local 135 represents 7,500 employees of Ralphs, Vons, and Albertsons, according to an update on the union’s website, and 97 percent participating union members voted in favor of the measure.
“This authorization does not mean a strike will occur—it gives the union the authority to call a strike, if needed,” a Kroger spokesperson said. “It is business as usual in all Ralphs stores and our amazing associates continue to take great care of our customers, our company, and each other. We’ll continue to negotiate in good faith for an agreement that is fair for our associates, as well as our company.”
The retailers have asserted their willingness to continue negotiations with the union workers, though provided no details as to their tactics and goals moving forward.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with the unions to ensure that we reach an agreement that is fair to our employees, good for our customers and allows Albertsons Vons and Pavilions to remain competitive in the Southern California market,” Alberstsons said in a statement, reported by NBC San Diego.
With overwhelming support from union members, a strike is a definite possibility, but Walters is still hoping for a simpler resolution.
“At some point … if we think this negotiation process is not really moving like it should, then the decision can be made to pull the trigger,” he said. “We want to negotiate a contract, not a strike.”
Will Local 135, Albertsons, and Kroger reach a mutual agreement? Or will continued negotiations continue to fall through? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.
LOUISIANA - It’s the least-kept secret around the ANUK office: Andrea is obsessed with Sprouts. Anytime I get a chance to write about the organic grocer, my heart goes pitter-patter—and for good reason! The retailer continues to make exciting moves in the industry, and its latest is setting my heart aflutter. It announced recently that it will be opening its newest store in Louisiana, a first for the company.
The new store is set to stand at 30,000 square feet and will employ roughly 150 employees, according to local news source The Advocate. It will house many of the features we Sprouts-lovers all know and love: fresh fruits and veg, a butcher bar, and ready-to-eat meals.
2019 has been a year of major moments for Sprouts. It found a replacement for its last CEO; created an aggressive expansion plan across the Eastern Seaboard and the Southeast, and sold off a distribution center. As the retailer continues to make bold moves within the grocery space, how will the rest of its competition work to make countermoves?
AndNowUKnow will be here to report on the latest.
LOCKPORT, NY - Selling out every season since its inception in 2013, Crunch Time Apple Grower’s SnapDragon® apple saw tremendous sales not only in the U.S., but in Israel, Vietnam, and Canada as well. The sweet and spicy apple lives up to the crunchy name of the company all thanks to Dr. Susan Brown of Cornell University, the developer of SnapDragon. Crunch Time saw sales increase by 100 percent across several large retail chains and doubled overall sales in 2018 over 2017.
“We had a solid year in a very competitive playing field,” Rena Montedoro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated. “Our growers grow amazing apples. Not just good apples. But great apples.”
The press release states that the success of the SnapDragon is all thanks to working with seven powerhouse shippers that provide extension distribution, superior packing capabilities, and that are known as some of the best growers in the state. Due to the high demand for consciously grown, delicious produce from customers, SnapDragon anticipates increased volume for 2020.
Strong sales in 2018 have led Crunch Time to add a variety of packaging options to include 3 lb tote and pouch bags as well as 2 lb pouch bags. Mark your calendars! SnapDragon apples become available around mid- to late September. Seeing as they seem to sell out every season, I recommend buying them right when they land on shelves. Head to SnapDragonapple.com for more information on these wonderful apples. AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on the latest apple news.
YERINGTON, NV - Like any trade show, the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) is the perfect time for produce companies to strut their stuff, whether it be crowd favorites or fresh-to-the-scene items. This year, Peri & Sons Farms is joining the catwalk—or producewalk as I like to call it—to showcase a new innovation. I chatted with Mindy VanVleck, Sales, to learn all that I could about the company’s latest launch ahead of its debut.
“Innovation doesn’t come along to the onion category all that often, and Peri & Sons Farms is thrilled to be one of only three growers in the U.S. to grow them. This year, for the first time, we will also offer Organic Sunions®,” Mindy revealed. “Sunions are not only the first variety of onion that doesn’t cause tears, but it is the only one that improves in storage. After being harvested in late August, the crop is kept in storage until the end of November, or early December, to allow them to become tearless and sweeter, while retaining its crispness.”
In addition to adding Sunions to the organic category, Peri & Sons is making it easier for its customers to provide organic onions to their consumers by offering the convenience and efficiency of being a one-stop onion grower, shipper, and packer. This includes the flexibility of adding any conventional or organic onion to trucks on their way to the buy-side and touting a variety of organic onions in packs, styles, and volumes—including various-sized consumer packs and bulk options—that work best for any and all retailers—two facts that Peri & Sons is especially excited to share with buyers on the OPS show floor.
“OPS gives us the opportunity to connect with buyers who are focused on organics and are excited about growing their organic onion offerings. This summit is also perfect for learning more about the trends, challenges, and opportunities for organic produce in general—much of which can be applied directly to our onion business,” Mindy continued. “OPS is a great show because it’s targeted; it’s all about organic and only organic. Also, we’ve found the morning education sessions to be meaningful and a good use of our time. They’re formatted in a way that promotes open and collaborative conversations about the state of the organic industry between buyers and suppliers.”
Mindy also noted the small format of the show floor, which she explained is the very best size to engage with buyers in an intimate setting.
Stop by booth #519 to engage with Peri & Sons this OPS!
And for more fruit and veg coverage like this, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.