FOLSOM, CA - The California Walnut Board has many reasons to celebrate after seeing an exciting 17 percent increase in unit sales for walnuts following an expanded, unified retail marketing campaign after American Heart Month back in February.
“We are thrilled with the results of our 2019 American Heart Month campaign, which builds upon the success of the 2018 program results. We credit our exceptional retail partners who played such an integral role in this year’s program,” said Michelle Connelly, Executive Director. “Looking ahead to 2020, we plan to build on the program’s momentum by expanding nationally, in what will be the largest retail program to date for California Walnuts during American Heart Month.”
Several retailers also chose to implement the program beyond the target markets and supported California walnuts chain-wide. These included Food Lion, Safeway NorCal, Save Mart, Sprouts, and Raley’s.
As a direct result of the program, walnut brands who participated saw unit sales increases between 110 to 1,080 percent.
According to a press release, retail programs that have been focused on promoting the heart health benefits of walnuts targeted three key markets, such as Sacramento, CA; Denver, CO; and Richmond, VA. The California Walnut Board noted the following highlights within those key markets:
- Sacramento: Compared to February 2018, walnut unit sales were up 95 percent at Raley’s, 12 percent at Safeway, and 11 percent at Save Mart. The success of the program resulted in a participating walnut brand securing year-round distribution in Safeway’s produce department, as opposed to only seasonal sales.
- Denver: Walnut unit sales were up nearly 17 percent at Safeway, with a participating walnut brand seeing a 110 percent lift in unit sales, compared to February 2018.
- Richmond: A three-week walnut promotion at Food Lion drove significant dollar and unit sales increases for the entire store across the full five-week period measured. Walnut unit sales at Food Lion were up 32 percent and a leading walnut brand saw an impressive 1,039 percent lift in unit sales compared to last February. Given these program results surpassed sales achieved in the busy December timeframe, this brand secured year-round distribution in Food Lion’s produce department.
In addition to the above partners, Mollie Stone’s, Price Chopper, Redner’s Markets, Tom Thumb, Jewel Osco, Albertsons, and Pavilions also participated in Heart Month programs.
The success of these retail programs was driven by several points, such as a variety of in-store tactics (point-of-purchase displays, display contests, audio ads, shelf signage, and more), advertising in-market, and integrated activities with retail dietitians. This included educational in-store demos and Facebook Live videos under the Albertsons banner, as well as e-newsletters, blog posts, social content, and a shopper mailer with Price Chopper.
In 2018, starting with two test markets in Charlotte and Minneapolis, California Walnuts initiated a fully mixed marketing campaign around American Heart Month. The program expanded to Sacramento, Denver, and Richmond, this year, with plans to expand the program nationally in 2020. Certified through the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check program, walnuts are a heart-healthy food that is unique as one of the only nuts significantly high in essential omega-3 ALA (2.5 grams/ounce).
For more news on California Walnut Board, and other products in the produce aisle, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
TORONTO, CANADA - In this rapidly changing retail landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to staying relevant, and Longo Brothers Fruit Market (Longo’s) is going the distance, pioneering a new meal-based shopping program inside its Maple Leaf Square location in Toronto. The new format offers a unique and personalized shopping experience to the increasingly discerning consumer.
“As the grocery store model continues to evolve, we must focus on developing programs that are both customer-centric and designed for the future of retail,” said Rosanne Longo, Consumer Spokesperson and Brand Ambassador. “Through this program, we hope to create greater value for our customers that will keep them returning to their favourite Longo’s location time and time again.”
As part of the test pilot, each store will feature a kiosk area that will merchandise fresh ingredients according to a specific meal. The kiosks will give shoppers a central location inside the store where they can select their meats, starches, garnishes, and, of course, produce, to craft a specific meal or recipe. According to a press release, shoppers will be able to adjust the size of their meals to accommodate a single person, or up to 10 people—perfect for dinner parties. As added help for its consumers, the pilot stores will provide recipes and step-by-step cooking guides in-store and online.
“Everything we do at Longo’s is about enhancing the overall experience that customers have with our brand both in-store and online,” said Rosanne Longo. “Above all else, we strive to be a place that offers something for everyone—for those who love grocery shopping and browsing the aisles, to the individual who wants to gather their ingredients quickly and conveniently. Whatever the preference, we are committed to continual improvement and perfecting the customer experience at every turn.”
Director of Produce and Floral at Longo’s, Mimmo Franzone, commented on the potential this program has to put a spotlight on fresh produce.
“Along with the value proposition we’re offering our guests, it allows us to showcase the best that the season has to offer when it comes to produce,” he said. “Our in-house innovative team of chefs create meal solutions that are quick and easy to make and made up of the freshest ingredients around. The first three creations included locally-grown asparagus, sweet mini bell peppers, and, for the sweet at heart, golden pineapples.”
The company asserts that the new format has the potential to attract and engage new customers, as well as help returning customers develop better ways of shopping that increase both convenience and ease.
“Similar to the many Longo’s initiatives that are currently underway, this program seeks to prepare us for the future of retail,” commented Rosanne Longo. “As we carefully examine consumer trends, we know that customers are certainly seeking convenience, but we firmly believe that they also want a human-centred experience where they can browse, see, feel, and compare ingredients before purchasing.”
It’s clear that innovation is on the horizon for the retailer.
“Stay tuned for some new and exciting things coming down the pike for Longo’s; or should I say...Be Pronto,” Mimmo teases.
The pilot project, which lauched only yesterday, and the retailer has plans in the works to expand the model to each of its 33 stores by spring 2020.
How will this pilot program stack up against other retailer’s strategies to forge the new future of fresh? Keep reading AndNowUKnow to learn more.
CLEVELAND, OH - In today’s age, convenience reigns supreme. If consumers can find the fresh produce they’re craving in a convenient format, you bet your bottom dollar they’ll be heading there for their quick-fix grocery needs. Dollar General is dialing into this movement with an urban-focused format centered around both city dwellers and millennials.
The new format, titled DGX, is roughly half the size of a typical 9,0000-square-foot Dollar General store. The retailer unveiled the concept late last year and has since been rolling out stores in Nashville, Tennessee; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Raleigh, North Carolina. Its latest store officially opened in downtown Cleveland last Thursday, June 20.
According to Crain's Cleveland Business, Dollar General has plans to open 10 of these small format stores over the course of 2019. A typical DGX will offer a selection of fresh fruit and veg, ensuring that any customer who wants fast and convenient produce can get it. An obvious win-win.
For the latest on how retailers are courting consumers in new ways, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
YAKIMA, WA - It makes sense to me that when you think of Superfresh Growers®—apples, pears, and cherries come to mind...but blueberries? You bet. The company is always in constant evolution and with this latest move, the team is breaking into the berry category and just in time for the upcoming Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, California.
“We are pumped to be showcasing our newest addition: organic blueberries,” Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Communications Manager, shares with me as we look to July. “The season is just getting started and will be in full swing during OPS!”
So, how did this new development come about? Superfresh Growers® and Norris Farms® have joined forces to deliver customers around the world a premium organic and conventional blueberry program.
“Our blueberries are grown in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua River valley where harvest begins in early to mid-June and extends to October,” Catherine says. “The Umpqua River Valley is known for its warm sunny days and evenings cooled by coastal breezes which makes it an ideal climate for quality blueberry production. This results in low summer humidity, which reduces the risk of condition and quality problems, and extends the harvest season.”
Superfresh Growers will also be featuring its organic Rainier and organic Dark Sweet cherries—so, do not fret, the company’s staples will be showcased as well.
It is easy to see that the vision and mission for the team’s organic segment of the business is well strategized and supported. SuperfreshOrganics™ naturally fits into the company’s orchard and growing system, and the team is pleased to offer Northwest grown organics nearly year-round.
“We cultivate our orchards to be a bio-diverse system that works in synchronization with nature. One of our most important tools for delivering fresh organic fruit is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to manage harmful pests. Using IPM protocols, we ensure beneficial insects, such as honey bees, ladybugs, and spiders, have a rich environment to flourish and nurture our orchard environment. Superfresh growing practices allows us to cultivate fruit that our consumers can enjoy for generations to come,” Catherine continues.
She adds that on a fun nerdy note, she just ran across some of the information about Superfresh’s ladybugs that the team releases into their orchards to eat the aphids and keep pest populations down: Ladybugs favor aphids as their food source, but also feed on many small, soft-bodied insects. Ladybugs devour many times their own weight. Ladybugs will not feed on any vegetation, only on leaf chewing or sap-sucking pest insects. They have few enemies due to their hard shell and bitter taste, which is their protection against other insects and birds.
“Organic demand continues to grow. We noticed April experienced growth year-over-year in organics, likely due to Earth Day promotions. Organic apples were up in both dollars, at plus-8.6 percent and pounds, at plus-8.7 percent,” Catherine tells me.
Superfresh has been attending OPS since the first year in 2016 and is continually impressed by how much networking and information is artfully planned in just two days.
“The conversation and energy at OPS is unique to produce shows in how much passion there is for organics,” Catherine wraps up. “You can feel the excitement at the event and on the show floor.”
And I believe, that excitement is already here!
KINGSVILLE, ON – You can always count on our friends in Canada to raise the culinary bar—and what better opportunity to do that than at an event supporting a great cause? And what was that event, you ask? The third annual United Way Battle of the Growers. Red Sun Farms, with the help of Shaen Harrison, Director of Food and Beverage at The Grove Brewhouse, and his team of talented chefs, highlighted Red Sun Farms sought-after Sweetpops and Sweetpeps.
“The dish created by Brandon Zeuch and Luke Soulliere from The Grove Brewhouse with our Sweetpops and Sweetpeps, ‘Piggy Pepper Poppers,’ paired with the 2018 Red Sky at Night Rose supplied by CREWinery, were incredible,” said Leona Neill, Director of Marketing and Packaging at Red Sun Farms. “The way the flavors complemented each other coupled with the colors and textures from our delectable produce was just perfect.”
The judges ruled, and Red Sun Farms ultimately took home a trophy for Best Overall.
Red Sun Farms challenged and charmed taste buds and palates in Essex County with dishes to impress. This was the inaugural year for Red Sun Farms’ participation in this friendly competition where, for the past two years, local greenhouse growers have been paired with a local restaurant, a local winery, and a student from the United Way’s On Track to Success program to create a culinary showstopper for the crowd. The On Track to Success program offers support to help kids graduate high school and go on to a trade or post-secondary education—the clearest pathway to a life of prosperity.
At this strolling dining experience, six culinary teams not only mentored the On Track to Success students, but they also competed to create the best tasting small appetizer—as voted by a panel of mystery judges, according to a press release.
“Events like this are so important for the community,” Neill added. “Not only does it bring awareness to the greenhouse industry, but it also allows us to showcase how flavorful and versatile our produce is. It also introduces the community to other local businesses—all the while raising money for a great cause.”
All funds raised from this event support United Way’s On Track to Success program in Leamington. The event included a unique dining experience with bistro tables, wine pairings, silent auction and entertainment by Michael Vanhevel.
Congrats to Red Sun Farms and to all those who participated in the heart-warming and taste-tantalizing event!
AUSTIN, TX - More has been revealed about H-E-B’s new Eastside Tech Hub, a first since its announcement of the project last fall.
Spanning 81,000 square feet and serving as the new headquarters for Favor Delivery, a wholly-owned subsidiary of H-E-B, this new tech hub will complement the retailer's existing Digital team in its San Antonio headquarters as it looks to become the “digital industry leader in Texas.”
“Having a shared space like this is crucial to both H-E-B Digital and Favor’s rapid growth,” said Jag Bath, H-E-B Chief Digital Officer and Favor Delivery CEO, in a company post. “The Eastside Tech Hub enables us to have a strong tech presence in both Austin and San Antonio, while fostering a better connection between our teams across the two cities.”
The two locations will collaborate so closely that the retailer will provide shuttle rides between Austin and San Antonio on Wi-Fi enabled buses throughout the work week.
The new tech hub will be a two-story, open office concept that offers a variety of dynamic work areas spread throughout the floor plan, including:
- open collaboration areas
- individual work spaces
- over 50 meeting rooms of varying sizes, equipped with advanced technology and video conferencing capabilities
- a coffee bar featuring local roasteries
- a lounge area
- a large events space
- a wellness center featuring a rock-climbing wall, curated fitness classes, bike parking, and showers
Outside of these offerings, H-E-B invested in both celebrating the unique identities of both entities as well as the heritage of Texas it holds dear.
To commemorate the opening of the Eastside Tech Hub, H-E-B and Favor said they will contribute $100,000 in charitable gifts to support hundreds of students in Austin and San Antonio via STEM-based summer camps and programs, such as Code2College in Central Texas, the Austin Prefreshman Engineering Program at Huston-Tillotson University, Video Game Camp at Austin Community College, and Youth Code Jam in San Antonio and Austin.
“As a digital retail leader, this dynamic workplace reflects our commitment to better serve our people and communities. Investing in our schools and children allows us to help build the next generation of technology innovators right here in Texas,” Bath said.
This commitment will be seen in the building’s design as well. Meeting rooms will be named after H-E-B brand products, famous personal assistants from popular culture—a nod to Favor’s Runners—and Texas landmarks and cities. Decorative accents, such as brick and tile sourced by D’Hanis Brick in San Antonio, handmade furniture from Marfa, and plants native to the Lone Star State, will be included.
To top it off, work by Texas-based makers and artists, including Will Bryant, R.F. Alvarez, and Cody Barber, will add finishing touches to the decor of the building.
Already hiring, H-E-B noted that while this latest addition will initially accommodate hundreds of Favor team members and H-E-B Digital Partners, it will also have room to grow as both entities continue to invest both in their growing teams and in driving digital innovation.
FISHERS, NY - The New York Apple Association (NYAA) Board of Directors is ramping up the second half of 2019 by electing officers and welcoming new members into its fold. Among these recent updates, Sarah Dressel Nikles of Dressel Farms in New Paltz is returning to the role of Board Chairwoman and Robert Brown III of Orchard Dale Fruit Farm in Waterport has been elected to return to the position of Vice Chair. In addition, Karla Bailey of KC Bailey Orchards in Williamson was elected Secretary and Treasurer.
The NYAA is also welcoming a few fresh faces into the association with four new board members who were elected earlier this spring.
Joining NYAA is Randy Hart of Hart Apple Farms of Peru, New York. As a third-generation apple grower with more than 20 years of industry experience, Hart brings a wealth of experience to his membership. Hart is the Co-Owner of Hart Apple Farms and grows apples on 250 acres for the fresh wholesale market. While active on the Board of Directors for the New York State Horticultural Society, he also serves on the Cornell Cooperative Extension Advisory Committee. Hart assumes the board seat held by NYAA board member Jay Toohill of Chazy Orchards in Chazy, New York (District 1) who served two three-year terms in office.
Also being welcomed to the board is Scott Seeberger of Windy Hill Orchard in Castleton, New York. Seeberger brings much industry knowledge as well as a fourth-generation farmer who grows apples on 158 acres for the fresh wholesale market. Seeberger brings 19 years of industry experience as a direct marketer and is the Owner of Northeastern Apple Sales. He also owns a u-pick apple orchard/farm market in Central New York where he markets apples and fresh-pressed cider. As a new member, Seeberger succeeds outgoing NYAA board member David Jones of G.W. Saulpaugh & Son in Germantown, N.Y. (District 2) who served two three- year terms in office.
Dominic Romero of Pavero Cold Storage in Highland, New York, also joins the organization’s fold. The fourth-generation apple grower from the Hudson Valley farms 800 acres of apples for the fresh wholesale market. As Orchard Manager for Pavero Cold Storage, Romero is responsible for every facet of the operation from land preparation, spray applications to all-around maintenance. Romero succeeds outgoing NYAA Board Member Kurt Borchert of Borchert Orchards in Marlboro (District 3) who served two three-year terms on the board, according to a press release.
Taking us home is Christopher Oakes of LynOaken Farms Inc. in Lyndonville, New York. Oakes is a fourth-generation apple grower who grows 250 acres of apples for the fresh wholesale market. Oakes dabbles in many new varieties as well as varieties used to produce their own brand of hard cider. He serves on the Board of Directors for Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension. Oakes succeeds board member Jason Woodworth of Lamont Fruit Farm in Waterport (District 6) who served two three-year terms in office, including a two-year term as chairman.
Congrats to the new members and to the elected positions as well as we celebrate all that New York apples have to offer.
CALIFORNIA - Last year’s Mendocino Complex wildfires destroyed 459,123 acres of land, leaving Californians devastated and anxious about the next wildfire that could be waiting just around the bend. To address these concerns and safeguard against future destruction, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed creating a fund of up to $21 billion to offer compensation to wildfire victims, according to Reuters.
The fund is set to be created in conjunction with utilities companies, as a response to last year’s wildfire—the deadliest in the state’s history, which has been blamed on PG&E Corp. The utility company has since filed for bankruptcy following an anticipated $30 billion in liabilities, the news source reports. The proposed fund will be applied to situations in which a utility company is at fault for a wildfire due to a downed power line, for example. Half of the fund would be provided by a surcharge on electricity bills, while the other half would come from a new utility-funded insurance policy.
According to Reuters, to qualify for aid from the fund, utilities companies are required to spend $3 billion on wildfire safety measures. For companies that decline to join the fund, the state will create a $10.5 billion liquidity fund, supported by the extension of the electricity surcharge. The fund is intended to provide speedy compensation to wildfire victims—compensation that otherwise could take years to be distributed.
While many growing operations were able to avoid the recent fires, there are many people who have felt the effect personally or professionally. For anyone in our industry that has been affected by the CA wildfires or known someone who has, our hearts go out to you.
Will lawmakers and utilities companies move forward on the proposed fund, and will this fund prove enough to ameliorate the damage caused by whatever fires the future may hold? AndNowUKnow will report.
CARLISLE, PA - GIANT Food Stores has just announced the debut of PA Preferred® shelf tags, which will make it more convenient for customers to find products that have been grown or produced in Pennsylvania. This will be at all of its 156 stores located within the Commonwealth.
“GIANT is grateful for its deep connection to Pennsylvania’s farmers, growers, and suppliers, and for more than 95 years, we have been committed to sourcing locally-grown and produced products,” said Matt Simon, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Our new PA Preferred shelf tags educate our customers and simplify their shopping experience, all while highlighting our unyielding passion for an industry that is, quite literally, the backbone of our business. We couldn’t be more excited to showcase these fantastic products in such a unique way.”
According to a press release, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined Simon at a press conference at the GIANT in Camp Hill to introduce the new tag program. GIANT has been a strong supporter of the innovative program since its inception in 2004, which helps the state’s farmers and food suppliers grow their businesses.
“While GIANT has served as a community cornerstone for decades, they’ve done a remarkable job of keeping their finger on the pulse of consumer trends, as evidenced by this new program,” said Redding. “It’s a win-win for consumers and the agriculture industry alike and will help shoppers better connect their food to the farm, helping to strengthen the relationship Pennsylvanians have with local producers.”
With 59,000 farm families serving as stewards of more than 7.7 million acres of farmland, Pennsylvania farmers and agribusinesses are the leading economic driver in the Commonwealth. The industry also raises revenue and supplies jobs through support services such as food processing, marketing, transportation, and farm equipment with $7.5 billion in cash receipts annually from production agriculture. Production agriculture and agribusiness contributes $135.7 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy in total.
As GIANT gets ready to celebrate the arrival of the local produce season in its stores and new tag program is set to move forward. GIANT will recognize the local farmers it does business with through a multi-faceted marketing campaign that includes in-store signage and displays, social and digital media, TV and radio advertising, billboards and the company’s very own in-store Savory magazine.
The campaign highlights the stories behind the farms and people responsible for bringing the products to nearly 180 GIANT and MARTIN’S Food Markets in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, from farm names to state identifier stickers and bright imagery showcasing the season’s harvest.
In addition to the introduction of the new tag program, GIANT Food Stores will also be opening its newest Quarryville store after entering into an agreement to acquire the location from Ferguson & Hassler last month. About 170 full and part-time associate from Ferguson & Hassler will be employed at the new location.
For more news on GIANT’s new tag program, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
OXNARD, CA - While the “all hail kale” crew—what I like to call the superfood enthusiasts who emerged a few years ago in great numbers—is far more reserved about their love for kale in mainstream channels these days, the category is still one that is ever-growing and expanding as a produce aisle staple. And to keep the category on top of all of consumers' wants, needs, and demands, Boskovich Farms is debuting a new Chopped Bagged Kale (with the stems removed for foodservice) ahead of the Organic Produce Summit (OPS).
“Our Chopped Bagged Kale product happened on accident really. Our customers started asking for it, and when they asked, I got to work. When I initially brought the first samples home and showed my wife, she said, ‘Why can't I buy this at the store?’ Then it clicked,” Darrell Beyer, Organic Sales Manager, told me. “For more of the restaurants and parents at home, it’s a very convenient pack that is ready to eat right out of the bag and has zero labor, actually. It’s just ready and, at the end of the day, it's just easy. It also continues our commitment to quality, quality, and quality.”
The new Chopped Bagged Salad product is available in a clear, vacuum-sealed bag, with the option to either blend all three kale varieties together or separately—all of which OPS attendees can sample while wandering the show floor!
“We have been coming to OPS since the first year, and it is one of the best shows of the season for us. The small intimate setting with booths all the same size is a great format,” Darrell continued. “Even though Boskovich is over a hundred years old, we continue to strive for the best quality and customer service—and if you stop by our booth we’d be happy to have a good conversation about just how we can do this for YOU!”
In addition to its new product, Boskovich Farms is also plowing away at its turmeric and ginger import certification, so keep an eye out for that, too!
It sounds like booth #801 needs to be the first one you swing by come July 10—in fact, the ANUK team will race you there!