CHINA - On the heels of its recent announcement that it was breaking into the New Zealand Market for the first time, Costco has now made plans to open its first-ever China store location as well.
According to news source Caixin Global, Costco did set up an online store in China five years ago, but this new store will be its first brick-and-mortar in the country. The store will open to shoppers on August 27, 2019, in Shanghai’s Minhang district.
Costco isn’t the only major retailer looking to head east, as Aldi has also been eying the China market and has recently opened two pilot stores—one of them in Shanghai’s Minhang district. Walmart and Kroger have also been expanding services in the country.
Analysts have speculated how well the retailer’s bulk shopping format will be received in this new market, where most consumers are used to shopping frequently and bulk formats are not par for the course.
Will these new store openings set the tone for more global expansion? And how will overseas competition shake out between retail powerhouses? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
QUINCY, MA - Ahold Delhaize recently announced the grand opening of its Retail Business Services’ technology office. Within the building there is an innovation lab that will provide tech services for Ahold USA's brands, including Stop & Shop in the Boston area. It will be manned by 200 IT associates.
“We’re proud to cut the ribbon on this new office, and continue to be an employer of choice and a good neighbor in the Quincy community,” said Roger Wheeler, President of Retail Business Services, in a recent press release. “Our business provides services to one of the largest grocery retail groups in the United States, and we’re rapidly growing as we support local grocery brands through a period of evolution taking place in our industry. This new space enables us to continue our trajectory of growth.”
The press release noted that Retail Business services is currently hiring for close to 70 information technology positions to be based in the new Quincy office and at Retail Business Services’ other East Coast and Chicago locations.
“We’re excited for this new space as we continue to expand our team,” said Paul Scorza, EVP, IT & CIO. “Whether it’s through our co-op program that brings college and graduate students into our innovation lab for six-month rotations, full-time hiring, or partnerships with start-ups, universities, and others, we’re always in the market for top talent to support our mission of creating the next generation of grocery retail.”
Retail Business Services also announced a new partnership with the Quincy Chamber of Commerce to support the organization’s Incubate Quincy 1400 (IQ1400) venture, which aims to make Quincy a destination for tech start-ups.
“This type of investment and growth is at the heart of our efforts to revitalize downtown Quincy, and we are thrilled about the potential of this new partnership with the Chamber of Commerce,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. “Companies like Retail Business Services are absolutely vital to the future of downtown Quincy, and I am deeply grateful for their continued investment in our community.”
Tim Cahill, President of the Quincy Chamber, added, “We are proud to partner with Retail Business Services on this exciting initiative. It will be a real boost for the emerging, tech start-up community we are developing at IQ1400 in Quincy Center.”
Will this new tech office give Ahold USA another competive edge? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Burgeoning grocer Target is trying on Amazon’s namesake for itself; the retailer is debuting same-day grocery delivery services thanks to its Shipt partnership.
“With same-day delivery now available directly within the Target.com experience, we’ve made it even easier for our guests to shop at Target—while still getting the great value, curated product assortment, and helpful guest service they’ve come to expect,” said Dawn Block, Senior Vice President, Digital.
According to a press release, shoppers can now have over 65,000 Target items delivered to their door—and within an hour of purchasing!
And Target is not the only grocery retailer encroaching on what Amazon has long monopolized. Last month, Walmart announced it would be offering its shoppers free NextDay delivery. This month, Walmart also revealed it will be launching InHome Delivery, which definitely gave the ANUK team Amazon Key and even in-car delivery vibes.
I can't be the only one who thinks half the fun of going to Target is wandering around its aisles, cruising for items you didn't even know you needed, right? Will Target find a way to translate that experience into its same-day delivery service? AndNowUKnow will let you know all of our industry findings!
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Eager to spread the word about the wonders of fruits and veg is produce evangelist Lori Taylor, Founder and CEO of The Produce MomsTM (TPM), who most recently could be found on TV shows in Phoenix, Nashville, and Indianapolis; an interview on MarthaStewart.com; and on several podcasts. In addition to Taylor’s media blitz, she participated in a road trip in 2019 that included guest speaker presentations at many events and venues across the country. This produce warrior shows no signs of slowing down, as her momentum is just getting started.
“I am always excited to spread the message about the benefits and value of increasing consumption of fresh produce,” said Taylor in a press release. “I’m encouraged by all the outreach I have seen from media outlets across the country that want to talk about incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables as part of the wellness conversation. If that means jumping on a plane to go to Phoenix one day and then flying on to Nashville the next day, sign me up! It’s an honor and privilege to represent produce and the produce industry in this way.”
Taylor graced the stage of Good Morning Arizona in Phoenix with kids who ate fresh produce slices with edible produce stickers made by Sticky Lickits. Moving on to Nashville, Taylor joined Talk of the Town Anchor, Meryll Rose to make Berry Fruit Leather and mouthwatering Veggie Kabobs out of fresh produce. Taylor appeared on her regular guest spot on Indy Style in Indianapolis, where she talked about making Mother’s Day meals that incorporated lots of fresh fruits and veg.
“To determine the best produce to use, how to serve it, and how long infused water will last we asked Lori Taylor of (The) Produce Moms, who has been pioneering infused water in schools and has experimented with just about every combination of fruit, vegetables, and herbs possible,” wrote author Bridget Shirvell in her recent blog post, “Here’s Why Infused Water Should Be Your Summer Party Drink,” on MarthaStewart.com. The article also conveyed Taylor’s opinion of which produce to use, when to make it, and how to serve it.
Taylor and TPM saw a busy month this June, as at the United Fresh Convention, Taylor was selected by the United Leadership Class 24, of which she is a member, to give the class graduation address. Taylor also will act as the keynote speaker at the Dallas Fresh Food Association Luncheon on June 26.
As an expert in the fields of marketing, business development, brand purpose, and identity, Taylor has been a key component of taking TPM’s message of the power of fresh produce to the masses. Several thought leaders and influencers have interviewed Taylor and featured her on their platforms, including John Lincoln, digital and internet marketing guru and host of the Ignite Visibility Podcast; and Esther Kiss, business guru and host of the Born to Influence Podcast. Looking ahead to September, Taylor will appear at SEPC’s Southern Innovations Organics and Foodservice expo to deliver a special presentation.
“I love talking about produce with consumers, but I started my career in the produce industry, and that will always be the community that I consider family!” Taylor commented.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more produce-forward news.
AUSTIN, TX - The 10th annual Center for Produce Safety (CPS) Research Symposium is only hours away, and we here at AndNowUKnow are eagerly awaiting all of the latest food safety nuggets of truth. I spoke with Doug Grant, Executive Vice President and COO for Oppy, to learn more about the importance of the Symposium.
“The session I’m moderating is titled 'How to Fuel Change.' The panelists are all senior food safety professionals who will discuss their experience implementing research from CPS projects to improve their own food safety programs," he told me.
Over two days, panel discussions with industry professionals from the entire produce supply chain will take place, including ones with PMA CEO Cathy Burns; Donna Lynn Browne of Naturipe Farms; Suresh DeCosta of Lipman Family Farms; De Ann Davis of Church Brothers Farms; and Walter Ram of Giumarra Companies. A number of scientists from universities across the country will also present new information and discuss science-based solutions to advance food safety plans.
These sessions are meant to inspire change and provide new tools for attendees to take back to their own companies and hopefully, as Dougtells me, collectively advance the level of food safety across the industry.
“There’s a lot of interactive discussions during the panel sessions,” he said. “It’s a chance to really learn what the latest developments are in food safety and I’m sure everyone is going to have some really great takeaways from this symposium. My biggest hope is that companies will have some a-ha moments, during which they can pick up something brand new and then implement it in their organizations with great results. Any opportunity for companies to engage in food safety on a day-to-day basis would be a huge advancement.”
Amen to that! For the latest in what’s happening in the food safety space, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
YERINGTON, NV - Summer is here and that means salad season. Out goes the hearty stews and stick-to-your-ribs food of winter, and in comes the summer bounty of fresh produce. Foxy is gearing up to meet seasonal consumer demand with its upcoming organic vegetable program from Yerington, Nevada. This premium product will soon be available.
“Our organic vegetable program in Yerington, Nevada will complement our organic production in California’s Salinas Valley,” Tom M. Nunes (T5), President, told me. “Our organic leafy green crops will start mid-June and by July 4th, all other organic commodities will be going in Nevada.”
Though other parts of the country have seen some tumultuous weather, growing conditions for Foxy have been ideal—organic quality and yields are looking strong. With summertime production of organics between Salinas and Nevada up 15 percent from last year, Foxy will be bringing exceptional products to its customers and consumers.
Overall, the organic market has been good. Some items have fared better than others and pricing for high-quality organic products continues to be strong. Foxy is excited, not just for this season’s excellent produce, but also for the outreach efforts to support its retail and foodservice partners. Numerous tours and visits to the company’s Nevada operation are in store this summer to bridge the gap between grower and retailer/foodservice provider.
To stay up-to-date on this season’s produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
INDEPENDENCE, KY - Our industry is never standing still, and it looks as though the Crosset Company’s annual Produce & Floral Conference is embracing that with a few new twists in this year’s event.
“We have reinvented our annual produce and floral conference for 2019,” said Greg Kurkjian, Crosset Company Vice President/General Manager. “We talked with our customer and supplier communities to learn what was working and what could be improved. We asked them what issues keep them up at night that we could help address in our education sessions. Based on their feedback, our signature event has been rebuilt from the ground up. Whether or not you have attended our Conference in the past, I guarantee you’ll come away saying, ‘Wow, that was a truly unique experience and a valuable use of my time!’ Retailers, foodservice operators, and exhibitors will come away better prepared and inspired to win by daring to be different.”
The day-long event will feature guest speakers and panelists, as well as networking and sales opportunities with leading-edge produce and floral suppliers. Cooking demos and sampling throughout the day offer a literal taste of the show, with educational sessions covering success stories from retailers who dared to be different. According to a press release, this could mean creating differentiation through organic and locally grown programs, blurring lines between retail and foodservice, and what it takes to become an employer-of-choice for millennials and Gen Z.
“Joining Crosset as the hosts of this year’s event are our sister companies Castellini Wholesale, Club Chef, and RWI Logistics,” continued Kurkjian. “With their participation, we expect our customer attendance to double versus last year. By leveraging the unique strengths across the Castellini Group, our customers benefit from customized product and supply chain solutions that help them engage their shoppers and generate profitable growth. As a group, we are bringing together the industry’s best fresh produce and floral suppliers and marketers to exhibit their latest innovations and offer spectacular show-only promotional programs.”
The conference will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the Great American Ball Park, home to the Cincinnati Reds Baseball team. Attendees will then be treated to an exciting new evening experience featuring a new dinner venue and an opportunity to discover Cincinnati’s brewing heritage firsthand.
Registration is now open for the all-new conference, held on August 28, 2019. A full look at the schedule can be found here. Retailers, foodservice operators, growers, suppliers, and other industry partners can now register on-line at crosset.com.
SELMA, NC - Leading global foodservice distribution company, Sysco Corporation, has recently announced the upcoming completion of its newly expanded facility, with a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for June 21 at 1:30 pm ET. The ceremony will include state and local officials, associates, and other members of the community.
“We are excited about the expansion of our facility in Selma and the continued growth of our business and look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the increased capabilities our expanded facility will offer,” said Tom Woods, President, Sysco Raleigh. “Furthermore, Sysco Raleigh has been a proud member of our community for over a decade, currently employing over 380 local residents in a variety of careers, and as we continue to grow, we anticipate adding a number of new jobs.”
According to a press release, the expansion has increased the Selma facility’s square footage by approximately 40 percent. The project commenced in July of last year, and is expected to wrap up in August of this year.
For more news on industry facility upgrades and innovations, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
UNITED STATES - While tariffs on Mexico have been postponed for now, and possibly even avoided altogether, the White House is still engaged in a back-and-forth tariff-off with China, and retailers are concerned. According to a report by CNN Business, over 600 retailers, manufacturers, and tech companies wrote a letter to President Trump to try to delay the levies on China. Costco, Walmart, and Target all signed their name onto the letter.
“On behalf of the undersigned companies below and the millions of workers we employ, we are writing regarding the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China. We agree that our trading partners must abide by global trade rules, and we support the administration’s efforts to address unfair trading practices…We encourage the administration to negotiate a strong deal with China that addresses longstanding structural issues, improves U.S. global competitiveness, and eliminates tariffs. We believe this goal can be achieved without taxing Americans,” the companies wrote in the letter.
The letter went on to outline the effects the tariffs will have on American businesses, farmers, families, and the U.S. economy, including a loss of more than two million U.S. jobs, turmoil in the market, and threats to the nation’s economic growth, should 25 percent tariffs on an additional $300 billion in imports be implemented.
“We urge your administration to get back to the negotiating table while working with our allies to develop global, enforceable solutions. An escalated trade war is not in the country’s best interest, and both sides will lose. We are counting on you to force a positive resolution that removes the current tariffs, fosters American competitiveness, grows our economy, and protects our workers and customers,” the letter concluded.
On Monday, the United States Trade Representative's office will hold public hearings on the next round of proposed tariffs, according to CNN.
To read the letter in its entirety, click here. And to keep up with our industry’s fast-paced newswire, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
OXNARD, CA - In my old stomping ground of Hawaii, it seems as though everyone and their mom has a mango tree in their yard, so my love of the tropical treat developed at an early age. And with consumers becoming more adventurous in their produce predilections, mangos may be the next diamond in the rough to capture shoppers’ hearts and taste buds—a development I would gladly welcome. Tom Hall, Sales Manager at Freska Produce, explained to me the state of the mango market, Freska’s presence in the category, and the quality standards that drive the company.
“As far as quality, we take great pride in bringing a quality product to market and put strict controls in place at the packing shed to ensure just that,” Tom told me. “At each packing shed we have our own quality control (QC) team examining the quality of the lots upon arrival and scrutinizing the mangos over the entire process. Hopefully, those measures reflect in our finished product and reassure our clients, and ultimately the consumer, when they purchase our mangos.”
Right now, Freska is packing Tommy Atkins and Ataulfos aka Honey Mangos, with limited production on Kents—the volume on the Kent variety will be sporadic until July, when retailers will see consistent supplies. The company is both expecting and targeting similar volume as previous years out of Mexico.
“There will be some competitive factors in the month ahead as we see the rise of the traditional summer fruits (cherries, stonefruit, grapes), and with volumes peaking from Mexico, we typically face some challenges this month,” said Tom. “Although things are a bit slower after the Memorial Day holiday, we are still seeing good retail support and hopefully they will drive all the incremental volumes.”
Demand is beginning to peak on the company’s export program, and though the numbers have been higher than usual, Freska doesn’t expect any supply gaps through summer and into the end of the season in October. Freska got lucky with the growing weather, experiencing some slightly cooler weather that delayed the crop a little, but since the company has transitioned out of those earlier areas, it’s been smooth sailing.
Freska specializes in more than just fresh mangos, with the addition of its Organic Dried Mangos. 100 percent organic, with no sugar added, the dried mangos are a year-round way for consumers to enjoy the exceptional taste of mangos, with none of the guilt associated with other “fruit” snacks. With both fresh and dried options, Freska has retailers and consumers covered all year long.
For more produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.