UNITED STATES - Over the years, our industry has seen food movements swell and burst into being. Words like organic, sustainability, and locally-grown are as much a part of our vocabulary as tomatoes, squash, and cukes. Now, we may soon have another word to add to our roster: CBD.
Retailers are beginning to show massive interest in CBD-infused products, even though they aren’t yet selling them. CBD, the shortened version of cannabidiol, is an ingredient found in marijuana plants that does not get you high—it only relieves pain or stress. Chains like Walmart, Target, Albertsons, and Kroger, according to a report from the New York Post, have been meeting with makers of these CBD-infused products, as well as asking them for samples.
But what could this mean for the produce industry? Although many of these CBD products stand well outside the world of fruit and veg, our industry is still showing an interest in the potential of CBD products. Just last year, those who attended the Organic Grower Summit got an inside look at Monterey County’s booming organic cannabis industry, and saw firsthand what it could mean to be involved.
View this post on Instagram
The FDA made an announcement in December that spiking food and beverages with CBD or THC was illegal, as well as transporting said products over state lines. However, with certain states legalizing marijuana, such as California and Colorado, it’s interesting to ponder just where our industry may be headed in the years to come.
Will we see more retailers showing interest in such items? Will growers become involved in the organic cannabis industry? AndNowUKnow will be sure to report the latest.
RIVERSIDE, CA - With summer in full swing, avocado demand has picked up—consumers are downright clamoring for their favorite guac ingredient. Index Fresh is ready to satisfy that need with the upcoming Peruvian avocado season. Peak volumes will hit in July and August, but the season will run from the end of May to early September.
“Index Fresh has been working in Peru even before they had access to the U.S. market, and Peruvian fruit has played a key role in our summer marketing since the beginning. We’re excited for this season, and it looks like it’ll be a good summer for all growers from all countries,” said Giovanni Cavaletto, Vice President of Sourcing. “This is the tenth year of Index Fresh working with Peruvian avocados.”
As the significance of avocados in Peru steadily grows, it is projected that over the next five years of production, it will be close to a billion pounds, according to a press release, making them an important source of summer fruit.
“There will be a little less Peruvian volume than last year in the U.S. market because it’s a slightly off year for the country, as last year was an on year for growing,” Cavaletto said. “While working with Peru growers, Index Fresh puts focus on offering value-added programs including ripening, bagging, and RPC’s.”
The popularity of avocados is showing no sign of slowing down, making it essential that there are multiple growing regions ready to supply the summer staple.
“Peru is shipping out 165 million pounds [of avocado] to the US, that’s 20-25 percent of their crop. Europe remains their prime destination for avocados,” said Cavaletto. “On an annual basis, Peru represents around 8 percent of the avocados sold in the U.S. During peak Peru season, that number goes up to 25 percent making them an important supplier June-August."
For more ‘cado updates, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
MONTEREY, CA - For the second annual 2019 California Giant Chef Invitational, California Giant has invited six chefs to showcase their skills! At the exclusive Tehama Golf Club in Monterey, chefs and foodservice partners will participate in various meal events, field tours, a Foodie forum, and the final chef showdown.
According to a press release, these selected chefs will recreate a signature berry recipe in the first culinary cookoff of its kind. Guests at Tehama will try bite-sized samples from the chefs, and one competitor will be chosen as People's Choice. The judges will select one finalist as the winner of the 2019 Chef Invitational and award the Top California Giant Chef.
The California Giant Berry Farms 2019 Chef Invitational competition participants include:
- Travis G Peters, Chef, Shamrock/Markon
- Jonathan Merrick, Chef, Maines Paper & Foodservice/Markon
- Isreal Ortiz, Chef, Harrah’s/Fresh Concepts
- Adrian Day-Murchison, Chef, Renaissance Food Group
- Patty Long, Brands Chef, Renaissance Food Group
- Christian Kearns, Chef, Sysco
Judges:
- Chef Dave Parker, Tehama Golf Club (Carmel, CA)
- Chef/ Restauranteur Denis Boaro, Basil, Gusto (Seaside, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA)
- Ashley Walterhouse, Influencer, Fitmittenkitchen
- Jerome Viel, Chef and Owner of the Carmel Valley Market
Special Guest Emcee:
- Tony Baker, Chef/Owner, Montrio Bistro in Monterey and owner of Baker’s Bacon
The 2019 California Giant Chef Invitational will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Tehama Golf Club in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California.
This annual showdown will culminate with a final Top California Giant Chef being announced and attending the Chef Invitational event offers an opportunity to interview chefs, foodservice partners, and California Giant staff.
For updates on the 2019 California Giant Chef Invitational, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
SANTA PAULA, CA - After calling the produce industry home for the past two years, I know now that June is not just a dad-centric month, but a United Fresh-centric month, too! Limoneira, however, is making sure that both dads and United Fresh feel the love as we head closer toward both’s big days (June 16 and June 10-12, respectively). One way Limoneira is doing so is through its new Take a Healthy Stand™ campaign—a campaign that highlights the many ways that lemons can play a role in helping to alleviate serious health issues.
“Limoneira will be at United Fresh in Chicago talking about our new initiative Take A Healthy Stand,” John Chamberlain, Vice President of Marketing, said. “For those attending the show, we’d love to see you. We’ll be at booth #10030. Grocery and Foodservice Nutritionists are key influencers for shoppers and guests on making healthy choices, and they are on the front lines of the Functional Food movement. Healthy habits don’t have to sacrifice great taste and at Limoneira we can show you how.”
COO Alex Teague added: “There have been a number of research studies that support the role that lemons play in potentially alleviating Heart Disease and Strokes, Alzheimer’s, Type 2 Diabetes, and even Cancer. Basically, lemons are an important part of a Mediterranean Diet—a very healthy and delicious way of eating."
Limoneira’s latest campaign includes recipes that Megan Roosevelt, Registered Dietician of The Healthy Grocery Girl® and Limoneira spokesperson, developed with dads in mind, including the following:
Citrus Ginger Cold Brew – A perfect pairing with Dad’s Lemon Glazed Donuts
- 1 Limoneira Navel Orange
- ¼ inch fresh Ginger Root
- ¼ cup filtered water
- ¾ cup Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
- 2 tbsp real Maple Syrup
Directions: Juice orange, add juice, water, maple syrup, and ginger root to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then lower heat, remove ginger root, and let cool for 30 minutes. Add cold brew to glasses with ice and add juice, water, and syrup to glass. Enjoy!
According to a press release, the Citrus Ginger Cold Brew pairs perfectly with the lemon glazed donuts (recipe on Limoneira’s Channel) for a delicious Father’s Day treat.
Limoneira’s website will also feature June recipes perfect for summer, like a Celebration Citrus Treats & Beverage Cart, Baked Citrus Chicken Wings, and Lemon Broccolini Pesto & Beans.
Looking for more recipes? Subscribe to Limoneira’s YouTube Channel for more recipes, tips, and tricks. Or looking for more fresh produce news, subscribe to AndNowUKnow’s twice-daily newsletters for more scrumptious content like this!
KEENE, NH - Retail veteran and longtime C&S Wholesale Grocers Executive VP and Chief Procurement Officer Bob Palmer has announced he is retiring this year.
“C&S Wholesale Grocers would like to wish Bob Palmer a happy and healthy retirement. Bob is an inspiring leader who has helped drive our success and he will forever be a part of the C&S Family!” the company announced on its social media.
Bob’s service with C&S Wholesale goes back over 30 years, and his time in our industry extends even further. Bob kickstarted his grocery career with Albertsons, working at its Southco Division from 1979 to 1981, before moving on to another business opportunity outside of the trade.
He returned to grocery in 1986, finding a home with the C&S Wholesale family where he has served ever since.
The company did not include a successor for Bob’s position, only its gratitude for his decades of commitment and contribution to its growth.
The AndNowUKnow team would like to congratulate Bob on this newest chapter, and on a long and successful career in our industry!
CASHMERE, WA - Pears are getting the special treatment, as Crunch Pak® recently announced its latest product line: value-added pears, which are available in 7 oz and 32 oz packages. Made from Anjou and Bartlett varieties, the value-added pears will make their debut at United Fresh in Chicago, IL, from June 10 -12 at booth 6040.
“Our head of business development, Ozgur Koc, has been working on value-added pears with us since 2002,” Tony Freytag, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder, explained. “There’s a tremendous amount of research put into it, on getting the peeling just right, on treating it, on how it travels, and then how it works at the consumer level. The key is getting the consistency that we believe the consumer wants.”
According to a press release, slicing pears was an original goal of Crunch Pak when the company began in 2000.
“We made a commitment to develop value-added pears many years ago to our growers and customers,” Tony said. “Our location, relative to where the majority of the country’s pears are grown, makes us literally neighbors with orchardists and their crops. The countless hours of research and development that was put into the project and the overall commitment of the company to creating this proprietary technology is to be heralded."
In addition, United Fresh announced Crunch Pak’s value-added pears as a finalist for the United Fresh Produce Association’s 2019 Innovation Awards in the best fruit category.
For the latest in fresh products, stick with us here at AndNowUKnow.
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - A finalist for the 2019 United Fresh Innovation Awards for Best New Vegetable Product, Good Foods will also be debuting its recently launched line of plant-based dips in Chicago next week!
“We are thrilled that our hard work and dedication to creating this clean label, new line of dips has paid off,” said Danyel O’Connor, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “As the plant-based snacking sector continues to skyrocket, we’re honored to be forerunners in the space.”
According to a press release, the dips have had positive feedback from both consumers and retailers as the trend of plant-based diets has skyrocketed. At the trade show's Innovation Showcase, attendees will be able to vote for their favorite United Fresh Innovation Awards finalists in each category. On Wednesday, June 12, winners will be announced from the Main Stage on the trade show floor at 2:00 pm.
“Our product development team tested tirelessly until we were confident we were providing plant-powered dips that are not only better for you, but also superior in taste and full of flavor,” stated Mandy Bottomlee, Director of Marketing.
Good Foods’ has invested in product development and trial to ensure great flavor of its products. The plant-based dips are made from plant sources like cauliflower and cashews to fit the needs of many different eating styles and are available in five flavors:
- Queso
- Tzatziki
- Avocado Pesto
- Creamy Cilantro
- Buffalo Cauliflower
Between 30-50 calories, each dip contains three grams of carbs or less per serving for a flavor-filled snack.
Good Foods will also be showcasing additional products like the fan favorite Tableside Chunky Guacamole at booth #6029 on June 10-12. So stop by to meet O’Connor and Bottomlee and sample the plant-based dips.
For more news about Good Foods and updates on United Fresh, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
HOUSTON, TX - Sysco is doubling down on its food safety initiatives and teaming up with the Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE) to further educate customers on proper food handling techniques.
“As the global leader in food distribution, Sysco is in a unique position to expand the reach of food safety education within the industry,” said Mark Mignogna, Sysco’s Vice-President of Quality Assurance. “Food safety is Sysco’s top priority, and our collaboration with the Partnership for Food Safety Education provides an impactful avenue for us to demonstrate our continued commitment to this important topic and increase our customers’ access to food safety education.”
By collaborating with PFSE, Sysco hopes to strengthen its commitment to improving public health outcomes by reducing foodborne illnesses. The two will also partner on creating educational materials for the food distribution industry and offering food safety educational opportunities to customers.
According to a press release, PFSE is a non-profit, one of the originators of science-based food safety messaging, and a national leader in developing and disseminating information around the linkage of food safety consumer education with positive health outcomes. In addition to Sysco, PFSE partners with thought leaders, collaborators, and sustaining supporters of the organization’s year-round efforts to raise awareness of safe food handling practices, as well as with leading consumer groups, food industry associations, commodity management groups, and professional associations in the food science and nutrition channels.
For more retail and foodservice news as it relates to fresh produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA - Zespri has began its “Let Your Taste Wander” consumer campaign with the goal to encourage shoppers to buy more SunGold® Kiwifruit! With Zespri’s multi-channel marketing campaign, consumers will be flocking into retail stores to find that perfect kiwifruit.
“Lack of visibility in the store is the biggest barrier to buying kiwi,” said Sarah Deaton, Shopper Marketing Manager. “A recent shopper study revealed that consumers love to eat kiwi, but if it isn’t presented in front or visible, it isn’t top of mind for many shoppers. We know in-store touch points have a notably higher impact in the fruit category compared to other foods. We’ve tailored our marketing efforts around eye-catching graphics, multiple display units, social, print, and digital media, and geo-targeted campaigns to reach consumers in the store.”
According to a press release, to build synergy and brand recognition, Zespri is giving retailers displays designed with uncommon graphics that match the consumer campaign. Holding four cases of kiwifruit, and case stack sleeves holding five cases, the company is also providing a range of sizes to meet the needs of retailers, including a standard display unit.
With up to a 96 percent dollar increase, research indicates that doubling the size of a clamshell kiwifruit display nearly doubles kiwifruit dollar sales. In fact, packaged kiwifruit displays at the entry of a department, such as a berry table, can increase sales byy 44 percent.
Further, secondary displays increase dollar sales 36 percent more than simply doubling the size of a single display. Zespri also offers a display that attaches to the retail shelf with a spring clip. To attract consumers and encourage purchase, all graphics feature “The Sweeter, Yellow Kiwi” tag.
“Our target users are not traditional TV viewers,” stated Deaton. “Our media plan is built to reach them in places they turn to for entertainment, information, and aspiration, including Hulu 15-second and six-second spots, national magazines, and social media and influencers. We have four times the media investment this year to drive shoppers to stores to buy SunGold. We also encourage retailers to meet with our teams to build customized retail programs designed for their unique shopper.”
Helping shoppers explore outside of their typical fruit selections and break from their predictable grocery shopping routines is Zespri’s consumer campaign mission! Zespri’s consumer agency created a hyper-real CG rainforest populated with exotic animals, which is demonstrative of how shopping for this fruit can be an intriguing and a great experience.
For more updates on Zespri’s marketing campaign, keep tuning into AndNowUKnow.
PHOENIX, AZ - Sprouts Farmers Market wants YOU! And you, and you, and you. Indeed, the retailer has announced it's hosting a National Hiring Day event where anyone can walk-in on Tuesday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at more than 300 stores from coast to coast. The healthy grocer has created approximately 1,500 full- and part-time, non-seasonal positions, open to meet the demand for its natural and organic products.
“As our stores and workforce grow from coast to coast, our team members are instrumental in helping increase awareness of Sprouts and our unique products that make it easy for everyday shoppers to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Timmi Zalatoris, VP of Human Resources. “With job opportunities in a variety of departments across the store, Sprouts is a great place to learn and grow a career.”
According to a press release, Sprouts created 3,500 new jobs in 2018 and promoted 28 percent of store team members, making it one of the fastest-growing retailers in the nation. Sprouts operates locations in 22 states, including the new markets of New Jersey, Virginia, and Louisiana by the end of this year.
All Sprouts departments are hiring, including specialized areas like the Market Corner Deli, which have been enhanced at many of the healthy grocer’s locations to include more convenience-driven options and to emphasize customer service. Applications can be completed online at sprouts.com/careers. The minimum age to apply is 16 years old.
Employment opportunities include:
- Department Managers and Assistant Department Managers (Produce, Deli, Meat and Seafood, Vitamins and Body Care, Grocery, Bakery, and more)
- Cashiers
- Clerks (all departments)
- Courtesy Clerks (checkout assistants)
- Backup Receivers and Scan Coordinators
For professional growth, Sprouts offers competitive pay, team member discounts, and opportunities. Sprouts team members saved more than $12 million through store discounts last year. Since 2009, Sprouts has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to team members and dependents.
Each store location varies with open positions. The locations not participating in National Hiring Day are North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Yuma, Arizona.
For updates on Sprouts National Hiring Day, keep reading AndNowUKnow.