LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO - It’s clear that consumers have latched on to sustainability, and they’re not letting go any time soon. But how does an enterprising and forward-thinking company turn this trend into a profit? Answer: packaging. NatureFresh™ Farms is acutely aware of the effect that packaging can have on a shopper, particularly those eco-friendly shoppers who seem to grow more discerning by the day. I spoke with Kara Badder, Marketing Manager, who wowed me with news of NatureFresh’s compostable packaging.
“Our company truly believes in sustainability and how vital it is for our future,” she said. “From the way we grow, to the way we operate in the office, to our packaging—we believe in finding long-term sustainable solutions. In addition to our compostable tray, we have been reducing the amount of plastic used by implementing fully recyclable plastics”
The compostable tray she speaks of is a new form of packaging that consumers can toss in their backyards and watch, astoundingly, as it decomposes completely within 60 to 90 days. Environmentally-minded consumers have taken note of the direction the company is moving towards, and their reaction is a positive one.
“The market’s response to this new packaging has been very strong. Retail is extremely supportive and striving towards more sustainable packaging and that same message is being echoed by consumers,” explained Kara. “We receive endless messages from consumers expressing their satisfaction with the changes and encouraging packaging to continue to move in this direction.”
Keeping an eye on consumer trends, NatureFresh can anticipate their needs, better serving them and providing products that meet, even exceed, expectations. As consumer preferences continue to develop and change over time, NatureFresh makes an effort to have direct conversations with large sample sizes of consumers, gathering important insights into their desires and the evolution of the industry as a whole. Through this process, the company has confirmed that transparency and sustainability are on the rise, necessitating the investigation into better-for-the-environment packaging. But NatureFresh hasn’t stopped at just packaging.
“We are continuously looking for new sustainable initiatives, however, we want to ensure before we jump into anything that the initiatives and materials we choose to move forward with are sustainable long-term,” Kara said.
The company opened a new greenhouse—nine months in the making—in Leamington, ON, next to its phase six greenhouse. The greater accessibility to resources, such as energy, has allowed NatureFresh the opportunity to use its knowledge in growing year-round in Ontario. The new greenhouse provides Ontario-grown tomatoes, including tomatoes-on-the-vine, red cherry tomatoes, red grape tomatoes, and cocktail tomatoes, even in the dead of winter.
For more news on companies like NatureFresh who are embracing sustainability, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
ATLANTA, GA - Publix is expected to be opening a more than 50,000-square-foot store at Fuqua’s under-construction, mixed-use development Madison Yards on Memorial Drive. It is set to open on June 26, according to Curbed Atlanta. This puts the retailer head to head with one of its rivals in the region: Kroger.
Publix's Fuqua store is located less than a mile from the relatively new Glenwood Park-adjacent Kroger, also known as “Krobar.”
The soon-to-open Publix will be one of the company’s largest Atlanta locations. Kroger shoppers, however, could argue that Kroger's store in Poncey-Highland is supposed to be a bit bigger.
Taking place on the fast-evolving Memorial Drive corridor, this news about the Beltline and the upcoming Publix represents just a fraction of the action.
For the latest on any new Publix locations, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Last week, President Trump announced that Washington would impose tariffs on all goods coming from Mexico. In the wake of that announcement, fast casual chain Chipotle has emerged as one of many that could shoulder a $15 million hit, particularly because Mexico serves as its main supplier of fresh avocados, amongst other fresh produce items.
“We know that we could easily solve the volatility in our supply chain by purchasing pre-mashed or processed avocados,” Chief Financial Officer Jack Hartung said in an emailed statement, according to Reuters. “Using whole, fresh ingredients and making guacamole by hand in our restaurants each day leads to better-tasting guacamole.
While Chipotle isn’t budging on its commitment to fresh ingredients, its Chief Corporate Reputation Officer Laurie Schalow did disclose to Reuters that the chain has begun sourcing avocados from Peru and Chile over the last couple of months to offset the effects of the current tariff predicament.
Another strategy Chipotle is also considering to offset the $15 million fallout is by raising the prices of its menu items.
“If the tariffs become permanent, we would look to offset these costs through other margin improvement efforts already underway,” Hartung continued, according to Bloomberg. “We could also consider passing on these costs through a modest price increase, such as about a nickel on a burrito, which would cover the increased cost without impacting our strong value proposition.”
Chipotle is one of the first to warn of a price hike. Will additional foodservice operators have to consider price hikes of their own as we head closer to the June 10th start date set by President Trump? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
BAKERSFIELD, CA and LAKE PARK, GA - Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Grimmway Farms is no stranger to growth as one of the nation's largest producers of carrots and organic vegetables. As we step into the second half of 2019, the company is doing so as well—and putting its best foot forward—with the acquisition of the Southern Georgia and North Florida processing facilities and assets of Lake Park, Georgia-based Generation Farms.
“We are committed to providing our customers with high quality vegetables year-round, and we seek to improve logistical efficiencies through our regional operations. Generation Farms' diverse processing capabilities and productive land base provide a unique opportunity to grow our regional carrot program and expand our organic division,” said Eric Proffitt, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Grimmway Farms.
Generation Farms’ Lake Park operation was created in 2013. The company was formerly Coggins Farm. Since its inception, Generation Farms has operated acreage across north Florida and Georgia, supplying carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and watermelon. Additionally, Generation Farms grows, packs, and ships onions from its Vidalia, Georgia-based operation—an asset not included in the acquisition, according to a press release.
“We are excited to increase our footprint in the Southeast and welcome the talented team at Generation Farms to the Grimmway Farms family,” said Jeff Huckaby, President of Grimmway Farms. “We would also like to recognize Steve Grinstead and the Grinstead Group for providing expert advisory service and enabling a seamless transition from beginning to end.”
In 2015, Grimmway began producing carrots in Cook County, Georgia, and Live Oak, Florida. Grimmway strengthened its regional investment with the opening of its Southeast Regional Packing Facility and Warehouse in Sparks, Georgia, in February of 2018. This investment has allowed the company to ship conventional carrot products from the facility from mid-December through May.
Grimmway will continue to supply many of Generation Farms’ long-term customers in the region.
Grimmway has welcomed many companies into its fold over the years, having successfully integrated several produce companies into its operations following the acquisitions of Cal-Organic Farms in 2001, King Pak Potato Company in 2000, Mike Yurosek & Sons in 1995, and Belridge Packing Company in 1991.
This recent acquisition is a testament to Grimmway’s continued commitment to growth in the Southeast. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed at this time.
Congrats, Grimmway, on your exceptional growth and innovation in our industry!
PASADENA, CA - Howard Nager, Sun Pacific's most recent Vice President of Business Development, has left the company to pursue other business opportunities. Sun Pacific, well known for its coveted Cuties® and Mighties ™ brands, welcomed Nager to the team in 2016.
“It is time that I move on to pursue other business opportunities,” said Nager. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at Sun Pacific and wish them great success. They have terrific brands and grow very good product.”
During his tenure at Sun Pacific, Nager also handled a top marketing role for an interim period, according to a press release.
During his 36-year produce career, Nager has worked in a number of high-profile positions at companies that include Del Monte Fresh Produce, Sunsweet Growers, Maui Pineapple, and Domex Superfresh Growers.
Currently, he serves on the Board of Director’s for the Center for Growing Talent and has also served on both the PMA Board, PMA Retail Board as well as was a past Chairman of the Produce for Better Health Foundation.
For more produce industry news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Meal kit providers across the market appear to be navigating shaky ground of late, with Plated and Blue Apron both implementing strategies to keep on keeping on. Sun Basket, on the other hand, is hitting its stride, despite the state of the market. This week, the healthy meal delivery service announced its latest strategic move, naming a new Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer: Jessica Jensen and Marc Friend, respectively.
“I’m thrilled to have Jessica and Marc join Sun Basket’s team,” said Adam Zbar, CEO. “Pairing Marc’s extensive background as a strategic CFO and venture investor, alongside Jessica’s deep expertise in brand marketing and the new social economy, I’m excited to work closely with them to make Sun Basket America’s favorite way to eat healthy meals.”
The addition of both Jensen and Friend to Sun Basket’s team comes on the heels of the company’s latest funding round, a Series E aimed at expanding the platform’s omnichannel offerings, according to a press release. Over the last couple of years, Sun Basket has also expanded its distribution reach, with new centers and hubs on the East Coast and in the Midwest.
"It's an honor to join Sun Basket at such an exciting time in its history. With the best product and a massive addressable market, I see a huge opportunity for us to gain significant market share and create the category-defining company," said Jensen. "We already deliver the best healthy meals in the country every day, and I can't wait to lead our amazing marketing team as we expand our product offerings and deliver them to millions more people."
Prior to joining Sun Basket, Jensen led high performance marketing teams at technology companies, including five years at Facebook as its Head of Platforms, Products, and Insights, in which she oversaw B2B marketing for platforms like Instagram and Messenger. She has also served as the Global Head of Product Marketing for Apple’s mobile advertising platforms and as the GM of Yahoo Health and Shine.
Friend also brings a wealth of leadership experience—20 years to be exact—to his new role. Most recently, Friend served as the Chief Financial Officer of PubNub, a SaaS platform focused on managing real-time applications and IoT devices. Prior to PubNub, Friend worked as the Chief Operating Officer at Initio, an enterprise application development platform. In addition, he was a General Partner at Summit Partners and a General Partner at US Venture Partners.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the extremely talented team at Sun Basket and for the opportunity to play an instrumental role in building a fast growth, high profitable business model," said Marc Friend, CFO of Sun Basket. "Innovation and consumer delight are at the forefront of Sun Basket's DNA, and I'm looking forward to getting to work."
As CMO of Sun Basket, Jensen will focus on driving the company’s revenue growth, building the meal delivery service’s brand, and curating new strategic partnerships, while Friend, as CFO, will be responsible for architecting the company's business model, strategic planning, M&A, and fundraising, as well as leading the finance, accounting, and HR operations.
Congratulations to Jessica Jensen and Marc Friend on their new roles! How will Sun Basket’s new Chiefs help drive business forward in the meal kit category? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
SALINAS, CA - Mann Packing is debuting its new CAULILINI® baby cauliflower 10-ounce retail pack at the United Fresh Produce Association 2019 Convention and Expo in Chicago, Illinois.
To add to the excitement, Mann’s Nourish Bowls® Breakfast line—the Denver Scramble and Fiesta Scramble—was nominated for United Fresh's 2019 Innovation Award for Best New Vegetable Product.
“CAULILNI baby cauliflower was an immediate hit with our foodservice customers when we introduced it last year due to its unique look, flavor, and versatility,” said Rick Russo, Vice President. “Consumers have been hounding us on social media asking when they can find it in their grocery store, which is exactly the demand we were hoping to create by giving it to chefs first.”
According to the company’s press release, CAULILINI baby cauliflower is an Asian-style variety that features green stems and blonde, open florets. Its unique shape adds both taste and texture to side dishes, crudité platters, and entrée builds. The product is entirely edible—from flower to stem—and has a sweet, tender stalk that turns bright green when cooked. It comes washed and ready to eat and has year-round availability.
CAULILINI baby cauliflower will be available in a 6/10 oz. pack, with North American distribution beginning in mid-July for retail customers.
“We’re also proud that our Nourish Bowls Breakfast line-up is a finalist for the 2019 Innovation Award for Best New Vegetable Product,” stated Russo. “Since we introduced the bowls in January, they have quickly become two of our best-selling skus.”
Nourish Bowls Breakfast comes in two flavors: Denver Scramble and Fiesta Scramble.
Recipe: Add 1-2 eggs, microwave for 4 minutes and enjoy these superfood vegetable bowls. These new bowls bring to the breakfast table all the convenience, nutrition, and freshness of Mann’s other Nourish Bowls brand offerings at 330 calories or less and up to 25 grams of protein.
CAULILINI baby cauliflower and Nourish Bowls Breakfast will both be available to sample at booth #2000 at the United Fresh 2019 Convention and Expo, June 10-12 in Chicago.
For more news on Mann Packing’s products, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - SpartanNash has announced a new addition to its executive management team, with Walt Lentz joining the company as Executive Vice President and President, Food Distribution, effective May 31. Lentz brings 32 years of logistics and supply chain experience, having served in leadership roles that include Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Supply Chain Officer of Peapod, the grocery e-commerce business division of Ahold Delhaize, from 2017 to 2019.
“Walt’s multi-disciplined logistics and supply chain career and commanding knowledge of the grocery industry from distribution, retailing, and omnichannel commerce, to manufacturing and merchandising are in direct alignment with SpartanNash’s supply chain optimization and strategic growth objectives,” said President and Chief Executive Officer, David M. Staples. “His proven track record of achieving top-line sales growth and bottom-line cost savings with emerging innovative solutions, merchandising, and marketing initiatives, and improved customer and associate satisfaction are reflective of Walt’s transformational leadership skills. We believe his expertise and energy to accelerate our strategic plan will be an asset to our organization.”
In his new role, Lentz will take on full responsibility of the company’s $4 billion food distribution segment and the total company supply chain. Lentz and his team will work towards developing and executing strategic plans to grow the wholesale distribution and food manufacturing businesses’ profitability, according to a press release. Lentz will directly report to Staples.
Lentz began his career with Ahold in 2009, serving as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain for Giant Foods before advancing to Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Logistics, Planning and Replenishment, for Ahold USA Retail. Prior to his time with Ahold, Lentz served in a variety of executive roles with Kellogg Company from 1997 to 2009, ranging from manufacturing operations to logistics operations and business unit sales support.
For more industry executive management news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
MISSION, TX - The Texas Valley Citrus Committee (TVCC) is on the hunt for new members, specifically those with producer and handler qualifications. The committee’s Dennis Holbrook, Chairman; and Ted Prukop, Manager, also insisted that the TVCC is looking to encourage more industry participation as it sets out to bolster its ranks.
“I would like to encourage the citrus industry to get involved,” Holbrook said, noting that Texas citrus is inspected for consistent grade and size standards. “Without enforceable standards, any and all citrus could be shipped, making it difficult to get the best price possible for high quality Texas citrus. Our citrus marketing order helps create a level playing field.”
As part of its quest to tap our industry’s vast resource of talented, passionate produce people, the TVCC is also hoping to enlist more women and minorities. In a press release, the committee encouraged the industry to nominate women and minorities.
“The TVCC plays an important role in ensuring producers and handlers get the best price for their products. We are always looking for new growers to sit on the committee to create diversity and bring in some new energy,” Prukop added.
The TVCC will hold a nomination and budget meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 12 pm at the TexaSweet building in Mission, Texas. The citrus industry is invited to attend and to bring a few names of those they’d like to nominate.
For more fresh industry news, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up-to-date.
MISSISSAUGA, ON - Walmart Canada has introduced its new “Urban Supercentre Concept” to better address the demands of its customers in Toronto, Ontario, according to the retailer’s press release.
“With our new Urban Supercentre Concept, we’re continuing to position ourselves as a leader in store design and retail innovation,” said Lee Tappenden, President and CEO of Walmart Canada. “We’re introducing new partners, testing new and innovative technologies, integrating e-commerce with brick-and-mortar, and updating our assortment to improve the customer shopping experience and to appeal more to young families in urban markets.”
The Toronto-Stockyards location was chosen by the retailer to carry new “Fast Lane” checkout technology to the store and to fully integrate the My Walmart app to allow customers to scan its own products.
Store associates—including new full- and part-time associates—work alongside state-of-the-art technology to help make shopping as easy and convenient as possible for customers. In Thornhill, a second Supercentre Concept will launch and best practices will be used in future store renovations next year.
“Our new concept is a symbol of what’s to come in retail and demonstrates our vision for helping Canadians save money and live better, now and in the future,” stated Tappenden.
These new Urban Supercentre Concepts include:
- The grocery section has been renamed Fresh Market and has been redesigned to include more theatre lighting and wood panel wall treatment. The store will also offer top quality fruits and vegetables, including organics and 100% Canadian beef, chicken, pork, and seafood
- New prototype introduces “Fast Lane”, which allows customers to use the My Walmart app on their mobile device to shop and check out quickly and seamlessly
- New licensee strategy reflects emerging trends and evolving customer needs, adding new partners like Freshii, MINISO, The UPS Store and The Party Shop
- New associate positions have been added to focus on customer service, including online grocery and general merchandise pickup
With a focus on refurbishing and refreshing 31 stores, the retailer announced last month an investment of $200 million in its store network. Walmart has invested over $1 billion in its Canadian store network in the last five years.
How will Walmart Canada’s new Urban Supercentre Concept appeal to its shoppers? Keep checking back to AndNowUKnow for more news like this.