SAN ANTONIO, TX - For any retailers that might be puzzling the best ways to get shoppers hooked on produce items like colorful carrots and sweet onions, J&D has teamed up with Stacey Mattinson, Registered Dietician Nutritionist, to launch a retail campaign to help bridge that gap.
I had the opportunity to speak with Stacy last month at the ever innovative Viva Fresh Expo.
“I want to take what’s being grown in the fields and bring it to your table,” Stacey tells me of her partnership with J&D Produce’s Little Bear Brand. “I’ve been creating retail dietitian brochures that help retail dieticians and retailers just in general.”
Recipes, sample blogs, quick nutrition tips, and more help retailers and their teams show shoppers how to enhance the tasty flavors of Little Bear Brand products, like its HoneySweet onion and its Beta Sweet Maroon carrot.
“Little Bear Brand is really focused on nutrition and health,” Stacy concludes, naming some quick tips that she says make all the difference in stores, such as sampling and helping to familiarize consumers with the products.
Keep your eyes peeled for more from this dynamic partnership! For now, you can hear all the details from Stacey herself in the brief video interview above.
KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO; MAASDIJK, THE NETHERLANDS - Mastronardi Produce® recently announced its investment in Europe though a partnership with Dutch vegetable exporter Soho Produce.
“This partnership will allow us to expand our offerings to our North American customers,” stated Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO, and fourth-generation family member to lead Mastronardi Produce. “Whether they’re seeking flavorful tomatoes, rare purple peppers, Belgium Endive, or a unique in-and-out discovery, we can provide a single, efficient procurement solution.”
According to a press release, Remco Beekman, Chief Executive Officer of Soho Produce, will lead Sales and Marketing for the new venture, which will be known as SUNSET of Holland.
“From Campari®, the very first branded tomato, to their new cult tomato line, Flavor Bombs™and Sugar Bombs™, Mastronardi has created the most respected brands in the produce space,” said Beekman. “This expertise, coupled with our knowledge of European commodities, positions us for success.”
Paul Schockman will join the team to lead Operations; he brings over 15 years’ experience in the fresh produce sector in both the Dutch and Canadian markets.
SUNSET of Holland will also be the initial distributor in select markets for the first Advanced High-Density Farming System of the John Paul Dejoria/Mastronardi partnership.
AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date on the latest in new partnerships, ventures, and more.
PALM DESERT, CA - President David Marguleas announced that Sun World Innovations has selected a panel of leading American and Canadian fruit companies to import its proprietary branded table grape varieties to North America.
“We’re pleased to invite these prominent fruit import companies to join the Sun World family as we further broaden our Southern Hemisphere licensed producers and exporters’ distribution reach into key American and Canadian markets,” Marguleas said.
According to a press release, the newly-licensed importers consist of Camposol Fresh U.S.A.; The Oppenheimer Group; Dayka & Hackett; Divine Flavor International; Dole Fresh Fruit Co.; Fresh Flavor International; North American Produce Buyers Limited; Summit Produce; Vanguard Direct; and William H. Kopke Jr. /Southern Fruit Import Co.
Marguleas noted that all 10 companies have been granted licenses to distribute and market Sun World’s full line of proprietary grapes in the U.S. and Canada from licensed Chilean, Peruvian, Brazilian, and South African suppliers who had nominated the importers. The licenses include the right to utilize the California company’s varietal brand trademarks such as AUTUMNCRISP®, MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, and SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS®.
Sun World Innovations is the genetics, breeding, and licensing arm of Sun World International. It has a broad-based network of more than 1,500 licensed partner grower-marketers in 15 countries and maintains offices in Italy, Australia, Chile, Israel, South Africa, and California.
For more news on Sun World and anything fresh produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
WEST POINT, NE - Earlier this year, Shopko announced it would be liquidating its assets and closing all of its remaining retail locations by June. While no buyer has appeared to show interest in the grocer, Hy-Vee has taken over the lease of a former Shopko facility in West Point, Nebraska, according to local source KTIC Radio.
The source reported that West Point developer Dave Baumert signed a contract last week with Hy-Vee. The contract includes the 10-year lease for the 33,000-square-foot facility, with the option of three “five-year” extensions.
Hy-Vee has already taken over the former Shopko location’s pharmacy, which it began operating in the last couple of months. Baumert expects Hy-Vee to be fully moved into its new facility in two to three months.
Will Hy-Vee adopt more of Shopko’s former territory? AndNowUKnow will continue to peep on any and all grocery movement.
AUSTIN, TX - Voices of our industry continue to join the lineup of the upcoming 2019 CPS Research Symposium. The latest discussion revealed when produce professionals gather in Austin, Texas, is with a host of senior food safety professionals.
“This June will become home to an exciting milestone in our industry with the CPS Symposium. There is no end to the great number of interesting conversations and developments happening right now in the area of food safety, and CPS has cultivated an event to impact the dialogue around both the issues and the potential resolutions,” Doug Grant, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Oppy, says. “The conversation around the recent romaine outbreaks will be a priority as well as water quality with the new LGMA metrics concerning how surface water irrigation is managed. These topics only touch the surface of what will be revealed and uncovered at the 2019 symposium.”
Panelists will discuss their experience implementing research into their food safety programs, giving attendees the opportunity to learn how they take research to farms and processing facilities. Among them will be:
- Donna Lynn Browne, Director of Food Safety and Social Responsibility, Naturipe Farms LLC
- Suresh DeCosta, Director of Food Safety, Lipman Family Farms
- De Ann Davis, VP of Quality and Food Safety, Church Brothers Farms
- Walter Ram, Vice President of Food Safety, The Giumarra Companies
- Steve Warshawer, Food Safety Coordinator, Winrock
"CPS focuses on scientific research that is directly related to the fresh produce industry and the CPS Research Symposium is where the latest research findings are first released," Walter shares with me about participating. "Some of these findings are pure science that have long term possibilities but other projects result in findings that are practical and immediately useful to the industry. There is no other event quite like it."
As we’ve previously reported, additional participants and backers of the symposium include Dave Corsi of Wegmans Food Markets, Cathy Burns of PMA, Michael Robach, The Robach Group, LLC Mike Taylor, Stop Foodborne Illness, Meridian Institute, and Tim York, Markon Cooperative.
“The CPS Symposium is a great place to find the latest information on food safety in produce,” Donna Lynn concludes.
It all takes place June 18-19. Those looking to take their commitment to ensuring a safe and secure food supply to the next level can register here.
MEXICO - Seminis, a subsidiary of Bayer, recently hosted its third annual Watermelon Experience. Taking place May 9, 2019, in Hemosillo, Sonora, the event brought together growers, technical advisors, and dealers from the North of Mexico to network and provide knowledge of the main market trends in the region. I spoke to René Morales, Strategic Accounts Sales, and Raina Nelson, SVP of Supply Chain for Renaissance Food Group.
“We created this event to help share information among Growers, shippers, packers, crop technicians, and processors,” René told me. “It’s a blend of people who are talking about how to make it easier for the whole process; from those who grow, to those who ship, and those who deliver. Everyone wants to make it a good standard for their sales partner.”
Watermelon is one of Bayer’s business priorities, and those who attended were treated to field visits to view the plentiful melons. (I’m jealous; watermelon is easily my favorite summertime fruit!) For the first time, the event was held outside, amongst the fields. A large domed tent shaded the attendees from the sun, where they were then treated to several informative presentations, such as the ones listed above.
Raina Nelson, who gave a talk about fresh cut industry trends, shared what she found to be most valuable.
“The Watermelon Experience hosted by Seminis was a wonderful event that brought growers, shippers, and supply chain users like RFG together to learn, share, and network. The new varieties are very exciting and the future of watermelon is very sweet!” she shared.
NEW YORK CITY - Trader Joe’s is giving residents a new reason to heart New York, recently revealing its plans to open an East Village location near Avenue A. As part of its urban expansion, the new store will be the retailer’s ninth in Manhattan.
“We’ve consulted our maps and compass and have found a terrific location for a store in New York (East Village), NY,” a brief announcement on the company’s website read. “We’ll continue to post new details about the store and its opening here, so please check back for updates.”
According to The Villager, the new store will be located at 432 E. 14th St., close to a new subway entrance/exit on Avenue A to make it even easier for residents to access the store.
While the new store is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, local politicians have been imploring the retailer to reinstate the grocery delivery service that it shut down in January of this year.
“Affordable grocery stores in New York City are sadly not accessible in every part of our city. Trader Joe’s delivery service helped numerous families access groceries. Please reconsider restoring this important service,” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams commented in a letter to Trader Joe’s CEO, Dan Bane.
Williams’ letter argues that the retailer’s online delivery service was essential to residents dealing with mobility issues, including elderly shoppers and others who have difficulty carrying heavy bags home. The letter also mentions that residents who need grocery delivery will likely have to turn to one of the retailer’s competitors.
Assemblymember Deborah Glick was another politician to reach out to Bane, requesting the retailer to resume its online delivery service. Representing Greenwich Village, the East Village, Soho, and Tribeca, Glick also referenced the ever-expanding senior population as a group that depends on having groceries delivered.
“New York City, like much of the United States, is experiencing a growing senior population and our society will be forced to find ways to cope with that social change,” Glick wrote. “Beyond government, private enterprise and many areas of commerce will need to adapt to best serve the new realities that a large senior population will bring to this country.”
Living in a large, urban city, it can be extremely difficult to carry filled grocery bags home—shoppers are limited to what they can carry at one time, often just two bags’ worth.
“That is why many of my constituents, particularly those who are older or who have disabilities, rely on the grocery delivery program,” Glick continued. “In fact, this is a relatively common service that is offered by grocery stores throughout New York City, where it can be difficult to carry a large number of groceries by foot from the store to your home … This change is compounded by the reality that within New York City the fastest expanding grocery chain happens to be Trader Joe’s, and Downtown communities are growing to rely on these locations to a greater degree.”
Other local leaders making their plea for grocery delivery include Council Speaker Corey Johnson and state Senator Brad Hoylman.
Will Trader Joe’s cave to consumer demand and reinstate grocery delivery? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.
WESTBOROUGH, MA - The fresh grocery sector has caught BJ’s Wholesale Club’s eye as its next market conquest. In the wholesaler’s first quarter fiscal 2019 results, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Baldwin revealed that BJ’s upcoming plans include expanding and improving its grocery offerings.
“The next place we're going is grocery… We've done changes to health and beauty and the next place to go is grocery…We feel really proud of the progress we've made in perishables with produce units growing,” Baldwin said on an earnings call with investors.
On the call, Baldwin also noted that membership levels are at “historic highs” as new members and renewals continue to increase. This, along with low prices and new-and-improved grocery services, is positioning BJ’s for steady growth, according to Baldwin.
“Our grocery and perishables business are key to delivering value to our members,” Baldwin added.
Additional highlights from the first quarter of 2019, according to a press release, also included the following:
- Net sales for the quarter increased 2.5% to $3.1 billion, compared to the first fiscal quarter in the prior year
- Comparable club sales excluding gasoline sales increased 1.9% for the fiscal quarter
- Income from continuing operations of $36.1 million for the fiscal quarter, compared with $14.3 million in the comparable prior year period.
- First quarter adjusted EBITDA of $124.1 million reflecting a 2.1% increase over the first quarter of fiscal 2018.
- Net income of $35.8 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, and adjusted net income of $36.7 million, or $0.26 per diluted share for the quarter
- Maintains outlook for fiscal 2019
“We are pleased with our solid start to the year,” said Baldwin. "We delivered merchandise comparable sales of 1.9%, improved margins and continued to grow earnings by executing against our strategic priorities. Looking forward, we continue to see momentum across our business and are encouraged by the opportunities ahead of us, as we continue to transform BJ's Wholesale Club."
In the press release, Baldwin also announced that the wholesaler has appointed Robert Steele as its new Lead Independent Director.
“His extensive experience and knowledge of our industry and business will be invaluable to our company,” Baldwin concluded.
To read the press release in its entirety, click here.
For more of the latest happening in grocery retail and fresh produce, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
SELLINSGROVE, PA - BrightFarms, a supplier of locally grown salads, is growing by leaps and bounds, recently breaking ground on a new 250,000-square-foot greenhouse in Snyder County, PA, on Monday, May 20. Several notable community and industry members were in attendance, including Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding; President and CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, Bob Garrett; Senior Vice President of Merchandising for GIANT Food Stores, John Ruane; Vice President of Fresh for GIANT Food Stores; Dave Lessard; Category Manager for GIANT Food Stores, Matt Novosel; and Director of Floral and Produce for GIANT Food Stores, Chris Keetch. GIANT Food Stores is a partner of BrightFarms.
"We have developed a year-round local salad program with GIANT and their efforts to source from local farms is remarkable,” said Abby Prior, Vice President of Marketing at BrightFarms. “They are truly taking a consumer-centric approach to meeting the needs of their produce shoppers."
The grower thanked GIANT Food Stores for its long standing partnership and commitment to doing business with local farmers and food processors. BrightFarms has been a key partner for GIANT Food Stores as consumer demand for locally-grown produce continues to grow. A recent report from The Food Marketing Institute conveyed that local produce matters to 84 percent of consumers and 44 percent of them seek it out whenever possible. The report also discovered that produce is the number one driver for consumers when deciding on their grocery store of choice.
“BrightFarms has long been one of our valued supplier partners and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of their new greenhouse in Snyder County," said John Ruane, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at GIANT Food Stores. "Each week, thousands of GIANT customers purchase BrightFarms’ fresh greens and this new facility will help them continue to do so, ensuring we deliver on our promise to deliver the very best local produce available. We are proud to do business with BrightFarms and look forward to doing so for years to come.”
According to the press release, the new greenhouse is planned to open in early 2020, at which point the grower will be better able to deliver fresh, local produce to Pennsylvania supermarkets within 24 hours of harvest.
“This is not just a big deal for Pennsylvania, it’s a big deal for jobs and for the community, but I would add that it’s also a big deal for the consumer. At the end of the day, we’re in the food business and making sure that they are happy and that we have access to their tables is critical,” Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding, shared during the groundbreaking celebration.
For more fresh produce and retail news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
ORLANDO, FL - The National Mango Board (NMB) brings on Meg Buchsbaum as the new Retail Account Manager for the Northeast. Buchsbaum enters NMB with two decades of experience in retail, wholesale, produce buying, and product development expertise. She will work with retailers in the Northeast of the U.S. to set strategic programs and help retailers grow the mango category and increase year-round mango sales.
“Produce has been such a passion of mine for as long as I can remember,” Buchsbaum said. “From the days on the farm during my childhood, to the endless mornings I spend now contemplating food, flowers, and bees while hearing the morning birds chirping. I am thrilled to join the NMB team and I am ready to get to work and continue their mission to increase consumption of mangoes in the U.S. while implementing proven strategies and industry knowledge.”
According to a press release, Buchsbaum most recently served as the National Produce Merchandiser for C&S Wholesale Grocers, where she developed retail strategies for over 2,500 retail customers, as well as lead the creation, negotiation, and implementation of programs that helped propel category sales. Prior to that, she worked with Whole Foods Market in different positions including Perishable Procurement Buyer, Catering Manager, and Local Forager.
Buchsbaum is a trained chef with a degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. She also served as an instructor of the Professional Pastry and Culinary Arts Program at the Institute of Culinary Education during her career as a chef.
Buchsbaum will succeed Cece Krumrine, who has been with the NMB since 2007.
“Meg’s experience in creating and cultivating retail partnerships will be key to the NMB’s retail initiatives,” stated Valda Coryat, Director of Marketing. “Meg’s expertise, industry knowledge, and love for produce will strengthen our retail team and continue our ongoing success. Additionally, on behalf of the entire Board, the NMB would like to thank Cece Krumrine for her 12 years of service to the NMB. She has played an important role in the NMB’s retail initiatives with retailers in the Northeast. We wish Cece the best in her endeavors and hope she is forever a mango ambassador!”
Buchsbaum enjoys gardening and likes to make seasonal foods. She has also been a beekeeper for over 10 years and loves to travel.
Congratulations to Meg Buchsbaum from the AndNowUKnow team!