WOODRIDGE, IL - Produce Pro Software understands that salespeople are on the go. And, whether in a plane, on the road, or on foot, our CRM is there to support your sales team—wherever they may go.
Here’s What’s in Store.
Built specifically to meet sales teams’ needs, our CRM allows your department to manage all facets of sales pipelines.
Accessible through our core Produce Pro system and via mobile app, Produce Pro Software’s CRM solutions provide an accessible, easy-to-use interface on almost any device.
And our CRM is fully flexible, supporting the sales process with as much or as little structure as you need.
Fully integrated with the Produce Pro system, our CRM is updated in real time—because we know that real time data equals real results.
With Produce Pro Software’s CRM, users can easily:
- Manage accounts with a 360-degree view of customer information, contacts, orders, and credits;
- Create new accounts, leads, and opportunities;
- Add tasks, contacts, and touch points.
Users can also:
- Track and review account activity;
- View live product inventory;
- Conduct quick searches;
- And, finally, place sales orders on behalf of their customers.
Sales managers can access a variety of reports to see how their sales staff is doing—and our Salesperson Dashboard can pull and filter the status of sales pipelines by salesperson.
Plus with our “Near Me” feature, salespeople can search their current location for identified customers, leads, and prospects, maximizing time in the field and increasing efficiency throughout their day.
Put the power of Produce Pro in the hands of your sales team. Contact us at 630-395-9600 to learn more or visit producepro.com.
Thank you for watching What’s in Store.
BENTONVILLE, AR - The labor war wages on, with Walmart finally revealing what it has been hiding up its sleeve: a new innovative headquarters. Last week, the retail behemoth announced it is breaking ground on a 300-acre corporate HQ in northwest Arkansas that is expected to lure in talent thanks to a few exciting perks.
“It’s a very competitive talent war,” Dan Bartlett, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, said to reporters according to Business Insider. “And as we are striving to attract and retain the best talent in order for us to win the future of retail, a key component that is the work environment in which we’re creating.”
With its new HQ, Walmart hopes to create more of a community amidst its employees—which Bartlett believes its current Bentonville-based headquarters lacks due to its structure. In order to promote collaboration while also pushing forward its digital transformation, the retailer pulled inspiration from college campuses like Stanford University, the University of Texas, and the University of Arkansas, as well as other companies’ innovative corporate campuses like Apple and McDonald’s.
“We view this…more like a college university campus, versus a walled-off-from-the-community corporate headquarters,” Bartlett continued. “We want it to feel—and it will be—very accessible to the community.”
In a press release, Bartlett also outlined what new and veteran Walmart employees can expect from the HQ, including ample natural light, expanded food offerings, convenient parking, fitness options, and a child care facility. The new facility will also feature solar panels atop parking decks, energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, regionally sourced building materials, and a habitat for wildlife, shade paths, and bike trails.
“We expect this will accelerate Walmart’s digital transformation and help attract the next generation of talent with state-of-the-art technology and contemporary conveniences,” Bartlett wrote in the press release.
Doug McMillon, President and CEO, added, “Arkansas has been good to us, and there’s nowhere else we’d rather call home. When I imagine the next 60 years, I can’t help but smile at the possibilities."
Construction will kick off this July, with the project expected to be completed in 2024. Walmart plans to open in phases between 2020 and 2024.
Will Walmart’s new HQ successfully pull in more talent? And how will competitors respond to Walmart’s latest labor strategy? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Last month’s Viva Fresh Expo was full of enough innovations to keep the ANUK team reporting on the Tex-Mex corridor’s ingenuity for quite some time. And SunFed® was no exception. With a new machine that can guarantee the sweetness of this summer’s melons—Gretchen Kreidler Austin said it first!—and high graphic retail bins no grocer will want to miss out on, SunFed is making sure its latest innovations will have the industry singing sweet melon-themed melodies all summer long.
“At SunFed, we are known for innovation, and this year, we are introducing our sweet melon machine. We can guarantee, at a boutique level introduction program, the sweetness of our melons at SunFed,” Gretchen, Director of Marketing and Business Development, told me on the show floor.
The machine is especially beneficial to retailers, Gretchen noted, as it helps bolster sales and build brand recognition with shoppers.
Another strategy SunFed is implementing to build brand recognition is with bold retail bins that are most definitely what you’re produce aisles are missing.
“We have developed new high graphic bins for the retail floor. These bins are the perfect size for one RPC or a DRC, and one of them fits perfectly inside the bin. And we have high graphics that can be easily changed to fit a store format or a label or a brand or our own brand,” Gretchen explained. “They can really stand out and catch the customer’s attention. They’re good for a new program, a trial program, or even a display contest, because the graphics are so bright, bold, and eye-catching.”
For more details on what SunFed is bringing to the (picnic) table this summer, check out our exclusive video above.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. organic market in 2018 broke through the $50 billion mark for the first time, with sales hitting a record $52.5 billion, up 6.3 percent from the previous year, as reported by the 2019 Organic Industry Survey released by the Organic Trade Association.
"Organic is now considered mainstream. But the attitudes surrounding organic are anything but the status quo," said Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director. "In 2018, there was a notable shift in the mindset of those working in organic toward collaboration and activism to move the needle on the role organic can play in sustainability and tackling environmental initiatives."
According to a press release, the stalwart of the organic industry, sales of organic fruits and vegetables rose to $17.4 billion in 2018 for a 5.6 percent rate of growth, on par with the growth attained in 2017. By comparison, the overall fruits and vegetables category, including both organic and conventional products, grew by just 1.7 percent in 2018. Fruits and vegetables now account for 36.3 percent of all organic food sales. Organic fruits and vegetables make up close to 15 percent of all the produce sold in the U.S. and have nearly doubled their market share in the last 10 years.
Popular in the organic produce aisles are the classics, like carrots, greens, apples, bananas. Also hitting stride are organic berries, avocados, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and tropical fruits like mangos and papayas. And outside the fresh produce section, frozen, canned, and dried vegetable and fruit sections also made gains.
Produce is a gateway to organic for consumers, especially Millennials and those with young families. Industry experts note that the more people learn about health and wellness, the more people buy fresh produce.
"Organic is in a unique and tough environment. The government is slowing the advancement of the organic standard, but the positive news is that industry is finding ways to innovate and get closer to the consumer without walking away from the organic program—the sector is innovating yet requiring that federal organic be in place," said Batcha. "So, whether it's grass-fed, regenerative, or Global Organic Textile Standard certified, they all have to be organic. The industry is committed to standards and giving consumers what they want."
The association said millennials are pushing for transparency and integrity in the food supply chain, and they are savvy to misleading marketing. The USDA Organic seal is gaining new appeal as consumers realize that organic is a certification that is not only monitored and supported by official standards, but is the only seal that encompasses the spectrum of non-GMO, no toxic pesticides or chemicals, dyes, or preservatives.
"Activism is a natural reaction from an industry that is really close to the consumer,” said Batcha. “When we are in an environment where government is not moving fast enough, the industry is choosing to move to meet the consumer rather than get stalled."
Currently, almost 6 percent of the food sold in this country is organic. Today's consumers can find organic products—food and non-food items—in every aisle of their grocery stores. They can choose organic in their favorite big box store, their club warehouse store, even in their neighborhood convenience store, and increasingly on the internet. Organic is no longer a niche market.
Additionally, new records were set in both the organic food market and the organic non-food market. Organic food sales reached $47.9 billion, for an increase of 5.9 percent. Sales of organic non-food products jumped by 10.6 percent to $4.6 billion. The growth rate for organic continued to easily outpace the general market: in 2018, total food sales in the U.S. edged up just 2.3 percent while total non-food sales rose 3.7 percent.
To learn more about the Organic Trade Association's 2019 Organic Industry Survey, read the association's press release in its entirety here.
For news on anything fresh produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
PORTLAND, OR - Locally-owned grocer Basics Market has announced an expansion from its humble Portland, Oregon, origins with plans for its third store. Opening its first location just last summer, the Chuck Eggert-founded retailer’s growth is thanks, in part, to its interactive approach to cooking and eating nourishing, locally-sourced meals. Opening in Portland’s Pearl District, the 13,000-square-foot store is set to open in fall of this year, soon after the opening of the company’s second store in Tualatin, Oregon, late this summer.
“Our model exemplifies a next generation grocery built around a commitment to healthy, seasonal eating; recipe and ingredient inspiration; and community driven, educational programming to help people cook nourishing meals at home,” said Basics Market’s Vice President of Operations, Creative Director & Executive Chef, Fernando Divina. “Our team is delighted to bring our concept to life in the Pearl and eager to welcome neighbors before the year is out”
According to a press release, the new store will be geared towards its urban audience, offering several features including a beer and wine bar, fresh deli case, cheese aging observation station, dry cured meats, and, of course, lots of fresh produce.
Other store features include:
- Fresh produce from its founder’s and local Willamette Valley farms, delivered daily
- Monthly rotating meal stations with ingredients organized by chef-developed, nourishing recipes inspired by seasonal and regional products
- A Discovery Kitchen and Nutrition Classroom with state-of-the-art cooking facilities and a full schedule of free classes, including interactive demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and nutrition classes, taught by Basics’ Culinary and Nutrition Mentors
- A protein counter featuring a wide variety of Pacific Northwest meats, poultry, and seafood, as well as dry cured beef, pork, poultry, and plant-based protein options
- An antipasti and deli case featuring fresh grab-and-go roasted organic chickens, sandwiches, salads, and other delicatessen offerings
“We are excited to welcome Basics Market to Lovejoy Square. Their focus on health, sustainability, wellness, and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission and values at Killian Pacific,” said Adam Tyler, President of Killian Pacific—the commercial real estate company that owns the building. “We believe the Basics experience will activate the local community with fresh ideas, resources, and breathe new energy into the surrounding neighborhood.”
Will the retailer’s third location be the first of many? Will the new store set the tone for future urban retail endeavors? AndNowUKnow will keep reporting.
ARLINGTON, VA - Prepare yourselves, East Coast, for the most intense Lidl-fication of your lives! By the spring of 2020, the discount retailer hopes to open 25 new stores in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.
By the end of next year, a press release noted, Lidl expects to sell its award-winning products in more than 100 stores and create more than 1,000 new jobs across nine states. As part of this move to operate in the most convenient locations, Lidl will also close two stores in Rockingham and Kinston, North Carolina, this summer. All employees there will be given the opportunity to relocate and work at other stores within Lidl’s growing markets. Earlier this week, Lidl also announced it will hold a hiring event to fill around 100 new positions at its regional headquarters and distribution center in Alamance County, North Carolina.
“We are committed to long-term growth in the United States and always strive to locate in the most convenient locations for our shoppers,” said Johannes Fieber, CEO of Lidl US. “These new stores are part of the next steps in our U.S. expansion. Over the next year, we are excited to introduce more customers to Lidl’s award-winning quality, reliably low prices, and convenient shopping experience.”
Below is a list of the 25 new stores that will open along the East Coast over the next year. The grand opening dates of the individual stores will be announced over the coming months.
- Catonsville, Maryland
- College Park, Maryland
- District Heights, Maryland
- Hagerstown, Maryland
- Lanham, Maryland
- Nottingham, Maryland
- Waldorf, Maryland
- Bergenfield, New Jersey
- Lacey, New Jersey
- Babylon, New York
- Center Moriches, New York
- Huntington, New York
- Plainview, New York
- Cary, North Carolina
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Matthews, North Carolina
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Trooper, Pennsylvania
- Royersford, Pennsylvania
- York, Pennsylvania
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Virginia Beach, Viriginia
For all things retail, be sure to stick with us here at AndNowUKnow.
WATSONVILLE, CA - What’s your favorite type of berry? If your answer was blackberries (and a whole heckuva lot of them), then you’re in luck because Driscoll’s doesn’t just have blackberries this season—the company has a record volume!
“Driscoll’s blackberry supply reached record volume growth in the months of April and May as consumer’s consumption rate continues to increase year over year,” Frances Dillard, Senior Director of Brand and Product Marketing, shared with me. “With household penetration close to 28 percent, Driscoll’s market share continues to lead in this exciting and booming category.”
Frances attributed this exciting growth to Driscoll’s branded blackberry campaign, which was met with strong support from all sales channels, from retail to foodservice. The campaign’s goal was to attract new consumers during the time of the year when the berries boast their best flavors. As a result, the campaign not only caught consumers’ attention but also encouraged more than twice the number of Driscoll’s national retail customers to participate with in-store merchandising and signage.
Of course, the blackberry category’s growth can also be attributed to Driscoll’s insanely flavorful varieties. Driscoll’s Global Plant Breeding Director of Blackberries, Gavin Sills, might have explained it best in the company’s award-winning Pursuit of Flavor, which tells the story of the underdog berry and how it surprised everyone with tremendous flavor. But, while I had Frances on the line, I wanted to get her spin on it.
“The growth of the blackberry category is proof of the success of Driscoll’s dedicated blackberry breeding program,” Frances said. “Driscoll’s Global R&D team developed a true consumer feedback loop-to-the-field pipeline for delivering the most delightful varieties to our independent growers. This particular supply window was grown in Central Mexico as we transition to our growing season in California.”
In addition to hitting a new volume record, Driscoll’s is also celebrating the success of its digital consumer strategy, which included Costco’s Quick & Easy Blackberry salsa recipe video that reached over one million views just 10 days after being promoted. Driscoll’s also developed exclusive recipes, like Easy Blackberry Turnovers, One Bowl Vegan Blackberry Banana Bread, and Blackberry Macaroons—which went viral on Instagram with nearly 200,000 views—hosted on Driscolls.com. The campaign also included back-of-the-store handling posters in order to lend a helping hand to produce managers across the country.
This spring, it’s all about blackberries. But, not just any blackberries—Driscoll’s blackberries! You heard it here first! For more spectacular crop updates like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow for the latest.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - The Allen Lund Company has revealed the promotion of Wendy Adan to Manager of the ALC San Francisco office.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the executive team for this opportunity,” said Adan. “To Bob Rose, my mentor, thank you for having faith in me and for all the guidance you have provided throughout the years. To my amazing team in San Francisco, this would not be possible without your hard work and dedication. I look forward to this next phase and providing more opportunities for growth and advancement. Thank you again!"
According to the company’s press release, Adan has over 18 years of experience in logistics and transportation. Adan attended San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.
"Wendy always said she wanted my job, and sure enough, 12 years later, she has it!” said Bob Rose, Vice President of National Sales. “Wendy showed her willingness to work hard, help others, and believed if you did all the right things good opportunities could come your way. I'm proud of our company and extremely proud of our newest manager, Wendy Adan. I expect that the San Francisco office will take on more projects and become so much stronger under her leadership. No luck needed, but good luck!"
Adan came to the Allen Lund Company in April of 2007, and started as a transportation broker in training working exclusively with dry freight. Over the years, she was promoted to a broker, operations manager, and then assistant manager. The company stated that Adan has established herself as a “strong leader” and has “proved herself” in becoming the new manager of the San Francisco office.
Congratulations to Wendy Adan from the AndNowUKnow team!
LAKELAND, FL - Late last year, rumors began swirling that Publix could be expanding its Lakeland headquarters. This week, it appears the Florida-based retailer finally disclosed that it indeed has plans of transforming its headquarters from Dr. Banner to full-on Hulk, so to speak. According to News Chief, records show that the company has increased its HQ spending from $28 million to $65 million to cover the costs of a 190,000-square-foot expansion.
“The increase in costs are due to approximately 30,000 square feet of necessary building space to accommodate our projected job growth, construction and equipment cost inflation, and finished interior costs,” Chris Mesa, Director of Tax and Treasury for the retailer, said, as the news source reported. “[…] This project is in the final stages of planning and design.”
Publix plans to begin construction on the 190,000-square-foot HQ addition in the fall of 2019. This plan also includes the retailer purchasing $13 million-worth of office equipment and $6 million-worth of computer equipment in 2020.
Todd Jones, CEO and President, disclosed that the current headquarters, which opened in the early 2000s, is built for 1,200 employees—a number that has since increased in the last two decades. The expansion is slated to create 700 additional jobs.
The news source also noted that because the addition is larger than expected, Publix is in the running to receive a larger tax break as well. Originally, Publix was set to receive an estimated $163,208 each year for ten years.
For more news like this, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you covered.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Though the Viva Fresh expo floor bustled with a plethora of excited produce mavens, J&D Produce was particularly jazzed to show off its star variety of onion—the HoneySweet® Onion. I got to speak with James Bassetti, Vice President of Operations, who spoke about the numerous uses and exceptional flavor of this special variety of onion.
“What’s great about our onion and the variety that we use is that it’s versatile,” said James. “We can grill it, sauté, and even have it raw in a burger or salad. And everyone can enjoy it because it’s got that low pyruvic acid, which is what is the bite of that onion. So it’s very, very mild.”
J&D Produce grows its HoneySweet Onions 12 months out of the year, ensuring a steady supply of sweet onions for retailers and consumers. Described by James as “chasing the sun,” the grower is committed to consistently providing consumers with delightfully mild onions all year long. The onions are grown in different regions throughout the world—in Texas, New Mexico, Georgia, Peru, and Mexico—to ensure that supply meets demand.
The company has not stopped at growing, but has launched a comprehensive marketing strategy to spread the word about the favorable qualities of the HoneySweet Onion.
“What we did here specifically is tried to promote a marketing campaign that has a registered dietician and recipes that can be utilized for adults and children,” James commented.
Above all else, it's taste that matters, and J&D Produce proves that a focus on flavor leads to success.
For more exclusive videos, keep reading (and watching) AndNowUKnow.