SANTA BARBARA, CA - The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) is starting its new fiscal year off right! Not only did the association host its 83rd Annual Membership Meeting in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, but the CFFA also elected its 2019/20 fiscal year Board of Directors and Chairman. Giumarra Vineyards’ own Randy Giumarra was elected Chairman.
The CFFA’s Board is made up of 44 men and women working in operations across California. Each of the Board’s members are nominated to serve a one-year period and are selected by a committee of past Board Chairs. In addition to Randy Giumarra, the following officers were elected to serve on this year’s Board:
- First Vice Chair: Kevin Herman (The Specialty Crop Company) - Madera-based fresh fig, pomegranate, and persimmon shipper
- Second Vice Chair: Wayde Kirschenman (Kirschenman Enterprises) – Kern County-based diversified farming operation
- Secretary/Treasurer: Louis Pandol (Pandol Bros., Inc.) - Delano-based fresh grape shipper
The CFFA also honored Kent Stephens, CFO of Marko Zaninovich, Inc., with the prestigious Mentor’s Award. The Mentor’s Award has recognized individuals who have demonstrated a dedication to the fresh grape, berry, and tree fruit communities through their leadership in the industry since 1966 when the first award was granted to Jasmine Vineyards’ Martin Zaninovich. The association’s mentors’ committee picks a recipient each year and this year, Stephens, through his work in both the table grape industry and water advocacy, was chosen for his positive impact on California agriculture over the course of his forty year career, according to a press release.
Before this year’s meeting kicked off, Ruben Navarrette and John Manzella took to the association’s stage as the Annual Industry Workshop’s keynote speakers. The two spoke on our industry’s pressing issues, including immigration, trade wars, and other issues impacting the future of California ag.
Congratulations to Randy Giumarra and the CFFA on another year of California produce excellence!
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BENTONVILLE, AR - A sneak peek into the mind of Walmart is a rare thing indeed, and recently the retail giant’s CEO Greg Foran opened up to Business Insider about the changes in the marketplace, staying on one’s toes, and not under- or overestimating competition like Lidl, Aldi, and Amazon.
"These are people out there that attack us. You've got drug stores, you've got traditional supermarkets, you've obviously got Amazon, you got hard discounters, you've got other discount stores, and we don't try and necessarily combat every single aspect of what they do, but when you've got stores that sit on 20 acres every two to three acres, you do have to deal with the fact that there are multiple Davids in your marketplace," the executive said, explaining how his company has risen to be the Goliath of its story with a number of others ready to throw stones.
While Foran told the news source that, when thinking about its strategy against Amazon, Walmart considers key questions like whether the name of the game is to have hundreds of millions of SKUs or to have a more curated assortment; what opportunities exist with data; and how should the team be thinking about health and wellness. It doesn't try to launch a counterattack every time Amazon makes a new move.
"This concept of the store being more than just a good store but being a fulfillment center feels like a pretty safe bet. So place your bets where you know you've got it right. Put a foot in the water on some of the other things, and let's test and learn. And some of the others, maybe you just sit back and wait and see," he said.
As to Amazon’s recently unveiled intentions for a new, lower-priced grocery chain, Foran said that he loves competing and thinks competition makes Walmart better.
"It galvanizes an organization into doing something," he said. "So I like it. Bring it on."
He explained there are many details Amazon will have to learn when planning for physical stores, like:
- Location
- Traffic signals
- Visibility from the road and signage
"Every time you enter a new business, you've got to have that energy and that drive to actually understand all of those components that go to make it work," he said. "Let's see what happens as they get into the space."
In thinking on new competition coming to market, Foran discussed Lidl's entrance into the U.S. He called it a galvanizing moment for the eastern seaboard for Walmart, which remodeled stores and boosted its grocery focus in the same region Lidl made its Stateside debut. He explained the company got the team North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia fired up and said, “we're going to take the battle."
"Lidl has put down three big [distribution centers] here in the United States," he said. "Guess what they're going to do? They're going to turn on the openings and they are on their third chief executive. So watch out: here they come."
Another "fierce competitor” Foran delved into was Aldi, who he said he never underestimates.
"I've been competing against all them for 20-plus years and they are fierce and they are good. They've done a very good job in the last two years of remodeling their stores, revamping them, changing their layouts, increasing the amount of organics that they're offering, gluten-free, they've driven prices down cleverly, improved the offer overall," Foran concluded.
With the pieces on the chess board clearly in place, 2019 looks to be an interesting year in the low-price arena of grocery, among others.
COQUITLAM, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Accolades and kudos are in order for Oppy. For the 18th year running, the company won the honor of one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and earned its place in the program’s esteemed Platinum Club! By demonstrating traits of exceptional strategy, capability, commitment, and return on investment, the company has proven itself worthy of its best-in-class creds.
“It’s great to be selected once again,” said John Anderson, Chairman and CEO. “It’s an exciting time at Oppy. As our business continues to expand and evolve, we rely on our proven management philosophy to guide us as we grow. By encouraging collaboration across all channels of our business, we can move quickly and decisively toward our goals.”
Anderson points to the "expect the world from us" promise of the Oppy brand as the thread that ties strategy and execution together at Oppy.
“It’s been about a decade and a half since we introduced the idea of 'expect the world from us,' and it remains incredibly relevant to the team,” Anderson continued in a press release. “It enables us to manage our business with a clear purpose and understanding of where we’re going and how we’ll get there.”
Canada’s Best Managed Companies program is sponsored by a prestigious group of organizations, including Deloitte, CIBC, Canadian Business Magazine, Queen’s Smith School of Business, and the TMX Group. The program exists to recognize organizations that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. The Platinum Club is reserved for top-performing companies that have earned a place among the best for at least six years.
Oppy has been killing it for almost two decades, having been chosen every year since it first applied in 2001. The program’s applications are annually reviewed by an independent judging panel that evaluates how companies address a variety of business challenges including brand management, new technologies, leadership, globalization, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.
Also selected as one of BC’s Top Employers—for the third consecutive year—Oppy’s recent accolades recognize the company’s achievements in 2018 including adding large scale value-added programs for kiwifruit and citrus in Western Canada; launching Frank & Able, a new brand of greenhouse tomatoes-on-the-vine; building the scope and scale of its Ocean Spray berry program; and building high demand for its Zespri® SunGold kiwifruit.
Well done Oppy!
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KINGSVILLE, ON - Mastronardi Produce is celebrating multiple milestones this week. We recently reported 2019 marks 65 years of business for the company, and it also makes a decade of Mastronardi attaining the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation.
“Winning this award for the 10th year in a row is a great honor and illustrates the depth of our team’s commitment to providing the very best fresh, flavorful produce,” said President and CEO Paul Mastronardi, the fourth-generation family member to lead the organization. “I am so proud to lead such a hard-working group of individuals who feel as passionately as I do about our collective mission: inspiring healthy living through WOW flavor experiences.”
Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business award programs, according to a press release, recognizing best-in-class Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $15 million.
“This year’s Best Managed winners are a testament to the success found when businesses invest in talent, innovate intentionally, and think long-term,” said Peter Brown, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co-Leader for Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “These companies should be proud of this achievement, and their responsibility in acting as role models for other Canadian businesses.”
Achieving this year’s list means that Mastronardi Produce retains its prestigious Platinum Club status among Canada’s business elite. Congratulations to Paul and the Mastronardi team on this impressive streak.
BROOKLYN, NY - Gordon Food Service has linked up with Square Roots, a leader in urban indoor farming, to provide customers across North America with locally-grown food. The strategic partnership will see new campuses of Square Roots’ indoor farms built on or near Gordon Food Service distribution centers and retail stores across the continent, enabling year-round growing of premium quality herbs, greens, and more, which will then be available to Gordon Food Service customers.
“Customers want an assortment of fresh, locally-grown food all year round,” stated Rich Wolowski, CEO of Gordon Food Service, in a recent press release. “We are on a path to do that at scale with Square Roots and are excited to be the first in the industry to offer this unique solution to our customers.”
The press release noted that this partnership enables Gordon Food Service to bring a modern offering to meet growing customer demand for local food across North America. It also signifies the first significant expansion to new locations for Square Roots.
“This partnership means we will grow delicious, local real food at huge scale,” said Tobias Peggs, Co-Founder and CEO of Square Roots. “We’re so happy to be working with a mission-aligned partner in Gordon Food Service—leveraging technology to bring real food to a huge number of people across the country, while delivering real social impact by empowering thousands of young people to become our country’s future farmers.”
Square Roots utilizes a high-tech farming platform with its Next-Gen Farmer Training Program to train young people to become future leaders in the food industry. In addition to this tech, the company's Transparency Timeline enables customers to trace exactly how their food was grown and who grew it, simply by scanning a QR code on its packaging. Two winning tech solutions, if you ask me!
Stick with us here at AndNowUKnow for the latest in new partnerships.
CHELAN, WA - It feels as if I was just in the midst of the fun and flare of SEPC’s Southern Innovations, so I don’t blame anyone who might be surprised that the Southern Exposure Expo is this week. That’s right, planes are already en route to Orlando, Florida, for one of the big kick-offs to the season. Among them is the Chelan Fresh team, excited to visit with valued partners and meet prospective ones.
“I think Southern Exposure is a valuable show to attend because it gives our team quality time with a lot of retail decision makers. We have cherries coming up so it is good timing to talk about that,” Mac Riggan, Director of Marketing, shared with me. “We are expecting a very good cherry crop this year, and we have organic volume wrapping up at the end of July for apples and pears.”
Attendees will get a chance to see those organic pear and apple offerings, as well as Chelan’s increasingly popular Rockit™, KORU®, and SugarBee® apples, cherries in the company’s various pack styles, and POS materials.
“New varieties are driving customer experience and raising expectations, so we are excited to share more about that,” Mac says when I ask about some of the new excitement stirring at Chelan Fresh. “We consider ourselves leaders in category management, and we’ll be discussing how to drive business forward using data, as well as how we support the sale of our products with key merchandising tools in-store.”
This is just a taste of what show-goers can expect when they swing by booth #516. Don’t miss this stop as you enjoy the intimate, dynamic atmosphere of SEPC’s Southern Exposure in Orlando, Florida, March 7-9.
LAKELAND, FL - Coming off of 21 years of dedicated service, John Attaway announced his retirement as Publix's Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Upon Attaway’s retirement on May 31 of this year, Merriann Metz, currently Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, will be promoted into the role.
Since 1997 Attaway has been with Publix, starting as Corporate Counsel before being promoted to General Counsel and Secretary in 2000. Attaway was promoted again in 2005, at which time he took on his current role as, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.
“John started our corporate legal department and has been instrumental in developing our legal team,” said CEO Todd Jones, in a press release. “In addition, throughout his career he has taken on many additional responsibilities. I’m thankful for John’s contributions to the growth and success of Publix and wish him much happiness in the next chapter of his life.”
Incoming Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Merriann Metz, has been at Publix since 2006, starting as an attorney in the corporate legal department before being promoted to Senior Attorney in 2010, and to Assistant General Counsel in 2011. Metz brings a wealth of experience to the role, having graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2002, and working as an attorney with the Lowndes Drosdick law firm in Orlando, FL. Metz was promoted to her current position of Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary in 2016.
“Merriann has a collaborative and thoughtful approach to everything she works on,” said Jones. “I’m excited to see her take this next step in her career.”
For more corporate management news as it relates to the ag and retail industries, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
VALENCIA, CA - As we round the corner to Orlando, Florida, folks are gearing up for The Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure. Sunkist Growers is looking forward to showing off its innovative ideas, packaging, merchandising displays, and more, at this year’s show. I spoke with Christina Ward, Director of Communications, to get the inside scoop.
“It’s peak citrus season and we have promotable volumes of all of our crops,” Christina said. “To top it off, the fruit is eating great, and with more than 40 varieties, we have something that appeals to every taste.”
Christina let me know that there continues to be an increase in demand for Sunkist specialty varieties such as Cara Cara navels and Blood oranges, and the co-op has ample supply of these popular citrus products through May. Navels have shown no signs of slowing and are coming in sweet—which is good news for me; I eat about a Navel a day! Minneola tangelos and California W. Murcott mandarins are available now through May.
“Sunkist offers customizable promotional and merchandising programs that support the promotable volumes available this season. For more than 125 years, Sunkist has been delivering trusted quality; a brand promise that we continue to stand by. We also know that our customers have different and unique needs, and our marketing support includes our ability to customize promotions and point-of-sale materials to motivate demand and sales for each category of citrus,” Christina explained to me.
With SEPC packed with many of the company’s longtime and valued customers, I asked Christina what additional plans she’d like to share.
“In addition to seasonal specialties, Sunkist offers lemons, limes, and grapefruit year-round,” she concluded. “Sunkist is in the height of lemon production right now with citrus coming in from all districts. The weather and above normal precipitation is contributing to the size, health, and strength of the crops in our California coastal production regions. California Star Ruby grapefruit is coming on board in March and will finish in October with Marsh Ruby grapefruit.”
Be sure to say hello to the “We are Citrus” team at booth #204! See you there, fellow produce peeps!
PASADENA, CA - Dave Medders is joining the Sun Pacific® ranks. As the Pasedena-based company’s new VP of Sales, the citrus veteran will oversee sales for Sun Pacific’s expansive portfolio, including brands like Cuties®, Mighties®, Sun Pacific navels, Vintage Sweets® Heirloom navels, Cara Caras, minneolas, and lemons.
“I jumped at the opportunity to become a part of the Sun Pacific team,” said Medders. “I have known the family for over 15 years. Their farming practices, and their labels are some of the best in the industry. Sun Pacific has excelled in developing brands that resonate with both retailers and consumers. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to work with such a category leader!”
Medders started his produce career with Griffith Farms, where he worked on the ranches and in the packing houses. He later went into sales for Suntreat and then Sunkist. According to a press release, he spent the last 14 years at Dimetri Gardikas Produce Company performing procurement and sales responsibilities for both domestic and import citrus before serving in a sales management role.
“Dave has built an impressive track record in the citrus industry over the past 20 years. His vast citrus sales experience and expansive product knowledge are valuable assets to our team. He will play an instrumental role leading our sales team and developing customer programs that maximize citrus category sales,” said company President Barney Evans. “Besides his sales and farming experience, Dave brings of lot of energy and passion to our team. His love for the citrus business makes him a great fit for both Sun Pacific and our customers.”
Medders assumed his new role with Sun Pacific on February 25.
Congratulations to Dave Medders on the new role!
WENATCHEE, WA - As we blow past February into March (at seemingly breakneck speeds), anticipation of Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure only continues to grow. The best of the produce industry will be there, presenting a smorgasbord of fruits and veg. On the conference floor there are some companies offering up products that are sure to turn heads. Stemilt is one such company that will be serving up a plethora of eye-catching fruit. Brianna Shales, Communications Manager, spoke with me about the produce that Stemilt will be showcasing at the conference.
“It’s always great when we can connect with our customers, and SEPC offers a fun platform to do that,” Brianna said. “It’s an ideal time of year for us to share the latest with our cherry, stonefruit, and organic programs and continue to share the new flavors our apples and pears are offering.”
The company will be featuring its Artisan Organics program, which has been going strong for 30 years! In addition to being the first company to get ahead of the trends and jump headfirst into organics, Brianna told me, it also continues to be at the forefront, growing organic, modern apple varieties along with a robust organic summer fruit program. As if that wasn’t enough, Stemilt’s entire crop of nectarines and peaches is grown and certified organic—and has been for over ten years. The company is also a big supplier of organic cherries.
Stemilt will feature a range of enviable fruits at the conference including its Lil Snappers® brand of kid-sized fruit which offers retailers a platform to share the fruit’s convenience and flavor, building the next generation of apple and pear enthusiasts. The company has been focused on increasing the flavors and eating experience of its Rushing Rivers® pears, as well as sharing strategies with retailers on how to boost pear performance. Stemilt will also be featuring its Piñata® apples, a signature variety for the company, and one of the best culinary apples on the market.
Southern Exposure comes just in time for Stemilt to highlight its extra-sweet Skylar Rae® cherries, also a signature variety, providing retailers with another cherry SKU to promote during the upcoming cherry season. Stemilt’s cherry season runs May through September, and the company will be implementing its start-to-finish program that includes great brands to drive impulse purchases of cherries.
For exhibitors, Southern Exposure is not just a way to promote individual products, but a way to communicate a company-wide ethos.
“Stemilt is home to unique programs and brands that can help retailers drive more dollars to their categories. We are a long-time leader in organics, cherries, and more, but not resting on our laurels. We have lots coming down the pipeline and many ways for our partner retailers to be on the leading edge of the evolving world of apples, pears, and cherries,” concluded Brianna.
To get a look at these tempting fruits, stop by booth #711 at Southern Exposure, March 7-9.
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