CHELAN, WA - Industry member or consumer, I would likely be surprised to walk into the store and see a full-fledged apple display outside of autumn. But that pause is exactly what Mac Riggan, Chelan Fresh’s Director of Marketing, says retailers should be going for.
“In all the years I’ve worked in marketing, I’ve learned people buy what retailers market to them—it seems like a no-brainer but it isn’t. If you put a big display at the front of the store, that’s what they’ll buy. In the fall, retailers will do that for apples on their own, but not so much in January, February, and March, even though apples are perfect to build displays with this time of year,” Mac tells me.
Perfect not just because Chelan Fresh continues to have a good-quality supply of apples, but because apples are convenient snacks for post-New-Year work outs or as on-the-go options when calendars fill up. It’s a point of differentiation just to push the category now, Mac explains, and it’s one step further to offer a few signature brands. In this case, it's Chelan exclusives like SugarBee™, Rockit™, and crowd favorite KORU®.
“All three are unique apples, especially with SugarBee and Rockit being exclusive to us. Not being available to everybody gives that retailer a point of differentiation when consumers relay these great products they tried and where their friends can get them,” Mac shares.
When I ask what key attributes and flavor profiles each of these apple varieties offer to help draw the consumer to retailers as an apple destination, he tells me the majority reaction to an eating experience for the fruit is in texture.
“Flavor plays a large factor, but the texture is where I see deal-breakers. SugarBee offers a crispy texture much like a Honeycrisp. Even deep into storage season it maintains its flavor, while Honeycrisp is still a good-eating apple but loses some of that flavor,” Mac says.
He tells me that KORU offers more of a firm texture when compared to the crispness of a SugarBee.
“If shoppers like Braeburn they are going to love KORU,” he sums up. “It’s sweeter than a Braeburn—we like to say it’s the Braeburn’s newer, sweeter cousin.”
Last, but certainly not least, is the Rockit.
“The Rockit has a nice thin skin; when combined with the fact that its very small, this apple is perfect for snacking. It’s the most consistent apple I’ve ever eaten and has a taste all it’s own, unlike any apple I’ve ever had before,” Mac describes of this powerfully petite fruit.
The Rockit has seen growth not just in its own merit, but also in its packaging options. Traditionally in a unique tube for on-the-go, Chelan has expanded pack options to a pouch and a shuttle pack for family convenience.
“We have three options available; I don’t necessarily recommend carrying all three at one time. Retailers need to decide what suits their audience. The shuttle and pouch bags do much better in-store while the tube is better for the on-the-go market,” Mac explains. “The shuttle in particular is clear, so kids can see the apples directly when it is sitting on the counter. The Rockit’s eating quality is good for two weeks on the counter—though, the way kids eat them, I can’t guarantee they will last that long! It’s easy for kids to grab while parents succeed in getting them a healthy snack without forcing it on them.”
And if you’re not sure that these various apple options will sell themselves, Mac assures that you won’t be without help.
“We don’t ship the fruit and say ‘You’re on your own.’ We’re great at supporting retail efforts, for example point of sale options and demos,” he says. “We realize retailers are busy and everyone is vying for their time, we aren’t trying to make them figure this out on their own. We will be there to help drive awareness to the consumer in any way we can.”
With exclusivity, a strong grower/marketing partner, and the element of surprise on your side, retailers, I’ll have my eye out to see if a new buy-side strategy for apple selling hits stores soon!
PROVIDENCE, RI - UNFI news has been piping hot since the foodservice provider acquired SuperValu in July of last year. Subsequently, the two entities have made headlines as they work toward divesting SuperValu’s retail assets. And now, UNFI has taken the new year as an opportunity to introduce new branding, a new motto, and a new website—touting “better food. better future” as its new dictum.
“UNFI + SUPERVALU have become UNFI to transform the world of food for our associates, customers, suppliers and the families we serve every day,” the company noted on its new website.
Addressing the company’s new branding, the company noted: “Our branding has evolved to reflect where we are now, and where we’re heading—to meet the more diverse needs of our customers in this ever-changing industry.”
UNFI also took 2019 as an opportunity to revisit its mission-based approach. The new website notes that UNFI seeks to “transform the world” by introducing “smarter food solutions, from fulfillment to insights and beyond, that helps entrepreneurs and major brands alike unlock their full potential and transform their businesses—for the better”
Peruse UNFI’s new website to learn more about the company’s new branding and its progress as it works with its newly acquired subsidiary SuperValu to change the fresh food landscape.
EAGLE, ID - If you’re a sports fan, you know that nothing boosts team morale like a good mascot (take it from someone who once played on a team called the Rocklin Thunder, but the mascot was a lightning bolt? Doesn’t make any sense!) Anyways, no mascots shine quite as brightly as those for college football bowls, and in celebration of that fact, SBNation shared its ranking of the top mascots in the scene. Number one? None other than the produce industry’s own Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) Spuddy Buddy!
“Spuddy Buddy has won the hearts of millions of folks around the world. People of all ages just can’t help but smile when they see him,” said Frank Muir, the IPC’s President and CEO about the ranking achievement. “Two years ago, ESPN named Spuddy Buddy their favorite mascot. I think this is just the beginning of a very long list of accolades for Spuddy Buddy.”
Spuddy Buddy beat out some tough competition to grab the top spot, slaying other foodie foes such as the Outback Bowl’s Bloomin’ Onion and Coconut Shrimp, the Peach Bowl’s Chick-fil-A cows, and the Orange Bowl’s Obie the Orange. “How could he not be No. 1?,” SBNation wrote about the anthropomorphic tuber.
Of course, now you’re dying to know more about the IPC’s famous mascot, so here are a few fun facts, according to the commission's press release:
- He was born in 1983, and at the time sported a bandana and cowboy hat to reflect his western heritage.
- He first appeared in retail ads to help tell people about the differences between potatoes grown in Idaho and potatoes grown in other states.
- The potato received a huge makeover in 1993 to make his smile and eyes bigger and brighter, and he changed his look to show off a sporty red sweater with the “Grown in Idaho®” logo and big black sneakers.
- In 1996, Spuddy Buddy appeared at the TODAY Show window, catapulting him into the national spotlight.
- In 2000, Spuddy Buddy starred in a television commercial with then Governor Dirk Kempthorne promoting Idaho® potatoes and the “Grown in Idaho®” seal.
- In 2016, during the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl, the ESPN game announcers said Spuddy Buddy was their favorite mascot.
This, perhaps, was my favorite part of the IPC’s press release on Spuddy Buddy’s win though: “And, in case you were wondering, Spuddy Buddy can’t talk. He doesn’t need to…his smile says it all.”
Have you fallen in love with Spuddy Buddy like I have? Follow the IPC on social media, and don’t miss the hashtags #adventuresofSpuddyBuddy and #spuddybuddy. Long live Spuddy Buddy!
WASHINGTON, DC - Hitting the ground running, the United Fresh Start Foundation is beginning 2019 with its returning FreshStart event, this year located in La Quinta, CA. The event, which takes place January 15-17, is centered around the effort to increase children’s access to fresh produce. Though the half-day conference is the centerpiece, FreshStart 2019 will include a variety of activities, including a golf tournament, gala dinner, Bids for Kids silent and live auction, and a tour of the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD).
“The FreshStart 2019 conference is a great opportunity for the industry to gather in one place with the sole purpose of supporting the United Fresh Start Foundation,” said Kim St George, Gala Reception, Dinner Chair for United Fresh and Director of Sales and Marketing at Mann Packing. “This two day event provides ample opportunities for our industry colleagues to support the mission of increasing children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables. There is something for everyone during this conference, and each of these events support one of the greatest causes that benefit both our children and our industry. I’m looking forward to the positive energy throughout this two day event!”
Early birds get more than the worm at this event—kicking off the conference at 10:30 a.m. on the 15th, attendees can choose to take a tour of the PSUSD. The school district provides 22,000 children with meals each day, and Director of Nutrition Services, Stephanie Bruce, will be on hand to speak to how produce is received, handled, processed, and distributed to 28 schools.
No conference would be complete without a golf tournament, and FreshStart is no exception! The 2019 United Fresh Start Foundation Golf tournament on the 15th at the PGA Dunes course. A great way to make connections and raise funds, the tournament features a $10,000 Putt Fore Cash competition and contest holes including Closest-to-the-Pin, Longest Drive, and a $20,000 Hole in One competition. After the day of golf, attendees can head over to the Foundation Gala Dinner, where Ron Carkoski, CEO, Four Seasons Family of Companies, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. At the Gala Dinner will also be the Bids for Kids silent and live action, an annual fundraising event for the Foundation, with last year’s auction raising over $100,000.
“The FreshStart 2019 conference is the perfect event for leaders throughout the produce industry to come together to reflect on 2018, collaborate on current key industry initiatives, and walk away inspired to create a successful 2019 and beyond,” said Alex DiNovio, Conference Chair and President and COO of DNO Produce. “The United Fresh Start Foundation’s mission of increasing children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables in schools, in communities, and in our businesses is not only good for the health and well-being of the youth of our nation, but is also critical for increasing the current and future consumption of fresh produce. Anyone who is currently in a leadership position or is interested in growing into a leadership position in our industry should be sure to attend this event.”
Attendees can expect to see Chef Dan Giusti, founder of Brigaid—a collective of chefs committed to improving children's access to nutrition—as the keynote speaker of the General Session Breakfast on the 16th. Along with the keynote address, several other panels and speakers are not to be missed, including A FreshStart In Schools: Not Just School Yard Fodder, Feeding Bodies—Healing Hearts and Souls, and Connecting to Communities to Grow Our Businesses.
The conference portion on the 16th is a half-day event, focusing on connecting businesses to growth opportunities serving the next generation of consumers, bringing attendees from across the industry to collaborate on how to increase children’s access to fresh produce. The conference features produce companies, retailers, and foodservice companies who are collaborating with their communities about this essential issue.
“This event is a great way for industry leaders to get together for some fun and board meetings to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities our industry is facing; plus, who doesn’t want to go to Palm Springs in January,” said Tony Mitchell, Golf Chair and Vice President of Sales and Procurement for SpartanNash/Caito Foods. “This event also honors an icon in our industry every year which is really cool. It is a great opportunity to network with some of the best people in our industry!”
AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on this exciting conference opportunity.
WASHINGTON, DC - As the Trump Administration’s government shutdown continues, many throughout the produce industry are still wondering how they might or might not be affected. While many of the USDA’s functions will remain during the shutdown thanks to reserve funding, other USDA tasks may get pushed by the wayside until after officials lift the restrictions. One such function that will be postponed is the previously scheduled Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC) Meeting.
According to a notice we obtained from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the committee meeting that was scheduled for January 30-31, 2019, has been postponed. The USDA said it will poll committee members to determine the best time to reschedule the meeting when the government reopens. All existing hotel reservations for committee members will also be canceled, according to the notice.
"The recent partial government shutdown has created many challenges within the public and private sectors of the U.S. and the fresh produce industry is far from immune,” says Tommy Wilkins, one member of the FVIAC and Director of Sales for Grow Farm Texas. “With all that is going on, the USDA has postponed the advisory committee meeting in late January till the shutdown down plays out. There are many issues I feel Mr. Perdue and the USDA should discuss and I look forward to rescheduling and going to work on this committee."
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 25 industry members to the FVIAC in October 2018. To see the full list of committee members, revisit our initial coverage of the announcement here.
As more details about how the government shutdown will affect the fresh produce industry emerge, AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - The happiest place on earth will be overfilling with the magic of bananas at the upcoming Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend. Chiquita Brands has been named the official banana sponsor of the race season and will be donating more than 100,000 bananas to runners and spectators at the first upcoming event. Disney and Chiquita are also joining forces to implement a banana peel collection and recycling process for the 2018-2019 race season as part of a larger strategy to bolster environmental responsibility.
“Chiquita aspires to be a ‘Good Neighbor,’ and is committed to making a difference with consumers and the communities we serve. We want to leverage our global recognition and the reach of our Blue Sticker, especially when it comes to promoting recycling and a cleaner environment,” said Jamie Postell, Chiquita's Director of Sales North America. “We hope the spectators and runners at ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’ will see the stickers on our bananas and remember that Chiquita commits to recycling efforts for a more sustainable planet.”
According to a press release, Chiquita branded waste bins will be placed in strategic locations within runDisney race finish line areas throughout the race season to maximize capture rate with runners and spectators. If all peels are recycled during the entire 2019 runDisney series, the new collection process could divert upwards of 14 tons of food scraps (28,000 pounds of banana peels) from landfills and use them for good by transforming them into electricity and fertilizer.
“We’re always looking for ways to strengthen our commitment to the environment, and the banana peel collection and recycling process is the newest element of our environmental strategy for runDisney,” said Angie Renner, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Environmental Integration Director. “We’re excited to work with Chiquita to implement a recycling program where we can work together with our guests to reduce food waste from landfills.”
This exciting season of races, environmentalism, and bananas will officially kick off January 10-13 during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend—one of the most popular race weekends in the nation and one of the largest sporting events in Central Florida, according to a press release. Additional runDisney races where Chiquita will hand out bananas to runners and spectators include:
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - Feb. 21 - Feb. 24
- Star Wars™ Rival Run Weekend - Apr. 4 - Apr. 7
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend - Oct. 31 - Nov. 3
For more information about Chiquita, visit www.chiquita.com. To stay up-to-date on the latest sprinklings of produce magic, keep following AndNowUKnow.
REDWOOD CITY, CA - The Impossible Burger is seeking to do—you guessed it—the impossible. Vegetarians and flexitarians alike are already sold on the company's meatless wonder, so it now has its eyes on those of us who want a burger that eats like a real one.
Announcing its newest version of the original meatless burger, Impossible Burger wants the latest version of the sought-after product to eat, taste, and feel like a beef patty. According to a report from CNN Business, the latest Impossible Burger can be cooked so that it is juicy and red in the middle, a feat that the last burger didn’t completely accomplish. The texture, which isn’t uniform and contains small chunks, is similar to real beef as well.
“The mission of the company really is to eliminate the need for animals in the food system,” David Lipman, Impossible Foods’ Chief Science Officer, stated. “We’re not going to get there by telling people to eat beans and peas and stuff like that. We have to come up with a plant-based meat that people will actually choose instead of beef.”
With this in mind, it certainly seems as though Impossible Burger is well on its way to getting meat-lovers to take a bite of something they might deem impossible to like. Who else is eager to try one?
Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow for the latest in plant-based news.
STELLARTON, CANADA - Anniversaries are important in our industry, whether it be celebrating the tenure of a company, the prestige of an event, or the milestone of a career. As we kick off 2019, we would like to congratulate Mike Venton, who is celebrating the culmination of his first year at Sobeys as the company’s GM of its FRESHCO formats and Fresh Food, nationally.
"It has been incredibly exciting for me to join and be welcomed into this great Canadian family-owned company. I am so appreciative of the opportunity and the Sobey family and employees are fantastic to work with," Mike shares with me on the recent anniversary. "The discount businesses I lead, FreshCo and Chalo, are on the verge of massive growth in Canada and I’m looking forward to seeing our discount brand across the country. The business has also asked me to help them in Fresh food, nationally. Fresh food is a passion of mine, and I see a lot of great opportunities here for Sobeys."
Mike brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to his role at Sobeys, having risen the ranks at Loblaw Companies Ltd. with roles that include Vice President of National Grocery Procurement, Senior Vice President of Fresh Food Discount/National Produce/Floral Procurement, and Senior Vice President of No Frills.
Congratulations, Mike, on this amazing first year with Sobeys! We are excited to see where you will take these formats in 2019!
ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize is starting off 2019 with the acquisition of new talent in an effort to take its brand to new digital heights. As of January 28, Farhan Siddiqi will start as its new Chief Digital Officer and member of the Executive Committee. With a focus on data analytics, personalization, and loyalty, Siddiqi will supervise a transformation of the company’s digital presence and drive innovation across the company’s brands.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Farhan to Ahold Delhaize,” said Frans Muller, President and CEO, in a press release. “With his knowledge of the digital customer experience in a wide variety of industries, he will help further accelerate Ahold Delhaize's digital transformation, a key element in our Leading Together strategy. Farhan will drive best practice sharing in digital and e-commerce across our great local brands while leveraging our global scale, supporting us in doubling net consumer online sales to around 7 billion euros by 2021."
The new CDO brings a rich background, having launched customer loyalty programs, digital payment solutions, and strategic partnerships in his leadership positions at Target, Bank of America, and General Electric. His most notable and recent experience was as the CDO for McDonald’s, a role he held since March of 2017, after joining the fast-food chain in June of 2016 as Vice President of Global Digital Experience. Siddqi’s leadership had a direct and immediate impact, as he launched mobile commerce in 20,000 restaurants, a new mobile app, and upgraded the self-service ordering kiosk system, along with extending management capabilities and Customer Relationship Management capabilities.
AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on important personnel acquisitions.
MCALLEN, TX - While many of us mere mortals are already losing sight of the goals we’ve set for 2019—if this includes you, don’t feel bad! I’ve already forgotten the resolutions I outlined over the holidays—GR Fresh is proving those in produce are in a class of their own. Seven days in and GR Fresh is setting an all-time record for checking the boxes of its 2019 goals, which, in the words of Tony Incaviglia, VP of Sales and Marketing, mainly included getting back to being lean and mean.
“The last two winter seasons were very challenging due to oversupply and the lack of impactful demand. So, as a company, we felt it was a time to take a breather and get back to being lean and mean,” Tony shared with me. “We actually cut back our acreage by approximately 30 percent. We stuck with our staple items, Roma, round, and grape tomatoes, along with our cucumbers and green bell peppers. We took that mentality of ‘do a few and do them well.’”
Currently, GR Fresh is harvesting in the Culiacan and Los Mochis growing regions. Tony explained that early crops, like cucumbers, green bell peppers, and grape tomatoes, have been in production since late November/early December, while Roma and round vine-ripened tomatoes will be ramping up next week. In addition, GR Fresh is excited about its organic category, touting organic Roma, organic grape tomatoes, and organic mini sweet peppers as the crops to beat this season.
Tony also noted that while colder temperatures have presented a few challenges, GR Fresh has been able to deliver a consistently good-looking pack, provide good shelf-life, meet its retail specs, and fulfill order commitments.
“Weather has been a challenge to say the least. Cold temperatures have slowed growth significantly, and open field crops took a hit with possible long-term impact. As far as our supply goes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green bell peppers, which are mostly shade house, hung in there this season, and we should not have any long-term issues,” Tony explained.
With temperatures in the region beginning to warm up to the mid to high 50s next week, GR Fresh is looking forward to setting the produce bar high in 2019,
For more on the latest happening crop-side, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.