CINCINNATI, OH - Amazon Go might be meeting its Stateside match in 2019 if Kroger and Microsoft have anything to do with it. This week, the two announced a collaboration to redefine the brick-and-mortar customer experience and plans to pilot a new connected store experience using Kroger Technology products powered by Microsoft Azure—the retailer’s preferred cloud platform for Retail as a Service (RaaS). Kroger's new pilot will guide expansion plans in 2019 and beyond.
"Kroger is building a seamless ecosystem driven by data and technology to provide our customers with personalized food inspiration. We are identifying partners through Restock Kroger who will help us reinvent the customer experience and create new profit streams that will also accelerate our core business growth. We are excited to collaborate with Microsoft to redefine grocery retail," said Kroger’s CEO and Chairman Rodney McMullen.
As part of their collaboration, Kroger and Microsoft will transform two pilot stores in Monroe, Ohio, and Redmond, Washington, in order to leverage RaaS and establish a way to quickly implement innovations that will create new customer experiences, enable higher levels of personalization, and increase store associate productivity.
"Our partnership brings together Kroger's world-class expertise in the grocery industry with the power of Azure and Azure AI," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. "Together, we will redefine the shopping experience for millions of customers at both Kroger and other retailers around the world, setting a new standard for innovation in the industry."
One way Kroger and Microsoft are changing the face of retail is by using Microsoft Azure to store and process data generated in stores and introduce never-before seen shopping experiences. According to a press release, this includes the latest generation of EDGE™ Shelf (Enhanced Display for Grocery Environment)—a shelving system that uses digital displays to indicate everything from prices and promotions to nutritional and dietary information. The new EDGE Shelf will work in tandem with Kroger's Scan, Bag, Go®, alerting store associates of out-of-stock items and helping them fulfil curbside pickup orders. EDGE Shelf will also enable the retailer to generate new revenue by selling digital advertising space to consumer packaged goods (CPGs) brands.
To learn more about the new pilot, read Kroger’s press release in its entirety here.
For the latest retailers taking a stab at one-upping top competitors, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
PHOENIX, AR - We want a Sprouts! When do we want it? Now! That’s how I imagine it went down when Sprouts Farmers Market announced its four new stores, because consumers—including me—are gaga for the grocer. The new locations—in Carlsbad, California; Fontana, California; Sugar Land, Texas; and Clearwater, Florida—further the retailer’s plan to meet the growing demand for fresh, natural, and organic food at affordable prices.
The stores will be located as follows:
- 2634 Gateway Road, Carlsbad, California
- 16964 South Highland Avenue, Fontana, California
- 13550 University Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas
- 23656 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, Florida
Ranging in size from 28,000 square feet to 32,000 square feet, the new Sprouts stores will feature the products that all Sprouts lovers know and cherish. Each location will open on January 16, 2019, at 7 a.m. A press release noted that the first 200 shoppers will receive 20 percent off their initial total purchase and every customer will receive one free reusable bag with purchase.
Is it too extra to fly down to Carlsbad just to participate in the fun? Potentially, but that doesn't mean I won't consider it!
VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA, SPAIN - Spanish police seized nearly 1,000 kilos (2204 lbs) of cocaine hidden in a shipment of avocados belonging to an Axarquia fruit and vegetable company late last year that is valued at up to $182 million dollars.
The bust that uncovered the cocaine occured after the Costa del Sol Unit against Drugs and Organised Crime (Udyco) caught wind that traffickers might be avoiding authorities by hiding their stashes in fruit and vegetable warehouses. Utilizing the element of surprise, the police raided the suspected warehouse and discovered a cache of cocaine underneath a recently shipped assortment of avocados.
For Axarquia, this bust was the largest of 2018, and the second largest in provincial history. According to local news source EuroWeeklyNews, the cocaine discovered “in its present condition is said to have a value of around €60 million (US$68.5 million), but police say once it was mixed with other substances, it could have had a market value of more than €160 million (US$182.5 million)."
Police officers explained, “the cocaine had entered Spain hidden in a container which travelled through the Port of Algeciras from a Latin American country before being transported to a warehouse in Velez-Malaga by road.” Four arrests were made at the scene of the raid, and the men are currently awaiting trial for alleged involvement in a drug trafficking circle.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on all drug busts, be they avocado, banana, or any other type of produce.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY - LGS Specialty Sales Ltd. is exploring new ground in efforts to increase quality and improve food safety. The company announced that it is now one of the first in its category to earn Brand Reputation Compliance (BRC) certification. BRC certification offers a unique set of food auditing standards that is tailored to the company’s role within the supply chain.
“From the very beginning, we have cared deeply about food safety, not just to protect our customers—which is of utmost important to us—but to also enhance our credibility and relationships with retail partners,” said Luke Sears, President and Founder. “We want them to be assured that the products we provide are the best available from around the world and protected with the highest standards from our growers to their produce bins.”
In a press release, LGS maintained that BRC certification is a more rigorous standard within the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Now as a certified company, LGS will be monitored by BRC for compliance and also have its suppliers verified for implementation of food safety and quality protocol.
"This investment was a valuable choice for our team knowing that it would enhance our brand quality,” said Kristina Kovac, Food Safety Director. “It is part of our company’s model to always be forward-thinking and a step ahead.”
As modern consumers continue to value food safety and transparency in their brands, certifications like these are more valuable than ever. Retailers can now confidently sell LGS products knowing that they are certified under one of the most stringent, globally-recognized food auditing bodies, the company said.
Congratulations to LGS on this next step in fresh produce excellence!
UNITED STATES - You may have heard plenty of resolution pitches about eating more fruits and vegetables, but Tour de Fresh probably has them beat. This year, the ride that entertains and trains, while still managing to raise money to increase childhood produce consumption, is making its own resolution to champion the salad bars used every day. And those efforts are already turning heads in all sorts of ways.
Recently, The United Fresh Start Foundation Annual Report included a shout out to the tour among those helping to tell its story.
“Raina Nelson of Renaissance Food Group celebrates her fifth Tour de Fresh, a 275-mile bike ride that raises funds for the Foundation's Salad Bars to Schools program,” the foundation said of one of the event’s Legacy Riders, noting that the Tour de Fresh, organized by the California Giant Foundation, raised funds for over 40 salad bars in 2018.
“We are making a difference,” the Tour de Fresh team announced in an email about the credit. “We were reminded over the holiday season that while Tour de Fresh is an amazing annual ride shared by many in the produce industry, it’s not just about the ride. Each year we work, train, and volunteer together to provide kids access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Let's remember this each day as we get on the bike or work on logistics behind the scenes.”
In speaking to Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for California Giant, she shared that the United Fresh staff said for every salad bar, we feed an average of 500 kids.
"That is huge to know that, every day, 500 kids, all year long, will benefit from just one salad bar and one Tour de Fresh rider," she added. "AND we still have more than 300 schools across the country on a waiting list to get salad bars. We have work to do, so we need industry support every day, all year long."
Looking ahead, the team added that it is optimistic while knowing there is still much to be done by all involved in providing access to fruits and vegetables to the kids still on waiting lists to get salad bars in their schools.
This year’s Tour de Fresh returns to the location and timing of its debut ride, coinciding with PMA Fresh Summit in Anaheim, California, in October. But if you can’t wait that long to help bring our industry to the youngest generation of consumers, the annual FreshStart fundraiser Bids for Kids is just a couple of weeks away, in conjunction with the educational conference at La Quinta Resort in La Quinta, California, January 15-17.
Tour de Fresh will not only be at the conference, but has also donated a Tour de Fresh experience as part of the auction, to be held on January 15.
Suit up, fresh produce people, and let another year of expanding access to fruits and vegetables begin!
SALINAS, CA - The Nunes Company announced that it has elected Tom M. Nunes (T5) as President of the company. Tom Nunes, Jr. (T4), who has served as President since 2006, will remain as Executive Vice President.
“I am humbled and honored at the confidence shown in me. I have been blessed with a strong family and great mentors and look forward to working with them to face the challenges of our industry and to carry forward the traditions of this company,” said T5.
T5 first began working for The Nunes Company over 20 years ago after graduating from Cornell University. He started out working at the company’s Yuma operations, before beginning the process of working throughout all areas.
“It gives me great pleasure to pass the torch on to my son. He has earned the position through hard work in all critical areas of our business and will bring new energy and leadership to our company,” T4 remarked.
The Nunes family has been practicing innovative farming methods in California’s Salinas Valley since the early 1930s. Over the years, the company has expanded its operations to Huron and Oxnard, California; Yuma, Arizona; and Yerington, Nevada.
Brothers Bob and Tom Nunes officially launched the company we know today as The Nunes Company in 1976, bringing the company’s iconic Foxy® brand to life as well. According to a press release, Bob and Tom’s guidance has helped second and third generation Nunes family members man the helm today, ensuring that their tradition in innovation, land stewardship, and lasting relationships with partners, growers, landowners, employees, and customers continues.
“My brother, Bob, and I started in this industry over 60 years ago. I’ve had the pleasure of watching our children grow the business and look forward to watching my grandson in his new role as President of The Nunes Company. He’s a true leader in this industry and represents our families’ core values,” said Co-Founder Tom Nunes, Sr. (T3).
Co-Founder Bob Nunes added, “I’ve watched Tom (T5) grow up in our business. He has experience in all aspects of our organization including production, cooling, shipping, sales, and marketing. Most importantly, he has a passion and insatiable curiosity about our business, and constantly seeks to build on is knowledge and leadership. I believe his capabilities will make him an exceptional President of the company we started over 40 years ago.”
Congratulations to Tom M. Nunes on this new position! For more on the latest of produce’s finest stepping up to drive the produce industry into the future, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
LEUVEN, BELGIUM - TOMRA Food was recently selected by Bright Light Agribusiness—a private company in the Australian almond industry—as its partner for an end-to-end almond sorting solution. 15 sorters will be installed at the company’s state-of-the-art almond processing facility in Hattah/Victoria, Australia, to achieve the processing objective of a “pack-to-grade” quality in a single pass.
“We are very pleased to be the chosen sorting partner for this exciting project,” stated Ashley Hunter, Senior Vice President and Head of TOMRA Food Sorting in a press release. “The effort spent by Bright Light, PASS, and the global TOMRA organization in defining the processing concept embraced the significant collective experience of the stakeholders to deliver a state-of-the-art solution.”
That press release also noted that Bright Light Agribusiness grows almonds with the latest irrigation infrastructure and technologies, and the company has orchards that contain trees ranging in age from recently planted, to full maturity.
“After years of subcontracted processing, a carefully planned decision was made to invest in our own purpose-built almond processing facility in the heart of the Australian Sunraysia growing region in Victoria,” said Simon Murphy, Sales and Marketing Manager at Bright Light Agribusiness. “This new facility, with an annual throughput of 25,000 tons, will have its own hulling and shelling, inshell-pack-out capabilities, and will also be equipped to deliver a ‘pack-to-grade’ brown kernel raw-almonds product.”
Tim Orr, Operations Manager at Bright Light Agribusiness, added, “We are now at a stage of orchard maturity where investing in our own processing capabilities is justified. Also, we will be ready to handle future volumes as the younger trees develop. The new operations are anticipated to be fully ready for the 2020 season.”
Bright Light noted that in using TOMRA’s expertise, coupled with the concept put together with its project coordinator, PASS, it will deliver a pack-out product with the least amount of human interaction and reprocessing.
“TOMRA’s BSI+ technology made the difference,” Orr continued. “Especially TOMRA’s ability to target insect damage—not only major damage, but also the pinhole carpophilus-beetle bites—which was a real eye-opener. And with TOMRA already using such technology in Australia during the 2018 season, we were able to combine laboratory testing with real field data. The BSI+ technology also delivered outstanding results on other, often challenging almond defects such as doubles, gummy-nuts, immature, molded, and stains.”
In addition to being at the top of tech, TOMRA, as Bright Light stated, has also proven to be the best in its class.
Congratulations to TOMRA on this new partnership!
ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - January is already kicking off 2019 with some hotter than hot retail competition. Ahold Delhaize’s Stop & Shop banner announced it has agreed to acquire New York grocery chain King Kullen in a deal that will add 32 supermarkets, five Wild by Nature stores, and a corporate office located in Bethpage, New York, to the former’s repertoire.
"King Kullen is a well-respected grocery chain in the Long Island market that has an 88-year tradition of excellent customer service," said Mark McGowan, Stop & Shop’s President. "We look forward to bringing our quality, selection, and value to more communities in Nassau and Suffolk Counties."
According to a press release, the two retailers expect the acquisition to close during the first quarter of 2019, but also noted that the deal is still subject to customary closing conditions.
"In 1930, Michael J. Cullen opened the first King Kullen and ushered in the era of the great American supermarket," said Brian Cullen, Co-President of King Kullen Grocery Co. "As a family-owned and operated business, we are very proud of our heritage and extremely grateful to all of our associates and customers for their support over the years. We are confident the Stop & Shop brand will carry on our legacy of service in the region."
In another release, Ahold Delhaize affirmed that the acquisition is part of the brand’s continued expansion on Long Island, New York. King Kullen has been a provider of Long Island-grown fresh produce for over 15 years, purchasing thousands of cases each year.
"This transaction underscores our commitment to further strengthen the positions of our great local brands in the U.S., both through organic growth and fill-in acquisitions," said Ahold Delhaize CEO Frans Muller.
AndNowUKnow will continue to keep our eyes on New York State as grocery competition there continues to rumble—so stay tuned!
LOS ANGELES, CA - New year, new tomatoes? This resolution is spot on for Flavorful Brands LLC, as they just announced its Tasti-Lee® tomato brand has released new products and packaging to stay on-trend for 2019.
Convenience and value are on the minds of the consumer this year, and retailers and producers alike are starting to provide on-trend products to meet demands. The Tasti-Lee brand is no exception, introducing its new grape snacking tomato, Tasti-Wee’s® to the market early this January.
According to the company in a recent press release, “Tasti-Wee’s® have many of the same features as Tasti-Lee, including that great Tasti-Lee flavor, the rich red color, the high lycopene, and the excellent shelf life. Now that great, authentic tomato flavor of Tasti-Lee® tomatoes is available in a snack size.”
Flavorful Brands’ commitment to convenience doesn’t stop there however, as it has also introduced Tasti-Lee and Tasti-Wee tomatoes in pre-packaged 1.25 pound bags. All Tasti-Lee offerings, including organic and conventionally grown tomatoes, will be available in the new bags.
This newly improved and convenient packaging allows consumers to inspect the tomatoes before purchase and provides a new format for retail display. Retailers nationwide will be able to get their hands on the new Tasti-Lee bags and new Tasti-Wee snackable tomatoes early this year.
AndNowUKnow commends Flavorful Brands for reading the consumer trends for 2019 and for putting out new on-trend products and packaging for retailers to primp up their produce displays for the new year.
WATSONVILLE, CA - Strawberries will forever be my favorite fruit. (Shh—don’t tell the others.) There’s nothing quite like biting into the delicious red fruit, and if you’re anything like me, you can munch your way through a carton in less than twenty minutes. In order to find out more about my favored friends, I caught up with Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing at California Giant Berry Farms.
“Our strawberry season spreads over several regions, so we are always shifting slightly based on the time of year,” Cindy begins. “Currently, we are harvesting fresh strawberries in three regions within Mexico, Florida, and in Oxnard and Santa Maria, California.”
In Mexico and Florida, Cindy tells me, the company is ramping up production at a higher rate as it’s been harvesting the 2018-2019 crop since well before the holidays. And in Oxnard and Santa Maria, the 2019 crop is just getting underway, meaning that the strawberry volume will last longer into the spring as a result.
With varieties including Brilliance, Fronteras, and San Andreas, I ask Cindy what the quality of the berries is, and her answer does not disappoint.
“Quality is excellent in all regions with large, full red fruit," she says. “The plants are young and healthy as well, which really helps translate into the fruit quality, size, and flavor. This is the time of year, during the chilly winter weather, when consumers get excited about seeing beautiful and large red berries in the market.”
As consistent demand continues and ramps up throughout the month of January, Cindy explains to me the best way for retailers to get in on the action.
“This is a great time of year for both retail and foodservice to bring new color back into the mix, as consumers are looking for a change and looking for healthy items in the new year. Berries bring color, aroma, and fresh excitement into the produce department and on the menu,” Cindy concludes.
You heard it here, folks! Strawberries are the berries to beat.