PROVIDENCE, RI - News surfaced last week that UNFI's subsidiary SuperValu is set to sell seven Hornbacher’s stores, as well as one currently under development in West Fargo, North Dakota, to Coborn’s Inc.
"As we previously discussed, our strategy is to focus on the wholesale business going forward, so finding a strategic buyer for Hornbacher's with continued supply opportunity was a top priority," stated SuperValu CEO Sean Griffin in a press release. "Coborn's is a long-standing SuperValu wholesale customer, and we're excited that they will carry on the Hornbacher's name and tradition of quality products and service."
The Hornbacher's store in Grand Forks, ND, is not included in the sale to Coborn's and will still close. Liquidation will begin at the store on Monday, December 3, and will close as the liquidation of inventory is complete.
Details of the sale, set to close on December 25 of this year, include the stipulation that Coborn’s retain the Hornbacher's name and enter a long-term agreement to utilize SuperValu as the primary supplier of all Hornbacher's locations. Coborn’s will also enter into an extended supply relationship with SuperValu, and both of the supply agreements will have minimum purchase requirements that are yet to be determined.
“We appreicate the tremendous service of our associates and their unwavering dedication to our customers through the years," said Anne Dament, SuperValu EVP, Retail, Marketing and Private Brands. "I know the store teams and staff will do an amazing job supporting Coborn's and continuing to make Hornbacher's a popular choice for the local community going forward."
AndNowUKnow will keep its eyes peeled for any developing details of the sale.
KINGSVILLE, ON and ONEIDA, NY - Mastronardi Produce is providing a big boost to its Backyard Farms® brand; the company has announced plans to grow the beloved brand by introducing a new high-tech greenhouse in the United States.
“This expansion allows us to meet the incredible loyal consumer and retailer demand for this brand," said Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO, and the fourth-generation family member to lead Mastronardi Produce, in a press release. “It also ensures that all Northeasterners can enjoy what New Englanders have come to expect—fresh-from-the-vine Backyard Farms tomatoes delivered within hours.”
The company promises its new greenhouse, located in New York state, will be the largest-ever single build in North America.
According to the company’s press release, the 71.6-acre glass greenhouse is only Phase I of the company’s mission to satisfy customer appetites—and exceed flavor expectations—for locally grown Backyard Farms tomatoes.
In total, Mastronardi produces and delivers fresh, flavorful produce to retailers from more than 4,000 productive acres of growing capacity. The company’s new greenhouse will more than double Backyard Farms’ greenhouse growing acreage and increase Mastronardi Produce’s internal greenhouse network to seven locations across the United States.
New York-grown Backyard Farms tomatoes are slated to hit stores by Fall of 2019.
WASHINGTON DC - What power, if any, does the produce industry have over its fate when the CDC and FDA makes what seems like snap decisions, much of that to taboo romaine lettuce weeks ago? With this question in mind I went to the voices of our industry on government issues.
Taking me into something of a reverse chronology, United Fresh’s Jennifer McEntire, VP Food Safety & Technology, explains how the industry gains information and why potential conflicts of interest limit our ability to help tighten the system.
“When an announcement is to be made public, depending on how quickly the agencies can work, we get a heads up 30 minutes to an hour beforehand. It never feels like enough time,” Jennifer admits, but explains that with public safety in mind the FDA and CDC have to move fast. “Prior to that there might be rumors. Upon hearing any concerns from the industry, we will reach out and the FDA and CDC will be prompt to respond but often don’t have much they can share.”
Between confidentiality issues and ongoing questions in its investigation, the agencies can rarely give the industry answers that might help it circumvent the losses that accumulate in a massive advisory like that of romaine lettuce days before Thanksgiving.
“We are definitely strengthening our relationship with the FDA, but the best way to cultivate this is when we’re not in crisis mode,” Jennifer shares, explaining that the FDA and/or CDC will usually give industry representatives a heads up that an announcement will be made and organize a call prior to that announcement.
“These calls are usually limited to 30 minutes with a strict structure: here's what happened, here's what we are doing, do you have questions? To that, we’ve gotten much better at asking those questions, and sometimes the answers are comprehensive and very helpful. Sometimes, though, there’s just not a lot they are able to disclose,” she comments.
In these situations, Jennifer says the FDA and CDC have strict codes of conduct that United Fresh respects and adheres to in the interest of maintaining and strengthening that relationship. When I ask how much, if anything, the produce industry can do in aiding an investigation prior to the seemingly drastic measure of purging the market of a core product, she says they do everything possible without treading over the line.
“Unfortunately, conflict of interest prohibits involving the industry in the federal investigation. We are exploring ways of how we can do that while being cognizant of those restrictions, and I think there a lot of areas worth exploring, but it’s important to remember that you are always in danger of interfering in an investigation, and of course we would never want that.”
While the waters of how these decisions are made and where the buck falls are still a bit murky, one key takeaway for me is that the voices of our industry remain strong and continue looking for ways to better the process.
MONTEREY, CA - The Organic Grower Summit is nearly here, and among events not to be missed is the honoring of this year’s Grower of the Year. California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and the Organic Produce Network (OPN) announced they will together honor long-time organic grower Thaddeus Barsotti of Farm Fresh To You as the 2018 recipient.
“Capay Organic is honored to receive this award and would like to pass on the credit and a special thank you to the individuals who have kept us farming organically for over forty years—our customers and family of dedicated employees,” Barsotti said on receiving the award.
Barsotti was born on his family farm, Capay Organic, one of the first farms to be organic-certified in Yolo County near Sacramento. There he heads up farm management while being active in growing and maintaining over 40 types (60 varieties) of organic fruit and vegetable crops. He is also co-CEO of Farm Fresh To You, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and home delivery service that provides fresh, local, organic produce to consumers’ doorsteps, delivering organic produce boxes throughout the state of California.
CCOF and OPN said Barsotti was selected based on his ongoing commitment and dedication to excellence in organic production and organic industry leadership and innovation.
“Thaddeus Barsotti exemplifies the energy and innovation of a next generation of organic producers that now leads American Agriculture. His family legacy is part of our legacy, and his hard work and accomplishments pave the way to our future,” said Cathy Calfo, Executive Director and CEO of CCOF.
The Grower of the Year award, sponsored by AGCO, will be presented to Barsotti at the second annual Organic Grower Summit, December 12-13 in Monterey, CA.
“We are honored to present the annual Grower of the Year award to Thaddeus Barsotti. Thaddeus exemplifies what a hardworking, passionate organic farmer is all about," said Greg Milstead, Director of Sales, Southwest Region for AGCO.
Barsotti serves on the board of CCOF, a nonprofit organization that advances organic agriculture for a healthy world through organic certification, education, advocacy, and promotion. He also serves on the board of the Davis Farmers Market, according to a press release. He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Barsotti’s parents began farming in 1976 and selling produce at farmers markets in the Bay Area, ultimately co-founding the well-known Davis Farmers Market.
The Organic Grower Summit, a joint production between CCOF and OPN, brings together organic growers, producers, and processors for two days of education, information, and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers. Attendee registration is $499, is all-inclusive, and includes admittance to the opening reception, educational sessions, keynote presentations, breakfast and lunch, and trade show floor. Discounts are available for CCOF members, as well as government and educational members.
While the tradeshow floor is sold out, attendees also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to a pair of additional activities:
- The 2018 CannaBus Tour from 8 am – 12 pm on Wednesday, December 12th
- The CCOF Foundation Dinner on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm
Over 60 sponsors have confirmed support of OGS, the release noted. Exhibitors include soil amendment, bio-pesticide, seed, packaging, food safety, Ag technology, and equipment manufacturers who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
WASHINGTON, DC - Look out, DC! Wegmans is officially coming to town. The retailer is setting up shop at former Fannie Mae headquarters, where current plans are underway to turn the site into a mixed-use development, anchored by the 86,000-square-foot Wegmans. The overall project, valued at $640 million, officially broke ground December 1.
“We’ve received numerous requests for a store in the District ever since we expanded into northern Virginia and Maryland more than a decade ago,” said Ralph Uttaro, Wegmans' SVP of Real Estate. “We’re eager to serve this vibrant community with the best ingredients, restaurant-quality prepared foods, consistent low prices, and incredible customer service.”
Wegmans first revealed that it would be moving into the Washington, DC market in May of last year. This new Wegmans store will sit on the lowest level of the Fannie Mae building—which was acquired by Roadside Development and North American Sekisui House in 2016 for $85 million.
According to Washington Business Journal, the site—named City Ridge—will feature 687 residential units, 162,000 square feet of office space, 153,000 square feet of retail space, and more than 750 parking spaces.
As the DC market heats up, more competitors will be looking to sidle up next to Wegmans. AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on the latest in retail happenings.
CORONA, CA - Mandarins are the new squeeze of Veg-Fresh Farm’s organic citrus program this winter. For the first time, it will be offering organic mandarins seasonally throughout the winter with varieties first starting with Owari Satsumas, then Clementines, Gold Nuggets, Tangos, and Murcott varieties as they become available.
Coming to retail stores this December, the mandarins will be available in new high-graphic 2 lb bags with designs that highlight the natural appeal of the fruit.
Chris Jacoby, Sourcing Manager for Veg-Fresh, explains, “The mandarin category has grown significantly over the past 10+ years. Many consumers have transitioned from navel oranges to mandarins because of their smaller size, the taste, and because they are so easy to peel. And since the demand for organics continues to grow (82% of American households now stock organic food products), it just made sense to put together a nice organic mandarin offering.”
Partner at Veg-Fresh Farms Randy Cancellieri admits, “When we started adding citrus to our portfolio 6 years ago, we weren’t sure where it was going to go but we are pleased to see its growth to this point, and we certainly will be continuing to focus on its expansion as we head into 2019.”
The growing season will start out small in December, but increase in mid-January and reach its peak production from late January to February. Retailers should keep their eyes peeled for the latest Veg-Fresh offerings to keep customers coming for the citrus this season. AndNowUKnow will continue to report on new offerings in organics and citrus, and the Veg-Fresh expansion as we enter the new year.
TORONTO, CANADA - Everyone wants a slice out of the grocery pie these days and with it, the chance to take Amazon down a few pegs. Last week, Uber posted a job listing for a “Head of Grocery Product” position, leading many in the biz to believe the transportation titan is the next major company to expand beyond its initial business model to include the coveted grocery sector.
Within its listing, Uber described the Head of Grocery Product position as one that will “build the organization and globally scale a brand-new product offering which will fundamentally evolve how people purchase their groceries.”
Following the post, news sources like Forbes and Business Insider immediately pointed to Uber’s grocery ambitions, noting its rapidly growing Uber Eats segment, which would be further bolstered by the company’s foray into grocery. Uber previously reported that Uber Eats is expanding 150 percent annually and totaled $2.1 billion of its overall gross bookings in the third quarter of 2018. The news sources also reported the job posting is in-line with Uber’s goals of growing its Canadian presence by expanding its office staff in Toronto.
Earlier this year, Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi alluded to this very plan, stating: “You can absolutely see grocery as being an adjacency…And someone needs to be the orchestration layer for people moving around cities, and I think that can be us. It’s an enormous opportunity. The real challenge for us is where do we focus and where do we partner.”
Will a familiar industry face fall into Uber’s Head of Grocery Product position? And how will this new position boost Uber’s grocery standing? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest grocery retail news.
SANTA PAULA, CA - On the first week of Christmas Limoneira gave to me: health in holiday eating, festive recipes, and a partridge in a lemon tree. As consumers gear up for the seasons eatings, the company spokesperson Megan Roosevelt provides plenty of ideas on how to zest up holiday recipes.
This season, Limoneira is focusing on options for some lemony dishes to lighten your holiday table. Check out the recipe below for a fun salad sure to be the perfect centerpiece for consumers tables and have them sprinting for the citrus this December.
Christmas Wreath Citrus Salad
Let this festive salad wreath your holiday table and lighten the load of carbs and meat by introducing the freshness of the meyer lemon.
Salad Ingredients:
- 5 ounces of salad greens (spring mix, arugula or sweet baby lettuce mix)
- 2 Limoneira Meyer lemons, peeled and segmented
- 2 Limoneira navel oranges, peeled and segmented
- 3/4 cup pistachios (shelled, roasted, and salted)
3/4 cup pomegranate seeds - 1/4 cup hemp seeds
Dressing Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 teaspoons champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- Pinch sea salt & black pepper
Directions: Whisk together lemon juice, honey, champagne vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the salt has dissolved and the dressing is emulsified.
Place greens on a large serving platter and arrange oranges, Meyer lemons, pistachios, pomegranate, and hemp seeds over the greens in a circular pattern—like a Holiday wreath! Leaf a spot in the center to add a small dish for the salad dressing. Dress salad just before serving and enjoy!
Looking for ideas on the best way to dress your holiday wreath salad? Check out Megan Roosevelt’s tutorial on the Limoneira YouTube channel for more ideas. AndNowUKnow looks forward to reporting more innovative ways to make produce the focus of consumer feasts this holiday season.
WATSONVILLE, CA - Driscoll’s has put into effect a planned leadership restructuring announced at the end of last week, including J. Miles Reiter reassuming the position of Chief Executive Officer.
As a fourth generation grower and the grandson of one of Driscoll’s founders, Reiter will continue to serve as Driscoll’s Chairman, a role he has held for more than 30 years, according to a press release.
“Over the past several decades, Driscoll’s has maintained strong success and growth. Through the tireless pursuit of fulfilling our company mission, we now delight consumers with fresh berries that bear the Driscoll’s brand name in more than 60 countries,” Reiter said.
The company said that Kevin Murphy, who was named CEO in 2015 after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer, will leave this position by the end of the year.
“Kevin has played a key role in leading this growth, and we’re grateful for his leadership and many contributions,” Reiter continued. “Reshaping our leadership structure allows us to adapt to our ever-changing marketplace as well as streamline our close work with growers and customers to meet the high expectations that consumers globally have of our berries and brand.”
In addition to that chance to adapt, the company expects this restructuring to support its mission to delight berry consumers through alignment of its customers and network of independent growers. Family owned-and-operated for more than 100 years, Driscoll’s concluded it is positioned for future global brand expansion with this organizational announcement.
Follow AndNowUKnow for all key leadership changes in the produce industry.
CHINA - Two of America’s top grocers are duking it out in an away match of the century, as both make grocery moves in China. Kroger laid claim to the Chinese market earlier this year when it teamed up with major China-based retailer Alibaba. But that’s not to say Walmart doesn’t have its own global A-team, which includes the likes of JD.com and Tencent. Last week, however, Walmart took things up a notch in the online grocery space and announced a new home grocery delivery option in China, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Unofficially, Walmart is testing Walmart To Go out of one of its stores in Shenzhen. The retail titan is touting purchased goods will be delivered in as little as an hour. The service is offered via Tencent’s WeChat mobile messaging app, but, according to a report by TechCrunch, has not been officially announced because Walmart is using this “launch” as a test to collect consumer feedback.
The Cincinnati Business Courier points out that this retail battle mirrors one the two are having stateside as well, which involves more than just Kroger and Walmart. As an industry reporter, I have to say, it seems like each week brings a new retailer signing on to offer faster grocery delivery services than the one before—a product of doing grocery in the Amazon Era, I'm sure.
How will Kroger and Walmart’s latest grocery battle bode for the retail landscape in both the States and overseas? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you logged in on the latest grocery happenings.