NORTH CAROLINA - As the 2018 harvest winds down for North Carolina sweet potatoes, Nash Produce’s Director of Marketing and Business Development, Tami Long, tells me that the industry will begin working to estimate the impact of the reduced acreage and the two hurricanes had on this season.
“Many farmers decided to plant different crops this year due to the extremely low prices on sweet potatoes for the last few years. Then, North Carolina had two major hurricanes hit the area,” she says. Though she adds it will be several months before the industry knows the extent of how this will affect pricing and availability of sizes, Nash Produce is committed to shipping quality product to customers all year long.
As we know, Thanksgiving and sweet potatoes are practically synonymous. Despite the natural challenges Tami assures me that demand will be met.
“Nash Produce is receiving beautiful sweet potatoes from our farmers just in time for the holidays. Consumers will be able to create fabulous dishes with these sweet potatoes,” she assures me. “Sweet potatoes continue to be in high demand from consumers due to their health benefits and great taste! How can you not like a vegetable that has 'sweet' in its name? Consumers want new, exciting products.”
In response, Nash Produce now offers its white Bonita and purple Murasaki sweet potatoes in easy-carry 3 lb bags. These sweet potatoes are slightly different in texture, she explains, but maintain the same sweetness as the orange Covington sweet potato.
“Since these varieties are cooked exactly like the orange sweet potato, adding these to the retailer’s produce bin is a simple way to meet customer demand and need for new products,” Tami comments.
Additionally she shares that retailers who offer pre-cut sweet potatoes will definitely sell them. “Sweet potatoes can be tough to cut, so this is a great option. Also, retailers should showcase sweet potato recipes for something other than pies and casseroles. People want new options—sweet potatoes would be the perfect addition to any recipe as a natural sweetener. Nash Produce is here to help retailers maximize their in-store marketing programs,” she concludes.
Keep an eye on AndNowUKnow for the latest on all key fresh produce categories through the holidays and beyond.
VALENCIA, CA - It’s the holly jolly citrus season, a.k.a. the best time of the year. I don’t know if there’ll be snow, but there will be lots of citrus cheer! With citrus varieties of all shapes and sizes available throughout this holiday season and well into spring, Sunkist Growers is gearing up for another great season.
I spoke with Christina Ward, Director of Communications, to learn more about what Sunkist varieties retailers should have on their radar as we head further into the citrus season.
“Sunkist has more than 40 varieties of fresh quality citrus for the season,” Christina said to me. “And for us we always say, ‘you can’t spell citrus without us.’ The cornerstone of our co-op is our growers and that’s where that concept really came from. It’s citrus season, and it’s that time of year for California-grown Navel oranges. It’s an exciting time.”
Christina emphasized Sunkist Delight™ Mandarins, which are going to be available from November and May. Christina also noted a few of Sunkist’s specialty varieties, including blood oranges and Cara Cara Navels, which are trending off-the-charts with consumers these days.
“There’s continued growth with our specialty varieties, and you’ll see a lot of people gravitate towards our Cara Cara Navels and our blood oranges. And what we learned is the more people get exposed to and discover and experiment with our specialty varieities, they just fall in love,” Christina continued. “So, our goal is to really get our product and our citrus out there to the consumers, farm-to-table, so they really understand what they’re missing."
From there, Christina revealed that shoppers won’t be able to stop their citrus cravings and that they’ll only want more after just one bite of Sunkist citrus.
For the full details from Christina, watch our exclusive video above.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - Since 2004, the Allen Lund Company (ALC) has participated in Navidad en el Barrio, a charity through which over 75,000 people are served annually.
"It is overwhelming to watch and read about the increasing homelessness in Southern California. The efforts of Navidad en el Barrio makes a small dent in the assistance to the most underserved families," said Nora Trueblood, Director of Marketing in a company press release.
Navidad accepts and utilizes donations to assemble food baskets containing chicken, cheese, canned goods, and various produce items for a hearty and healthy family holiday meal. According to its press release, the Allen Lund Company provides logistical support as well as produce donated by customers. ALC has already reached out to shippers in the western United States for items that could be used to complete a meal for these families, with meals expected to be delivered on Saturday, December 15. Donations are delivered via ALC to a warehouse location in Los Angeles and then delivered to agencies throughout Southern California for distribution to families. All donations must be usable beyond the date of distribution.
"My mom and dad instilled in us the value and importance of giving back, and we as a company completely embrace that concept,” said Kenny Lund, Vice President. “Navidad en el Barrio is such an important effort and one that we are able to actually see the impact, by participating in the distribution of the dinners and meeting the grateful families. We plan to continue our commitment to Navidad en el Barrio for years to come."
For more on how those in our industry give back, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
DALLAS, TX - Barely halfway into its first year, Collaborative for Fresh Produce™ (CFP) is a program rapidly gaining traction. Founded to ensure fresh produce gets to those who need it most no matter their proximity to a farm, CFP is growing from mostly a Texas-only operation to a multi-state movement feeding food banks in surrounding states.
“The Collaborative for Fresh Produce started May 1 of this year, after a successful two year pilot of the concept by Feeding Texas,” Simon Powell, President and CEO, shares with me.
He brought a background in supply chain management to the North Texas Food Bank when he joined the organization in 2014 with a mission to increase access to fresh produce for those in need. It wasn’t long, though, before he recognized that he needed help from somebody with more experience in the industry.
“I found out this industry is very relationship-based. Without much background I went to find someone who could help, and I was fortunate enough to meet Dale,” Simon continues.
Dale Long, Executive Vice President of CFP, currently leads the Dallas Fresh Foods Association as President and brings a well-versed portfolio of industry experience.
“I had been in the buy-side for three grocery chains for 27 years. I enjoyed my job purchasing and advertising produce, but after a while I just wanted something new to make a difference,” Dale tells me of how he made the leap.
Since partnering together to expand a state-wide initiative to a regional approach, Dale and Simon together have gained the support of a few movers and shakers in our industry, including Texas International Produce Association President and CEO Dante Galeazzi.
Dante shared that he always thought their mission to help feed those who might need the help was incredibly important.
“If I could help in anyway then I wanted to do that, and if I could do it while helping promote the importance of fresh produce for a healthy lifestyle, then even better,” he tells me. “From a business perspective, we’re hearing more about food waste every day. There’s even legislation now working to address that. Regardless of how someone might sit on that issue, what CFP offers is the opportunity to make use of product that might otherwise go unsold or end-up in a landfill. More so, it keeps the produce moving and the product fresh.”
The other benefit Dante lists to getting involved with such a project is when the marketplace faces a glut of product.
“Rather than use up cooler space or dedicate personnel to constantly rerunning the product—thus incurring additional expenses or utilizing valuable and costly personnel time—a company can donate product to CFP. This means no additional input and can provide a tax write-off for the value of the load. Additionally, it creates an outlet for otherwise unideal products that might be too small or too big, the wrong color or wrong shape, or too much wind-scarring. The CFP can pay a portion of the packing and material costs (PPO) and it means that the farmers are able to sell a larger portion of their crop, thus improving their yields and the throughput of the packers and handlers,” he concludes.
Simon and Dale both express excitement about what the CFP can do not just for helping those who need access to fresh produce, but also for those who are in the business of providing it.
“One thing that became apparent to us is that for food banks far away from major produce growing regions, it’s very hard to get access to fresh produce. Various retail stores donate, but it’s usually near expiration which makes it hard to collect and hand out. Many have little-to-no experience with who to go to in terms of obtaining product. We and several others had this exact same problem and thought it would be better to work together in a coordinated way,” Simon says.
Another supporter of the burgeoning CFP is Produce Marketing Association CEO Cathy Burns.
“We need everyone pulling together if we are to achieve our vision of a healthier world,” Cathy shares of getting involved. “This includes the many charitable efforts that get delicious, healthy fresh produce to underserved populations. This includes the amazing work of our members, including charitable organizations like the nonprofit Collaborative for Fresh Produce. Building demand for fresh produce is much broader than just the commercial marketplace. It includes support for groups like this that are broadening availability of fresh produce to those in need.”
A reliable outlet for products growers can’t sell, as well as a resource for a entire demographic of consumers, this is one program to keep an eye on. To learn more visit the collaborative’s website here.
GERMANY - Effective December 1, Aldi SOUTH will have a new CEO: Horst Leitner. Leitner will be stepping in for Günther Helm, who led the retailer as its CEO for the past eight years.
Leitner began his career with the company in 1992, after studying economics and commerce in Vienna, and working for IBM. He held the position of General Manager of the regional management of Weissenbach for three years, before he took over the leadership of the company’s central purchasing department in 2006. He took on the same role in 2011 for Aldi USA. In 2016, he joined the Aldi USA’s Board of Directors. As Aldi South’s CEO, he will look over the management of national and international activities.
According to news source Distribuzione Moderna, Helm has decided to leave the company after 15 years to pursue “new professional challenges.”
Congratulations to both Horst and Günther on these new positions and next steps! AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on the latest in all that is happening in the retail sector.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Retail grocery behemoth Walmart is showing no signs of weakness as it heads into the busy holiday season. This week, the retail giant announced it was raising its guidance for the full year, projecting a 3 percent increase in same-store sales. In addition, Walmart also reported a 43 percent increase in e-commerce sales and a 3.4 increase in comparative sales—a direct contrast to competitor Amazon’s sluggish core business growth.
“We have momentum in the business as we execute our plan and benefit from a favorable economic environment in the U.S. We’re accelerating innovation and utilizing technology to shape the future of retail. We’re making shopping at Walmart faster and easier,” said Doug McMillon, Walmart’s President and CEO. “Our associates are equipped with the tools to serve customers better than ever before, and they’re doing a great job. With the holidays approaching, customers can count on Walmart to save them money, and we’ll also provide busy families with another important gift—time back in their day.”
Many, like CNN and The Washington Post, are pointing to Walmart’s growing brick-and-mortar network and expansive online grocery services, combined with its strong job market (including rising wages and low unemployment) and rising consumer confidence, as the fuel in Walmart's tank.
According to a press release, Walmart also reported the following highlights:
- Total revenue was $124.9 billion, an increase of $1.7 billion, or 1.4%. Excluding currency2, total revenue was $126.1 billion, an increase of $2.9 billion, or 2.4%
- Walmart U.S. comparative sales increased 3.4% in the period and 6.1% on a two-year stack with broad-based strength and market share gains in key categories, according to Nielsen and The NPD Group
- Walmart U.S. omnichannel progress continues as grocery pickup is now available in nearly 2,100 locations and grocery delivery is available in nearly 600 locations
- Sam's Club comp sales1increased 3.2%3, and eCommerce sales grew 32%. Membership trends continue to improve
- Net sales at Walmart International were $28.8 billion, a decline of 2.6%. Excluding currency2, net sales were $30.0 billion, an increase of 1.6%. Comp sales were positive in nine of 10 markets.
- Adjusted EPS2excludes the impact of three items:
- An unrealized loss of $0.48 on the company's equity investment in JD.com
- A charge of $0.03 for foreign currency upon finalizing the sale of a majority stake in Walmart Brazil
- A benefit of $0.01 due to an adjustment in the provisional amount related to Tax Reform
To read Walmart’s report in its entirety, click here.
Will Walmart’s accelerated growth help it level the playing field with Amazon? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Grimmway Farms welcomed United States Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach to its Arvin, CA, headquarters last week, highlighting Kern County and California agriculture. During the Under Secretary’s visit, company President Jeff Huckaby led a tour of the company’s local farmland and facilities, showcasing carrot processing technology and organic vegetable harvest operations.
Grimmway Farms and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross also hosted the November meeting of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture during the Under Secretary’s visit.
“We were honored to have Under Secretary Ibach visit Grimmway Farms and address the California State Board of Food and Agriculture,” said Huckaby. “We had productive discussions with the Under Secretary and were able to show him firsthand the importance of our industry in Kern County and California.”
During the meeting, Under Secretary Ibach addressed the group on issues facing Grimmway Farms and the agriculture industry at the state and federal levels.
“Meetings with our state partners are key to finding practical solutions to complex issues that benefit our farmers, ranchers, and producers,” said Under Secretary Ibach. “Thank you, Secretary Ross, for inviting me to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture meeting.”
According to a press release, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture acts as advisor to the governor and secretary, addressing key issues that are of importance to California’s farmers and ranchers, community stakeholders, and citizens. Board meetings—which are open to the public—occur monthly.
MICHOACÁN, MEXICO - After much back-and-forth in local and national news, it seems a recent avocado strike in Mexico has ended. Brian Denton of Colorful Plates Podcast, powered by Pro*Act, recently hosted an interview on the situation.
Patrick Cortes, Senior Director of Business Development at Mission Produce, discussed the latest in the Nov. 12 interview.
“A group of growers in Mexico, in the Michoacán area where a majority of the avocados are harvested, bound together because they were concerned about what they felt were unfair prices to be paid for their avocados. As a result they basically said ‘until we feel there are more just prices being paid for the fruit’ that they were going to go on strike and not harvest,” Cortes explained.
He discussed how avocados are a unique commodity in that they can stay and wait on the trees much longer than other fruits, meaning harvesters had time to wait out a satisfying resolution without losing too much fruit. Cortes confirmed there had been many meetings from both sides in an effort to understand grievances and come to an agreement.
It was the next day, November 13, that things looked up for the supply-side as an apparent end came to the stalemate.
“Mexico started harvesting this morning,” Denise Junqueiro, Director of Marketing for Mission, shared with ANUK late yesterday. “We anticipate it will take a couple of weeks to get industry supplies back up to normal in the marketplace and even a little longer for the market to experience adequate ripe volumes. Regardless, we are please harvest has resumed and the industry found resolution.”
The timing of the resolution came as avocados in the supply chain were dwindling. In the interview, Cortes states that what was left would be gone within the next week.
You can listen to the interview in its entirety, as well as Gabe Romero of PRO*ACT, and Patrick DeYoung of Field Fresh Farms sharing how operations moving to Huron, CA, and eventually Yuma, AZ, during the winter affects supply and quality, here.
CALIFORNIA - Citrus-fueled drinks, desserts, and more will be among the needs of consumers as the holiday festivities begin. With demand for the category on the rise, I checked in with the experts to see how citrus is faring.
“Cuties® clementines have just started up, and supplies will be increasing each week in November. We are getting the pipeline filled for the holiday promotions, and with our Cuties holiday packaging, Cuties displays shippers, our consumer Spread the Cheer Sweepstakes starting Nov 19th, we are seeing strong demand by retailers,” Kate Reeb, Director of Marketing for Sun Pacific, tells me. She explains that California navels are up and running with with decent sizing, great flavor, and that volume looks to be steady for the Thanksgiving holiday.
I ask her what the buy-side should note as one of the biggest eating days of the year approaches.
“With the holidays right around the corner, navel promotions are favorable toward bags, especially as it’s really convenient for retailers to drop a bin of bags on the produce floor to keep up with the holiday increased traffic and demand in the stores,” she says. “Vintage Sweets® from our old grove, super sweet heirloom navels, and Sun Pacific’s Cara Caras will fill out the citrus category in mid-December and allow retailers a variety of opportunities for promotions to delight consumers during the holidays. In addition, our Meyer Lemons are in big demand during the holiday season as they have become one of the hottest culinary ingredients for festive cocktails, holiday baking, and cooking.”
Monique Bienvenue, Director of Communications for Bee Sweet Citrus, comments that while citrus is in demand year-round, the industry always sees a higher need for many of the varieties available throughout the holiday season.
“With festive celebrations right around the corner, many of our specialty varieties are sought out for their healthy, nutritional components and delicious flavor profiles. Not only do our specialty varieties complement many holiday dessert recipes, they can also help families ward off the common cold and flu. Being that citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, citrus can act as a healthy immunity-boosting snack to many families this holiday season,” Monique shares.
“With California’s citrus domestic season in full swing, consumers can expect to see Satsuma mandarins, lemons, and Navel oranges at their local retailers. By the middle of December, they can also anticipate the arrival of Cara Cara navels, Blood oranges and Minneola tangelos,” she adds.
Sunkist Growers, too, is ramping up for peak winter citrus demand. But Director of Communications Christina Ward tells me that with experience on its side, the team is ready.
“Sunkist has been growing high-quality citrus for 125 years, and thanks to the California and Arizona sunshine over this past summer, we have ample volumes of all varieties for the 2018-2019 citrus season. The addition of Cara Cara and blood oranges are perfect for the upcoming holiday surge,” she says. “Our versatile displays and Sunkist citrus destinations make for an appetizing in-store holiday spread. We also have 2-3 pound bags for festive holiday cocktails and dishes; great for the bar and essential for the kitchen.”
As consumers look to stock up on all their produce ingredients for the holidays, AndNowUKnow will bring you the latest on those must-have categories.
ORLANDO, CA - This fall, temperatures might be cooling in North America, but marketing is reaching a torrid pace for T&G Global.
I had the opportunity to speak with Brock Nemecek, Regional Marketing Manager for Pip Fruit, at last month’s PMA Fresh Summit to find more about the company’s fall plans to encourage consumption and add oomph to sales of its signature Envy™, JAZZ™, and Pacific Rose™ apples.
“We have lots of marketing plans to support our three premium apple brands: Envy, JAZZ, and Pacific Rose,” said Brock, explaining that the JAZZ is currently in the middle of a major consumer campaign. “We’re launching the JAZZ’d Up Jeep national sweepstakes. Where we will, in 2019, be awarding a custom 2019 Jeep Wrangler, that’s ‘Jazz’d Up,’ to a JAZZ Fan.”
The next few months will be hot, hot, hot despite the recent cold snap, Brock told me, and our industry can expect a brand refresh for the Pacific Rose by early 2019.
“Also, in 2019, we will be rolling out the third annual Envy Road Show. And so that road show is gonna be all along the Eastern Seaboard going from Florida up to Toronto,” continued Brock. “We will be partnering with 7 to 10 major retailers and doing sampling demos—and also appearing at tourist attractions, consumer events, concerts, festivals, etc.”
For more, watch our video interview in its entirety above.