UNITED STATES - The grocery games aren't just a Food Network show I occasionally binge watch on Sundays. They’re a very real phenomenon, and they involve some retail and e-tail heavy hitters, namely Walmart and Amazon. And this time, one has passed ahead of the other in a very important arena: online grocery shopping.
In a research survey led by Retail Feedback Group, Walmart surpassed Amazon in online food shopping. More shoppers said they most recently visited Walmart’s site to fill their grocery needs. Local supermarkets came in third place, which Bloomberg reported stemmed from the help of Instacart, which handles orders for Kroger and other retailers.
But just how has Walmart moved ahead? The answer lies in the development of its curbside grocery pickup service, which is currently available in nearly 2,000 stores. At an investor conference, Walmart said that this number would soon go up by another 1,000 by the end of 2019.
Will Walmart continue to ride the grocery wave? Or does Amazon have a trick up its sleeve? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest in the grocery sector.
BOULDER, CO - Lucky’s Market is diving deeper into the Sunshine and Centennial States, signing leases for new stores in Boca Raton (two locations), Kendall, Bradenton, and Clearwater, Florida. The natural and organic foods grocer also reported solid growth in-line with its expanding brick-and-mortar footprint.
In addition to the aforementioned stores, Lucky’s Market also recently announced new stores in the following Florida locations: Hunters Creek, Winter Park, Oakleaf, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Naples, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Venice, Dania Beach, Downtown Orlando, Vineland, Colonial Landing, Lake Mary, Port St. Lucie, Pensacola and Ormond Beach.
Beyond the southeast, the retailer is also slating two new stores in its home state of Colorado.
According to a press release, Lucky’s Market currently operates 15 stores in Florida and 33 stores in total. The newly announced store locations are scheduled to open in the next 18 to 24 months.
For more of the latest in retail expansions, acquisitions, and happenings, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
BOISE, ID - Albertsons Companies announced a spate of ways in which the retailer was working to improve sustainability practices this week. The company’s 2018 Sustainability Update highlights successful efforts to reduce waste, expand organic offerings, lead in seafood sustainability, and support the causes customers care about. The centerpiece of the report involves the purchase of 10 all-electric Tesla trucks for its Southern California fleet.
“Our employee promise is to Make Every Day a Better Day,” said President and CEO Jim Donald, in a press release. “That means being a good community partner and a committed steward of the environment. We take that obligation seriously because our company is growing and innovating at lightning speed. And when we move forward, we leave a trail behind.”
Albertsons noted, in that press release, that it plans to use these 10 Tesla all-electric semi-trucks to service Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in Southern California. The trucks will be able to travel from 300 miles to upwards of 500 miles on a single charge while fully loaded, and the trucks use less than two kilowatt hours of energy per mile.
“Advancing supply chain efficiency and sustainability is an important goal for our company,” said Tom Nartker, VP of Transportation. “We’re excited to pilot this expansion of our transportation program with trucks that help us limit our overall carbon footprint.”
Other hallmarks Albertsons noted in the company’s Sustainability Update include:
- Having surpassed $1 billion in sales for the O Organics® line of USDA-certified organic products. O Organics is now one of the nation's largest private-label USDA-certified organic brands
- Having Won the 2017 Environmental Protection Agency Safer (EPA) Choice Partner of the Year Award for promoting safer products such as Open Nature™ household cleaning supplies
- The company trained 3,000 pharmacists to administer NARCAN® Nasal Spray, a life-saving drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose
- Albertsons donated more than $250 million in food donations to local food banks
- The company raised and distributed $44.6 million to support causes that impact customers’ lives, including wildfire and hurricane disaster relief, veterans’ charities, childhood hunger, and cancer research and treatment
- Albertsons was named an EPA Green Power Partner for the fourth consecutive year for procuring and using renewable energy
For more on forward-thinking companies in the fresh produce space, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
IRVINE, CA - With an eye on the future of our industry and what entities will help us get there more efficiently, Western Growers’ AgSharks™ Competition saw a $250,000 equity investment offer awarded to robot-building start-up Augean Robotics.
“If we are going to continue providing safe and healthy food to a growing population, there needs to be a systemic transformation of the way we cultivate our food. That’s where technology comes in,” said Tom Nassif, President and CEO at Western Growers. “Providing growth opportunities for cutting-edge companies such as Augean Robotics will play a significant role in improving how we farm so we can dramatically increase food production. Also, investing in these innovations will be crucial to minimizing our need for manual laborers through automation and reducing our environmental footprint through efficient water use.”
Augean looks to build robots to help farm workers work more productively, with the long-term objective of automating all of the tedious work performed on the farms and outdoors, according to a press release. Its product, Burro, follows workers, moves cargo autonomously, and captures the data needed to further automate farm work.
In addition to the investment, Augean Robotics walked away with access to farm acreage for pilot testing to take its collaborative robotic platform from development to market. The seed funding was awarded by S2G (Seed 2 Growth) Ventures after competing against four other start-up companies who also are inventing new technology solutions to solve agriculture’s most pressing issues.
“We continue to value this partnership with Western Growers and their members,” said Sanjeev Krishnan, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director at S2G Ventures. “By providing capital to the entrepreneurs at Augean Robotics and WG’s market knowledge, we can feed the changing consumer and generate increased profits for the producers.”
Krishnan was among the judges panel of six experts in venture capitalism and the ag industry. The panel also included:
- Vic Smith, President & CEO of JV Smith Companies
- Kevin Andrew, Chief Farming Officer at Vanguard International
- Cristina Rohr, Vice President at S2G Ventures
- Matthew Walker, Managing Director at S2G Ventures.
- Robby Barkley, President & CEO of Barkley Ag Enterprise
During the competition, the agtech startups pitched to the judges and a live audience, being evaluated on the strength of their solution and potential to scale, among other assessment categories, according to a press release. The panel of judges provided feedback to each startup and advanced Augean Robotics to earn the investment offer.
“In S2G and Western Growers, we see a group with boots on the ground and eyes on the horizon—keenly aware of the day-to-day needs of farmers and the incredible potential for robots in agriculture over the coming decade,” said Charles Andersen, CEO of Augean Robotics. “We are honored to have their support and look forward to working together as we bring collaborative robots to the industry that needs it most.”
AgSharks premiered last October, where two agtech startups—Hazel Technologies and AgVoice—received a $2.25 million total investment offer from S2G Ventures. It is the latest WGA effort to identify key innovations in the fresh produce industry and support agtech startups in bringing their technology to market. Previous efforts include opening an agtech incubator—the WG Center for Innovation & Technology—in December 2015, and launching the AgTechx Summit series, which brings new ag technologies to major farming regions.
MISSION, TX - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller visited Lone Star Citrus Growers to discuss key industry issues and tour the company’s facilities. He was accompanied by a delegation from The Texas Department of Agriculture. Previously, in July of 2018, Commissioner Miller’s office, along with the Texas Department of Agriculture, sponsored a delegation to South Korea which included VP of Sales, Trent Bishop.
“The purpose of the trip was to explore the South Korean market’s viability for importing Texas red grapefruit, and we were pleasantly surprised by both the hospitality of the South Koreans and their interest in our product,” said Bishop in a company press release.
The delegation met with the U.S. Embassy’s Agricultural Trade Office, Office of Agricultural Affairs, APHIS, and the three largest importers of U.S. grapefruit. The company noted that import/export negotiations are currently underway, and APHIS plans to address the project at the upcoming IPPC in Rome. During the visit to Lone Star Citrus, Commissioner Miller again reiterated his support of the project.
While there, Commissioner Miller enjoyed a tour of the packing and juice plants given by Bishop, VP of Operations T.J. Flowers, and Warehouse General Manager Gustavo Serrano.
“The Texas citrus industry is a vital part of the Texas economy, and I appreciate the opportunity to tour Lone Star Citrus and their state-of-the art-facility,” said Commissioner Miller.
Lone Star Citrus noted in its press release that it was grateful to Commissioner Miller for his leadership in the installation of TDA signage along Texas state borders, warning travelers that it is “unlawful to enter Texas with citrus plants.” The signage is a key strategy in the fight against citrus greening and other diseases. During his visit, Commissioner Miller shared that he is working toward the installation of four new produce inspection stations that will further protect the Texas grapefruit crop.
The Lone Star Citrus team stated that it appreciates the support of Commissioner Miller and the TDA, and looks forward to introducing Texas red grapefruit to new markets in the coming season.
For the latest in produce news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - The holidays are a time for festivities and gratitude—and for eating. To ensure retailers are inspiring produce-seeking consumers, Frieda’s Specialty Produce has teamed up with chefs from Los Angeles’ food-forward scene on some tasty holiday dishes.
“At Frieda’s, we have partnered with chefs Heather and Emily from Botanica Restaurant in Los Angeles, which was named one of the Top 10 new restaurants in 2017 by LA Magazine,” said Alex Jackson Berkley, Assistant Sales Manager. “Their recipes fit in perfectly for New Year entertaining, while inspiring consumers to try new dishes.”
Frieda’s noted in a press release that a recent Wakefield Research poll shows 85 percent of consumers plan to attend a holiday celebration this season, while 97 percent of consumers plan to shop for produce to fuel their holiday celebrations.
New Year’s Eve parties and New Year’s Day brunches are great ways to celebrate, and Frieda’s and its culinary partners have just the thing.
“
We love working with the Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes from Frieda’s,” said Chef Heather Sperling. “They're so versatile and have a place at every table—from morning though night! Purple Sweet Potato Fritters with Green Tahini is a dish that's as ideal as a passed hors d'oeuvre as it is as a dinner party centerpiece. Garam Masala Purple Sweet Potatoes with Garlicky Yogurt is a vibrant, unexpected side dish that will definitely be on my holiday table. We love riffing on hummus, and one of our new favorites is Spiced Purple Sweet Potato Hummus, ideally served on a crudité platter with roasted purple asparagus, charred orange cauliflower, crunchy jicama, and mini sweet peppers.”
Alex added that the Frieda’s team is all about inspiring new food experiences, something the team shares with Botanica.
“There is no better way to ring in the New Year than by introducing your friends and family to new, delicious foods,” she concluded.
Frieda’s can be contacted directly to help retailers plan New Year’s Eve displays with products like Stokes Purple sweet potatoes, purple asparagus, colored cauliflower, Meyer lemons, jicama, elephant garlic, and mini sweet peppers.
Let the festivities and food-buying begin!
CARLISLE, PA - SuperValu has found a buyer for five more of its Shop ‘n Save locations in the form of Giant Food Stores. Giant Food Stores announced a new growth strategy earlier this year and has recently debuted a new format, additional new stores, and other expansion efforts across the Northeast.
“This acquisition demonstrates our continued commitment to the long-term growth strategy we announced earlier this year,” said Nicholas Bertram, Giant Food Stores’ President.
GIANT plans to convert the Shop ‘n Save stores into Martin’s Food Markets stores, and current Shop ‘n Save employees at these stores will have the opportunity to interview with Martin’s, according to a press release. The five stores involved in the sale include:
- 22401 Jefferson Boulevard, Smithsburg, MD
- 500 North Antrim Way, Greencastle, PA
- 409 North McNeil Road, Berryville, VA
- 147 Roaring Lion Drive, Hedgesville, WV
- 1317 Old Courthouse Square, Martinsburg, WV
“Our Martin’s associates have proudly served many of these communities for years, and we look forward to expanding the Martin’s brand along the Interstate 81 Corridor and within the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia,” Bertram added.
Giant Food Stores, which currently encompasses 171 locations in four states, has made a series of strategic investments recently, including debuting the new Giant Heirloom Market in Philadelphia, an acquisition a former Darrenkamp store, a new e-commerce hub, and additional new stores in East Stroudsburg and Walnutport, PA.
The sale is expected to close during the first quarter of 2019, but is still subject to customary closing conditions and Federal Trade Commission approval.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Phillips Produce LLC, operating out of Plant City, Florida, for failing to pay a $133,094 award in favor of a Minnesota seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Christopher Phillips was listed as a member of the business.
- Peisel Markets LLC, operating out of Madison, New Jersey, for failing to pay a $315,901 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Allen Peisel was listed as a member of the business.
- G&M Import Produce LLC, operating out of Bronx, New York, for failing to pay a $36,448 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Gil A. Fernandez was listed as a member of the business.
- Integrity Produce LLC, operating out of Tieton, Washington, for failing to pay a $3,729 award in favor of a Washington seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Nenita A. Denton and Carl A. Denton were listed as members of the business.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,350 PACA claims involving more than $63 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $156 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
MT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND - Zespri is making more moves to strengthen its kiwifruit growers’ ownership in the company, recently completing a targeted share offer and buy-back program. Closing on October 19, the offer resulted in Zespri’s acceptance of 427 applications to purchase over 12 million shares for a total of over $95 million. The company sought growers who did not previously own shares or held less than one share per tray of their production for the offer. Now that the offer is complete, the percentage of total shares in Zespri held by growers has increased to 85 percent.
“Share ownership gives producers the opportunity to benefit financially as both growers and shareholders, from fruit payments and via the corporate income stream,” Zespri Chairman Peter McBride commented. “Ownership also gives growers a greater influence over the direction of their kiwifruit marketer. The share offer and the buy-back together represent significant progress in our objective to strengthen ownership and alignment.”
McBride added that the share offer and buy-back program was a milestone in a long-term project to strengthen the industry’s foundations and addresses a problem of growing misalignment between growers who supply kiwifruit to Zespri and people who own shares in Zespri. The move follows significant changes Zespri made to its Constitution in March of this year.
According to a press release, the capital raised through the share offer will allow Zespri to fund in full a buy-back program from eligible shareholders, targeted specifically at shareholders who no longer produce kiwifruit or who hold over 1.5 shares per tray of production and over. In total, there were 257 applications for the buy-back involving nearly 9 million shares for a total of over $70 million, and the number of former growers holding Zespri shares has reduced by 30 percent.
“A significant number of New Zealand kiwifruit orchard owners do not own Zespri shares and over 18 million shares were held by people who have left the industry,” explained McBride. “Through this share offer, a good number of growers have taken up the opportunity to either become shareholders in Zespri or to increase their shareholdings in line with their entitlements.”
Zespri noted that it gave eligible shareholders an effective option to sell shares, without broker fees and that take-up of the share offer and buy-back offer by shareholders was voluntary. The share offer and buy-back were at the same price of $8.00 per share, determined by Zespri’s Board on the basis of an independent valuation.
FISHERS, NY - 2018 marks the 21st year the New York Apple Association (NYAA) has sponsored the TCS New York City Marathon, and this year was especially important to the association because it displayed its recently redesigned brand, Apples from New York®, on promotional ads and televisions spots before the marathon took place. Then, as runners crossed the finish line on November 4, they were given delicious Apples from New York apples.
“The TCS New York City Marathon is the world’s largest marathon and New York state is the second largest apple producing state in the nation—the two are a natural match!” said NYAA President Cynthia Haskins in a press release. “It just makes sense that two things that are as important to New York state as the marathon and the apple industry are to the state should pair up and work together in this way. And speaking of pairings—when all the nutritional and health benefits of apples are paired with the distinct flavor that’s unique to apples grown in New York, Voila! You have a healthy food choice that will keep anyone running!”
In addition to New York apples being included in runners’ finisher recovery bags, NYAA also provided apples for all the marathon-related events during the week leading up to the big race. These events included the Poland Spring Marathon KickOff, Youth Invitational, Abbott Dash to the Finish 5K, the Marathon Eve Dinner for the marathon runners and marathon volunteers. According to NYAA’s Joan Willis, coordinator of the association’s sponsorship with the marathon, NYAA provides more than 80,000 fresh New York grown apples.
Given that NYAA is an official sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, the association receives guaranteed entries to the marathon, the press release noted. In turn, it offers these entries to New York apple growers, Rochester area firefighters, law enforcement officials, and other first responders in honor of “those who came running” during the 9/11 attack in New York City in 2001.
To keep up with how those in our industry are working to give back to the community, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.