CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger has read the tea leaves and has seen produce, produce, and more produce in consumers’ future! This week, the retailer announced its top food trend predictions for 2019, which were curated by its team of Our Brands new product developers, chefs, and innovators, and there's something delicious for everyone.
Without further ado, here are Kroger’s Top 5 Food Trends for 2019:
- Plant-Based Foods
More consumers are switching out animal proteins for plant-based alternatives, and Kroger is thinking this trend will carry us through to 2019. Not only is it easier than ever to go meat or dairy free, whether for just a meal, a Meatless Monday, or a Flexitarian Friday, but soon everyone will be participating in the plant-based party.
- Eating Styles
Not only will more consumers enjoy a plant-based lifestyle, but eating styles like vegetarian, flexitarian, keto, and paleo to name a few, will become more widespread. According to a press release, a recent study reports 15 percent of the U.S. population identifies as vegetarian or vegan, and Kroger is responding to this rising number by offering and developing new products that are better-for-you and that support consumers’ health and wellness journeys.
- Regional Flavors
Global flavors are fine and dandy, but what about foods influenced by different regions around the United States? Kroger thinks those will be taking the culinary and foodservice world by storm next year. From Nashville hot chicken to Southern Appalachian pimento cheese, America’s culinary geography and heritage will be shining through in 2019.
- Gut-Healthy Foods
Medical studies show that a healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness, which is encouraging more consumers to seek out foods that support self-care and healthy immune systems. As a result, Kroger is upping its number of products that are rich in probiotics and flavor in 2019.
- Low Sugar and Natural Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are a thing of the past as alternate natural sweeteners like honey and agave rise in popularity. Kroger notes in a press release that 47 percent of consumers say they are working to minimize their sugar intake. This has led the retailer to bolster its store shelves with products that are lean on sugar, but still rich in nutrition and flavor.
With so many exciting trends expected to hit grocery aisles next year, Kroger is also promoting its Simple Truth®, Kroger®, and Private Selection® branded products that tap into the latest tastes and trends.
Is it 2019 yet? I have some serious eating to do!
PHOENIX, AZ - Fresh food-focused retailer Sprouts Farmers Market announced seven new stores to be opened during the company’s first quarter 2019. The new stores will be the first of approximately 30 Sprouts store locations set to open over the course of 2019. The company currently operates more than 300 stores in 19 states—and plans to expand into new markets this year.
New Sprouts locations include the following:
- Carlsbad, California – 2634 Gateway Road
- Clearwater, Florida – 23656 US Highway 19 North
- Fontana, California – 16964 South Highland Avenue
- Las Vegas, Nevada – 771 South Rainbow Road
- Lynnwood, Washington – 19630 Highway 99
- Naples, Florida - 2224 Logan Boulevard North
- Sugar Land, Texas – 13550 University Boulevard
According to the company’s press release, each new store is expected to bring approximately 140 new career opportunities to its local neighborhood. According to the retailer, Sprouts continues to accelerate investments in team members, including enhanced pay, benefits, leadership development, and recognition.
To learn more, read Sprout’s press release in its entirety here.
For more on fresh food news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
WESTLAKE, FL - J&J Family of Farms announced the latest member to join its team: David Duggan, who will be joining the company’s sales team. Duggan will report to Kohl Brown, VP of Sales.
According to a company press release, David Duggan brings over 18 years of experience in the produce industry and more than 23 years of sales experience to J&J Family of Farms. Having previously worked at Brightfarms, Duggan has an in-depth knowledge in the organic produce market. Prior to Brightfarms, Duggan held roles with Robinson Fresh, Albert’s Organics, Goodness Greeness, and Pepsi Co, among others in his career. David will be based out of Chicago, IL. He holds a degree from Eastern Illinois University.
“We are excited to welcome David to our J&J family”, said Kohl Brown. “He will be an integral part of our team as we are expanding our organic produce offerings to our customers.”
Congratulations from all of us here at AndNowUKnow to David on this next step in his career!
FISHERS, NY - The latest team member to join the New York Apple Association (NYAA) is Cailin Kowalewski as Assistant Account Manager. In this role, Kowalewski will work closely with school foodservice directors, retail dietitians, and NYAA account managers to create retail and foodservice promotions.
Prior to joining NYAA, Kowalewski was with Cornell Cooperative Extension - Wayne County where she was the Nutrition and Consumer Science Team Coordinator. According to a company press release, she developed and identified programs to address nutrition and community health needs and planned and managed budgets and financial reporting for local, state, and grant-funded programs. She also provided oversight of grant objectives for the regional Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Outreach Team.
“NYAA has plans of working with dieticians throughout the country and Cailin will play a vital role,” said President Cynthia Haskins.
Kowalewski has also worked with Wholesome Wave, a nonprofit organization that creates partnership-based programs that enable underserved consumers to make healthier food choices. Kowalewski is a 2015 graduate of Tufts University, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition.
Congratulations from the entire AndNowUKnow team to Cailin on this next step in her career!
MEXICO - The Pacific Coast is on watch for another hurricane as the season continues to brew storm after storm. Dubbed Hurricane Willa, the Category 4 storm has strengthened over the weekend and appears to be heading towards the coast of Mexico, between the states of Nayarit and Sinaloa.
According to AccuWeather forecasters, Willa will result in gusty showers and thunderstorms across western Jalisco and Nayarit through Tuesday. Then from Tuesday night into Wednesday, the storm will bring the risk for localized flash flooding and travel disruptions, before likely spreading heavy rain and flooding across central Mexico and into the southern United States later in the week and into the weekend.
While the area Willa is slated to land is known for its mangos, sources say there is not currently any harvesting being done, so any issues with production are unlikely.
Following Willa to Mexico’s coastline, however, is Tropical Storm Vicente. Vicente is considerably weaker than Willa, CNN reports, but expected to make landfall late on Tuesday or Wednesday about 250 miles south of its earlier counterpart.
CNN noted that this season is officially the most active hurricane season on record when taking into account the combined number of storms and their intensity through their lifetimes, or the “Accumulated Cyclone Energy” measurement. There have been 10 major hurricanes in 2018 so far including Willa, which ties 1992 as the year with most major hurricanes seen in the northeast Pacific.
For more on how this hurricane season will pan out for fresh produce, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods (UNFI) announced today it has completed the acquisition of SuperValu for approximately $2.9 billion and is restructuring its leadership team.
"Today is an important milestone for UNFI. We will take the best from both businesses to create North America's premier food wholesaler with significant scale, reach and choices for our customers. We are pleased to welcome our new colleagues from SuperValu as well as their customers and suppliers to UNFI. Our companies share customer-centric cultures and dedicated associates who are committed to continuous improvement, which will help drive our integration programs," said Steve Spinner, UNFI's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Spinner will lead the combined teams of UNFI and SuperValu, supported by the following executives, who will continue to report to him:
- Chris Testa, President of UNFI
- Danielle Benedict, Chief Human Resources Officer
- Eric Dorne, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Information Officer
- Paul Green, Chief Supply Chain Officer
- Jill Sutton, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
- Mike Zechmeister, Chief Financial Officer
Sean Griffin, previously UNFI's Chief Operating Officer, will serve as Chief Executive Officer of SuperValu and Head of the Integration Committee. According to a news release, this committee includes executives from both companies to drive the implementation of best practices from each company and delivery of synergies as well as a rapid and smooth integration. The following executives will support the SuperValu business operations and report directly to Sean Griffin:
- Anne Dament, EVP Retail, Marketing and Private Brands
- Mike Stigers, EVP Wholesale
"We are excited to continue to further build out the store to a more diverse customer base across the country, with both broad better-for-you natural, organic brands and fresh perimeter offerings, as we capitalize on opportunities to cross-sell and realize the benefits of the greater scale we now have as a combined company," stated Griffin. "Work has already begun for the company to realize the significant projected run-rate cost synergies associated with this transaction more than $175 million by year three and more than $185 million by year four—and we are committed to improving profitability into the future. We believe that we can achieve these targets and leverage scalable systems to streamline our processes, more efficiently meet the needs of our customers, and reduce future capital expenditures. We look forward to providing an update on our integration efforts at our January 16, 2019 investor day."
For the latest in retail happenings, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
ORLANDO, FL - Center for Growing Talent (CGT) presented its first-ever Women’s Catalyst Award to Dawn Gray at CGT’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Leadership Breakfast, Saturday, October 20, during PMA Fresh Summit. Recognized for her leadership in advancing women in our industry, Gray was the first to accept the award that honors one leader annually from the fresh produce and floral industry who is cultivating women’s potential by mentoring women and who is providing a path for women’s leadership, development, and participation.
“I love being connected with the word catalyst. To me, a catalyst creates change and spurs people to action,” Gray told the audience while accepting her award. According to a press release, she credited those who had been her influencers, noting, “I’ve had the good fortune of having a lot of great catalysts in my life. It says a lot about this industry that if you operate with honest, transparency, and humility, and back up what you say, this industry will give you opportunities like you’ve never seen before.”
The President of Dawn Gray Global Consulting was presented the award by CGT’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Committee Co-Chairs, Sysco Produce Senior Sales Manager Nancy Johnston and Dave’s Specialty Imports Vice President Leslie Simmons.
“Our awardee has been an advocate for and promoter of women in every organization in which she has served,” said Johnston in teasing out Gray’s identity to the audience.
Simmons added, “One nominator told us Dawn is, ‘Honest and transparent, she coached her team to greatness.' She hired women from other industries and taught them produce, bringing their skills and experience into our industry. She’s truly been a catalyst for women!”
This inaugural award, first unveiled at the 2017 CGT Women’s Fresh Perspectives Leadership Breakfast, is one of two talent-centric leadership awards offered by CGT—the other being Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award, which was given to Sysco Corporation Vice President of Produce Rich Dachman this year.
“Dawn brings this award to life, and in the process, sets an example for others to join in to cultivate the potential of our industry women. That’s the definition of being a catalyst,” said CGT Vice President Talent Portfolio Alicia Calhoun.
CGT’s newest award recognizes inspiring and innovative leaders each year and, as a result, builds the industry’s awareness of the value of mentoring women and creating excitement around women’s leadership. Nominees for next year can be men or women and must be PMA members.
To learn more about Center for Growing Talent and the Women’s Catalyst Award, visit www.CenterforGrowingTalent.org.
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA - Move over hanger, there’s a new sheriff in town. For those looking to curb hunger and stick to a healthy diet, Renaissance Food Group has just the solution. Its newest innovation item, One Pot Kits, debuted over the weekend at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit. The product line is a solution to fresh, easy-to-prepare meal kits that consumers can make at home in one pot, such as an instant cooker or slow cooker.
“Generations from Boomers to Millennials to Gen Z recognize and embrace the importance of living a healthy lifestyle; however, they have limited time throughout the day to dedicate to preparing and cooking,” said James Naaman, SVP National Sales. “At Renaissance Food Group, we have created an on-trend meal solution that doesn’t make the consumer choose between health and convenience.”
Garden Highway One Pot Kits are available in a variety of blends, including Minestrone Soup Kit, Spring Stew Kit, Marinara Kit, Pot Roast Kit, and White Bean Chili Kit. According to a company press release, each Kit contains fresh vegetables, herbs, and other components needed to place in the slow cooker. Garden Highway One Pot Kits can be used as a standalone vegetarian dish or enhanced with protein at the consumer’s discretion.
Packed in a square, inline container with a tamper-evident tear-away strip, Garden Highway One Pot Kits merchandises easily into produce displays and stands out on display shelves with a newly designed, clear label, which prominently displays the Garden Highway logo while featuring the colorful vegetables in its transparent container.
For the latest in innovative new products, stick with us here at AndNowUKnow.
GLENNVILLE, GA - Bland Farms is celebrating its 70th anniversary of farming, ringing in another year of expanding its family tradition of farming. While Bland Farms started operations with only five acres, the company has since grown to be one of the largest packers of Vidalia® onions annually.
The company first began in 1982 when Delbert Bland and his late father Raymond began growing Vidalia sweet onions on five acres in Glenville, Georgia. Recognizing a rising demand for sweet onions, Delbert Bland then expanded production outside of the Peach State, bringing sweet onions to new domestic and international markets, including Texas, California, Peru, and Mexico, all year long.
Since the company’s beginnings, Bland Farms has been influential in bolstering the Vidalia brand. According to a press release, this has included being the first to successfully incorporate Vidalia sweet onions into processed foods as well as beginning a mail order business in the late 1980’s that introduced the Vidalia name to markets west of the Mississippi River.
Through every accomplishment and milestone, Bland Farms has remained a family affair. Delbert Bland and his wife Sandra have helped pass down the lessons of the family farm to their sons Troy and Landis, and, not to mention, the whole family, including the extended Bland family, is involved in the day-to-day operations.
As Bland Farms positioned itself as one of the many produce leaders guiding our industry, the company has also positioned itself as a cornerstone of its community and has made an effort to give back via its Raymond D. Bland Scholarship for Agriculture. Through this scholarship, Bland Farms seeks to reward students who have demonstrated similar qualities to those of Bland Farms and who are in pursuit of an agriculturally related field of study.
Congratulations to Bland Farms on 70 years and here’s to 70 more!
LAKELAND, FL - Publix CEO & President Todd Jones recently announced five officer promotions, effective January 1, 2019.
Kevin Murphy, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, will be promoted to President. Murphy began his career in 1984 as a front service clerk in Margate, Florida. He worked in various positions before being promoted to store manager in 1995. He was promoted to Jacksonville Division District Manager in 2003, Atlanta Division Regional Director in 2009, Miami Division Vice President in 2014, and to his current position in 2016.
Laurie Douglas, current Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, will assume additional responsibilities as Chief Digital Officer. Douglas joined the company in 2006. Prior to joining Publix, she was Senior Vice President/Chief Information Officer of FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Center Inc. Before joining FedEx Kinko’s, she was Vice President of Information and E-Business Technology at The Home Depot.
Dale Myers, current Vice President of Retail Business Development, has announced he will retire after 44 years of dedicated service.
With Myers’ retirement, Bob Bechtel, Miami Division Vice President, will be promoted to Vice President of Customer Experience. Bechtel began his career in 1978 as a front service clerk in Sarasota, Florida. He worked in various positions before being promoted to Store Manager in 1991. He was promoted to Lakeland Division District Manager in 1995, Lakeland Division Regional Director in 2008, and to his current position in 2016.
According to a company press release, John Goff, Miami Division Regional Director, will be promoted to Miami Division Vice President. Goff began his career in 1991 as a Front Service Clerk in Jacksonville, Florida. He worked in various positions before being promoted to store manager in 2005. He was promoted to Jacksonville Division District Manager in 2010 and to his current position in 2014.
Casey Suarez, Vice President of Distribution, has announced he will retire after 40 years of dedicated service.
With Suarez’s retirement, Mike Lester, Director of Warehousing, will be promoted to Vice President of Distribution. Lester began his career in 1983 as a warehouse selector in Lakeland, Florida. He worked in various positions before being promoted to Warehouse Superintendent in 2000. He was promoted to Distribution Manager in 2008 and to his current position in 2014.
“We are thankful for the more than four decades that Dale and Casey have served our company,” said Publix CEO & President Todd Jones in a press release. “We thank them for their contributions and wish them well in the next chapters of their lives. We are also excited to announce the promotions of Kevin, Laurie, Bob, John, and Mike. For our company to have continued success, we need associates who are ready to take the next step in their Publix careers. These promotions continue to perpetuate our Publix culture of developing associates by preparing them for opportunity.”
Congratulations to Kevin, Laurie, Bob, John, and Mike on their promotions!