EASTERN WASHINGTON - I’m all about spreading the love, and not many things are more worthy of love than efforts being made to reduce food waste. Okanagan Specialty Fruit is stepping up to the plate with its Arctic® apples that are non-browning. The genetically modified apples have created a big splash in the industry because they benefit the entire supply chain, resulting in food waste reduction. After years of strategic planning and planting, the company is embarking on major growth in its orchards to keep up with demand.
First thing's first, though: PMA Fresh Summit is about to commence, and the company is unveiling its fresh packaging to pair with its numerous new offerings.
“Those attending PMA this year will be among the very first to see the brand new packaging for all our products with a fresh look and feel. And speaking of products, we have tripled the ways to enjoy our delicious Arctic apples this year,” President of Okanagan Specialty Fruits Neal Carter explains. “In addition to our fresh slices in convenient grab-and-go bags, we’ve also added whole apples and our sweet and crunchy Arctic ApBitz™ dried apples, our newest healthy snacking option. Plus, we’re introducing our newest non-browning apple variety: Arctic Grannies!”
Demonstrations; point-of-sale education materials, such as recipe cards; and other opportunities to inform consumers have proven fruitful, so to speak, when providing insight about Arctic apples’ non-browning characteristic. These avenues of education have been instrumental in providing inspiration on how to use Arctic apples in various ways, consequently leading to dramatic boosts in interest, Neal tells me. With such a great spike in consumer interest, the company has had to rev up volume efforts in substantial ways.
“We have approximately 600 acres of Arctic apple trees in the ground now, and we anticipate that number will increase to over 2,000 acres by the end of 2020,” Neal shares with me. “We’ve had many apple-lovers eagerly waiting for years to try our unique non-browning apples. One of our biggest challenges right now is keeping up with demand while our apple trees grow and mature, so this planting program will help with that.”
With the expansion of its orchards, the company looks forward to a stronger presence in the nation’s fresh market this year and plans to begin pursuing the Canadian market after the fall 2019 harvest.
“Moving forward, we will continue our growth with new non-browning Arctic apple varieties and value-added products. We have done some preliminary work with other crops, and while these projects are promising, they will be several years away,” Neal continues. “Our primary focus for now will remain on developing new non-browning apple varieties, and we’re excited to have just put Arctic Fujis in the ground. We have an extremely talented science team that is always looking for innovative solutions to make the perfect fruit even better!”
These efforts all boil down to the goal of reducing food waste and creating a better and more sustainable industry.
“Our goal is to ensure that less apples get wasted, and more apples get tasted,” Neal concludes.
That’s one tasty high note and music to my ears.
SANTA BARBARA, CA - Apeel Sciences has announced plans to grow its leadership team as it continues its efforts to quickly expand its grower, distributor, and retailer partnerships. As Apeel makes preparation to head to PMA Fresh Summit in Orlando, Florida, this week, the company has announced the appointment of Natalie Shuman as its new Director of Trade & Retail Marketing.
“Joining Apeel allows me to return to my passion for produce marketing, with the added bonus of being a part of a purpose-driven company with an incredible mission. Apeel's unique ability to reduce food waste and provide value to so many different people in the food system is unparalleled,” Shuman said, in an announcement to the industry. “I’m excited to be part of this team that is so dedicated to bringing proven, plant-derived shelf-life extension technology to fresh produce and look forward to sharing the benefits of Apeel with our industry partners.”
Natalie comes to Apeel—recently named one of Time Magazine’s 50 Most Genius Companies of 2018—with more than 15 years of marketing and communications experience—including more than a decade in produce. Natalie previously led the development and management of the Sun World global brand, as well as marketing strategies across all B2B and B2C touch points. Natalie also held communications roles with Kaiser Permanente, and recently broadened her knowledge of ag tech as the Director of Marketing for Concentric Ag.
The company noted that Natalie’s appointment is part of an ongoing effort to accelerate its talent acquisition efforts to better support its accelerated commercial growth and the rising public demand for fruits and vegetables with Apeel.
“We’re thrilled to have Natalie join us on our mission to arm the produce industry with a tool that not only extends shelf-life, but also simultaneously unlocks new revenue opportunities by preventing waste and creating efficiencies at every stage of the supply chain,” said Michelle Masek, Head of Marketing. “Natalie brings a new perspective to our team and her passion for the food industry and natural creativity make her the perfect fit for us as we look to take Apeel to the next level.”
In her new role, Natalie will work to deepen Apeel’s relationships with growers, suppliers, and retailers. She will continue the company’s efforts to establish Apeel as the post-harvest solution of choice—from farm to shelf—and will develop and execute global marketing programs with retail partners and their important suppliers that drive consumer awareness and brand preference for fruits and vegetables with Apeel.
PMA Fresh Summit attendees can visit booth #2689 to learn more about Apeel, its mission, and the ways in which its primed for growth.
CASHMERE, WA - Sliced apple specialist Crunch Pak® is headed to to Orlando, Florida, at PMA Fresh Summit 2018 this week—with plans to unveil multiple new products and a refreshed package design.
In addition to the company’s popular Snackers® and Dipperz, Crunch Pak is planning to leverage the exposure of PMA to launch a new line called Bitez—a line of protein snacks featuring skin-on sliced apples paired with string cheese or Chedder cheese.
“Consumer demand continues to grow for organic items and we can meet that demand,” said Megan Wade, Product Development and Marketing Manager in a press release. “The last 12 to 18 months we’ve focused on protein snacks in new product development. Dipperz® are a great snacking item but take two hands to eat; Bitez® are grab and go.”
According to the press release, Crunch Pak is currently expanding its organic offerings to include multi-packs, several versions of Snackers and Dipperz, and sweet and tart peeled apples in stand-up bags designed for easier shelf display. Among the new products Crunch Pak plans to showcase at PMA Fresh Summit, a 12-oz bag of sliced Honeycrisp apples is part of the refreshed packaging design overall of the variety-specific line.
Show-goers can visit booth #1783 to get a sneak peek at the company’s new offerings—including a fresh cherry tray pack; the package—containing fresh cherries paired with Ghirardelli chocolate in one version and almonds in another, which was tested in West Coast markets this summer.
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SACRAMENTO, CA - As we get ready for the California Cuties® season to kick off this November, Sun Pacific revved up the excitement by testing our readerships’ knowledge of the company’s signature citrus variety—and I have to say, it might have been our cutest Quiz Quix to date. While many stepped up to the plate (and knocked it out of the park), only two have emerged victorious (and $100 richer).
The buy-side winner, The Save Mart Companies’ Produce Buyer Betty Tomao, is heading into peak Cuties season with $100 cash thanks to her quick-thinking and even quicker clicks.
“I can’t wait until November so I can buy my grandbabies their favorite citrus fruit: Cuties,” Betty told me.
On the supply-side, Famous Software’s Sales Coordinator Haley Barnes beat out all the competition and proved she possesses all the Cuties knowledge.
Check out our leaderboard below to see for yourself how stiff the competition was for this Cuties quiz…
While our Quiz Quix winners were 5 for 5 this time around, some of us weren’t so quick on our feet. Here is the most missed question from the Sun Pacific quiz…
Most Missed Question
What do parents love about Cuties?
Correct Answer:
All of the above
Missed out on this round? You can practice for the next Quiz Quix by checking out the link below!
Be sure you are subscribed to AndNowUKnow’s newsletter not only to stay in-the-know on our next quiz opportunity, Snack Magazine contests, and industry news, but also to be eligible to win. Just click the link here.
Sign in through your email or one of several social media accounts to hop on the next Quiz Quix, and, if you are fast enough and take the right notes, you might end up as the next winner of $100!
Quiz Quix is our way of encouraging some healthy, fun, informative competition within the industry. Signing in will give us a token to verify you and allows us to put your name in the ranking. It doesn’t give us access to more than your name and email address. Participants must have a valid email address registered in their individual name in order to play.
Congratulations to Betty and Haley!
DALLAS, TX - Since 2004, the Career Pathways programs have served as a bridge to connect talented students with job opportunities in the fresh produce industry. As we head to Orlando for Fresh Summit and its many opportunities for industry members to connect with prospective recruits, we’re revisiting some of the reasons the fresh produce industry is an excellent path to choose for graduating students looking to launch their careers.
I spoke with Dan’l Mackey Almy, CEO of DMA Solutions, longtime mentor of students, recruiter, and passionate advocate for the industry about the rewarding opportunities fresh produce offers to young professionals. Here are ten of her most compelling reasons that students should be interested in a career in fresh:
Your work will serve a purpose.
The very core of this industry is comprised of foods that are grown. Whether your role is in accounting, logistics, production, or marketing, the knowledge that your daily contributions help put fresh fruits and vegetables in the hands of people around the world is incomparable to other “widget-selling” industries. In fresh produce, you can literally look at yourself in the mirror each day knowing that you’ve done or are going to do something good for someone that day.
Opportunities for you abound!
Guts, attitude, effort, and longevity are appreciated and rewarded within our industry. If ever there were an industry that still recognizes these attributes, it is fresh produce. This industry is full of tenured, experienced professionals who are so willing and eager to share their knowledge with the next generation of farmers, marketers, and even sales professionals. Given the large—and ever-growing—number of leadership opportunities this industry offers, your career mobility truly is in your own hands when you choose to work in fresh produce.
The people are special and will support you.
Since my first day in the industry in 1995, I have been uplifted by the intelligence, tenacity, dedication, and genuine passion of the people in this industry. I have made lifelong connections and friendships through this industry that are worth their weight in gold, and I believe many of my colleagues are able to say the same.
We are a resilient industry.
When looking to start a career, students look toward meaning and sustainability. A paycheck is something everyone values, so keeping a job is imperative. During times when our economy is in peril, our industry has demonstrated resilience in astounding ways. While no industry or company is recession-proof, the fresh produce industry is undoubtedly “recession-resilient.” People continue to eat, in good times and in bad, and we are the driving force behind providing nutritious food to our community.
Giving back is a common practice.
If there is one thing I’ve learned throughout my career journey, it is that generosity is ingrained in the DNA of the people in the fresh produce industry. Whether connecting across a local or national level, or banding together to support a worthy cause, giving back is a common practice here. At the end of the day, we all understand that our larger purpose supersedes competition or differences of opinion; we’re all in this together.
Leaders are approachable and willing to help.
Considering fresh produce is a multi-billion dollar industry, you would think the opportunity to have lunch or a cocktail with leading executives would be hard to come by. In fact, it is quite the opposite! From day one in my career, I was given the opportunity to get to know decision-makers at companies from across the industry. In fact, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of leaders like Jay Pack, Frieda and Karen Caplan, Cindy Jewell, and so many other caring mentors.
The thrill is real!
Mother Nature can be unpredictable, but in many ways, “she” is one of the most attractive aspects of what we do day-in and day-out. There is a certain excitement about the challenge and element of uncertainty that comes with each new season. Every year, each crop brings its own personality and “bag of tricks” that define us as growers, distributors, and service providers. In addition to this, Mother Nature provides us with these beautiful products that are grown from the earth and provide us with an industry in which we can all prosper. I can’t think of anything more thrilling than that!
Relationships are valued.
Perishability demands trust, and trust is built on relationships. While I have seen a tremendous amount of change and evolution relating to the buyer-seller relationships through the years, the fact is that relationships are still an important and valued part of doing business in fresh produce. I can certainly say that relationships have been an integral part in the shaping and success of DMA Solutions.
The time to talk “fresh” is now!
It is a great time to be working in the fresh produce industry because fresh food is at the forefront of so many discussions facing our nation. Food is not only being elevated on social media channels and websites on a constant basis, but we are also in the middle of a national crisis relating to obesity – in both instances fresh fruits and veggies are the hero. There has never been a more crucial time to join this industry and actively, positively affect our communities’ eating habits through daily efforts to increase access and promotion.
You’ll be proud.
This one is simple. Walk through a field of strawberries or an apple orchard and tell me you do not sense the pride that went into bringing these beautiful products to life. Whether you are a grower, a food safety manager, an accountant, a sales manager, or a marketer in the fresh produce industry, you can feel the dedication and hard work that goes into each and every fruit and vegetable. We grow and provide the healthiest, most beautiful foods in the world to billions of people every day—THAT is something to be proud of and part of when starting a meaningful career.
So whether you are looking for ideas to help recruit new industry talent or you’re a veteran looking for some inspiration to drum up your love of fresh produce again. There is a little something for everyone to love about this list.
ORLANDO, FL - The Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit 2018 is right around the corner. The sold out show will feature a newly revamped Thursday-Friday format, the same great show floor experience, and a variety of ways to network, build your brand, edify yourself and your team, and experience one of the premier events in our industry.
I recently sat down with Cathy Burns to discuss some of these changes, enhancements, and opportunities—and learn more about what attendees can expect to happen at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, October 18-20th.
“The genesis of these changes came from the Fresh Summit committee—from our volunteer leaders and from our members who have a passion for making this the world’s premier event for our industry—and hopefully you’ll see and experience that when we all come together in Orlando,” Cathy Burns, CEO of PMA, told me. “And I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Fresh Summit committee for their vision and for the revisions of this landmark event, and I’m very humbled that this year is going to be another great example of what can happen when volunteer leaders put their heads together.”
From Thursday evening’s opening reception to the last hour of the Friday-Saturday show floor, the show promises to offer an unparalleled experience for networking, education, and edifying ourselves as produce pros.
“We’re excited about the opening reception; that will be held Thursday night—with a Global Street Festival theme,” Cathy told me. “At South by Southwest we had a activation there; we created a ‘Global Street Farm’ that was a great success. We’re expanding that to represent the world. So we’ll have a global street festival at the welcoming reception Thursday.”
This years event promises a new collection of Forums for the Future—4 Big Voice from inside and outside the industry tackling 4 Big Topics, sharing important insights about innovation, entrepreneurialism, and more.
“We have four exciting Forums For the Future. In between each of those forums—where we have terrific voices talking about important topics at those four sessions,” Cathy explained. “And we’re also hosting what we call ‘experience extensions’ covering everything from transportation to food safety to growing the trade. We’re going to have a Blockchain Village where attendees can get a hands-on experience to better understand what blockchain is all about. We’ll be promoting our Center for Growing Talent—CGTbyPMA. Each of those extensions will happen in between ourForums for the Future.”
Forums for the Future participants include Cathy, Wired Magazine Editor in Chief Greg Williams, Tony Award-Winning Actor & Musician Leslie Odom Jr., and on Friday morning, Peyton Manning will kick off the show floor experience. The two-time Super Bowl champion and five-time NFL MVP will share experiences regarding perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and succeeding despite challenges.
After that, it’s on to the two days of show floor experience you’ve come to expect from PMA Fresh Summit.
“After the first round on Friday morning with Peyton Manning, we’re going to be opening the Expo,” Cathy continued. “The expo is open an extra hour on Friday. Based on the Fresh Summit committee’s feedback, we decided we wanted to give attendees the opportunity to capture every hour possible between Friday and Saturday.“
We will see you in Orlando!
PORTLAND, OR - As we embark on our yearly pilgrimage to PMA Fresh Summit, many of us are wondering what lies ahead for our industry. Bridges Produce is ringing in the festivities with a big announcement—the company has brought former Kroger buyer Jose Merced, who has almost 20 years of produce experience, to his new role in sales and business development. Merced will be based out of Bridges’ Nogales office and will manage and develop retail program business.
“I feel very excited and privileged to be embarking on a new career path in the produce industry with Bridges,” Merced said. “Produce, to me, has always been about cultivating relationships based on trust and respect where all parties involved benefit and thrive. These are values that the people at Bridges exemplify, 'produce with heart.' I look forward to being part of an excellent team and contributing to their success.”
In his most recent role at Kroger, his title was Lead Commodity Buyer of Organic Produce, but he started in the industry as a produce clerk in 2000 at QFC in Seattle, WA. Merced’s resume boasts of store management, warehouse inventory, local sourcing, and replenishment and commodities buyer experience.
“The role of chain store buyers and buying departments is evolving rapidly in the fresh produce industry which puts more responsibility on vendors to provide seamless programs for retailers,” says Ben Johnson, Bridges Produce President. “Jose brings years of experience and knowledge in developing supply chains that work. Jose will be a great resource for both our grower partners as well as our customers.”
Merced’s strategic thinking and collaborative work style caught Bridges’ eye, and makes him a valuable addition to the team, according to a press release.
Check in with Jose Merced and say congratulations to him at Bridges Produce’s PMA Fresh Summit Booth: #2189!
BOISE, ID - Albertsons recently reported its second quarter results—the first report after its failed merger attempt with Rite Aid. For the quarter ending September 8, revenue totaled $14.02 billion, up 1.4% from $13.83 billion a year earlier. Identical-store sales went up 1% year over year and the company’s e-commerce sales growth increased by 113%.
“We are pleased with our second-quarter results, as identical sales grew for the third consecutive quarter and adjusted EBITDA grew over 13% in the quarter compared to last year,” CEO Jim Donald said in a statement. “We are energized and enthusiastic about our company and our ability to generate free cash flow and delever our balance sheet. The team continues to innovate through our digital engagement with customers—in both the four-wall and no-wall environment—through our continued expansion of natural and organic own-brand offerings and through the automation of our distribution centers, which we believe will deliver strong returns going forward.”
Highlights from the company’s quarterly report include the following:
- Adjusted EBITDA increased 13.1% to $548.6 million, compared with $485.2 million, or 3.5% of sales, a year earlier
- Sales and other revenue increased $192.4 million, or 1.4%, to $14.0 billion during the 12 weeks ending September 8, 2018
- Gross profit margin increased to 27.2% during the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared to 27.0% during the second quarter of fiscal 2017
- Net loss was $32.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to net loss of $355.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017
- Store conversions to Safeway IT systems fully complete
Donald added, “We are also thrilled to have completed our store systems conversions related to the Safeway integration, which will allow our operators to relentlessly focus on running great stores.”
To read the report in its entirety, click here.
For the latest in retail happenings, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
VERO BEACH, FL - Leading produce marketer Seald Sweet welcomed new hire Michael Walsh on October 15th as an Account Executive. He comes to Seald Sweet with over 40 years experience in the produce industry and will focus on further developing our year round Grape Program.
Walsh’s previous experience includes working with OAG Global, DelMonte Fresh, Chiquita Frupac, among other produce companies. He has worked with many commodities and brings a wealth of knowledge with him.
“We are eager to welcome new talent to our team and look forward to the success and opportunities Mike brings to our company through his experience in the industry,” says Mayda Sotomayor, CEO of Seald Sweet/Greenyard USA.
Walsh expresses enthusiasm in joining the Seald Sweet team for many reasons. “Their global reach on sourcing is compelling,” he says. “They have a great group of people, a nice mix of commodities, and a deep history in marketing fresh produce from around the world. I look forward to a great opportunity to help Seald Sweet broaden its reach.”
SALINAS, CA - Naturipe recently announced the appointment of Steven Ware as Vice President and General Manager of Value-Added Fresh. In this role, Ware will be responsible for pursuing growth and business expansion opportunities, as well as leading the development and management of the value-added fresh division.
“I am excited to join an organization with a remarkable history, business model, and strong core company values,” said Ware in a company press release. “The prospect to steward the value-added fresh division is motivating and an excellent challenge.”
Ware joined Naturipe Farms after working with Dole Fresh Vegetables, where he held a number of sales and product management positions in a variety of markets since joining them in 1995. Most recently, he was the Senior Director of Sales West – Value Added Sales and a member of its sales leadership and product commercialization teams. Ware began his career at American Agronomics after graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics.
“We are excited to have Steve join our senior management team,” said Dwight Ferguson, CEO and President of Naturipe Farms. “His breadth and depth of business development experience is key to the execution of Naturipe’s value-added strategic growth initiatives.”
Congratulations from all of us here at ANUK to Steven on this new role!