KEENE, NH - C&S Wholesale Grocers is making moves to keep up with the evolving grocery landscape by appointing Joe Cavaliere as Chief Commercial Officer, effective September 4, 2018.
“C&S has an impressive legacy of innovation and delivers distribution excellence for the lowest cost in the food business,” said Cavaliere. “In the years ahead, we have a unique opportunity to build on this success to leverage industry-leading capabilities to become the undisputed partner of choice for growth.”
With over 30 years of industry experience in roles like President and Global Chief Customer Officer, Cavaliere has proven successes in customer development with brands like Kraft Foods, Unilever, and Newell Brands. Throughout his career, he has served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Breakthrough Atlanta, The National Association of Chain Drug Foundation, RILA (Retail Industry Leaders Association), and Enactus. He has a B.A. in economics and business administration from Ursinus College.
“Joe is a result driven, strategic leader focused on people leadership, customer development, and identifying creative solutions for solving customer issues,” said Mike Duffy, Chief Executive Officer. “He has a passion for building high-performing teams and developing new capabilities and will be instrumental in defining solutions to help our customers win.”
According to a press release, C&S’s addition of a Chief Commercial Officer exemplifies an enhanced focus on customer collaboration to keep up with the evolving grocery retail landscape. Tapping an executive with Cavaliere’s breadth of industry experience will help position C&S to stay up on consumer trends and provide top quality service to its current and new customers.
Congratulations to Joe Cavaliere on the new role! For more industry hires, executive shakeups, and retail happenings, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
PORTERVILLE, CA - Homegrown Organic Farms recently announced its latest partnership with that of the Three Sisters Organic grape brand. The company noted that this new partnership allows Homegrown to exclusively represent Three Sisters Organic within the fresh, organic marketplace and expands Homegrown’s organic grape offering.
“We’re excited to be able to represent this label in the marketplace and offer these specialty grape varieties to our customers to round out the Homegrown Organic grape program,” Stephen Paul, Homegrown Organic Category Director, said in a recent press release.
The Three Sisters Organic brand comes from third generation family farmers in Fresno, CA. Over the years, the brand made a name for itself within the organic grape industry with its quality and unique varietal offerings ranging from classic flames to flavorful wine grapes, including champagne grapes.
The company has experienced growth in the organic grape category over the past few years, focusing on new, high-quality, flavorful varieties, according to a press release. The Three Sisters specialty varieties will complement the expanding Homegrown Organic grape program and will provide the company with additional programs to fill customer demand for early-season organic grapes.
Congratulations to the Homegrown Organic team on this new partnership!
CANCUN, MEXICO - The sound of the sea, business meetings with the backdrop of warm sandy beaches, and luxurious accommodations and exciting events—you could almost forget Asociación Mexicana de Horticultura Protegida AC’s (AMHPAC) 11th Annual Convention was work at all. But believe me, work was done. As Mexico’s fresh produce supply chain becomes even more essential to feeding the world, industry members converged in Cancun, Quintana Roo, to discuss the issues of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
I spoke with a few industry members to get their take on the three-day event that brought us all together at the Iberostar Cancun, and why the convention’s timing is important more now than ever. With topics ranging from NAFTA, aeroponics, and renewable energies to dumping, data management, and the natural and organic markets, the event was teeming with moments to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
“The AMHPAC conference is all about reinforcing our relationships with our growers and meet new ones, in addition to having planning sessions with them for the upcoming season,” General Manager Jaime Garcia of Kingdom Fresh shares with me. “It’s a great show for our procurement team and we are excited to see what is on the horizon for the rest of this year and next as we build our long-term goals as an organization.”
Along with days rich with sessions and simultaneous trade floor action, AMHPAC offer attendees the unique opportunity to arrange appointments for strategic business conversations among growers and marketers to leverage the occasion cultivate relationships.
"AMHPAC brings together industry members to inspire conversations about policy, practices, and the direction of the industry while also strategically bringing together the best of the best to determine the direction of Mexico's agricultural future. It is an event I look forward to every year," Jeremy Stockwell, Director of Sales and Procurement for Double Diamond Farms, tells me as we discuss the climate of the industry and demands of the business.
While the dialogue was flowing and the conversations were dynamic and productive, the show was also a hit on the entertainment front and bookended by an opening reception on the beach at sunset and a closing ceremony and party at the Mandala Beach Club. And I can’t possibly forget the networking dinner on Thursday night that brought everyone together near the beach, clad in white, for an evening of delicious food and libations, and more opportunities to strike up a chat or five.
To further cultivate the value of the event in addition to the sessions tailored to discuss challenges with specialists in the field, AMHPAC also held meetings with banks and insurance agencies to get conversations started and resources in the hands of industry members.
The event, now in its 11th year, has been growing in leaps in bounds, keeping everyone in the industry engaged in the direction of Mexican produce.
“The work that AMHPAC is doing is very good and necessary, especially right now that NAFTA is in the midst of renegotiation,” Wilson Produce’s General Manager, Guillermo Martinez, shares. “I think this annual event is a great conference and for us, as distributors of fresh produce, we hope to see AMHPAC create more and more avenues to bring growers to the table and create more value for us all.”
Well said Guillermo, and a huge thank you to AMHPAC for inviting AndNowUKnow to another excitement-packed event! We will see you all at the next one!
MANTECA, CA - As soon as I felt a cool breeze break the sizzling heat that weighs on Sacramento, I cracked open my recipe book to find my tried-and-true pumpkin pie instructions. With temps dropping into the 80s—“Finally,” says my AC—it’s all about pumpkin, pumpkin, and more pumpkin, and Van Groningen & Sons is here for it.
“Every year is different. You never know when the start of pumpkin season will begin,” Ryan Van Groningen, President, expressed. “A lot of it has to do with the weather. If it feels like fall outside, it is time to start promoting pumpkins and all the fall harvest décor along with it.”
The grand reveal of the fall necessity is always a big event, so, according to a press release, pumpkin season is starting earlier than ever because being first to market is the icing on the seasonal cake. It comes as no surprise, then, that fall harvest décor is heading to retailers sooner rather than later. Do you hear that? That’s the sound of cheering crowds. They always get louder when they’re about to feed on pumpkin!
“If your stores are the first to showcase pumpkins, customers remember to go back there when they are ready to purchase,” Van Groningen said.
What makes this step so exciting for Van Groningen & Sons is the great crop it is expecting to offer its customers—pumpkins, decorative gourds, mini pumpkins, and more. Last year’s extreme heat might have proven difficult for growers, but, this year, Golden State-based suppliers are optimistic that temperatures have remained at normal or slightly below average temperatures, relaying into a successful bloom of pumpkins.
“This will be a very exciting season to offer ample promotions so no one will be left without a pumpkin!”
Race you to the pumpkin patch! Last one there’s a Sanderson Sister!
VISALIA, CA - According to a new study commissioned by the Citrus Research Board (CRB), new regulations are expected to cost California citrus growers an average of $701 per acre per year—or $203 million annually statewide.
"Compliance with environmental regulations not associated with groundwater sustainability is estimated to increase costs by $17.7 million, or $67 per acre of citrus," predicted Bruce A. Babcock, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), who authored the study. "New labor requirements will increase costs by $112 million, or $357 per acre, once they are all phased in."
The report, titled “Impact of Regulations on Production Costs and Competitiveness of the California Citrus Industry,” also predicts that controlling the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) "will increase costs by $65 million, or $248 per acre per year, if controls are extended to all citrus-growing regions." Compliance training costs are estimated to increase costs by another $29 per acre, or $7.5 million for the state citrus industry.
"Dr. Babcock has presented a well-researched economic report that shows how new regulations will increasingly impact California's citrus industry," said CRB President Gary Schulz.
The 20-page report includes a breakdown of increases in labor costs, including California's minimum hourly wage increases, which are scheduled to rise in annual increments to $15 over the next four years. The report also covers the projected cost increases of recent state legislation dealing with paid sick leave, payment rates for rest and recovery periods, overtime, and workers compensation.
"As I read and reread Dr. Babcock's report, two things kept jumping off the page. One: 'Cost increases borne by California's citrus but not by...other citrus growing regions decrease the future competitiveness of California's citrus industry;' and two: '...Future compliance with these regulations is estimated to increase costs by $203 million, or $701 per acre per year,'" said California Citrus Mutual President Joel Nelsen. "When the cost of citrus at store level gets too expensive, consumers look for lower-priced fruit. This UCR report paints a clear path for policy makers if their goal is to drive the citrus industry out of California and onto off-shore production areas."
The section on insecticide treatment addresses grower cost of spraying for ACP, even though the severity of the problem currently differs greatly in various areas of the state. If ACP establishes itself in all citrus regions in the state, which the report says is "almost inevitable," control efforts would amount to $39.5 million per year, according to Babcock. This would be in addition to the state-mandated tarping of fruit that is transported to packinghouses, at a cost of approximately $9 million per year.
The full report can be read here.
FOWLER, CA - Bee Sweet Citrus isn’t letting the confines of the seasons stop it from making citrus an all-year occasion! Thanks to its import season, happening now, Bee Sweet Citrus reports it has ample supplies of some of consumers’ favorite citrus varieties.
“With several weeks still left in our import program, we are seeing great demand for all varieties,” said Jason Sadoian, Sales Representative. “This includes Navel oranges, Murcott mandarins, lemons, and our Chilean Cara Cara navels that just arrived.”
According to a press release, Bee Sweet Citrus is the largest citrus importer on the West Coast that taps into the versatility, nutritional benefits, and high-quality taste of imported varieties, including Chilean navels, Chilean lemons, and Murcott mandarins—all of which are great additions to any culinary escapade, including work and classroom snacks, elegant dishes, beverages, and even salad dressings.
“The eating quality of our imported product has been great, and we’re excited to head down the final stretch of another successful season,” Sadoian continued. “Our Chilean partners have been incredibly helpful in providing the quality and volume we need to support our programs, and we’re grateful for their partnership.”
Bee Sweet can regrade and repack all imported product to ensure that retailers and consumers receive delicious, premium fruit year-round. For more details on Bee Sweet’s variety availability, click here.
For more fresh produce news, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Target CEO Brian Cornell has had nothing but cause for celebration this month, it seems, after the retailer reported its most robust growth in the last decade in a quarterly report released last Wednesday. And now the executive is earning praise from the President via Twitter, as well—a rarity for a POTUS that is, perhaps, historically more frequently foe than friend to retailers on the internet.
“There's no doubt that, like others, we're currently benefiting from a very strong consumer environment—perhaps the strongest I've seen in my career,” Cornell told analysts in a conference call last week—after Target reported robust increases in traffic growth and comparable sales and boosted its yearly outlook.
Trump took to Twitter to praise the CEO—and to toot his administration’s horn.
“Target CEO raves about the Economy…A big statement from a top executive. But virtually everybody is saying this, & when our Trade Deals are made, & cost cutting done, you haven’t seen anything yet!” the President tweeted last Friday.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal noted that, while Cornell’s comments did celebrate the strength of the economy, the executive also expressed concerns about the administration’s stance on trade.
"As a guest-focused retailer, we're concerned about tariffs because they would increase prices on everyday products for American families. In addition, a prolonged deterioration [in] global trade relationships could damage economic growth and vitality in the United States," Cornell noted.
Will a buoyant economy outpace anxiety over trade conflict? Will the President’s commendation sour into consternation after learning about the “prolonged deterioration” comments? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited The Produce Connection Inc., operating out of Miami, Florida, for failure to pay for produce.
According to a press release, the company failed to pay $1,657,473 to 55 sellers for produce which was purchased, received and accepted in interstate commerce from June 2015 through January 2017. This is in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). As a result of these actions, The Produce Connection Inc. cannot operate in the produce industry until August 5, 2020, at which time they may reapply for a PACA license.
The company’s principals, Bruce S. Fishbein and Morris E. Corbitt III, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until August 5, 2019, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.
USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. 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 3,400 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,500 callers with issues valued at approximately $151 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
LOS ANGELES, CA - 99 Cents Only Stores announced that Ashok (Ash) Walia has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, where he will be responsible for overseeing finance, accounting, treasury, marketing, and IT functions for the company, effective August 27, 2018. He succeeds Felicia Thornton, who will continue in her position as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Number Holdings, Inc—the discount retailer’s parent company.
"99 Cents Only Stores is one of the most differentiated names in deep-discount retail, and I couldn't be more excited to serve as the company's new CFO,” said Walia in a recent press release. “The talented team at 99 Cents Only Stores has created a solid foundation, and I look forward to building on the strong operating momentum and helping the company achieve the next level of growth and profitability."
Walia brings a wealth of financial leadership, retail and supply chain expertise to his new role. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance at Starbucks Corporation, where he was responsible for leading corporate finance with a focus on controllership, treasury, post M&A integration, global tax, and customs as well as U.S. facilities management. In this capacity, Walia had oversight of capital spend on a company-wide basis from a financial planning and analysis perspective.
Prior to that, he was Starbucks' Senior Vice President of Global Integrated Logistics/Supply Chain Business Operations. In this role, Walia was responsible for enterprise-wide supply chain logistical operations and finance and accounting. Prior to his roles at Starbucks, Walia held positions at the Kellogg Company, leading up to Global Vice President, Finance, where he had financial oversight for manufacturing, logistics, direct store delivery, and capital management operations at various manufacturing facilities. Walia holds a Bachelors of Commerce degree from the University of Delhi, New Delhi.
"I am delighted to welcome Ash as our new CFO," said Jack Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer." Ash has decades of highly relevant experience at prominent multinational consumer companies, where his expertise in finance, operations, logistics, and supply chain management contributed to significant improvements to operational efficiencies and bottom-line profitability. We believe he will be an excellent fit and is ideally suited to lead the finance, IT, and marketing teams at 99 Cents Only Stores, as we execute our operational, financial, and strategic objectives."
Congratulations to Ashok Walia and the 99 Cents Only team!
TORREON, COAHUILA - Some of my favorite memories as a kid are the times I spent unraveling seeds that were tightly tucked away throughout the pith of a pomegranate on my grandparents’ back porch—hunched over my pile with stained fingers and t-shirt, happy as can be. This affinity for the beautiful arils has only grown stronger over the years, so you can imagine my glee upon hearing that GR Fresh’s pomegranate season is kicking off. The beautiful fruits are ready for retail for the next six to eight weeks, as the company harvests its crop in Mexico.
“Last year was really nice, and this year, we are expecting another great crop. The weather has been good to us, and we’re looking forward to seeing our first batch of the wonderful variety head to retail,” Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tony Incaviglia shares with me, expanding upon the unique position GR Fresh has found in the pomegranate market.
To bolster its footprint in the category, GR Fresh planted more orchards recently, Tony shares with me. The company's pomegranate efforts began just six years ago in North Eastern Mexico's Torreon, Coahuila growing region and now it has 50 acres in the game. The orchards grew and strengthened for the first two years. The next two years were spent perfecting GR Fresh’s wonderful variety, as it focused on and catered to its market in Mexico. The last two years, however, the company has been taking its fruit to the States, a venture that Tony tells me is gaining momentum every year.
“California usually gets going later in September, so we fit really well in this current window—it fills a little niche in the market. Packing will start the week of August 20th and run, hopefully, into October, so it’s about a six- to eight-week program.”
The company’s production has increased—with about 75 percent of the acreage producing fruit, at this point, and more trees set to be planted in order to spike that number moving forward—and, because of this, more retailers are turning to GR Fresh than ever before for their pomegranate needs. To their relief, Tony tells me quality coming out of the company’s Mexico-based pomegranate operations is looking great, too.
Further, Tony tells me there are a lot of different ways it can offer its fruits. While he knows that size is always a huge factor, the company accommodates retailers’ needs to attract customers on more than one front.
“We do bins and half bins, where retailers will have them out on the floor for customers to look through and find the fruit they want to take home with them,” he explains. “We’ll pack a 25-35-pound bulk box, too, to sell the smaller fruit. That way, we keep everything moving.”
So, how will you be merchandising GR Fresh’s pomegranates? Whether you put them out by the two-layer carton, bin or by the bulk box, consumers are sure to enjoy the company’s offerings this season seed by seed and fruit by fruit, stains and all.