SAN FRANCISCO, CA - While Amazon Go has been relatively alone in its own cashierless grocery arena since launching this past January, San Francisco-based start-up Zippin is entering the market and becoming what Fast Company has described as “the first Amazon Go rival.” This week, Zippin opened its concept store to show off its patent-pending AI, machine learning, and visual cognition technology that is removing the long lines at checkout from the brick-and-mortar grocery experience.
“Consumer frustration with checkout lines is driving a tidal wave of demand among retailers and real estate owners keen to provide a frictionless retail experience,” said CEO Krishna Motukuri. “With annual sales of grocery stores, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants totaling nearly $1.6 trillion in the U.S. alone, we believe there is a sizable market opportunity for us to pursue.”
According to a press release, Zippin’s checkout-free software platform uses a combination of overhead cameras and smart shelf sensors to track when and which products are picked up or put back to place the correct items in shoppers’ virtual carts. Shoppers need only to download the Zippin app and connect their preferred payment method to gain access to the store and to receive a receipt with their charges.
Zippin also noted in its release that its new platform provides retailers with an innovative way to meet demand while also increasing profits. As a result, retailers tapping into Zippin’s tech can increase inventory and merchandising efficiencies thanks to real-time data captured by the software.
“Despite the popularity of shopping online, brick-and-mortar retail still accounts for more than 90 percent of all purchases made in the U.S. With Zippin, traditional retailers can now compete against e-commerce companies, which until now have had the advantage of leveraging a host of key data about their customers,” Motukuri continued.
While the store is currently only available to those with an invitation, the store will be open to the public beginning mid-September.
Will Zippin’s software find its way into the stores of some of Amazon’s major competitors? AndNowUKnow will continue to report as grocery retail continues to evolve.
CANCUN, MEXICO - Our industry is one of progress and evolution. To examine the horticultural side of business, Asociación Mexicana de Horticultura Protegida AC. (AMHPAC) is offering insight into the ups, downs, and turnarounds on an international scale, providing opportunities to network with movers sand shakers. The three-day event is packed with excitement, including a trade show, sessions to discuss challenges with specialists in the field, and meetings with banks and insurance agencies to get conversations in the works.
“At this year’s AMHPAC summit, we will analyze the current situation of the horticultural industry, as well as the risk and opportunities we have as a guild. We will also examine the international business environment to strengthen the relationships among participating decision makers,” Alfredo Diaz Belmontes, CEO for the organization, shares with me.
Of the event, Alfredo tells me the following activities are set to wow the masses:
- Welcome Cocktail (Holland Party)
- 5k and flags race
- Networking Dinner (White Party)
- Farewell Party at Mandala Beach Club
“We will focus on opportunities to learn, do business, refresh and consolidate relations, and gain expertise about the tools for the correct development of the companies who take part in this event,” Alfredo tells me. “We expect over 400 attendees, most of them growers from all around Mexico, as well as domestic and foreign leaders of the horticultural industry, growers, supply chain representatives, decision makers. It’s going to be an exceptional crowd!”
As participants say goodbye to the event, they are sure to walk away enlightened to the possibilities within our industry and the growth that is yet to be. To that end, I am excited to see what comes to fruition as a result.
NEW YORK, NY - After rejecting a possible sale to Kroger that may have valued the company at $400 to $500 million, Boxed is making headlines again this month—and proving it may have been wise to wait and bet on a more lucrative future. The company announced $111 million in new funds for its online-only storefront this week, raised in a Series D funding round led by Aeon Ltd., one of Japan’s largest retailers.
After Walmart’s impressive quarterly buoyed grocery retailers large and small earlier this month, the online grocery provider was reported by the New York Times to now potentially be worth in excess of $600 million (though its valuation is private). And TechCrunch suggests that Boxed will be using its new funds to double down on a strategy that targets Costco’s consumers—“targeting families and other consumers who like to look for bargains by shopping for food and other groceries in bulk sizes.”
“Our industry is constantly evolving. Our latest fundraising efforts will allow us to capitalize on those changes. We’ll also continue to expand our national footprint by focusing on reaching our core consumer in various key markets, to increase national brand awareness of Boxed,” said Chieh Huang, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “The autonomous vehicles our robotics team has created will help support our rapid growth, enabling us to meet customer demand through increased efficiency, and put us at the forefront of fulfillment center technology.”
According to that press release, the e-tailer is currently exploring future expansion of its operations around the country, including in the Chicago area, where execs have begun visiting potential new sites for a midwest-based facility. And Boxed plans to use its new capital to ramp up automation efforts spearheaded by the company’s in-house robotics team.
Will the online provider continue to expand and gain ground in Costco’s neighborhood? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
SALINAS, CA - Things are ever-changing in our industry, and there are always ways to make improvements. In that spirit, Naturipe Farms is working with SAP, a German-based software corporation, on an initiative to lead retailers and consumer products companies using blockchain technology to improve safety and reduce waste in the global supply chain for food. The goal is to help build the next-generation of farm-to-consumer “track and trace,” also known as a digital supply chain for food.
“We are excited to work with SAP to provide improvements in food safety and provide consumers with information they are asking for,” said Carol McMillan, Director of IT for Naturipe Farms in a recent press release. “Currently, food supply chain stakeholders record their own product information and share only if necessary. The goal is to help create a system with higher trust and transparency between companies to increase speed and operational simplification.”
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, more than 30 percent of the food produced in the world is lost or wasted. Improving the food supply chain will greatly reduce food scarcity.
“We are working with leading brands in the food industry to unlock the potential of blockchain to address the industry’s biggest supply chain challenges. The case is important to SAP because our technology helps to reduce food waste and optimize the supply chain,” said Hans Thalbauer, SAP Senior Vice President for IoT and Digital Supply Chain.
Along with other partner companies, Naturipe and SAP aim to boost supply chain integrity and efficiency through the blockchain initiative. In addition, Carol McMillan is scheduled to speak on a panel at the SAP Enterprise Blockchain Symposium, September 5-6, 2018.
For the latest on how produce players seek to make the world a better place, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
PASADENA, CA - Cuties® and Mighties® provider Sun Pacific has announced the promotion of sales executive Brano Popovac to the role of Director of Sales; as Director, Popavac will lead sales efforts across the company's family of popular brands.
“I want to keep this momentum going strong by focusing on our partnerships and consistently providing the highest quality products and service in the industry,” said Popovac, in a press release.
According to that press release, Popovac brings over 15 years of experience in the produce industry to his new role. He spent the last six years with Sun Pacific as a Senior Sales Executive, responsible for growing partnerships, increasing sales, and expanding national distribution of all Sun Pacific’s products. The company also noted that Popovac’s enthusiasm for the Sun Pacific team and the company's customers is contagious, and the positive environment and camaraderie of the sales force he leads is one of the company’s many strengths.
“Brano’s in-depth industry knowledge, understanding of how our brands contribute to the retailer’s bottom line, and his exceptional leadership skills make him a valuable asset for our sales organization,” said Barney Evans, President.
The company also noted that Evans believes it’s important to promote talent from within the organization and to empower team members who understand Sun Pacific’s mission.
“As we approach the 2018-19 season for Cuties mandarins, Sun Pacific navels, and Mighties kiwifruit, Brano will be leading our sale team in delivering sales and marketing programs that will benefit both retailers and consumers,” continued Evans.
We at AndNowUKnow congratulate Brano and wish him and the Sun Pacific team the best in the years to come.
MONTEREY, CA - Crystal Valley Foods has been expanding its selection and seasonality, bringing value-added offerings and year-round supply to market across key categories.
I spoke with Katiana Valdes, Marketing Director, to learn more about the company’s foodservice and retail programs.
“We now have some value-added asparagus bags. They come in a variety of sizes. We have a one-pound [and] two-pound bag of full length asparagus,” Katiana said. “And we also have an 8 oz tips bag and 8 oz full-length asparagus. The bags are extended shelf-life, and the bags are also microwavable.”
In addition to an ample supply of asparagus, Katiana told me, Crystal Valley is expanding its presence in several berry categories—offering imported blueberries and blackberries from throughout Latin America to meet demand for high-quality produce throughout the year.
“Another category we are also excited about is our growing berry category,” Katiana adds. “We're currently doing blackberries and blueberries—both are year-round. We started domestic berries this year, and we had a great season, and we are excited to start our import season again coming up this September. We are going to be importing from Peru, Argentina, and Chile, so we are looking forward to a good season. Our blackberries are coming from Guatemala and Mexico—also year round.”
For more, check out our brief video interview above. And stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more fresh produce news.
SACRAMENTO, CA - As part of its latest brand efforts, centered around the mission of changing the way customers eat, one plate at a time, Raley’s created the Nutrition Strategist & Brand Influencer position and named Yvette Waters to the role.
“This new role at Raley’s is a great opportunity to share my expertise and influence real change for Raley’s customers’ on their personal wellness journey,” said Waters.
Waters is a registered dietitian, who has a passion for helping people find their individual version of heathy by personalizing nutrition to guide customers to make informed decisions about their lifestyle, according to a press release. She first joined the Raley’s team to lead the nutrition strategy, develop the category standards, and curate the product assortment for Market 5-ONE-5.
Prior to Raley’s, Waters worked as a Registered Dietitian for the University of Nevada, a Dietitian for the Nevada Diabetes Association, and interned as a Nutrition Expert for a medical hospital. She has her Bachelor’s degree in nutrition dietetics from the University of Nevada, Reno, and soon she will also have her Master of Science in nutrition and human performance from Logan University.
“As Raley’s strives to make healthy options accessible to all, Yvette is a proven dietitan who will help guide our organization,” said Keith Knopf, President. “Her knowledge and expertise will enhance our nutrition strategy. She will play an intregal role in improving the education and nutritional value of our relaunch of Raley’s private label products, including our clean deck line, Raley’s Purely Made.”
In her new role, Waters will drive nutrition strategy for all brands, work alongside the merchant team to bring high-quality products into stores, support team member education on products and nutritional content, develop customer education pieces, attend community events, and make PR appearances.
Congratulations to Yvette Waters on your new role!
GLENMONT, NY - Reports of heavy rainfall in upstate and central New York have meant that apple crops are thriving, according to New York Apple Sales. Most growing areas received between 0.5 and 4.5 inches of rain, which is the perfect amount for apples.
“The 2018 crop was in great shape prior to the recent weather patterns; a very clean crop that was developing nicely,” stated Matt Wells, Director of Field Operations. “The rain was a bonus that will help us finish off the crop to perfection.”
The much-needed rain is expected to enhance the quality of this year’s apple crop, the organization noted.
“I have been scouting and managing orchards for over 30 years, and the 2018 crop is one of the best I have seen,” said Dan Ingersoll, NYAS Field Scout. “Usually, we have a few varieties—that for one reason or another—will have some problems. This year, however, everything looks to be strong and clean. The crop is on schedule and growing nicely and the taste and appearance should be exceptional.”
According to a press release, NYAS is one of the largest and most geographically diverse shippers in the eastern United States.
“Having orchards and shipping locations in all of the four major growing and packing regions of the state help us provide consistent offerings for our customers,” said Kaari Stannard, President and Owner. “While one area may be dryer than normal, other regions can make up the difference in size and volume. Luckily, our growers all practice the latest horticultural trends—using irrigation and other growing techniques to assure the best possible crop.”
In addition, the organization is excited about its special varieties, such as SnapDragon®, KORU®, Premier Honeycrisp, EverCrisp, and SweeTango.
“At this stage, they look awesome,” said John Cushing, VP of Sales. “We are ready to go and anxious to kick off the sales year. We have now started shipping from the Hudson Valley, and soon the remainder of the state will start to harvest.”
He added that Ginger Gold and early red summer apples are currently being packed. Next in line will be Gala, McIntosh, and Honeycrisp.
NYAS has been preparing for the season since the beginning of the year, adding new staff, packaging, equipment, and marketing plans.
“We will be going to market this year with a tool box full of programs for retailers to use to help grow sales in the apple category, especially for our NY-grown category,” said Jim Allen, VP of Marketing. “We realize that last season, apple sales across the country were off—due to large volumes of smaller than normal apples from the West Coast—and we want to help correct the trend for the coming season.”
Additionally, NYAS has teamed up with a regional industry brand, Red Jacket Orchards (RJO) based in Geneva, NY, to market the RJO apple label. According to NYAS, RJO is a powerhouse in the fresh, cold-pressed juice category, with a national presence in the marketplace.
For the latest in fresh produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Keystone State is welcoming a new addition to its bustling economy, as Sprouts makes its Pennsylvania debut on September 19th.
The new health-focused grocery store will be situated at Lincoln Square in Philadelphia, which is a new and mixed-use development project in a 32,000-square-foot historic rail shed situated in South Philly.
The new store will sell its renowned natural, organic, and gluten-free foods. Its focus will include fresh produce, meat, and seafood, according to The Philly Voice.
The closest Sprouts to this new location is all the way in Maryland, so the retail chain is making a big splash in its new state. However, it has patrons all over the country—with the majority of its stores in California, Arizona, and Texas.
Sprouts initially announced its intent to open a Philadelphia location this spring, as part of a slate of 13 stores to be opened throughout the company's third quarter fiscal 2018.
How will Sprouts’ entrance into Philadelphia boost its East Coast influence, and will we see more of the chain throughout the state? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.
SANTA MARIA, CA - Salads are a staple in lunchboxes, on menus, and in produce aisles, but it never hurts to razz up interest with new flavors and offerings. Gold Coast Packing recently launched the Sunny Superfood Salad for foodservice and already it’s started a buzz around the industry. Adding a fun, bright selection of flavors into the salad mix, the Sunny Superfood Salad is bringing summer sunshine to the culinary world year-round and reinvigorating salad as a mainstay eating option.
I tapped Crystal Chavez, Marketing Coordinator, to get the full details on this exciting new offering and to find out when I can get my hands on it at retail.
“Following the PMA Foodservice show, we have had a lot of great feedback on our Sunny Superfood Salad,” Crystal tells me. “We have had several requests for samples and have been sending out our salad to several interested customers. The responses have all been positive and we keep hearing the same thing: The salad is bright, colorful, and unique!”
The Sunny Superfood Salad is a tasty blend of kale, Napa and green cabbage, carrots, watermelon radish, broccoli slaw, and cilantro that Crystal says can be paired with any protein to make it a complete hot or cold meal that is unlike any other item foodservice operators have on their menus.
“What makes this product unique is that it has so much color and texture, plus it’s loaded with superfoods. The kale and cabbages are full of health benefits and can go with a variety of flavor profiles, the carrots and broccoli give this blend a great crunch, the watermelon radish adds a gorgeous burst of fuchsia color, and the cilantro throws in a punch of flavor. You really can’t go wrong with this colorful salad,” Crystal explains.
For those of you in retail itching to offer this product, Crystal reveals that it’s not out of the question for the Sunny Superfood Salad to hit grocery shelves soon. As long as the demand and volume is there, Gold Coast Packing will always work with its customers to create what will work for them.
In addition, Crystal shares that Gold Coast Packing has received requests for smaller pack sizes and has since added a line of Portion Packs to its meal kit, in-store kit, and home delivery offerings that includes 2 oz spinach, 6 oz shredded kale, 8 oz broccoli, and more.
For more news from companies around our industry upping the ante across all categories, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.