SALINAS, CA - At it again steps into the innovation arena, Taylor Farms is bringing a salad classic to the mainstage its chopped kits have created for value-added produce. The latest to join its line of fresh flavors is the new Caesar Chopped Salad Kit.
"Caesar remains American's top dressing, and Caesar salads appear on more restaurant menus than any other recipe," says Charis Neves, New Product Development Manager, when I asked about the choice in this latest flavor introduction. "We have created a great tasting and flavorful Caesar dressing, and we are excited to offer this consumer-favorite recipe as the newest member of our Chopped Salad Kit family."
The team tells me that already Taylor’s chopped kit category has experienced unprecedented growth, with Micah Shea, Vice President of Sales, commenting that this continues to drive category growth.
“Our retail partners continue to ask us for new products and clean ingredients," Micah says. "Avocado Ranch, Maple Bourbon, and Buffalo Ranch are off to a great start, and we expect the same success for our new Chopped Caesar."
Set to launch this month, the team assures me that the timing is a convenient one for health-driven consumers and parents.
"This new salad kit arrives in time for fall meal-planning and entertaining. The Caesar Chopped Salad Kit joins fourteen other delicious Taylor Farms Chopped Salad Kits and is available nationwide," Micah comments.
The flavor, of course, is not the only demand the new Caesar Chopped Kit is meeting, as the Taylor Farms team continually receives requests, even demands, for clean ingredients. In line with its counterparts, the Caesar Chopped Kit features the Taylor Farms 100 percent Free From label, ensuring it is free from artificial preservatives, as well as artificial colors and flavors, even hydrogenated fats and high fructose corn syrup.
Keep an eye out for the latest to join Taylor Farms' popular line, available to hit shelves in the coming weeks.
CARPINTERIA, CA - Amidst the work of new products and a massive rebrand, Pete’s Living Greens has announced Brian Cook as its new President.
“I feel very blessed and excited about this new opportunity. I hold our Board members in high regard, so to get the nod from them was very humbling,” Brian shares about the appointment. “We have a wonderful team dedicated to giving consumers what they want. Pair that with great partners in the sales channels we serve, and the future is bright for us all.”
Brian has served as interim-President since October, improving both top- and bottom-line results and moving up quickly since he joined the team as Vice President of Sales in February, 2016. Among his achievements are strengthening company relationships and increasing sales across sale channels served, as well as having led the rebranding efforts to Pete’s Living Greens.
“Having worked with Brian both as a member of the Board and Pete’s Living Greens team member, I’ve really seen Brian step up and prove his leadership skills. He loves the company, our team, our brand, and of course all of our loyal customers! His passion, work ethic, and get-it-done attitude is just what Pete’s Living Greens needs to push us to the next level,” Pete Overgaag, Vice President of Innovation and Corporate Strategy, commented.
Prior to being hired as VP of Sales at Pete’s Living Greens, Brian served as Director of Sales & Marketing at San Miguel Produce, and he has also been on industry committees and the FPFC Board, which he says have all been beneficial to his professional growth. He’s worked in numerous sales and sales management roles expanding about 19 years, covering everything from retail merchandising—such as sign programs—to produce-specific positions.
“I have been lucky to have a lot of angels in my life,” Brian says. “Mentors that have always been real with me. Their contribution to my development has shaped me into a leader I am proud of. I’d be remiss to not say a HUGE thank you for your contribution, and I look forward to this next phase.”
When I ask about where he’d like to see the company go from here, Brian quotes Heraclitus, telling me, “‘Change is the only constant in life.’ I firmly believe in that philosophy. You can see it in the change within the Living Greens category. To win you must be able to manage through that change. My goal is to assure our team not only understands but embraces this concept. Pete’s Living Greens continues to be a leader in this space, but we cannot become complacent. We will work together, internally and externally, to build on successes and continue to understand and adapt to what consumers are looking for. The future is bright, and we are excited to work with our partners in growing the category.”
Congratulations, Brian, on this latest achievement, and to the Pete’s Living Greens team on the growth that looks to be on the horizon!
INDIA - Flipkart is going through more major changes than my hairdos these days. The company has achieved a huge milestone after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) cleared the 77 percent stake acquisition by U.S.-based Walmart, clearing the path for the biggest FDI deal in the history of the Indian corporate sector, according to Business Today. In addition to Flipkart’s acquisition, the India-based e-commerce site welcomed five senior executives to its team. Dev Iyer, Srinivasulu Grandhi, Phanimohan Kalagara, Naren Ravula, and Vineet Sethi will now step into their VP roles, Times of India relays.
Iyer is Vice President of Fashion and will look after the fashion, home, and furniture business; he will report to Rishi Vasudev, Vice President of Fashion, Home, and Furniture, while the remaining new hires will report to CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy. Grandhi is leading the company’s shared technology and Cloud Platform group in his new Vice President role. Kalagara is Vice President of Engineering. Ravula is Vice President of Corporate Strategy, and Sethi will tackle the company’s group internal audit.
Walmart’s $16 billion acquisition of its stake in Flipkart is just beginning—after the completion of the deal, the latter is said to be valued at $20.8 billion, according to Business Today. The news source conveys that CCI’s verdict is likely to get some criticism from retailer bodies that see the deal as a threat to smaller companies. Nevertheless, Walmart is moving forward, adamant that the move will benefit small traders, with the news of its advancement into India, announcing that it will hire 1,000 professionals to handle technical aspects in the country.
How will Walmart’s foray into India’s e-commerce reflect on the U.S. market? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - By introducing a new video series that tells the story of the brand’s portfolio of potato products from “soil to shelf,” Side Delights® is celebrating the ultimate comfort food and offering retailers an in-store tool to excite shoppers and rekindle “foodie” memories.
“Food is an experience—it stimulates the senses—and creates memories that last lifetimes,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network® (FSN). “We created these videos to remind retailers and shoppers that potatoes are more than performance food; they are therapeutic and soothing—crave-worthy and a healthy comfort food.”
According to FSN’s press release, foods that provide a nostalgic or sentimental value and are generally associated with simple preparation are leading the pack in terms of popular appeal. A recent study of 2018 food trends was topped by comfort foods, the company noted, and an article referencing said study shared, “changing economic, political and social factors will drive consumers to choose nostalgic and comfort foods.”
With their two new “potato passion” videos, the partners of the FSN and Side Delights brand of fresh potatoes are reminding consumers of the ease and comfort of potatoes.
Side Delights’ new video tells the story of the simplicity of potatoes and beckons viewers back to their childhood. The video reminds shoppers that America’s favorite side dish can be the foundation of a fantastic meal and can turn a steak into dinner or grilled food into a picnic, and bring a family together.
Additionally, FSN has produced a trade-focused video that tells the story of the company’s approach to farming. The video follows FSN’s farmers’ journeys to produce and provide the best potatoes to shoppers who want quality products and care about how and where they are produced. The company noted that FSN farmers own, protect, and sustain the land and grow and pack their own potatoes.
The video series will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, and FreshSolutionsNet.com, and are currently featured on FSN’s YouTube Channel.
Both videos are available to retailers to feature in-store and get shoppers excited about purchasing potatoes by reminding them of their own “foodie” memories.
MILWAUKEE, WI - In an effort to compete with both national chains—like Walmart, Aldi, and dollar stores—and local chains—like Sendik’s Food Markets and Woodman’s Food Markets—the Roundy’s division of Kroger announced it is cutting prices on thousands of items, including staples like bananas, head lettuce, and more at its Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, and Copps stores located across the state of Wisconsin, according to a report by the Milwaukee Business Journal.
“We are making a major investment in lower prices across the state,” said James Hyland, Roundy’s VP Communications & Public Affairs, in a statement. “Our refreshed and remodeled stores, along with our investment in lower prices, allows us to continue to deliver a great digital and in-store shopping experience to our customers.”
Along with bananas and head lettuce, the wave of price cuts also includes eggs, milk, wheat and white bread, and more. This week, the journal sentinel reported that the price for a gallon of 1 percent Roundy’s Select brand milk was listed at $1.79, down from $1.99.
Since acquiring Roundy’s in 2015, Kroger has made $250 million worth of investments into its subsidiary, which has included remodeling dozens of stores, converting some locations to the Metro Market banner, closing underperforming stores, and lowering in-store prices.
Will other retailers follow suit and lower prices on produce and grocery items? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep its nose to the retail grindstone and report on the latest.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Wonderful Halos was recently named the No. 1 most-loved healthy snack brand among both parents and children, according to a 2018 Brand Love™ study released by market research consultancy Smarty Pants LLC.
“Parents and kids don’t often see eye-to-eye, but when it comes to healthy snacking, their love of Halos transcends age,” said Adam Cooper, Vice President of Marketing. “Halos has not only earned the trust of parents as that rare sweet snack bursting with ‘Pure Goodness’ the whole family can feel good about eating, but the fact that we’ve become a fan-favorite among our biggest critics, kids—who love them for being a fun, bite-size snack, small enough to hold and easy to peel on their own—is the sweetest reward.”
The company noted that Wonderful Halos is the first healthy food brand to crack the top 10 most-loved list in the Brand Love study’s 10-year history. This year’s Parentfinity™ scores revealed Wonderful Halos as parents' No. 9 favorite brand overall among other brands like Amazon, Crayola, Netflix, and Google. Among children, Wonderful Halos was the highest ranking healthy snack brand. Other brands to make kids’ most popular list included YouTube, iPhone, iPad, Google, Disney, and LEGO.
According to a press release, the annual Brand Love study identifies the brands that capture parents’ and kids’ hearts, time, and purchase power. This year’s study assessed 379 brands across 19 consumer categories, from favorite foods to beloved characters and technology, surveying more than 8,900 parents and children ages 6-12 across the country.
The Smarty Pants Brand Love study comes on the heels of a successful Wonderful Halos season, which featured in-store point-of-sale display programs and digital programs, the press release noted. The campaign also included six television commercials, a Times Square billboard, and an influencer marketing program, where the brand parterned with YouTube stars, such as Ryan of Ryan ToysReview.
“We’re just getting started, and our marketing momentum continues this November as Halos kicks off the season with its multimillion-dollar ‘Good Choice, Kid®’ national campaign,” said Cooper. “This will be complemented by a robust marketing and advertising program with added investment in new in-store point-of-sale displays, and expanded digital and influencer programs.”
For more fresh produce news like this, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - In a new move in a string of investments H-E-B has made in strategic technology, the retailer has named Mike Georgoff as Chief Product Officer, H-E-B Digital. Georgoff has spent more than a decade helping to build high-growth consumer technology startups and is expected to use that experience to grow H-E-B’s omnichannel retail experience. He will report to H-E-B Chief Digital Officer Jag Bath.
“This is an industry-leading company that is strategically positioned to deliver a cutting-edge digital experience to customers,” said Georgoff upon his appointment. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to join such a talented team focused on bringing innovation, growth, and success to H-E-B.”
In Georgoff’s most recent role, he served as Chief Product Officer at Main Street Hub, an Austin-based digital marketing firm that was acquired by GoDaddy earlier this year. Prior to Main Street Hub, the University of Michigan graduate held critical leadership roles at Redbox and RetailMeNot, according to a press release, where he helped develop each from the ground up to become over $1 billion public companies.
“Mike is a highly-respected veteran of product development in the digital space and someone with his expertise strengthens our commitment to building out H-E-B’s omnichannel services,” Bath said. “He has a proven track record leading successful product and design teams, which puts him in a position to help us build the ultimate digital experience for our customers to go along with the unparalleled service of our world-class stores.”
H-E-B has been investing considerably in the digital space as of late, including the retailer’s recent acquisition of Favor and its continued rollout of H-E-B Delivery and H-E-B Curbside, which is now available in more than 100 locations across Texas and on track to reach 165 stores before the year is through.
For more on the most influential innovations and investments in the retail space, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger recently named Gil Phipps, who is currently Vice President of Our Brands, to Vice President of Branding, Marketing and Our Brands, effective August 15.
"The retail industry is dynamic, exciting, and changing, and I'm thrilled to take on this role at this very moment to transform the way Kroger connects with our customers to elevate our brand across America," stated Phipps. "We will continue to build on how we use data points powered by 84.51° to create marketing communications and experiences that are even more relevant, meaningful, and personalized."
Phipps joined the company in 2012, where he led the transformation of Our Brands by evolving existing brands and introducing new brands that resonated with customers. Through elevating recipes and product formulations, inserting personality into packaging, and more, Phipps increased customer loyalty and drove record Our Brands sales growth, according to a company press release. The company also noted that, under Phipps' leadership and influence, the Our Brands business substantially increased. It also commended Phipps for introducing Simple Truth®, a natural and organic brand in America.
"We are fundamentally changing how we market to and engage with our customers, and Gil is the perfect talent—a personality full of creativity, imagination, and fun who loves food and new meal experiences—to lead the way," said Stuart Aitken, Kroger's Group Vice President and CEO of 84.51°. "Kroger's new marketing approach is more engaging, cross-functional, data-driven, and customer-led in support of Restock Kroger. As we redefine the customer experience, we are using compelling marketing communications to create uplifting connections with our shoppers that earn even more of their sales, trust, and loyalty."
Phipps started his grocery career in 1987 as a Store Director for Fresh Plus Grocery in Austin, Texas. Following the role, he became Brand Manager for Guiltless Gourmet before moving into brand marketing positions at both Michael Angelo's Gourmet Foods and Hormel Foods. In 2001, Gil joined H-E-B as a Brand Manager before earning a series of promotions that placed him as the leader of H-E-B's store brands program.
The company also recently promoted Valerie Jubbar to Group Vice President of Merchandising for the company, and Mike Murphy to President of the Ralphs division.
Congratulations to Gil Phipps on this new position from all of us here at AndNowUKnow!
SALINAS, CA - Industry leader Don Klusendorf has joined Tanimura & Antle’s sales and marketing team as the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Klusendorf served as Bonipak Produce’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing for over ten years before he joined Tanimura & Antle this year. With over 20 years of industry management experience, Klusendorf brings with him a wide set of skills and is respected as one of our industry’s influential leaders, according to a press release.
“Don’s honest, open, and sincere approach, coupled with his years of industry experience, is what earned him this integral position at Tanimura & Antle. Don comes to us with a deep understanding of our industry and customers, and he is a great addition to an already talented and experienced group,” said Scott Grabau, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Tanimura & Antle’s success is deeply rooted in our commitment to our culture and values. Our strong team of employee owners have a passion for success and a love for our company that is built on this foundation. It’s a great combination, and I believe that Don fits right into these same building blocks.”
Congratulations, Don Klusendorf, on your new role! For more produce industry news like this, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Record yields of Sun World International’s “late season trio” of proprietary grape varieties are translating into promotable opportunities for retailers at the end of the summer. Sun World’s SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS®, AUTUMNCRISP®, and ADORA SEEDLESS® brand grapes are all primed for aggressive promotional plans from mid-September through mid-November.
“We have seen tremendous growth in the last three years,” said Vice President of Domestic Sales Jason Fuller. “This year we are marketing the largest crop in our history. Because of this, we will have a record amount of promotable product to help our retailers grow.”
The company noted in a press release that its grape volume overall has grown a record amount—and retailers can capitalize on the company’s many proprietary varieties and product offerings.
According to Sun World, ADORA SEEDLESS® brand grapes have a crisp and sweet flavor profile, and with a one-inch diameter, these massive fruits could be called a “two-bite” grape. Interest in AUTUMNCRISP® brand grapes has rapidly risen on a global scale due to its unique flavor and taste experience: sweet with a hint of Muscat and an exceptional crunch. SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS® brand grapes round out the company’s late season trio, with a striking red color and an elegantly aromatic flavor.
For more fresh produce news, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.