WASHINGTON, DC - Amazon has announced a particularly intriguing job opening in a very interesting city—Washington, DC. The company has released a job posting in the nation’s capital calling for executives with “prior experience in economic incentives,” but what makes the opening so interesting is that the city is a frontrunner for Amazon’s next headquarters, also known as HQ2. Coincidence or not, the move has piqued interest.
In the posting, which has since been rerouted as of 10:15 a.m. PST, Amazon calls for an array of work experience.
“This position will develop relationships with state and local governments and create long-term value for our business investments. This role requires that you are commercially aware, target-driven, creative, analytical, and a people-person. We prefer prior experience with economic incentives, but also encourage those with primarily business development, legal transactional, and tax experience to apply,” the posting relays.
A company spokesperson conveyed that the posting has no relation to HQ2 progress and that the position can be held in either the Capital or Seattle, but, according to Puget Sound Business Journal, there haven’t been any other economic development managers in other cities. The job posting also expresses that the position is DC-based but could require relocation.
Other contenders in DC’s region for the HQ2 location are Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, Maryland. This hire also has people wondering if this is a strategic approach for spreading the new headquarter’s incentives throughout the region.
Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s Founder and CEO, owns a $23 million home in DC’s Kalorama neighborhood, and Amazon Web Services sells over $1 billion worth of cloud computing services to the federal government, the news source shares. But do these points signal DC is the second location for the e-tailer?
AndNowUKnow will be reporting as the story unfolds and as Amazon zeroes in on its HQ2 site in the coming months. The company said it expects to announce its second headquarters in 2018. Now that Amazon has narrowed it down to 20 cities, all eyes are peeled for when the news breaks on which city has been selected to host the $5 billion construction plans that will add up to 50,000 jobs to the area.
Do you think DC will house Amazon, or is another region the apple of the company’s eye? Stick with us at AndNowUKnow for more details.
FOLSOM, CA - Just six months after launching its first-ever year-long consumer advertising campaign, things are looking 'Positively Bluetiful' for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC). In just its first half, results for the campaign—also named Positively Bluetiful if you hadn’t guessed—have already significantly exceeded expectations.
"'Positively Bluetiful' connects our target audiences with blueberry messaging that our research has shown to be most compelling and motivating," said Victoria De Bruin, the council’s first-ever Marketing Manager, who was brought on to guide and implement the campaign. "We’re keeping blueberries front and center through online video and audio ads, banner ads, and social media videos that showcase blueberries’ core attributes with the goal of solidifying blueberries’ standing as a shopping list staple."
USHBC and agency partner Padilla created the campaign’s central concept, 'Positively Bluetiful,' to reinforce and celebrate the role of blueberries in bringing smiles, joy, and delight into consumers’ everyday lives. Audiences are seeing campaign content in a variety of places they visit for news and entertainment, recipe inspiration, and healthy lifestyle motivation.
Campaign goals were set based on historical data and industry standards and, according to a press release, actual results generated through June 30 have tracked significantly higher than projected. Below is how the campaign has performed in the first six months:
- Total Completed Video Views: 2.1 million versus goal of 1.9 million
- Total Clicks: 99,000+ against versus goal of 26,000
- Total Social Engagements: 1.3 million versus goal of 2 million
"Blueberries are part of so many moments for so many people, every single day, and we wanted to celebrate those moments in our new ads. They put blueberries in the context of everyday life, from special occasions like weekend getaways to the simple pleasures of the usual routine. Blueberries can make any day as irresistibly delicious and fun as they are," said De Bruin.
Now, to capitalize on this impressive mid-year momentum, USHBC and agency partner Padilla recently completed two photoshoots for a creative refresh coinciding with peak blueberry season in the U.S. The new ads—one taking place in a residential kitchen and one on a farm—is expected to draw deeper connections between blueberries and consumers, especially men and women who fall within USHBC’s "moderate blueberry user" category. This category represents consumption of 7.6 cups of fresh blueberries per year on average, and, after all is said and done, USHBC aims to increase the category’s consumption by 39 percent for by 2021. In tandem, USHBC aims to engage heavy users—those who consume 26.5 cups per year—and increase that category's consumption by 15 percent. USHBC noted that these two audiences alone represent half of the U.S. population: 25 percent each.
USHBC noted it and Padilla made their move to do this first consumer campaign as a strategic decision to increase blueberry consumption year-round as supplies were on the rise at the end of 2017. The campaign also marked the first time USHBC centered efforts around paid advertising, with secondary support from media relations, social media, and social influencer promotions.
CUTLER, CA - Wawona Packing Company announced it has acquired the stonefruit breeding assets of Burchell Nursery Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Wawona will acquire Burchell’s stonefruit breeding program, which includes more than 60 patented varieties of high-quality stonefruit trees and their associated genetics.
"We are excited about adding Burchell’s breeding team to Wawona and will work closely with them as we invest in the business to build an industry-leading breeding program,” Will Feliz, Chief Executive Officer of Wawona, said. “This acquisition enhances Wawona’s vertical integration, continues our commitment to innovation, and will enhance our ability to bring the highest quality tree fruit to our retail customers. We plan to maintain a close partnership with Burchell through a licensing agreement that will provide the market with continued access to the high-quality stonefruit trees that Burchell is known for."
According to a press release, Burchell has a legacy in breeding best-in-class varieties of stonefruit for more than 30 years. Burchell’s trademarked series of peaches and nectarines, Flame® and Flare®, respectively, are well-recognized in the industry for their flavor profile and consistent quality across multiple commodities throughout the season.
Burchell’s breeding team will join Wawona as full-time employees, providing continuity in the testing of varieties that are currently in development. This long-term focus will build upon the Burchell legacy in bringing the highest quality tree fruit to market. As part of the transaction, Wawona has acquired the exclusive right to propagate the Summer Flame26, 29, 34 and August Flame varieties, as well as the right to use Cornerstone rootstock in stone fruit in the United States. Burchell will retain its tree nut germplasm and varieties, including its signature Shasta® almond.
"Our agreement with Wawona enables us to realize the value of our stone fruit portfolio while still providing our customers with the high-quality trees and stone fruit varieties they expect from us,” said Tom Burchell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Burchell. “Our nursery will continue to focus on creating the most vigorous, healthy trees possible and offer our diversified pipeline of tree nut varieties, including Shasta® almonds. Looking ahead, we will continue to be driven by our passion for science and developing the best trees and best results for our customers."
For the latest in fresh produce updates, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
CALIFORNIA - The future farmers of California may have less risk to contend with in the foreseeable future. Last Tuesday, July 24th 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown approved sweeping legislation to improve the Golden State’s water storage infrastructure and help ensure that future droughts are less severe than the five-year-long drought that ended in early 2017.
The Governor approved $2.5 billion in spending to help construct four new dams and underground storage projects—including two in the Bay Area.
Funding for the project derives from Proposition 1—a proposition approved by the voters of California in 2014—according to The Mercury News, the largest commitment of state money to construct new dams and water storage projects in California since 1960 when the state first approved funding for the Oroville Dam and State Water Project.
Plans funded through the new legislation include the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s new 319-foot-tall dam at Pacheco Pass in rural southern Santa Clara County, budgeted at some $485 million, and a plan by the Contra Costa Water District to raise the height of the dam at Los Vaqueros Reservoir in eastern Contra Costa County by 55 feet, appraised at $459 million.
Read more in The Mercury News’ report, in its entirety, here.
For more important ag news as it pertains to the fresh produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sun World International is picking the very best from the bunch (grape pun?) and promoting three of its own executives. Specifically, Jason Fuller will now be Vice President of Domestic Sales and Grower Relations, Julie Escobar will serve as Vice President of International Sales and Marketing, and Kris Long will be taking on the Vice President of Operations and Technology role.
“These promotions reflect our commitment to empower our people and accelerate innovation,” CEO Merrill Dibble said. “It’s an exciting time to be at Sun World as we expand our international reach and grow our new proprietary varieties. I have confidence that Jason, Julie, and Kris will continue to drive the success of our business and help Sun World expand its global brand presence.”
Adding more than 20 years of experience to Sun World's sales team, Fuller brings to his new position a vast number of relationships across the produce industry as well as deep expertise and knowledge of the retail marketplace.
Escobar has over 17 years of experience working in international business development and marketing and has extensive knowledge of global markets. At Sun World, she has been pivotal in growing the company’s export business, which she will continue to manage in her new role while also strengthening the company’s domestic and international brand.
Long brings with him to his new position 15 years of experience in operations and technology. In his new role he will continue to wield his experience to efficiently drive results and complete processes.
In addition, Sun World Executive Vice President Gordon Robertson announced he will be pursuing other interests and departing the company, effective August 3rd.
“We are truly grateful for Gordon’s many contributions to our company over the last 10 years and wish him the best of luck in his new venture,” Dibble said.
Congratulations Jason Fuller, Julie Escobar, and Kris Long on your new roles!
HOUSTON, TX - Summertime is here, and promotions are in the air! Sysco Corporation recently announced that Greg Bertrand has been promoted to Executive Vice President, U.S. Foodservice Operations, effective July 30, 2018.
“We are proud to announce Greg’s promotion to Executive Vice President,” said Tom Bené, President and Chief Executive Officer. “With more than 27 years of service to the company, Greg has been an effective and strategic leader within Sysco. His skills, expertise, and strong business acumen have contributed to the solid execution of our operational strategies and substantial growth in our U.S. Foodservice segment. Supported by talented and dedicated associates, Greg will continue to play a key role in the success of our company.”
Bertrand joined Sysco in 1991, and after a succession of senior foodservice operations positions, was named Senior Vice President, U.S. Foodservice Operations, in 2016. In his role as Executive Vice President, Bertrand will continue to have leadership oversight responsibility for all of Sysco’s U. S. Foodservice Operations segment, which accounted for almost $40 billion in sales for fiscal year 2018.
Congratulations to Greg Bertrand and the Sysco team from all of us here at AndNowUKnow.
GILROY, CA - I would venture to say that every savory dish is made better with garlic. It adds a unique flavor to the mix, and I’m happy to report that garlic is running aplenty over at Christopher Ranch. The company recently shared that it is harvesting over 100 million pounds of California Heirloom garlic for the first time in decades. To do this, the company expanded its acreage over the years, since its 1956 founding, to reach the 100-million-pound goal.
“We’re excited that US consumers are increasingly choosing American-grown produce. When they choose Christopher Ranch, they are supporting a company that guarantees them a product anchored around a philosophy of food safety, transparency, and corporate social responsibility,” Ken Christopher, Executive Vice President, shared on the news. “We’re the only family-owned and operated commercial garlic farm in the US and proud to also be the only farm that guarantees our Christopher Ranch garlic is all sourced from the US. Our customers value this commitment to excellence, and a return to 100 million pounds is unmistakable evidence that we’re doing something right.”
Christopher Farms has worked diligently to educate retailers and consumers to question where food comes from in order to negate the spread of cheaper and sometimes illegally-dumped foreign alternatives to its US-grown garlic. According to a press release, the company’s education efforts boost domestic farms’ business and ensure proper food safety and traceability measures are in place.
The company was at the Gilroy Garlic Festival to really showcase its products, being the official Garlic Sponsor for the event. It launched its first Great Garlic Giveaway. The contest offers four winners a year’s supply of garlic—don’t mind my growling stomach at the thought of that prize-of-all-prizes. This year was the 40th annual Festival, and the first 4,000 attendees every morning walked away from the event with a box of California Heirloom garlic from Christopher Ranch.
With production in full swing, garlic me—because there is always a reason to use more garlic!
SALINAS, CA - Naturipe Farms is embarking on a mission of innovation and investment in its Naturipe Avocado Farms unit, with Francisco Jose Del Rio Alamos leading the charge as the division's new CEO.
“As a farmer myself, I see great potential in Naturipe Avocado Farms,” said Del Rio upon the announcement of his new role. “In a way, I have been with Naturipe Avocado Farms since its inception. My family’s farm, San Jose Farms, is an affiliate of Baika LTDA, a Chilean grower-owner of Naturipe Avocado Farms. It brings me great joy to take on this new role and continue the journey with Naturipe.”
Before joining Naturipe Avocado Farms, Del Rio was known for founding Global Food Products Trading LTDA, where he remains CEO. At his company, he developed leadership skills in successfully forming new businesses, according to a press release, as well as leading exceptional customer service and supply chain management, both of which Naturipe said is key to the avocado unit’s success. Del Rio also holds an undergraduate degree in agronomy and a Masters of Advanced Management degree from Yale University.
“We are excited to have Francisco lead this new strategic business unit,” says Chris Coffman, President and CEO of Naturipe Brands. “He excels in creating a culture of innovation and provides a breadth of global and day-to-day operational experience to establish strategic planning for Naturipe Avocado Farms.”
As Naturipe embarks on a new era for its avocado business, AndNowUKnow would like to share our cheers and congratulations!
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - US Foods is expanding its reach into key markets after acquiring five operating companies, including Food Services of America, Systems Services of America, Amerifresh, Ameristar Meats, and GAMPAC, collectively known as Services Group of America (SGA), for $1.8 billion.
“This acquisition will significantly increase US Foods’ reach across key markets in the attractive and growing Northwest region of the U.S. and adds one of the most well-regarded regional distributors to our company,” said US Foods Chairman and CEO Pietro Satriano, in a company press release. “With a shared commitment to customer service, including a proven track record of leveraging technology and private brands to meet customer needs, SGA’s Food Group of Companies is an ideal fit. The company’s unique merchandising programs, mature local sourcing capabilities, and track record of operational excellence will be strong additions to our business. We look forward to welcoming the talented teams at SGA’s Food Group of Companies to US Foods, providing customers with even better service and expanded capabilities, and delivering accelerated growth and value to our shareholders.”
According to a press release, the five companies compete in different segments of the food industry and operations include the following:
- Food Services of America is a regional broadline distribution company with nine distribution centers that serves independent restaurants, healthcare facilities, hotels, and cruise ships
- Systems Services of America has distribution centers in California and Arizona and provides custom distribution to restaurant chains in the quick service and casual family dining segments and regional restaurant concept market
- Amerifresh is a produce marketer with locations in Washington, California, Arizona, and Texas that provides fruits and vegetables to the foodservice and retail grocery industries
- Ameristar Meats has locations in Washington and North Dakota and provides premium custom meat products for customers in the foodservice and retail industries
- GAMPAC provides nationwide transportation management and logistics services out of Scottsdale and Indianapolis
“For the past 46 years, we have had the vision to become a leading national foodservice company. This is an exciting milestone on our journey and provides more success and growth opportunities for our customers and our Associates,” said Slade Stewart, SGA’s Executive Vice President and COO. “We now can fulfill our long-term vision of serving customers across America.”
Specifically, US Foods outlined a complementary geographic footprint, increased scale and accelerated growth, attractive synergy opportunities, attractive valuation, and accretive to adjusted EPS as attributes of its latest acquisition.
SGA will continue as a private holding company following the acquisition. For more details, click here.
For more of the latest happening in retail and foodservice, keep following AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - Whether it’s tossed into a refreshing summer salad, or topping off a sandwich/burger, lettuce is the unsung hero of the produce world.
I chatted with Martin Jefferson, Production Manager with Duda Farm Fresh Foods, about the particulars of the company's steady west coast lettuce season.
“We’re about two-thirds of the way through our season,” he shared with me. “And quality is great. Our volumes are similar to last year at this time, though there’s some pressure when the regional players are able to get to the market as well.”
Given that we’re in the prime time of the summer, Martin explains to me that short term, local producers in other regions impact the market this time of year by adding available product. This often reduces Duda's access to the regional areas they supply during these summer periods, but because the company has been able to withstand record-high temperatures while still providing excellent quality, Martin is unworried.
“The heat wave is somewhat of a challenge, although it’s not causing any major issues,” he tells me. He then laughs, telling me that he doesn’t have much to share because, outside of wishing for better prices, the season’s going well and as planned, but I think that’s something worth sharing!
For more crop updates like this, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.