UNITED STATES - Any day that I get to write about Jeff Goldblum is a really tremendous day, and today just happens to be spectacular. In a recent video, the Jurrasic Park star takes Funny or Die viewers on a trip through Ralphs to get to know produce a little better as only Jeff Goldblum can do in his suave and tantalizing way. From there, he embarks on a culinary excursion with his Jurassic World co-star Bryce Dallas Howard, as they create a produce-focused meal together.
The segment is called Cooking with Jeff, and this being the second round for Deputy Kovacs proves viewers are liking when Goldblum works with produce beyond his role with Boy with Apple.
Goldblum starts off by crooning viewers with a little sumthin’ sumthin’ before inviting them with, “You’d be so nice to come home to,” and we’re off to a good start, if you ask me!
First, he is off to Ralphs for the produce and ingredients needed to make the magic happen. He looks to his Ralphs app to find his shopping list, a helpful tip he points out for viewers to take note.
The first item on the list is none other than avocado, or, as he calls it, the “King of All Fruits or Vegetables,” and he turns to the Produce Manager on site, Tony. Shocked, Goldblum is told avocados are a fruit, educating both the actor and viewers invested in his experience.
Goldblum, ever the jokester, asks Tony to refer to him as a fruit or vegetable, to which Tony calls Goldblum a dragon fruit because he is sweet—side note, great pick, Tony, wherever you are!
Back in the zone, Goldblum makes his way through the store to locate the remainder of his ingredients—including cheese, bread, and lime juice.
Once he arrives back at his house, Goldblum introduces viewers to his surprise guest, Howard. Together, the parents find they are plagued with the task of cooking for their kids when the act itself seems so daunting. Celebrities—they’re just like us! But, they make it so approachable for consumers to look to produce for the answers to their puzzled mealtimes, especially when Goldblum opts for a safer way to cut the pit out of an avocado than Howard’s proposed knife stab. No case of Avocado Hand here, folks!
The Jurrasic World team comes together to create two beautiful avocado toasts with fried eggs that would tame any T-rex tot at home. They also created a beautifully crafted woodboard, full of artichoke, berries, deli meats, and sliced veggies.
As they make consumers swoon at their colorful creations, Goldblum and and Howard enjoy their produce-packed bites and healthy meal together on the patio, creating a luxurious appeal to lifestyles and meals stemming from the produce aisle.
How will Goldblum’s latest foray into the culinary scene impact consumers’ interest in fresh produce? AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-speed with the latest trends in our industry.
BOISE, ID - Albertsons Companies reported significant growth in its burgeoning e-commerce business this week; as the retailer nears the summation of its blockbuster brick-and-mortar merger with Rite Aid, the company reported its first quarter fiscal 2018 results—with significant dividends coming from the company’s investments in e-commerce and its Own Brands.
"We are pleased with our first quarter results as both identical sales and Adjusted EBITDA increased for the second consecutive quarter," said Bob Miller, Chairman and CEO, in a press release. "We continue to roll out unique options for our customers as we strive to differentiate through our best in class Own Brands and rapidly expanding e-commerce offerings. We are also reaffirming our fiscal 2018 guidance today and remain on track to deliver annual Adjusted EBITDA of $2.7 billion and complete the store conversions related to the Safeway integration by September, which we expect to allow us to further grow and enhance our operating performance."
Highlights from the quarter included:
- Identical sales increase of 0.2%
- Adjusted EBITDA of $815.8 million, an increase of $44.1 million or 5.7%
- Gross profit margin, excluding fuel, improved 60 basis points
- Fiscal 2018 outlook reaffirmed including 1.5% to 2.0% identical sales growth and Adjusted EBITDA of $2.7 billion
- Expanded Own Brands to include over 400 new items
- Increased Own Brands sales penetration by 56 basis points to 24.0%
- E-commerce sales, including sales of Plated meal kits, grew 108%
- Converted 243 stores; on track with the Safeway integration efforts, with all store conversions to be completed by September 2018.
Speaking specifically about the Rite Aid merger, President and COO Jim Donald said the company anticipates several billion dollars in synergies to take effect upon completion of the deal.
"We are also looking forward to our merger with Rite Aid," added Donald. "Together we will be a differentiated leader in Food, Health and Wellness. We expect to realize $375 million in annual run-rate cost synergies within three years, and have the opportunity to generate $3.6 billion in annual sales synergies to fuel our future growth."
Rite Aid stockholders have scheduled a meeting for August 9, 2018 to vote on the proposed merger—with some investors rallying to stop the deal.
Will Albertsons’ continue to thrive with the successful acquisition of Rite Aid? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA - With a full stomach, overstimulated taste buds, and a few inspirational ideas to take home to Sacramento, I can safely say California Giant Berry Farms’ inaugural Chef Invitational competition was a hit. An ode to its foodservice partners that served as a launching pad for berry innovation, culinary experts from Markon, US Foods, Renaissance Food Group, and Sysco certainly dished it out.
“This is another one of those dreams that Cindy and I had by saying ‘wouldn’t it be cool just to do this?’ about two or three years ago,” Anthony Gallino, VP of Sales for California Giant, shared with me at the event’s debut, saying it was a fantastic start with a widely positive reception. “We hired Tom Smith as our Director of Foodservice, and now that we had a team it was a no-brainer. He took the lead on it and just did a phenomenal job.”
Kicking off with a field tour to introduce the chefs to the behind-the-scenes of California ag, not to mention an amazing dinner to introduce everyone, the July 10th competition saw all chefs ready to rock.
Inaugural participants included:
- Chef Ty Baloca of Renaissance Food Group - Black and Blue Shrimp Kinilaw
- Chef Matthew Lauer of Sysco - Blackberry Marinated Wild Boar with Pickled Berry Salad
- Chef Luis Reyes of Sysco - Berry, Tomato, and Beet Salad
- Chef Shane Henderson of Markon - Strawberry Jalapeño Pancakes with mixed berry syrup and Duck Wings
- Chef Laura Vaughn of US Foods - Blueberry Lavender Financier, Raspberry Sorbet, and Blackberry Compote
Having tried Chef Laura’s financier and seeing potential for both breakfast and dessert, I asked the expert herself about it and her choice to submit the recipe.
“The financier is amazing for breakfast, but you can make it into a composed dessert just by adding a sorbet or a compote, so to me it’s just such a versatile flow and it’s really easy,” she explained, adding that it was the convenience of the dish that inspired her to submit it. “There’s nothing easier than a financier. So I was thinking this would be perfect for a retail customer if they wanted to make something that everyone could make.”
While each dish was delicious and distinctive, most of them introducing me to an entirely new use of berries, there could only be one winner—the judges ruled and it was Chef Luis with his Berry, Tomato, and Beet Salad that took the overall title.
“Just to be here, I won already,” Chef Luis said before the results were even shared. “For our partners, our customers, and growers, this is showcasing the product we have and the possibilities. For us, we get to learn, experience, and go on tours. To do that in a facility like this is amazing. I’m always trying to learn and better myself, so this is a way to put stuff out there. On my end, if we are going to suggest a product we now know the story, what it takes to put it together, which is very important.”
And he did not stand alone on the podium. Chef Shane won over the crowd, taking the People’s Choice award with his Strawberry Jalapeño Pancakes with mixed berry syrup and Duck Wings, a dish of happenstance he told me.
“I was making pancakes and it got out of hand! The idea came to me when I started playing around with wanting to do something with jalapeños and strawberries. I know I had seen at some point a jalapeño pancake and thought I would give it a try and it came out really good.”
He explained to me a passion for duck and how much he loves to pair it with berries further evolved the plate, and if you reacted warily to that as I did I highly recommend you give it a try! While Chef Shane said it was touch-and-go for a bit, the result was a beautiful dish that ended up winning the people, if not the judges!
It’s worth noting as well that even experts need a helping hand and, in this case, those hands were the amazing students of Santa Cruz County’s Teen Kitchen Project, an organization that volunteers to provide meals to those who can’t prepare it themselves due to health issues.
“These kids come into the kitchen, they volunteer their time supported by professional chefs, and they make and package meals that are then transported to adults all over the county who are ill,” Executive Director of the project, Angela Farley, shared with us. “The teens were so grateful to be here, they were so nervous when we drove up to the gates but they did great!”
Chef Luis echoed her sentiments, telling me that his teen assistant, Danica Morgan, should consider a future in food.
“Working with Danica, she is amazing. She needs more credit than she gives herself, she’s a natural,” he shared with me.
Danica said it was her step-mother who found the program and suggested she and her sister get involved. While she doesn’t know if she sees herself cooking beyond helping her step-mom in the kitchen, she does like it and took a key lesson away from the Chef’s Invitational.
“What I learned, probably, is to try new and different things I wouldn’t think of,” she commented, though she is still unsure about creating new dishes herself.
With attendees and competitors alike already planning and strategizing for next year, this is a produce event I think will be making its way onto foodservice calendars.
California Giant Berry Farms Sysco Markon US Foods Renaissance Food Group
WASHINGTON, DC - After two years dedicated to finding a way to support our pivotal industry workers, the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association are launching the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices, a framework for responsible labor practices in fresh produce and floral supply chains.
In January, the Boards approved the Charter, which was formally endorsed by more than 40 retail and foodservices companies, including Albertsons, Costco, Kroger, McDonalds, Sam’s Club, Wegmans, and fresh fruit, vegetable, and floral companies.
“The Ethical Charter and its principles reflect the desire of our members to converge and harmonize the many positive efforts that already exist to enhance working conditions,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “We have both success stories in our industry and progress still to be made. We are providing these resources to encourage additional companies to endorse the Ethical Charter and demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety, respect for worker dignity, compliance with applicable laws, and to building a shared understanding across the industry on responsible labor practices.”
According to a press release, PMA and United Fresh are using the Charter to raise awareness of industry labor issues; increase commitment to the Charter and its principles, including encouraging more companies to add their endorsement; and provide tools and resources, like measurement criteria, a self-assessment form, a responsible sourcing guide, and an endorsement packet, as a means to promote responsible labor standards across the industry.
“We recognize and applaud all the good work already being done in this area both through advocacy and action, but we also recognize we have a responsibility to do more as companies and individuals to advance this cause,” said Cathy Burns, PMA CEO. “Public launch of the Charter supported by key endorsers should drive further collaboration, momentum, and endorsement. Central tenets to success include education, continuous learning and progress, and day-to-day behavior and actions.”
As part of the process of developing the Charter, the Boards of PMA and United Fresh formed the Joint Committee on Responsible Labor Practices back in 2015, which pulled input from buyers, suppliers, association members, expert consultants, key stakeholders, and public comments to develop a draft charter.
“As a member of the PMA Board, I’ve been involved in this work because it is important to us, the industry, and our customers,” said Sam’s Club's Russell Mounce, who co-chaired the Joint Committee on behalf of PMA. “This is an important step in our ongoing efforts to support the dignity of workers, wherever they may be in our supply chains.”
Co-Chair on behalf of United Fresh Brian Kocher of Castellini Group of Companies added, “We worked hard to build consensus on the fundamentals of responsible labor practices, as well as measurement criteria that will demonstrate compliance with these principles. We are now inviting all industry members to endorse the Charter, and to commit to its unified guiding principles. Further commitment and progress will benefit the entire industry.”
For more news affecting the industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MONTEREY, CA - On the tails of this year’s Organic Produce Summit, many left feeling awestruck and inspired to build more bridges that will bring consumers to the organic side of produce. As companies make their way home and get back into the swing of things, many are wondering who took home the award for the Organic Innovations Showcase. A&A Organic Farms of Watsonville, California, walked away from this year’s summit as a winner for the use of new recyclable packaging made from sustainable materials for its product line of organic fresh produce items.
“We experienced a great OPS 2018. We were able to show off our now award-winning Ready Cycle packaging as well as the other options we have available. The crowd was excited to see our lineup of organic produce and the packaging options we offer. The Summit attracts our customers entire staff, not just the buyers, and I feel it really opens their eyes when the sales side of our customers’ team sees what we have to offer. So often buyers are so busy that every option may not make it to their sales team to explore and promote. It was a great to meet them this year and show off the entire lineup,” A&A Organic Farms President Andy Martin shares with me. “Winning this award is very meaningful to us. We felt the need to get a more environmentally sound packaging option for our customers. The fact that our industry peers voted us as the most innovative shows us we are correct in our thinking and they agree. The industry wants to make this shift and we are happy to be a part of that. Our hope is that the larger retailer will be able to change the vision of what a package must look like and allow the consumers to choose. The social media feedback on this package has been incredible. This feedback is from the end user saying, ‘Finally, THANK YOU! We have been waiting for this option.’ Our thanks to the industry peers for voting for us and supporting this transition, we are excited to grow this option with them.”
Overall, the event went off with booming success that could be felt well beyond awards. This year’s summit offered seemingly unparalleled excitement from attendees, as we previously reported.
“We are thrilled with the response to the third year of OPS,” President Susan Canales said, according to a press release. “We worked hard to achieve the right balance of education, information, and networking. Promoting organics and connecting people—that’s the goal, and we think we more than achieved it.”
The excitement was felt by all those participating in the event—from producers to retailers, companies left feeling fulfilled and ready for more.
“This was an incredible show—OPS rocked! I have gone to a lot of summits and this one was one of the best I have ever attended. The show had great energy, was very intimate, and lots of fun. I will be back every year to enjoy my old friends and new business partners. Go organic Go!” President of Albertsons’ Own Brands Geoff White shared.
Congratulations to the A&A Organic Farms team on your tremendous achievement. We look forward to seeing how your innovation will push the boundaries for organic fresh produce forward in new and exciting ways.
FRESNO, CA - As all eyes continue to rest on the immigration debate on Capital Hill, George Radanovich, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, took to a national political publication to call for action from the Trump Administration. Radanovich, a former Republican U.S. representative for California’s 19th District, penned an opinion editorial for The Hill, addressing Congress’ inability to effectively reform immigration laws.
“American voters have been clear. They want an end to this problem, but in a responsible manner,” Radanovich stated in the op-ed. “If the President is willing to intervene, he can place a call to Mexico’s President-elect, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and succeed where Congress has failed. Then, maybe, we can begin to heal our divided nation.”
In the piece, Radanovich noted that only the President, not Congress, can effectively end immigration strife, suggesting a diplomatic agreement such as a treaty, trade, or executive agreement that would implement a foreign worker program. Radanovich asserted that a treaty or trade agreement, synchronized with the passage of border protection and an electronic employment verification system (a.k.a. E-verify), would end illegal immigration and bypass congress.
To read Radanovich’s entire op-ed on The Hill, click here, and stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more on the evolving debate on immigration reform.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Gordon Food Service is welcoming Dean Noble in the newly created Chief Operating Officer (COO) role, as the company continues its evolution and progress. Filling Noble’s previous role as President of Gordon Food Service, Canada will be Steve Kampstra. The two will step into their new roles this coming November.
"Throughout his career, Dean has built strong relationships based on integrity, trust, and mutual respect. He has deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of leading teams to deliver strong results year after year. I look forward to working with Dean as we continue to grow our business," North American President and CEO Rich Wolowski shared, before commenting on Kampstra’s exciting promotion. "We are confident that Steve will continue to drive the business forward as we continue to expand our distribution network throughout Canada."
Noble is well-versed on Gordon Food Service, having worked for the company since 1999 in the following positions: President of Gordon Food Service's British Columbia Division, Executive Vice President of Canada Distribution, and President of Gordon Food Service Canada.
Kampstra is also well-established at the company, having joined in 1988 and held the following titles: Vice President of Sales, Vice President of Marketing and Procurement, President of the company's Ontario Division, and Vice President of Canada Distribution.
"We have great confidence in the leadership team Rich has assembled and the aggressive plans and strategies they have brought forward to the Board of Directors. Our goal is to strengthen the resources committed to operational excellence, innovation and executing our long-range strategic plan. These changes will establish a leadership structure that is built for the future and the continued growth of our business," Board Vice Chairman Jim Gordon shared of the news.
Congratulations to both Dean Noble and Steve Kampstra on your promotions!
For more fresh produce news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
WATSONVILLE, CA - Over a month ago, California Giant Berry Farms announced it was expanding its raspberry program to bring the delicious fruit to retailers, foodservice operators, and consumers year-round. To find out more about the company’s latest growth efforts involving one of my favorite fruits (Ssh! Don’t tell the other fruits), I chatted with Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing, about the upcoming expansion kicking off this fall.
“For the first time at California Giant, we’re going to have year-round raspberry production to offer our retail and foodservice customers. There’s such a demand for companies like ours to have all four berries all year long,” Cindy shared with me. “We’ve been working really hard on our other berries: strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, to really meet that goal. And we’ve finally found the right variety and the right location to expand our raspberry program.”
For its expanded raspberry program, California Giant found a few growing districts through central Mexico that vibe well with the fruit. As a result, the company will no longer have to rely only on its California growing regions to satisfy sweet, fruity cravings that come in the colder months.
Cindy also told me about Tour de Fresh and the buzz of excitement that is already aflutter for the upcoming ride—both this year’s and next!
“Since we’re kind of home for Tour de Fresh, we get a lot of riders that are riding next month coming by to visit. We have a lot of people that have already tried to sign up for 2019,” Cindy said. “It’s kind of like a little home that we provide for people who are either sponsors or riding in Tour de Fresh or interested in learning more about it.”
To hear from Cindy herself, watch the video above. And to continue to stay up-to-date on the goings on in produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
MCLEAN, VA - Gladstone Land Corporation has acquired five farms in southern Florida, totaling 5,630 acres for approximately $37.4 million, or about $6,643 per acre. Upon acquisition, Gladstone Land entered into a multi-year, triple-net lease with a leading agricultural operation.
“This acquisition adds another strong tenant and five additional top-tier farms growing healthy produce to our growing list of owned and leased farmland,” said David Gladstone, President and CEO of Gladstone Land, in a recent press release. “We were able to quickly reinvest the proceeds from the recent sale of an Oregon farm into these larger and higher-yielding farms, and by executing this acquisition in conjunction with our recent sale of an Oregon farm through a like-kind exchange, we have deferred recognition of the capital gain we achieved on the sale. We hope to have several more acquisitions to announce over the second half of 2018.”
Bill Frisbie, Managing Director of Gladstone Land, added, “We are pleased to significantly increase our high-value, fruit, and vegetable acreage in South Florida. This region has very fertile ground and many strong farm operators who we can partner with to continue expanding our farmland holdings in the region. Florida continues to experience strong population growth, which puts upward pressure on farmland values and rents as more acreage is taken out of production every year for development.”
Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for the latest in produce news.
SALINAS, CA - Tanimura & Antle is partying like its 1999, as the company welcomes Nick Sgheiza to his new role as Vice President of Harvest. The newly promoted exec began his Tanimura & Antle journey in 1999 as an intern in the company’s cooler, harvest, and planting department and has since flourished.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Sgheiza said. “Not many companies have the type of vertical integration that would allow someone to serve in functions from planting to harvest and everything in between. Those roles have equipped me with the skills and insight needed to succeed in this leadership position.”
Once Sgheiza graduated from college, he made his way back to Tanimura & Antle, where he dove into his farming career with the spinach and spring mix crews. From there, he worked with romaine, mixed lettuces, and celery departments. His most recent role was Senior Director of Harvest Operations, but prior to that, he managed onion operations. His hands-on experience with the company’s produce within these various departments gives him unique insight into the company’s entire farming operation.
“I began working directly with Nick when he moved from managing harvest crews in celery to the onion operation where he helped build our labor force by converting contractors to employee-only crews while managing that operation. We made a great team and am excited for his promotion,” Scott Grabau, President and Chief Executive Officer, shared in a company press release. “Nick’s hard work and dedication to leading by example has earned respect from his peers at all levels. He embodies our culture of quality, service, ownership and accountability.”
Sgheiza is familiar with Salinas well beyond his roles at Tanimura & Antle, having grown up in the region and attending Palma High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in crop science with a minor in agriculture business from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Further priming him for his new executive role was his completion and graudation from the Future Leaders Program of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. This program enlightens new generations of agriculture professionals to the happenings within the industry that extend past daily responsibilities. He also participated in Monterey County Farm Day.
Congratulations to Nick Sgheiza and the whole Tanimura & Antle team. We look forward to seeing how this new promotion brings growth to the company in new and exciting ways!