MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Target is kicking off a day promising dozens of deals in multiple departments to online shoppers on July 17, a day also dubbed “Prime Day” by Amazon.
Spanning home, kitchen gadgets, beauty, toys, electronics, and more, the retailer noted in an announcement that guests who spend $100 or more will receive a free six-month membership for same-day delivery, shopped by Shipt. Aside from the discounted membership on its recently-acquired grocery delivery arm, the retailer did not note specific deals for its grocery department in the event like that of Amazon’s inclusion of Whole Foods Market.
The Target.com one-day sale will begin early in the morning (the retailer did not note a specific time) on Tuesday, July 17, and run through 11:59 p.m. CT.
In addition to the Shipt membership, which comes out to nearly $50 in savings according to a press release, consumers will find:
- 30 percent off Target-exclusive home brands
- Sale on cookware, small appliances and floorcare
- 25 percent off beauty and personal care
- Sale on select top toy brands
- Spend $20, save $5 on books
- 30 percent off Target-exclusive kids' home brands
- Up to 30 percent off top Google products
- Up to 30 percent off select baby gear
- Free shipping on next-day Target Restock delivery orders on July 17
The sale is set to include Target exclusive brands as well as top national brands. As always, Target REDcard holders can save 5 percent and get free two-day shipping on most items on Target.com though no membership is required for shoppers to get in on the deals. Target noted those not shopping with a REDcard are still eligible for free two-day shipping with a purchase of $35 or more.
Will the compounded amount of deals bring an influx of e-commerce traffic to both retailers? ANUK will continue to follow the latest.
IRVINE, CA - Western Growers has announced plans to honor Stephen “Steve” Patricio with the 2018 version of the organization’s prestigious Award of Honor. Patricio will receive the honor on October 30th, in a ceremony honoring Patricio’s visionary leadership and his work “advancing the ag industry by leaps and bounds.”
“I was speechless when I found out I was selected for this award,” said Patricio, in a Western Growers press release. “I never thought that, in the end of it all, I would be a farmer or involved in this honorable and wonderful world that I am so engaged in today. I often tell youth that your career chooses you, and because I followed the path life decided to take me on, I am proud to say that I am a farmer. I couldn’t imagine being in any other industry.”
The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of industry achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community, and the association noted, in its press release, that Patricio is being recognized “for his immeasurable leadership and contribution to the agricultural industry” and for efforts which resulted in “significant advancements in food safety and the protection of public health.”
A Los Banos, California-native, Patricio is deeply involved in the central California community and ag industry. Over the course of his career, Patricio has served as Chairman for Western Growers, Center for Produce Safety, California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, and Monrovia Nursery Company. He has held leadership positions at Western Growers Assurance Trust, Monsanto Vegetable Seeds Advisory Council, and the Produce Marketing Association.
“Steve has been a tireless advocate for agriculture, and his ability to turn some of the most tumultuous challenges that our industry has faced over the past few decades into opportunities is unmatched,” said Tom Nassif, President and CEO of Western Growers. “He has already left a tremendous legacy as someone who shoulders the responsibility of igniting change that advances the industry as a whole.”
Patricio led the creation of the first-ever mandatory food safety compliance program for the California cantaloupe industry, helped to raise millions of dollars to fund research geared toward preventing foodborne illness, and also played an integral role in the establishment of the California and Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreements, which today have become the model for produce safety and accountability.
“When you look at the success of California agriculture, Steve is a true representative of why the ag community is as successful as it is today,” said Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, Executive Director of the Center for Produce Safety. “He truly embodies passion and proactivity, and his commitment to food safety to benefit both the consumer and industry is unlike any other.”
Additionally, Western Growers noted, Patricio has spent countless hours throughout his 45-year tenure in the industry advocating for a sustainable supply of water for farmers to grow the food that feeds the state, nation and world. Patricio launched the industry’s first orientation program for agribusinesses that focused exclusively on water rights, and has, according to the association, taken every opportunity. Patricio was even asked to join former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the San Luis Reservoir to call attention to the need for more surface water storage and stress the need for a comprehensive water solution.
“Steve has one of the brightest minds and quickest wit in the industry,” said Bob Gray, past Chairman of Western Growers and former President/CEO of California Ag Leadership Foundation. “He is a contributor of substance, and the expertise and competence he has brought regarding food safety and water has made major impacts for the industry.”
Patricio’s accomplishments and passion for shaping the ag industry will be recognized at the Award of Honor Dinner Gala at the Western Growers Annual Meeting on October 30, 2018, in Palm Desert, California.
MONTEREY, CA - My first Organic Produce Summit (OPS) has come to a close, and boy, was it one for the books. With sold-out exhibitor spaces, as well as thriving attendance, the energy and excitement of the third annual event was palpable from the moment I stepped foot in the city of Monterey.
I heard before I made it to the show that the buyer-to-supplier ratio was once one to rival, and I’m happy to confirm that was absolutely the case. With over 1,400 in attendance, including over 250 retailers from nearly 100 different banners and tens of thousands of stores in the U.S. and Canada, OPS is clearly a force to be reckoned with for the $14 billion organic fresh produce industry.
OPS attendees started day one with exclusive retailer and buyer field tours of Ocean Mist Organic, Driscoll’s, Taylor Farms, Braga Fresh Family Farms and Tanimura & Antle facilities and operations. That parlayed into with an opening party at at the newly refurbished Monterey Conference Center, where friends convened and glasses clinked.
The show then continued on Thursday morning with what I thought OPS really excelled at—educational breakout sessions, including ‘The Organic Supply Chain I and II - Opportunities and Challenges’, ‘E-Grocery and the Future of Organic Fresh Produce at Retail’, and ‘Organic Ingredients - Creating New Opportunities in the Produce Department.’ Featuring some of the biggest names and minds on the supply and buy side as panelists and moderators.
Next, kicking off the keynote presentations was Journalist, Author and Discoverer of the Blue Zones, Dan Buettner. He discovered the five places in the world, now dubbed Blue Zones, where people live the longest and healthiest lives. Then, Geoff White, President of OWN Brands, took the stage to share his insights on the growth and development for Albertsons’ O Organics brand.
Following Geoff, Organic Produce Network Founder Tonya Antle moderated an illuminating Retailer Roundtable session with three of the nation’s most progressive retailers in the area of organics—Roger Harkrider of Meijer, Ron McCormick of Walmart, and Randy Riley of Kroger. During the Retailer Roundtable, attendees garnered wisdom from each panelist on how they approaches organic fresh produce and the potential for this growing market segment.
Then, of course, was the show floor; vibrant and bustling with excitement as buyers and suppliers shared innovations, ideas, and good times with one another. Organics were the perfect backdrop.
But, as they say, you don’t have to take my word for it. Here are just a few thoughts about the show that I was able to gather from attendees…
“The OPS show is the perfect opportunity to have discussions with high level produce decision-makers in an informal setting,” shared Kate Reeb, Director of Marketing at Sun Pacific. “The location and venue were both excellent and it was a great mix of retailers from across the country.”
“The Organic Produce Summit just concluded, and after attending this show, it is very clear to me where the growth and energy of this industry is headed! The attendance and energy here was off the chart, and I am walking away from the show ready to make a bigger impact on what we do with our organic program here at Grocery Outlet,” Scot Olson, Vice President of Produce and Floral, told me after the show. “The opening reception was so successful and packed with industry professionals having a great time networking that they finally had to turn off the lights to get us all to leave. The morning educational breakout sessions were well attended and packed with great content that continued into the keynote presentations. The exhibition was alive with vibrant conversation on how we can all continue to grow and develop our organic business in the future. Thank you to the great sponsors for supporting this event and all of the excellent content!”
“The OPS is by far the industries must-attend event! The quality of the buyers present and the level of targeted engagement over the last two days was stellar,” added Mark Munger, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 4Earth Farms. “There is an unexplainable energy when we all come together and focus on one specific segment of our industry. The organic category continues to drive produce growth and consumer excitement at the retail level and that excitement was evident in all aspects of the OPS event.”
“We had tremendous customer engagement during our sponsored field tours, educational sessions, and the exhibit, Diana McClean, Director of Marketing at Ocean Mist Farms, said. “The new venue was fantastic. Thanks OPS!”
Perhaps who summed it best, though, was Monina Knox, Produce Sourcing Specialist for Sobeys, who said, “Another great show and another great year.”
Congratulations to the team behind OPS for yet another winning event and to both attendees and exhibitors for continuing to raise the bar on organic fresh produce! Hope to see your faces back there in 2019.
HANFORD, CA - After launching a new website and releasing new products this year, third-generation pistachio and almond farming and processing operation Nichols Farms is continuing to take steps to bolster its strategic branding and innovation efforts, announcing the hire of marketing veteran Tristan Simpson as the new Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.
“As a family owned company, I have always been passionate about honoring the legacy that came before us and set us up for success. Not only do we offer high-quality products, but our decades of farming expertise have earned us the trust of consumers and built a story of preservation and growth that resonates with our customers. Tristan is a great addition to our team and exactly who we need to help continue to position ourselves in the global marketplace and to tell our story,” said CEO Chuck Nichols.
As the new Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Simpson will be pulling from her 20+ years of experience specializing in fresh, natural, and organic products to lead Nichols Farms’ initiatives in the development of strategic branding, sales and marketing, and new product development. According to a press release, as a member of the Executive Management Team, Simpson will also be responsible for contributing to the strategic direction of the company, the development of executional plans for success, and managing all internal and external communication.
“I am excited to be joining and working alongside this team of talented and dedicated individuals at Nichols Farms. As we work to expand our retail presence and bolster our overall brand, me and my team’s focus will be developing and executing a defined marketing and communications strategy that helps support the business growth and tell the unique story of this innovative family brand,” Simpson said.
Simpson formerly served as SVP, Chief Marketing Officer for Ready Pac Foods®, where she provided strategic leadership, including overseeing marketing and R&D, corporate communications, and creative functions, establishing digital and social media platforms, and helping to integrate consumer brand engagement.
For more industry news like this, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
CHICAGO, IL - Former Whole Foods Market co-CEO and founder of Stonewall Robb Advisors Walter Robb is joining the ranks at venture capital fund S2G Ventures (Seed 2 Growth) as Executive-in-Residence. In his new role, Robb will help the firm identify new investments and mentor portfolio entrepreneurs who are moving the food system toward sustainability and health.
“My career has been dedicated to bringing healthier, more sustainable food to more people, and trying to bring purpose and values to business,” Robb said. “S2G invests in dynamic entrepreneurs who care about some of these very same issues. I look forward to collaborating with them to continue transforming our food system.”
According to a press release, investment in the food and beverage sector has more than tripled since 2013, as the industry continues to be disrupted by start-ups and incubators. As a result, S2G investments span the entire supply chain from agriculture, infrastructure, food safety and technology, brands, and more. In his new role, Robb will work with S2G portfolio companies that are dedicated to growing and transforming the food system.
“Walter is a widely-respected and innovative leader, whose commitment to sustainable food systems helped transform the grocery and retail industries,” said S2G Managing Director Sanjeev Krishnan. “We look forward to drawing on his expertise and insights to replicate that success across the entire food system.”
In addition to his new role at S2G, Robb will continue leading Stonewall Robb Advisors, which he founded in 2017 to advise, invest in, and mentor individuals and organizations that share his passion for organic, local, and regenerative agriculture. The company’s current portfolio includes Heat Genie, Food Maven, New Barn Inc., among others.
For more of the latest teams expanding to meet evolving produce needs in our industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
CALIFORNIA - According to a comprehensive report from The Mercury News, California’s wildfires are the worst they’ve been in the last ten years. The most common reason given for this state of affairs is the drought that plagued the state from 2012-2017. Although the effects were alleviated somewhat by the heavy rainfall during the last two winters, fire experts report that the dead vegetation still remains, which heavily increased fire risks.
“We are going to be dealing with the impacts of that drought for many years,” said Scott McLean, Deputy Chief of CalFire.
The County Fire, which began June 30 and spread throughout Yolo and Napa counties, has burned 90,000 acres but is now 73 percent contained. A heat wave that we recently reported on in Southern California—which sent temperatures soaring up to 115 degrees in Los Angeles County—made conditions even more difficult for the Holiday Fire in Goleta, Santa Barbara County, but is now 90 percent contained. The combination of heat and high, erratic winds has hindered the progress of of fire crews battling the Klamathon Fire in Siskiyou County, which runs along Interstate 5 near the Oregon border. That fire has consumed 35,250 acres and has crossed over to Oregon. As of July 11, The Mercury reports, the fire is only 30 percent contained.
Currently, the highest fire dangers in the country are the aforementioned Siskiyou County fire, fires in Central California from the Bay Area to Santa Barbara, and Northern Nevada and Southern Idaho, according to Craig Clements, an Assistant Professor of Meteorology at San Jose State University.
As hotter temperatures dry out vegetation earlier in the year, the fire season lengthens, explained Scott Stephens, Professor of Fire Science at UC Berkeley. In addition, this year California saw late rains in May which boosted grass growth in some areas by 50 percent. Now that this vegetation is dry, the fire has more to feed on.
“We’re just having longer periods where fires can ignite and move,” he stated. “It looks pretty severe. I expect this will be a challenging year because of this early activity.”
The total number of acres burned in California so far this year —upwards of 196,000 acres—is more than twice the average of the previous five years, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
“Six of the last seven years in California have been in drought,” stated Jessica Gardetto, a spokeswoman for the National Interagency Fire Center. "These hot and dry temperatures are going to persist, and that is compounding the problem. Once these fires start, they are incredibly difficult to put out.”
Official reports have not yet surfaced regarding the effects of the fires on the produce industry, although the most active fires are burning in areas that produce apricots, avocados, and almonds. AndNowUKnow will continue to follow the latest developments.
TOKYO, JAPAN - Reports have surfaced this week that Walmart plans to part ways with its Seiyu banner.
According to a report by Nikkei Asian Review, Walmart is engaged in an ongoing effort to adjust its global operations to the pressures of intensifying competition from online retailers like Amazon and has decided to sell the 300 to 500 billion yen banner ($2.7 billion to $4.5 billion) thereby leaving the Japanese brick-and-mortar market.
According to Nikkei, multiple sources familiar with the matter have claimed that Walmart has approached both major retailers and private equity funds to court a potential buyer.
Though the move will divest Walmart of its brick-and-mortar presence in Japan, the company will presumably continue its partnership with Rakuten—with an online grocery service debuting this summer.
Over the course of the last year, Walmart has made significant investments and divestments in various international markets—most recently with the high-profile acquisition of Flipkart this May and the sale of controlling interest in the retailer’s Brazilian operations in June.
Just this month, Walmart subsidiary Jet.com announced plans to open a fulfillment center in New York City, New York, potentially signaling a greater focus toward urban markets in the U.S.
Walmart is not the first global retailer to depart the Japanese grocery market; Carrefour parted ways with its assets in the region more than a decade ago in 2005, and more recently, Tesco left the country in 2011. And Nikkei noted that Walmart’s sale would be the largest disruption to the Japanese grocery industry since Uny Group Holdings merged with FamilyMart two years ago.
How will Walmart’s international moves play out as it vies for market share with online competitors? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
GREELEY, CO - Whether tucked in with a Sunday roast or chopped up in a crisp salad, carrots make their way into diets all over the world in more ways than I can fathom.
With so many go-to meals hinging on the addition of the veg, I got to wondering how carrot season is shaping up. To connect the dots, Jordan Hungenberg, Hungenberg Produce’s Co-Owner, fills me in on the latest for carrot season and more.
“We started planting in March, and we will begin harvesting in early July for both organic and conventional carrots,” he explains, sharing that the company is right on schedule for harvesting. “We have had a few storms roll by, but, for the most part, our crop is looking really strong. Colorado can have some challenging weather, but I try not to let adversity take away from the majority of fields being near perfect. I just keep my nose to the grind and keep working.”
Bright outlook in tow, Jordan says that this year’s volume is bigger than ever, as the company continues to focus on expansion of its production year-after-year.
“Our first year we were only growing 62 acres of organic carrots. That was 2015, and now we are over 220. With Colorado’s population growing, and the organic sector staying strong, it was a smart play for us,” Jordan says to me.
As production revs up to meet growing consumer demands, the company has a carrot that keeps retailers running back for more: prime positioning. Being centrally located within the U.S. has its perks, providing fresh produce to retailers from every angle.
“Our carrot program's main incentive is being centrally located in the middle of the United States. With transportation fighting its own challenges across the United States with all growers and distributors, saving money and time on freight is huge for our customers,” Jordan shares. “Having a fresh product on the shelf is also an incentive. Most places we ship to we are no more than a day or two away from distribution centers.”
Hungenberg Produce’s recent increase in production comes at a time when it is welcoming new Food Safety personnel, making sure that the produce leaving its docks is safe for those looking forward to enjoying it.
“Growing and packing a delicious and safe to eat product to all consumers is our top goal, so this year we were very excited to bring on Antoinette Machado out of UC Davis to our food safety team. She brings a pair of fresh eyes, abundant knowledge in processing vegetables, and a whole lot of enthusiasm to our team,” Jordan shares of the exciting new addition to the team.
Congratulations to Antoinette and the whole Hungenberg team on the new addition to the company’s safety efforts.
Does this news tug on your inner Bugs Bunny and have you asking, “What’s up, Doc?” Well, that’s not all, folks. AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on the latest industry trends and happenings, so stay tuned.
WASHINGTON, DC - With so many players in our industry talking about organics—many of whom are down in Monterey this week for Organic Produce Summit (OPS), living their best lives underneath the California sun—it seems natural that the Organic Trade Association (OTA) would have an exciting bit of news this week as well. The organization recently announced that it has appointed a new Director of Industry Relations, Membership, and Development; Cassandra Christine will assume the role effective this week.
“I look forward to continue my work growing, promoting, and advocating on behalf of organic producers and businesses,” said Christine.
According to a press release, Christine has a longstanding commitment to organics. She most recently served on the staff of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in a business development role. She is well known for her skills and entrepreneurial energy that helps mission-driven businesses succeed.
In this new role as Director of Industry Relations, Christine will serve the Organic Trade Association and its affiliated 501(c)3 research organization, The Organic Center, to support stakeholder engagement and special initiatives. She will help develop membership, facilitate sponsorship and advertising opportunities, and lead the association’s Membership Team.
Congratulations to Cassandra from all of us here at AndNowUKnow.
SEATTLE, WA - Less than a month after introducing Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers and a week out from the South Korean launch of an Avocado Frappuccino, Starbucks is at it again—with a new fruit-focused beverage that features a seriously trendy superfood—coconut. The perennially popular chain introduced two new permanent menu items this week—including an Iced Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Latte.
According to Food and Wine, the new Coconutmilk Latte is an attempt to embrace the popularity of non-dairy milks. And while this isn’t the first foray into adding plant-based appeal to espresso drinks (recall the perhaps ill-conceived Broccolatte), it’s certainly one of the tastier-sounding tries.
In a triumph of less-is-more barista-ing, the drink is made by pouring shots of espresso over iced vanilla bean coconut milk, reports Refinery29. And, unlike many Starbucks drinks in which syrups with trace amounts of dairy product are used, the Iced Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Latte is entirely vegan—boosting the brands burgeoning sense of cache with that set of conscientious eaters.
The Iced Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Latte and its sister drink, the Salted Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew, are here just in time for the dog days of summer—adding fruit-filled coolness to those hot lazy days.
When will Starbucks next turn to fresh fruit categories for on-trend drinks? For more fruit and veggie news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.