BENTONVILLE, AR - Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Walmart U.S. Tony Rogers will be transitioning into a leadership role with subsidiary Sam’s Club next month. He’s moved up the ranks of Walmart since starting out as its Senior Director of Brand Strategy in 2005, including having worked with current Sam’s Club CEO John Furner for Walmart China prior to his current role.
"When I was in China I worked for [Sam's Club CEO] John Furner, and I was really drawn to him as a leader," Rogers told AdAge. "He rang me up recently and said they were going to create this job."
The newly-created role the executive referenced is Chief Member Officer, which Rogers told the source he found appealing because after 20 years in marketing working on packaged-goods, tech, retail, and customer marketing, this will be his first time working with a membership database.
Before joining Walmart, Rogers spent six years in PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division in a number of brand marketing roles on the Tostitos and Doritos brands, and also on the Walmart customer team there. Prior to his marketing career, he was a Certified Public Accountant with accounting firm KPMG.
Rogers served as Chief Marketing Officer of Walmart China before moving to U.S. operations, leading traditional, digital, and social media efforts for Walmart stores in China as well as for Walmart-branded online-to-offline initiatives. During his two years in China, Rogers focused on driving the day-to-day business while also building a world-class marketing function in country, according to Walmart’s website. He also spent eight years in the Walmart U.S. marketing organization, holding a variety of roles including Senior Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Advertising.
He is best known during this time for his work on Walmart's "Save Money. Live Better." rebranding initiative, revamping the company's advertising approach and championing multicultural marketing.
Rogers told AdAge that he sees a lot of untapped potential in Sam’s Club, much like he saw the Walmart brand when he first joined on. As for who will succeed him, Rogers said they have not yet been named, but that he won't move to Sam's until late July, leaving time for a transition.
NEW YORK CITY, NY - Sipping an iced beverage by the pool is my kind of summer, but what would these fruity drinks be without limes? Probably still delicious! Just in time for summer and the influx of (produce) items needed for the perfect chillax sesh, A.J. Trucco announced TruStar is expanding its program to include limes, set to launch this season.
“With branded produce becoming increasingly more important in store, we feel the addition of limes to our TruStar brand is a natural complement to our current TruStar offering,” said Nick Pacia, CEO of A.J. Trucco. “We are pleased to offer this program year-round and know that the extension of our brand will translate to strong sales in-store.”
Sourced from Veracruz, Mexico, TruStar limes will be available year-round in 10 lb boxes and retail packs that will feature the recognizable, color-coordinated logo mark and design familiar to TruStar products. And, according to a press release, TruStar’s new lime program will play an integral role in ensuring the finest quality product goes from farm to shelf.
For more on the latest fresh fruit and veg hitting grocery aisles, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
NEW YORK, NY - As the first official day of summer marks the beginning of the coming season’s barbecues and pool parties, we welcome another starting point. Alan Blake is joining Blue Apron as Chief Supply Chain Officer, starting June 25th.
“I am energized by the opportunities ahead of Blue Apron in such a dynamic and high-profile category,” Blake said. “I am looking forward to working closely with the team to unlock further efficiencies and provide customers nationwide with incredible culinary experiences.”
Blake joins the Blue Apron team with over 30 years of experience leading consumer packaged goods, beverage, and food companies, according to a press release. Now, in his new role, Blake will tackle end-to-end processes throughout the company’s supply chain, which consists of sourcing, procurement, planning, manufacturing, and distributing, among other tasks.
“We have made significant progress in increasing operational efficiencies throughout our fulfillment network, and operational optimization remains an ongoing strategic priority,” Brad Dickerson, Blue Apron CEO, said. “Alan’s leadership and experience will be a valuable asset to the company as we continue to advance our end-to-end processes so that we can fully leverage what we expect to be significant and differentiating operational capabilities in order to capitalize on our future growth opportunities.”
The new hire and Blake’s new responsibilities come at a time when the company furthers its multi-product, multi-channel expansion, and Blake will now report to Dickerson, as well as serve on Blue Apron’s executive leadership team.
Most recently, Blake worked at Revlon, where he held the title of Chief Supply Chain Officer and was responsible for all aspects pertaining to the company’s end-to-end supply chain, the organization of thousands of employees globally and across the company’s six internal manufacturing plants, and overseeing its distribution centers and co-manufacturers.
Prior to his role at Revlon, Blake held the role of Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Ventura Foods. Before that position, Blake was Vice President of North American Manufacturing and then Vice President of the North American Supply Chain and US Retail Business Team at Campbell Soup Company. In addition to this experience, Blake led the Global Production Operations at Brown-Forman, worked in plant operations and distribution at Ocean Spray, and began his career at Procter & Gamble, where he spent 17 years establishing himself in the supply chain and operations.
Blake’s education background includes a Bachelors of Science in industrial systems engineering from Ohio State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Xavier University.
Congratulations to Alan Blake and the whole executive team at Blue Apron. For more industry happenings, check back with us at AndNowUKnow.
WENATCHEE, WA - With the 4th of July right around the corner, as well as National Rainier Cherry Day on the 11th, summertime cherry promotions are set to kick off. Stemilt wants to spread the cherry love, as the company recommends that retailers start looking into cherry promotions for upcoming summer holidays.
“The color is stunning on Rainiers this season with great size and that classic, overwhelming sweetness that shoppers seek out,” said Roger Pepperl, Marketing Director. “It’s important that retailers start pulling Rainiers now and plan for promotions in late June and early July. This year, retailers can run their entire cherry line-up on ad for the big July 4th promotion. Following that ad with a big feature on Rainier cherries for their special day will entice shoppers to purchase, and ring in the dollars for your department.”
The company noted that it has strong volumes of Rainier cherries this season, with conventional Rainiers even with last year’s volume and organic Rainiers up 50 percent. Organic Rainier cherries are a niche item, but one that Stemilt has grown with purpose for decades. According to Pepperl, Rainier size and quality—for both conventional and organic fruit—is exceptional this season.
“Rainiers are a high-ring item, and increasing sales velocity during the peak weeks through promotions is a great way to bring dollars and growth to your category,” said Pepperl. “Rainiers have a short season, and that makes every week of sales important at retail. Now is the time to plan for big promotions on Stemilt’s Rainier cherries, and as you do, be sure to take advantage of this cherry’s story to create excitement with your shoppers around its availability and superior qualities.”
Decades ago, Stemilt led the industry in creating a market for Rainier cherries. At the time, Rainiers were primarily pollinators for Bing cherries, but emerging new self-pollinating dark-sweet cherries reduced that need. Stemilt founder Tom Mathison saw the potential for a second, and very sweet, cherry SKU and began farming Rainiers on a large-scale. Today, West Mathison, Stemilt President and Tom’s grandson, guides the company in growing large, sweet, and dessert-flavored Rainier cherries.
"Our history with growing entire orchards of Rainier cherries translated to experience and a great understanding of how to grow high-quality Rainiers today,” said Pepperl. “Rainier is a delicate variety that needs extra care before, during, and after harvest. At Stemilt’s we work hard to do all of the little things right to ensure only ‘world famous’ Rainiers make it to your stores.”
A Stemilt Fruit Tracker™ analysis of Nielsen scan data during the past three cherry seasons showed that Rainier cherries accounted, on average, for nearly 13.5 percent of cherry category sales in the U.S. during their three-week peak in late June to mid-July.
“The organic category is booming, and fruits and vegetables are leading that growth,” said Pepperl. “Offering Artisan Organics™ Rainier cherries is a great way to build your organic category with a premium, flavorful offering that will have shoppers coming back for more.
Stemilt has a bevy of offerings for retailers looking to extend their Rainier cherry promotions. The company has pop-up display bins with Rainiers featured on one side. Retailers can use bins to drive impulse purchases throughout the cherry season, and the Rainier side during National Rainier Cherry Day celebrations. Stemilt also has retailer toolkits and POS signage to help promote the special variety in-store and through digital communications. Stemilt packs Rainier cherries in several pouch bag and clamshell packaging options.
Stemilt’s Rainier cherries are in season for two months and, according to a press release, promotable through the weeks of June 25, July 2nd, and July 9th.
For the latest in fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
WOODRIDGE, IL - At Produce Pro Software, we develop robust software solutions for all business types throughout the supply chain; including tailored solutions with the specific needs of growers, packers, and shippers in mind.
Here’s What’s in Store.
Farming is complex; made up of ever-changing variables. From changes in labor costs, spraying schedules, harvesting, and plantings—the better you can track variables, the better you can manage your operation.
From the field through distribution, Produce Pro’s software allows growers to gain true flexibility and visibility within their unique operation:
- Set up farms, fields, and blocks to monitor your acreage your way.
- Create plantings to track a crop’s progress.
- Track material and labor costs.
- Manage inventory.
- Analyze costs.
- Track containers, count and weight.
- Manage field spraying, and more.
And at Produce Pro, we know there is no down time for packers and shippers. You need instant real time information and multiple ways to settle with growers quickly and accurately, a way to determine which crops are profitable and which are not, and make sure all inventory is tracked and every case is traceable.
With our software solutions, packers and shippers can:
- Manage inventory instantly.
- Create an expense record.
- Maintain complete traceability down to the case.
- Settle quickly and accurately with growers.
- Manage repacking expenses.
- Track labor and material costs.
- Setup product codes.
- Determine the precise percentage of yields for growers.
- And run accurate settlement and pack-out reports.
Whether you’re a grower, a packer, a shipper, or all three, Produce Pro Software provides you with a 360-degree view of your world and gives you the tools you need to improve efficiency, reduce expenses, and optimize profits season after season.
Contact us today to learn more or visit producepro.com. Thank you for watching What’s in Store.
KINGSVILLE, ON - When it comes to the greenhouse industry, it's all about one word: flavor. One company that showed it had flavor in spades was Red Sun Farms, who took home top honors in several categories at this year’s 2018 Annual Greenhouse Competition in Leamington, Ontario.
“These awards solidify what we already knew, in that we have some of the best products available on the market. The recognition of our produce is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team here at Red Sun,” Carlos Visconti, CEO of Canada and United States Operations, said.
At the end of the fierce, yet neighborly, competition, Red Sun Farms received the following awards:
- 1st place - Best Hothouse Mini Seedless Cucumbers - Red Sun Farms Mini Cucumbers
- 2nd place - Best Hothouse Cluster tomato - Red Sun Farms Specialty Tomatoes on the Vine
- 1st place - Best Hothouse Roma Tomatoes - Red Sun Farms Roma Tomatoes
- 1st place - Best Hothouse Specialty Tomato - Red Sun Farms Gourmet Cherry on the Vine
Along with the efforts of the powerhouse team at Red Sun, the company also credited its vertically-integrated business model to the wins, noting the model helps ensure the highest level of quality in all Red Sun products.
According to a press release, all funds raised from the Greenhouse Competitions go to R.E.A.C.H. International. The R.E.A.CH. charity is responsible for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to build schools and clinics, drill water wells, and sponsor and care for impoverished children in Uganda, Africa. Red Sun Farms is also a supporter of the R.E.A.C.H. charity, supporting not only through its involvement in the competition, but also through its sponsorship of the event.
Cheers to another year of showcasing award-winning flavor to our colleagues at Red Sun Farms.
LEAMINGTON, ON - Mucci Farms announced that it was awarded several top prizes at the 11th Annual Greenhouse Competition held at the Leamington Fair. The big winner was Smuccies™ Sweet Strawberries, which won the all new strawberry category with Best Overall Strawberry, People’s Choice, and Kid’s Choice awards. In addition, its newest item, Cutecumber™ Poppers—a one-bite cucumber variety—was awarded the People’s Choice award in the cucumber category. Rustico™ Long Red Peppers—an item geared for grilling season—took home the award for best Specialty Long Pepper, along with English Cucumbers winning the Coolest Cucumber category.
“Smuccies are a prized possession for us, so it’s really special to win three awards in the category in the inaugural year,” said Emily Murracas, Director of Marketing. “At Mucci Farms, we prioritize flavor right from the first step which is to identify the best seed varieties, followed by the best and safest growing methods. We’re grateful to the judges and the local community for recognizing our team and our growers for all the work they’ve put in.”
New to the competition this year was the highly anticipated strawberry category, one that the company noted has been gaining lots of notoriety in the greenhouse space in recent years.
The Greenhouse Competition is presented at the Leamington Fair by REACH International to celebrate Essex County as being the largest greenhouse industry in North America.
All net proceeds from the event are dedicated to REACH International's Uganda project aimed at building schools, clinics, and providing care for impoverished children in the African country.
“The objectives of REACH International line up seamlessly with our goals of giving back to those less fortunate, so we enjoy participating in this competition for the charity aspect as much, or even more than receiving awards,” remarked Danny Mucci, President of Mucci International Marketing.
Winners for the two-day Greenhouse Competition were selected in two stages. According to a company press release, judges from across the food industry judged each entry before the public was allowed in the competition tent.
The entry with the highest score for each category and the overall competition were declared the winners. Once official judging was complete, the public was given the opportunity to taste all the entries and vote for the People’s Choice Award and Kid’s Choice Awards.
Congratulations, Mucci Farms, on another year of wins!
UNITED STATES - Admittedly, upon reading the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FMCSA’s recent announcement of regulatory guidance for transporting ag commodities, my initial reaction was that it was too good to be true. I said as much to produce transport and logistics expert and Vice President of the Allen Lund Company Kenny Lund when I asked him what it really meant.
“That was my reaction exactly—the government actually helped us!” Kenny says. “But this is it, and it’s fantastic for produce and transportation companies. It’s a game changer as far as what we were dealing with on the produce level of ELDs.”
FMCSA announced new regulatory guidance clarifying exception with regard to:
- Drivers operating unladen vehicles traveling either to pick up an agricultural commodity or returning from a delivery point
- Drivers engaged in trips beyond 150 air-miles from the source of the agricultural commodity
- Determining the "source" of agricultural commodities under the exemptions
- How the exception applies when agricultural commodities are loaded at multiple sources during a trip
And Kenny has been flooded with calls and emails as to what this all means.
“It’s even better than people think in two ways,” he regales me. “The 150 mile exemption is in air miles, so it actually calculates to about 172.6 miles—a bigger circle outside that packing shed than anyone thought. And it includes when you’re loading and unloading, so that is a lot of time you can operate before clicking on.”
The second big move of this clarification Kenny notes is a change in defining the point of origin of produce, and the impact bringing an empty trailer to the site can have.
“That 172.6 miles is from the point of origin, which can now be the packing shed instead the field. That is also a huge difference, and if the trailer is empty I can go into exempt hours in the 172.6 miles going into the packing shed because I’m still in the circle,” he says, helping me do the math. “So, instead of 150 miles it could be as high as 345.2 miles that you get to run exempt.”
All this could easily drop a day off of a cross country run with produce, Kenny says, and the circle for “local” produce, which was constricted by the initial regulations, could also be expanded further than even prior to the initial ELD specifications.
The effects are being seen as quickly as the word is getting out. The only hiccup Kenny can identify in what otherwise seems a smile from fate is that drivers do have to make sure they are stopped at that 172.6 mile mark to go off exempt, but with strategic planning in advance this can be minimal.
“I cannot stress enough how helpful this is if used the right way to help produce. It’s wonderful, and we’re trying to figure out how to get the word out to our customers. This is true, and this is big,” he assures. “The quicker words spread the more positive results we will see.”
So there you have it folks: it’s real, it’s rolling, and the more you put in the more we’ll all get out of it!
HOUSTON, TX - Texan grocery distributor Grocers Supply—a C&S Wholesale Grocers subsidiary providing to Fiesta, Piggly Wiggly, and other retailers throughout Texas and the South—has made plans to significantly grow its presence in its home state. Liberty Property Trust announced that it has broken ground on a new 727,600-square-foot distribution center that Grocers Supply will lease long-term, providing the company with increased capacity and greater efficiency in serving the southeast Texas market.
“This project will consolidate several buildings into one state-of-the-art facility, thereby enhancing our ability to provide efficient and timely distribution throughout the market,” said Max Henderson, President of Grocers Supply, in a press release reported on by the Houston Business Journal. “This long-term investment demonstrates Grocers Supply’s commitment to our highly-valued customers as well as growing our business in the years to come.”
The new facility will reportedly include a 540-foot-deep building with 40-foot clear height, 65-foot speed bays, and 75 dock doors. The distribution center will also feature two pre-engineered metal buildings—a 24,870-square-foot building for maintenance and a 20,020-square-foot one for pallet stripping—and Grocers Supply will also own 34 acres of land adjacent to the facility.
Grocers Supply scrapped a similar project in 2014, Houston Business Journal also noted, when the company was acquired by C&S Wholesale Grocers.
For more on important news in fresh produce retail, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
VINELAND, NJ - Mangos hailing from Mexico-based Fruta Exporta and Perez Organico are now Fair Trade Certified™ if imported through Amazon Produce Network. The importer—headquartered in Vineyard, New Jersey, with Los Angeles, McAllen, Nogales, and Miami offices—is providing Fair Trade Certified organic and conventional mangos from the family-owned and operated growers for the first time, from June through September. Ataulfos, Tommy Atkins, Keitts, and Kents are all varieties offered in both organic and conventional and that carry the Fair Trade Certified seal.
“With Fair Trade, we believe we can help farmworkers in the growing regions, as well as create awareness about this delicious tropical fruit in the U.S. market,” Greg Golden, Co-Owner and Director of Sales of Amazon Produce, said. “Our guiding principle is, ‘We build long-term, sustainable partnerships with both suppliers and customers based on integrity, transparency, loyalty, and fairness.’ The Fair Trade program fits perfectly with our guiding principle. Amazon Produce is very proud to partner with Fruta-Exporta, Perez Organico, and Fair Trade USA to bring Fair Trade-certified mangos to the shelves of U.S. retailers, and in doing so, help countless farmworkers, their families, and communities.”
Employing local and migrant workers from mango growing areas in Mexico that hold both seasonal and full-time roles because of the increased work hours required during harvest, Fruta Exporta and Perez Organico focus on the individual development and well-being of workers and communities in which they grow.
The Fair Trade certification has been two years in the works, as the three—Fruta Exporta, Perez Organico, and Amazon Produce Network—all worked together to provide a workforce environment that meets the standards required to be certified. Good Agricultural Practices establish both full-time and seasonal workers earn decent wages, work under safe conditions, enjoy freedom of association, and practice environmental stewardship, according to a press release. To goal is to empower workers with Community Development Funds, which is money earned from the mangos sold that will support projects the community democratically designates the money go toward—such as education and healthcare.
Congratulations on this accomplishment, Amazon Produce Network, Fruta Exporta, and Perez Organico!
Will this move spur others to take the steps required to obtain the certification, and how will this spark a large change in the growing communities from which Amazon Produce Network imports? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated with the latest fresh produce industry news.