LEAMINGTON, ON, CANADA - An incredible change has been rippling through Nature Fresh Farms®, one which has maximized the potential of the latest technology in order to give back the precious commodity that is time. Keith Bradley, Vice President of IT and Security, and his team have been working to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) in data-seeking areas so that growers can spend less time behind computers and more time in the greenhouse. 

“Implementing this technology has allowed us to make a lot of better decisions to simplify the process to a degree, so we are spending more time with the plants and in the greenhouse instead of behind the screen. It allows much more direct work and observation,” he explained to me. “It was a gig we got to take on and a fun project as a team to see what, as an industry, we could do with AI!”

The innovative move necessitated the help of high-tech operator Intel®. 

“Joining efforts on this project with Nature Fresh Farms was an incredible experience, given the endless possibilities we saw for how technology could make a real-life difference. From the moment we started working with them, we knew we had to spotlight their team and their innovative efforts,” commented Denis Gaudreault, Intel Canada Country Manager. “The CIO Awards seemed like the perfect platform to do so, reinforcing Canadian talent and resourcefulness, pushing industry boundaries with AI-powered solutions, and highlighting the profound impact technology can have on society through our partners and customers.” 

Through Intel’s nomination, Nature Fresh Farms® was named as a 2024 CIO Award winner, celebrating excellence in the field across industries. 

Born and raised in Leamington, Ontario, it’s perfectly natural that Keith would wind up working in fresh produce. But an awareness that he always wanted to be in IT and a fascination with how the latest technology can serve our industry has helped him ensure Nature Fresh is among the leaders in the arena for the 12 years he has been with the company. 

“Helping growers do things better without getting in their way has always been my goal. Now, with this new implementation, information that used to take 4–6 hours to gather is now collected in an hour. We can do several times in a day what used to only be possible twice a day, and more accurately,” Keith shared. “I had a teacher who once said if you can find a way to make money doing something you love, it will never feel like work. That is what this is for me.”

Congratulations, Keith and team, on this enormous accomplishment and well-deserved recognition!

MONTEREY, CA - When you're crafting a new product, you've got to keep this in mind: Is it convenient to use? The answer is a resounding yes for the latest debut from Fresh Solutions Network® and its Side Delights® brand.

"We’re showcasing a brand-new innovative line called Amazables!®, and it is a Russet potato," begins Kathleen Triou, President and Chief Executive Officer. "It is packaged in a proprietary film that actually shrinks around the potato in the microwave. The film has a metal substrate to it, so it crisps up the skin of the potato just like an oven-baked potato."

Kathleen also notes the difference that a good partnership can make when debuting a new item at retail.

"We’ve partnered with the good folks at Lighthouse Sauces and Dressings and we created two custom sauces for this Amazables! One is a Buffalo Ranch. The other one is a Loaded Baked Potato with lots of bacon," she says.

Both of the sauces are shelf-stable, gluten-free, and delicious to boot.

The portion-controlled, recyclable packaging is going to make Amazables! a must-have in the produce department—and wherever you can cross-merchandise it.

"We’re super excited to launch this into the industry, and we know that this is going to be a great line to really help propel fresh potatoes at retail," Kathleen concludes.

See our exclusive video above for more details!

LOS ANGELES, CA - Three major companies have joined forces for good, again! Gelson’s Markets has teamed up with Zespri™ Kiwifruit to host a two-week in-store promotion in which they will donate $1 each to the Brighter Bites nonprofit, for every 1 lb package of Zespri SunGold Kiwi purchased.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Zespri Kiwifruit and Brighter Bites for the second year of this promotion," said Sean Saenz, Vice President of Fresh Foods for Gelson’s. "This initiative aligns with our commitment to offering high-quality products and supporting the health and well-being of our local communities."

On last year’s promotion, Gelson’s, Zespri, and Brighter Bites raised $2,500 toward the nonprofit’s dedication to providing reliable access to fruits and vegetables, nutrition education, and exposure to recipes that feature fresh food, noted a release.

"This type of collaboration is a great example of how retailers and produce companies can come together to support an important mission of providing fresh fruits and vegetables to local communities," said Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer of Brighter Bites. "Our promotion together last year was a great success, and we look forward to continuing to work together to encourage healthier choices."

During this in-store promotion, shoppers will not only be able to enjoy the delicious and nutritious Zespri SunGold Kiwi, but also contribute to a worthy cause that provides fresh produce and nutrition education to children and families.

The in-store event will run from August 14 to 27.

"Zespri is proud to join Gelson's in supporting Brighter Bites," said Jeanne Wilson, Head of Marketing for Zespri North America. "Our SunGold Kiwifruit is not only a tasty and nutritious choice but also a means to make a positive impact on children's health and nutrition."

For more in-store activations and produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow daily.

MODESTO, CA - A fourth-generation member of the Ratto family is stepping up to the plate as the newest CEO of Ratto Bros. Wielding nearly 15 years of industry experience, Geoffrey Ratto has been selected to help drive the company forward, blending the company’s impressive legacy with the promise of an innovative future.

Ratto brings comprehensive knowledge of the company’s various business divisions as well as a deep-rooted connection to the company’s heritage to this new role, making him the Board’s unanimous choice to take the helm. As he takes on this pivotal title, he offers a seamless leadership transition that positions Ratto Bros. for continued growth and opportunities.

Ratto succeeds Robert Engel, who stepped down earlier this month, according to a press release. Prior to this new role, Ratto served as the company's Sales Director for five years. Before that, he worked as a Retail Service Manager for Fresh Point of Central California. His experience is backed by an undergraduate degree from California State University Stanislaus and a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Louisiana State University, Shreveport (LSU).

As the release went on to note, the Ratto Bros. Board is committed to supporting Geoffrey's vision and initiatives to enhance its growth and uphold its reputation within the produce industry.

Several board members commented on Ratto’s recent appointment as CEO…

Ray Ratto, Chairman of the Board, Ratto Bros.

"In addition to his business acumen, Geoffrey has the intangible leadership qualities, character, and people skills necessary for upholding the traditional values Ratto Bros. has exhibited for more than 100 years. Our success has been built on integrity, trust, and respect for everyone we employ and do business with. The future is very exciting because it preserves our traditions while opening the door for innovative practices that are even more sustainable and quality-driven than we have now."

Tom Bryan, Board Member, Ratto Bros. and Chief Financial Officer, Taylor Farms

"We could not envision a better person to lead Ratto Bros. Geoffrey has a solid foundation for this position given his experience in the produce industry, knowledge of the operations, and his deep commitment to a tradition that values workers, our land, and our customers."

David Yonan, Board Member, Ratto Bros.

"Geoffrey has the type of vision necessary to guide the company's growth and success through innovation. He brings the commitment to continue improving our quality, sustainability, and list of product offerings."

The new leadership team now includes Anthony Ratto as Operations Manager, Nick Ratto as Harvest/Facility Manager, Andrew Ratto as Sales/VA Manager, and Matthew Ratto, Sales.

Cheers to Ratto Bros. on its next generation of leadership!

SACRAMENTO, CA - When we put together the Besties Awards program each year, our goal is to shine a light on those individuals and companies who significantly shape our collective success as a fresh produce industry. They not only go above and beyond in their own roles but have made fresh produce a beautiful way of life for themselves and those near them. This year, it was our honor to present the Retailer of the Year award to one such amazing person: Ryan Sanchez, Produce Sales Manager for Albertsons and Vons.

“I am honored to not only receive this award but to even be in the discussion is humbling. I have been in this industry for 30 years, and the most important thing that I have learned is this is a people business and if you treat people right, partnerships will develop, and the rest will work itself out. It’s all about building relationships and growing together,” Ryan shared with me.

In his role as Produce Sales Manager for Albertsons and Vons, Ryan has skillfully introduced innovations without upsetting the apple cart. His unique ability to balance the introduction of new ideas with the stability of existing systems is truly remarkable, and it reassures us about the future of the industry.

As our President and CEO Robert Lambert said when presenting Ryan with the award: Ryan is not just a retailer; he is a relationship builder. He understands the importance of partnerships and consistently fosters innovation while keeping things stable. His philosophy of “letting the consumer decide” shows his respect for the customers and his commitment to giving them what they want.

Ryan considers himself a simple person and has three passions in life: his family, Sandy and three kids; work; and Raider football—all examples of the contagious passion he has for everything he does.

Don’t believe me? His dedication to his NFL team is so strong that he even gave his only son the middle name “Raider.”

Ryan Sanchez, your dedication, innovation, and leadership have elevated Albertsons and set a standard for all of us in the industry. Your ability to blend tradition with progress while always putting the consumer first is truly inspiring.

I would also like to thank our advisory committee for participating in this year's award program. The committee is composed of experienced retail buyers or individuals with substantial experience and knowledge in their respective fields.

This year, they voted on every category except for one—Retailer of the Year—which our team selected. Each committee member received a ballot with three nominations for each general award category. Based on their votes, the winners of the Bestie Awards are determined.

Congratulations, Ryan, on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for your 30 years of commitment and for being a true leader in every sense of the word.