MONTEREY, CA - Rounding out what promises to be an arch-informative lineup, the Organic Produce Summit has announced its sixth and final education session—a session focused on the growing organic ingredient industry and the opportunities for producers and retailers to capitalize on new consumer products—to be featured at the 2018 Organic Produce Summit, July 11-12, in Monterey, California.
Entitled “Organic Ingredients—Creating New Opportunities in Fresh Produce,” the educational session will feature leaders from global organic fresh produce ingredient supply chain companies discussing the evolution and expansion of the multi-billion-dollar organic ingredient category.
“The growing demand for organic food, coupled with healthy eating trends and a preference for premium organic products, is driving the growth of the organic ingredient sector, and organic products being merchandised in the produce section is leading the charge in the development of new items,” said moderator Chad Hagen, Vice President of Consumer Products Group at SunOpta, a leading global organic food company specializing in sourcing and processing of certified organic food products. “The educational session is an outstanding opportunity for OPS attendees to learn more about the opportunities and global reach of organic ingredients.”
According to a press release, the educational session will feature a panel of leading industry experts offering information and insight on the role of organic fresh produce in creating new items for consumers.
Panelists will include Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Industrial Sales for Grimmway Farms; Joost Hamelink, Sustainability and Marketing for Tradin Organic; and Bryan Jaynes, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing and for Taylor Farms.
The session will round out an outstanding line-up of educational sessions focused exclusively on the multi-billion-dollar organic fresh produce industry.
Other educational sessions at OPS 2018 include:
- “Deep Dive - Organic Sales Analysis and the Why Behind the Buy
- “Organics and the Media – New Landscape of Information”
- “The Organic Supply Chain I & II – Opportunities and Challenges”
- “E-Grocery and the Future of Organic Fresh Produce at Retail”
In addition, OPS noted, a series of keynote presentations featuring Geoff White, President of Albertsons' Own Brands, and a Retailer Roundtable including three of the nation’s largest and most progressive retailers, will be featured at the third annual OPS.
Over 1,200 attendees—including organic fresh produce growers, shippers, and processors with retailer and buying organizations from across North America—are expected to meet at OPS, July 11-12, in Monterey, CA, to exchange ideas, information, and insight into the organic fresh produce industry.
For more on all things organic as OPS approaches, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Over the last couple of years, Target has launched a number of fresh and small format stores and broadened its online grocery presence as a means to keep up with the changing retail landscape. This week, Target reported its financial earnings from the first quarter of 2018, revealing its improved sales thanks to its latest focus, but pinched spending numbers as a result.
The first quarter of 2018 was an especially busy one for Target, who completed 56 remodels, opened 7 new stores, introduced 3 new brands, launched its Drive-Up service in more than 250 stores, expanded Target Restock nationwide, and rolled out same-day delivery in more than 700 stores after its Shipt acquisition.
As a result, Target reported its first quarter 2018 financial performance included comparable sales growth of 3.0 percent and 3.7 percent traffic growth. This is a win for Target, as the numbers are showing more shoppers are visiting Target online and in stores, proving the retailer’s efforts are paying off.
“We’re very pleased that our business continued to generate strong traffic and sales growth in the first quarter, as we made significant progress in support of our long-term strategic initiatives,” said Brian Cornell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our first quarter performance reflects the benefit of our unique multi-category portfolio…Additionally, our team is delivering excellent execution and guest service every day, and momentum in our traffic has accelerated in the second quarter.”
According to a press release, highlights from the first quarter of 2018’s financial report included the following:
- First quarter traffic growth of 3.7 percent is the strongest quarterly performance in over 10 years
- First quarter digital sales increased 28 percent, compared to 21 percent growth in the first quarter of 2017
- GAAP EPS from continuing operations were $1.33, up 9.1 percent from last year, while Adjusted EPS were $1.32, up 9.4 percent from last year
- The first quarter of 2018 saw broad market share gains across the company’s core merchandise categories
- Total revenue increased 3.4 percent, from $16.2 billion in 2017 to $16.8 billion in 2018, reflecting sales growth of 3.5 percent combined with a slight decline in other revenue
- First quarter sales growth reflected comparable sales growth of 3.0 percent combined with the contribution from non-mature stores
- The midpoint of Target’s second quarter EPS guidance range is approximately 15 percent higher than second quarter 2017 GAAP EPS from continuing operations of $1.21 and Adjusted EPS of $1.22
For the full financial report, click here.
What other developments does Target have up its sleeve to continue its forward momentum into the rest of the year? Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow for the latest.
CARPINTERIA, CA - If you are anything like me, you have an insatiable appetite for properly seasoned dishes—and by seasoned, I mean salty. Therein lies the danger. How can consumers get dishes tasting just right without going over the edge with salting habits? Pete’s Living Greens is the latest producer to provide answers to culinary problems with fresh produce.
The company's newest release is salicornia, commonly referred to as sea beans, and it looks a little like something that you might find while on a dive in Hawaii's beautiful seas, with bulb-like bits that snap off for easy use. This is the latest addition to its flourishing living greens line.
“We just started selling our salicornia after two years of trials. It’s a really unique offering with a unique flavor profile and is a bit salty. From a foodservice and food pairing perspective, it works great. If you are craving specific foods, like seafood, it is a natural version of the salt you find near the ocean. The benefit of our salicornia is that we grow it with the root still attached so that it stays fresher longer,” Senior Director of Marketing Corrie Hutchens shares with me.
I first tried these bead-like greens at this year's Fresh Produce and Floral Council event, where I was drawn in by its unique appearance—and then stuck around because of its incredible taste. Since then, though, the company has begun harvesting for foodservice. While the jumping off point for this latest produce is rather recent, the seed for its success was planted a while ago.
“We have had a lot of good communications with customers. It started when we put our name in the hat at NRA’s FABI Awards and got selected as the winner. That has been really exciting,” Corrie tells me of the company’s history with the product before expanding on what the item can be paired with. “From a flavor profile, it is similar to a caper. What we like about it is, while capers are dark green and don’t stand out too much on the plate, salicornia is vibrant and pops in dishes. You can eat it fresh, by steaming it, or throwing it fresh on a salad. You can batter them and deep fry them like a snack, or you can just steam them for a couple minutes and eat them like edamame. Add a little bit of garlic butter and it’s amazing!”
While not available for retail just yet, the item makes an incredible addition for foodservice providers because of its long shelf-life due to the attached roots.
“We currently have packages for foodservice in five lb products with roots attached. Each package holds between 12 and 16 plants. The shelf-life is more than 18 days, and it really holds up great,” Corrie shares, before expanding on the company’s openness to teaming up with partners to play up its versatility and usefulness in dishes. “We want to build excitement around the menu in new and different ways. Everyone’s so excited when they see it. It’s so unique, and I see a big future for the item. It’s an alternative for salt—and a very healthy alternative at that—and is going to take off.”
With so much to offer, I ask Corrie what the methodology was behind the exploration of this newest item.
“We want to build and develop products that are niche and that differentiate us from everyone else,” she tells me.
This makes me wonder what terrain is the next to be explored on the fresh produce front.
NIXA, MO - Fresh produce veteran Mark Cassius has joined the Market Fresh Produce team, offering more than 25 years of experience in the industry to his new role as Executive Business Analyst.
The company said that his responsibilities will include an immediate focus on the sales and marketing teams, bringing an innovative approach to Market Fresh. Mark will be collaborating with the Marketing, Sourcing, and Sales and Business Development teams to bring innovative ideas and facilitate product, sales, and business development.
The newly-hired executive has previously served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at EuroFresh Farms, Chief Innovation Officer at SunFed, and Executive Vice President and General Manager at Ciruli Brothers.
"The addition of Mark fits very well with the strategic initiatives we have for Market Fresh. Our growth has been phenomenal, and we are so privileged to have customers across the nation who are becoming raving fans of our brand and service,” commented Owner Steve Phipps. “Having the opportunity to have someone with Mark’s background and resume serve in a senior leadership capacity with our company is very exciting.”
Using his broad knowledge of the produce industry, the company noted in a press release that Mark will be a strong leader for all employees.
Market Fresh Produce offers first-in-class products such as avocados, peppers, potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and more.
Congratulations, Mark, on this newest chapter in your produce career!
CINCINNATI, OH and CHICAGO, IL - The Kroger Co. is the latest to toss its hat in the meal kit ring. The company announced an agreement to acquire Home Chef—a transaction price of $200 million—that will increase the availability of meal kits and position Kroger to lead the way in what it said is revolutionizing how families shop, prep, and cook their meals.
"Customers want convenience, simplicity, and a personalized food experience. Bringing Home Chef's innovative and exciting products and services to Kroger's customers will help make meal planning even easier and mealtime more delicious," said Yael Cosset, Kroger's Chief Digital Officer, in a recent press release. "This merger will introduce Kroger's 60 million shoppers to Home Chef, enhance our ship-to-home and subscription capabilities, and contribute to Restock Kroger."
Pat Vihtelic, Home Chef’s Founder and CEO added, "We've long believed that the future of our industry is omni-channel and bigger than just meal kits sold online. We want to be where our customers are and want to help make cooking at home easier, more accessible, and even more enjoyable," said Pat Vihtelic, Home Chef's Founder and CEO. "We're thrilled that we will be part of the Kroger family and plan to maintain our relentless focus on innovation that meets customers' evolving food needs. Kroger's expansive retail footprint will allow us to serve millions of more customers across the country with simple, convenient, and enjoyable meal solutions."
Home Chef noted that its meals are approachable, delicious, and fit a variety of taste preferences. Its offerings complement Kroger's Prep+Pared meal kits that are currently available in more than 525 stores.
"As one of the fastest growing meal kit companies in the country, Home Chef is poised for even more explosive growth," said Cosset. "We admire their focus on the customer, culture of collaboration, dynamic experimentation, and demonstrated financial success. Home Chef's combination of culinary expertise and a customer data driven decision-making process is right in line with Kroger's vision to serve America through food inspiration and uplift by providing meal solutions for every lifestyle."
After the deal closes, Home Chef will operate as a subsidiary of Kroger, maintain its e-commerce business, and assume responsibility for Kroger's meal solutions portfolio. The company will continue to operate its offices and facilities. Following closing, Kroger will make Home Chef meal kits available to Kroger shoppers both in stores and online.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report the latest in buy-side moves and strategies.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Costco is welcoming a hot one-two-punch into its Los Angeles area stores—“organic” and “meal kits.”
Leading condiments, dressings, and prepared foods manufacturer Hak's recently announced that its first all-organic, 30-minute meal kits are launching exclusively in the retailer’s Los Angeles and Orange County, CA, locations.
"Finding the time to make a delicious and healthy meal is a struggle for most. I've tried and tested so many meal kits out there and was inspired to make it better, easier, faster, and tastier," Celebrity Chef and company Founder Sharone Hakman said. "The farms we source our ingredients from are all showcased right on our box. That's what people deserve and that's what I strive to provide."
Chef Hakman created and designed the kits, a Chimichurri Chicken 30-minute meal that includes pre-seasoned chicken thighs, garlic smashed potatoes, pan-roasted broccolini, and blistered cherry tomatoes in a lemon vinaigrette. Priced at $29.99, the product is currently available in the Southern California Costco’s now through the first week of July.
By focusing on fresh produce, organic ingredients, and a chef-created recipe, Chef Hakman continues to build Hak's elevated product line from products that include BBQ sauces, One Pot cooking sauces, and salad dressings, according to a press release.
The product features a simplified design, and is in line with on-the-go consumer demands by offering minimal clean-up, as well as being gluten free and paleo-friendly, offering enough to feed four people.
As produce-filled meal kit offerings and organic demand continue to attract shoppers, will this product make its way to even more Costco locations and beyond? We’re certainly eager to find out!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Side Delights® is delighted to report the top diets according to U.S. News and World Report, and is encouraging consumers to utilize potatoes as a top ingredient to stay healthy.
Data from the 2018 Best Diets list shows these diets focus on fresh and healthy options, and this comes as no surprise to Fresh Solutions Network’s Side Delights.
“It is no secret that vegetables are good for you, and should be included in almost any healthy, balanced diet," said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “As America's favorite vegetable, potatoes are the perfect whole food that can be prepared in a variety of ways as an integral part of almost any vegetable-based diet or nutrition plan.”
The Mediterranean Diet, which made it to the top two, focuses on the healthy eating practices throughout the region and suggests foods like olive oil, fish, and vegetables like potatoes. This diet has research supporting its ability to prevent chronic diseases and increase longevity. The DASH Diet claimed the number one slot on the report for the 8th consecutive ranking, according to a press release. This diet was started by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to reduce blood pressure, and it focuses on fruit, vegetables, whole grain, and lean protein.
The third ranked diet was the Flexitarian Diet, which focuses on plant-heavy meal options and some meat, while Weight Watchers landed at forth, a diet option that includes a variety of potato in recipes on the website. The fifth spot was a three-way tie between MIND Diet, TLC Diet, and Volumetrics, which all suggest vegetables, including potatoes, within the mealtime regimen.
On top of these top ranked diets, potatoes are a popular option for vegan diets, clean eating diets, raw food diets, the Alkaline Diet, and the Whole 30 diet.
With so much popularity in the diets, potatoes have proven to be a go-to source for dietary needs. For more information on Side Delights' fresh and healthy offerings, such as its bagged and bulk gourmet and organic items, check out the website at www.SideDelights.com.
For more fresh produce industry news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
SACRAMENTO, CA - Some people know their veggie snacking options better than others, and they put their knowledge of it to the test. We’re excited to announce the two winners in our recent Quiz Quix opportunity. Mucci Farms Veggies To Go® were the star of the show, and even though it was a tight race, two winners came out on top.
The buy-side winner, Mandi Tennison with Aldi US, is going home with $100 cash, thanks to quick-thinking and no hesitation on those speedy clicks.
Supply-side winner Juan Jaurez of J. Marchini Farms is also walking away from the quiz with the prize. His expertise in the industry came in handy when selecting the right answers. He shared with me that he always looks forward to reading our ANUK newsletter.
Check out who came in the top spots in the leaderboard below to see the stiff competition for this Mucci quiz…
It’s not always easy to remember the right answer when the pressure is on, as we all know. So, what question stumped most quiz takers? Let’s take a look…
Most missed question:
- What awards has Veggies-to-Go™ NOT won?
Correct answer:
- Motor Trend's Truck of the Year
There are more opportunities to jump on the prize-winning train if you missed out on this Mucci quiz. You can take this one to practice your quickness for the next round of quiz wiz fun by checking out the link below, or you can subscribe, if you’re not already, to stay in-the-know on our next quiz opportunity and chance to win a $100 cash prize —just click the link here.
Congratulations, Mandi and Juan!
HINCKLEY TOWNSHIP, OH - Aldi is continuing its expansive growth strategy in the United States by expanding its northern Ohio distribution center, adding 66 new full time positions, and reaping tax benefits in the municipality.
According to a report by the Akron Beacon Journal, the new expansion was announced by the retailer this Monday. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority simultaneously announced that it had approved a six year, 1.014 percent job creation tax credit for the project. And Crain’s Cleveland Business noted that the tax credit has an estimated value of $110,000, provided job-creation and payroll targets are met.
“As Aldi continues to grow, we’re excited to expand employment opportunities at our Hinckley distribution center, and we’re proud to be an employer of choice in the state of Ohio and across the U.S.,” said Corey Stucker, Hinckley Division Vice President for Aldi, according to the Beacon Journal. “We’re committed to job growth across the country and look forward to continuing to serve our local Ohio communities in the years to come.”
In total, the expanded facility is expected to employ 246 full-time equivalent workers within the next three years. The project is expected to generate $2 million in new annual payroll.
How will Aldi’s expanded distribution capability play out in the increasingly competitive Midwest grocery market? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
NEWARK, DE - Produce industry veteran Steve Lutz is joining Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) team as the Regional Vice President – U.S. and Canada West, a newly created senior-level position focused on expanding PMA’s West Coast presence and bolstering the association’s year-round value in the global produce and floral industry. No stranger to PMA, Lutz previously served on the association’s Board of Directors, on PMA’s former Retail Division Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Fresh Summit Committee.
“My entire career has been devoted to helping produce companies or industry sectors grow their businesses, so I am excited by the opportunity to help PMA achieve its vision of ‘bringing together the global produce and floral community to grow a healthier world,’” said Lutz. “Getting to focus on the entire supply chain appeals tremendously to me. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
With over 35 years of industry experience, Lutz’s expertise includes product and brand development, retail and foodservice marketing, analysis, promotions, and category management. He currently serves as the Senior Strategist and was formerly the Vice President of Marketing for Columbia Marketing International, a Washington state tree fruit grower, packer, and shipper. Prior to working for Columbia Marketing International, Lutz served as President and CEO of the Washington Apple Commission, a treefruit domestic and international marketing order. Lutz also co-founded the consumer market research firm The Perishables Group and acted as Executive Vice President after the firm was acquired by Nielsen.
Before joining the produce industry, Lutz earned a Master’s Degree in business administration from City University of Seattle and a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications studies from Washington State University, as well as completed Stanford Graduate School of Business’ marketing management executive program. According to a press release, Lutz’s experience has earned him a top spot as an industry thought leader on topics from marketing to future trends and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and a commentator in industry trade press coverage.
“Steve’s deep industry knowledge and connections will help us fulfill our ongoing mission and vision to grow a healthier world,” said PMA CEO Cathy Burns. “As PMA strives to turn the global fresh produce and floral supply chains into an interconnected community of people and ideas, Steve’s leadership and strategic insights will help us deliver even more value to members of our industry. I am delighted to welcome him to the PMA team.”
With PMA, Lutz will join Joe Watson, Regional Vice President – U.S. and Canada East, in serving the United States and Canada. As Regional Vice President – U.S. and Canada West, Lutz will work with PMA headquarters staff and volunteer leaders to meet local members’ needs and ensure Western region members know the full suite of resources available to them thanks to PMA’s and Center for Growing Talent’s (CGT) portfolio of programs and services. His regional focus and local presence will help achieve PMA’s mission to connect, inform, and deliver industry solutions to enhance members’ prosperity.
Lutz will report to Richard Owen, PMA’s
Vice President of Global Membership & Engagement and will be based out of Wenatchee, WA.
Congratulations, Steve Lutz, on the new role! For more news like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.