SAN FRANCISCO, CA - According to a Latin proverb, experience is the best teacher. Instacart is tapping into a very experienced executive for its Chief Product Officer role to take the delivery service’s offerings to the next level of excellence. David Hahn will take on the position after having served as Vice President of Product Management for LinkedIn and as President and Chief Product Officer for GoFundMe. With this added team leader, the company looks forward to its next chapter in product and platform expansion.
"Instacart is a once in a lifetime transformative company—it makes lives easier, helps brick and mortar retail compete online and fundamentally changes the way people shop. I couldn't be more excited about being part of a company that brings useful products and services to an increasingly digital world," said Hahn.
While at LinkedIn for nine+ years, Hahn gained valuable career experience developing and launching useful products. An example of this can be seen in 2013, when he was the key architect of the monetization strategy that took product portfolio revenue from the earliest growth stages to over $1.5 billion, according to a press release.
From there, he joined Greylock Partners as an Entrepreneur in Residence. In this role, he consulted with portfolio companies on product and monetization strategies, as well as explored new opportunities for them. His most recent role, however, was with GoFundMe, where he served as Chief Product Officer and raised over $4 billion for life-saving medical expenses, start-up funding, and seemingly infinite other causes.
"David has a proven track-record of successful innovation and execution, and Instacart is delighted to have him join our executive team," said Apoorva Mehta, Founder and CEO at Instacart. "We knew early in the process he was the perfect fit, both culturally and as a visionary. We can't wait to see how David contributes to—and expands—our mission."
Congratulations to both David and the Instacart team on this exciting new venture. AndNowUKnow looks forward to seeing how this next chapter progresses and leads to successes.
How will this impact our industry and the retailers that supply our fresh produce? We'll continue to keep you updated with the latest!
KINGSVILLE, ON - Celebrity Chef Roger Mooking is introducing 21 new flavorful recipes, inspired by and featuring SUNSET® produce. This brings the chef’s count of unique dishes showcasing the greenhouse growers’ flavors to almost 100 since partnering with the Mastronardi team in 2015.
“We created a series of easy-to-prepare recipes using SUNSET branded produce that literally anyone can master at home, even kids,” explained Mooking, who was named SUNSET’s Culinary Director last year. “We wanted to show consumers that cooking with fresh produce is an easy way to add flavor and nutrition to your plate.”
Among the 21 new recipes, consumers can find inspiration (or meals) ranging from Sweet Bell Pepper Scrambled Eggs to Roasted Whole Turkey with Minzano® Tomato Bread Stuffing, as well as kid-friendly snacks for healthy eating on-the-go, according to a press release. Nearly all the recipes can be completed in 30 minutes or less, using ingredients that can be found at any supermarket or independent grocer.
“We believe consumers are going to love our newest recipes and have fun recreating these dishes at home,” CEO Paul Mastronardi commented. “Our aim is to not only educate consumers on the importance of healthy eating but to also provide creative, flavorful meals that incorporate fresh SUNSET produce and are easy to prepare for home chefs of all skill levels.”
Focusing on simple, yet delicious, dishes home cooks with limited time and/or kitchen experience can prepare in minutes, Chef Mooking took his recipe development in a different direction for these latest recipes.
You can find the 21 new recipes, along with all of the dishes Chef Mooking has created for SUNSET, online here.
PROVIDENCE, RI - After current Chief Operation Officer Sean Griffin disclosed his retirement plans, United Natural Foods Inc. announced a series of organizational changes within its management. As Griffin retires, Chris Testa will assume the role of President, UNFI, Paul Green will take on the role of Chief Supply Chain Officer, and Eric Dorne’s current role will be expanded.
“Sean’s eight years of outstanding service at UNFI have been invaluable; he played a critical role in the development and success of our company,” said Steve Spinner, President and Chief Executive Officer. “He has been an amazing partner and mentor to many of our current leadership. In addition, he built a strong team that understands our business and can further drive our strategic plan and enable us to manage through operational challenges that come with our impressive growth. UNFI is better positioned for the future because of Sean’s contributions.”
After serving as COO for the last eight years, Griffin will step down from his role August 1, retire October 1, and will continue to serve as a Strategic Advisor for the company.
“When I look back at my career with UNFI, I am most proud of driving the company’s mission forward and having the opportunity to work with, and learn from, so many talented people,” said Griffin. “It has been a great privilege to serve UNFI and I am now ready to retire with enthusiasm for the company’s future. I am delighted with Chris Testa’s appointment as President, Paul Green’s appointment as Chief Supply Chain Officer, and the expansion of Eric Dorne’s role. I have worked with Chris, Paul, and Eric for several years—their unique blend of capabilities, relationships, and expertise will continue to be invaluable assets to UNFI.”
According to a press release, Testa currently serves as President, Atlantic Region, and in his new role as President, UNFI, he will oversee branding and communications, as well as the company’s broadline natural, organic, and specialty distribution business in the United States, Select Nutrition and e-Commerce, and Enterprise Sales and Service.
Paul Green, who currently serves as President, Pacific Region, will become the Chief Supply Chain Officer, in which he will focus on driving standardized operational excellence and will oversee UNFI’s Supply Chain function, its newly-created Warehouse Automation group, and its Transportation and Real Estate operations.
While continuing to serve as UNFI’s Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer, Eric Dorne will also take on the role of President of Strategic Business Units, in which he will assume oversight of Albert’s Produce, Woodstock Farms, Supplier Relationship Management, as well as will continue to oversee operations in Canada, Earth Origins Market, Customer Care, Risk Safety, and Information Technology.
For more of the latest news like this, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Summer is just around the corner, and while the produce department is always my favorite destination in the thick of the warmer months at retail, it is even more so during this time of year. Continuing to add value and flavor to the fresh produce spread this season, Country Sweet Produce is generating excitement with its onion program and bringing fresh new elements to the floor.
At the top of the list this year, Country Sweet will be promoting its conventional true flat sweet onion and one-stop organic onion shop as well. I caught up with Gina Pettit, Marketing and Specialty Sales Manager, to learn more about the summer offerings.
“We have seen the market shift more and more into the organic arena and, in an effort to meet the needs of a wide range of retail partners and consumers, we will have had a heavy focus on the organic segment in addition to our conventional offerings. There will be a much larger crop this year, something that we are incredibly excited about,” Gina tells me. “Our flat sweet onion program has experienced amazing growth as well, and we have invested in acreage to bring a unique and high quality product to the marketplace.”
Country Sweet’s onion programs will kick off on June 1st with the conventional program wrapping up around the end of August or beginning of September. On the organic front, the company will be extending its program into October and November, just in time for holiday spreads and savory fall meals. The ultimate goal for the organic program? To extend it into a year-round offering.
“To continue to build on the popularity of the sweets program, we will be showcasing a new Bako Sweet flat sweet onion bag for organic and conventional,” Gina shares. “This allows for us and the retailer to call out the category to the consumer and also to help prevent the premium onion variety from being misrung at the register,” Gina shares.
The full program for Country Sweet, in its entirety, will include the true flat sweet onions in organic and conventional, as well as organic and conventional red Italian, and round yellow, white, and red onions as well.
“We are already having conversations with retailers who are looking to promote this growing program, so the time is now to put your onion inventory plans in motion,” Gina reflects, “especially with the high-demand we are seeing in the market right now.”
In addition to the evolution in its onion program, Country Sweet is also introducing watermelons to its growing portfolio. The company will now offer conventional and organic seedless watermelons, and organic mini watermelons, which will be available around June 1st to further add value to its retail relationships.
The watermelon program can be showcased in bulk bins and cartons for customers looking to add that splash of color and flavor to their watermelon program.
“Our customers’ needs come first and these new developments across the Country Sweet Program are a reflection of that goal,” Gina adds.
Exciting times at Country Sweet Produce, and I sense an exciting summer ahead as well.
SALINAS, CA - Graduation celebrations, summer kick-offs, and more are in full-swing this time of year, which means neighborhoods are out grocery shopping in full force to find all that they need to grill and grub the warm nights away. And what’s a grilling party without leafy greens and fresh onions for burger toppings, big salads, and center-plate alternatives? Boring, I’ll tell you!
I caught up with Tanimura & Antle’s Sr. Director of Commodity Management Anthony Mazzuca to find out how the grower’s California vegetable season is going after recently transitioning from the San Joaquin Valley to the Salinas Valley.
“Despite the depressed demand for Romaine, our California-grown Iceberg lettuce and other leafy greens are experiencing a significant uptick in demand as a result,” Anthony tells me. “Processor demand for Iceberg acres has helped to add fuel to a market that has already caught fire.”
The weather in the Salinas Valley has been cooler than normal which has slowed growth for a variety of commodities. Currently, acres are being prematurely harvested in order to meet demand, which, as a result, has also decreased yields. Anthony tells me increased demand coupled with slowed growth and diminished yields will keep availability tight and markets strong for the rest of spring.
Not to mention, this grilling season has to potentially be the best yet, thanks to Tanimura & Antle introducing a fresh product to the market.
“On May 1st, we started shipping our Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onions. We just transitioned from storage onions to fresh harvest in the desert. Both our conventional and organic Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onions are unrivaled in quality, flavor, and freshness during the summer months,” Anthony continues.
In addition, retailers looking to hop on the Tanimura & Antle train should be on the lookout for its Be Bold display contest happening May 14th through July 8th, calling retailers far and wide to spruce it up in their produce aisles.
For more of the latest happening crop-side, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
IRVINE, CA - Nothing quite gets people talking the way a Royal Wedding does, and the upcoming union of Prince Harry to California-born princess-to-be Meghan Markle is no exception. Among those getting in on the wedding hype is none other than the California Avocado Commission (CAC), imploring the two royals to host their nuptials in the Golden State in its latest video.
Part of the company’s latest social media campaign, CAC wanted to develop shareable social content that promoted the origin of California avocados, while also inviting the future princess to come back to her California roots.
“Incorporating California avocados into the conversations about current events that our target is following, such as the Royal Wedding, is more than just a fun idea,” said Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing. “It is a creative a way to remind consumers that California avocados are in season now and share with them the beautiful land where they are grown.”
Instead of the royals getting married at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the video makes a case for the wedding being held at a California avocado grove. “If your marriage is going to be televised across the world, your ceremony had better be located in someplace beautiful,” says a man with a cheeky English accent as Windsor Castle comes into view. “Someplace even more beautiful!” he exclaims, as the shot cuts to sprawling acres of avocado groves and rolling hills of California’s.
The beauty of California shines through, as the cinematography sweeps over beaches, mountains, and up-close shots of ripening avocados. The loveliness of the location is enumerated as he argues the amenities and benefits of hosting the wedding next to an avocado grove. Dine under the shade of those beautiful green trees! Sleep under the stars in the rustic charm of an outdoor treehouse! Wow your guests with avocado gift baskets!
If there’s anything more Californian than avocados, we haven’t found it. So, “get your grove on,” Meghan, and maybe make a stop in California after the wedding?
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - In a recent move, Target Corporation named Walmart veteran, William J. Foudy Jr., as President of Target Sourcing Services. Foudy will oversee Target's global sourcing organization, including strategy, operations, quality assurance, product safety, and responsible sourcing initiatives. Due to start June 17, he will report to Target's Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Mark Tritton.
"Target has always excelled at creating consumer excitement with quality, exclusive merchandise," said Foudy in a press release. "I'm thrilled to join and lead the world class sourcing team that contributes to Target's growth, industry leadership, and guest experience."
With over 25 years of experience in the sourcing industry, Foudy brings to Target a wealth of knowledge. He has led international teams for brands like Adidas and Nike, and most recently worked at Walmart as Vice President of Global Sourcing.
"Target's global sourcing operations are a key strength of ours and integral to our ability to deliver a differentiated assortment at an unmatched value in the market," said Tritton. "The broad scope of Bill's retail experience, including his tenure working with global brands, will accelerate our efforts as we continue to reimagine our owned brand portfolio, offering guests even more unique products for an incredible price that they can find only at Target."
Congratulations to William Foudy!
SACRAMENTO, CA - The time has come for Raley’s new, smaller format store, Market 5-ONE-5, to open its doors to the public. Opening day is Tuesday, May 15th, when customers will be able to peruse the aisles of this local-feeling store that spans approximately one-fifth the size of a typical supermarket.
Tucked into an urban neighborhood, Market 5-ONE-5 sits at the corner of R Street and 10th Street and there, shoppers will be able to find a smaller selection that focuses on healthier and local food options within the literal brick-and-mortar walls that combine rustic charm with urban flare.
ONE is an acronym for organic, nutrition, and education. These being the touchstones for the boutique format store, this is the launching pad to address consumers' searches for new ways to eat better. The number 5 refers to the five senses, the Sacramento Business Journal explained in a recent article.
According to the Sacramento Bee, Michael Teel, majority owner of Raley’s, calls the store’s location "ground zero for the regeneration of downtown."
To this point, Sacramento city officials are attributing massive growth to this store opening and new housing in the area, where it hopes to launch a 24-hour community with 10,000 new residents flocking to the region.
One key attraction to the new format is that it is managed separately from the rest of the Raley’s chain in order to supply distinct vendors, many of which local, so that customers can enjoy local products and simplicity, Teel told the news source.
Other features that make the store so unique are the following: the precooked foods to take home; the butcher and deli; served-up wine, beer, tea, and kombucha; the 67-space parking lot, and the outdoor patio where customers can sit out front.
It sits at a lively, city epicenter—where artistic cultures from the Warehouse Artist Lofts; great culinary cultures from close proximity to Fox & Goose Pub, Iron Horse Tavern, and others; workday visitations from downtown employees looking for healthy lunch options; and neighborhood charm from those living nearby all meet with ease and sophistication.
For more information on Market 5-ONE-5, check out its website here.
Will this store opening lead to more branches in the future, where Raley’s and chains like it custom design smaller formats in order to bring local and fresh options to neighborhoods in more attractive ways? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you updated with the latest industry trends.
RIVERSIDE, CA - Avocados aren’t going out of style anytime soon thanks to consumers’ continuous love and dedication. And with the season halfway through, there’s still time for retailers to give the people what they want with the help of Index Fresh California avocados. I caught up with Index Fresh’s Director of Sales and Marketing, John Dmytriw, to find out more about the current avocado season.
“The California season is in full swing and the month of May brings us closer to the halfway mark of the season,” John tells me. “On-tree fruit estimates indicate that there will continue to be good supplies of California avocados through September. Fruit quality and post-harvest ripening has been exceptional this season, which is not surprising, as quality is what California avocados are known for.”
John also notes that with consumer demand increasing year after year, this season is no exception, with demand remaining strong. And retailers and avocado-enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to get their hands on Index Fresh’s California avocados as the season progresses, as John assures me California inventory is moving swiftly through all distribution channels.
“Locality, freshness, flavor, and the fruit's ability to maintain its structural integrity once ripened are all strong attributes of the brand,” John continues. “This growing season has been especially exciting for Index Fresh as we were successful in introducing the California Gem variety to U.S. consumers, made possible thanks to the collaboration between Index’s field and sales staff and growers and key retail partners.”
While this season’s Gem volume was lower than initially anticipated, Index Fresh is looking forward to the opportunities the variety offers in seasons ahead. And, here to help drive retailers’ sales, Index Fresh also offers a wide variety of customizable packaging and marketing solutions to help avocados jump from shelf to cart.
For more market updates like this, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CA - Earthbound Farm recently became a Certified B Corporation®, as part of the overall certification for Danone North America. As a unit of Danone, the company noted that its mission to cultivate a healthier world through organic food and farming has made it a catalyst for positive change.
“We are extremely proud to be a Certified B Corporation, and the first among Salinas Valley Grower/Shippers,” said company President Deverl Maserang. “It’s a reflection of our dedication to our mission, to our customers, to our communities, to our employees, and to the land that we’re the careful stewards of.”
The ways in which Earthbound Farm acts on this mission are by converting thousands of acres from conventional farming to organic farming practices that protect the air, water, and food supply; by making organic produce more affordable and accessible in supermarkets across North America; and by making its clamshell packages from 100% Post-Consumer Recycled PET (PCR PET), according to a press release. By doing so, Earthbound Farm creates a market for recycled beverage bottles, keeping about 40 million pounds of plastic out of landfills every year.
Danone North America, Danone’s U.S. subsidiary, is committed to balancing financial success with social and environmental sustainability. The company, which celebrated its first anniversary in early April, commemorated the event by announcing it was one of the largest Certified B Corporations in the world. The company stated that being B Corp certified tells people it meets rigorous standards of verified performance, transparency, accountability, and continuously strives to be better. Aligned with the idea of using business as a force for good, Danone began a partnership with B Lab (the non-profit organization that certifies B Corporations) to create a plan that would ultimately make DanoneWave B certified global-wide.
For more produce news like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.