PASADENA, CA - California Cuties season is winding down on this month, and the results are in for Sun Pacific’s 100 Days of Sunshine campaign. The numbers are exceptionally sweet with at least on important target demographic—millennial parents. The company’s flagship brand reported an increase in both preference and purchase intent among said parents.
“The positivity of our brand and family-friendly focus resonates with parents,” said Howard Nager, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Sun Pacific. “Our goal this season was to nurture deep, long-lasting relationships with parents to increase engagement, brand preference, and drive customers to our retail partners. 100 Days of Sunshine was more than a campaign. At a time when families across the country needed it the most, Cuties reminded them to share sweetness and kindness with those around them.”
The 100 Days of Sunshine campaign kicked off November 1 and concluded on National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.
Cuties joined with youth research firm Smarty Pants to undertake a 2017 Brand Love study after the wrap of its 100 Days of Sunshine, and marketing research by W5 shows that Cuties remains the preferred mandarin brand of parents, posting an 11-point increase in preference compared with its top competitor.
According to a Sun Pacific press release, Cuties’ innovative partnership with iHeart Media and social influencers during 100 Days allowed for custom experiences with audiences and approached nearly half a million impressions across social, radio, digital, events, OOH, and retail. Highlights of the campaign included social contests with prominent iHeart Media personalities such as Mario Lopez and Bobby Bones and a Cuties Correspondent contest that sent two kid correspondents backstage at an iHeart Radio Jingle Ball concert in Miami, Florida, to interview celebrities. And, in January, Cuties fans shared stories of kindness with the hashtag #ShareSomethingSweet to win thousands of dollars in cash prizes. Contests were activated on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and garnered nationwide entries.
Additionally, hundreds of popular parenting, food, and lifestyle influencers participated in the campaign. The Glitter Guide, Savvy Saving Couple, and Domestic Superhero, among others, curated DIYs, recipes, and family-friendly activities—and reached more than 36 million parents and fans. Cuties shared content on its social channels—resulting in 200 percent growth for the company’s Facebook and newly-launched Instagram page.
Nager added that California Cuties will be available through April or until supplies run out—with counter-seasonal Summer Cuties returning to stores in June.
CORONA, CA - With sunny days finally here, what could be nicer than a juicy, sliced tomato plated up with salt, pepper, and olive oil? Luckily, Veg-Fresh Farms will begin shipping newly Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified organic vine ripe tomatoes and organic grape tomatoes this May. The family farm is located in Northern Baja California where the Mediterranean climate lends itself to supporting superior flavor and quality. In a spot nestled between the mountains and the coast, the desert heat and coastal breeze meet to form a location of over 200 hundred acres that are unparalleled for tomato growing and harvesting.
“From seed to harvest, our tomatoes are grown in a state-of-the-art facility, beginning with the propagation house. The seedlings are raised next in the greenhouse before being planted in shadehouses and greenhouses where they come to maturity before being hand-harvested. This method of staying on the vine longer ensures the best flavor profile for our tomatoes,” said Owner Randy Cancellieri.
In addition to ideal growing conditions, the values of this family farm echo Veg-Fresh Farms' long-standing commitment to giving back to its community by being certified by both the Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade associations. These certifications are acknowledgments that reinforce best practices when it comes to the communities of all those who manage and work the fields where the company’s fruit is harvested: investments in things like clean water, education, and healthcare are the norm.
“This has always been a family farm where everyone knows each other’s names. They have a history of providing school buses to the community, and scholarships for high school and college, and they care for their employees like family,” Randy continued.
Look to Veg-Fresh Farms for these Vine Ripes and Grape Tomatoes at the end of May, and look to AndNowUKnow for all produce industry news.
SALINAS, CA - The salad segment is still sizzling, and Taylor Farms is happy to reap the rewards. Responding to consumers’ ever-growing love for salad kits, Taylor Farms has announced three new chopped salad kits will hit grocery stores nationwide: Avocado Ranch, Maple Bourbon Bacon, and Buffalo Ranch. These new salad kits are designed to cater directly to consumers’ taste preferences and are unique additions to the company’s already extensive portfolio.
"We approached the creation of these salads by looking at what is trending in restaurants and QSRs, as well as through conducting extensive qualitative recipe research with consumers,” said Charis Neves, Product Manager, Taylor Farms. “We’re excited to be expanding the fastest growing segment within the salad category—Chopped salad kit segment has grown double-digits +18% y-o-y in latest 12 weeks, 16% in latest 24, according to Nielsen—and by bringing to market flavors that resonate with today’s consumer we make it easy to enjoy a fast and healthy meal in no time.”
According to a press release, the new varieties of Chopped Salad Kits are as follows:
Avocado Ranch
- This variety contains the favorite salad dressing of Americans, plus the craveable taste of avocados. Avocados are continuing to grow in popularity as consumers purchase these superfoods at a rapid pace. Retail sales of avocados are up 17.1 percent year-over-year. The salad kit contains chopped green cabbage, chopped romaine lettuce, carrots, green onions and cilantro with corn, taco seasoned cheese, and creamy avocado ranch dressing.
Maple Bourbon Bacon
- This kit hits all of consumers’ taste buds with sweet maple bourbon, paired with smoky and salty bacon. The salad kit contains chopped romaine lettuce, broccoli, red and savoy cabbage, green onions, carrots and coarse cut smoky bacon, golden honey almonds, and maple bourbon vinaigrette.
Buffalo Ranch
- A flavor continuing to grow in popularity across all generations, the buffalo flavor is paired again with one of America’s favorite salad dressings. This salad kit contains chopped romaine lettuce, broccoli, red and savoy cabbage, green onions and carrots, topped with buffalo seasoned crouton crumbles, creamy Monterey-Jack cheese, and buffalo ranch dressing.
These new chopped salad kits work perfectly as standalone salad items, and are also easily-adaptable in the kitchen for a wide variety of uses. Each new recipe features the Taylor Farms' “100% Free From” label. All products that feature this label are free from artificial preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, as well as hydrogenated fats and high fructose corn syrup.
As a personal mega-fan of the salad kit trend, I am happy to report my mouth is watering just writing about these bad boys. Stay tuned for more salad innovations to come from our friends at Taylor Farms.
SAN DIEGO, CA - Organics Unlimited has announced that the company’s Mexican farms are back at peak production of organic bananas. This is in line with Mexico’s normal peak production season of April through September.
“We’re very excited about our banana production being at peak levels in our Mexico operations,” said Mayra Velazquez de León, President and CEO. “Our healthy and great-tasting bananas experienced challenges this winter due to weather, but once again, we’re able to swiftly and consistently fulfill all orders and deliveries while being environmentally responsible.”
Mexican organic bananas are the primary focus of Organics Unlimited, which is a San Diego-based grower and distributer of organic tropical fruit, because the company’s trucks can quickly deliver the freshest bananas to the market, leaving a much smaller ecological footprint when compared to the competition, according to a recent press release.
To follow this and other quotidian sustainability efforts, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - Adding new and on-trend options to its popular line, Mann Packing has announced the addition of two new varieties of Fresh Veggie Pasta Nourish Bowls.
“We filled a demand in the market when we created Nourish Bowls, which have become increasingly popular for their convenience and health halo,” said Rick Russo, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Product Management at Mann’s. “Naturally, we are thrilled to launch Basil Pesto and Tomato Bolognese featuring kohlrabi noodles and plant-based protein.”
Following last year’s launch—the popular Spicy Thai Nourish Bowl featuring fresh kohlrabi noodles—Mann’s is adding Basil Pesto and Tomato Bolognese. Both new varieties are a first for Mann’s, offering warm veggie meals featuring plant-based proteins—vegan Chick’n in the pesto sauce and vegan sausage in the Bolognese.
Both of the new Fresh Veggie Pastas are low in calories and feature kohlrabi noodles that, according to the company’s press release, cook, taste, and twirl like real pasta. With the new additions to its line, Mann’s is hoping to leverage the propitious growth in plant-based products (8.1%) and tap into consumers’ desire for healthy, plant-based eating.
In addition to kohlrabi, the Basil Pesto Nourish Bowls include shredded kale, zesty sauce and grated parmesan. At only 340 calories, the Basil Pesto bowls are packed with 15 grams of plant-based protein. The Tomato Bolognese Nourish Bowls include marinara sauce, shredded carrots, and grated parmesan, and at only 260 calories, the bowls offer 14 grams of plant-based protein.
Both bowls can be prepared in four minutes in the microwave for optimal convenience. Basil Pesto and Tomato Bolognese join Mann’s Spicy Thai, Monterey Risotto, Sesame Sriracha, Southwest Chipotle, Bacon Maple Brussels, and Cauli Rice Curry in the Nourish Bowl line-up of single-serve, warm meals.
New Nourish Bowls will be on display in booth #1219 at the CPMA Annual Convention, April 24-26 in Vancouver.
For more on new products hitting produce department shelves, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
CINCINNATI, OH - The deal to sell Kroger’s convenience store business to EG Group wrapped up at $2.15 billion total, $1.7 billion after taxes. Following the announcement, the retailer said it will be putting $1.2 billion of the funds towards accelerating its share repurchase program.
"Throughout the sales process, we have been impressed with EG Group's professionalism, commitment to people, and understanding of the U.S. convenience retail market," said Mike Schlotman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "I can't stress enough how important to our success Kroger's convenience store management and associates have been, and we want to thank them for all of their contributions to our customers and our company."
The $1.2 billion ASR is an additional repurchase authorization approved by Kroger's Board of Directors, which the retailer said is incremental to the $1 billion share repurchase program announced previously on March 15, 2018.
Kroger will use the balance of the after tax proceeds to lower its net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio.
The retailer entered into an ASR agreement today, April 20, with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC., pursuant to which on April 24, 2018, Kroger will pay $1.2 billion to Goldman, according to a press release. Goldman will make an initial delivery to Kroger of approximately 36.1 million Kroger common shares, while the total number of shares that Kroger ultimately will receive under the ASR will be based generally on the average of the daily volume-weighted average prices of shares traded during the term of the agreement. That agreement will remain subject to a collar provision that will establish minimum and maximum numbers of shares to be repurchased.
"Kroger is committed to creating shareholder value," said Schlotman. "We are returning a significant amount of capital to shareholders through a $1.2 billion accelerated share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors."
As we previously reported, the deal with EG Group resulted in the sale of 762 convenience stores, including 66 franchise operations, operating in 18 states and employing 11,000 associates under the Turkey Hill, Loaf 'N Jug, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb, and Quik Stop banners.
The Transition Services Agreement (TSA) Kroger has in place with EG Group will not have a material effect on its 2018 results, nor will it have any effect on Kroger's 2018 net earnings-per-diluted-share guidance.
AUSTIN, TX - Award season is not over yet, folks! In fact, celebrations for wins are perpetually just beginning, thanks to the eternally renewable force that is our industry. This time around, we cheers to those who took home a win from Whole Foods Market’s 6th annual Supplier Awards, which took place in Austin, Texas, at a special reception. These awards shine a light on producers that exemplify the grocery chain’s dedication to quality, environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing, and culinary innovation.
“Our shoppers look to Whole Foods Market for new and delicious products, and we are honored to recognize our top supplier partners who demonstrate industry-leading innovation and impactful work,” said President and COO A.C. Gallo. “These national and local suppliers were selected from thousands of driven, passionate, mission-based brands at Whole Foods Market and represent the best in class in sourcing, and commitment to the highest quality standards.”
In total, 27 perishable and non-perishable suppliers were honored this year. Within that grand total, there were two recipients of all-star global Supplier of the Year awards, as well as 11 local supplier partners that took home the region-specific Supplier of the Year awards, according to a press release. These highlighted the companies’ product innovations and partnerships with their local communities.
One particularly exciting thing about this announcement is that six of the companies took their business to the next level thanks to Whole Foods’ Local Producer Loan Program. The retail chain celebrates those who have partnered with them, from anywhere between 2 and 25 years.
A few of those from our industry that are making waves with their wins are the following:
The company was recognized for its diverse offerings of local fruit and vegetable growers throughout the U.S. and Canada. It works with organic growers, developing growing plans that support receiving, cooling selling, and shipping its produce. From sea to shining sea, the company is spreading the love with its offerings.
The company was honored because of its detailed and innovative approach to business. From orchard to pack house, it has shown a dedication to both organic and conventional cherries, apples, pears, and blueberries that can be found in the retail chain throughout the year. This is the third year in a row that the company has been recognized for its efforts and distinguished business. The company clearly knows how to make it all work and thrive.
The company took home a win for its sustainable farming methods. Its commitment to renewable energy can be seen in its support of responsible production methods being nationally adopted. As a result of its hard work, the company brings high-quality fresh and dried fruit, apple butters, and ciders to the Whole Foods table. Fresh produce, fun ciders, and farming methods that make this world a better place? That’s a winning combo, if you ask me!
The company was recognized because of its tremendous contribution to the Whole Foods produce section, offering an expanded selection of both popular and specialty produce items—a growth that can be attributed, in part, to its receipt of two Local Produce Loan Program loans from the retail chain since 2004. This growth is as hot as the pepper selection its looking to expand moving forward.
The nonprofit, farmers’ co-op was rewarded for its healthy, high-quality foods that are produced with the help of small-scale family farms and their enriched soils. It offers quality, heirloom varietals, and great customer service from the 100+ family farmers that run the co-op, because teamwork makes the dream work.
For more on these winners and others who took home an award, check out Whole Foods’ press release here.
For more on our industry, check back with us at AndNowUKnow.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - It looks to be a busy year—and beyond—for GR Fresh, as the company looks to expand its portfolio and add a new facility. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tony Incaviglia took the time to tell me a bit about what is currently in the works and what the company hopes to offer soon.
“Every day we look at how to redefine ourselves,” Tony shares, going on to explain that GR Fresh is looking to broaden the scope of what it provides to partners. “We've been, normally, a bulk-oriented type of grower, and now we are looking to offer more value-added items for our retail customers. For example, we're taking a lot of our hot peppers and putting them in 8 oz packs.”
New value-added-style packaging options for jalapeños, poblanos, and habaneros are among those items that that the company has developed. And, Tony tells me, the company is currently entertaining the debut of mixed medley options in the near future.
As far as growth, Tony tells me that GR Fresh is looking forward to its upcoming new warehouse construction, currently slated for 2019.
Hear all about the exciting things in the works, as this company looks to offer an even more versatile portfolio in our brief video interview above.
WENATCHEE, WA - Further growing its commitment to sustainability, Stemilt Growers is doubling down on its social responsibility program, Responsible Choice®, by making its first investment in solar energy. At its new distribution center set to open this summer, the Fresh Cube, Stemilt has installed 100 solar panels.
“Solar panels are a great way to give back to the land that helps us grow our world famous fruit,” shared Marketing Director Roger Pepperl. “Preserving renewable resources is a natural progression of our Responsible Choice program, which has developed many sustainability and social responsibility ideas into initiatives since it first started back in 1989.”
According to a press release, Stemilt’s new solar panels are expected to generate enough kilowatt hours of energy to power 3.1 homes annually in Stemilt’s home base of Chelan County. Homes in Chelan County consume about 10,766 kilowatts of energy per year on average.
“As the Fresh Cube opens, Stemilt will become the largest solar energy producer in Chelan County. And as we continue with operations at the Fresh Cube, we have designed the panels in a way that we can expand in the future,” explained Pepperl.
He continued, “There isn’t a great deal of focus on solar in our state, especially when compared to places like California. Making this investment into solar was not about energy credits for us, rather, about preserving the natural resources that we need to grow high-quality fruit so that we can continue to do it for years to come,” said Pepperl.
Stemilt’s Responsible Choice program was started by late Founder Tom Mathison in 1989, based on his belief that “we’re just caretakers of the land for a short time, and it’s our job to leave it as good as we possibly can, or better if we can.” Mathison launched the program the same year he both transitioned a large number of acres to organic production and began implementing integrated pest management techniques in orchards to reduce pesticide use.
Now led by Tom’s grandson, West Mathison, Stemilt has continued to implement sustainable practices and social responsibility actions into its everyday work. Other examples of Responsible Choice actions include:
- Using LED and motion activated lighting to make energy use more efficient
- Helping the Wenatchee Valley community dispose of its green waste to make compost for Stemilt Farms
- Reducing carbon emissions by centralizing the company’s footprint
The company’s solar power investment comes just ahead of Earth Day on April 22, Pepperl notes, adding that, at Stemilt, every day is Earth Day when its long-time environmental stewardship is taken into account.
WASHINGTON, DC - Just yesterday, the House Committe on Agriculture marked up and passed H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. Chairman Michael Conaway of Texas’ 11th congressional district gave the consenting Republican opening statement. Ranking Member Collin Peterson of Minnesota’s 7th congressional district delivered the dissenting Democratic opening statement.
United Fresh Senior Vice President of Policy Robert Guenther said the following of the bill: “The SCFBA appreciates House Agriculture Committee Chairman Conaway for recognizing the importance of specialty crops in this initial legislation, which includes baseline funding of specialty crop programs included in the 2014 Farm Bill. However, the Alliance urges the House to enhance the bill by increasing the investment in specialty crop priorities—such as fully funding the TASC program, increasing funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), and the Alliance’s policy recommendations throughout the bill. Specialty crop priorities are focused on programs that support a healthier America while serving as a major economic engine for the nation. Our industry is responsible for $66 billion in farm gate value and 33 percent of farm cash receipts for crops.”
A partisan divide was apparent in both Representatives' statements. Disagreement largely centered around the Title IV, the nutrition title, which concerned SNAP program requirements.
Representative Peterson argued that the bill lacked transparency, failed to address bipartisan issues, and presented an ideological attack on SNAP, which was not supported by any of the 89 witnesses in the 23 SNAP hearings that occurred. He continued that many topics covered in the bill had not been addressed in the hearings—including Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility and severing the link of LIHEAP. Representative Peterson stated the bill was reflective of the failed 2013 bill in that it does not present a tested or proven path out of poverty, cuts more than nine billion dollars from the programs budget, includes no mandatory funding for scholarships at 1890 University, eliminates $500 million from the Rural Energy for America Program, and risks an even greater bipartisan schism with its revocation of tenants that have been innate to farm and rural related programs since the Great Depression.
In opposition to Representative Peterson’s concerns, Chairman Michael Conaway stated, “By and large, the bill before the Committee today is a reflection of our work together. I sincerely regret that our discussions ultimately did not bear fruit relative to the nutrition title. On SNAP, we have some honest disagreements that apparently prevent us from coming together on a Farm Bill. I know we will have a full debate on SNAP, especially on the question of whether able-bodied adults should work of train for 20 hours a week. I would have liked to have had these discussions over the past month in order to try and reach some accord, but discussions were halted…As a member of this committee I watched with dismay as the bipartisanship of the Agriculture Committee broke down in the house process on the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills, despite the best effort from the Chairmen at the time. I wanted to break that trend and return us to the bipartisanship, which is the hallmark of this committee.”
To which, Representative Peterson replied, “Mr. Chairman, this is a flawed bill that is the result of a bad and nontransparent process. I oppose it and urge my colleagues on the Committee to oppose it as well…But the problem is this work piece, and unfortunately, the Chairman told me that was the one nonnegotiable provision, after months of my warnings about this type of approach…[workforce development experts] expressed major reservations about the ability of states and the workforce development community to pull off a program of the magnitude the Chairman is proposing...it is clear that this legislation would create giant, untested bureaucracies at the state level.”
United Fresh stated that several programs concerning fresh fruits and vegetables will continue to receive funding at the 2014 Farm Bill baseline levels, including the following:
- The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
- Specialty Crop Research Initiative
- Trade programs
- Pest and disease and clean plant programs
- The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)
The Food Insecurity and Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Program received an increase in funding over the five-year life of the bill.
In its press release, United Fresh lamented that the bill lacked funding for the MRL Database, changed the FFVP greatly, and failed to adopt policy changes recommended by the Committee on the enhancement to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, an issue on which Representative Peterson had concerns as well.
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), which has been the lead group managing the Farm Bill debate for United Fresh since the 2008 Farm Bill and where United Fresh serves on the leadership team of the Alliance, is currently looking at ways to make improvements to the bill and assist specialty crop industry to compete in a domestic and global marketplace.
To follow the impact of this bill as it rolls out, keep reading AndNowUKnow.