BURBANK, CA - Walmart is stepping further into the future and embracing artificial technology as its latest employee hire. In late March, store officials gathered at the Burbank Walmart Supercenter to watch a demonstration of the retailer’s new shelf-scanning robot developed by Bossa Nova Robotics, according to Los Angeles Times.
Last October, Walmart decided to expand its robot pilot program to 50 stores across the U.S., and the latest demonstration could be moving the retail giant one step closer to expanding the project to additional locations.
"It scans each aisle in about two minutes, so it can scan dozens of shelves in less than an hour," said Tiffany Wilson, Director of Communications for Walmart. "It's scanning and looking for all of those things and, in real time, can tell associates what parts of the store need the most attention."
Tasked with scanning each aisle three times a day and alerting human employees when one of the 150,000+ products are out of stock, misplaced, or mislabeled, the 6-foot-5-robot is intended to boost in-store efficiency and roll around independently thanks to proximity sensors.
And, while Walmart’s robot program is innovating the brick-and-mortar experience, we can’t deny the addition of robots to our grocery shopping experience is a bit spooky. But in an attempt to alleviate shopper-bot-tension, Bossa Nova designed the robots to look “friendly” to shoppers—“friendly” features that actually double as the lights, 2D and 3D cameras, lasers, and screens that help the robot recognize products, scan bar codes, and create images of shelves to relay to store employees.
“This is a unique approach because we want to use technology to take care of our customers while still having human involvement and that human touch,” Panthi Patel, Store Manager for a Burbank Walmart location, said, while also noting that so far, the robots have not been an issue for staff or customers.
Still in its testing phase and only three months active, will Walmart take its latest innovation to more stores as the year progresses? And will more retailers begin testing their own robo-additions in stores? AndNowUKnow will continue to report as the story unfolds.
CORAL GABLES, FL - When my spring fever hits, I can’t help but consume all the brightly-colored fresh fruits and veggies I can get my hands on. And this spring season, Del Monte Fresh Produce is optimistic about its domestic season and is keeping grocery stores well-stocked with one of my personal favorites—blueberries!
“The demand for fresh blueberries in the United States has grown steadily over the past decade. Per capita consumption more than tripled since 2005, exceeding 1.5 pounds per person,” said Dennis Christou, VP Marketing N.A. “Del Monte has been a key player in growing and shipping premium blueberries in Chile for more than 25 years, and we continue to expand our operations to meet this growing demand. A major advantage we have is our Del Monte Fresh Cut business which these products support.”
Del Monte’s domestic blueberry season just began in the South and eastern states this past March, and will continue onto California throughout April before moving to British Columbia and wrapping up in September.
According to a press release, the grower’s Chilean import blueberry season also just wrapped up, finishing with increased volumes over the prior years. Specifically, the company noted that the Chilean growing region continues to expand to meet growing interest from retailers and food service customers each season.
And, come autumn, Del Monte expects the Mexico blueberry season to kick off in early fall, so the blueberry party never has to stop.
For more of the latest on fresh produce, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
CALIFORNIA - The Chinese Government announced that it is moving forward on a previously promised fifteen percent tariff increase on U.S. fruits and vegetables, including California citrus, countering President Donald Trump’s recent tariff on steel and aluminum.
The move, understandably, will have more effects on some than others, but California Citrus Mutual (CCM) President Joel Nelsen commented that the whole industry will see an impact.
"The decision by the Chinese government to levy exorbitant tariff increases on U.S. produce will surely have a direct impact on California citrus producers. Maintaining access to foreign markets and having the ability to compete in a global marketplace are critical to the success of the citrus industry,” Nelsen said in a statement. “The retaliatory tariffs imposed by China hinder our ability to be competitive by increasing costs for Chinese consumers, an important market for California citrus. Family farmers in our industry will suffer from the economic fallout unless we can find alternative markets for California's navel and Valencia oranges and lemons.”
CCM stated that the Chinese Administration has chosen to expand the discussion to include agriculture while the U.S. Administration is focusing on business sectors that require attention.
Alex Teague, Chief Operating Officer for Limoneira, expressed that while the tariff from China might have a different range of impacts depending on the company and operation, it won’t help either.
“As far as China goes, direct sales to China are very small for Limoneira, and many California lemon shippers, due to their burdensome phytosanitary conditions placed on the fruit,” Teague shares with me. “So, while it will not help, we believe it may dampen those sales one to two percent. On oranges, primarily navels, it will have some impact. If I had to guess, I would say that the seven to eight percent tariff that was spoken about would be the equivalent reduction in FOB for oranges due to the competitive nature of oranges in China.”
Nelsen and CCM Executive Vice President Casey Creamer, as well as Board Chairman Curt Holmes, noted that they are traveling to DC this week for meetings with Congress and the Administration regarding trade and other important issues affecting the California citrus industry.
AndNowUKnow will continue to follow this story as it develops.
MISSION, TEXAS - Word on the street is that Viva Fresh Produce Expo is fixing to be an event not to be missed. The organization announced the entertainment for the 4th annual festivities, chock full of activities.
Right out the gate, the event dazzles with a Welcome Reception, which will bring music from Steel Betty to attendees, showcasing the band's Austin, Texas, roots to San Antonio with folk-grass tunes, a press release explained. The Welcome Reception runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6th, amidst the gorgeous and natural surroundings found at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa. In addition to Steel Betty’s music, participants will be able to enjoy regional flavors seen throughout Texas, all the while enjoying the outdoor setting.
“Steel Betty is a great complement to the 2018 Welcome Reception,” said Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of Texas International Produce Association. “Our theme for this year’s reception is ‘Whiskey and Wildflowers’ and the combination of the surroundings, the custom food and drink menus, good company, and good music is sure to be a hit with attendees.”
The ever popular Lauren Corzine will take the stage, performing at Thursday’s 19th Hole Celebration at the Golf Tournament at JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa’s River Bend Pavilion. Corzine’s country crooning career began when she was just 11 years old, but she has gone on to sing all over the country. Those looking forward to Corzine’s serenading can catch her at the 19th Hole Celebration, free for all expo participants.
“We’re thrilled that Lauren Corzine will be sharing her talent with us again for the 19th Hole Celebration. Lauren’s music is going to be a fantastic addition to help kick off our Viva Fresh Expo this year,” said Ed Bertaud, Golf Tournament Chair and Director of Retail Sales at IFCO. “Additionally, our tournament proceeds will benefit the Brighter Bites organization, supporting local Texas communities with fresh produce and health awareness education.”
One of the major components of the event is its focus on healthy living; this year’s festivities include fresh, nutritious menus and a group fitness class hosted by Founder of Ag Mag Michelle Martin called Sunrise Fitness Class, which will take place before the expo begins on Saturday, April 7th, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
“Eating a produce-rich diet is just one part of a healthy lifestyle,” said Galeazzi. “And too few of us have the chance to get our daily exercise. We’re thrilled to have Michelle lead the group through a class designed for all levels of skill and mobility.”
Wanting more inside scoops on Viva Fresh Expo and how you can jump in on the fun? Check out the website: www.vivafreshexpo.com.
And wanting more fresh produce industry news? Keep checking back with us at AndNowUKnow.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - In an effort to expand into key urban areas and attract a younger demographic, Target is continuing its expansion efforts in New York City—with new small-format locations slated to be built throughout the city in the next four years.
New locations include an Upper East Side store, at 70th Street and Third Avenue, slated for early-2019; a Staten Island store, also slated for next year, and an Astoria location, near Ditmars Boulevard and 23rd Avenue, slated for 2022. According to a post on Target’s website, these new stores are expected to measure 22,600-, 46,000-, and 47,000-square-feet, respectively, considerably smaller than the typical Target superstore.
A CNBC report on the new stores noted that Target expects to operate 130 small-format stores, throughout the U.S., by the end of 2019—and already operates a small-format store in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood. The company’s previously announced expansion plans also include a smaller store in Hell’s Kitchen, slated for 2019, and locations on the Lower East Side and East Village scheduled to open this summer.
These are the latest locations in Target’s continued efforts to expand its presence in the Big Apple; the company opened six locations in the city throughout the last year. Additional small format locations in Chicago and other locations throughout the Northeast have also been announced.
Target's CEO Brian Cornell has already noted the success of the company's continuing shift into smaller formats has been met with propitious success.
Could this focus on small format indicate a sea change for the retailer? Last February, Target shuttered a 914,000-square-foot e-commerce distribution facility, reportedly favoring an online distribution strategy that would turn the company’s individual stores into “mini-fulfillment centers.” And the company announced plans, in March of last year, to make significant investments in reimagining and revamping its brick and mortar stores.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on Target's small-format expansion and other important retail news.
DALLAS, TX - This year, DMA Solutions is partnering with the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) to, once again, bring students from Texas A&M to the Viva Fresh Produce Expo to connect one-on-one with attendees and learn more about our industry at the Aggies for Fresh Reception.
Nine Aggies for Fresh scholarship recipients—soon-to-be graduates from Texas A&M University looking for internships and full-time positions within the industry—will meet and engage with industry members at the dedicated reception on Friday, April 6, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the San Antonio Terrace of the JW Marriot Hill Country Resort and Spa.
“We’re very excited to have a group of eager and talented students join us again this year from the Aggies for Fresh program,” said Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of TIPA. “If this year is anything like the last two, we know that these students will be the talk of the show—their excitement and willingness to learn and grow within the industry is always inspiring to see and continues to motivate attendees to prioritize time with them.”
As part of the Aggies for Fresh program, each of the scholarship recipients have been personally mentored and hand-selected by Dan’l Mackey Almy, Founder of Aggies for Fresh and CEO of DMA Solutions. According to a DMA Solutions press release, of the dozens of applications submitted, the students presented at this year’s Viva Fresh Produce Expo truly embody the work ethic and passion of the industry, making them excellent candidates for internships and full-time positions upon graduation.
The event is open to all Viva Fresh attendees, especially those companies looking to bring young talent to their teams. Sponsors of the event include Aggies for Fresh founding member DMA Solutions and industry leaders such as Azzule, Fresh Kampo, Tex-Mex Sales, Triple H Produce, Pharr International Bridge, and Wonderful Citrus.
“We believe in what the Aggies for Fresh Scholarship Program does to bring bright, young talent into our industry through the Viva Fresh Expo,” said Heriberto Vlaminck, Vice President of Sales at Triple H Produce. “It is always a joy to share our passion and open our doors to students who want to make a difference and bring new ideas to the table.”
Scholarship recipients from this year’s group include students with various backgrounds and degrees—everything from Agricultural Leadership and Agrobusiness to Bioenvironmental Science. Four students are graduating seniors in 2018 looking for full-time positions, and five students are graduating later in 2019—but are currently looking for internships within the fresh fruit and vegetable world.
Additionally, DMA Solutions, Inc. has created a free Internship Guide that provides several ways to execute a positive and mutually beneficial internship/apprenticeship program that best serves both interns/apprentices as well as the hiring company.
Interested parties can visit http://vivafreshexpo.com/aggies-for-fresh/ for more information on the Aggies for Fresh program.
For more on the Viva Fresh Produce Expo and the exciting opportunities provided there, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
TORONTO, CANADA - Started from the bottom, now the whole team’s going vegetarian! While Canadian superstar rapper Drake might claim he only loves his bed and his momma (he’s sorry), it was revealed last week that the rapper also has a special place in his heart for fresh fruit and veg—which I’m sure will crop up in a lyric eventually. Last week, Drizzy took to Instagram to allude to his new status as vegan, and fast-casual health food chain Freshii is so stoked about it, it’s debuted a new campaign.
In honor of Drake’s produce-centric lifestyle, Freshii launched a new campaign, titled Kale God, to encourage more in the Toronto area to fall in love with fresh fruits and veggies. According to Munchies, Freshii is tagging white billboards with Drake’s signature clasped prayer hands along with an image of a kale leaf and the words “Kale God” or “If you’re reading this go to Freshii” at the bottom.
“We took out two billboards on the Gardiner Expressway and one by York Mills Rd. and Leslie near Bridal Path where he’s building his new home,” a Freshii spokesperson said over email, according to Munchies. “As a brand, we share the same hustle and voice [as Drake].”
Along with the billboards, Freshii also put up kalegod.com—a letter to Drake from the chain’s Lead Nutritionist outlining some tips and tricks the rapper can use on his new meatless quest, including how to curb questions from carnivores, finding things to eat when out with the “broskis,” encouraging health benefits, and an ominous note to consumers that the kale gods are always watching...spooky.
No new friends, just fruit and veg forever tbh. For more on how produce is finding ways into pop culture, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest.
OXNARD, CA - This favorite green fruit of millennials, whether on toast or in guacamole, is always on trend. I spoke with Gary Clevenger of Freska to see how avocado conditions are faring out of Mexico (where the season is year-round) and California (where production has just begun), and what retailers can expect in the coming months.
“The California season is estimating around 375 million pounds this year, which, if true, would be about double last year’s volume,” Gary began. “Mexican volume was supposed to be around 2.2 billion pounds, but recent estimates are now showing it could be off by 10% lower than anticipated. Sizing in avocados is most like a bell curve, with sizes peaking around 48s and 60s with other sizes available. There will be at least 975 loads per week crossing for the forseable future.”
Gary reports that pricing for avocados has been strong, with a consistent weekend and week volume of around 42 million pounds out of Mexico keeping prices stable. California avocados typically get a couple dollar premium, and though they previously experienced an approximate 10 percent drop, pricing has now stabilized.
And, though these trendy fruits don't need much help to find their way into shopper's carts, Gary shares his ideas on how to promote avocados even further.
“Keep plenty of ripe avocados out in-store,” Gary recommends. “Point of sale recipes and guacamole packets next to the displays are always good sellers, and also help drive sales. Keep abreast of the different promotions being offered by the California Avocados Commission; it works at driving sales for California avocados and have some fun promos coming up.”
With summer holidays just around the corner, there are so many opportunities to employ Gary’s recommended marketing tactics. Try promoting avos for Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, or 4th of July barbecues—opportunities abound! And, to stay in the know on crop and market conditions across the produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
BETONVILLE, AR - After nabbing former Tesco executive Simon Belsham for the position of President of Jet.com last week, Walmart is making even more moves to stay relevant in the Amazon era. The retailer has just opened its first small-sized supermarket outlet in China: a futuristic shop fitted with “smart retail” tech features, according to Reuters.
The store, located in Shenzhen, will stock approximately a mere 8K products, including fresh produce, and 90 percent of which will also be available on the Walmart’s Chinese online marketplace JD.com, the news source reported. This move not only fortifies Walmart against encroaching Amazon, but also grants the retailer foothold in China where retail and tech groups like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd have already begun working to integrate shoppers’ online and offline experiences.
Increasing its accessibility and ease-of-use even further, the new tech-savvy shop offers delivery to customers within a two-kilometer radius in as little as 29 minutes. Customers at the new Walmart facility will also have access to a mini program on Tencent Holding Ltd’s WeChat as they shop, bypassing traditional checkout counters and paying on their mobile devices, according to Reuters.
Will this launch make its way Stateside? To stay in the know on small format and tech savvy grocery, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
MCALLEN, TX - Boasting a new-and-improved machine to eliminate shrink and improve efficiency, Fox Solutions is offering its customers the best possible ways to package value-added product.
I recently had an opportunity to speak with Aaron Fox to learn more about the company’s new-and-improved pouch bagger and its innovative features.
“We’ve done some modifications from the machine that we introduced last year,” Aaron tells me. “What it has now is a soft-fill function…for products that are sensitive to drop—apples and stonefruit—so it eliminates the damage to those products.”
The new machine, Aaron tells me, eliminates damage to fruit while filling bags as efficiently as possible.
“What makes this machine different from other machines is it's built in-house by us, all stainless steel construction. It’s not a machine that was retrofitted for its function; it’s specifically built for pouch bag filling for produce houses and produce,” he tells me.
See the pouch bagger for yourself this weekend at the Viva Fresh Produce Expo. A finalist for the inaugural Gateway to Innovation Awards, you can take a look at this product at booth #64. For more, check out our video interview above.
And for more fresh produce news, stick with AndNowUKnow.