WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Taking West Sacramento by storm is Raley’s two newly promoted executive leaders. Kevin Konkel has been promoted to the newly created Chief Operations Officer position, and Paul Gianetto is stepping into his role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising.
“This is an exciting time for Raley’s—we have built a strong leadership team that will support the advancement of our vision and purpose,” said Chief People Officer Mark Foley.
With 40 years of service to Raley’s in tow, Konkel will head operations in Raley’s banners and pharmacy operations in his newly minted position, after leaving his previous role as Senior Vice President of Operations. In addition to these efforts, Konkel’s role will include leading design and construction for stores, as well as operations administration, distribution, and asset protection.
A graduate from the USC Food Industry Management program with 35 years of in the grocery business to his name, Gianetto’s new role includes managing strategic pricing, private label, sales, and merchandising for both center-store and perishable departments. Gianetto took on his previous title, Vice President of Center Store, in 2017, and he joined the Raley’s team in 2008, holding numerous merchandising roles along the way.
“We are fortunate to have such experienced and proven leaders in Kevin and Paul. Both epitomize servant leadership and Raley’s family values,” said Raley’s President Keith Knopf. “I am confident, Kevin and Paul will continue to help guide the organization toward our vision of infusing life with health and happiness.”
Both Gianetto and Konkel will report to Knopf, who continues to steer the strategic direction for the company alongside Chairman and CEO Michael Teel.
To learn more about Raley's Leadership team, click here.
AUSTIN, TX & SEATTLE, WA - Not one to be absent from the news, Amazon has announced it's expanding its free two-hour delivery Whole Foods Market products through Prime New in two new markets—big ones at that. Starting today, Prime customers in neighborhoods of Atlanta and San Francisco will be able to get groceries, including fresh produce, direct from the stores, as the retailer looks to expand upon the success it has had with trials in Austin, Cincinnati, Dallas, and Virginia Beach.
“We’re happy to bring our customers in San Francisco and Atlanta the convenience of free two-hour delivery through Prime Now and access to thousands of natural and organic groceries and locally sourced favorites,” said John Mackey, Whole Foods’ Co-Founder and CEO. “Together, we have already lowered prices on many items, and this offering makes Prime customers’ lives even easier.”
As with its debut markets, customers who order from Whole Foods will receive free two-hour delivery on orders of $35 or more, or choose to opt for one-hour delivery for a $7.99 charge. For Prime Members in San Francisco, Amazon can deliver select alcohol as well, to accompany their groceries.
According to a press release, these won’t be the last new markets Amazon and Whole Foods roll out this year. The companies hinted at “plans for continued expansion across the U.S. throughout 2018,” but did not yet reveal its target neighborhoods.
No worries, however, AndNowUKnow will be right there to update you with the latest.
MONTEREY, CA - To stay ahead in our fast-paced industry, many professionals turn to educational opportunities to guide their next steps with ingenuity. Organic Produce Summit is assisting in these pursuits for knowledge. In a recent press release, the organization announced the panelists set to take the stage for its Session 2 of its Educational Sessions, which is set for this coming July 11-12 in Monterey, California.
OPS 2018’s Educational Sessions show professionals the ropes on how to get coverage for organic produce, what the media is looking for in the organic produce community, and how to communicate the benefits the industry has to offer. To accomplish this, the organization is turning to members of the media to gain insight into consumers’ receipt of news and information in regards to the organic produce industry.
"We’re very excited about this panel and feel fortunate to have these three panelists. We wanted to do something that gave OPS attendees an overview of how the media is treating and covering fresh produce," Matt Seeley, CEO for Organic Produce Network, told me. "We have Anahad, a reporter from the world’s leading newspaper, The New York Times, providing insight from the print side. We have someone from the traditional media and television side with our second panelist, Laura. And then we have Ryan from Natural Grocers, who works as the Social Media Marketing Director and provides a digital perspective. We’ve touched on the three major ways that people obtain their information and news with these speakers."
The moderator will be Ashley Koff, a Registered Dietician, who will be navigating the panelist line-up that shines with the following accomplishments:
- Anahad O’Connor: Consumer Health Reporter for The New York Times
- Laura Evans: Emmy Award-Winning Journalist
- Ryan Amirault: Social Media Marketing Director for Natural Grocer
How will these speakers impact industry leaders’ media-moves in the future, and how will the companies’ next steps relay into sales? AndNowUKnow will continue to report with the fresh produce industry latest.
TAMPA, FL - This year was my first Southern Exposure. The Southeast Produce Council’s annual show, I was assured, is one of the premier events in our industry, and this year's expo did not disappoint. Southern hospitality abounded and hot new produce items were on hand; here are a few that stood out.
J&J Family of Farms Sunny Sweet™ Peppers
With a unique, super-sweet flavor and small seed cavity, these toothsome, field-grown peppers are a perfectly bite-sized snacking option. The latest proprietary variety from J&J launched this past February and has been offering a steady supply of sunshine to eaters ever since.
Apio, Inc Eat Smart TimeSavors™
These new, ready-to-cook, fresh veggie kits are a perfectly nutritious accompaniment to any entrée—and a great standalone snack to boot. Now, fresh-cut, gourmet-sauced, and subtly-topped side dishes are available in only five minutes. It’s the kind of convenience an on-the-go shopper like myself craves, and with flavors like Cauliflower Gratin and Green Bean Sauté, Apio will have shoppers savoring fresh-focused dishes with ease.
Highline Mushrooms Top Seal Packaging
Mushrooms may not have a ton of history holding down retail displays with attractively-packaged products, but Highline Mushrooms’ new Top Seal packaging is primed to turn heads and raise the bar in produce departments across the globe. And for added convenience, the company’s new packaging is available in a customizable, easy-to-use pusher system—for a streamlined display.
Earthbound Farm Organic Riced Vegetables
Seated at the confluence of two of the biggest trends in retail—organic and value-added—Earthbound Farm’s Organic Riced vegetables have everything a retailer needs to drive sales of everyone’s favorite brassicas. Available in Organic Riced Cauliflower, Organic Riced Cauliflower and Broccoli, and Organic Riced Medley, Earthbound Farm’s new organic packs have everything a healthy eater needs to skip steps and enjoy fresh food faster.
Tanimura & Antle Artisan Dew Drop Cabbage
I’m a fan of greens—from the stately chard to the traditionally humble cabbage. And with its Artisan Dew Drop line, Tanimura & Antle is elevating the latter category with a high-graphic pouch bag and a petite, easy-to-serve cabbages. Whether grill-bound in the spring or to be served in a salad, these crisp little cabbages are an ideal addition to the kitchen and the produce aisle.
If you still haven't had your fill of SEPC's Southern Exposure (maybe you’re pining for some sense memory of that Florida weather), don’t fret. AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you coverage throughout the week.
J&J Family of Farms Apio, Inc. Highline MushroomsEarthbound Farm Tanimura & Antle
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Coming off of a strong fourth fiscal quarter, Target looks toward physical reformation. In an effort to modernize, Target will spend $250 million on 28 Twin Cities remodels as part of a plan to remodel 1,000 stores nationwide by 2020, the company reported in a press release. With the remodel, Target plans to create stores with two entrances: an entrance for ease and an entrance for inspiration.
“Target’s top priority is delivering a shopping experience our guests will love, and we’re excited to make so many of our hometown stores even easier to shop. At the same time, we’re adding new features that put the spotlight on the great assortment our guests can find at Target,” said Mark Schindele, Senior Vice President for Target Properties. “We’re always testing and learning in our stores here in the Twin Cities, so while these remodels will benefit our guests, they’ll also give us the opportunity to keep learning and adjusting.”
Some remodeled stores will include nursing rooms, and many will feature sustainability efforts like LED lights and solar panels. Ramping up the competition with Amazon, many stores will have larger order pickup counters and a drive-up lane in the parking lot.
Additionally, some highlights of the fourth quarter are as follows:
- Following the Company’s post-holiday update, comparable sales grew more than 4 percent in January, leading to comparable sales growth of 3.6 percent for the fourth quarter
- Traffic grew 3.2 percent in the fourth quarter, reflecting healthy increases in both stores and digital channels
- Fourth quarter comparable digital channel sales increased 29 percent, on top of 34 percent last year, contributing 1.8 percentage points of comparable growth
- The Company saw healthy comparable sales growth across all five of its core merchandise categories in the fourth quarter
- Fourth quarter GAAP earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $2.02 reflect discrete benefits related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act)
- Adjusted EPS of $1.37, which exclude discrete benefits related to the Tax Act, were above the midpoint of the Company’s most-recent guidance range of $1.30 to $1.40
- Target returned $591 million to shareholders in the fourth quarter through dividends and share repurchases, bringing the total to $2.4 billion for full-year 2017
“Our fourth quarter results demonstrate the power of the significant investments we’ve made in our team and our business throughout 2017. Our team’s outstanding execution of Target’s strategic initiatives during the year delivered strong fourth quarter traffic growth in our stores and digital channels, which drove healthy comparable sales in every one of our five core merchandise categories,” said Brian Cornell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “At our Financial Community Meeting later this morning, we will outline our plans to continue investing in our team and make 2018 a year of acceleration in the areas that set Target apart—our stores, exclusive brands, and rapidly-growing suite of fulfillment options. While we have a lot left to accomplish, our progress in 2017 gives us confidence that we are making the right long-term investments to best position Target for profitable growth in a rapidly changing consumer and retail environment.”
To follow the Target remodel as it continues, stay with us at AndNowUKnow.
GLENNVILLE, GA – The 2018 Vidalia Onion Committee awards banquet was a joyous one, and for Bland Farms’ Omar Cruz, full of unexpected surprises. On February 10th, Cruz was named “Grower of the Year,” taking home top honors at this year’s banquet.
“I was not expecting it,” Cruz said in a press release, after recieving the honor. “I appreciate what the committee did—I put my heart into these crops. I love the Bland family and each of these growers because they have all touched my life.”
After earning his degree in agronomy from the University of Havana in La Habana, Cuba, Cruz joined Bland Farms in 2005 and has been farming there ever since. Over the years, Omar has hosted numerous onion trials that have yielded valuable information benefitting the Vidalia industry. This information has been shared with various Vidalia Onion growers in the surrounding counties, which the Vidalia Onion Committee recognized at the banquet.
“Omar Cruz has been a god-send in the industry, and everyone calls him for advice to share his knowledge. We are very happy with him,” Bob Stafford, Interim Executive Director of the Committee and Director of the Vidalia Onion Business Council, said.
With the annual “Grower of the Year” award, the Vidalia Onion Committee recognizes farms and growers for their overall achievement and success as a producer of Vidalia Onions. A particular emphasis is placed on quality production and compliance with the Marketing Order, in addition to meeting specific requirements.
Aries Haygood, last year’s recipient of “Grower of the Year” noted, “Omar really cares about this crop and he is a huge advocate for Vidalia Onions and this industry. I couldn’t be more pleased and excited to see him receive this award.”
Congratulations, Omar Cruz! For more information on Bland Farms and its products, visit www.blandfarms.com. For more of the latest produce industry achievements, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
BOISE, ID – Albertsons Companies is welcoming a new week and a new executive. Jim Donald, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, joins the team as the newly appointed President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. In addition to his position as a member of the Board of Directors for Rite Aid from 2008 to 2013, Donald’s career includes experience in senior leadership roles at both Albertson’s, Inc. and Safeway, Inc., providing him with the retail operating expertise that he will now bring to the Albertsons team in his executive role.
“Jim Donald has built an exceptional career in retail. His knowledge of our company and industry is unmatched, and I know his contributions will be invaluable as we enter the next chapter of Albertsons Companies,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Miller, in a recent press release from the company. “We look forward to tapping his expertise in leading large consumer brands as we work every day to meet our customers’ needs, both in-store and online.”
In his new role as President and Chief Operating Officer, Donald will be in charge of operations for the more than 2,300-store reach. In addition to this, he will assist in the acceleration of Albertsons Companies’ omnichannel platform growth. Donald is stepping into the role Wayne Denningham held, who retired earlier this year, and in his new position, Donald will work in conjunction with leadership from the company after the close of the recent merger with Rite Aid, subject to customary regulatory approvals and approval by Rite Aid shareholders. Susan Morris will continue in her role at the company after being named Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer in January of this year.
“Having first worked at Albertsons 42 years ago, I have watched as an insider and from afar how their keen focus on customer service maintained a solid foundation for their team through the years,” Donald shared. “Their acquisitive nature combined with their recent innovation efforts and strong Own Brands portfolio have helped them to build an even stronger company today. I look forward to being a part of the team that takes this great company into the future and continues to serve the food, health, and wellness needs of today’s busy customers.”
Donald’s recent roles include that of Chief Executive Officer of the U.S.-based hotel chain Extended Stay America from 2012 to 2015, as well as President and Chief Executive Officer of food and pharmacy retailer Haggen, Inc. from 2009 to 2011. Further, Donald held executive roles at Starbucks as, first, President of North America Division before working up to President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation.
From all of us at AndNowUKnow, congratulations to Jim Donald and the Albertsons Companies team, we wish you success!
WATSONVILLE, CA - Driscoll’s Berries has welcomed a new executive in the promotion of former Director of Commerce, Business Planning, and Quality Assurance Wyard Stomp. Having moved over from the company’s European operations to accept the Vice President of Sales and Marketing post in California, the newly-named executive is thrilled to begin this new chapter of his fresh produce career.
“I brought my family here because this is a very, very special company to work for,” he shared with me recently. “It isn't just a good company; it has the right intentions.”
Wyard joined the Driscoll’s team in 2012 when he made the transition from the dairy industry into fresh produce. Born and raised in The Netherlands, he became an integral part of the European side of the team as he moved up the ranks from Commercial & Supply Chain Director EMEA to his most recent Director position.
Now, having moved over to the company’s Stateside operations and relocating to its U.S. home in Watsonville, California, Wyard is charged with the company’s marketing and sales strategy, market development, product marketing, and global export.
He reports directly to Driscoll’s President of the Americas, Soren Bjorn, who is already working away at innovative ways to further push the company’s promise of delivering only the finest berries with an enhanced focus on reaching the consumer.
Congratulations, Wyard, on this new chapter for you and your family!
BROCKTON, MA – Concord Foods is expanding its offerings, launching a new freeze-dried vegetable snack line, Freeze Dried Veggie Snacks. Sold under the Concord Fresh Success brand, this newest addition expands on the company’s already well-established meal solution product line.
“We have seen a continuous increase in consumers gravitating towards healthier snacks over the past couple of years,” said Charles Olins, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “With this knowledge, we wanted to create a product line with a clean label for these shoppers who are becoming more conscious of the ingredients found in their snacks.”
Available for distribution in May of this year, the new line includes flavors such as:
- Corn and roasted red pepper with sea salt
- Sliced beets with balsamic vinegar
- Sugar snap peas with sea salt and pepper
Concord Foods exhibited at Southern Exposure in Tampa, FL, where attendees had the opportunity to sample the freeze-dried veggie snacks available. The veggie snacks are a direct response to the Mintel’s 2017 Consumer Trends research stating that consumers are looking for on-trend flavors with clean ingredients as the salty snack category continues to rise, according to a press release.
Continuing to innovate the snacking category, Concord Foods utilizes the whole vegetable to maintain nutritional values and flavors, putting it through a special freeze-drying method. While other veggie snack options are available, the Concord Fresh Success Freeze Dried Veggie Snack line is one of the only lines that does not use a combination of additives when processing the vegetables.
The company said that, in an effort to provide a clean, less-processed snacking option, Concord Fresh Success Freeze Dried Veggie Snacks are made with 100 percent real vegetables and no artificial ingredients, added sugar, or preservatives.
PARIS, FRANCE - Frédéric Duval, Country Manager of Amazon France, has spoken to the French newspaper Journal du Dimanche, stating that Amazon aims to launch grocery delivery service in France. Though the move does not yet have any clear traction, Reuters reports that analysts have speculated that Amazon would target the European food and supermarket sector following its purchase of Whole Foods last year.
“(Food) is a strong development axis for Amazon since the launch of our Amazon Fresh offer in the U.S. in September 2016. We would very much like to launch this service in France, but everything in its own time. A launch represents an investment,” said Duval to Journal du Dimanche.
According to Reuters, privately held French supermarket operator Systeme U said that they are discussing a possible grocery supply deal with Amazon, which would pair well with Amazon’s initiative to create 2,000 new jobs in France, as reported by Journal du Dimanche.
“Since 2010, we have invested more than two billion euros ($2.465 billion USD) in France,” said Duval to the news source. “Year to year, we strengthen our logistical chain. We created 1,500 posts in 2017.”
Though this is not the first time Amazon has eyed the French grocery market, as we previously reported, this move would involve delivery rather than brick and mortar.
We look forward to seeing Amazon’s continued expansion into the European market and hope you’ll stay with us here at AndNowUKnow.