DENVER, CO - After taking a beating over the last few years, it looks like Chipotle will still not go down without a fight. New strategies have emerged from the fast casual company’s playbook; investors seem to be responding. Following Chipotle’s announcements that it had tapped former Taco Bell CEO Brian Niccol and abandoned plans for its Tasty Made burger restaurant, shares rose by as much as 15 percent, according to CNBC.
While Niccol, who previously served as CEO of Yum! Brands’ Taco Bell Division, won’t take the reins until, March 5, 2018, he has built a strong record of elevating brand images. Upon the announcement that Niccol would assume his role, current Executive Chairman Steve Ells commented, “The Board is confident that Brian's passion and skill set ideally position him to make the bold moves needed to improve operations and take the company to the next level, all while remaining true to our purpose and the values that are essential to our customers."
It sounds like the finance community agrees. One Wall Street firm, Baird, raised its rating of Chipotle’s shares to ‘outperform,’ up from ‘neutral.’
"We think the appointment of Brian Niccol as CEO (starting March 5) marks an important inflection point, as we are confident that his skills sets are well-suited to lead a return to better top and bottom-line momentum over the next 12-24 months," said David Tarantino, Associate Director of Research and Baird's Senior Analyst covering Restaurants, according to CNBC. "We view Niccol as an extremely talented leader whose expertise in brand management brings a valuable skill set that is complementary to the existing team. We know Niccol quite well, and we have been impressed with his track record of success in driving good sales performance during his past leadership roles."
After Chipotle confirmed Niccol as CEO, shares for the company soared 15 percent, leveling out to around $328 in the days after, CNBC said. As for Baird, Tarantino raised his price target to $400 from $315 for Chipotle shares, representing a 28 percent increase from Monday, February 26th's close.
As for Chipotle’s Tasty Made Burger experiment, the shutdown of the concept marks a return to basics for the company. After opening its first burger location in October 2016, with a limited menu of burgers, fries, and shakes, reviews for the chain were decidedly ‘meh,’ reported the Lancaster-Eagle Gazette. Even tapping celebrity chef Richard Blais to revamp its image in September 2017 was not enough to get Tasty Made on track.
And while some may be sad to see the restaurant go, looking at the stock prices, investors seem glad that the company is turning toward bigger, better strategies. Stay tuned as AndNowUKnow continues to track Chipotle’s growth.
TAMPA, FL - Some of fresh produce's biggest names convened in Tampa this weekend to sample products, network, and enjoy the beautiful weather at Southern Exposure 2018. With this year's fanciful Where Produce is King theme and the show's perennially intimate atmosphere and ideal buyer-to-supplier ratio, Southern Exposure offered retail buyers and companies throughout the supply chain an unrivalled chance to grow their business and celebrate our industry—all while luxuriating in the Florida sun.
This year’s Southern Exposure brought together over 2,400 attendees, 270 exhibitors, and over 450 retail and foodservice attendees.
"The Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure is a dynamic event that attendees look forward to year after year due to the quality of activities provided for our members," said David Sherrod, President and CEO of SEPC. "The SEPC has worked very hard this year, and every year, to increase the quality of our conference while still maintaining the intimacy that sets us apart, allowing our members to make meaningful connections within our four pillars: Networking, Innovation, Community, and Education."
"We get better and better every year," Faye Westfall, Chairman of the Board for the SEPC and Sales Manager for DiMare Fresh, told me when I asked her about the success of the Council's 2018 show. "I think this was the best Southern Exposure yet. We've really raised the bar. And it's going to be more difficult to top ourselves next year, but I think we can do it."
The three-day event boasted a number of chances to interact with buyers, sellers, shippers, marketers, and more; learn What's Shakin' in the produce industry, and grow those personal and professional relationships that are the backbone of our industry.
"SEPC's Southern Exposure provides every opportunity to connect with those in our industry in a way that fosters real conversations and allows those in our industry to build relationships. On top of that, the show is relevant to current issues and informative—just a look at the quality and quantity of educational sessions will tell you that much," noted Teri Miller, Senior Category Manager, The Fresh Market and former SEPC Chair. "The expo incorporates fun into every aspect. If I'm having fun, I'm apt to have a more meaningful interaction with my partners."
Additionally, Mike Roberts, Director of Produce Operations for Harps Food Stores Inc. and also a member of the Board of Directors, shared a few words with me about the impact of the event for him.
“I think what brings people back to the SEPC is the atmosphere, it’s like a close knit family,” Mike told me. “The ease at which you can visit with every aspect of the produce industry, with existing partners or new ones is a great benefit if the conference.”
From the Golf Breakfast and Tom Page Golf Classic Thursday morning through the Opening Gala Friday evening through the Expo, general sessions, and Closing Reception Saturday night, the show offered every opportunity to learn, laugh, build your business, and engage in some friendly competition with our produce peers.
"I look forward to the SEPC every year as it allows us to reconnect with suppliers early in the year and in time for Spring and Summer planning," Chris Keetch, Director, Produce & Floral for GIANT Food Stores, LLC, shares with me. "As if Florida in early March isn't enough of a draw, the logistics around the multiple days of activities offer easy access for those who attend every part of the event or are just in and out for the trade show itself."
Big winners at this year's expo had attendees cheering and on their feet and included:
Booth Contest Winners
- 1st place: Mucci Farms
- 2nd place: Dave's Specialty Imports, Inc.
- 3rd place: Reichel Foods
Costume Contest
- 1st place: Andrew Scott of Nickey Gregory
- 2nd place: Shuman Produce
- 3rd place: Leslie Simmons of Dave's Specialty Imports, Inc.
Winning Golf Team:
- Michael Jenks of Reed TMS
- John Miller
- Jesse Lopez
- Jim Gabrorski of Well Pict Berries
An impressive who's-who of guest speakers spoke throughout the conference, starting with Dan'l Mackey Almy, President and CEO of DMA Solutions–who kicked off Friday's STARS Breakfast.
Presentations and educational sessions continued throughout Friday–with informative sessions including a set of Fresh from the Farm Field Trips where attendees could virtually tour the farms of B&W Quality Growers, Florida Classic Growers, Nickey Gregory Company, LLC., and Robinson Fresh; a panel discussion of FMI's Power of Produce featuring Kroger's Randy Riley, HelloFresh's Jacob Krempel, and Giant/Martins' John Ruane; and a Connecting the Dots: Traceability & Transparency Through Blockchain Technology panel with speakers from throughout the supply chain including Brendan Solan of Driscoll's, Brigid McDermott from IBM, Frank Yiannas of Walmart, and Melanie Nuce of GS1.
"Education is one of the SEPC's pillars so we continue to invest significant energy and resources to provide a robust program that adds value to our membership," said Harold Paivarinta, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development for Red Sun Farms and SEPC's Education Committee Chair. "This was our inaugural presentation of the Power of Produce, SEPC's partnership with FMI. The session was standing room only and featured insights from panelists from Ahold, Hello Fresh, Kroger, and more."
Another new addition to Southern Exposure's educational program was the Learning, Interaction, & Networking with Key Players in the Supply Chain or LINKS Summit–a platform developed to connect SEPC's grower/shipper members with those from retail and foodservice. Designed to create a non-competitive environment to facilitate exchange of ideas, learning, interaction, networking, and enhanced understanding of the retail supply chain, the LINKS Summit strives to help members better service consumers and drive consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Southeast.
"All the retailer needs to do is create a guest list from our Southern Exposure exhibitor roster and create their presentations. The Council takes care of everything else," Harold explained. "Feedback from the retailers who took part in the first LINKS program was overwhelming positive. In fact, some have enquired about the possibility of making it an annual event for their companies at Southern Exposure."
Saturday's activities commenced with a General Session and Keynote Luncheon-at which John Mackey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, shared his insights into our industry. Mackey discussed the recent merger between Amazon and Whole Foods, the future of organic produce, his own plant-based diet, and more.
"I just think the things that [Amazon and Whole Foods] can do together are amazing-things that I can't really talk about," Mackey joked during a discussion with CNN Business Correspondent Alison Kosik. "The joke is: 'I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.' In this case, I could tell you, but then Amazon would kill me."
Mackey did discuss a number of important developments slated to roll out in 2018-including the implementation of Amazon Prime's rewards programs at Whole Foods locations, a cash-back credit card program with Amazon, and an initiative to make Whole Foods completely transparent with regards to GMO ingredients.
"We're a pretty big company, but we don't try to sell our food to absolutely everyone. We're selling the highest quality food in the entire world, we believe—the produce we can find…the best of everything…We don't necessarily want to be like everybody else; we want to be the best," Mackey said, likening Whole Foods to luxury cars with a devoted customer base. "We're a mission driven company. We're simply trying to fulfill our mission: to provide the highest-quality natural and organic foods in the world. And it's worked really well for us."
The keynote luncheon also awarded its 2018 Terry Vorhees Lifetime Achievement Award to David Stornetta, Founder of Produce Careers. "My first reaction—it wasn't a smile. It was very humbling," Stornetta told the audience.
Afterwards it was on to the Expo. The daylong show-floor experience boasted an impressive number of buyers from major regional, national, and international retailers and foodservice providers. Buyers and suppliers alike seemed pleased with the convivial atmosphere and quality of the show.
"Once again Southern Exposure provided three days filled with education, entertainment, and networking that exceeded expectations and will be providing benefits that will be useful the remainder of the year!" said Frank Swanson, Category Manager–Fresh Produce, US Foods.
While the expo may be over and its attendees scattered, the camaraderie and the bonds built at this year's Southern Exposure will undoubtedly continue to be felt by all who attended. Stick with AndNowUKnow for more SEPC coverage throughout the week.
ORLANDO, FL – Produce for Kids celebrated Friday evening at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure. With a crowd of more than 200 produce industry members, the team toasted to having raised $6.4 million for families in need since 2002, under the theme “Lettuce Squash Hunger.”
“We truly have something to celebrate tonight. We have raised $6.4 million for families in need since 2002 and $309,000 in 2017 alone,” said John Shuman, President. “It’s phenomenal to see how far we’ve come and how many families we have reached not only through nutrition education, but through those who have sought help from the Feeding America 200 food banks and 60,000 pantries we serve across the U.S.”
A recently released POS “Turnip the Beet” photo op standee, from the Associated Wholesale Grocer Springfield Division, was on display, inviting attendees to get down to kid level and snap a photo. Health tips from the Produce for Kids registered dietician accompanied the display, according to a press release.
“As we move forward in 2018, it is our goal to connect more with our customers, encourage them to share their struggles with us, and most importantly celebrate their wins,” said Trish James, Vice President. “We will strategically approach all of our in-store and digital campaigns with this in mind.”
At the event, Produce for Kids awarded its partner organizations for the contributions they made in the last year:
- Acosta Marketing for Most Charitable
- Avocados from Mexico for Campaign Champion
- Bee Sweet Citrus for Lunchbox Inspiration
- Melissa’s Specialty Produce for Social Media Rockstar
- Price Chopper for Retailer in the Community
- The Watermelon Board for Retail Dietitian Advocate
With its 5th annual Power Your Lunchbox Promise program launching in August, Produce for Kids certainly has a lot on its plate. To stay in the know, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SINALOA, MEXICO – Connections are everything in our industry. The bridges we build and relationships we form span languages, borders, and oceans as our produce family continues to grow. For the fifth year in a row, Sinaloa Encanta is inviting those in produce across North America and the world to unite in beautiful Culiacán, Sinaloa. Bringing together the Sinaloa community as well as international produce providers, buyers, retailers, media representatives, and government organizations, Sinaloa Encanta is back for 2018 to help those far and wide create ties in the center of agricultural business in Mexico.
With Sinaloa Encanta mere days away—the event takes place on March 8-9—I caught up with Eduardo Leyson Castro, President, to find out more about this annual industry celebration.
“Since 2012, we have been busy introducing Sinaloa as a rich state full of people working hard to grow and harvest some of the world’s most in-demand fresh produce categories. This year, we are focused on communicating that the distinctive mark of this region of the country, is the work and effort of its men and women. Sinaloa Encanta will allow attendees to see and experience the real roots of the lands and what Sinaloa truly is at its agricultural and cultural heart,” Eduardo Leyson Castro said.
Over the past four years, the number of attendees has steadily increased. This year, Eduardo Leyson Castro expects over 1,500 people to attend and enjoy the daily activities.
To kick off the occasion on March 8th, Sinaloa Encanta invites attendees to join them at Restaruant El Cayenna from 4 pm to 10 pm for the Networking Day, an exclusive event for sponsors, exhibitors, producers, industrialists, special guests, restaurateurs, wine houses, media, and more. The event will also have a keynote presentation, “The Industrial Revolution 4.0,” with speakers Ing. Guillermo Fernández de la Garza, Director of FUMEC; Sergio Gomez Lora, ICOM NAFTA Specialist; Javier Lizarraga Mercado, Secretary of Economic Development of Sinaloa; and Juan Habermann Gastelum, Minister for Agriculture of Sinaloa, which attendees will not want to miss.
On Friday March 9th, the day opens with a tour of the Agricultural Field “Viva Organica.” Later in the day, there will also be more festivities at Hacienda El Amigo, located in Los Mezcales, where attendees can enjoy food and wine from over fourteen of the best Sinaloan restaurants and thirteen different Baja California wine houses.
And going out with a bang, Sinaloa Encanta will conclude with a show-stopping concert by this year’s special guest Yuri, continuing his tour “Tan Cerquita Tour,” and an afterparty to boot.
"The work we do here in Sinaloa yields some of the best fruits and vegetables in North America, and we hope to continue empowering ourselves and expanding on the international stage. Therefore, we will not give up and we will continue making Sinaloa Encanta the meeting point between hard work for a better region and an area launching new projects dedicated to that great goal,” Eduardo Leyson Castro concluded.
For more information about the upcoming Sinaloa Encanta, click here or contact Luciano Trapero at [email protected]. For more on what’s to come in the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
AUSTIN, TX - When Amazon took on grocery giant Whole Foods, it was widely accepted that changes were on their way, but the initial feeling, according to the grocer's Co-Founder and CEO John Mackey, was of an aligned vision.
The merger has raised some questions. Is Whole Foods' well-known fresh approach and strict policies banning artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats, in question? The parent company may be looking to shift Whole Foods' well-known stance in pursuit of lower prices and income maintenance, reported Yahoo Finance.
The quarter ending September 24th of last year, a quarter during which Amazon maintained the grocer, boasted a 4.4 percent increase in sales from the previous year. The report explained that this increase is the biggest in two years, and that the e-commerce titan's takeover of Whole Foods includes a key initiative to make the grocery chain profitable with changes on the shelves.
An example of this transition may be seen in the possible addition of Coca Cola, a brand that wouldn't have been found at the Whole Foods of yesteryear; however, Senior Vice President of Communications for Whole Foods Brooke Buchanan told Business Insider that the chain's culture will "naturally evolve" under Amazon's guidance.
"Working together with Amazon has allowed us to lower some prices and bring our natural and organic food to more people, without compromising our industry-leading quality standards," Buchanan said. "While our culture will naturally evolve, the fundamentals of Whole Foods Market-our high-quality standards and our team members' passion, spirit of innovation, philanthropy, and commitment to an exceptional customer experience-will always be a part of who we are and how we do business."
When asked in a separate Yahoo Finance interview whether the grocery chain would be adding "consumer packaged goods like Coca-Cola," Buchanan stood firm in her constitution.
"As you know, we have really high-quality standards, and those products that you just mentioned don't meet those quality standards. If there were new products that actually do meet our quality standards, then there's always that consideration," she resounded.
At the time of Yahoo Finance's article, Amazon declined to comment.
On the brighter side of this inclusion of brands formerly foreign to the grocery retailer, some connected with unhealthy options have since come up with healthy alternatives. An example of this can be found in PepsiCo's Frito-Lay, which developed an organic Doritos under the name "Simply." This line, for one, meets the criteria, Bloomberg reported last year.
Under new managing criteria, will Whole Foods' shelves be lined with new brands that are familiar to other retail chains, and how will this transition reflect on the fresh produce scene? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated with the latest developments.
WASHINGTON DC - With three upcoming leadership programs—the United Fresh Leadership Class 24, the Revolutionary Leadership Conference, and the Convention—United Fresh is working to cultivate the next generation of produce industry leaders who will be savvier, better prepared, and more connected than ever before. I spoke with Gretchen Kreidler Austin, Director of Business Development for Grow Farms and Chairman of the United Fresh Leadership Alumni Board; Brian Kocher, President and CEO of the Castellini Group of Companies; and Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms about the United FreshLeadership Program and the impact it has had on their lives and the lives of others.
"The United Fresh Leadership Program is the result of the desire of a few of the industry's most influential to build leaders in the industry from the younger generations," Gretchen explained the origins of the United Fresh Leadership program. "That was 24 years ago! Through the generous sponsorship of DuPont, now Dowdupont, their dream was achieved!"
The program has continued on for nearly a quarter of a century, granting opportunity to a select few in each generation.
"Each year 12 individuals are hand-selected through a lengthy review and interview process from a large group of candidates," continued Gretchen. "Those lucky 12 are then given four weeks of intense training over the course of a year on becoming our industry's leaders of today and tomorrow. The classes focus on Leadership Development, Business Relations, Government and Public Relations, and Media and Public Relations. Industry experts and past alumni all play a part in the educational process."
For Gretchen, as an alumnus of the program, the United Fresh Leadership program is not only of great benefit to the industry, but directly improved her career.
"The program changed my life on the very first day of class," Gretchen said. "I figured out what type of employee I was, how I felt I wanted to be rewarded, and what I needed to do to feel successful and to give my best to my employer and industry. I absolutely give the credit for my transformation to the Leadership Program and my then employer, Mike Martin [also a Leadership Alumni] of Rio Queen Citrus."
The second and newest of United Fresh's Leadership offerings is the Revolutionary Leadership Conference, which the company offers in partnership with the George Washington Leadership Institute. As a testament to the conference's success, even Cindy Jewell, the berry queen herself, feels her company has benefited from the program.
"We are very excited about the new Revolutionary Leadership Conference as it really rounds out a complete line of leadership tools for members of the industry," said Cindy. "At California Giant we have benefited from staff participation in the United Leadership programs and look forward to offering this educational opportunity to those looking to expand their growth with our company and in the industry."
Brian Kocher feels that all of United Fresh's Leadership offerings have been a great benefit to the industry.
"Each year, I encourage members of my team to participate in United Fresh's leadership offerings," said Brian. "I find the more exposure they have to the values expressed, networking available, and lessons taught at these events directly translate into improved processes and team development once back at the office. It's a short-term commitment to a long-term return on investment."
Gretchen reflected on this long-term investment, speaking to how the leadership programs have shaped industry leaders and the companies for which they work.
"Whether it is upward movement in their company, more exposure to our industry, how to be involved, or greater understanding in what it means to be a leader, and how to become a true leader in our industry, the program leaves a mark on you that is never forgotten," she reflected. "The entire industry as a whole benefit any time a group is educated. Enlightened. This select group of 12 goes back to their prospective companies with new ideas, with renewed excitement, with a sense of family and belonging in an industry that is so vital to everyone on the planet. Without us, without the new generation of us, the planet doesn't eat fresh fruit and vegetables."
The Revolutionary Leadership conference will run April 9th through 11th; followed by the United Fresh Leadership Program, which begins in August of this year and runs through June of 2019; and the United Fresh Conference September 24th through 26th. Applications for the leadership program's 24th class close March 30th. To stay in the know on industry leadership projects, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
LAKELAND, FL - With a boost in its stock price standing and big plans in the works for 2018, Publix looks to be closing out the fiscal 2017 year with its eyes on the horizon.
“I’m delighted we had a significant increase in our stock price,” said Publix CEO and President Todd Jones in the company’s financial release. “I’m proud of our associate owners for their dedicated service to our customers and communities.”
Publix stock is not publicly traded and is made available for sale only to current Publix associates and members of its board of directors. Effective March 1, 2018, Publix’s stock price increased from $36.85 per share to $41.40 per share.
The retailer’s sales for the fourth quarter of 2017, a 13-week period, were $8.9 billion, a 2.1 percent decrease from last year’s 14-week period of $9.1 billion. It said in its financial report, it stated that excluding the additional week in the fourth quarter of 2016, sales for the fourth quarter of 2017 would have increased 5 percent.
Additional highlights from the report included:
- Comparable-store sales for the fourth quarter of 2017 increased 3.2 percent
- Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2017 were $766.6 million, compared to $544.5 million in 2016, an increase of 40.8 percent
- Earnings per share for the fourth quarter increased to $1.04 for 2017, up from $0.71 per share in 2016
- Outside news sources reported that the coming year has more in store from Publix, both for its stores and its employees
The company said it plans to invest $1.53 billion in 2018 to build new stores, remodel old ones, upgrade technology, and buy shopping centers it anchors, according to a report from the Palm Beach Post, which noted that Publix had nearly $1.5 billion in cash and short-term investments at the end of 2017.
Publix’s store count has reflected growth, as well as its private ownership of those stores. The retailer now owns nearly one-third of its stores, the report said; 371 of its 1,167 locations, or 31.8 percent, as of December 31, 2017.
As for its employees, The Orlando Sentinel reported that Publix plans to raise wages for its hourly employees and some managers.
“We want to continue to invest in our most valuable asset—our associates,” Dwaine Stevens, Media & Community Relations Manager, told the Sentinel in an email. “So with this investment, we will increase the retail pay range for non-management positions as well as assistant department managers and department manager positions.”
The chain did not comment on the real estate moves or strategy.
With much in the works for this retailer and others in the buy-side, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep an eye out for all the latest.
REIDSVILLE, GA – With seven years of experience in the produce industry, and a focus in sweet onions and sweet potatoes to boot, Amanda Lott joins Shuman Produce as its new Marketing Coordinator out of the company’s Reidsville headquarters.
“Marketing is a key component of our company’s focus. With Amanda joining our team, we will continue to bring fresh and innovative programs the industry has come to expect from Shuman Produce, Inc.,” said John Shuman, President.
Lott, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Brewton-Parker College with a BA in English and Creative Writing, who was President of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor society, lives in Baxley, Georgia, with her husband and two teenage children.
“When I graduated from college with an English degree, working in the sweet onion industry was the last thing I ever imagined. Through the everyday challenges of produce, I’ve grown in so many ways, and look forward continuing that growth at Shuman Produce,” said Lott.
To stay in the know on all industry hires, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
PHARR, TX – London Fruit is rounding out its line-up of tropical fruits with a much-vaunted new specialty item—jackfruit. This perennial staple of South Asian cuisine is fast becoming a must-have item for both adventurous eaters and health-conscious consumers, and London Fruit is meeting burgeoning demand as shoppers seek out more and more plant-based dietary options.
“So many people don’t know what this oversized fruit is when they walk past it in the store. We’re really trying to encourage retailers, receivers, and distributors to cut up jackfruit and let their potential buyers try it—or sell it pre-cut at the retail level in tray packs,” explained Cindy Swanberg Schwing, Sr. Marketing / Business Development, noting that while the profile of this specialty offering is booming, many customers have yet to try jackfruit, and slicing and sampling the fruit can help bridge the narrowing gap between interest and dollar sales.
And while education is perhaps the biggest challenge with getting jackfruit into consumers’ carts, Cindy tells me that increasingly health-conscious consumers looking to add more and more plant-based foods to their diet have primed jackfruit for propitious growth. It’s being touted as “The Healthy Main Dish, a Wonderfruit.”
“It’s a natural for Asian supermarkets to carry jackfruit—we’re hoping to broaden our marketing scope by expanding into more traditional North American food outlets. There is already a lot of good information out there, so we’re trying to get interested consumers who have heard of jackfruit to take that next step,” Cindy explains, noting that jackfruit already enjoys a robust web presence—with articles in popular online publications, social media features, and YouTube videos offering North American consumers more information than ever before about how to prepare and eat jackfruit.
“Not only is there a bit of a cultural challenge with jackfruit, it poses some difficulties in cutting and preparing. But it’s similar to a watermelon in that respect. And after all, everyone loves watermelon and they don’t let that stop them!”
And like watermelon, though, price per whole fruit may seem expensive, Cindy tells me that price per pound is more than reasonable—particularly when considered as a meat substitute.
“You have to weigh it out—figuratively and literally,” added Cindy, who tells me that the price per pound of jackfruit can be many times less expensive than the price of meat per pound, for example—and selling and sampling pre-cut product is a great way to clue consumers in!
The company is currently importing jackfruit out of Nayarit, Mexico, and expects to have ample supply from now until September—complementing London Fruit’s mango season nicely—with even stronger volume by the middle of April.
Kalani Jaime, Sales at London Fruit, encourages buyers to ‘lock-in’ the fruit as early as possible. “Once the jackfruit arrives, it doesn’t sit on the floor long. Having this new ‘item’ in our arsenal opens up new avenues for all of our products.”
For more fresh produce news, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
ASIA - Starbucks is looking to match brighter days with its newest addition. Joining the line-up is its new Strawberry Honey Blossom Créme Frappuccino, a pastel beauty that perfectly coordinates with springtime color themes.
As of February 27th, the sought-after drink is only available at Starbucks Thailand and Starbucks Hong Kong for a limited time, so for those of us not able to get our hands on one during the window of time, we will have to keep our heart-shaped eyes at bay. There have, however, been reports of its creamy goodness on social media, according to Bustle. The drink’s strawberry and vanilla crème sits between layers of honey-flavored whipped cream, and freeze-dried strawberries are woven throughout. To top it off, the drink dons a crunchy layer of pink rice puffs and sprinkles to add an extra dose of dreamy pizzazz.
The company turned to the power of pink to create this beverage, “inspired by the pastel pink of cherry blossom petals,” according to a Starbucks rep.
This isn’t the only produce-tuned item the chain released to a limited audience. According to Bustle, the company also released its Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade Cold Brew to stores in Asia.
The Starbucks Hong Kong Facebook page described the drink as, “The magic flurry of spring in the air, captured in the new Strawberry Honey Blossom Créme Frappuccino and puddings!”
The flavors at play are a perfect storm of sweet, sour, creamy, icy, and cool—and let’s face it, the drink is ready for its close-up for social media-crazed consumers spreading the word of its berry beautiful tastes when these warmer breezes roll through.
Will this newest bold concept make its way to the States or venture outside of the two regions in which it is currently being enjoyed? How will this trend inspire other companies to create their own take on the refreshing blend? AndNowUKnow will continue to report!