ORANGE COUNTY, CA – With its tropical-sweet taste and longer shelf-life, Zespri’s SunGold Kiwifruit is enjoying growth in the kiwifruit category. And, in order to meet this growing demand, Zespri announced the addition of Jason Donaldson to its North America office to oversee the company’s operations in the Americas.
“I’m excited to join the Zespri team and take on this new role as Zespri expands throughout the Americas. We are building our team to become a 12-month brand in this region so that consumers can enjoy SunGold Kiwifruit all year,” said Donaldson in a press release.
Prior to joining Zespri, Donaldson spent over 20 years in operations management in a variety of food and beverage categories ranging from carbonated beverages to sushi. He most recently worked in speciality produce at Freida’s.
With vast experience in multi-site management and large work force management, he initially started his career with 10 years in-store experience and over 10 years of vendor experience from direct-store delivery systems to warehouse and production management backgrounds.
Congratulations, Jason Donaldson! For more on the comings and goings in the produce industry, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
PHARR, TX – The Greek in me loves a refreshing xoriatiki salata, or a village salad as the natives call it. One of the key ingredients is cucumber, but it seems that not everyone has these high hopes for the deliciously crunchy veggie. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protections’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility, a trailer carrying a shipment of cucumbers was also toting 790 pounds of alleged marijuana.
“Despite the inclement weather, our officers remain resolute and determined in continuing to carry out the CBP mission. By halting this drug smuggling attempt we continue to make our communities safer,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, in a recent press release.
The white 1994 Freighliner tractor-trailer transporting the veg through the port of entry on January 17th was sent off for a secondary inspection. The non-intrusive imagining (NII) system and the canine team found the alleged narcotics during this secondary inspection, consequently leading to the extraction of the 790 pounds of alleged marijuana tucked inside 285 packages that were hidden within the cucumber-carrying commercial trailer. The estimated street value for the drugs in the shipment is reported to be $158,070.
Homeland Security Investigations special agents have since taken over the investigation after CBP OFO captured the stowaway drugs.
Thanks to the discovery, we can all relax and carry on with our favorite Greek salad.
Stay tuned into AndNowUKnow for the latest in fresh produce industry news.
POMPANO BEACH, FL – Sol Group Marketing has cleverly tapped into the favorite webpage of healthy-minded soccer moms everywhere: Pinterest! With their new campaign, Mind.Body.Melon., which can be accessed on the Pinterest platform through this link, Sol Melons hopes to boost healthy-driven lifestyle changes through helpful tips, nutritious recipes, and the Pinterest pinnacle DIY!
“We’re excited to share different ways to use melons in all aspects of a healthy lifestyle with Pinterest users,” said Carolina Garcia, Marketing Manager for Sol Group Marketing, in a recent press release. “Whether it’s with a smoothie bowl for breakfast or a refreshing facial mask to freshen your skin, there are endless possibilities to use Sol melons in your everyday life.”
Debuting the campaign right on the heels of the New Year, Sol hopes to aid consumers in reaching their healthy New Year’s goals with indulgent but guilt free snacking and skin care ideas. Whether it be cantaloupe, honeydew, seedless or mini watermelons, nearly all major retailers will have melons this offshore melon season, melons which are packed with vitamins and minerals and which may be perused to the consumers delight!
STELLARTON, NS - Safeway’s parent company in Canada has announced its plans to restructure operations, mainly through several store closures. Empire Co., which also owns Sobeys, will be either closing or choosing to rebrand 10 of its locations in British Columbia, according to a report from CBC News.
"It's no secret that many of our stores in British Columbia have been struggling for the last few years," Jacqueline Corrado, Director of External Communications at Sobeys, told CBC. In a statement, the company shared that the reasoning behind the decision to streamline its British Columbian stores is both falling sales and a change in customer demand.
While five of the closures will be permanent, Sobeys confirmed, the retailer also noted that it may rebrand the other five under its discount FreshCo brand. The majority of the stores will close on May 5, with the exception of the City Square location, which will close on July 28, CBC reported. Possible dates for a reopening will not be confirmed until a later date.
And as for the company’s staff, which have been the subject of ongoing wage and benefit negotiations between Sobeys and its local United Food and Commercial Workers union, the company stated to News 1130 that it is working to arrange transfers to other stores, but a yet unspecified number of employees will lose their jobs.
For more on Empire Co., Sobeys, and Safeway Canada as they continue to streamline operations and fortify its business, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
VANCOUVER, BC – Brett Libke will lead Oppy in the newly-created role VP of Sales, gradually assuming responsibility for Oppy’s Western U.S. offices over 2018. In this role, Libke directs the sales strategy and marketing development initiatives for the full range of Oppy Products across the U.S. and oversees more than four dozen sales professionals across 10 offices.
“As our business grows in scope and complexity, Brett’s excellent management skills, strategic abilities, and deep familiarity with our products and customer base will enable us to continue to provide excellent service and solutions to our customers and grower network,” said David Smith, President and Chief Marketing Officer, in a recent press release.
Libke has worked with Oppy since August of 2011, first joining as a Senior Sales Representative and working his way up, through the roles of Director of Sales and General Manager, to his current Position as Vice President of Sales. Libke will inherit much of his responsibility from Walt Breeden, VP of Sales for Canada and the U.S. West Coast, allowing Breeden to turn his focus upward, lending support down the West Coast, while leading Canada’s Oppy teams.
Libke looks forward to the new responsibility, hoping to continue to distinguish himself through his ability to grow business partnerships.
“I’m looking forward to optimizing our U.S. sales resources and cohesively focusing the team’s energy on our objectives,” Libke said. “I’m excited to grow our business and develop the next generation of sales leaders at Oppy.”
To follow the progress of industry veterans and newbies alike, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow!
DINUBA, CA – For Suntreat, January means flavor is here in full force, as the company’s Reserve Citrus season has readied high-demand navel oranges for shipment. But don’t wait to place your orders, the company said—a shortened Suntreat’s Reserve Citrus navel orange crop has promised supplies won’t be around for long.
“This year’s California navel crop will be short compared to previous seasons, with large sizes,” explained Daniel Kass, Vice President of Sales and Business Development. “There will be less volume of our Reserve Citrus, so be sure to pre-book orders as demand will exceed supply.”
According to a press release, Suntreat’s California-grown Reserve Citrus navel oranges are the product of a unique soil, climate, and over 50 year old trees located in the original central California citrus belt. This is the program’s eighth year, with supplies expected from now through early April.
“The navel oranges that are packed in our Reserve Citrus come from specially-selected fields based on their unique flavor profile,” Daniel shared, adding that, while most of central California is good for growing citrus, these areas are exceptional. “The unique flavor profile is a result of a combination of tree age, grove location, and rootstock.”
This season also marks the ability for Suntreat to use its new, state-of-the-art packing line that the company said will allow them to pack only the best of the best.
“The technology utilized in the new packing system produces highly-consistent and uniform cartons of finished citrus, fresh and ready for consumer purchase,” noted Tom Clark, COO. “Print on demand PLU’s and grower lot control and traceability are leading class in the citrus industry.”
As for merchandising and point of sales options, Suntreat offers a premium high-gloss Black Reserve Citrus carton, high-graphic bags, and a special PLU. Suntreat suggest retailers launch in-store tasting, as well as build displays featuring the Reserve Citrus carton. Both posters and 7x11 POS cards are also available to help tell Suntreat’s Reserve Citrus story.
To learn more about the entire line of Suntreat Reserve Citrus, check out this website, and keep watching AndNowUKnow for more updates on must-have varieties.
WENATCHEE, WA - Ever popular for its spuds and cabbage, St. Patrick’s Day might also have some roots in apple growing. Stemilt Growers is encouraging retailers to make their own Orchard Country, much like St. Patrick is rumored to have done, when legend says he planted apple trees at an ancient settlement east of Armagh now known as Ireland’s Orchard Country.
“St. Patrick’s Day is a great holiday to promote apples because there continues to be fresh supplies of multiple varieties available,” said Brianna Shales, Communications Manager for Stemilt, suggesting that now is the time to begin planning multi-variety ads. “Retailers should schedule a multi-variety ad right now and plan for visually stimulating displays with lots of color that feature many popular apples starting the week of March 12.”
According to a press release, Shales and the Stemilt team advise retailers to plan ads around five or more varieties, including:
- Gala
- Red Delicious
- Fuji
- Golden Delicious
- Granny Smith
- Piñata®
Shales suggested the company’s popular bagged apple brands for St. Patrick’s Day promotions, emphasizing that larger sizing is in high demand for many apple varieties.
“Convenience is a strong desire of shoppers right now, and the smaller size profile of varieties like Fuji and Gala make for great opportunities to run Lil Snappers® 3 lb. pouch bag or 5 lb. Apple Lover pouch bag promotions,” she said, adding an opportunity for retailers to capitalize on organic apple opportunities. “Our Artisan Organics™ brand recently expanded to include organic Apple Lovers, and we also have our health-focused juicing apple line, Fresh Blenders™, as well as Lil Snappers® available organically. Creating a vibrant display with smaller sized organic Granny’s in bags is a great way to feature the green color in that multi-variety ad.”
During this key promotional period, the grower offers a number of options to assist retailers.
“From recipes to in-store displays like There’s An Apple For That, Lil Snappers® and more, we have many tools to help retailers plan exciting St. Patrick’s Day promotions,” stated Shales. “Building visual displays and placing those displays in high traffic areas will boost sales and volumes during this key promotional period making the retailer’s sales dollars soar.”
In addition to apple dollars to be had, Stemilt reminds that retailers could also tap into the pear category during St. Patrick’s Day promotions and fold in ads around d’Anjou pears.
“D’Anjou pears would be a great liner with apple ads or in-store St. Patrick’s Day special,” said Shales. “The 5lb. Rushing Rivers™ pouch bag is convenient for shoppers, as it is easy to grab-and-go and the d’Anjou pear is a versatile, winter pear variety that will complement this apple themed promotion perfectly.”
Keep an eye out for more green options for your holiday push with AndNowUKnow.
SEATTLE, WA - In response to new U.S. corporate tax rates, which will generate savings for Starbucks, the coffee chain will raise employees’ pay and expand benefits according to CNBC. With this announcement, Starbucks joins Walmart, who, in a similarly altruistic move, introduced paid parental leave and cash bonuses earlier this month.
In practice, these new employee perks will constitute a one-time bonus—in the form of a stock grant, increased wages, and sick and parental leave according to the Chicago Tribune. These perks not only allow company to stand out in a competitive labor market, but also offer some security for employees, as recanting these promises would be a difficult and risky move for the retailer.
Starbucks’ Manager, Global Corporate Communications Reggie Borges spoke on the matter: “Historically, we've shown we're constantly thinking of ways for partners to share in our company's success, from health care to stock grants.”
Referring to its employees as “partners” is indicative of the retailer’s attitude toward its workers; Starbucks has gone so far as to extend sick leave not only to the employee, but also to allow employees to use their sick leave to care for family members suffering from an illness.
Borges added that the new perks are not a direct result of the tax cuts, but rather that the tax cuts have allowed the company to enact its plans more rapidly.
Chief Executive Kevin Johnson wrote in a letter to employees, “Investing in our partners has long been our strategy, and due to the recent changes in U.S. tax law, we are able to accelerate some significant partner investments.”
Though these employee perks are generous, Starbucks is in a more than adequate position to make them. According to Reuters, Credit Suisse Analyst Jason West estimates that the 8-9% decrease in the company’s tax rates will save the company $425 million annually; the new perks will have a combined worth of just over $250 million.
NETHERLANDS – Today, Ahold Delhaize released its financial report for the fourth quarter of 2017, ending the year on a high note with a solid performance compared to the fourth quarter last year.
According to the company’s financial report, Ahold Delhaize announced consolidated net sales of €15.8 billion ($19.58 billion), an increase of 1.6% at constant exchange rates compared to last year. Net sales also saw a growth of 2.5% on a pro forma basis, at constant exchange rates. For the entirety of 2017, pro forma net sales reached €62.7 billion ($78.93 billion), up 1.7% at constant exchange rates.
In line with the third quarter, Ahold USA’s sales performance had comparable sales growth of 0.6% (excluding gasoline), and improved slightly after adjusting for weather and holiday shifts compared to the previous quarter. Market share is expected to be stable compared to last year, and price inflation at 1.1% was broadly in line with the previous quarter.
At Delhaize America, comparable sales grew by 1.5%, with both Food Lion and Hannaford reporting positive comparable sales growth, with market share expected to increase compared to last year. Food Lion continued to benefit from the rollout of the "Easy, Fresh and Affordable" program in the Charlotte market last year and the Richmond and Greensboro markets this year. Price inflation was at 0.7%, broadly similar to the previous quarter.
Other successes include:
- Strong sales performance in the Netherlands with comparable sales up 6.0%
- Online net consumer sales up 23.2% at constant exchange rates in the fourth quarter and reached €2.8 billion for the full year 2017
- Expected full year 2017 pro forma underlying operating margin of 3.9%, in line with guidance
- Expected full year 2017 free cash flow to be significantly ahead of expectations
For more information on U.S. and European growth in 2017, check out Ahold Delhaize’s financial report here.
For more news like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
SAN DIEGO, CA - The cat is out of the bag and prancing around: the organic wave is here to stay. Organics Unlimited, one of the earlier parties to embrace the practice, has responded with growing acreage and even more sustainable moves in infrastructure and energy.
“We’ve had quite a bit going on,” President and CEO Mayra Velasquez de Leon tells me. “We are currently remodeling our San Diego offices, and we’ve installed a solar energy system that we got up and running just before the New Year.”
It is all in the plans to broaden Organics Unlimited’s reach as growing organically becomes increasingly popular. It’s a trend that has many rewards for growers, but Mayra and her team are actively keeping grounded in the mission behind the method.
“We pride ourselves on making sure that we are doing this right and for the right price,” she shares, explaining that the excitement for the trend does not change the cost of its production. “I love that organics is in the mainstream, that’s beautiful. But you don’t get organic from one day to the other. It takes three years to get there, so your inputs are more expensive and cannot be sold as conventional. My hope as organic demand continues to grow is that buyers understand the costs to growers.”
Organics Unlimited knows this from both sides of the coin—not only growing some of its own organic product, but also acting as distributor to both Canadian and Japanese markets.
“We’re distributors, but we’re also growers and can see what’s happening on pricing and beyond. It’s not just about money, it’s about what we’re eating,” she shares. “We see the shift in prices and accessibility on the consumer side, which is good. It brings us into the mainstream, which is good for everyone.”
But for a premium product comes a premium price, as Organics Unlimited looks not only to take care of its partners and customers, but also its growers. Mayda shares that this is a key thing to keep in mind as the organic industry continues to scale upward.
When I ask her about the most exciting part of the category’s skyrocketing popularity, she is, in a word, bubbly.
“Supermarkets nowadays all have an organic section, which is wonderful! Consumers are asking for organics more, and so we are seeing the combination of the two industries as more growers try to change and shift to accommodate organic,” she shares.
Much like specialty, niche, and private purveyors know, sometimes the beauty of a purchase is its exclusivity. AndNowUKnow will continue to monitor this and all other trends pushing produce forward.