AUSTIN, TX - Whole Foods has welcomed a new leader to its executive team, moving up its own Christina Minardi. Effective immediately, she resides in a newly-created Executive Vice President of Operations position, joining Ken Meyer and David Lannon as the third Executive Vice President of Operations.
With 22 years at the company under her belt, Minardi brings a great deal of experience to the promotion. Most recently she served Whole Foods as its Northeast Regional President, overseeing 40 stores in three states.
Since joining Whole Foods Market in 1995, the retailer said that Minardi has forged a path in retail and culinary excellence. According to a press release, she has built a remarkable leadership team while operating some of the highest-volume stores in the most unique and demanding areas of metro New York.
Among her achievements is also having been recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the “Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink.”
“I’m thrilled to welcome Christina to the leadership team and I look forward to working with her to build an exciting future,” said CEO and Co-Founder John Mackey. “I know she will be an integral part of building our relationship with Amazon and helping drive our shopper experience.”
In her new role, Minardi will both co-lead the integration with Amazon and lead four regions. Among her responsibilities will be re-imagining the customer experience and driving e-commerce initiatives, as well as other key store and regional programs.
With continuous changes at Whole Foods as it creates a new strategy under Amazon, AndNowUKnow will report on new developments as they occur.
SALINAS, CA – The Organic Produce Summit (OPS) has announced registration dates for the third annual OPS. Retailer and buying organization registration for OPS 2018 will begin November 20 on the OPS website.
“We are excited to bring together the leaders and innovators of organic fresh produce to the cradle of organic fresh produce production for two days of information, education, and networking,” said Susan Canales, Director of Operations, in a press release. “The phenomenal response and feedback we’ve received from our sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees to the event motivates us to make each year even better. As we plan for OPS 2018, we have some exciting opportunities for attendees that we will be sharing in the months ahead.”
The Summit will be held July 11-12 in Monterey, California, at the newly-renovated Monterey Conference Center. Following the success of the previous years’ events, OPS 2018 will feature a similar format with a gala opening reception, a series of educational sessions, inspiring keynote presentations, a sold-out exhibit trade show, and field tours for qualified buyers.
According to the OPS’ press release, the two-day event—developed exclusively for producers of organic fresh produce and their retail and buying partners—has become the go-to event for the $15 billion organic fresh produce industry. OPS 2017 was sold-out and featured over 200 retailers from over 80 different retailers and buying organizations, and the annual Summit boasts support from some of North America’s most prominent growers, shippers, and processors of organic produce.
Co-sponsors for this year’s event are Braga Family Farms and Taylor Farms, with major sponsors including Driscoll’s, VBZ Grapes Inc., Oneonta Starr Ranch, Homegrown Farms, Ocean Mist, and Earthbound Farm.
Retailers and buying organization members are eligible to receive complimentary registration and hotel accommodations for the event, with more information available at www.organicproducesummit.com.
Thought all exhibit space for OPS 2018 is currently sold out, space on a wait list is available, and interested parties can contact [email protected] for details.
Information on educational and keynote sessions will be forthcoming in the near future, and AndNowUKnow will keep you apprised with updates.
OAXACA, MEXICO - When natural disasters hit, those affected can sometimes sadly be left with few places to turn to for assistance. After the earthquake in Oaxaca, Mexico, this fall, Freska Produce stepped up to help those in need find food and basic necessities, and also brought a strong sense of community to some of those impacted by the event.
“With the recent earthquake this fall in Oaxaca, our team at Freska felt compelled to help out the community in the region–the same community that helps to pick, pack, and ship our mangos," Partner Jesus “Chuy” Loza, shares with me. "The impact of the earthquake affected many, devastating homes in the community. Our goal was, and is, to help them recover and begin moving back to a state of normalcy. We feel it’s important to support the people who support us."
The company’s dedication to helping those who saw first-hand just how devastating the effects were from the earthquake reaches far beyond charity work. Some of the company’s mango picking, packing, and shipping workers are located in Chahuites, Oaxaca, so Freska sought to alleviate the community’s hardships with its donation. The company’s efforts are to assist and support the community as it recovers.
Everyday staples, such as canned food, water, and toilet paper, were sent to Oaxaca residents. In addition to the goods sent to the community, the company also purchased items to fix the damaged homes of locals who were affected by the earthquake, such as new roofs and stucco, as well as provided labor to implement these necessary structural changes.
“Our actions are put forth in the hopes of providing an example to the produce industry, that we have to stick together, as there is still much more needed in this community to fully recover,” Chuy tells me.
Our thoughts go out to all those being affected by the 2017 natural disasters. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as our industry rallies around those impacted, to bring assistance to those in need.
WENATCHEE, WA – After a 40-year career with Stemilt, Eva Lauve, Food Safety and Scheduling Manager, was recognized by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) with their Quality Achievement Award. Lauve was named recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, which is given to an individual who has freely shared time and expertise throughout the industry in the areas of food safety.
“In the early 1990s, Eva was tasked by my grandfather, Tom Mathison, to ensure Stemilt was on the forefront of food safety,” said Stemilt President West Mathison, who read a letter that spoke of Lauve’s incredible service to Stemilt and the industry aloud prior to her accepting her award. “She fully immersed herself into understanding food safety, and because of her, Stemilt has one of the longest participations in SQF and was one of the first SQF certified suppliers in North America. Eva has committed countless hours serving on volunteer food safety committees and always had an open door to consult others in the industry to make sure we are all putting forth safe, quality food. The epitome of a serving leader, we are thrilled that SQFI has selected Eva for this award.”
Prior to assuming her current role as Scheduling and Food Safety Manager, Lauve began her career at Stemilt in 1978 as a cherry sorter and worked in various jobs with the company throughout her college years. After graduating college, she then moved into packing line supervisory roles. In 1987, she was promoted to packed fruit QC and pre-size bin inventory supervisor, before starting Stemilt’s food safety program and managed production in 1992, according to a press release.
“It’s an honor to recognize Eva Lauve of Stemilt,” said Robert Garfield, Chief Food Safety Assessment Officer and Senior Vice President for Food Marketing Institute, who also noted that Lauve is the fifth recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, which is only awarded by senior staff when they discover an individual who has dedicated themselves to enhancing food safety management. “Like our other recipients, she has a great understanding and commitment to global food safety and the SQF program, and is constantly giving her time and energy towards helping others in all areas of food safety.”
The awards were given out at the 2017 SQFI International Conference held in Dallas, Texas. Congratulations Eva!
For more produce industry accomplishments, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - Browsing the showfloor at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit conference, I noticed that ‘versatile’ was a big focus for many high-traffic booths. And one of the more versatile items being showcased was Village Farms’ Lorabella Blossom™, because who thinks of tomatoes as a breakfast item?
Kristina Larue, Sports Dietitian and Founder of Love & Zest healthy-living blog, partnered with Village Farms to do just that.
“I love working with the Lorabella Blossom tomato because it has citrusy notes and it pairs well with the ricotta cheese, the sweetness of the raisins, with a little bit of a crunch we added some pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of honey, and a little bit of freshly-cracked pepper to this recipe,” she shared on the floor as she made me a slice of savory toast.
She explained that the team was celebrating the variety and all its unique qualities, not the least of which was the fact that you could have your tomatoes even with breakfast as we keep looking for even more ways consumers can eat their fresh fruits and vegetables.
To watch how this tasty snack was made, and all Kristina had to say about the versatile Lorabella Blossom, watch our short video interview above.
WEST DES MOINES, IA – Just a week after news broke that Midwest-based retailer Hy-Vee had plans to introduce three new fulfillment centers, the company has announced a slate of expansions to its facilities and in-store changes to meet the demands of consumers’ changing lifestyles.
“This fiscal year, we have approved one of our largest capital expenditure budgets in our company’s history to make sure we are not only meeting our customers’ needs, but fulfilling their wants, now and in the future,” said Randy Edeker, Chairman, CEO, and President, in a press release. “We’ve studied customer habits and lifestyles and know that fewer people are cooking meals at home than ever before. We want our offerings to help individuals who are looking for something healthy to eat on the go as well as families who want to enjoy a sit-down meal that they can easily claim as their own.”
Hy-Vee noted in its press release that the company currently has construction projects underway across the retailer’s eight-state region. Major projects include:
- Construction of a 240,000-square-foot production facility in Ankeny, Iowa, which will serve as a commissary and central bakery as Hy-Vee offers more fresh prepared options and meal kits to its customers. The project also includes an expansion of Hy-Vee’s subsidiary PDI
- Construction of a 48,000-square-foot production facility that will support Hy-Vee’s Short Cuts produce brand. The facility, which is adjacent to Hy-Vee’s current distribution center in Chariton, Iowa, will produce fresh cut, retail-ready fruits and vegetables for customers beginning in January 2018
- Construction of Hy-Vee’s new 10,000-square-foot convenience and meal solutions stores, named Fast & Fresh, in the Des Moines area and Davenport, Iowa. These stores will feature grocery items, fresh prepared foods and a coffee shop. Another type of small store concept will open in West Des Moines, Iowa, in 2018
- Additionally, the company noted that its planned e-commerce fulfillment centers in Kansas, Twin Cities, and Omaha—in addition to an existing fulfillment center in Des Moines—will meet the needs of the company’s growing online ordering service
Hy-Vee also added that it is transitioning many of its Hy-Vee Market Grill restaurants to a new Hy-Vee Market Grille Express format—wherein customers will be able to quickly order food, pay at a nearby pay station, then sit and enjoy their meal in a casual self-service, contemporary atmosphere. Express locations will offer both a convenient on-the-go eating experience and a full-service bar where customers can enjoy a variety of beverages while watching their favorite game or sporting event on TV. The company also noted the impending opening of its first Wahlburgers restaurant—the first of 26 planned Wahlburger locations.
Will the retailer’s expansive agenda continue to pay dividends as consumers lifestyles and shopping habits evolve? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
IRWINDALE, CA – As the leaves fall with temperatures, and with holiday decorations appearing on stoops, Ready Pac Foods is leaning into fall with the launch of its latest limited edition, seasonal creation, Smoked Turkey with Pomegranate Vinaigrette Bistro Bowl® single serve salad.
“Seasonal flavors this time of year often means pumpkin spice, but this year we wanted to give our consumers something a bit more on-trend, indulgent, and satisfying,” said Galit Feinreich, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), in a press release. “This salad is fresh, flavorful, and loaded with delicious ingredients you’d find in a holiday meal including smoked turkey breast, cranberries and cornbread–all ready to dress and mix in our signature Bistro Bowl for a great on-the-go meal.”
According to an ORC International Survey conducted by Ready Pac Foods, 81 percent of consumers wish they made healthier choices during the holiday season. In response, Ready Pac launched the Smoked Turkey with Pomegranate Vinaigrette Bistro Bowl to help consumers indulge in the flavors of the season’s favorite foods, without compromising their health.
The Smoked Turkey with Pomegranate Vinaigrette Bistro Bowl salad features smoked turkey breast, creamy feta cheese, cranberries, and a crispy cornbread crumble on a bed of arugula and baby greens, dressed with a zesty pomegranate-orange vinaigrette. Best of all, the complete meal salad is under 250 calories and delivers 9 grams of protein.
First introduced in 2016, Ready Pac Foods released its Limited Edition Bistro Bowl salad line to provide consumers with fresh, peak of season ingredients, amazing flavors, and healthier options for on-the-go meals. Past Limited Edition Bistro Bowl salads have included seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Spice, Roasted Corn with Pulled Pork & BBQ Drizzle, and Roasted Beets & Baby Greens.
The Smoked Turkey & Pomegranate Bistro Bowl is available until mid-February where consumers buy groceries nationally, including Walmart and Wegmans, and online at Amazon Fresh. For more information, visit www.readypac.com.
With the holiday fervor setting in as the holiday season rapidly approaches, AndNowUKnow will help keep you in the loop on all things produce.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart’s third quarter looks to be a success story. The company’s third quarter comps grew 2.7 percent, while its U.S. e-commerce sales climbed a staggering 50 percent. It also reports its Q3 FY18 GAAP EPS of $0.58, and its Adjusted EPS of $1.00.
Now, the company is expecting a full-year GAAP EPS somewhere along the lines of $3.84 to $3.92, and an Adjusted full-year EPS somewhere between $4.38 to $4.46.
“We are pleased with the strong results in the quarter across each of our business segments, and I want to thank our associates for their commitment and great work to make it happen. We have momentum, and it’s encouraging to see customers responding to our store and e-commerce initiatives. We are leveraging our unique assets to save customers time and money and serve them in ways that are easy, fast, friendly, and fun,” said Doug McMillon, President and CEO, in a detailed press release.
According to the report, the growth can be seen with the following percentage gains:
- The company’s third-quarter GAAP EPS was adjusted for three items. A charge of $0.29 for loss on extinguishment of debt in connection with the company’s recently completed debt tender offer, a charge of $0.09 based on discussions with government agencies regarding the possible resolution of the FCPA matter, and a charge of $0.04 based on the decision to exit certain properties in one of the company’s international markets
- Total revenue was $123.2 billion, an increase of $5 billion, or 4.2 percent. Excluding currency, total revenue was $122.7 billion, an increase of $4.5 billion, or 3.8 percent
- Walmart U.S. comp sales increased 2.7 percent, and comp traffic increased 1.5 percent
- e-commerce growth at Walmart U.S. remained strong, led by growth through Walmart.com. Net sales and GMV increased 50 percent and 54 percent respectively
- Net sales at Walmart International were $29.5 billion, an increase of 4.1 percent. Excluding currency, net sales were $29.1 billion, an increase of 2.5 percent. Ten of eleven markets posted positive comp sales, including the company’s four largest markets
A reported 260 million customers visiting the company’s 11,600 stores located throughout the world and e-commerce sites set up in 11 countries every week, and with such a far-reaching and broad spectrum of business, the company is celebrating a 2017 fiscal year revenue of $485.9 billion.
With a strong jump on ringing in 2018, AndNowUKnow will report further strategies from this and other retailers as we edge towards a new calendar year.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - It’s a wrap for United Fresh’s 3rd annual BrandStorm, and another great year it was! With over 225 attendees–nearly doubling the attendance since its first year in 2015–produce members experienced marketing and packaging inspiration from engaging panelists and show floor offerings. Here’s what some of this year’s industry members had to say.
“BrandStorm comes at a great time of year to energize your creativity, to meet up with fellow industry marketers, network, and add new tools to your produce marketing toolboxes!” Elana Hernandez, Duda Farm Fresh Food's Marketing Manager, tells me about the event. “A huge thank you to the United Fresh team for organizing an event that our industry was definitely needing!”
Over the course of two days, attendees were able to receive inspiration from packaging experts, learn how to differentiate their brands through storytelling, and focus on leveraging dates to support their budgets and grow their marketing ROI as produce marketers from across the industry gathered under one cloud.
“BrandStorm has emerged as the industry’s 'must attend' marketing event of the year!” 4Earth Farms' Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mark Munger, shares. “The topics ranged from emotional marketing and brand storytelling, to intelligent packaging and cutting-edge marketing trends. As an experienced marketer, I am returning back to my office with a notebook full of notes and my head full of tangible marketing and communication ideas. Education and ideas aside, the best part of the BrandStorm experience was the opportunity to network and build community with my fellow fresh produce marketers. I am already looking forward to BrandStorm 2018!”
BrandStorm kicked off day two of the event by hosting an unprecedented panel of produce industry marketing firm principles who, for one hour, shared candid, provocative, and sometimes uncomfortable realities of marketing in our industry. Their insights and suggestions for how we can move forward and improve our stories set the tone for the day and raised the bar for the industry. This year's panelists included:
- Dan'l Mackey Almy, President & CEO of DMA Solutions, Inc.
- Karen Nardozza, President & CEO of Moxxy
- Mike Caplan, Co-Founder of Fiction Tribe
- Missy McDill, CEO/Creative Director of McDill Associates
- Steven Muro, President of Fusion Marketing
“The keynote speaker was exceptional, the panel discussion was relevant and lively, and the intimate size of the conference allows for high-quality discussions with experts in the fresh industry,” Moxxy Marketing's President & CEO, Karen Nardozza, tells me. "For produce marketers looking to elevate their knowledge and improve the impact of their marketing, BrandStorm has become a don’t-miss learning and networking event."
With the conclusion of this year’s BrandStorm, everyone seems to agree: the industry is abuzz with excitement to get home, go through their notes, and start implementing their 'ah-ha' ideas.
For those who couldn’t make it this year, not to worry! The 4th annual BrandStorm planning is underway and the United Fresh Produce Marketing and Merchandising Council will continue to contribute to the development of the event in order to create a unique opportunity by the industry, for the industry.
For more news like this, stay up to date with AndNowUKnow.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Citrus and avocado importer and distributor LGS Specialty Sales has announced a new addition to the company’s product line. LGS is launching mini avocados under the Tiny Tim’s label, available to retailers starting this month.
“As we continue to respond to trends in the marketplace, Tiny Tim’s mini avocados were a natural fit in our product line,” said Luke Sears, President and Founder. “We know that consumers are reaching for convenience items, so we’d like to provide a healthy option that fits their needs. Tiny Tim’s are an excellent on-the-go item for individuals who do not want to have to store the other half of their avocado.”
LGS’ Tiny Tim’s avocados have the same creamy flavor profile of their larger cousins—Suavo Avocado brand Hass avocados—and their smaller, single-serving size helps reduce food waste. According to the company’s press release, Tiny Tim’s are sourced from the most ideal growing regions of Mexico to provide high-quality fruit to consumers looking to try trending avocado recipes year-round.
“We take great pride in growing and sourcing the best tasting fruit and providing high-quality customer service to our consumers and trade partners. We are also proud to have an avocado program that continues to outpace category growth,” Sears added. “We hope to continue this legacy for many years to come!”
The new Tiny Tim’s line of mini avocados will be featured on LGS’ newly-designed website—featuring new branding unveiled at the 2017 PMA Fresh Summit last month. The site features descriptions of the individual product lines, growing regions, sustainability, and social information in addition to recipe inspiration, tips on storing the fruit, usage tips, and nutritional facts.
For additional information, interested parties can visit www.lgssales.com or follow the company via its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media platforms.