NEW YORK CITY, NY - Marathoners certainly gave the SnapDragon a run, as the Crunch Time team managed to get 50,000 apples into the hands of athletes during the event.
"SnapDragons are healthy, as well as a perfect fit for consumers with active lifestyles. And we thought marathon runners would especially enjoy this refreshing healthy snack at the end of the race. We were thrilled to be a part of the New York City Marathon," Mark Russell, SnapDragon Grower and Head of Crunch Time’s marketing committee, said in a press release.
The New York City Marathon is an annual activity coursing through the five boroughs of the Big Apple. Among largest marathons in the world, with 51,394 finishers in 2016 and 98,247 applicants for the 2017 race, the SnapDragon’s “monster crunch” was there to help runners replenish their nutrients and boost awareness of the up-and-coming apple variety. It was all its debut appearance as a New York Apple in the world-renowned race.
Having launched officially in 2015, SnapDragon is a descendent of the Honeycrisp variety. Crunch Time Apple Growers reported that it realized a 60% increase in harvest this year, noting its flavor profile, size, and extra crunch ‘snap’ proved to be a winning combination among millennials and baby boomers.
SnapDragon is available at national retail chains like Costco, HEB, Aldi, and Whole Foods, as well as Crunch Time Apple Growers farm stands across New York State.
SALINAS, CA - The numbers for Q3 2017 are in, and the word is organics are growing in a big way. In partnership with Nielsen, the Organic Produce Network (OPN) has shared news that organic fresh produce sales reached $1.16 billion for the third quarter of 2017, an eight percent increase in dollars and 10 percent rise in volume from 2016’s numbers.
“As the demand for convenient, fresh organic options increases, availability should follow suit,” said Matt Seeley, OPN’s CEO. “We expect, once this happens, to see pricing stabilize, which will further fuel the consumer’s interest in all things organic.”
Delving into organic fresh produce sales at retail stores across the country, Nielsen and OPN found that dollar sales of organic fresh vegetables reached $576 million, while organic fresh fruit sales hit $408 million. That remaining $173 million in organic fresh sales account for “other produce items,” including organic herbs and seasonings, beverages, and dressings. In total, organic fresh fruits and vegetables represented 10.2 percent of all produce dollars for the third quarter. Compared to a year ago, sales of organic fruit were up 8.3 percent, while sales of organic vegetables rose 6.2 percent, according to a press release.
“The dollar gains we are seeing across the board can be directly attributed to the growing demand for transparent products across the store,” says Matt Lally, Client Manager for Nielsen Fresh. “Beyond this, the increasing availability and supply are also positively impacting sales.”
As reported by OPN and Nielsen, the following are some highlights from the Q3 data:
- Organic packaged salad category held the #1 slot in terms of dollar share at 19.5 percent, holding a value of $226 million
- The $151 million-dollar organic berry category, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, were in 2nd, representing 13.1 percent of organic produce sales in Q3, with 11.5 percent increase in dollars and a 9.4 percent jump in volume compared to a year ago
- The $71 million-dollars fresh organic herbs/spices/seasonings category, accounting for 6.2 percent of total organic dollars, was up 17 percent in dollars and 18 percent in volume vs. a year ago
- The $56 million-dollar organic banana category saw an 18 percent dollar growth compared to a year ago, making it the 2nd largest fruit segment
- The $22.3 million-dollar stone fruit category was down 3.5 percent in dollars and nearly 14 percent in volume compared to a year ago
- Organic peaches were 62 percent more expensive than conventional peaches in the third quarter
- The grape category, the 3rd largest fruit category at $54.8 million, saw a 3.1 percent increase in dollars and a 3.2 percent decrease in volume compared to a year ago
- The $45 million-dollar organic value-added fresh produce category saw a 2.8 percent increase in dollars for Q3 and a 2.2 percent gain in volume
- The value-added organic vegetable segment, at $41 million, showed organic carrots, French/green beans, and cooking greens as three most popular segments
- With $4 million in sales, value-added fruit–led by apples, mixed fruit and cantaloupe–was up 11.4 percent in dollars and 9.6 percent in volume during Q3
“Successful retailers are using organic produce as a point of differentiation,” added Lally, noting the most successful retailers are able to generate some 16 percent of produce dollars from organic varieties. Lally said one of the biggest keys for organic success is the price relative to the conventional item. “Historically, organic categories with more than a 50 percent premium over conventional produce pricing have struggled to achieve the same success.”
Are you interested in even more insights about the ever-growing organic sector and we head into the end of 2017? Visit the OPN’s website at www.organicproducenetwork.com.
CINCINNATI, OH – The Kroger Co is adding an impressive number of employees to its ranks this holiday season; the retailer announced that it is hiring for an estimated 14,000 part-time and seasonal roles throughout the next months.
"We are delighted to welcome new associates to our team this holiday season," said Lanell Ohlinger, Vice President of Talent Development. "At Kroger, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of more than nine million customers who shop with us every day. If you love people and you love food, our stores are a wonderful place to help make customers' lives and celebrations easier and a little bit brighter."
Kroger noted in a press release that Talent Development is a core driver of the company’s recently-announced Restock Kroger Plan. As part of the plan, the company will reportedly invest an incremental $500 million in human capital over the next three years. In addition to Kroger's continued efforts to rebalance pay and benefits, the company noted that it is also focusing on certifications and performance incentives, career opportunities, and training.
"Now more than ever, Kroger is a great place to come for a job and stay for a great career," continued Ohlinger.
Kroger also noted that the company remains committed to hiring veterans, military service members, and their families. Kroger has hired more than 43,000 veterans since 2009 and more than 9,600 veterans in 2017.
Kroger encourages interested parties to visit the company’s website and apply at https://jobs.kroger.com.
BAKERSFIELD, CA – It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Jeff Thomson, Founder of Thomson International Inc. in Bakersfield, California, passed away on Tuesday October 10, 2017. Jeff was a 5th Generation California Farmer, and his career in agribusiness spanned over 40 years.
"A great man, friend, peer, person,” said Tommy Mendoza, Produce Sales at Greenfield Fresh. “I looked forward to the California watermelon deal every year because I got to work with this amazing guy and his family. I will forever cherish the years I was privileged to represent his label in the SF Bay Area and other Northern California locations. He will be missed."
Jeff was a pioneer in the Garlic Industry in the 1970s–1990s. In the early 2000s, he, along with his children Karen and Jack, transitioned the focus of Thomson International from farming and sales to other commodities, including watermelons, onions, and bell peppers. Jeff was the Head of Sales for Thomson International’s conventional watermelon program for almost 20 years. He, along with his daughter Annie, marketed and sold watermelons for several growers in Mexico, California, Oregon, and Washington. Jeff also worked alongside his wife Elaine and youngest daughter Nancy, who both handle accounting for Thomson International. Jeff’s children will continue the legacy their father started and have plans for further expansion at Thomson International in the future.
Jeff found passion and purpose in several produce and ag-related organizations. He was the youngest member of Ag Leadership Class 3. He was President of the Kern County Farm Bureau 1979-1981. He, along with his wife Elaine, served as Chairman of the Outstanding Farmers of America. Jeff remained active in several other produce organizations throughout his career. A highlight of Jeff’s career was receiving the 2017 California Leopold Conservation Award for land stewardship and conservation efforts. His family will accept the award on his behalf at the California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting this December.
Jeff will be remembered not only for his innovative farming and business practices, but also as a well-loved and respected man by his employees, customers, and colleagues.
The Thomson International family will carry forward Jeff’s commitment to providing excellent customer service and high-quality produce for several generations to come.
The team at AndNowUKnow would like to extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this loss.
TORONTO, CANADA - Loblaw is the name and helping customers save is the game. Consumers of Loblaw’s stores will be excited to hear about a new loyalty program, which is a product of the merging of the company’s previous Shoppers Optimum and PC Plus programs. The new program is called PC Optimum and is the stuff of dreams.
To make it easy, the company’s new program will allow consumers to earn and redeem loyalty points through a single card or app system, and they can earn points at the nearly 2,500 stores or e-commerce sites. After redeeming points every two seconds of the day last year to save themselves money and make the most of their shopping trips, 8 million and 11 million Loblaw’s customers are currently enrolled in the loyalty systems.
“Retail is increasingly about customer relationships, and loyalty will be central to the future of personalized value and experiences,” said Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman and CEO, in a recent press release. “Keeping customers at the heart of our thinking, we created the single PC Optimum loyalty program to give Canadians the value they have come to trust, with the ability to earn more points and redeem them in more stores than ever before.”
The program starts February 1, 2018, but customers will be able to rack up points until the new roll-out, and at that time, the points accumulated will transfer to the new PC Optimum system.
Quebec’s laws about loyalty programs require a different approach, though, and customers will have until May 2, 2018, to transfer their Pharmaprix Optimum points.
“We know how much Canadians care about their loyalty points, so we created the PC Optimum program by listening to our customers,” said Jim Noteboom, Senior Vice President, Loyalty and Consumer Insights. “They want a single, easy-to-understand program, covering our entire assortment of food, health, beauty, and apparel. Most of all, the PC Optimum program will deliver on their expectation of equal value when the programs come together, with additional options to save even more.”
For more details on what is entailed in the new PC Optimum point system, check out the company's press release by clicking here.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the success of the program's roll-out as it hits the stores in the early months of next year.
HOUSTON, TX - Sysco has spoken, and the word is, Love Beets is among the best of the best. At its annual Supplier Excellence Awards event in Houston, Texas, Sysco selected Love Beets as its Cutting Edge Solution award honoree, paying homage to the company’s strong ability in product development.
“Love Beets strives for new and innovative ways to appeal to customers. A team of creative minds constantly pushes the envelope with improvements ranging from new packaging to new products,” said Chris Horrell, Director of Sales. “Our customers are the root of our success, and we continuously make a large effort to make sure they are happy with the products.”
According to a press release, this focus on product development and innovation were key factors in being selected by Sysco. The foodservice giant noted that Love Beet’s 500 gram vacuum-sealed beet offering both appealed to its vision and exceeded its expectations.
“At Love Beets two of our core values are quality and convenience,” explained stated George Shropshire, General Manager. “We are always looking for inimitable and unmatched ways to distinguish our products and supply our customers with the best beets, presented in the most inventive ways. We are honored to accept this Cutting Edge Solution Award from Sysco, who we hold in a high regard.”
Leaving the event with both honor and inspiration, the Love Beets team assured that this high-level of originality will continue for the company into 2018. Noting new products on the horizon, as well as more opportunities of all types, Love Beets is a company dedicated to keeping beet lovers happy, especially key, produce-centric players such as Sysco, through quality, convenience, taste, and health.
Want to learn more about Love Beets and do your part to spread the beet love? Visit them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
FOWLER, CA - Just in time for those Thanksgiving promotions and boosted consumer demand, Bee Sweet announced the arrival of promotable volumes for two unique citrus varieties.
“This season, Bee Sweet has large volume of Pummelos and Satsuma mandarins,” said Sales Representative Jason Sadoian. “We have ample volume for Thanksgiving store promotions and are excited to market these varieties as household staples for the upcoming holiday.”
Satsumas will be available through November and Pummelos will be available through January, according to a press release. As for how you can push them, Citrus Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue gave some insight.
“With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s helpful for families to know that Pummelos and Satsumas can act as tasty additions to their holiday meals,” she said. “Pummelo segments are a delicious addition to any salad and Satsuma segments can be dipped in chocolate and sea salt for a delicious dessert. Both varieties can also be used in spreads to accompany pastries.”
Bee Sweet emphasized that Satsuma mandarins, known as one of the more popular citrus varieties, are easy-to-peel and incredibly sweet. Pummelos, on the other hand, offer tangy notes and a crisp texture.
To find out how both varieties can stand alone as a snack or as an ingredient in numerous meals, specific recipes are available at www.beesweetcitrus.com. To find out more about product availability, Bee Sweet Citrus offers sales representatives, which can be reached at (559) 834-200.
WENATCHEE, WA – The saying, “what a difference a year makes,” rings true as Stemilt compares the retail scan data results for the apple category in September 2016 and September 2017. While both apple volumes and dollars were down from 2016 due to a wide gap between harvest timing, Stemilt remains optimistic as the winter season approaches.
“In 2016, we had a record early start for apple harvest in Washington State, while this year has run about 10 days later than normal on average. This results in a lag for apples at retail, as varieties that were on display in 2016 were still waiting to be picked in 2017. Fortunately, harvest is just about wrapped up and retailers will have a bevy of promotions opportunities on apples as they head into the winter months,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt Communications Manager, in a press release.
According to Stemilt’s latest Fast Facts video, which analyzes Nielsen Fresh Facts data from September 2017, apples made up 5.9 percent of total produce department sales on average in the U.S., a figure that dipped from 6.5 percent in September 2016. Overall, apple categories were down regionally, with the central region dropping a percent year-over-year despite still coming in as the leading region with an apple category contribution of 7 percent.
The top 5 apple varieties in September 2017 were Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith. However, SweeTango® was the club variety that made it into the top 10 with volume up 9.3 percent and dollars up 13.3 percent from 2016, and offering an average retail price of $2.42 per pound.
“SweeTango® was a hit in September, not only because it was an apple that harvested in August, but also because it has moved beyond being a ‘new, hard-to-find apple’ and entered into being one that shoppers are now seeking out,” said Shales.
The average retail price of all apples in September 2016 was $1.66 per pound, and not surprisingly, Honeycrisp led retails for all apples at a whopping $2.72 per pound.
Approximately 64.3 percent of apples were sold bulk, while the remaining 35.7 percent were sold in bags. Two out of every three bags of apples sold in the U.S. in September were three-pound bags, a trend that will likely stay around given this year’s smaller fruit size on apples.
“Sizing is smaller on apples than in 2016, which presents plenty of promotion opportunities on bags. Stemilt’s popular line of 3lb. pouch bags, called Lil Snappers®, markets intent to shoppers and does so in their preferred purchase size. We expect a big year for this brand, which is available in a full line of both conventional and organic varieties,” Shales noted.
The five-pound pouch bags offer retailers another great opportunity, especially as the holidays loom closer and people begin using more apples for baking, Shales explained. Stemilt has an array of varieties available in its 5lb. Apple Lover pouch bags, as well as holiday candy cane themed bags for select varieties come December.
“September was only the very beginning of apple season,” said Shales optimistically. “As the months continue, we expect to see club apples, including our signature variety Piñata®, emerge into these category stats, and anticipate category share, volume, and dollars to align closer to last season now that crop has been harvested.”
Will the winter season bring in higher numbers for Stemilt’s apple varieties? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
NECKARSULM, GERMANY - In the constant progress of technology, sometimes new innovations can get lost within the bustling news. But, Lidl is making sure that its newest partnership with Stockholm-based start-up Einride makes waves and drives business practices into an easier way of operating.
Ladies and gents, allow us to introduce you to the T-Pod. Lidl’s new ride is a driverless and emission-free cargo truck. Following the launch of the T-Pod last summer, Lidl announced plans to pilot the new remotely controlled delivery system starting next autumn.
”The supermarket industry is very transport intensive and will continue to produce high emissions as long as it is dependent on fossil fuel technology. During the 2016/2017 fiscal year, Lidl completely switched to alternative fuels such as electricity, natural gas, biodiesel, or eco-labeled diesel, which reduced the environmental impact of transport by 25 percent. By switching to electric trucks, transport emissions can decrease by up to 100 percent. Einride’s self-driving T-pod is a big step forward in Lidl’s battle for fossil free transport,” said Johannes Fieber, CEO of Lidl Sweden, in an article published by Innovators Magazine.
According to Drive Sweden, the 2018 launch will begin in Halmstad, Sweden, and will showcase the driverless delivery truck’s capability to drive 4 kilometers with 15 loaded palettes at a time. The route will drop off the items at the Lidl supermarket located in the Andersberg district from Lidl’s central warehouse.
The journey doesn’t end there, though. The company is testing the waters before it begins trying to apply the same level of sophisticated, technological advances to other stores. With plans to turn in the application in November for the permittance of the driverless vehicles, the road ahead is looking smooth and steady for these companies.
For more up-to-date details on how businesses in the industry are advancing technologically, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – Ahold Delhaize is still reaping the rewards of its recent merger; the retailer announced its third quarter 2017 report, noting significant increases to sales and income.
“We reported a strong financial performance again this quarter as margins increased significantly, driven by synergies while savings from our ‘save for our customers’ programs are continuously being reinvested in the business,” noted CEO Dick Boer. “We continue to successfully implement our Better Together strategy and expect cumulative net synergies for the full year of 2017 to increase from €220 million to €250 million (from approximately $255 million to $290 million USD).”
Highlights from the report include:
- Sales growth increased to 2.1%, with strong synergy delivery resulting in margin expansion
- Net sales increased by 7.4% to €15.1 billion ($17.5 billion)—up 10.9% at constant exchange rates
- Net income increased by 54.0% to €362 million ($419 million)—up 59.5% at constant exchange rates
- Pro forma net sales decreased by 1.1% to €15.1 billion ($17.5 billion)—up 2.1% at constant exchange rates
- Strong sales performance in the U.S., gaining market share across our brands
- Online businesses growing total net consumer sales by more than 20%
- Pro forma underlying operating margin increased to 3.9%, up 40 basis points compared to Q3 2016
- Strong free cash flow of €426 million ($493 million), up €340 million ($394 million), with guidance of €1.6 billion ($1.85 billion) for FY 2017 reiterated
- Free cash flow for FY 2018 expected to increase, including capital expenditure to step up to €1.9 billion
- New €2 billion ($2.31 billion) share buyback program for 2018, following completion of the €1 billion ($1.16 billion) program in 2017
“As part of our omni-channel strategy, we continue to enhance the leading position of our online businesses both in the U.S. and Europe, which in total grew more than 20% this quarter,” said Boer. “We continue to invest in online warehouse capacity and are on track to realize almost €3 billion ($3.47 billion) in online consumer sales this year and nearly €5 billion ($5.79 billion) by 2020.”
Boer also noted that the company reaffirmed its fiscal guidance, said Ahold Delhaize would continue to invest in expanding “digital capabilities and expertise,” and noted the company’s confidence in its Better Together strategy.
“We reiterate our guidance of €1.6 billion ($1.85 billion) free cash flow for the full year 2017,” said Boer. “Looking forward to 2018, we will maintain our balanced approach between managing our debt, funding growth and returning excess liquidity to our shareholders. For 2018, we expect free cash flow to increase and we anticipate capital expenditure to step up to €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion), focused on improving our store network, expanding our omni-channel offering and further developing our digital capabilities.”
AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-date with more on this and other important retailers in fresh produce.