NEW YORK, NY – If you’re looking for a thought-provoking podcast to get you through the morning commute, Blue Apron’s new podcast Why We Eat What We Eat could be one to queue. Partnering with Gimlet Media, Blue Apron’s Why We Eat What We Eat isn’t another branded, ad-heavy podcast, but instead a poignant, personal, and informative exploration of food-related topics.
“Creating incredible home-cooking experiences is the core of what we do, and by supplementing our culinary products with inspiring content and engaging storytelling, we’ve found that we can connect with our customers on an emotional level, both in the kitchen and beyond,” said Blue Apron CMO Jared Cluff.
Why We Eat What We Eat is hosted by food writer and cookbook author Cathy Erway, host of Eat Your Words, according to AdWeek. The new show will cover topics like the anthropology of food trends, the psychology that inspires the choices everyone makes when choosing what food to eat, and the history of potluck dinners and community gatherings.
Gimlet Media’s Deputy Creative Director Frances Harlow says the goal was to make something different from the already plentiful food podcasts out there. “That’s why we decided to make a show about eating, not about cooking,” says Harlow. “At Gimlet, we won’t make a podcast that’s just a 25-minute advertisement. The brands we work with know that’s not advantageous because people won’t listen to it. With Why We Eat What We Eat, our goal is to tell stories that will resonate with people who have never turned on their ovens, as much as with professional food bloggers.”
As one of the few subscription delivery services that advertises popularly on podcasts, Blue Apron launched Why We Eat What We Eat as a new marketing strategy to engage with more audiences. Along with the podcast, Blue Apron is creating extra content for fans including videos on cooking techniques, exposés on unique weekly ingredients, and blog posts focusing on the service’s suppliers.
The first season of Why We Eat What We Eat will premier October 11, and will run until Thanksgiving. For more exciting industry news, AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Produce Mom® and Pink Lady America are teaming up again for another exciting round of Pink Lady® Brand Apples promotions. Promotions will include video, e-newsletter mentions, and cross-promotional social media posts.
“Many people already know of and love Pink Lady® Brand apples. Our goal is to expand upon that brand recognition and show just how versatile this apple variety is. The content we will create with Pink Lady America will demonstrate the many ways Pink Lady® Brand apples can be prepared and served,” explains Kristin Ahaus, Director of Content and Communications for The Produce Mom.
Together, The Produce Mom and Pink Lady America will create content that educates consumers about how to select, store, and serve Pink Lady Brand Apples, as well as touch on their nutritional value and where to purchase, according to a recent press release. Content will also provide information about the growing and harvesting processes that gives Pink Lady Brand Apples their blush color, sweet flavor, and crisp texture.
“Earlier this year, The Produce Mom created and shared a Valentine’s Day themed video using Pink Lady apples which received thousands of Facebook views. We have been impressed with the quality of content The Produce Mom creates and the authenticity of the audience they reach,” states Kathryn Grandy, Marketing Director at Pink Lady America.
We look forward to seeing the fruit of this collaboration. For more news like this, AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.
SOUTHEAST U.S. - While the U.S. and Puerto Rico are still recovering from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, another tropical storm is threatening to fill in the map along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Tropical Storm Nate, currently building strength in the Caribbean, may strengthen to a hurricane this weekend and make landfall between Harvey-ravaged Texas and Irma-impacted Florida, according to a report by Accuweather.
"In all likelihood, this storm will impact areas not severely impacted by Harvey or Irma. The extent of the damage will depend, of course, on the precise path and whether the storm intensifies beyond a Category 1 storm," AccuWeather Founder, President, and Chairman Dr. Joel N. Myers said in the report.
Currently, the storm is projected to make landfall between the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Louisiana. As it stands, the storm will have to track much farther East or West in order to compound the damage already caused by the previous storms.
Low-lying coastal areas, such as New Orleans, are particularly vulnerable and should treat Nate as a serious threat.
"New Orleans levees that have been upgraded since Katrina and pumps that have been repaired in recent weeks may be tested this weekend," according to AccuWeather Expert Meteorologist and Chief Operating Officer Evan Myers.
Category 1 storms may quickly escalate to Category 2 or 3 status in a matter of hours, and residents of the vulnerable areas should be prepared to act quickly.
"Since the system will be moving over very warm waters, we could quickly have a powerful hurricane on our hands," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.
AndNowUKnow will continue to follow the path of Tropical Storm Nate leading up to the PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans.
ONTARIO, CA - Mergers and acquisitions continue to play a leading role in Cardenas Markets’ growth strategy as the Hispanic food trends continue to rise. One of the leading Hispanic supermarket chains in the country, the retailer looked to further solidify its spot with the acquisition of Los Altos Ranch Market.
“Acquisitions and new strategic store locations are a key component of our growth strategy,” said John Gomez, President and CEO of Cardenas Markets. “We are fortunate to have identified Los Altos Ranch Market as a partner whose values and mission are aligned with our organization. We welcome the employees of Los Altos Ranch Market into the Cardenas Markets family and look forward to the many opportunities of growth resulting from this partnership.”
The buyout means integrating seven operating Phoenix locations into the Cardenas family, according to a press release, expanding its reach into the Arizona market and bringing its store count to 53 total.
As a result, the acquisition marks a new milestone for the chain as a new region as well as its addition to the recent merger with Northern California’s Mi Pueblo banner last July.
As the newest addition, Los Altos Ranch Market brings a rich history of serving the Hispanic community dating back to 1982, while the brand has been a trusted community partner in Phoenix since its first location opened in 2002.
The group of stores will gradually be integrated into Cardenas’ operations while continuing to offer the best shopping experience to the communities they serve, but the retailer said that no immediate changes are expected to the operations of Los Altos Ranch Market stores during the transition period.
No financial details were disclosed upon release.
IRWINDALE, CA – Looking to give time-strapped consumers an opportunity to eat healthy without sacrificing fresh flavor and add to its popular line of value-added fresh foods, Ready Pac Foods has launched two innovative new product lines—Fresh Prep’d™ Soup Kits and Fresh Prep’d Wrap Kits. Available in refrigerated produce and deli cases, each line offers a complete lunch that can be prepared in minutes—perfect for on-the-go albeit flavor-seeking shoppers.
“Our Fresh Prep’d line is a totally innovative new take on lunch favorites. Consumers want meal options that are fresh, tasty, filling, and convenient,” said Chief Marketing Officer Galit Feinreich, in a press release. “With our new Fresh Prep’d Soup Kits and Wrap Kits, everything you need for a delicious, veggie-packed meal comes ready to prepare and customize exactly how you like it—and delivers flavors and textures at their peak—in just minutes.”
The two new lines are a welcome addition to Ready Pac Foods’ popular lineup of Bistro Bowl® and elevate™ single-serve salads and Ready Pac Foods® complete salad kits and blends.
According to the company’s press release, Ready Pac Foods’ Fresh Prep’d Soup Kits are the first of their kind in fresh soups; they are never pre-cooked, but prepared by you right before enjoying. Fresh Prep’d Soup Kits come with everything you need—including a spoon—to prepare a flavorful homemade-tasting soup in minutes.
Each soup is a complete meal with 250 calories or less, 11-18 grams of protein and at least a half-cup of crisp, fresh vegetables.
Fresh Prep’d Soup Kits are available in five varieties, including:
- Chicken Tortilla
- Vegetarian Tuscan White Bean
- Asian Inspired Beef
- Italian Style Wedding
- Chicken Noodle
All of the ingredients in the single-serve kit are prepped and separated to maintain a fresh, crisp flavor. To prepare the soup, consumers can simply combine ingredients in the microwave-safe bowl, add water, and microwave for three minutes.
Fresh Prep’d Wrap Kits come with everything you need to make a fresh wrap, including high-quality lean meats and cheeses, sauces, fresh vegetables, and a soft tortilla. Each wrap delivers a satisfying meal in 470 calories or less with 13-23 grams of protein and ½ to ¾ cup of vegetables. Unlike other premade wraps, Fresh Prep’d Wrap Kits are assembled right before eating allowing for crisp, crunchy vegetables and fresh—never soggy—tortillas.
Kits come in a variety of flavors, including:
- Bacon & Garlic Caesar
- Buffalo Style Ranch
- Thai-Style Peanut
- Southwest Style Ranch
- Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable & Feta.
Like the Ready Pac Foods’ new soup kits, wrap kit ingredients are prepped and separated to preserve flavor, crispness, and freshness. Combine ingredients in the container, place inside the tortilla, and wrap for a satisfying lunch in under a minute. And curious consumers can visit www.howtowrapawrap.com for tips.
Fresh Prep’d Soup Kits and Fresh Prep’d Wrap Kits each have an SRP of $4.99 and are available to grocery providers nationwide. They are also carried by Amazon Fresh.
For more information, check out readypac.com, and for news on all things produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MILTON, PA - Weis Markets has had growth on the mind, with an expansion of 44 new stores in 2016. To support the increased demand, the company remodeled a distribution center in Milton, PA to include an additional 210,000-square-feet, pushing the the facility to one million square feet. According to local source WNEP, the company held a ribbon cutting to open the facility on Tuesday.
"It's a 24/7 operation. We service about 1,000 trucks in a week and 1,000 trucks out a week," Joe Kleman, VP of Distribution, told the source.
Terry Cox, District Manager, works in the distribution center. According to the source, the company plans to expand the distribution center again next year, opening up more jobs.
"The distribution center's going to continue to grow. That's going to help us down the road with more full-time employees," Cox said. "We have a perishable expansion coming, which will expand about 60,000 square feet.”
According to the report, the recent expansion has brought the number of employees in the facility up to nearly 900.
"We'll probably have 1,000 people in the building at that point, yes," Kleman concluded.
As retailers continue to move and shake in the industry, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
MONTEREY, CA – The first ever Organic Grower Summit (OGS) has finalized the educational component of its inaugural event, with a series of inspiring and engaging sessions focused on the production side of organic fresh produce. A Grower Roundtable will be one of three keynote presentations, rounding out an impactful and insightful exchange of ideas and information between OGS attendees.
“While organic farmers and growers work every day in their fields, it’s not every day they get to experience what they contribute to feeding the world. The Organic Grower Summit provides our farmers and growers the opportunity to network with others in the organic community, hear from industry thought-leaders, and learn about new products and services they can bring back to the farm,” said Kelly Shea, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations, DanoneWave.
A total of six different educational sessions covering an array of subjects, from technology to soil optimization, will feature some of the industry’s leading experts. Among the scheduled educational sessions are: “Issues Facing Organic Farmers Today,” “Clean and Renewable Technology,” and “Tools for Plant and Soil Health.” The keynote presentation Grower Roundtable, “From Wall Street to Main Street, Organic Means Good Business,” features Scott LaRue of Piper Jaffray as moderator, and Bill Reiman of Gladstone Land Corp, Stan Pura, Founder of Mission Ranches, and Jeff Huckaby, President of Grimmway Farms.
A joint production between California Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), OGS will feature a sold-out trade show exhibition area of over 75 service providers and supply chain companies, including an innovative Tech Alley, sponsored by Western Growers, according to a recent press release.
Among participating exhibitors are leaders in the fields of seed, packaging, soil amendments, and food safety, who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
Also, participating grower attendees have an opportunity to meet with a team of Costco buyers as part of a special "Meet the Organic Farmer" session. This unique session provides certified organic farmers and grower representatives the opportunity to meet face to face with Costco's organic produce, dairy, meat, and wine buyers to discuss their operations and products.
"Costco is committed to meeting directly with organic farmers, who are truly on the front lines of bringing top quality organic products to market. We appreciate the work OPN has done in putting together this unique opportunity to meet face to face with those responsible for actually growing organic products," said Heather Shavey, Assistant Vice President for Costco. "Our buying team is looking forward to learning more about organic production, hearing about new product innovations, and building new supplier opportunities to meet the growing demand for organics for our shoppers."
Additionally, OGS is finalizing an educational outreach program for PCA, PRC, and qualified applicators to kick off the event. Attendees are eligible for two hours of approved continuing education credit and will learn about new requirements for pesticide use near schools and worker protection standards.
For a complete schedule of events for OGS–and educational sessions–check out www.organicgrowersummit.com/schedule, and keep following AndNowUKnow for more OGS updates.
OXNARD, CA - As one of the most popular fruit categories in the world, the coveted mango is continuing to impact produce department sales as both demand ramps up and the consumer palate evolves. Tapping into the mango love as we move into fall, is Freska Produce, which sources the freshest mangos from across the globe to bring retail partners a sought-after program 365 days a year.
With PMA Fresh Summit 2017 just weeks away, Managing Principal Gary Clevenger takes a moment to share the latest and greatest with me, and how customers can take advantage of both timing and supplies to ensure mango success...the entire year-round.
"Currently we are getting started on our mango program in Ecuador and have already begun packing Ataulfos with red varieties like Tommy Atkins and Hadens on the horizon," Gary tells me, adding that Freska will be receiving most containers in Oxnard, California, and also in Vineland, New Jersey. "Production this year should increase a bit compared to last year and the quality on the first Ataulfos already looks great. Ecuador prices are expected to be good with promotable volume coming in late October and early November, and continuing through early January when Peru will pick up. That will take us into late March with Kent varieties.”
In addition, Peru is expecting more volume than last year, creating a range of opportunities as we move through 2018. As we look to the remainder of October, Gary adds that retailers should run ads, establish large corner displays, and have them showcased front and center to draw consumer traffic in and through the produce department.
"In-store demos can help provide opportunities for consumers who have never experienced a mango before, to give it a try. And for those consumers who may only know one or two varieties, these tastings introduce the range of varieties we offer. Only one in three U.S. consumers have ever tried a mango,” Gary says. "Per capita consumption has doubled over the past few years. It’s the most eaten fruit in the world, and the U.S. has huge growth potential."
Freska can also supply its partners with POS materials and bins to display their mango programs and suggests offering different stages of mango ripeness to help the promotion. Mangos are a great way to add flavor to most any dish and give it that sweet tropical feel.
Freska will continue to ship the company’s clamshell Ataulfos, its master box of 8/6 lb boxes within a master box, as well as Freska’s traditional 10 lb. box with capability to bag as well.
Looking for more mango opportunities as we move through 2017 and into 2018? Stop by Freska’s PMA Fresh Summit booth #3671 and talk the passionate and knowledgeable team.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Distribution company Gordon Food Service has bolstered its profile with the recent acquisition of York, Pennsylvania-based Ettline Foods Corporation, a prominent broadline food distributor.
"Ettline is an outstanding company, with a strong history as a family-owned, independent distributor serving the Mid-Atlantic region. Their attention to customer service, value, and integrity ties in perfectly with Gordon Food Service’s culture and commitment to quality," said Rich Wolowski, North America President and CEO of Gordon Food Service, in a press release.
The acquisition is in line with a dynamic foodservice sector. Sysco just recently announced new product offerings through Cutting Edge Solutions platform, while US Foods dove into chef inspirations with the latest installment of its Fall Scoop line.
Now, Gordon Food Service looks to adopt a well-integrated list of restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and other businesses and industry customers throughout four states that the Ettline family has served since it was founded in 1889 by Oscar O. Ettline.
"We at Ettline are thrilled to become part of Gordon Food Service, a company that mirrors our commitment to delivering exceptional value, while remaining competitive in a constantly changing market. We sought an organization that would be the right fit for maintaining the same level of quality that we are so committed to. We feel strongly that Gordon Food Service shares our values and will allow Ettline to continue to grow as part of its family," said Joe Ayoub, President and CEO of Ettline Foods Corporation.
Ayoub added that, with Gordon Food Service, Ettline is able to continue its 125-year legacy, while proactively planning for the future of distribution and adding deeper support in areas such as:
- Menu management
- Recipe development
- Increased buying power
The feeling and hope for growth is mutual, according to Gordon Food Service President of U.S. Distribution Scott Nicholson.
"Ettline has a track record of providing a superior experience for its customers and a history of growth in a competitive and changing landscape, which made them very appealing to our growth plan,” Nicholson said. “We welcome the Ettline family of employees and look forward to working together in serving their customer base with expanded services and buying power."
As both foodservice and retail rapidly evolve to match changing consumer demands, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for all the latest.
MILLEN, GA – The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) has announced the appointment of retail veteran Garry Bergstrom to its Board of Governors, bolstering the advisory panel with his storied background in our industry and a fresh perspective for the SEPC.
In his new capacity, Bergstrom will serve as a member of the advisory council to the current SEPC Chairman of the Board and Board of Directors as they make decisions that will directly affect the membership.
Bergstrom entered the industry in 1972 as a part-time produce clerk for Publix. He was soon after promoted to produce manager in 1975, became a produce merchandiser in 1987, a buyer in 1989, and Divisional Manager of Produce/Floral for the retailer’s Lakeland Division in 1999. From there, Bergstrom was quickly promoted to Corporate Produce Purchasing Manager in 2000 and served as Business Director of Produce/Floral from 2005 until his retirement this year.
Also joining the Board of Governors is Gordon M. Hochberg—former VP and Co-Owner of The Produce News. In their capacity as board members, Bergstrom and Hochberg will also provide insight and guidance to maintain the integrity and equality of the council as important decisions are made. Bergstrom and Hochberg will join Bobby Creel of L&M Companies, Al Finch of Florida Classic Growers, Andrew Scott of Nickey Gregory Company, John Shuman of Shuman Produce, and Mark Daniels of General Produce as the SEPC’s current Board of Governors.
Hochberg entered our industry in the late-1970s as a freelancer for The Produce News. He quickly moved through the ranks as an assistant editor, then an associate editor, finally becoming Editor in Chief in 1985. In 1994, Hochberg entered into management as VP and Co-Owner, and while he retired from day-to-day operations in 2011, Hochberg continues to report on a variety of topics.
We at AndNowUKnow wish both new board members—and all of SEPC—the best.