NEW YORK, NY - In the next segment of Blue Apron’s post-IPO saga, the company’s Vice President of Human Resources and Talent, Kate Muzzatti, has stepped down, according to a report by TechCrunch.
The news was released internally on August 10, the same day that the company announced a hiring freeze on salaried positions, according to Bloomberg. Rounding out the triad of uncertain news, Blue Apron also let go of 14 members of its recruiting team.
“As part of our long-term strategy, we recently completed an internal reorganization which involved several changes to our organizational structure, including the creation of our new consumer products team and the launch of a new fulfillment center team in Linden, which will replace our prior center in Jersey City,” Blue Apron CEO Matt Salzberg said in a statement to TechCrunch. “As part of these changes, we temporarily paused hiring for certain positions, while keeping others open, for the duration of our 2018 resource allocation process. As a result, we implemented a small reduction in staff on our recruiting team. Like any company, we carefully assess ourselves on a regular basis and implement changes as needed to manage our business for the future.”
This news comes closely after last week's reveal of Jana Partners' potential stake in the company, which caused an uptick in Blue Apron share prices, resulting in a much needed reprieve from a series of challenges the company has faced in recent months.
How will this shift in strategy impact the company's future endeavors? Check back with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report.
NEW ZEALAND – With a new season of product comes new opportunities for produce thieves to flex their innovative muscles of crime, or so it seems in New Zealand. The country’s avocado crime wave has returned to plague officials, this time with a social media twist.
As we previously reported, New Zealand made headlines last year when the “avocado crime wave” was born. Sparked from high market prices and even higher demand, thieves are again looking to tap in on black market cash by performing dozens of nighttime raids on avocado orchards across the country.
This year, officials told the Irish Times that the crime wave has escalated since last. In addition, thieves are now turning to Facebook as the medium for selling the stolen green goods rather than last year's method of taking the purloined fruit to small shops or pop-up fruit stalls.
The latest span of avocado pilfering began this July. Growers, understandably incensed at the transgressions, have decided to take matters into their own hands this year with some chasing spotted criminals across their property. The thieves have been reported as raking the crop from the trees, or collecting fallen goods in blankets and sleeping bags before whisking them away.
“Orchardists have been a lot more vigilant because of last year,” said Sgt. Trevor Brown of Western Bay of Plenty. “We are seeing thefts on a commercial scale. We are seeing thousands of dollars of fruit stolen in a single hit and people’s livelihoods are getting ruined…it is not like just stealing a couple of mandarins off your neighbours tree; we take it very seriously.”
However, as the thieves have upped their ante this year, so have officials. As police have begun patrolling fruit shops in-person this year and inquiring on sales and suppliers, officials have received multiple reports that thieves are now using Facebook to push the goods, with some who "may look more respectable" posing as orchard owners, as well.
“From a positive perspective the criminals might be taking to social media because the ability to drive up to a road-side stall and sell a crate of avocados on the sly for $50 has got harder this season,” said Jen Scoular, CEO of New Zealand Avocado.
Experts noted that incentive for the continuing crime wave has been strong, as off-season avocado prices peaked at NZ $7.50 (USD $5.46) with demand remaining high through the country. Irish Times noted that the country’s growth in the category has also increased over the years, from NZ $70 million in 2013 (about USD $50 million) to NZ $198 million (about USD $144 million) this year. The country also reported its highest-ever value this year, with a record number of 7.7 million avocado trays produced.
New Zealand’s avocado runs from August to March, with the country utilizing no avocado imports. New Zealand does export its goods to countries throughout the globe, making the category its third largest fresh fruit export.
With no proverbial dam to this floodgate of thefts, no word has been released on how officials are planning to circumvent these avo bandits’ use of Facebook to pursue their enterprise.
NOGALES, AZ - It’s that time again produce fans, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is once again holding its Annual Fall Nogales Fresh Produce Convention and Golf Tournament, and I, for one, can’t wait. A personal favorite reason of mine to head down south to Nogales, this marks the 49th annual meeting of the minds behind FPAA, taking place from Thursday, November 2 to Saturday, November 4 at the Tubac Golf Resort.
Each year, the FPAA Convention is a celebration of the kick off for another season of fresh produce entering the United States from Mexico through the port of Nogales, and will include a myriad of opportunities to talk about the issues that matter most to these key member’s of the industry. Of course, this means NAFTA will be at the top of the list of hot topics attendees will be raring to discuss, and FPAA will be hosting a panel discussion to delve deeper into the topic.
“One of the biggest topics of this time is NAFTA,” Lance Jungmeyer, the Association’s President tells me. “Our panel will lay bare how U.S. consumers have improved their quality of life and health because of the improved year-round availability of fresh produce since NAFTA. We have to recognize the enormous benefits to society because of this trade agreement.”
Along with Thursday’s keynote by Vice President of Fresh Foods at the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Rick Stein, which will be focused on the company’s yearly Power of Produce Study, FPAA’s educational opportunities run the gamut of industry-specific topics, including a session from our own CEO Robert Lambert on “WOW” in innovations for the fresh produce industry. Additional highlights include James Martin’s presentation: Wilson Produce and The Past, Present, and Future of One of the Industries Oldest and Most Influential Companies; as well as a consumer-focused discussion on What Moms Think of Mexican Produce, presented by The Produce Mom herself, Lori Taylor.
And those who come to Nogales in search of FPAA’s always lively parties can catch the first opportunity on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. for the Opening Fiesta. And in proper Mexican fashion, the convention also leaves off with a party, the FPAA’s Gala event and “Pillars of the FPAA” awards ceremony, where recognition will be given to those who have volunteered their time and effort to the industry, as well as demonstrated innovation and integrity throughout their career.
Other fun elements to this year’s event include:
- Friday’s helicopter rides over the warehouse district, the Mariposa Port of Entry, and the Observatory in the Santa Rita mountains
- Friday’s second annual Mexican Produce Culinary Showcase
- Friday and Saturday’s golf tournament
For additional information on this year’s event, including a where to purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/49th-nogales-produce-convention-and-golf-tournament-tickets-36842608233 or contact the FPAA office at (520) 287-2707.
CASTROVILLE, CA - One of the reasons I love summer so much is the abundant opportunities for grilling get-togethers, backyard BBQs, block parties, and as an added bonus, plentiful supplies of one my favorite veg items: artichokes. This popular petaled vegetable is a delicious way to bring flavor and variety to the consumer’s basket, not to mention the nutrients of a powerhouse vegetable.
To give us the latest insights on the season, I spoke with Ocean Mist Farms’ Artichoke Commodity Manager, Bob Polovneff, as well as Director of Marketing Diana McClean, who discuss timing on promotional opportunities, the state of the season, and more.
“Currently we have excellent quality and plentiful supplies as we move through the second half of the summer,” Bob shares with me. “The increased volumes in the market make now a great time to bring promotions to the produce aisle and build big displays front-and-center.”
As many of us in North America experience, August is grilling time, and artichokes offer an excellent meal solution.
“As we get back into the kitchen and move into the fall season, Artichokes continue to be a simply prepared nutritious vegetable that can have a space on any plate,” Diana says. “Recent Nielsen Homescan Panel data for the 52 weeks ending July 1st shows us that artichoke consumers have a significantly larger basket size than the average consumer, spending 250 percent more than the average consumer. This makes the artichoke shopper extremely important for retailers.”
So, how is Ocean Mist further helping retailers tap into the artichoke-loving demographic?
“We offer artichokes loose, in 3-count clamshells, 2-count Season & Steam Microwaveable bags, plus when available baby artichokes to further diversify the produce spread,” Diana tells me, noting that variety in the produce department can help draw the consumer in. “On our website under the trade section we have merchandising tips, price cards, shelf cards and recipe cards to order. Plus a beautiful display carton that holds about three cases. Retailers can use these for primary or secondary displays for artichoke destinations.”
While the weather this year has been the biggest challenge for many growers in terms of supply, Ocean Mist Farms is shaping up to bring more value to the retailer, and as always, the evolving consumer palate.
MONTEREY, CA - Believe it or not, it was not just yesterday that we reported the initial planning of the inaugural Organic Grower Summit (OGS). The premier event’s calendar is solidifying in the ways of keynotes and tech representatives as the December 13th kick off in Monterey, CA, approaches.
The latest reveal is that Western Growers, the mind behind the Salinas, CA-based Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology (WGCIT), will be the Ag Technology sponsor.
"Western Growers welcomes the opportunity to participate as the Ag Technology sponsor of the inaugural Organic Grower Summit. Our involvement in this visionary event reaffirms our commitment to driving innovation across all segments of the fresh produce industry," Matt McInerney, Senior Executive VP for Western Growers, said. "We look forward to working with the event partners, CCOF and OPN, as we mutually help the organic produce industry amidst challenging regulatory and marketplace demands, both now and into the future."
In its role, Western Growers will help coordinate the attendance of technology companies as exhibitors, according to a press release, and help facilitate technological elements at the event.
The show comes just days after the WGCIT’s second anniversary of its opening–the Center was created to help identify industry priorities, discover technologies to address those priorities, set up testing, facilitate industry feedback, and communicate progress to California, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico fresh produce farmers.
Now it joins the more than 50 companies sponsoring OGS’s debut as the organic industry continues to grow rapidly.
"Over the past 25 years, I've seen the rapid growth in the demand for organics. We fully support the Organic Grower Summit, as this will be an excellent resource for our growers to learn new and important information that they can bring back to our farms," said Jeff Huckaby, President of Grimmway Farms.
A joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), OGS will bring together organic growers, producers, and processors for two days of education, information, and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers. Educational session panels will range from farm soil management and environmentally-sustainable packaging, to advances in agricultural technology and issues facing organic farming.
Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator at USDA-AMS, have been confirmed as keynote speakers, with more presentations to be announced in the coming weeks.
Additionally, a half-day continuing education outreach program offered by the Monterey County Ag Commissioner for Pest Control Advisors, PRC, and Qualified Applicators will be held December 13 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. Kicking off before the main events, the program will afford attendees two hours of approved continuing education credit.
Speaking at the event is invited guest Brian Leahy, Director of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, hosted by Monterey Ag Commissioner Eric Lauritzen. The event is limited to 100 people and registration is available on a first come, first served basis by calling the Monterey County Ag Commissioner off duty line at: 831-759-7340.
As for the show itself, spots are almost out! At the time of the release, only nine booths were still available. With all this, as well as meal functions and a trade show floor, stay tuned as more is unveiled for the first ever OGS.
Organic Grower Summit Organic Produce Network Western Growers Association
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - Today, Bayer has confirmed that the European Commission is entering a Phase II investigation of the proposed Bayer and Monsanto combination, according to a company press release.
The company was anticipating further review of the proposed acquisition of Monsanto, due to the size and scope of the transaction. Bayer believes that the proposed combination will be highly beneficial for farmers and consumers, and will continue to work closely and constructively with the European Commission in its investigation.
According to a report by Reuters, in the $66 billion takeover of Monsanto, Bayer has pledged to divest businesses with up to $1.6 billion in annual sales, if required by antitrust regulators. The company has remarked that it expects to stay below that figure.
The companies notified the transaction to the European Commission on June 30, 2017, and submitted commitments on July 31, 2017. Bayer has stated that it looks forward to continuing to work constructively with the Commission with a view to obtaining the Commission’s approval of the transaction by the end of this year.
The deal would result in the world’s largest integrated pesticides and seeds company, according to Reuters.
Follow along with the details of this deal as AndNowUKnow continues to bring you the latest.
CINCINNATI, OH - For one of the United States’ biggest grocery chains, Kroger has been decidedly quiet in the past few months as Amazon and Whole Foods have dominated the retail airwaves.
But don’t think that doesn’t mean CEO Rodney McMullen hasn’t been paying attention. In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, McMullen tackles some of the tough questions the industry has been awaiting answers for, including his response to the aforementioned team up, food waste, and the ugly produce movement.
Click Here for the Full WSJ Article With Subscription
On Kroger’s response to the Amazon-Whole Foods Deal:
“There isn't anything from a strategy standpoint that we will change because the strategy we've been executing assumed something [like the Amazon deal] would happen. It makes it a lot easier in terms of helping [Kroger executives] understand the sense of urgency.”
On whether Kroger is considering a bid for Albertsons:
“I always tell people that if there's anything out there, you should assume we've looked at it.”
On if he worries about Amazon-Whole Foods, Walmart gaining strength, or chains like Aldi/Lidl:
“I worry about all of them. And I worry about restaurants. We operate in an industry that is $1.5 trillion in terms of how much people spend on food. If people are eating a meal, we want to get our fair share of that meal. Anybody who is getting a meaningful part of that, we'd worry about.”
On what Kroger’s plans for food waste are:
“Over the last four years, we've partnered with local food banks and provided over 1 billion meals. In some of our fresh departments, that would have been product we'd have thrown away."
"We were able to partner with local food banks so fresh product that is still high-quality to eat, but you wouldn't sell from an appearance standpoint, [is donated]. We legitimately believe we will be able to get every store to be zero waste.”
On the ugly produce trend:
“I grew up on a farm. Last Sunday, I went out to see my parents and their garden, and I find the produce that looks the ugliest tastes the best.”
On the future of Kroger and retail:
“It wouldn't surprise me that customers would be in the store eating but they would use an app to order what they want. When they are finished, [the store clerk] would deliver the groceries to them. It will be so easy because we'll be able to predict a lot of the things you want. The associates you engage with will be so knowledgeable about where tortillas came from. I believe some stores will be big and some small. And it will be the combination of all those things that make it special.”
Want to read Wall Street Journal’s full article and Q&A with Rodney McMullen? Click this link here, and keep following AndNowUKnow for the latest on retail strategy in our industry.
DINUBA, CA – Citrus provider Suntreat is adding another produce veteran to its roster. The supplier of Sumo Citrus®, Oro Blanco Grapefruit, Gold Nugget mandarins, and other California-grown citrus varieties—has announced the hiring of Sergio Rodriguez as Director of Sales.
“These are exciting times for Suntreat under the new ownership!” said Sergio in a press release. “This is a great career opportunity. I am very excited to join the leadership team at Suntreat. My vast background in accounting, finance, and sales are great assets to help bring diversification to their already very talented sales staff.”
In his new role as Director, the company notes, Sergio aims to continue to expand Suntreat’s customer base, both regionally and nationally, and its product line within the strategic partnerships the company has built with its growers, retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice partners in the domestic and export markets.
“The addition of Sergio to the team is substantial; it’s critical,” said Tom Clark, COO of Suntreat. “We are a forward-thinking company, looking to continue to grow, and getting Sergio onboard is a key part of that. I’ve known Sergio for 30 years and worked with him in the stonefruit industry. We are building a team that is built for success, and Sergio’s experience and knowledge of the citrus industry will be key."
Sergio brings more than 30 years of industry experience to bear in his new capacity, having grown up in the produce business. As a teenager, Sergio began loading fruit trucks at a packing house, quickly working his way into the role of sales assistant. He continued to work in sales throughout his time at CSU Fresno, and after achieving a BS in Finance at the university, Sergio went on to hold positions in accounting, domestic sales, and product management with various companies, most recently LoBue Citrus. During this time, Sergio continued to pursue his education, as well, earning a Master’s in Business Administration from National University in 1995.
“We are assembling a high-energy team that is driven toward success," Tom added. "With these recent additions to our team, along with our increase in production from new orchards, we’ve got all the pieces here to accomplish something great.”
We at AndNowUKnow congratulate Sergio on his new role and wish him and Suntreat the best in their future endeavors.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - In the face of an always competitive and restricting retail market, banners across the board are seeking out new strategies to give them the latest edge. Meijer is seeking to find its own leg up through efficiency; the company announced it will restructure its corporate information technology service departments in the coming months.
“Our focus on being as efficient as possible is key to our ongoing success in a highly-competitive retail environment,” Frank Guglielmi, Senior Director of Communications, confirmed in an email to MiBiz.
Though Meijer declined to state any specific numbers or detailed strategies regarding the announcement, an anonymous source provided more details about the news. Meijer will reportedly lay off 46 employees and transfer another 25, affecting around 10 percent of its staff.
The employee, who remained unnamed as they are not authorized to speak on behalf of Meijer, said that the restructuring and downsize in this particular department is due to Meijer’s shift in focus to boost home delivery and grocery curbside pickup according to consumer preferences. Experts also disclosed to MiBiz that this announcement fits with the current dynamics of the buy-side industry.
The employees who may be transferred would have their employment moved to CapGemini, a French multinational I.T. consulting firm. This particular decision, is one that experts have noted will allow the retailer focus on important technological aspects needed to run new and growing parts of the chain.
The changes are expected to occur throughout the rest of this year, and possibly into 2018.
Growth is certainly in the works for the banner, as Meijer recently announced expansions to its grocery delivery partnership with Shipt. As we recently reported, the retailer is experimenting with new formats to strengthen its brand, announcing a new small format store called Bridge Street Market.
Will this move give Meijer a key advantage in the buy-side market? AndNowUKnow will report.
WASHINGTON & INDIANAPOLIS - The parent company of Indianapolis Fruit, Piazza Produce, and Garden Cut, IF&P Foods, has agreed to sell majority interest to private equity firm Rotunda Capital Partners, LLC.
IF&P’s management structure and personnel will remain as part of the partnership, it said in a release, with the latest move allowing it to focus on growth and excellence in continuing to provide superior service to its customers throughout all of its companies.
“Rotunda’s significant distribution expertise with industries undergoing strong growth trends and their focus on partnership with existing management and workforce was very appealing to us as we look to continue our market leadership,” said CEO Greg Corsaro. “Our mission remains unchanged–to deliver on the promise to our customers and employees to help them succeed and be the best they can be, and Rotunda’s investment and partnership will help maintain that pledge as we take our business to the next level.”
IF&P brings together a combined 118 years experience serving the grocery and foodservice industries, having been formed when Indianapolis Fruit and Piazza Produce, founded in 1947 and 1970 respectively, merged in 1997.
According to the release, the formation of Garden Cut by Indianapolis Fruit in 1990, followed by acquisitions of Circle City Produce in 2006 and Papania’s in 2015, round out the IF&P platform of offerings for its customers.
“We’ve been looking for a platform company in the produce distribution sector for quite some time, and IF&P is an exciting company with tremendous growth prospects,” said Dan Lipson, Partner at Rotunda Capital. “Their team has built a leading company in the category, and they are well-positioned to serve their customers’ growing demand for high-quality product and services. Combined with our distribution expertise, there’s a great opportunity to expand IF&P’s reach and offerings and provide a new platform for growth.”
Partner at Rotunda Capital, Corey Whisner, added, “Our investment in IF&P is in line with Rotunda’s proven approach of acquiring family and founder-owned distribution companies and partnering with strong management to expand on their existing value proposition. What IF&P has built over the better part of a century is truly impressive, and we’re committed to helping them achieve new heights through both organic growth as well as potential acquisitions to expand their offerings.”
IF&P Foods provides fresh and packaged produce varieties, as well as partially prepared meal components, to upwards of 7,500 customers throughout the Midwest, including grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and food management companies.