ISSAQUAH, WA – Costco Wholesale Corporation announced this week that it has elected a new Chairman to the company’s Board of Directors. Hamilton E. “Tony” James has been named to the position.
James has served on the company’s Board of Directors for nearly three decades. He joined the Board in August of 1988 and has operated as its Lead Independent Director since 2005.
James is currently the President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone Group—a publicly-owned private equity firm, hedge fund sponsor, and provider of financial advisory services. According to Blackstone's executive profile, James is also a member of the Board of Directors of Blackstone Group Management LLC and Blackstone’s Management Committee.
Prior to joining Blackstone, James served as Chairman of Global Investment Banking and Private Equity at Credit Suisse First Boston. Before the acquisition of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) by Credit Suisse First Boston in 2000, James was the Chairman of DLJ’s Banking Group, responsible for all the firm’s investment banking and merchant banking activities. James joined DLJ in 1975 as an Investment Banking associate. He became head of DLJ’s global M&A group in 1982, founded DLJ Merchant Banking, Inc. in 1985, and was named Chairman of the Banking Group in 1995.
Additionally, James is a Trustee of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Member of The Boards of Trustees of the Mount Sinai Health System, Member of the Center for American Progress Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman of Trout Unlimited’s Coldwater Conservation Fund, Trustee of Woods Hole Oceanographic, Trustee of Wildlife Conservation Society, Advisory Board member of The Montana Land Reliance, and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of American Ballet Theatre. He is also a former member of the President’s Export Council - Subcommittee on Technology & Competitiveness.
James graduate from Harvard College in 1973 with a BA, and subsequently earned a MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School, graduating as a Baker Scholar in 1975.
Costco currently operates 737 warehouses, including 512 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 97 in Canada, 37 in Mexico, 28 in the United Kingdom, 25 in Japan, 13 in Korea, 13 in Taiwan, 8 in Australia, 2 in Spain, 1 in Iceland, and 1 in France. Costco also operates e-commerce web sites in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Korea, and Taiwan.
MORGAN HILL, CA – Always positioning itself for continued growth and evolution, Sakata Seed America is appointing John Nelson as Vice President of Sakata America Holding Company and its primary operating subsidiary, Sakata Seed America.
“I am truly looking forward to the next phase of my career. This industry has a lot to offer globally and Sakata will continue to be a major contributor to the well-being of our distributors, growers and consumers,” Nelson said.
Currently, Nelson is the Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Sakata Seed America, a position he’s held since 2004. His promotion will be effective September 1, 2017.
Nelson began his career in 1985 at Northrup King in Gilroy, California, in the marketing department, before joining Sakata Seed America in November of 1990 to manage advertising for vegetables and ornamentals, according to a press release. His focus later shifted into sales and more into vegetables. In 2004, John took on the responsibility of Director of Sales and Marketing. Sakata is actively recruiting to fill the position of Senior Sales-Marketing Manager, Vegetables.
“John’s experience will help strengthen the Sakata team and add value to Sakata’s affiliates all over the world," Dave Armstrong, President-CEO, stated. “John brings a deep understanding of Sakata’s culture and expansive product line to his new executive position, ensuring he will be a crucial asset to our company’s strategy.”
To add to the milestones at Sakata Seed America, the company is celebrating its 40th year of business in NAFTA and Central America this year, and is focused on expansion of personnel and infrastructure to continue its strategic growth and evolution.
SOUTHEAST U.S. - Authorities in Florida are keeping a close eye on a particular batch of thunderstorms coming off the Atlantic, predicting that the weather system could quickly turn into a tropical storm. The storms are expected throughout the end of this week and into the weekend.
"Thunderstorms between northeastern Florida and northern Bahamas have developed a circular motion," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. "It is possible this feature develops tropical characteristics with little notice."
At the very least, if the storm continues on its trajectory without morphing into a tropical storm, it will increase rainfall, high winds, and chance of flooding as it interacts with existing showers and thunderstorms, according to AccuWeather. The storm will move in close proximity along the Atlantic Seaboard into Saturday.
Eastern Florida, the Carolinas, and the northern Bahamas are being told to monitor the status of the storms closely, in case they do evolve with little notice. Authorities have also said that even areas as far away as the Florida West Coast may be hit with heavier than normal thunderstorms.
"The budding system is likely to move in a curved path around the western edge of an area of high pressure over the central Atlantic ocean," Kottlowski said. "Part of the circulation of the system will be over land."
As authorities keep an eye on the storm system, meterologists have stated that its pattern is conducive for the formation of waterspouts and brief tornadoes. Weather officials are also keeping an eye on another system of interest, so far known as 99L, which may behave in a similar pattern in the same area during early next week.
According to CNN, the Colorado State University recently announced that the Atlantic is still on track for its predicted above-normal hurricane season in 2017. So far, 16 named storms are predicted–with 5 having already occurred–8 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes throughout the Atlantic. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts for somewhere between 11 to 17 storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes, and 2 to 4 major hurricanes.
As storms continue to brew, fade, and form throughout the Atlantic, AndNowUKnow will report on the latest.
DOWNERS GROVE, IL - Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is a retail chain that has skyrocketed with growth in just the past two years. From just 18 locations in 2015, the company has now shot up upwards of 64 stores—and that’s not counting the ones slated for later in the year. And for Fresh Thyme, like many other retailers, the produce department has been a key part of that growth. Along with switching from third party produce distributors to 100 percent self-distributed model and building its own 300,000-square-foot-distributon center, the company has also been bolstering its team of produce experts. One member of that team who has been hard at work to make the produce department one to envy has been Scott Schuette, who earlier this year was promoted to Vice President of Produce for Fresh Thyme Farmers Market.
“Our point of differentiation is pretty simple,” Scott tells me when I ask him what sets the Fresh Thyme chain apart from its competitors. “We sell healthy food and healthy values to customers that want more affordable alternatives. We also offer the consumer a smaller, more convenient footprint to navigate while shopping. Since produce happens to be our companies calling card, we have to lead with strong retails, high volume movement, and almost 30% of the stores daily sales. As goes produce, goes the company!”
Scott has a background rich in retail experience. Since starting as a carry-out nearly 33 years ago, Scott chose to forgo a career using his visual communications degree and instead continue in the fun and fast-paced retail industry. Scott spent over 30 years with the Bashas’ Family of Stores, Sunflower Farmers Market, and then Sprout’s Farmers Market, before being recruited by his longtime mentor Chris Sherrell, CEO of Fresh Thyme Farmers Market. With an opportunity Scott said was too good to pass up, he soon went hard at work to help expand the format and grow with Fresh Thyme’s aggressive business model.
Now, promoted to Vice President of Produce, Scott says his work is only just beginning.
“In this new role, my key focus will be keeping sight of our future growth plans and ensuring their success. I will also have both retail and wholesale responsibilities, making sure that Fresh Thyme’s retail and wholesale divisions work together in perfect harmony,” Scott explains. “My on-going focus will be training and development for new members that join this fast-paced team. Not too long ago, retail produce was considered a ‘trade,’ but now it seems to be more of a utility position with less focus on the art and skillset. My focus will be to bring some of those important traits back to the retail part of our business.”
With the rapidly growing company projecting over 150 total locations by 2020, it’s not a bad time to be at the helm of the one of the most important departments in Fresh Thyme’s business. As the company and Scott keep pushing produce to the top of consumers shopping lists, AndNowUKnow will be there to cover every exciting update.
SALINAS, CA – With summer’s searing temperatures behind us and consumers entertaining and making summer salads and spreads, broccoli is in high demand, and Ippolito International, year-round grower of the much-beloved veggie, is primed to meet demand.
“On broccoli we are right on schedule,” say Bill Vargas, Sales/Lettuce & Broccoli Commodity Manager. “So far demand has been steady, and with lighter plantings during the summer months we are keeping up with our supply. Ippolito has a balanced program between contracts and our core business.”
Even after an almost unprecedentedly-wet spring and a record-breaking summer heatwave, Bill tells me that Ippolito’s broccoli supply, currently growing in the Salinas Valley, is ample and in excellent quality. Despite minor complications from summer heat on occasion, the company is well-equipped to meet consumer demand and offer promotional opportunities to drive sales throughout the produce department.
Bill explains, “Our weekly volume on broccoli has been right on schedule with where we should be this time of year. Overall, we have had good-quality and volume to take care of our customer’s needs. During the Summer months, there are many items to choose from when it comes to promoting. When we have promotable volume on broccoli, we offer ad suggestions that may work as a good tie into other items.”
AndNowUKnow will continue to report with updates on all things produce.
UNITED KINGDOM – In response to backlash from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and concerns voiced by shoppers, UK supermarket chain Morrisons has pledged support to real farmers. According to a report by The Guardian, the company has vowed to no longer adopt brands using fake farm names to sell their products.
“Supermarket customers are sometimes presented with misleading images of farmers on their food,” Joe Mannion, Head of British Livestock at Morrisons, told The Guardian. “We believe that by meeting our real farmers, customers will see and value that we know where our food comes from.”
Morrisons announced its intent to drop brands using fictitious farms to sell product after a survey revealed that roughly 70 percent of adults in the UK objected to the use of fake farm names and claimed to only want genuine place and farm names on their packaging and branding.
According to The Guardian, both the NFU and the Soil Association have condemned fake farm brands as misleading for consumers and insulting to farmers. In March of 2016, UK-based retailer Tesco drew flak from these groups when it launched seven brands with British-sounding but fictitious names.
In April of this year, fellow retailer Asda rebranded its Smart Price food range as Farm Stores, reigniting the controversy. And recently, Aldi replaced its Wood Farm brand with Nature’s Pick.
Will U.S. shoppers and organizations follow suit and respond to fake farm names used to sell food? AndNowUKnow will be there to report.
IMMOKALEE, FL - Another year of providing the children of Immokalee, Florida, with-much needed school supplies is in the books for Lipman, the field tomato growing giant. For its 6th annual free community event, Lipman helped distribute more than 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to the students of Immokalee elementary and middle school at Immokalee High School on Saturday, August 5.
“We look forward to our backpack distribution event every year, because it gives the whole community an opportunity to come together for a great cause,” said Jaime Weisinger, Community Relations Director and Board Chairman for the Lipman Family Foundation. “Encouraging education is a priority for us, and we are always looking for new ways to invest in our community’s youth.”
And Lipman’s event wasn’t all backpack focused. In addition to the company’s donations, more than 40 local nonprofits and service agencies were present for the day, offering bicycle giveaways, a bounce house, free food, and entertainment. The Immokalee Sheriff’s Department provided a rock-climbing wall for attendees, more than 200 haircuts were provided by salon-level stylists from Immokalee Technical College, and the Harry Chapin Food Bank mobile pantry served over 300 families with free food.
According to a press release, the funds used to purchase the backpacks and school supplies were collected during Lipman’s “Run for Backpacks 5K.” More than 25 local organizations helped the company sponsor the donation-driving run. At the 5K event, Pinecrest Elementary School won free school uniform shirts for having the most participants.
Lipman has been committed to encouraging education for some time now. The company also offers scholarships to high school and college students in Collier and Lee counties, as well as a textbook reimbursement program. To learn more information about these and all of Lipman's efforts, visit www.lipmanfamilyfarms.com.
BROOKFIELD, IL - Change is in the air for 2017, and one of those companies helping organic businesses evolve is Resource Group Solutions. Partnering to build the fresh perimeter, Resource Group helps its customers build and grow organic perishable programs that improve upon existing infrastructure to provide opportunities for our industry.
“We operate these programs similar to Vendor Managed Programs. Once we partner with a company, our team is embedded in these programs and becomes a key part of driving and building the overall program,” President Pat Bayor shares with me as we discuss the company’s vision to bring long-term solutions and distribution efficiencies to fresh-driven business channels.
As more companies look to diversify their offerings, Organic Valley is bringing Resource Group into its fold, as the team builds their organic produce programs around the country through Resource Groups distribution partnerships.
“Organic Valley is one of the most trusted brands of organic dairy; they are now working on expanding their organic produce offerings to create year-round programs and availability,” Pat tells me. “As one of the top organic dairy brands in the country, Organic Valley has become a trusted organic source for consumers everywhere. We are excited to help build the company’s programs and help them evolve its go-to-market strategy.”
Someone of Organic Valley’s produce programs include its North West potato programs and Florida programs with green beans, kales and other greens, cucumbers, as well as summer squashes, cabbage, and peppers.
"Their core program has also always been the Midwest program which focuses on greens, commodity type items like cucumbers, peppers, and summer squash, and they also do a great job on their winter squash programs," Pat adds.
When I ask Pat what the company brings to the table in terms of expertise, he tells me that Resource Group is a team of organic perishables professionals.
“All of our team members are experienced in organic products, as well as the retail side and purchasing sides of the business,” Pat adds.
Resource Group’s client base is primarily organic retailers but also includes buying clubs, mass market, and foodservice customers.
“Our team brings the experience and expertise to companies like Organic Valley,” Pat says. “We are highly skilled in wholesale distribution and our attention to detail and communication is what differentiates us from the pack.”
As the organic terrain and landscape continues to shift and evolve, stay tuned to for the evolving strategies that will leave their mark on 2017 and beyond.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – The wait is finally over for Southeastern Grocers and its leadership direction. The chain announced this morning that it has made the decision to officially move its current Interim exec, Anthony Hucker, into the appointment of President and CEO.
"I'm grateful to our leadership team for the smooth transition over the past six weeks and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to drive the strategic direction of the company. I’m humbled and honored to lead our team of more than 50,000 associates who are our greatest assets, putting our customers first, always," Hucker said. "Over the past two years, we've made substantial progress in our transformation, and we're ready to push forward.”
This decision goes into effect immediately, according to a press release. Hucker has served as the Interim President and CEO since July 1, 2017. Hucker was first brought into the Southeastern Grocers family in March of last year as COO. He was moved into the Interim leadership position in June of this year, when past President and CEO Ian McLeod announced his departure.
"We are pleased to welcome Anthony as CEO of Southeastern Grocers as he was always part of our succession plan," the company said in a statement. "He has played an integral role in our successful transformation over the last 18 months, and we are positive he is the right leader to guide SEG. Anthony brings significant industry expertise, and we are confident that he will continue to improve the business to the benefit of our dedicated customers across the Southeast."
Southeastern Grocers serves as the parent company to a variety of banners, pursuing growth and various strategies throughout the buy-side sector. The company’s banners are Bi-Lo, Harveys, Winn-Dixie, and Fresco y Más.
Hucker came over to Southeastern Grocers from Schnucks Markets, where he served as President and COO, and time served as President of Giant Food. Hucker also served seven years at Walmart in domestic and international leadership positions. Hucker began at Walmart as CIO of the Americas, formed the Global Format Development Division, was promoted to Head of Strategy and Business Development for Walmart USA, and served as a corporate officer of the retail giant. Hucker first got his start working for Aldi in leadership assignments in Germany, the U.S., and Austria, and was a member of the original startup leadership team that set up Aldi UK.
Southeastern Grocers noted that Hucker’s passion for the food retail industry first was sparked while pursuing an Honours degree from the Metropolitan University of Manchester, UK, in Retail Marketing, and an International Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. During this time, he also worked as a food industry analyst that reported on pan-European stocks to the City of London.
Congratulations to Anthony Hucker on this appointment!
MCLEAN, VA – Investing further in farmland in an important growing region, Gladstone Land Corporation has announced that it has acquired a 1,910-acre farm in Okeechobee, Florida, for $9.7 million—or just over $5,000 an acre.
"We like partnering with the best farm operators in the best growing regions in the country," said David Gladstone, President and CEO of Gladstone, in a press release. "We have built our farmland portfolio on the thesis that continued growing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables and nuts will make the finite supply of farms that produce these crops more valuable over time."
Following the $9.7 million acquisition, Gladstone entered into a 6-year lease agreement with Cabbage, Inc., for a 6-year, triple-net lease that includes two extension options.
"Cabbage Inc. is excited to partner with Gladstone Land on a long-term basis with this transaction," said David Hille, Chairman of Cabbage, Inc. "This property helps solidify our growing operation as the leading cabbage grower in the Eastern U.S."
Alongside green, red, and Savoy cabbages, Cabbage, Inc. grows spring mix, spinach, squash, and cilantro.
Cabbage, Inc.’s President Randy Marcum echoed these sentiments and praised Gladstone’s place in the produce industry.
"Gladstone Land has strong roots in the produce industry, making them a great resource for our real estate needs," said Marcum.
Likewise, Bill Frisbie, Managing Director for Gladstone, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership and Gladstone’s continued expansion in Florida and throughout the United States.
"We are privileged to acquire more farmland in Florida and partner with Cabbage, Inc., a highly-regarded vegetable grower," said Frisbie. "We now own 70 farms across the U.S., and we seek to continue building and diversifying our high-value agricultural portfolio."
For more on important acquisitions and other dealings in the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.