CASTROVILLE, CA - As organics continue to pick up in popularity and become a key category in the consumer basket, Ocean Mist Farms is turning up the “beet” this summer with an on-trend item growing across palates, menus, and retail spreads. With a recent highlight at the second annual Organic Produce Summit, the Ocean Mist Organic beet program wrapped up a show full of rave reviews as it enters its second year.
“Colorful nutrition–which promotes a rainbow of natural colors on the plate–continues to be a goal for people focusing on better health,” Director of Marketing Diana McClean, shares with me. “Root vegetables, gold beets included, are highlighted on food trend lists as home cooks and chefs look for new ways to incorporate vegetables and meat alternatives into the center of the plate.”
Ocean Mist launched the Ocean Mist Organic label in June 2015 with red beets in the original product line up. With a fast and passionate following, Gold beets were then added in fall of last year based on customer demand.
“Our organic product line continues to expand based on steady growth in this cooking vegetable category,” Diana says. “The 2017 OPS brought key eyes to our booth and to our program, helping us grow our message and brand.”
Currently, Ocean Mist offers a bunch pack with a twist tie label, in a 12ct. or 24ct. case. The company also offers a 25 lb bulk pack of topped red or gold beets, an excellent pack for either retail or food service.
Ocean Mist Farms has been growing organic artichokes for over 10 years. With the launch of its organic product line in 2015, it has steadily grown its organic offerings to include a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, celery, asparagus, romaine hearts, green onions, and many more. Today, the company offers over 25 organically grown produce items under the Ocean Mist Organic label.
So, whether you are moving to the “beat” or “beet” this summer, check out the latest and greatest here, at AndNowUKnow.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA – The Richmond office of Allen Lund Company has announced the promotion of Kirk Bailey to Operations Manager from Transportation Broker.
"I started with Allen Lund Company almost eight years ago as a Broker's Assistant," Kirk commented, according to a press release. "Many professional growth opportunities along the way have helped me realize this achievement. I'm excited about this new advancement and I'm looking forward to helping the Richmond office grow even more."
Bailey attended Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Management.
"Kirk is the consummate team player. He leads through his actions, and we are excited to see how he helps us grow in the Richmond office," said Gerald Ebert, Manager Richmond office.
The company has been growing rapidly, having added a Houston office earlier this year.
Eddie Lund, Vice President of Sales and Branch Operations stated, "Kirk is so dependable. You can always count on him to do the right thing for our customers and the Richmond office. As they continue to grow, Kirk's position as Operations Manager will become even more important, and we are thankful to have him as part of the leadership in Richmond."
Congratulations to Kirk from the entire team here at AndNowUKnow! Stay tuned as we report on the latest personnel and promotions within the fresh produce industry.
MEMPHIS, TN – Marketers of fresh produce, be prepared for the program that could help take your brand to the next level. Idea Garden Marketing is gearing up for latest Fresh Marketing Academy™, empowering produce professionals in all areas of marketing.
“We continue to receive very positive feedback on this industry-focused marketing training program,” said John Avola, course instructor and President of Idea Garden Marketing. “Past graduates who have implemented marketing changes learned in the program have seen tangible ROI, which keeps us excited about providing this impactful educational resource each year.”
Marking its third occurrence, registration for the event has just opened. According to a press release, the event will begin on August 1, 2017, and will span a five-week webinar series. The event was previously known as Digital Marketing University.
Attendees of the event will be trained in the follow marketing areas, specifically tailored to the fresh produce industry:
- Social media
- Website design
- Search engine optimization
- Online advertising
- Email marketing
All course materials are produce-industry specific, and geared towards reaching consumers, increasing brand awareness, and boosting sales. The weekly one-hour interactive webinars will be hosted every Tuesday, running from August 1 through August 29. For those who cannot attend the scheduled dates, classes are recorded for later viewing.
“The class was awesome and very helpful–I wish I could sign up for it over and over!” stated Ashleigh Lombardi of Braga Fresh Family Farms, and a Fresh Marketing Academy graduate.
Priming the event for success with a wide wealth of experience, John’s own extensive digital marketing background includes the strategic development and execution of high-performing social media, traditional and digital marketing campaigns, new brand development and launches, and website design and development.
Only one registration is required per company in order for all employees to participate in the program. Registration includes all resources and materials.
Itching to sign up? Register for the Fresh Marketing Academy here.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart is making another move to expand its geographic footprint and supply capabilities as the buy-side continues to keep us on our toes.
The retail giant has laid the groundwork for a new state-of-the-art distribution facility in Cocoa, Florida, according to news source Area Development, to support growing demand of both online and in-store purchases.
This comes on the heels of another facility Walmart just announced: a $450 million e-commerce fulfillment center to be in Davenport, Florida, which the company said is part of its investment plan in the state for 2017-2018.
While Walmart did not comment on the coming Cocoa facility, SVP of its U.S. e-Commerce Supply Chain, Nate Faust, said on the new Davenport center, “This campus is just the latest example of Walmart’s commitment to offering customers fast shipping on items they need every day. We’re excited not only about the economic impact our facility has had, and will continue to have, in the community, but also how it will help us empower our customers to shop when and how they want.”
The Davenport facility is estimated to bring more than 1,500 jobs to Florida’s Polk County. The Cocoa distribution center, with a construction capital investment of $133 million, an additional $15 million in equipment, and standing at 460,000-square-feet, will bring upwards of 460 employees into a ‘high-tech work environment.’
The refrigerated warehouse, specified for perishable goods in the company’s announced intentions for the state, should be up and running by the end of 2018.
Other announced investments in Florida include:
- Nine new stores across the state, creating more than 800 jobs statewide in stores alone
- Execute a multi-million-dollar capital investment plan by remodeling more than 40 locations across the state
As the company continues to unveil strategic growth strategies, keep checking in with AndNowUKNow.
WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump has announced two key prospective appointments to oversee key aspects of the USDA; the President has declared his intent to nominate Ted McKinney for Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and Dr. Sam Clovis for Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue—nominated by Trump this January and confirmed this April—praised the two appointments in a statement released by the USDA.
“For our new Under Secretary position emphasizing international trade, I have always said that I want someone who wakes up every morning asking how we can sell more American agricultural products in foreign markets,” said Perdue, on the selection of McKinney. “Ted McKinney is that person. His longstanding background in agriculture, economic development, and global issues will make him an unapologetic advocate for U.S. products in the world marketplace.”
McKinney is currently serving as Director of the Indiana Department of Agriculture, having been appointed by former Governor Mike Pence—now Vice President in the Trump Administration. According to local news source Indy Star, McKinney was raised on a farm in Tipton, Indiana, and served as Elanco Products Company, an ag chemical subsidiary of Eli Lilly, as Director of Global Corporate Affairs prior to joining the Department of Agriculture.
According to the Washington Post, Clovis is a former economics professor at Morningside College who recently served as a campaign policy advisor to the Trump campaign.
“Dr. Clovis was one of the first people through the door at USDA in January and has become a trusted advisor and steady hand as we continue to work for the people of agriculture,” noted Perdue in the USDA’s statement. “He looks at every problem with a critical eye, relying on sound science and data, and will be the facilitator and integrator we need. Dr. Clovis has served this nation proudly since he was a very young man, and I am happy he is continuing to serve.”
For more on important appointments in agriculture, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
IDAHO FALLS, ID - If you are like me, you are probably on an endless search for the perfect french fry. But, fortunately, that light, buttery texture with a golden flesh and thin skin that consumers seek may soon be easier to find. Kington Fresh has introduced its new Kingston Fryer Gold potato variety, promising easy access to all those aforementioned attributes and more.
“At Kingston Fresh, we are constantly seeking new, creative, and innovative ways to fulfill the needs and exceed the expectations of our customers, and this addition to our Kingston Fryer line does just that,” company President David O. Kingston commented. “I am extremely proud of the work our team is doing in this area and am excited that we can meet the needs of even more proponents of Fresh Hand Cut French Fries.”
This is the company’s second offering under its Kingston Fryer Brand, according to a press release, which has been experiencing success with its original Russet variety Kingston Fryer for over 40 years. Touted as “America’s Ultimate Frying Potato,” both the original and the new Kingston Fryer Gold allow for a more streamlined cooking process, helping to lower operational costs for cooking.
“Leadership at Kingston Fresh is excited to introduce the Kingston Fryer Gold, as it has been several years in the R&D phase and is now ready for release with year-round availability,” said Nick Proia, VP of Business Development – Domestic and International. “With great fry-ability and a streamlined cooking process, the Kingston Fryer Gold expands our Kingston Fryer line for those operators that prefer a Kennebec/Yukon or pomme frite-style fresh cut fry.”
Want to learn more about the “Ultimate Frying Potato?” Check out this article to watch our recent fry-focused What’s In Store video.
AUSTIN, TX - According to a regulatory filing posted Wednesday, activist investor Jana Partners has sold its stake in Whole Foods for combined proceeds of $1.1 billion, resulting in a profit of about $300 million.
Bloomberg Markets reported that the provocative investor—who promised to shake up Whole Foods after grabbing an almost 9% stake of the company in April, sparking charged responses from Whole Foods CEO John Mackey—began scaling back its hold in May, and offloaded the last of its Whole Foods stock this week.
The report suggests that upon Jana’s initial investment in the company, Mackey may have reached out to Amazon.com Inc in search of a friendly buyer resulting in a $13.7 billion deal announced June 16. News of the agreement sent the retail grocery landscape and associated stock market on a wild ride, with details available in our previous coverage.
As the retail grocery landscape continues to evolve, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
RIO RICO, AZ - Industry vet Mark Cassius is bringing his expertise and vision into a new arena this year as he joins Ciruli Brothers as the company’s Executive Vice President and General Manger. Ciruli Brothers grows and ships a full line of the highest quality fresh fruits and vegetables with key categories ranging from mangos, to tomatoes, squash and eggplant.
“I am extremely excited to join a passionate and progressive company like Ciruli Brothers,” Mark shares with me, reflecting on his move to the team. “What really drew me to Chris and Chuck (Jr.) Ciruli’s company was how they have created a unique growing and marketing operation with strategic partnerships that have helped extend their national footprint, from growing regions in Florida to New York, as well as California, Texas, and Mexico.”
In Mark’s role as EVP and GM, he will be responsible for helping Ciruli Brothers evolve its go-to-market strategy to allow the company to leverage its growth in production. Mark will also help develop processes and an organizational footprint so that the company can address the needs of its customers, offer differentiation and diversification in the produce department, and help raise the bar on marketing and value in the fresh produce industry.
“There are a lot of intricacies at Ciruli Brothers,” Mark tells me. “With this next phase of growth, we are creating the strategies that will align production, marketing activities, and product development, in a way that creates more efficiencies, enhances our capabilities, and offers transparency for the organization.”
Working collectively with Chris and Chuck Ciruli as well as their expert sales and operations team, Mark is excited to see the upward trajectory continue and develop. It is the anticipation of these new possibilities and opportunities that drives Mark’s passion.
“Plus, I am a big fan of Champagne® mangos,” Mark laughs. “Which is one of the core items that has truly differentiated the Ciruli’s.”
Ciruli brothers is taking its mango program, which has traditionally been seasonal in Mexico running from February through September, and is looking to develop key varieties and growing practices that can better extend the season into an annual program, and offer the customer a fruit that combines the flavor, quality, and consistency they want in mangos.
Along with the company’s reputation of bringing great value to its retail partners, it was the company culture that helped draw Mark in.
“Around the industry, many people I spoke to repeated the same thing, that Chris and Chuck are salt-of-the-earth people who create a great working environment where they treat everyone like family,” Mark says. “They are third generation produce people. Their grandfather Charles started Ciruli back in the 40s, and their father, Chuck II took the business over and was key in catapulting mango imports from Mexico into the United States. Chris and Chuck have enhanced and built upon a lot of their father’s and grandfather’s values and achievements, and have created an exceptional, and really well-respected business.”
With the second half of the summer heating up, the Ciruli Brothers’ team is looking to the future of fresh produce, and finding themselves primed for growth and an exciting road ahead.
Congratulations Mark, on joining the team, and to Ciruli Brothers for the opportunities to come!
WENATCHEE, WA – The cool air of fall is rearing its head just around the corner, and with that comes back-to-school sales and a prime time for merchandising pears. With this in mind, Stemilt Growers is urging retailers find boosted sales with pears by getting a jump start on Rushing Rivers™ ads and supplementing with a Lil Snappers® plan for early September back-to-school timing.
As pear harvest nears for its new crop, Stemilt suggests starting promotions early and promoting often during the fall and winter months. The company expects Northwest pear crop to be down slightly over last year, according to a press release. Stemilt’s harvest will start in early August with its signature Tosca pear, a great specialty pear to start filling shelves with pears early on.
“Tosca is a Stemilt exclusive variety and available both organically and conventionally,” said Brianna Shales, Communications Manager. “It’s a great variety to kick off the season with and because it comes off the tree during that time that parents are thinking about what to put in kid lunches again, is ideal to carry in our Lil Snappers kid-sized fruit pouch bags.”
Tosca has similar qualities to Bartlett with a more exotic flavor, and also boasts the advantage of coming off the tree ahead of Bartlett. Soon after Tosca, Stemilt will begin harvest of its Bartlett pears. The company recommends that retailers continue to power their pear sales by loading a first round of pear ads with bulk and bagged Bartlett’s the last week of August. This timing will line up with the back-to-school rush in early September, and should also include the red Starkrimson variety pears.
“The first ad on Bartlett and Starkrimson helps set the tone for the pear category, and it’s important to hit the ground running by promoting great tasting fruit in a big way,” Shales continued.
In order to ripen summer pears for instant sales and increased repeat purchases at the retail level, Stemilt uses its RipeRite™ ready-to-eat program. The company also offers an array of packaging options to help retailers segment the summer varieties of Rushing Rivers pears available. Stemilt noted that bulk promotions on Bartlett and Starkrimson are a must for retailers, while larger 4 lb Rushing Rivers pouch bags are an ideal way to boost the purchase size of pears at the beginning of the season.
Both conventional and organic Lil Snappers are also key items to carry in early September, with the timing of back-to-school top of mind for retailers. Lil Snappers are easy to merchandise, and according to a Stemilt Fruit Tracker™ study, a proven way to build sales of pears.
“Lil Snappers make it easy to merchandise your department around the back-to-school theme,” said Shales. “They are offered in the ideal 3 lb size in order to pack one pear in two kid lunches all week long, and ready to merchandise in a DRC. We also have display bins that designed to be placed at check stands to drive that impulse purchase that parents so often make.”
Stemilt's Fruit Tracker study compared a 3 lb Lil Snappers bag user, a 2 lb bag user, and the U.S. composite that includes all bag pear sizes. Stemilt said that this study found that Lil Snappers 3 lb pears can sell 225% more volume, drive 152% more dollars than 2 lb bags, and 167% more volume than the U.S. composite.
“In this analysis of Nielsen scan data, we looked at two retailers who were both engaged in their bag programs, but carried different bag sizes. We also compared Lil Snappers to the U.S. composite, and the results overwhelmingly favored Lil Snappers and their 3 lb size as the right package to build both volume and dollar sales of pears,” said Shales.
After getting a robust Lil Snappers pear plan in place, Stemilt said that retailers can further boost sales by utilizing the Rushing Rivers brand–using its two famous locales as a story platform to build pear displays around.
“Rushing Rivers is an opportunity for retailers to share with shoppers the amazing locale that their pears call home. These locales are our family growers have farmed pears for multiple generations, and the reason why Stemilt pears stand out above the rest,” said Shales.
Stemilt grows the majority of its pears in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys, which are mountain rivers surrounded by alpine peaks. Stemilt noted that this region is recognized around the world as one of the best grounds for growing pears.
As fall nears, what’s next for pears? Count on AndNowUKnow for the latest.
VANCOUVER, BC - Oppy has strengthened its sales squad in the U.S.’s western region with the shifting of three experienced employees. The company named Jose Mendoza, Jim Leach, and Mario Illiano as sales representatives in Los Angeles and Seattle, bringing their knowledge of the company and its initiatives to their new respective positions.
“With these changes, we’ve strengthened our sales team’s front line with enhanced transportation, marketing, and product expertise,” summarized Walt Breeden, Vice President of Canadian and West Coast U.S. Sales. “We believe it’s really important to develop talent within Oppy, and these three young professionals have shown that they have what takes to succeed in the next step in their careers. All three have a deep understanding of our business, our categories, and our customers’ needs. It’s exciting to cultivate the next generation of Oppy salespeople as we work toward our overall goals.”
Jim and Jose are based in Oppy’s Los Angeles-area office, with both having received their sales representative appointments earlier this month.
Jim, who joined Oppy as a business development representative in Autumn of 2016, distinguished himself quickly as a hard working team player according to Breeden, who said that his effective promotional programs and responsiveness to customer needs consistently drove solid sales across Oppy’s product lines.
Jose’s background with the company spans both logistics and sales, having joined its logistics arm David Oppenheimer Transport in early 2010. He moved up the ranks from his start as a transportation assistant to coordinator before transferring to Oppy’s LA sales team in 2014. There, Breeden said, he supports the group’s efforts in a sales assistant role with invaluable knowledge and energy
Mario is part of the Seattle, Washington, sales team. Moving up to his current position in June, he originally joined the company as a sales and marketing intern in 2012. He was promoted to sales assistant in May of 2013, relocating 18 months later from the marketer’s Newark, Delaware, office to Seattle. In the Washington office he has where he supported sales and built relationships with regional customers, as well as having played key roles in optimizing sales for Oppy’s exclusive Ocean Spray cranberry and Orchard View cherry programs nationwide.
The company expressed faith that, with the expertise earned in their previous roles, all three will be able to add value throughout the supply chain through their focus on developing and sustaining sales of Oppy’s full product range.
Congratulations to Jim, Jose, and Mario on this latest step in your produce careers.