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AUSTIN, TX – Whole Foods’ Whole Kids Foundation has announced the launch of its Starting with Soil app—a tablet-based organic education app intended to provide a fun way for parents to learn about organic growing and encourage parents and children to consume organic produce.
"We wanted to create a playful way to help kids understand the importance of healthy soil and see first-hand the roles that plants, animals, and people play in keeping it balanced," said Nona Evans, President and Executive Director of Whole Kids Foundation. "We think it's critical kids understand where food comes from, the process it goes through to land on our plates, and the significant effects these processes have on our environment, communities, and bodies."
The free app, created with support from United Natural Foods, Inc. and in partnership with the Center for Ecoliteracy, functions as an interactive story, according to a Whole Kids Foundation press release. The story takes place in four chapters. The first three chapters demonstrate how nature creates soil, how long soil production takes, and the importance of pollinators, animals, the weather, microorganisms, and cover crops play in organic farming. The final chapter presents ways families can explore organic education at home, in school, in the community, and even while they shop.
"Soil is literally packed with reciprocal and fascinating relationships, and kids are captivated to discover that life and energy are alive and well beneath their feet," noted Zenobia Barlow, Executive Director of the Center for Ecoliteracy, an organization with over 20 years of experience in designing effective curriculum for children.
The app also features slow-motion video that allows kids to see bees pollinating and butterflies extracting nectar and time lapse photography of the way apple, radish, and bean seeds become seedlings and burst through topsoil in vibrant colors. Nematodes, algae, and protozoa make cameo appearances, and users are encouraged to plant seeds, build a compost pile, view soil and organisms through a microscope, and view the symbiosis at work when corn, beans, and squash are planted together.
The company hopes that environmental educators and teachers will appreciate the central message: soil is alive, riveting, and vital. And with school gardens becoming an increasingly common educational tool, the app, designed at a third-grade reading level, is sure to be an effective tool in conjunction with these gardens. In fact, the foundation’s press release noted, school gardens are shown to improve children's behavior and performance at school, while improving their appreciation for the environment. And children who grow their own food are also more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and to be more knowledgeable about nutrition.
For more on all things produce, check out AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA – Tanimura & Antle is strengthening its organics operations, with a specific focus on assuring organic integrity as the company’s program continues its upward momentum. The company has announced John McKeon will serve as its Senior Manager of Organic Compliance & Sustainability.
In his new role, McKeon will oversee a wide variety of operational duties for T&A’s organic program. According to a press release, McKeon will direct compliance activities for T&A’s organic program, quality assurance for the company’s organic, commission, and consolidation supply chain. He will also direct R&D for organic materials and new business platforms, customer compliance management, FSMA compliance management for organic items, and standards development for sustainability and social accountability programs.
McKeon comes to the company with 20 years of experience founded on the integrity of standards, quality, and food safety in organic farming. This includes time spent at his most recent role as Director of Ag Supply for Earthbound Farm.
McKeon’s hiring comes at a perfect time for T&A, as the company launched a limited organic trial in preparation for a full launch later this year. T&A’s organic program is certified by CCOF, and the company has joined the Organic Trade Association, as well.
“We’re getting a fantastic response from customers as we outline plans for the Tanimura & Antle organic program,” said Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jeff Jackson. “Demand for organic produce continues to expand but it takes commitment and credibility to succeed at it 52 weeks a year. We are investing the time and resources necessary to build a reliable year-round program. And our customers know that the Tanimura & Antle legacy of integrity and dependability ensures the best possible organic program.”
McKeon first joined Earthbound Farm in 2007, where he worked closely with the company’s expansive network of organic growers. His roles ranged from assuring organic integrity and compliance with domestic and international standards to additional industry and regulatory audit compliance, and field food safety and Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) compliance. He also managed grower contracts and developed the organic land base strategy for the company.
“I couldn’t ask for a better partner to build out the Tanimura & Antle Organic program,” said Chris Glynn, Director of Organics at T&A, and former colleague of McKeon’s from Earthbound Farm. “John is the consummate organic professional. He’s committed to organic integrity, passionate about the benefits of organic farming, and an expert in the organic farming landscape in the Salinas Valley and down in the desert.”
Prior to joining Earthbound Farm, McKeon gained important organics experience as an independent organic inspector and Director of Grower/Livestock Certification for CCOF. McKeon earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz–a program that has proven to be a fertile source of organic luminaries; which includes Earthbound Farm’s Drew Goodman, and Organic Farming Research Foundation’s Mark Lipson.
T&A stated that organic is consistent with the company’s broader, long-term commitment to sustainability, which includes:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in both organic and non-organic crops
- Minimum tillage to avoid soil erosion
- Cover cropping and crop rotation
- Drip irrigation resulting in 19% decrease in water usage
- Protection of adjacent ecosystems
Congratulations on joining the Tanimura & Antle family, John!
For more on the company’s sustainability practices, click here.
COWICHE, WA - After 68 years of producing year-round consistently flavorful fruit farmed on their own orchards, Evans Fruit Co. Founders Bill and Jeannette Evans are transitioning the next generation of their family into leadership roles in the company. In addition to grandchildren Joe and Kimberly Evans taking on expanded leadership roles, the company will also be welcoming veteran marketer Suzanne Wolter.
Suzanne has working in many different roles in the produce industry during her tenure. Most recently, she created her own consulting company, FreshFit Solutions, but also spent time with companies such as fellow apple provider Rainier Fruit, Dole, and Tom Lange. She will now be heading the company’s marketing, effective August 1.
“With a new generation of family members moving into leadership roles, we see the need to better promote our company and have recruited Suzanne Wolter to lead our marketing efforts,” said Jeannette. “We happily welcome her to our team and look forward to a fresh approach to promoting our family business and great tasting apples.”
As for the Evans grandchildren, both Joe and Kimberly Evans have produce in their blood. Joe Evans tackles the company’s sales responsibilities and serves multiple management roles throughout the family business. Kimberly manages the company’s Human Resource Department and numerous other administration responsibilities.
“Bill and I put our hearts and souls into quietly producing exceptional fruit,” explained Jeannette Evans. “I’m pleased to see my grandchildren adopt the same philosophies under my guidance.”
Joe Evans
After Joe realized his passion for the industry from both his grandfather and father, Tim, he chose to follow in both his parents and grandparents’ footsteps majoring in Agricultural Economics & Business Management. Upon graduating from Washington State University in 2008, Joe gathered experience at other organization before returning to his roots with the family business, according to a press release. Joe also acknowledged his gratitude for the tutelage of his father and grandfather, who passed away in 2010 and 2016, respectively.
Kimberly Evans
Kimberly (Evans) Hiebert began her tenure with the company full time in 2005, shortly after earning a degree in Psychology from Washington State University. From her educational background, Kimberly has been well-equipped to handle all her Human Resource duties and administration responsibilities. According to the company, it is her passion for people that drives her desire to create an employee-centric workplace.
Joe, Kimberly, and Suzanne join the rest of Evans Fruit’s experienced team of industry professionals. Wesley Akiyama and Kristina Conrad have been with the company over twenty years; and Molly Scott, Scott Hennessey, and Patti Gilroy joined within the last five. Family members serving various roles include Russel Loges, Julie Evans, Pat Martinson, Barb Evans, and Andy Hiebert—each of which share a positive outlook regarding the changes ahead and continued success with Evans Fruit.
TAMPA, FL – Accounting for packaging costs may seem straightforward, but a simple assessment may be misleading, according to RPC provider IFCO.
According to a recent IFCO educational webinar, “indirect costs may account for as much 85 percent of the total cost of disposable packaging across the supply chain.” The company cited studies conducted by two separate organizations, including researchers at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), with whom the company collaborated to develop a tool called “freshIMPACT,” a cost evaluation tool designed to give retailers a clear picture of the cost impact of different packaging types.
Cal Poly’s researchers gathered data from various activities at distribution centers, asset recovery centers, and stores and, in general, IFCO notes, the research indicates that RPCs “enabled tasks to be carried out much faster, and therefore more cost effectively, than with single-use packaging.”
Based on this assessment of “Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing,” Cal Poly developed the freshIMPACT tool for IFCO to help clients calculate fives types of indirect packaging cost: product damage, labor/handling, space utilization, equipment, and transport.
According to the Cal Poly study, RPCs created cost-saving efficiencies throughout the supply chains. At the distribution center, IFCO RPCs were found to “reduce the need for specialized handling expertise, and their standardized footprint, interlocking design, and ergonomic handholds made highly variable processes consistent.” At the store level, IFCO RPCs were determined to be “more space-efficient, both packed and empty, making better use of limited space in the back room and on carts.” And during disposal/sortation, “used, folded IFCO RPCs [proved] much easier to handle due to their uniform footprint and interlocking design,” and the company noted that “by contrast, baled cardboard has an inconsistent shape; straps on bales of cardboard break frequently, requiring restrapping.”
“Researchers were able to show that product damage rates fall as the use of IFCO RPCs rises” the company noted, asserting that “IFCO RPCs outperformed single-use packaging throughout the supply chain in terms of product protection.”
IFCO representatives can complete a freshIMPACT analysis in a single day. The process involves a brief questionnaire designed to generate the most accurate estimate based on the unique characteristics of a customers’ supply chain.
CINCINNATI, OH - A new President of Kroger's Ruler Division has been named, filling the spot left vacant when Paul Bowen retired in May of this year. The division, which spans Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee, will now be led by Liz Ferneding.
"I'm excited to join the Ruler team to help further develop the format, grow the brand and enhance customer engagement," said Ferneding, who will assume this role effective July 31. "I have admired the Kroger Co. both as a consumer and a competitor, and have looked to the company throughout my tenure in the industry as a benchmark in grocery retail."
A veteran of Aldi for 11 years, Ferneding has held a variety of leadership roles with the retailer, including an international assignment in Australia, Director of Marketing, and Director of Corporate Buying. Ferneding is also a graduate of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University.
"Liz's extensive grocery retail experience in procurement, marketing, advertising, management, and operations will be an asset to our Ruler associates, customers, and community," said Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO. "We have a lot of respect for the Ruler format and the customer it serves. Liz's talent and insights will help us sharpen our value-centric, small-format store."
Headquartered in Seymour, Indiana, the Ruler division operates 48 stores, each averaging 19,000-square-feet. Kroger positions its Ruler stores as having low prices and an expansive selection of Our Brands foods. According to a press release, the division will welcome two more locations later in the year.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Frieda’s Specialty Produce has a plan to keep summer sales fresh and fizzy. The company is happy to report California-grown champagne grapes are in good supply and ready to hit retailers in their Frieda’s-branded 16/1 lb. clamshells.
“With summer entertaining in full swing, champagne grapes create excitement in grape merchandising as their small, snack-able size is perfect for charcuterie and cheese platters,” said Alex Jackson Berkley. “Merchandise two facings in the grape case or cross-merchandise with cheeses, wine, and champagne.”
Berkley reported that with Califronia’s weather being warmer than the company had anticipated, the grapes reached shipping volumes this week.
In addition to its champagne grapes, Frieda’s offers seasonal California-grown specialty grape varieties, such as Yellow Sweetie (16/1 lb.) and Thomcord (10/1 lb.). These offerings join Frieda’s many other summer top-selling tropical fruits, according to a press release, including lychee, rambutan, cherimoya, and dragon fruit.
Cheese, wine, and champagne grapes? Sounds like a great summer spread to me!
CHELAN, WA - Cherry seasonality is both our biggest opportunity and our most difficult challenge–this is what Mac Riggan, Director of Marketing at Chelan Fresh, tells me as we discuss the unique elements of the high-impact Washington cherry category. When I ask him what he means by this, he takes a moment to reflect.
“When you look at Washington cherries, their biggest opportunity is in the pent-up demand caused by their seasonality, or rather, shorter season,” Mac shares with me. “The challenge is that consumers are not always aware of the variations in seasons–when it starts and how long it lasts. Because of cherries’ brief season, consumers need to be reminded of their availability in order for retailers to take advantage of their impact on sales, and this is where retailers can create opportunities.”
While the end of the Washington cherry season may be approaching, it is nowhere near finished, and the chances to capture cherry sales in the produce department are nowhere near over.
“During the month of July, cherries are still the largest generators in dollars per square-foot in the produce department. Also, 43 percent of cherry consumers need to see cherries featured to remind them to buy, as their timing is constantly in question,” Mac says. “Nearly 72 percent of cherry purchases are impulse buys and that is what really drives the need for retail displays to be big, prominent, and front-and- center, or at check-out stands, as much as their environment will allow profitably.”
People get excited when they see cherries, and because they are such an impulse item, retailers can take advantage of the season by also creating awareness through those secondary displays, ad features, IRCs, in-store promotions, through social media, and even on their websites.
One of the ways that Chelan Fresh is helping to keep cherries top-of-mind is by extending their usage and versatility outside of the traditional season. With the company’s new Freeze for Later POS card, Chelan Fresh is inviting consumers to look ahead with freezing tips on enjoying cherries long after the season has wrapped up.
“There are still large portions of cherry sales we can capture. It’s about keeping cherries top-of-mind and keeping the displays full at all times. With cherries being such a high dollar-per-square-foot item, they warrant a little love,” he smiles.
While cherry time, all the time, may only be wishful thinking–for a consumer like me, we will take ALL the cherries we can get.
ARLINGTON, VA - As Lidl US launches off the success of its first stores in the American market, the company is already looking towards the foundation of its growth on the horizon. The company has tapped Kevin Sweet as its new Senior Director of Real Estate.
Sweet comes to his new Lidl appointment with a wealth of real estate-focused experience in the buy-side sector. He comes to this position from tenure served with Walmart as its Senior Director of Real Estate, and then Director of Project Design and Management, according to his LinkedIn. In these positions, Sweet stated that he helmed 153 new store projects for Walmart and closed on 120 multimillion-dollar land transactions, before then ensuring the delivery of Walmart’s new store program across 13 states.
Sweet, according to his profile, has accrued his buy-side experience in growth strategies, new-store development, takeovers, negotiations, grand openings, and land development, amongst other attributes.
For Lidl US, this hiring could be paramount in continuing its momentum in the buy-side. Lidl US first broke into our domestic market with its first wave of stores this June, followed closely by another wave this month. Sources said that this hiring is key for the discount retailer as it looks to continue expanding in this new market, giving the company experienced personnel.
As Lidl US’ competitors continue to invest and explore advancements themselves, will this hire help boost it to the next level? AndNowUKnow will report as the discount retailer keeps investing for success.
MCALLEN, TX - As the company continues its mission of increasing its presence in the U.S. this summer, GR Fresh is also setting out for some other uncharted territory—Mexican-grown pomegranates. Having quietly built up its acreage and supplies for the past four years, the company has announced it's primed and ready to start offering GR Fresh branded pomegranates grown in Mexico for the upcoming season.
“We are very excited to be the one of the first Mexican growers to export pomegranates to the U.S.,” shared third generation and Executive Vice President Antonio Villalobos. “We are really pioneering this effort and making it a goal to have pomegranates be equal to our tomato and pepper businesses. We’ve already been talking to retailers about how unique and rare this program is, and the reception has been great.”
While this is the third year GR Fresh will be offering its pomegranates on a wide scale basis, Antonio was happy to report that volumes, quality, and brix, are all already looking excellent. GR Fresh offers both the Wonderful and Early Wonderful varieties, growing out of Torreón. Torreón boasts a dry and hot climate similar to that in which California Pomegranates thrive in.
“We looked at the region in Torreón and noticed it had a hot and dry climate similar to where pomegranates have been thriving in California. We assumed this would be a great region to adapt to, and luckily, it was! Since we began there four years ago, we have increased production by 50 percent each year we’ve been growing.”
Antonio tells me that the company will begin its harvest as soon as the end of August, continuing on until the end of October and early November. GR Fresh provides its pomegranates as whole fruit and packed arils, with the whole fruit available for retailers in various single layers, club packs, and bins. Pomegranate Arils will also be available in bags, clamshells, or cups.
As for the rest of GR Fresh’s comprehensive summer programs, the company is going strong. GR Fresh started up in its summer growing regions in May, offering Roma, Grape tomatoes, Cucumbers, White onions, Red LaRouge bell peppers, and Mini-sweet peppers. Last week marked the start for Green peppers and hot peppers, Antonio says, and next week will begin production for Round tomatoes along with Roma and Grape tomato under its new plastic greenhouses in Jalisco and Michoacán. Come November, GR Fresh will also begin harvesting for its Pecan season out the state of Chihuahua.
Overall, GR Fresh is reporting large volumes and beautiful quality coming out of its Mexican growing regions. As the company continues to turn out delicious summer season products, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for all the details.