JAPAN – McDonald’s Japan is introducing a new Pokémon-themed line of its McFlurry desserts—with some unexpected produce-centered flavors that are setting the internet abuzz.
According to a report by local news source Sora News 24, the limited-edition line of McFlurries are part of a social media contest wherein fans vote on the flavor they would most like to see introduced at McDonald’s locations across the country by retweeting McDonald's posts. The winning dessert is slated to premier July 14th in anticipation of the July 15th release of Pokémon the Movie 20: I Choose You!, the twentieth movie in the Pokémon franchise—a franchise centered around fictional “pocket monsters” that spans more than a dozen movies, video games, several toy lines, and even includes of a theme park, Poképark.
The company has introduced six prospective offerings, each themed after a different Pokémon—with a unique flavor that pairs with the creature’s characteristics. Perhaps the most eccentric flavor in the new dessert line is the Bulbasaur McFlurry—a broccoli-flavored dessert inspired by the much-beloved plant Pokémon. The line also includes an equally outlandish Habanero-flavored Charmander McFlurry, playing on the pokémon’s fiery nature. Other characters/flavors include:
- Jigglypuff – A white peach “purin” or pudding flavor
- Gengar – A purple potato-flavored dessert
- Squirtle – A water-themed flavor based on Ramune, a popular Japanese soft drink
- Pikachu – A chocolate and banana dessert inspired by Pikachu’s yellow and brown color scheme
Which flavor will win out as these pocket monsters go head-to-head on Twitter? As of last weekend, Pikachu was at the top of the ladder, with 12,000 retweets—and at the bottom, Bulbasaur/broccoli and Charmander/habanero trail the pack with roughly 2,400 and 3,000 retweets, respectively.
For more on all things produce, tune in to AndNowUKnow.
WENATCHEE, WA - Today is National Rainier Day, and one way to celebrate is to soak up some cherry wisdom from CMI Orchards President Bob Mast. An expert in all things cherries and apricots, I caught up with the company’s head to get the scoop on what we can expect for both seasons, and how retailers can make sure their sales are at their highest.
“There’s an abundance of red cherries,” Bob tells me as we discuss retail strategy for the 2017 season. “We want retailers to get very aggressive, and basically step on the gas and don’t let up for four to five weeks.”
As cherry season comes to a close, and the industry sets its sights towards apricots, all signs are currently pointing to great returns and flavor, Bob tells me.
“We’ve got a really good-sized apricot program this year—the industry is going to yield a lot of fruit,” Bob continues, switching gears to the stonefruit. “We should have great flavor and great color.”
CMI Orchards offers its apricots in a wide array of pack options, including:
- Volume fill packs
- Panta-Paks
- Catch weight bags
- 1 pound pouch bags
So, what are some ways that CMI has been able to achieve a 50 percent incremental sales increase this season? Watch my full interview with CMI’s President in the video above to learn the details.
WILLIAMSVILLE, NY - In significant moves to boost its supply chain operations and efficiencies, Tops Friendly Markets has appointed industry veteran Lorenzo Grooms to a leadership role. The company is bringing Lorenzo in as its new Director of Warehouse Operations.
In his new role with Tops, Lorenzo will lead all functions relating to warehouse operations in the Grocery, Perishable, and Frozen Distribution Centers. This will include improving the company’s supply chain and overall efficiency to Tops stores, which span New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Lorenzo comes to the company most recently from Sysco International Food Group, where he served as Director of Operations. Lorenzo has a wealth of experience working within a union environment and collective bargaining agreements, as well as process improvement, safety, and staff development. Lorenzo has also gained industry experience from time spent at Giant Eagle, where he served as Operations Manager for 14 years.
Lorenzo’s new role with Tops will also encompass developing and implementing initiatives to enhance associate morale, team performance in the execution of optimum store service, delivery of results in key financial metrics, staffing, selection/receiving accuracy, and throughput.
Lorenzo resides with his significant other, Amber, and their three daughters in Depew, NY. Prior to this, Lorenzo was a resident of Lakeland, FL. Lorenzo holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
For all the latest in key appointments and hirings in the industry, stick with AndNowUKnow.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea Farms has keyed into one of the biggest social media trends this summer—the “Watermelon Dress.” From Ryan Seacrest to Ellen Degeneres, celebrities and the social media savvy have taken to Instagram with images of forced-perspective “dresses” made of watermelon wedges, and Dulcinea Farms' latest consumer campaign is primed to take advantage of the trend.
“We had to react quickly in order to leverage this opportunity”, explained Micki Dirtzu, Director of Marketing, in a press release. “Watermelons have always been a summer favorite, but it’s not every day a social trend in your commodity goes viral.”
The company’s contest will run on social media through the entire month of July. Consumers have the opportunity to post a photograph of their version of the watermelon dress with the hashtag #DulcineaFarmsWatermelonDress, follow the brand on Instagram, and compete for prizes. The first prize winner will receive a cash prize. One honorable mention will enjoy a case of Dulcinea® PureHeart® Mini Seedless Watermelons to share—plus, the company noted in a press release, bragging rights.
“People love watermelon,” Dirtzu noted. “It’s one of those fruits that people not only love to eat but also decorate or accessorize with in print. A simple Pinterest or Etsy search will leave you with no shortage of shoes, purses, clothing, beach towels, floaties, or more. It’s endless really! It’s our job to figure out how to take that passion and tie it into the passion that Dulcinea Farms has to deliver the best eating experience consistently to the market.”
The company noted that social media campaigns are a great way to engage consumers and reinforce brand affinity, and Dulcinea Farms has recently invested in a more robust social media program aimed at building brand recognition and driving sales for the company’s retail partners.
For more on all things produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
HOUSTON, TX – Amazon looks to be taking heed of analysts’ warning that the retail giant will need to bolster its fresh distribution power. The company has announced it will open a more than 100,000-square-foot warehouse space in Houston, Texas, under its AmazonFresh branch.
According to a report from Realty News Report, AmazonFresh has selected Fallbrook Pines Business Park near the intersection of Beltway 8 and Highway 249 in northwest Houston as the location for the massive new facility. The source notes the facility will likely enforce Amazon’s fresh food delivery capabilities throughout the city.
At the end of last month, AndNowUKnow reported on experts’ rumblings that Amazon’s warehouse space for fresh distribution is not where it needs to be to compete with other major retailers. Analyst firm MWPVL International Inc. noted that Amazon has a little over 3 million-square-feet of U.S. warehousing dedicated to its existing AmazonFresh and Prime Pantry grocery programs, a fraction of long-standing brick & mortars like Walmart.
This is part of several moves by Amazon to double down on its presence in the Houston area. The company has also built two 1 million-square-foot warehouses that will focus on housing goods, one in Humble and one in Katy. According to Chron.com, each warehouse will store millions of items and significantly boost availability of two-day delivery in southeast Texas.
What market will Amazon choose next in its mission to expanding its fresh distribution capabilities? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
SALINAS, CA - At Mann Packing, we’re committed to transforming single-item commodities into value-added product lines. Welcome to What’s in Store, as we look to delivering multiple margin-making opportunities.
You may know us as the broccoli company. Broccoli Wokly, Broccamole, Broccoli.com—we found our super food niche early on growing Broccoli 14’s and 18’s. Then it grew from there. With all the broccoli florets we were producing, we were left with lots of broccoli stalks. We fed happy cows at the local dairies, but as broccoli aficionados and food waste pioneers, we knew the stalks were the best part.
So, we went to work. We sliced, diced, shredded, cubed, and julienned to make the most out of our Hearts of Broccoli® (because the stalk wasn’t just the stalk). We focused on creating healthy menu options for schools and universities, who needed a great price and value, as well as being nutritious and delicious for their menus and students.
But, before we could really launch our variety of foodservice products, the legendary Bob DiPiazza from Dominic’s saw our shreds at a show, and low and behold, Broccoli Cole Slaw was born.
Now in its 25th year, Mann’s Broccoli Cole Slaw is part of an entire line up of Veggie Slaw Blends, featuring Rainbow Salad, PowerBlend, and our newest Kale Beet Blend. These veggie blends are unique and made up of veggies that stay firm and crunchy. Mann’s Veggie Slaw Blends are delicious, nourishing family favorites. The super food blends are creating their own section in value-added produce departments, and can be easily used as an instant, extra satisfying salad base, as a side dish, added to salads, wraps, pitas, or even a stir fry. The possibilities are endless!
Thank you for watching What’s In Store.
CALIFORNIA - As temperatures remain high throughout the west, wildfire season continues in the Golden State. The industry is keeping an eye in two fires in particular, the Alamo fire in Santa Barbara County, and the Schaeffer fire in Kern County.
The Schaeffer fire in Kern County grew to more than 14,000 acres on Saturday, according to The Porterville Recorder. So far, the fire has stayed away from growing regions, though it is bringing smoke to the region which is impacting harvest and labor time.
“Everything is good at Anthony Vineyards, the only thing we get is the smoke,” John Harley, Sales Manager, tells me. “Between the smoke and the heat here in Kern County, we are only harvesting for about six hours a day. This has tightened up the market and availability of the product.”
The Schaeffer fire was caused by lightning, and has grown mostly to the southeast by more than a thousand acres every day. So far, the fire is not threating a large number of structures though roads and trails in the area have been closed until further notice. As of Sunday, the fire is 11 percent contained.
The Alamo fire also grew this weekend, as it burns east of Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County. Though The Tribune reported that 133 structures are threatened, our sources in the area say that so far just smoke clouds have been noted in most produce regions.
The fire started on Thursday. Over the weekend, Cal Fire noted, the fire grew about 5,000 acres overnight to around 28, 926 acres. Road closures are still in place, most notably on Highway 166, and containment is at 15 percent.
Firefighters across the state expect a drop in temperatures this week to aid in their efforts.
As wildfire season continues, AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on all the latest in relevant produce regions.
NOGALES, AZ – Wilson Produce, a premier grower/shipper of mini color bell peppers and other vegetables, has announced the hiring of Guillermo “Willy” Martinez. Effective August 21, 2017, the veteran produce pro will become the company’s General Manager, reporting directly to CEOs Chris and Alicia Martin.
“[Wilson Produce has] a clear vision of where they want to be in the years to come, and I am definitely up for the challenge!” said Willy. “They are great people that are strongly connected to their farms and the people behind them. I am very excited!”
Before joining Wilson Produce, Willy worked for Kingdom Fresh as General Manager, where he was, according to a press release, instrumental in the company’s rebranding and marketing program, as well as developing a strategic five-year company plan.
“We are thrilled to have Willy join our team,” said Alicia. “We were looking for someone, energetic and enthusiastic, with a vision that aligned with ours, and we found that in Willy.”
Willy is also an active member of several industry associations; he currently serves as a member of the United Fresh Council of Food Safety & Technology and as a member of PMA’s Science & Technology Committee.
“I think he will help us get to the next level and continue to expand and strengthen our position in the marketplace with all the conventional, transitional organic, and organic practices that have been implemented in all of our operations,” added Chris.
We at AndNowUKnow congratulate Willy on his new appointment, and wish him and the Wilson Produce team the best in their ventures going forward.
WENATCHEE, WA - Summer in Washington State means a plethora of cherries in all colors, sizes, and flavors, and here to tell us about them all is the always informative and lovely Brianna Shales. Stemilt Growers’ Communications Manager joined me to discuss what retailers can expect from the rest of the cherry season after the industry hit its peak, and what later season varieties are still yet to come.
“[Skylar Rae] is the sweetest cherry you’ll ever eat and also is incredibly firm,” Brianna tells me about the exclusive variety available through the end of July. “It offers retailers a really unique third SKU for the cherry category to increase those sales.”
Now, towards the middle of July, Stemilt will also be focusing in on its top-of-the-line Kyle’s Pick cherries packs. Hand-picked from select varieties and only in the largest sizes, Brianna shares with me that this Kyle Mathison-approved label offers only the finest in firmness and flavor.
And don’t forget Stemilt’s late season varieties either! Come mid-August, Stemilt will begin harvesting its Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries.
“[Half Mile Closer to the Moon cherries] grow 2,650 feet above sea level and higher, all the way up to 4,000 feet, and allow us to take cherry season later than anyone else,” Brianna explains.
Want to learn even more about Stemilt’s thriving cherry season? Watch my full interview with Brianna above, and visit www.stemilt.com.
ONTARIO, CA – More retailers are looking towards the burgeoning Hispanic demographic of consumers as the buy-side sector remains highly competitive. Two retail chains within this segment have just merged to make one of the largest Hispanic supermarket chains in the U.S. Cardenas Markets and Mi Pueblo have joined forces to be known as Cardenas Markets LLC, led by CEO John Gomez.
“Regardless of acculturation level or language preference, Hispanic people use food as a vehicle to connect with their culture and heritage. This is a growing demographic, not only in size, but also in influence as well, and I am proud to be working with two leading retailers to offer the best shopping experience to our communities in Northern and Southern California, as well as Las Vegas,” said Gomez.
Each grocery chain will continue to operate separately, but will be managed under one executive team, according to a press release. This executive team will be led by Gomez. This merger will allow both businesses to maximize efficiencies, offer competitive prices for quality products, and invest further in each’s stores to further improve their service and quality.
Gomez has served as President and CEO of Cardenas Markets Inc. since 2016, and will now serve as CEO for Cardenas Markets LLC. Prior to this, Gomez helped lead Trader Joe’s as its Executive Vice President.
Growth indeed seems to be on the horizon for the new company and its two chains, with a number of new store openings planned over the next few years. For locations throughout California and Nevada, the company plans to explore opportunities to expand its footprint across other key Hispanic markets.
Cardenas Markets LLC will also offer growth opportunities for its team members, and extensive training programs to improve their skills and boost consumers’ shopping experiences.
“Cardenas Markets and Mi Pueblo are committed to the communities they serve and through this integration will be able to better deliver for those communities. With a vision of becoming the leading Hispanic grocer in the country, Cardenas Markets LLC will continue to prioritize their loyal customers through the company’s continued growth, while creating jobs and offering rewarding career paths for employees along the way,” said Vishal Patel, Director of Private Equity at KKR, a global investment firm that made significant investments into the chains last year.
KKR noted that its investments into the chains were made primarily from its eleventh Americas Private Equity investment fund. These investments were made alongside Victory Park Capital, which was held by the firm’s Special Opportunities Fund II, which has owned Mi Pueblo since 2014.
As retailers continue to invest in the possibilities forthcoming from Hispanic markets, which chains will follow suit? AndNowUKnow will report.