EUROPE - Adding sautéed potatoes to my rice bowl while loudly proclaiming my love for the root veg probably puts me a couple steps above the average consumer in my appreciation for potatoes, at least in my own estimate. However, an ad launch put forth by the European Union is looking to challenge that notion with its “Love Potatoes” campaign.
Spanning in-print ads, videos, and the digital reach of social media, consumers are dared to become enamored with potatoes in a more unconventional way than most industry campaigns. Confident spuds are depicted in a variety of situations that may equally conflict and entertain the senses.
These ads are “a fun way to get younger consumers to see potatoes as a healthy source of fibre and potassium, as well as being naturally fat-free and easy to cook,” Rob Clayton, U.K.’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development (AHDB) Board Potato Strategy Director, said according to The Sun.
Though the campaign touches on everything from yoga to holidays, the main theme is that potatoes are “fat-free and easy,” and thus highly desirable–no matter a consumer's preference. Suave spuds accompanied by suggestive text like “you just got lucky” is putting potatoes in a more controversial light than the stalwart selection is used to, but boosting potatoe sales by 2.9 percent, according to the Potato Council.
Equally funded by an EU grant and the Potato Council, which is overseen by the AHDB, the EU spent £1.8 million (or over $2 million USD) on the campaign. In addition to its eye-brow raising graphics, the EU is hosting recipes from celebrity cooks on the campaign’s website.
Though some, in my opinion incorrectly, have referred to the campaign as a “waste of time,” sales–and spuds–don't lie. Will more fruits and veg find themselves tempting this strange and alluring spotlight soon?
RICHMOND, VA – Less than a month into Lidl’s U.S. launch, Midwest-based grocery giant Kroger is suing the German retailer's Lidl US arm for trademark infringement. According to news source Business Insider, the substance of Kroger’s lawsuit surrounds Lidl’s private-label brand "Preferred Selection." The suit alleges that Lidl’s house brand too closely resembles Kroger’s own "Private Selection."
According to the news source, Kroger’s suit, filed June 30th in Virginia Eastern District Court, alleges that the close resemblance between the two names will cause confusion and suggest that the two brands are associated with each other, thus allowing Lidl to "compete unfairly."
In its lawsuit, Kroger claims that the company has used the "Private Selection" brand for more than 20 years, and that Lidl filed for a trademark on "Preferred Selection" in the U.S. as recently as last September.
"As a direct result of Lidl’s wrongful conduct," the filing alleges, "Kroger has suffered and will continue to suffer irreparable injury, including, but not limited to, injury to its trademarks and to the goodwill and business reputation associated with those trademarks."
Lidl made waves earlier this year when it announced expedited plans to enter the U.S. market with prices potentially well below competitors. Kroger, meanwhile, made headlines too, with price cuts and expansion efforts aimed at shoring up the company’s position as a premier retailer throughout the U.S.
For more on the situation as it develops, stay tuned to AndNowUKNow.
VANCOUVER, BC – Red Sun Farms produce is coming to the West Coast and it’s coming in full force. The Kingsville, Ontario-based greenhouse grower is making its debut on the other side of North America with a new, Vancouver distribution center, and with it a new leader in greenhouse industry vet Rob Jackson.
“This expansion was a strategic decision to meet our growing customer needs,” Carlos Visconti, COO shared. “Our retail partners realize that, through our truly vertically-integrated business model, they can be confident in the quality, freshness, taste, and customer service, whether the produce originates from Mexico, the United States, or Canada.”
According to a press release, Red Sun Farms sees this distribution center as a key hub for North America’s west coast. As a result, national retailers will now be able to provide their consumers in the West with the high-quality produce from Red Sun.
To help lead the new operation, the company has brought on three-decade greenhouse industry salesperson, Rob Jackson. “I’m truly excited to share my knowledge and experience with this great organization, and team, at Red Sun Farms,” he said upon the accouncement of his hiring.
During his 30-year tenure in produce, Rob has been an integral figure in the West Coast produce market, spending time with both BC Hot House in the late 80s and Village Farms more recently. Rob has received such awards as the “Thrifty Foods Produce Vendor of the Year,” the “Fred Meyer Produce Vendor of the Year,” and, in 2012, the “Western Recipient of the Loblaw Produce Vendor of the Year.”
“When the ownership group made the decision to enter the West Coast market, Rob was immediately identified as the ideal candidate to spearhead Red Sun’s geographic expansion,” said Harold Paivarinta, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development. “His intimate knowledge of the region’s retail landscape and close ties to the grower community will ensure our success as we extend our reach from coast to coast.”
As Red Sun nears closer to its West Coast debut and Rob takes over his new role, AndNowUKnow will keep you apprised on what’s to come for the expanding greenhouse provider.
ESSEN, GERMANY - In one of the biggest moves in its history, German-born retailer and rising discount power Aldi is looking to invest upwards of $5.71 billion USD (5+ billion euros) in revamping stores around the globe.
With locations in Germany, Europe, the U.S., and Australia, Aldi’s most recent counts shows just over 4,800 stores in Europe, with Aldi North in particular operating more than 460 upmarket Trader Joe's stores in the United States, according to a Reuters report.
The retail body has had its eye on a significant U.S. expansion since entering the market, with sister Aldi South having previously announced a goal of 2,500 stores stateside by 2022, a $3.4 billion expansion.
Weekly German news Bild am Sonntag source said earlier this week that Aldi North planned to finance its multi-billion-euro investment from existing cash rather than by taking on debt, but that it still needed approval from one of the three controlling foundations of the company before it could move forward.
Founding Partner Theodor Albrecht, who helped launch the company concept with his brother Karl in 1962, had placed control of Aldi North in the hands of three foundations, all of which must approve any strategic decisions.
While the source cited those involved with the company, Aldi North reportedly was not immediately available for comment on the move.
As the discount grocery market continues to heat up in North America and beyond, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for the latest key moves being made.
PISMO BEACH, CA – Inspiring produce professionals and the next wave of leaders to put fresh fruits and vegetables at the forefront, Emerson has announced that it is joining the beloved Tour de Fresh event as a sponsor. The company will sponsor a rider during the event, as well as provide real-time tech to boost the participation of riders' friends and fans.
Emerson’s sponsorship will allow friends and family of Tour de Fresh riders to watch the event’s progress in real-time, as we previously reported. The Emerson ProAct™ GO Real-Time Tracker will be provided to each of the riders to further boost the buzz surrounding the event that benefits the national Salad Bars to Schools initiative.
“On the Tour de Fresh website, spectators, friends, and cycling enthusiasts can input the serial number of our device to see the position–and temperature–of riders in real-time,” said Frank Landwehr, Vice President and General Manager, Cargo Solutions for Emerson’s Commercial and Residential Solutions platform. “We think this is a great and novel way to provide visibility and further support this event.”
Though it will adorn each of the more than 50 riders on Tour de Fresh, this innovative piece of tech is also used in our industry. According to a press release, the tech follows perishable items from grower to shipper to retailer, letting the industry track their products from farm to fork.
Furthermore, Emerson will sponsor Gerd Uitdewilligen, International Sales Director for Cargo Solutions, as a rider in the event. In the spirit of the event, Uitdewilligen has selected Twin Falls School District #411 in Twin Falls, ID, as his sponsored school.
Each year, Tour de Fresh works towards its continued mission of placing a salad bar in every U.S. school foodservice program in order to provide all children with daily access to fresh produce, whole grains, and healthy proteins. Since 2014, the event has raised $435,310 and funded equipment for 142 salad bars around the country.
As the excitement continues to ramp up for this year’s event from July 25-27 on the California coast, stick with AndNowUKnow for all the latest coverage.
MONTEREY, CA – As demand for organic produce grows and retailers focusing on all-natural offerings continue to trend, Monterey Mushroom is primed to meet demand.
"Our growers and harvesters embraced this new challenge and are pleased with the results,” said Mike O’Brien, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We are uniquely positioned to supply the freshest organic mushrooms to retailers and foodservice customers throughout the nation."
While in 2016, 8 percent of the company’s sales were organic, and 23 percent of the company’s production was devoted to organic growing, O’Brien noted in a press release that the company is prepared to increase production and meet burgeoning demand with very little notice.
Monterey Mushrooms plans to exhibit its organic line at the Organic Produce Show, booth 508, including its new line of organic specialty mushrooms, introduced this October, that includes king trumpet, beech, maitake, shiitake, oyster, and enoki mushrooms.
“Shoppers are asking for organic mushrooms; the exotic varietals are delicious and make the home chef feel like a culinary expert,” O’Brien said, noting that: "Organics are the fastest growing segment in the mushroom category.”
The line also features Monterey Mushrooms’ award-winning sustainable packaging—featuring graphics with usage ideas, product facts, and how-to-cook instructions and paper tills that are recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable.
The company also noted that, according to the Organic Trade Association, sales of organic food are set to increase by the double digits annually, with more than 80 percent of parents reportedly buying organic food for their families last year. Nielsen research similarly found dedicated organic buyers will cross channel shop and purchase private label organics to sustain their lifestyle commitment rather than purchase conventional items.
For more on this expanding category, check in with us at AndNowUKnow.
NEW ZEALAND – A veggie packed alternative to the traditional burger has come to the South Pacific this season; McDonald’s has introduced its latest offering, “The Loaded Lettuce,” to the New Zealand market.
“No Bun? No problem,” touts the fast food chain’s regional website. Available with either a beef patty or grilled chicken breast alongside an egg, cheddar cheese, bacon, and condiments; while the Loaded Lettuce is high on meat-based proteins traditionally associated with the chain and its burgers, this particular offering is also brimming with fruits and veggies.
With its whole leaf lettuce wrap, two tomatoes, caramelized onions, tomato onion relish, and even beetroot, the Loaded Lettuce seems keen to prove its produce bona fides, too, and live up to its loaded moniker.
The Loaded Lettuce offers more protein and significantly fewer carbs than the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and McChicken noted local news source Newshub; it does however contain more calories than any of these signature dishes—weighing in at a substantive 545 calories, with 36 grams of fat (compared to the Big Mac’s 26).
No plans are currently forthcoming for McDonald’s to introduce the Loaded Lettuce to new markets, but with consumers clamoring for lower carb options and still demanding decadence from fast food providers, a North American version feels likely to this trade news reporter.
For more produce news in retail, foodservice, and beyond, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
COLIMA, MX - As Coliman Group continues towards its goal of becoming an international leader in providing organic bananas, Fairtrade certification is a topic that remains in the forefront of the company’s plans to add value to its product and its family of workers. Having obtained Fairtrade certification for its Tecomán, Colima-grown bananas in 2014, the company has since taken on the task of finding the necessary tools and platforms to provide working conditions that are 100 percent safe and are focused on health, education, and housing.
“In Coliman Group, we have met the criteria that Fairtrade International establishes: support for the development of collaborators by empowering them to fight poverty and strengthening their skills, to name a few,” said Jorge Angel Aguilar Jr., Corporate CEO. “Fairtrade guarantees that the company pays decent wages, respects health and safety, and protects the environment.”
According to a press release, Fairtrade is an alternative approach to conventional trade based on an association between producers, traders, and between companies and consumers. Focused on better trading conditions and guaranteeing labor rights, Fairtrade helps contribute to sustainable development across industries.
Coliman shared that selling its organic products under the Fairtrade criteria also allows for the company to receive an additional amount of money called Fairtrade Premium. This additional incentive is then used to fund projects that promote the improvement of the economic and social situation of the company’s partners, their families, and their natural environment.
This Fairtrade premium fund has been earmarked for the investment of more than 20 projects related to health, education, construction, housing improvements, and community aid. In total thus far, benefits have been provided to 595 associates, their families, and communities.
“Undoubtedly, this is an essential certification that adds value to our company,” Jorge concluded, “taking care of our personnel and generating adequate work spaces.”
As the company continues to expand its organic banana production and raise the bar on social and corporate responsibility, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for continued updates on Coliman.
YAKIMA, WA – In celebration of cherry season’s arrival, Domex Superfresh Growers® is launching its annual Sweeten up Your Summer™ photo sweepstakes. The contest will take place July 1st through July 31st, 2017, and feature prizes valued at up to $1,000.
“It is no secret how much consumers love cherries. They are always a great accompaniment to any and all of their summertime activities,” said Mike Preacher, Director of Marketing and Customer Relations, in a company press release. “We have found that consumers also enjoy posting photos on social media of their family and friends sharing laughs, great times, and enjoying the sweet taste of cherries. Consumer-focused marketing promotions like our ‘Sweeten up Your Summer Sweepstakes’ help us to create an active online dialogue with our consumers, generating excitement for the cherry category, and helping prepare our retail partners for the changing demands of the modern marketplace.”
For the past three cherry seasons, Superfresh drove more than 50 million impressions to their #EatCherries summer social campaign on their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and consumer blog.
And for 2017, Domex Superfresh Growers has refreshed their digital social content kit with updated graphics and art for social promotion, product photography, and delicious cherry recipes, including:
- Cherry Smoothie Bowl
- Roasted Cherry Bourbon Cake
- Bourbon Cherry S’mores Milkshake
- Cherry and Sweet Potato Summer Side Dish
- Roasted Cherries and Cream Breakfast Topping
“Our retail partners have found our content kits to be very useful in helping them accurately talk about our cherries,” said Preacher. “The content is designed to easily plug in to a retailer’s social content calendar and workflow, saving their Social Community Manager’s time and resources. We can also create custom content based on the needs and goals of our retail partner.”
Consumers can enter the sweepstakes by uploading an original photo to Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram—be it an image of a family gathering, a summer vacation adventure, a sporting event, or an outdoor picnic—showing off how Superfresh cherries sweeten up the summer. Images must include the hastag #EatCherries and the company tag @Superfreshgrowers. Through a random drawing held in early August, three winners will be announced. One Grand Prize winner will receive a gift card for $1,000, one First Prize winner will receive a gift card for $500, and one Second Prize winner shall receive a gift card for $250.
Retailers interested in participating or learning more about the Sweeten up Your Summer promotion should contact Mike Preacher. AndNowUKnow will continue to report on promotional opportunities in fresh produce.
SOUTH KOREA - Starbucks South Korea has launched a new summer favorite that is taking consumers by storm: the ombré-style Sangria Red Tea.
Decorated with fresh apples, oranges, and grapes, and a mix of what is likely orange juice and a hibiscus-style red tea, it is a bit of a mystery to those of us drooling over this fruit-powered beverage from across the world. News source Popsugar reports that while the drink is listed on the company’s South Korea menu, the ingredients are not available on the website.
Nonetheless, its picturesque presentation has helped the Sangria Red Tea take the Instagram community by storm. The hashtag #상그리아레드티 (Sangria Red Tea) is decorated with more than 7,500 posts of consumers sipping and supporting the drink.
This is the latest in a string of products featuring produce by the global brand touting more than 24,000 stores in 70 countries on its website. Last month Starbucks announced a partnership with music and fashion icon Lady Gaga on a new line of fruity drinks, and earlier this year it announced that its “secret” Pink Drink would be made an official addition to the menu–strawberries and all.
Will this latest launch, too, make the official list of offering in time to treat U.S. consumers before the colder months ensue? As a fruit-infused sangria fan, I certainly hope so.