INDIANAPOLIS, IN – After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, and auctioning the majority of its 44 stores and assets to competitors like Kroger, Marsh Supermarkets has finally set a timeline for closing its remaining stores and liquidating the last of the company’s assets.
According to court documents reported on by local ABC affiliate RTV6, the company will close its 18 unsold stores on July 20—at which time these stores, which are currently in the process of liquidating their remaining inventory and assets, will cease their liquidation sales, too.
Assets at the company’s remaining Anderson, Indiana-warehouse will continue to be sold off until July 30. Items being sold include trailers, balers, forklifts, chicken warmers, frozen food cases, grocery carts, rotisseries, and nearly twenty other vehicles.
According to local news source The Republic, Kroger subsidiary Topvalco Inc. and Fresh Encounter Inc. purchased 26 stores altogether—11 “core” stores to the former and 15 to the latter—at auction earlier this month after judges approved an expedited bankruptcy sale plan late in May.
The embattled supermarket chain filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, after attempts at a sale were unsuccessful. The company closed more than twenty stores throughout the first half of 2017, and the July 20 deadline will mark, it seems, the end of a slow process of disintegration for the retailer.
While Fresh Encounter has made clear that they intend to retain Marsh store staff, according to The Republic, Kroger has held a number of job fairs this week to restaff stores purchased from Marsh.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this and other important news in the retail space.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – There are some big changes in the works for tech and transportation giant Uber. The company’s CEO and Co-Founder Travis Kalanick has resigned from the company amidst pressure from its investors, though he will remain on its Board of Directors.
“I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight,” Kalanick said in a statement on Tuesday, according to The New York Times.
The The New York Times stated that Kalanick was pressured to immediately leave the company in a letter titled “Moving Uber Forward." In this letter, investors stated that Uber needed a change in leadership. Kalanick reportedly reached his decision after consulting with at least one Board member, thus agreeing to step down.
Uber emailed its contracted drivers on Tuesday to let them know they would be allowed to take tips, which was not allowed previously. No word on how this update will affect Uber’s recently launched Uber Freight division.
For its part, Uber’s Board stated that Kalanick had “always put Uber first” and this leadership shift would allow the company “room to fully embrace this new chapter in Uber’s history.”
Kalanick had previously declared he was taking an indefinite leave of absence to work on himself, as reported by The New York Times, leaving the day-to-day operations to fall to a committee of more than 10 executives. However, this latest letter indicates that five of Uber’s investors, holding around 40 percent of Uber’s voting power, were searching for more change.
The investors also asked for an improved oversight of the company’s Board by filling two of the three empty seats with “truly independent directors,” in a search supported by Kalanick. Uber has not commented or indicated who will take over as CEO in Kalanick’s stead. The New York Times noted that Kalanick will still retain control of a majority of Uber’s voting shares with this shift.
Who will take up the Uber helm, and how will this affect the freight arm of the company? AndNowUKnow will report.
NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Music lovers will find themselves compelled by the latest and greatest from Zespri Kiwifruit. To kick-off the start of the season and celebrate summer sunshine through the solstice, the company has launched a national campaign, Celebrate the SunGold, complete with a new video featuring famous music duo Matt and Kim covering the classic song, ‘Hooked on a Feeling’
“If you’ve ever seen one of our shows you know we’re all about throwing in covers with upbeat summertime vibes,” said Matt and Kim. “When Zespri hit us up with a box of kiwis, which were amazing, and said that summertime vibe is what SunGold is all about, we knew we’d be a great match for this spot!”
Summer is a time of sunshine, happiness, and the seasonal return of SunGold Kiwifruit from Zespri. The campaign aims to highlight SunGold kiwi’s tropical sweet taste and vibrant yellow flesh by drawing parallels between eating the fruit with the indescribable feeling of a warm, sunny day.
The Matt and Kim's cover of ‘Hooked on a Feeling’ is at the core of the campaign, launching on Summer Solstice. The campaign aims to illustrate that the unique taste of SunGold evokes the same, universal feeling a warm, sunny day triggers. The popular hit paired with Matt and Kim’s upbeat style have melded together to create a danceable summer anthem that will add some extra sunshine into the SunGold season.
The cover plays over a short video created through a partnership between Zespri and filmmakers Philip Leclerc and Taylor McWethy. The video brings to life the joyful spirit of summer and the unique taste of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit.
“We are excited to launch our Celebrate the SunGold campaign and add a little sunshine into everyone’s days with Matt and Kim’s rendition of ‘Hooked On A Feeling.’ When you watch, you can’t help but smile and crave a deliciously sweet SunGold Kiwi,” said Sarah Deaton, Marketing Manager.
Zespri Kiwifruit is continuing to Celebrate The SunGold all summer long throughout the U.S. at sun-filled influencer and consumer events, through digital and mobile activations, as well as on the brand’s social channels. Pick up Zespri SunGold Kiwis at select grocery stores nationwide, including Kroger, New Seasons, Albertsons, and Whole Foods, before the season ends.
AUSTIN, TX & SEATTLE, WA - While Amazon is still in the midst of taking over high-end Whole Foods, Fortune reports that the grocer’s CEO John Mackey may have dropped hints about a new brand post-acquisition to help foster a turnaround.
As we previously reported, the two have entered the beginning stages of a $13.7 billion acquisition deal that has since rocked the buy-side.
While the executive said in a securities filing earlier this week that Amazon plans to keep the high standards Whole Foods is known for, according to Fortune, Mackey said in a separate Friday meeting that, "Over time, there could be other formats that evolve that—that might—wouldn't be branded Whole Foods Market, potentially, wouldn't be our standards."
Other changes on the Whole Foods horizon look to include Amazon’s technological touch, which Mackey said would help transform the grocer. While the e-commerce giant said it has no plans to automate Whole Foods’ check out line like that of last year’s automated grocery launch, cutting costs is also likely, according to the news source.
Amazon's Worldwide Consumer Chief, Jeff Wilke, said at Friday’s town hall that Whole Foods' healthier options helped change how people think about food.
As for further details, however, we will have to wait and see as Mackey said it was too early to talk about how benefits and compensation “may synch up.”
Keep checking as further details unfold for this new chapter in Whole Foods and Amazon.
SWEDESBORO, NJ – There’s some serious growth in the works for the team over at Greenyard Logistics USA. As the company moves closer to the opening of its new logistics and cold storage facility and U.S. expansion, Greenyard Logistics has added Steve Marinello as its new Vice President of NorthEast US Operations.
“The opening of this state-of-the-art facility demonstrates Greenyard’s commitment to delivering complete cold chain management, with best in class processes and procedures, ensuring that our customers consistently receive fresh, high quality products,” said Steve. “My team and I are excited about the opportunity the facility will provide to offer value to our customers.”
Steve joined the company in May 2017, during the final stage of the new facility’s construction. In his new role, Steve will focus on new business development while John Garrett, General Manager, will still handle day-to-day operations.
Steve brings more than 30 years of experience to the Greenyard Logistics team. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Fresh Produce of Flagler Global Logistics in Miami, FL. Prior to this, Steve was the former Director of Imports for Seald Sweet International. Throughout his extensive tenure in the industry, he’s worked in various sectors, including facility management, imports, foodservice, and sales and marketing.
“We are excited to have Steve on our team and look forward to the success and opportunities he brings to our company through his vast experience in the industry,” said Mayda Sotomayor, President. “We look forward to the growth ahead with the long-awaited opening of the new facility.”
The company’s new facility is a 152,200-square-foot state-of-the-art packing and cold storage facility. This location quadruples the square footage, capacity, and overall production capability of the current operations. Furthermore, the new facility will significantly add to the company’s services such as value-added packing, consolidation, controlled atmosphere storage, and service providing opportunities.
This facility opening officially marks the first building and expansion in the U.S., of Belgium-based parent company Greenyard. Greenyard Logistics and Seald Sweet currently represent the company’s U.S.-based business units within the Greenyard group.
Greenyard Logistics officially opens in mid-June 2017, with bagging and distribution of Seald Sweet’s summer citrus programs expected to be the first product received and distributed through the facility. Grand opening ceremonies are scheduled for September 2017. The company also anticipates future growth with potential for additional development in the facility plans.
Greenyard Logistics is located in the Logan Township region of Swedesboro, New Jersey, allowing it a strategic position that is within close proximity of the northeastern ports–a major receiving point for imported fresh produce into U.S. markets.
Congratulations to Steve and the Greenyard team, we can't wait to see where your new appointments and facility expansions take you next!
SANTA BARBARA, CA – There’s a new trend sweeping the produce department, and if consumers–including myself–have anything to say about it, it’s one that's here to stay. Sales and demand for all things fermented are continuing to rise, and with it, increased opportunities for retailers to tap in on the flavorful movement.
One of the newest partners of Gills Onions, Fermentata™, is steering the spread of fermented foods into the mainstream kitchen with raw cultured onions. As Brand and Innovation Specialist Victoria Ho recently told me, the company is looking to inspire talented chefs to bring more crave-worthy, cost-effective palate pleasers straight to produce-loving consumers.
“Today’s consumer landscape is peppered with an unprecedented number of alternative eating lifestyles. Yet, these very social, purpose-driven consumers are eating outside the home more than ever—and their palates crave adventure, authenticity, indulgence, and nutrition from real foods. Their idea of wellness embraces sustenance over supplements, and industry tastemakers are listening,” Victoria says. “Fermentata has literally bottled the ‘secret sauce’ for chefs, and foodservice is the most generous platform we can think of to share this healing, delicious tradition with the nation.”
Though you may think you know the taste of fermentation, Fermentata’s onions are sure to take flavor understandings to a new level. Given the chance to sample Fermentata’s first two products, consumers will be stunned at the enhancement that the company’s Classic fermented onions can add to nearly any pairing, with additional culinary opportunities added by its Golden Turmeric flavor.
While Fermentata’s onions can find use on nearly any appetizer or entrée, consumers looking to boost their snacking prowess will find the onions’ flavor profile can easily enhance their favorite accoutrements. From dried fruit crackers to my personal favorite, artisanal cheeses, my senses were exhilarated at every added bite of brine–changing my approach to snacking with avocados, fruit, and endless pairings with sweet and savory.
Fermentata is entering the buy-side sector with a wealth of consumer marketing campaigns and wellness promotions in order to spotlight the versatility of its products. From an easy salad topper to a superfood spread, Fermentata onions bring a rich umami undertone, a pop of briny tang, and a subtle yet satisfying crunch to any dish.
“The versatility of onions in the global pantry makes Fermentata’s rich, yet refreshing, flavor profile an easy fit onto any menu where taste is king. Couple this core selling point with clean label simplicity, Gills’ sustainable supply chain, and our waste-free, ready-to-serve convenience, and you have a very dynamic crossroads where we hope forward-thinking buyers will see our potential to generate magic, and margins, for their customers,” Victoria continues.
The company emphasized that recipes featuring Fermentata onions can be easily tailored to meet dietary restrictions; whether it be all natural, vegan, gluten-free, no added sugars, or fat free. By swapping in raw fermented onions for regular diced onions, consumers can enjoy the benefits of live and active cultures in addition to the prebiotic fiber and healthfulness of the vegetable.
The Fermentata team is also focusing on increasing the success of its customers by helping to develop or reformulate best-selling menu items for clean and clear label compliance with California-grown onions.
Catch the company and its tasty offerings at PMA Foodservice from July 28-30 at booth #402.
As fermentation continues to ramp up in demand and sales, keep an eye on Fermentata for the latest in flavor with a punch.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a USDA press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- David & Son Peppers Inc., operating out of Tampa, Florida, for failing to pay a $3,242 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Mary Martinez was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
- Goodness Greeness Inc., doing business as Goodness Greeness, operating out of Chicago, Illinois, for failing to pay a $16,179 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Howard Berington, Richard T. Scaman and Robert L. Scaman Jr. were listed as the officers, directors, and major stockholders of the business. Another principal of the business at the time of the order was Rodney J. Scaman. He has challenged his responsibly connected status.
- Gamez Produce LLC, operating out of Hackensack, New Jersey, for failing to pay a $97,775 award in favor of a New Jersey seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Faustimo Gamez was listed as a member of the business.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Its experts also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $140 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
PALMETTO, FL – Adding what the company is calling “vast experience” in the tomato industry to its leadership team, Sunripe Certified Brands has announced the hiring of Paul Hoker as the company’s new CFO.
“We’re thrilled to have found Paul, who personally embodies the values of Sunripe Certified Brands,” said Jon Esformes, CEO. “This position has been vacant for the last few years because we’ve been waiting for someone like Paul to join arms with us in continuing to live out the mission of our company.”
In a press release, the company noted that Hoker has a longstanding passion for fresh produce. After earning his CPA and Master’s Degree in Accounting Information Systems and working for a large accounting firm, Hoker found his way into the industry with Lipman Produce, where he served as the company’s Controller. Hoker brings more than 12 years of experience to his latest role, with an understanding of financial planning and reporting, acquisition strategy, financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and leadership.
“I first met Jon and Billy along with farming savant Miguel in Costa Rica at our mutual friend’s wedding. Seeing the guileless, fun interaction amongst their leadership left a lasting impression on me,” said Paul, on the occasion of his appointment. “Their team clearly understands what it means to not only have fun and treat one another like family, but also to deliver on the highest standard of quality—they put their money where their mouth is.”
The company also noted Hoker’s curiosity, his go-getter attitude, active learning style, and commitment to the industry, which he demonstrated in his previous position by getting into the fields and learning the business beyond the books.
“After seeing more closely Sunripe Certified Brand’s intense commitment to people and product, I realize this enormous opportunity I have to use my talents to contribute to this team,” added Hoker.
Congratulations, Paul! We at AndNowUKnow wish you and Sunripe the best in all your endeavors.
SACRAMENTO, CA – On your mark, get set, GO! At the finish line is a $100 prize, and all you have to do is have your picture snapping fingers at the ready.
Here's how it works:
Find the hidden AndNowUKnow logo, as seen below, on the cover of the June issue of The Snack Magazine, featuring Nunes and Peri & Sons. Then, race your industry frenemies to be the first person to email [email protected] a picture of yourself pointing to the logo.
In order to qualify, the potential winner must send us a picture of themselves pointing out the logo. Then the $100 gift card is yours!
Have you seen your fellow industry members grab the prize and thought to yourself, “I could find the logo faster than they can”? This contest is just for you! Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills and win bragging rights with this next in our series of competitive challenges.
You’re already wasting time, so make sure to check out your issue of The Snack right now! For reference, check out our last hidden logo on May cover.
Previous winners include:
- Daniela Ferro of SUNSET®
- Kate Reeb of Veg-Fresh Farms
- Mimmo Franzone of Longo’s
- Scott Hakes of Ciruli Brothers
Interested in receiving a copy of The Snack to give you a leg up in future challenges? Click here to subscribe. Subscriptions are valued at $129 per year.
Good luck friends, and may the fastest eyes in produce win!
BANGKOK, THAILAND - An enterprising criminal in Thailand has reportedly looked to the pungent durian fruit as an accomplice in the latest installment of drug smuggling via fresh produce.
According to source, Borneo Bulletin, a man was caught attempting to pass an inspection with cannabis camouflaged underneath a layer of durian fruit.
The 30-year old believed that by loading the truck with the notoriously odorous durian, officials would be thwarted and avoid conducting a thorough inspection. Authorities in Thailand were not duped despite the durian trickery, and discovered nearly 700 lbs of cannabis in the pickup truck.
“When the pickup truck was stopped by police, the man acted suspiciously when questioned by our officers which ultimately blew his cover and led to our discovery of the cannabis, which was stacked below the durians,” Hatyai Police Chief, Col Kittichai Sangkhataworn told Bernama, according to the source.
The suspect was taken into custody by police for additional questioning.
How else will the criminal underbelly seek to defame our favorite fruits and veggies? Stay tuned with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report.