LEAMINGTON, ON – While generally the produce industry associates the word “field” with the agricultural interpretation, Canadian greenhouse grower NatureFresh™ Farms is opening up its definition, and its philanthropic efforts, to the world of school sports.
The company announced in a press release that it will partner with the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), and South Essex Fabricating Inc to build NatureFresh Field at a new Leamington District Secondary School (LDSS), which had a gap in sports facilities in the lead up to its opening in September.
“Our investment in this initiative is one that thousands of students and the local community will benefit from for decades to come,” said Peter Quiring, Owner & President.
The project, a state-of-the-art track and related sports field, calls for an 8 lane rubberized track, Football and Soccer fields, high jump, and shot put areas to name a few. Ground leveling has already begun with full construction expected to start in the next week.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Peter Quiring and NatureFresh™ Farms are getting involved with this project, the entire community will benefit from these facilities for years to come,” stated Erin Kelly, Director of Education, GECDSB.
Funded by NatureFresh Farms, South Essex Fabricating, and extensive local community initiatives, the goal of raising $1.5 million has been set to complete the elaborate project. Quiring has pledged upwards of $250,000 in support of the new ‘NatureFresh Field,’ including the coordination of the fundraising efforts through the company’s “Operation Flag Pole Campaign.”
“Operation Flag Pole is fueled by the community; we need their support to make this massive project a reality and to raise the flag up the pole,” said Chris Veillon, Director of Marketing. The Operation Flag Pole Program is driven by NatureFresh™ Farms to generate support in the community. A number of local corporations are stepping forward to help with the project.
In collaboration with the LDSS School Council, fundraising activities will kick into high gear in the coming weeks.
“Having attended LDSS many years ago and played on the Varsity Soccer team, I know what it is like to have access to quality training facilities,” said John Paterson, Mayor of Leamington. “The Leamington community is fortunate to have local entrepreneurs like Peter Quiring who are giving back. This investment in NatureFresh Field is one that our entire region will enjoy for many years to come. We are very fortunate to experience this level of generosity.”
The project can be tracked online by visiting NatureFreshField.ca; viewers will be able to watch the flag move up the flagpole as funds are raised. A photo gallery will also highlight the various activities and construction of NatureFresh Field in the coming months.
UNITED STATES - Aesop once remarked that “adventure is worthwhile,” and the United Fresh Produce Association seems to be in agreement. In fact, representatives from the association are currently bounding across the continent, making their way through North America, meeting with the winners of its 2017 Retail Produce Manager Awards, and in partnership with Dole, celebrating outstanding produce managers on the front lines of fresh produce.
“As we near the end of this year’s tour of the 2017 winning produce managers, it’s so inspirational to see how these individuals are making a difference every day in their consumers’ health and serving as leaders to their in-store teams,” noted Jeff Oberman, United Fresh’s Vice President of Trade Relations. “The industry can gain valuable input from these produce managers about how trends are gaining traction in various regions and with different consumer demographics. We look forward to having these produce managers interact with exhibitors and attendees next month at United Fresh 2017 in Chicago!”
Award winners from across the country will be honored at United Fresh 2017 in Chicago, June 13-15, and over the past month, Oberman has toured the United States and Canada, visiting award-winners and meeting with their executive merchandising and procurement teams in the buildup to the event.
I reached out to leaders at Coborn’s Inc, Food Lion, and Martin’s Super Market to find out just what made honorees from each company so successful and such an important part of their company’s culture.
The first of honorees is Bridget Winkelman, Produce Manager at Coborn’s Isanti, Minnesota-location. I spoke with Tom Williams, Director Produce and Floral, about what makes Bridget such an exceptional manager.
“Bridget is an outstanding choice for this award and a great representative for Coborn's,” Tom told me. “She is passionate about offering her guests the best quality produce in a fun, well-merchandised department. She keeps up on what is new and exciting and is always on the lookout for that next variety that has great flavor! She leads by example and is an advocate for her team and our guests. I am proud to have her on our team!”
I also talked with Chris Dove, Director of Produce Category & Merchandising for Food Lion about Ricky Rommell’s win. Ricky has been wowing customers and coworkers alike with his exemplary work at the Food Lion in Wallace, North Carolina, and we asked Chris to comment.
"This is the second year in a row that Food Lion has had a United Fresh Produce Manager of the Year award winner,” Chris said. “This speaks volumes to our progress in providing our customers high-quality fresh produce at affordable prices. Ricky exemplifies our count-on-me culture every day and is great to see that he will be representing our company amongst produce industry leaders in Chicago this coming summer."
Erin Niedbalski has likewise been making a sizeable impression at the Martin’s Super Markets location in South Bend, Indiana. Ed Osowski, Director, Produce at Martin’s, noted honoree Erin’s knowledge, leadership abilities, and excellent customer service skills as keys to his success.
“Erin is an outstanding example of the high level of knowledge and customer service our produce managers and staff bring to Martin’s Produce Departments every day of the year,” said Osowski. “Erin is a leader in her department as well as in her store. We’re proud that she represents the best that Martin’s produce professionals offer to our customers.”
Since United Fresh’s Retail Produce Manager Award program began in 2005, nearly 300 retail produce managers, representing more than 90 different retail banners, have been honored for their contributions to the industry. Dole has been the primary sponsor of the program for the last three years, and Bil Goldfield, the company’s Director of Corporate Communications, notes that the company is more than pleased to play an important part in recognizing these produce managers and the important contributions they can and do make in the industry.
“I think these produce managers are a virtually untapped resource for marketers,” said Bil. “They know what shoppers are buying and why, what they aren't buying and why, they see the trends before we do. Their expertise can help us answer the needs of consumers.”
Award winners will be honored by United Fresh and Dole at United Fresh 2017 in Chicago, June 13-15. For a full list of winners, visit: http://www.unitedfreshshow.org/retail-foodservice-celebration-dinner.
HOUSTON, TX - Bill Day, Sysco Corporation’s Executive Vice President, Merchandising and Shared Business Services, will retire effective August 1, 2017. According to a company release, Sysco has named Brian Todd to fill the role as Senior Vice President, Merchandising, upon Day’s retirement.
“Bill has been a dedicated and impactful leader throughout his 34-year career with Sysco, playing a key role in the growth of our business and the development of our associates,” said Tom Bené, President and Chief Operating Officer. “The contributions he has made are significant and long-lasting, and all of us at Sysco wish him the very best upon his retirement.”
Since 2016, Todd has served as Sysco’s Vice President, Operational Merchandising. He has traversed many leadership roles throughout the organization, beginning his career in 1996 as a Protein Brand Manager with SERCA Ontario, which was later acquired by Sysco, and progressed through several senior merchandising roles at Sysco Toronto. In 2003, he joined the Sysco Canada leadership team as Director, Merchandising, advancing to Senior Director and eventually Vice President, Merchandising and Marketing, in 2009. In 2011, Todd was promoted to Vice President, Merchandising, at Sysco Corporate, with responsibility for the dairy, non-foods, frozen foods, and chemical categories. He was named Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Partnership, in 2012.
“With 21 years of experience at Sysco, Brian is exceptionally well positioned to step into the Senior Vice President of Merchandising role,” said Bené. “His deep knowledge of the company and proven track record in both the U.S. and Canada are an asset to the company. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role.”
Todd holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph with a major in Hotel and Food Administration. Day will work closely with Todd and Sysco’s senior executive team to ensure an orderly transition of his responsibilities.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – As the retailer searches for a buyer for the core stores of its chain, another step has been gained for Marsh Supermarkets. Marsh has been approved for a rapid bankruptcy sale plan by Delaware courts after agreeing to extend its deadline to identify a stalking horse bidder.
"We felt that a little more time would be helpful," said Marsh’s representation, Attorney Robert F. Poppiti Jr of Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP. "The order allows for the protections to be there, but they are dependent on a further order of the court...we may have a bidder who wants to be heard on those protections before the sale hearing."
According to Law360, Marsh Supermarkets will add a week’s extension to the stalking horse designation deadline. The retailer’s attorney advised that any potential baseline bidder may want to have bid protections in place before an auction. For those unfamiliar, a stalking horse bidder is one who is chosen by the bankrupt company from a pool to place an initial bid on its assests, thus setting the bar for the purchase price of the sale.
Marsh listed nearly $70 million in total debt when it filed for Chapter 11 protection on May 11, and is looking for a quick sale of 40 of its best-performing sales in Indiana and Ohio. The company is looking to find a buyer before its June lease payments arrive for these locations, while it liquidates its other 20 remaining stores.
"While I do note that it is certainly a very expedited timeline...I am satisfied the bid procedures are appropriate under the circumstances," U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Brendan L. Shannon stated.
Objections as to whether the company’s initial Memorial Day stalking horse deadline would give other potential suitors enough time to gauge the value of Marsh’s assets–allowing competing offers to maximize the value of the sale–led to the deadline now being pushed back to June 5. The objections were raised by the official committee of unsecured creditors.
"We don't have a [debtor-in-possession loan] here and that kind of puts us in an interesting spot," Committee Attorney Seth Van Aalten of Cooley LLP said. "There is not a lot of cash here and the longer we go, the more we're going to pick up in unbudgeted expenses."
The committee stated that the deadline extension should encourage other bids, and as of this time, does not oppose Marsh’s rapid timeline which calls for an auction on June 12, and a sale hearing on June 14.
The committee also has yet to hear from any prospective bidders that they would need more time to put an offer together.
Read the entirety of the Law360 article here.
As Marsh Supermarkets moves towards its rapid auction timeline, count on AndNowUKnow for all the latest updates.
SALINAS, CA - Organics are on the move at Mann Packing, and the company is announcing an expansion. Mann’s organic line will now include three new additions: Organic Green Beans, Organic Cauliflower Florets, and the Organic Super Blend.
“We’re excited to officially announce the newest additions to our portfolio of organics,” shared Gina Nucci, Director of Corporate Marketing. “As shopping habits continue to evolve, we’re committed to introducing new product innovations that meet changing consumer demands. The launch of these three new organic products continues Mann’s tradition of offering fresh veggies that are healthy and ready to use.”
New for the company, Mann’s Organic Super Blend is packed to the brim with crunchy veggies of varying flavors and textures, including kale, colored carrots, green cabbage, and broccoli. According to a press release, the product stands out on shelf, offers exceptional versatility, and can be served on its own, incorporated into dishes like salads, as well as in smoothies or other meals.
Mann’s touts its Veggie Slaw Blends as perfect solutions for meals for the spring and summer months, and reports that its new Organic Cauliflower Florets and Organic Green Beans are on trend and in two of the fastest growing product segments in organic produce. The three new products complement the brand’s existing line of organic products which includes:
- Organic Broccoli Florets
- Organic Broccoli & Carrots
- Organic Vegetable Medley
- Organic Broccoli Cole Slaw
- Organic Veggies Snacking Tray
Each of Mann’s facilities and organic products are certified by CCOF, and all of Mann’s organic products feature the USDA Certified Organic Logo. For more information on Mann’s organics, including where to find the products, visit veggiesmadeeasy.com, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
SALINAS, CA - Continuing its growth trajectory on size and experience, Tanimura & Antle has welcomed a new face to the team.
We recently reported Chris Glynn joining on as Director of Organics, and now the company has announced that Jessica Harris is its new Senior Manager of Trade Marketing & Business Development.
Most recently, Jessica served as Senior Manager of Customer Marketing at Earthbound Farm, where she worked since 2007, according to a press release. While there she played an instrumental role in helping expand customer and shopper marketing programs.
On her experience and demonstrated success in the produce industry, which the company said would help her to drive purchase and customer satisfaction for T&A, Sprouts Vice President of Produce Procurement Chad Miller expressed support.
"With expertise and passion, Jessica has built a strong relationship with the team here at Sprouts," said Chad. "She understands our needs and she knows organic produce. She's a great addition to the Tanimura & Antle team and I look forward to continuing to work with her."
In this new role, Jessica will look to expand relationships with T&A’s customers through the development of targeted strategic customer marketing partnerships.
“Jessica brings a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of the organic category and demonstrated success in leveraging her expertise for success,” said Jeffrey Jackson, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. On her being an enthusiastic volunteer both our industry and her community, he added, “We’re also thrilled that her passion for local community engagement aligns with Tanimura & Antle’s core values.”
Jessica serves on the board of the Produce Marketing Association Women’s Fresh Perspectives Committee and Ag Against Hunger. She is also a 2011 Produce Business 40 under 40 honoree and a graduate of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Salinas Valley program.
Congratulations Jessica on this newest chapter in you produce career!
SANTA PAULA, CA – Looking to boost the prowess of its global sales team, there’s a new face joining the lineup at Limoneira. The company has announced that John Caragliano has been added to its team as sales management talent to focus on its East Coast business.
“Limoneira has been a leader in the citrus industry for 124 years,” John said of his appointment. “They have a deep history, a growing global supply network, and are recognized as a leader in food safety and sustainability. I’m excited to be a part of their growth plans and moving their integrated supply chain model forward.”
John will based in Limoneira’s new Swedesboro, New Jersey, office. According to a press release, John will focus on the Eastern U.S. and Eastern Canada for both California and Arizona citrus, as well as imported citrus from Chile, South Africa, and Mexico.
“We are very excited to have John join the Limoneira team. His proven customer and cross functional experience will help our company achieve its next level of growth,” said John Carter, Director of Global Sales. “John has a great reputation and will represent us well in the marketplace.”
John Caragliano comes to Limoneira from Chiquita Brands, with experience gathered from his tenure there as Director of Sales.
“As our One World of Citrus platform continues to grow, John’s expertise and relationships will further our quality of service to our mainline customers as well as expand new niche markets throughout the Eastern U.S. and Canada,” said Alex Teague, Chief Operating Officer. “With increasing volume from our Chilean, South African, and Mexican operations, John’s role is key for our success.”
As Limoneira looks to boost its presence in the global marketplace, count on AndNowUKnow for all the latest updates.
AUSTIN, TX - New news has emerged in the Whole Foods-Jana Partners saga, as the activist investor continues to keep analysts on their toes. In addition to scaling back its percentage of stake in the company, Jana Partners has also introduced Kellogg veteran Celeste Clark as its latest board nominee.
In a new filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Whole Foods has revealed that Jana Partners has scaled back its stake in the company to 8.2 percent. When we last reported on its grab for Whole Foods, its investment was approximately at 8.8 percent. At the time, Jana Partners made clear that its intent by grabbing this stake was to help Whole Foods better compete with its rivals, shift its board, and as WSJ phrased it, “find out how much a potential bidder might be willing to pay.”
As for the addition of Celeste Clark as Jana Partner’s newest board nominee, the move comes as a natural progression for the activist investor group. Clark is the former Chief Sustainability Officer for food industry giant Kellogg Co., according to Reuters. The SEC filing lists Clark’s expertise as relating to nutrition, health policy, regulatory matters, and leadership. Clark currently serves on the boards of Mead Johnson Nutrition Company and AdvancePierre Foods.
Will these moves translate to more control for Jana Partners, and possibly even a move towards acquisition? Time will tell, and so will ANUK.
UNITED STATES – As American consumers and the buy-side sector alike wait with baited breath for the official debut of Lidl stores on U.S. soil, the retailer has released its plans for the long-awaited store openings. Lidl US’s grand openings will kick off on June 15 with a four day grand opening celebration across nine stores.
“We cannot wait to open our first U.S. stores and introduce customers to grocery shopping refreshed, retooled, and rethought to make life better,” said Brendan Proctor, President and CEO, Lidl US. “Every day in our stores, customers will enjoy the smell of Lidl’s freshly baked breads, a selection of sustainable products like our certified fresh and frozen fish, and top-quality wines from around the world available at market-beating prices. Our mission every day is to deliver our customers less complexity, lower prices, better choices, and greater confidence.”
Lidl US will mark its entrance into our own markets with the opening of nine stores throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. According to a press release, each store will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:40 a.m. local time, with games, activities, prizes, and specials planned throughout the weekend for consumers.
The locations for the stores to be part of the grand opening specials are as follows:
- Kinston, NC – 4050 W Vernon Ave
- Greenville, NC – 1800 East Fire Tower Rd
- Sanford, NC – 3209 NC 87 South
- Rocky Mount, NC – 940 N Wesleyan Blvd
- Winston-Salem, NC – 3315 Sides Branch Rd
- Spartanburg, SC – 8180 Warren H Abernathy Hwy
- Greenville, SC – 2037 Wade Hampton Boulevard
- Virginia Beach, VA – 6196 Providence Rd
- Hampton, VA – 2000 W Mercury Blvd
The global retailer plans to enthrall U.S. consumers with it simple and efficient approach to grocery shopping. The company also confirmed earlier speculation that it will offer high-quality goods and groceries at up to 50 percent less than other supermarkets.
Lidl stated that the following qualities can also be expected from the chain’s U.S. stores:
- Newly constructed facilities with an easy-to-shop layout of 20,000-square-feet and only six aisles
- Organic and gluten-free options, which includes fruit and vegetables
- Exclusive brand products that will make up 90 percent of items
- Surprises in an ever-changing selection of non-food products available in stores for a limited time
- Healthy and sustainable options
- Fresh baked goods, daily
- Accessible store hours Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Lidl detailed in a series of new videos that it plans to keep prices low and quality high by packing its product in boxes, and inspecting perishables throughout the supply chain. The retailer will also feature Fresh 5 promotions twice a week, with other specials launching weekly.
As more information is unveiled, count on AndNowUKnow for all the latest in Lidl US updates.
SALINAS, CA - Organic Produce Summit opens its doors for the second time on July 12 in Monterey, CA. And for the second time the show is sold out.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming positive response the entire organic community has shown for OPS and grateful for the support our sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees have shown in making OPS the premier event for the organic fresh produce industry,” said Susan Canales, Director of Operations. “We wish we had more space to accommodate all companies and organizations seeking to be involved in this year’s event. We will be in a larger venue next year and are working to ensure we will accommodate everyone in 2018.”
This year’s show, which will run July 12-13, will host over 200 retailers, representing nearly 90 different retail and direct-to-consumer organizations across North America with confirmed attendance, according to a press release.
In addition to its sold-out exhibitor trade show floor, featuring 118 growers, shippers, and processors of organic fresh produce from the United States and Canada, OPS promises a series of highly anticipated educational sessions and keynote presentations, as well as a Retailer Roundtable with panelists from some of the nation’s largest and most influential retail organizations: Dave Corsi, Vice President Produce and Floral for Wegmans; Heather Shavey, Assistant Vice President, Global Produce for Costco; and Chad Miller, Vice President Produce Procurement for Sprouts.
“We are fortunate to have three of the most influential, prominent, and progressive retail leaders share their thoughts on the multi-billion dollar organic fresh produce category. Our attendees will gain insightful and useful information on how to market organic fresh produce to consumers and the opportunities to drive sales into the future,” Canales said. “From the keynote presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to learn from influential thought leaders in three major areas of organic produce sales—retail, the up-and-coming foodservice sector, and the dynamic direct-to- consumer model changing the way all shopping is done.”
Though the 2017 OPS is sold out and cannot accept further registrations, information on OPS 2018 will be available in late August. Mark your calendars to make sure you get on this increasingly popular produce event.