LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, MA – Oppy is looking to take its partnership with household name Ocean Spray® to a new level. The companies have announced an expansion of the brand to now encompass fresh California strawberries and blueberries under the Ocean Spray brand, bringing the partnership to a year-round supply.
“Partnering with Ocean Spray enables us to simultaneously deliver new value to our grower partners and our retail customers,” said David Smith, Oppy President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Berry growers everywhere understand the stature of the Ocean Spray brand and are engaging with the opportunity. Meanwhile we’re providing our retail partners the exciting option of high-quality strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries packed in a label of high consumer awareness and appeal.”
Oppy first forged a relationship with the 87-year-old Ocean Spray brand in 2003. According to a press release, a range of berries such as blackberries and raspberries will join strawberries and blueberries as part of the Family Farmer Owned™ brand of fresh produce.
“We conducted extensive research throughout North America over the past year and discovered a genuine enthusiasm for berries. There is a clear opportunity for a strong brand like Ocean Spray to enter the market and capture people’s imaginations. This new innovation will disrupt an established category and offer a surprising new berry experience to the trade and consumers alike,” said James Milne, Oppy's Vice President of Marketing.
This program will serve to expand and elevate Oppy’s berry offerings, delivering fruit of high-quality and great flavor from its grower partners under a familiar and trusted label. The expansion will also provide a year-round fresh berry selection for Ocean Spray.
“Ocean Spray was founded by three cranberry growers looking to expand the market for their fruit,” said Clark Reinhard, Vice President of Innovation for Ocean Spray. “The brand is well known across multiple grocery aisles, but our presence in produce has been limited to just a few months of the year. The perimeter of the grocery store is growing fast and by collaborating with Oppy our brand will be on fresh, high-quality produce from family farms year-round.”
Following its California strawberries and blueberries, the Ocean Spray Family Farmer Owned brand will feature fruit produced by Oppy domestic berry growers in the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and its international network of family farmers.
“Consumers should ultimately understand that when they see the Ocean Spray logo anywhere in the world they are supporting family farms–the same way they do buying at their local farmer’s market,” said Reinhard. “While cranberries remain at the heart of what we do, bringing other berries to market under the same brand will be a huge benefit to growers, retailers, and ultimately the consumer.”
Oppy stated that this strategy comes at an advantageous time, as berry category sales at retail have risen 15 percent in the last two years, while also realizing average-price-per-pound gains. The company noted that IRI data shows that berry sales volume has increased throughout the U.S., with branded produce earning greater dollar share throughout the category.
As consumers continue to turn to berries, keep turning to AndNowUKnow for all the latest in fresh produce news.
CARPINTERIA, CA – There’s a new face on the roster of Hollandia Produce’s leadership team, and she’s looking to take the company’s new endeavors by storm. With a wealth of marketing knowledge to bring to the team, Corrie Hutchens is joining just in time to tackle the company's rebranding, an upcoming product launch, and even further plans in store.
As its new Senior Director of Marketing, Corrie tells me that her appointment is just the latest strategic move by the company to ramp up its notability on the shelf and longevity as a trusted brand. First up? The company's image and product rebrand from Hollandia Produce to Pete's Living Greens.
“My biggest accomplishment will be seeing Pete’s Living Greens become a nationally recognized consumer brand with ubiquitous distribution of our products within foodservice and retail, while also being found in the homes of consumers across the nation,” Corrie tells me of her current focus.
With a marketing toolkit developed by a career’s worth of experience, Corrie will be responsible for a two-pronged go-to-market strategy. Looking to stimulate consumer affinity and engagement in the living greens category, Corrie will look to build creative consumer and trade-centric marketing plans that will focus on bolstering brand recognition across the board.
“I’ll also be looking to drive Pete's Living Greens future product innovation plans, since an important element in our recent brand relaunch is a renewed focus on new products rooted in consumer insight and nation-wide expansion," Corrie says, alluding to some new line items slated to rollout nationwide under the Pete’s Living Greens brand later this year.
Corrie comes to the Pete's Living Greens team with a background filled with experience in product marketing, brand management, and consumer communication from large and small companies both within and outside of the food and beverage industry. Hailing most recently from the high-profile Little Tikes brand, in addition to filling out roles at Nestle and Ergobaby as well, what brought Corrie to our beloved industry?
"I'm extremely excited to join the Pete's Living Greens family, as a green-eating enthusiast and advocate myself," Corrie answers easily. "I've always been attracted to the produce department, so I'm thrilled to help consumers understand that eating living greens is a optimal way to give more meaning and value to foods they may already love."
The company chose Corrie specifically for her role based on her wealth of CPG experience, and her proven track record of developing brand strategies that have accelerated growth for some of the world’s most familiar brands. As a classically trained CPG marketer, Corrie will look to bring a new level of recognition to the Pete’s Living Greens brand, building off the solid foundation her fellow teammates have lain down.
With Corrie to forge the way for Pete's Living Greens impressive 2017 plans, AndNowUKnow can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.
UNITED STATES – This week, unseasonably hot weather is coming to the country—particularly the West Coast, where dry conditions have made it easier for heat to take hold.
“A large area of high pressure will transport some of the warmest air since last summer across the West Coast early this week,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun said in a report from the news source. “Records will be challenged from Washington to California.”
Conditions up and down the West Coast could be record-breaking for this time of year and even approach late-summer temperatures.
“Seattle could have its first day above 80 F since last August [on Monday],” Rathbun said. “Portland, Oregon, could break 90 F for the first time since August.”
Further South, weather in the high-nineties will hit Sacramento, California, approaching the 100-degree record for mid-May.
The unusual weather will likely lead to rapid snowmelt. California waterways having just recovered from several years of drought after one of the wettest winters on record will be bolstered by even more water this week—leading in some cases to flooding.
"The melting snow will cause rivers flowing out of the Sierra Nevada to rise," AccuWeather Meteorologist Jim Andrews said. "The Walker River near Mason, Nevada, is expected to reach major flood stage later this week."
Andrews also noted that a storm system set to hit the coast mid-week would lead to cooler temperatures as the end of the month approaches.
How will West Coast weather progress moving into summer? AndNowUKnow will report.
WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted two to one, along political lines, last Thursday to begin a new rule-making process to replace the existing Open Internet order—or net neutrality rules—in a move that could have serious negative repercussions for online retailers.
Under current rules, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like AT&T and Comcast are prohibited from blocking access to websites and apps. The rules include a ban on paid prioritization—wherein wealthy companies and individuals might pay ISPs for privileged treatment such as higher internet speeds—or worse, punish their competitors with slowdowns and stoppages. The new proposal titled “Restoring Internet Freedom” would eliminate those rules.
While FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, appointed by President Donald Trump this January, described the new proposal as a “return to the Clinton-era light-touch framework” of the 1990s, critics have been extremely skeptical of the need for change and the implications weakened net neutrality rules would have on companies that conduct business online.
Major ISPs like AT&T, Comcast, and Time Warner stand to gain from the rule-reversal, but companies that conduct business online—including grocery retailers like Walmart and Amazon who are prioritizing fresh food e-commerce—stand to lose access or be forced to pay premiums to maintain their competitive edge.
The Internet Association, an organization representing online companies like Netflix, Facebook, and Amazon, issued a statement objecting to the proposed rule change.
“The 2015 rules are working, and the internet industry remains opposed to any changes to FCC regulations governing net neutrality,” said Internet Association President and CEO Michael Beckerman. “ISPs should not be able to use their position as gatekeepers to prioritize their own content over others. Internet companies stand with consumers, startups, and other beneficiaries of the ecosystem in our fight to maintain a free and open internet.”
FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn noted, in a dissenting statement reported by the Wall Street Journal, that if enacted the new proposal “would deeply damage the ability of the FCC to be a champion of consumers in competition in the 21st century.”
The Internet Association also noted that, despite Pai’s claim that 2015 rules constitute a “bureaucratic straightjacket,” investments in Internet Service companies have only increased in the ensuing years: “ISP investment is up over time, and shows no decline as a result of Title II reclassification in 2015,” the Association’s statement noted. “By multiple, independent metrics, ISP claims of depressed investment don’t mesh with reality. From actual capital expenditure numbers, to patents, to prices, Title II has not had the effects that ISPs claim.”
Last month, opponents to the rule change organized campaigns to contact the FCC on a large scale and voice their opposition to the “Restoring Internet Freedom” proposal (readers can voice their concerns to the FCC here). News source Tech Crunch has an informative breakdown on how to leave public FCC comments here.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this and other important news that will impact our industry.
SACRAMENTO, CA - In the latest friendly challenge we posed to produce professionals, AndNowUKnow and The Snack wanted to see who could be the first to find the ANUK logo camouflaged on the cover of the April issue of The Snack Magazine, to the tune of a $100 prize for the fastest. We loved the submissions so much, we created a gallery of some of our favorites.
The first submission to hit our inbox this time came from Kate Reeb, Director of Business Development, Veg-Fresh Farms, claiming the $100 cash prize.
However, the competition was stiff, and these were just a few of the other top contenders:
- Jen Velasquez of Golden Sun Marketing
- Molly Edenfield of SEPC
- Victoria Serrano of Giumarra
- Jacqueline Padilla of Naturipe
- Lori Hickey of HBF
- Kristen Santangelo of Produce Pro
Make sure to subscribe to The Snack Magazine here (subscription is valued at $129 per year) and keep an eye out on ANUK for future opportunities to show off your abilities. The contest to submit the photo of yourself pointing at the logo on the cover of the magazine doesn’t start until we put the call out on ANUK. Once we announce the contest, the countdown begins.
Best of luck!
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA – The Allen Lund Company Phoenix office has tapped Jason Rabine to fill the role of Operations Manager. Rabine has been with ALC since May of 2014; prior to the promotion he was a Transportation Broker.
"Jason has been a great asset to the Allen Lund Phoenix office over the past three years. His dedication to both his customers and carriers has resulted in tremendous respect from them and his co-workers. I look forward to working with Jason in his new role to keep advancing our office to new heights," said Matt Minthorn, Manager Phoenix office, according to a press release.
Rabine added, "I am humbled by the opportunities I have been afforded working for the Allen Lund Company. I firmly believe in the company's vision and very much look forward to what the future holds."
The company has been growing rapidly, having added a Houston office earlier this year.
David Lund, Vice President of Sales and Branch Operations stated, "Congratulations to Jason on his promotion to Operations Manager. His hard work, communication skills and his demonstrated leadership abilities are some of the reasons for Jason's success. Jason is a great asset to ALC and our customers."
As the company and industry continue to grow, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
CINNCINATI, OH – 2017 is bringing another round of boosted growth for Kroger, as the retailer just invested in another wave of team members to support its strategy. Kroger held a national hiring event over the weekend to increase its workforce by 10,000 people.
"Summer is a great time to join our family of stores. Whether preparing and delivering online orders as a member of our ClickList teams or setting up farm-to-table produce stands, we get a fresh chance each day to make real personal connections with customers in our stores," said Tim Massa, Group Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations. "If you love people and love food, Kroger is a place where you can come for a job and stay for a career."
The nationwide event was held on Saturday, May 20. Interested applicants were allowed to submit applications either in person at any store, or online at jobs.kroger.com. According to a release, Kroger stores accepted prospective teammates at its locations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. with no prior appointment necessary.
Through the event an estimated 10,000 permanent positions will be added to the Kroger workforce throughout 2017. This event marks the first of this year for Kroger, who is no stranger to nationwide hiring events. Another is already in the works for this fall for military veterans and their family.
Through the past eight years, Kroger stated that it has created over 86,000 new jobs–which does not count capital investment positions or those obtained from mergers. Last year alone, the retailer grew its numbers by over 12,000.
How will this number further uplift Kroger in the competitive environment of the buyside sector? AndNowUKnow will keep you apprised.
MURRIETA, CA - It's official! Scott Ross has joined Murrieta, California-based West Pak Avocado, taking the reins as the company’s Eastern Regional Sales Manager. Now tasked with managing key customer relationships and new customer development in alignment with the company’s sales objectives, Ross brings three decades of experience in food and produce sales to the West Pak team.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the West Pak Avocado team,” Scott shared when asked about the new appointment. “West Pak’s commitment to superior quality and service resonates with me, as I have been dedicated to providing both throughout my career. To play a key role in an organization recognized for leadership, innovation, and integrity is a fantastic opportunity. The future looks bright, and I’m happy to be along for the ride!”
A veteran of companies such as Guimarra Companies, Sunkist Growers, and Genuardi’s Family Markets, Scott’s 30-year career has spanned both the retail and produce industries. As 15 of his years have been in produce category management, Scott is no stranger to successfully managing multiple national and regional strategic business partnerships. According to a press release, these partnerships have been met with mutually beneficial sales, volume, and profit results.
“Scott has an extensive and well-respected background in the produce industry and an impressive track record in sales,” said Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing Doug Meyer. “We’re excited to have him spearhead sales efforts in this newly-created position in the Eastern territory, and look forward to working closely with him to expand West Pak’s reach.”
Congrats again to our friend Scott Ross—we can’t wait to see what you and West Pak bring us next!
WALES – The Welsh have unveiled a new pepper variety that unleashes a new level of fire; one that is so powerful it could potentially be lethal. However, even heat enthusiasts may be relieved to know that this pepper isn’t for eating, but rather for helpful medicinal purposes.
Dubbed “Dragon’s Breath” by its creator, Chef Mike Smith, this chili pepper has been christened as the world’s hottest pepper with an official nod from the Guinness Book of Records. The Sun reported that if consumed, the pepper is so hot that it could cause anaphylactic shock by causing airways to close up.
Thankfully, consumers won’t be able to accidentally get their hands on this variety, as it won’t be sold for commercial use. Rather, Mike, owner of Tom Smith’s Plants, helped Nottingham University scientists develop this insanely hot pepper for medicinal purposes only.
"This was developed because a lot of people are allergic to anaesthetic, and this can be applied to the skin because it is so strong it numbs it," Mike stated.
Dragon’s Breath weighs in over a whopping 2.48 million units on the Scoville scale. For reference, the now-second hottest pepper, the Carolina Reaper, clocks in at around 2.2 million units. Pepper spray, which also uses capsaicin, gets close to the variety at just around 2 million.
The accurately titled pepper and its oils are so strong that it is kept in specially sealed container until its uses are required for good. The variety was named to honor its Welsh beginnings.
But, has anyone actually succumbed to temptation and tried to eat the pepper?
“It’s not been tried orally. I’ve tried it on the tip of my tongue and it just burned and burned. I spat it out in about 10 seconds,” Mike stated. “The heat intensity just grows.”
Is produce set to the save the human race? I'm marking this one down as yes. Although, if you see a pepper in your doctor's office, maybe leave it where it lays.
DALLAS, TX – After more than a year of planning between Central Market’s Produce Marketing team and CEA Advisors, the two companies have announced the completing of the first custom built onsite production Growtainer®. Central Market’s new Store Grown Produce program is in effect and turning out fresh leafy greens, herbs, and spices for Central Market customers in Dallas.
“We spent over a year discussing [Central Market’s] concerns and objectives, and when I was sure we were all on the same page, we began the design and manufacturing process” said Glenn Behrman, Founder of Greentech Agro LLC and CEA Advisors LLC.
The state-of-the-art 53-foot custom-built Growtainer provides 480-square-feet of climate-controlled vertical production space designed for maximum efficiency and food safety compliance. The miniature production facility features a dedicated proprietary technology for ebb and flow irrigation and a state-of-the-art water monitoring system, and its Growracks® are equipped with energy efficient LED production modules specifically designed for multilayer cultivation.
According to a press release, Central Market—the Texas-based upscale grocery banner owned by H-E-B—is currently using its Growtainer setup in an effort to “produce the freshest, unique, gourmet leafy greens and herbs for Central Market customers at the retail level.” The release noted that Central Market and CEA Advisors have worked closely with Chris Higgins and Tyler Baras of premier horticultural supplier Hort Americas to train the Central Market associates to operate a food safety compliant, climate controlled, LED-lit, multi-layer vertical indoor production environment.
“CEA Advisors is proud to be working with the Produce Team at Central Market, all committed to innovation and focused on food safety, unique products, and the customer experience” said Behrman.
For more on this and other retail initiatives and their impact on the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.