DAVIS, CA – Engage3 is looking to add some retail prowess to its operations, as the company recently added Lyle Walker to its team as Vice President of Strategic Enablement.
“With the ability to discern pricing patterns within a market and their effects on shoppers and retailers, Engage3 is transforming the collection, analysis, and application of competitive price data,” said Lyle Walker, VP of Strategic Enablement at Engage3. “I am excited to be re-joining a team that has spent the past eight years developing innovative and proprietary approaches to pricing that help retailers improve both price position and price perception.”
In his new role, Lyle will be responsible for unlocking additional value for retailers through Engage3’s transformative retail pricing platform, according to a press release.
Lyle brings to the team an extensive background in retail and pricing initiatives. Lyle first began his career working for Kroger in Pricing and Category Management, and also led pricing innovation initiatives with retailer through various roles with companies like Tata Consulting, IRI, and Retalix/NCR. Most recently, Lyle served as Vice President of Business Development with dunnhumby.
“Lyle is a versatile leader, a strategic domain expert, and a fantastic add to the team,” said Bob Lewis, Senior Vice President of Sales. “He brings a unique background of hands-on business experience working with retail leaders in pricing, loyalty, and personalized offers, along with substantial consulting and business development experience. Engage3 has more than doubled its customer count over the last 18 months, and Lyle is the right person to partner with retailers and brands to further unlock their pricing potential by leveraging Engage3's deep competitive insights.”
Engage3 seeks to provide retailers with solutions that allow them to develop more focused pricing strategies that drive higher sales, all while earning customer loyalty. The company achieves this by combining superior data accuracy, a proprietary ability to reverse-engineer retailers’ pricing and assortment strategies, and unique intellectual property that enables dynamic attribute-based product linking.
The company continually looks towards the cutting-edge possibilities of retail, as we previously reported, including analyses and explorations of pricing competition in the buy-side sector.
What's next for Engage3? Stick with AndNowUKnow to find out.
UNITED STATES - Coast to Coast Growers Cooperative has announced that container shipments of New Zealand KORU® apples have begun arriving at U.S. ports. Though the KORU variety is also now produced stateside, the bulk of the current available crop is harvested annually in New Zealand.
“80% of these apples are in the three prime sizes, really perfect-size fruit,” said Tim Byrne, Manager of Coast to Coast Growers Cooperative. “This is the fourth New Zealand crop, slated for export to North America. These apples are ideal in many ways–sweet flavor, crisp flesh, great color, and good size.”
A cross between Fuji and Braeburn varieties, the KORU brand is positioned as a premium apple, much like Honeycrisp. Byrne also noted that fruit quality is exceptional this year.
“KORU brings together the subtle sweetness of the Fuji with the Braeburn’s slight tang,” noted Byrne. “It’s really an inspired combination, perfect for eating, baking, and cooking.”
While the first May arrivals of KORU have been sold, more containers will be arriving later in May and over the next few months, so it is still possible to order these New Zealand KORU® apples in 12 kg 2-Layer RDT and 18 kg 4-Layer traypack cartons as well as pouch bags.
85% of this year’s New Zealand KORU crop is being shipped to the U.S. for distribution and sales through three suppliers that represent the Coast to Coast Growers Cooperative: New York Apple Sales of New York State, along with Borton Fruit and Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers of Washington State.
Only commercially harvested in New Zealand since 2013, KORU has already achieved a reputation as a superior apple for production, storage, and consistent quality. Consumers appreciate how it retains crispness and a rich, aromatic flavor with a honey finish.
To order KORU apples from New Zealand, purchasers may contact –
- New York Apple Sales, New York. Kaari Stannard, [email protected] , John Cushing, [email protected] , or Michael Harwood, [email protected] - 518.477.7200.
- Borton Fruit Washington. Sky Johnson - 509.823.2745, [email protected]
- Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, Washington. Bruce Turner, [email protected] or Shane Cass, [email protected] - 509.663.2191
KORU apples are being supported with point-of-sale and marketing materials including display bins, high-graphic merchandising cartons, and pouch bags. The brand is positioned to consumers with the tagline: “Escape Ordinary,” and the descriptor “crisp, sweet, and naturally delicious.” These promotional materials can be obtained at no cost through the Coast to Coast Growers Cooperative supplier from which apples are ordered.
More and more orchards are being planted with KORU, with 15 growers in New York and another six in Washington.
For all the latest in fresh produce news, check back with AndNowUKnow.
LEAMINGTON, ON – Keeping at the head of the market comes with some inherent strategies and focuses. One of these, as NatureFresh™ Farms can attest, is retaining a keen eye on technology and its possibilities.
To increase its overall operational efficiencies, NatureFresh Farms relies on the capabilities of Microsoft and Priva to boost its company even higher. As Chris Veillon, Director of Marketing, recently told me, it is this premium mindset that led to NatureFresh Farms’ spotlight feature in a recent Microsoft video.
“NatureFresh Farms was contacted by Microsoft via Priva, as they wanted to feature three of their top technology partners in North America,” Chris shares. “Given the uniqueness of greenhouse vegetable growing, NatureFresh Farms was the perfect fit. We utilize many different modules and platforms from both Priva and Microsoft.”
In the video, company Owner and President Peter Quiring explains to viewers how Priva and Microsoft enables NatureFresh to produce higher yields in its greenhouses. Operations Manager Frank Neufeld describes how the tech allows NatureFresh consultants to make a greater impact on the company from offsite.
“This video further demonstrates how NatureFresh Farms uses the latest in technology to increase our overall efficiencies. As Peter and Frank both note in the video, this technology allows us to deliver better products to retail customers at a faster and more consistent rate than ever before,” Chris continues.
For NatureFresh Farms, technology means more than just a suite of office programs on a computer. The foundation of the company is built off of Microsoft’s core technology. Combined with Priva’s technology, this dual system covers and uplifts nearly every facet of NatureFresh Farms’ vertically-integrated operation.
“An operation like ours needs 24/7/365 care to efficiently manage the 175 acres we grow in both Canada and the U.S,” Chris continues. “Growing is not just about eventually putting a ripe piece of fruit in a box, there are many processes in place for that item to get to retail in peak shape."
From proper and exact growing techniques, to growing its sustainability efforts, NatureFresh Farms’ partnership with Microsoft and Priva allows the company to process its data faster than ever, nearly seven times faster in some cases.
Want to see how technology has boosted this company, firsthand? Watch the video above.
As NatureFresh Farms continues to invest in innovative measures to keep ahead of the curve, AndNowUKnow will continue to report as the company makes headlines.
UNITED STATES – Across the country, and on a daily basis, retailers are vying to be America’s favorite grocery stores. The results for 2017 are in, according to customer insight firm Market Force Information.
In the company’s U.S. Grocery: Consumer Experience and Competitive Benchmarks survey of 12,774 consumers, three retailers distanced themselves from the pack and distinguished themselves as America’s favorites.
In second place and third-listed retailer, longtime favorite Trader Joe’s scored a 75.6 percent composite loyalty index score. In a virtual tie for first, though, Wegmans and Publix scored 77 and 77.4 percent, respectively.
Publix ascendancy marks a noticeable improvement from last year’s survey, when the company scored only 76 percent. Wegmans narrowly edged the retailer out in 2016 with a 76 percent score. Prior to 2016, Trader Joe’s had held top honors for four years.
Rounding out the top five were H-E-B and ALDI, followed by Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, Costco, WinCo, and Whole Foods, respectively.
The survey noted that, while 48% of respondents were reportedly “very satisfied” with their last grocery experience, one in ten surveyed reported a level of dissatisfaction. Market Force also added that, in this competitive retail climate, “it’s not okay just to be okay!” Customers who were reportedly “very satisfied” with their experience were more than twice as likely as those who expressed a more moderate degree of satisfaction to recommend their grocer.
Market Force also noted that use of “Click and Collect” online ordering has more than doubled, with 8.9 percent of those surveyed having used the service at least once and 58% of those respondents being repeat uses.
Surveyed consumers were high on organic products, the study noted—particularly produce. Roughly half of consumers said they preferred organic options when given the choice, and 93 percent of those surveyed had purchased organic produce in the last 30 days.
For more on the shifting and increasingly competitive retail landscape, check in with us periodically at AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited ABL Farms Inc., operating out of Atlanta, Georgia, for failure to pay for produce.
According to a USDA press release, the company failed to pay a total of $2,600,701 to 18 sellers for 413 lots of produce, which it purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from May 2015 to September 2015. This is in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). As a result of these actions, ABL Farms Inc. cannot operate in the produce industry until April 27, 2019, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license.
The company’s principal, Aaron B. Letsinger, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until April 27, 2018, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
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.
OXNARD, CA – There’s a sensational season ahead for strawberry and raspberry lovers. As consumers look to this time-honored berry to kick up the flavor of their spring and summer-themed dishes, retailers have no further to look than the bumper crop for red berries coming out of California.
As Vice President of Sales Dan Crowley recently told me, Well•Pict is well underway with premium California strawberries, with raspberries just beginning to swing into production as well.
“Strawberries and raspberries are coming on big time this year,” Dan tells me. “This year, retailers are going to see a bigger volume and better quality coming out of California due to favorable growing conditions.”
Well•Pict started out its strawberry season in Oxnard, which has recently completed its crop. With Oxnard berries being transitioned to processing, growing regions to the North in Watsonville and Santa Maria are marking an increase in production this week moving forward. Dan says Watsonville will see its heaviest volumes of production the last week of May through the first week of June, with Santa Maria in peak production right now.
The company also just started raspberry production out of Watsonville. Dan expects raspberries to ramp up very quickly over the next weeks and continue through Summer into Fall.
“Drought conditions can mean a build up of salt in the soil, but this season’s heavy rains leeched most of that salt out of the ground, making for prime growing conditions, which equate to crop quality,” Dan continues. “The fruit load is amazing, and quality is incredible.”
The strawberry crop has been prolific since right after Easter, Dan says, as supply exceeded demand and movement slowed down. Now that demand has picked up, a strong market is on the way with ample supplies for Springtide holidays.
“Summer time is strawberry time. By placing orders now, retailers can be set for Memorial Day promotions all the way through the Summer,” Dan tells me. “Well•Pict expects production to steadily increase over the next couple months in the Northern district, which will only add to the quality selection for consumers this year.”
In addition to seeing an increase to its quality and supply this season, Well•Pict is also boasting an increased pack size. As retailers experiment with different methods to further engage their consumers, Well•Pict is offering more 2 lb strawberries and 12 oz raspberries in addition to its traditional packaging.
“Everybody is trying a slightly different approach to merchandising this season, as consumers are upping their interest in all things berries,” Dan says. “We’re here to help serve up the ‘wow factor’ and secure those impulse purchases.”
As California berries continue to drive traffic to the produce department, AndNowUKnow will keep a close eye on the crop this season.
JALISCO, MEXICO – Looking to boost its already prodigious greenhouse offerings, Oppy grower-partner Divemex has debuted a new brand that effectively blends its impressive history and sets a distinctive challenge for future achievements.
The company unveiled its new tagline of “Growing Beyond Expectation” after more than two decades of aiming to set the standard for greenhouse vegetable production in Mexico, according to a press release.
“'Growing Beyond Expectations’ captures what Divemex does best, producing arguably the top greenhouse product line in Mexico while also investing in community growth with creativity and pragmatism, said James Milne, Vice President of Marketing for Oppy. “The new brand represents Divemex’s keen commitment to pressing its business and its values ever forward into surprising and exciting places.”
The new brand and line includes a refreshed Divemex logo, showing the evolution to a traditional uppercase D emblem to offer a more contemporary look. This brand will extend to packing, pos materials, social media, and a new website–when the grower’s season begins in late summer.
The brand celebrates Divemex’s robust growth, as well as the company’s current plans to eclipse its annual volume of 4 million boxes through diversification and the addition of new greenhouse facilities this fall. Divemex also plans to concentrate on new organic production, allowing the company to capitalize on a key consumer trend.
“'Growing Beyond Expectations' celebrates what we’ve achieved, but most importantly, conveys our commitment to achieve even greater things in the future,” said Luis de Saracho, CEO of Divemex. “In the beginning, we were among the first in Mexico to produce vegetables in a high-tech greenhouse. Next, we focused intensely on quality, flavor, and eating experience. Now, we are leading by example with our commitment to sustainability and the welfare of our team.”
The company stated that it is known to some as the first North American pepper grower to achieve Fair Trade Certification about a half dozen years. All of Divemex's facilities in Etzatlan and Culiacan, Mexico, are now Fair Trade-certified.
Divemex noted that its Fair Trade premiums have been channeled to over 1,000 scholarships for worker children and adults finishing their basic education or receiving work-related training. This also includes school remodeling, computer labs, two dental clinics, and other community support. Green spaces and recreational activities are available for workers to enjoy with their families.
“We’re excited to take this strong stand,” de Saracho said. “It focuses our attention on the kind of growth that truly matters, not just for our business but for everyone who interacts with our products.”
De Saracho and Divemex believe that the “Growing Beyond Expectations” commitment will effectively differentiate the brand both with trade and consumers over time as the company’s Fair Trade practices of sustainability, conservation, and social welfare are manifested in each and every bite of its produce.
“'Growing Beyond Expectations' means that the sky is the limit at Divemex,” de Saracho continued. “We’ll continue to innovate and deliver products that delight consumers and build communities on both ends of the supply chain."
Divemex blends quality and sustainabile practices in all of its conventional and organic sweet bell and mini peppers, and conventional cucumbers, to cultivate a truly unique offering.
DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES - Conniving convicts in the Philippines took to creative means to smuggle roughly $221,000 US dollars worth of shabu, a methamphetamine substance, into jail while incriminating coconuts in the process. The drugs, concealed inside the husks, were seized by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Dumaguete City on Sunday.
According to source The Philippine Star, jail warden Chief Inspector Prizel Arevalo reported that two visitors, an adult and a minor, delivered approximately 30 coconuts to inmate Joram Catan, who is now facing drug charges.
The coconuts were delivered alongside fruit cocktail and milk, allegedly to disguise the delivery as a dessert. Guards grew suspicious, however, when they realized six of the coconuts lacked the slosh of coconut water and realized they had been emptied and filled with drugs. This lead to the discovery of approximately one kilogram of shabu.
Arevalo told the source that the inmate denied knowledge of the surprise ingredient in the delivery.
Senior Superintendent Hernan Grande, Director of the BJMP in the region, added that the illegal drugs have been passed on to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory, and that the investigation is still ongoing.
How will criminal masterminds implicate fresh produce next? Stay tuned with AndNowUKnow to find out.
DALLAS, TX - Lidl is making strides in its planned expansion into the U.S. and laying the groundwork for a series of store openings in the crowded North Texas market.
According to a report from news source The Dallas Morning News, the German-based grocer has begun purchasing sites and seeking approvals from local municipalities. The News’ investigation revealed a half dozen locations where Lidl has purchased land or made planning and zoning requests.
Records indicate that the company has already spent more than $10 million on land purchases. Targeted cities include: Little Elm, Frisco, McKinney, North Richland Hills, Rockwall, Wylie, and Dallas.
As we previously reported, the retailer recently accelerated its planned 2018 U.S. expansion, announcing that it would open an initial 20 stores as early as summer of 2017.
The News also quoted Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas’ Facebook page—where the Councilman noted that the Summit Parc area in his southwest Dallas district "will get the first Lidl grocery store in Texas."
While Lidl has made concrete announcements about planned locations throughout the East Coast, information about locations further west have been less forthcoming.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on developments as the retailer nears its U.S. launch.
SALINAS, CA - Today Taylor Farms announced the introduction of three mouth-watering new flavors in its growing on-the-go salad bowls portfolio, bringing the total count to 20 on-trend, convenient, and flavor-packed salads produced amongst the company’s five North American locations.
“Single Serve Salad Bowls continue to grow at a rate of over 30% and we are thrilled be a part of that success," said Bryan Jaynes, VP Product Development, according to a press release. “We now produce 20 delicious salad bowl recipes in five facilities–playing a key role in supporting this industry growth.”
The protein-packed single serve salad bowls act as a complete meal, and come with a recipe option for everyone, with the inclusion of on-trend ingredients and chef-inspired dressings, rounded out with a few organic options throughout the line. The three enticing new flavors include:
- Apple & Walnut Salad with Chicken; 5.5 oz. Includes: green leaf, apples, grilled chicken, spring mix, blue cheese, glazed walnuts, cranberries, and carrots with sweet onion vinaigrette
- Garden Salad with Chicken and Bacon; 5.75 oz. Includes: romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, seasoned croutons, red cabbage, and carrots with ranch dressing
- Chopped Farmhouse Salad with Chicken and Bacon; 6.25 oz. Includes: green cabbage, romaine lettuce, carrots, grilled chicken, bacon, sunflower seeds, and cilantro with slaw dressing
Taylor Farms, a leader in agricultural innovation and healthy, value-added fresh food, is delivering on the consumer appetite for single serve on-the-go salads. The company recognizes the changing consumer needs and desires, generating the motivation for a wide range of flavors and dietary options. Customer favorites include: Chicken Caesar, Fiesta, Organic Spring Feta, and Organic Three Bean.
Taylor Farms stated that according to a recent Nielsen consumer research study, salad kits are one of the top selling items, with complete kits growing the most–up 31% from the previous year.
Taylor Farms continues to make investments in single serve salad bowls across both recipes and production capabilities. The company has developed one of the most comprehensive salad bowl production networks in the country, featuring five USDA production facilities;
- Tracy, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Nashville, TN
- Swedesboro, New Jersey
- Orlando, FL
Taylor Farms’ manufacturing footprint not only allows customers to receive the freshest products within two days, but also allows the company to deliver on the continued request of providing additional prepared and convenient meal solutions. When partnering with Taylor Farms, customers receive unparalleled value with a focus on freshness and quality.
Taylor Farms salad bowls are currently available nationwide.