VANCOUVER, BC – Springtime apples are in full swing, with fresh New Zealand-grown JAZZ™ apples arriving in U.S. markets from Oppy. To further boost sales as consumers look for their favorite varieties, the company has announced the apple has a sharp, new look this season, and an attitude geared to drive even strong sales of the top-10 apple.
“JAZZ ranks third in the list of premium apples for dollar contribution in the produce department,” said David Nelley, Vice President of Categories at Oppy. “Its growth has been steady over the last decade and a half. The refreshed brand will renew existing connections with JAZZ apples as well as build new ones across North America.”
The new brand is built around the powerful positioning of “The JAZZ Sensation.” According to a press release, the brand looks to elevate the always refreshing eating experience delivered by the tangy-sweet, intensely crunch apple. The new brand encompasses a new logo and visual components, primed to stand out in the market with contemporary colors, eye-catching graphics, and a compelling brand message.
The new JAZZ label also features the ENZA quality mark, which provides assurance to consumers and retailers that the long-standing quality and eating experience of JAZZ has not changed.
The new brand was first introduced by the trademark owner and one of New Zealand’s largest horticulture exporters, T&G Global, at Fruit Logistica this past February. Since then, the brand has been rolled out market-by-market to great enthusiasm.
“Our consumer research identified an opportunity to reinvigorate our JAZZ brand to reinforce its premium position,” Darren Drury, Executive General Manager - Pipfruit of T&G Global, explained. “We operate in a highly competitive category, so it’s vital to remain relevant while appealing to new consumers. Having discussed it with our growers, sales agents and customers we felt the time was right for a global refresh.”
T&G also stated that the refresh of JAZZ also represents a major investment by the company that extends across all touch points, from packing, to promotions and sampling, to digital platforms. JAZZ apples originated in New Zealand, following a natural union of Royal Gala and Braeburn varieties. 16 years later, it’s become a global sensation, growing in 10 counties under a closely controlled quality program managed by T&G Global, originally Turners & Growers.
“We’ve built up a stronger presence in our key markets and our people are better placed to further support our customers and work alongside growers on our year-round growing program,” Drury said. “We are also looking for new growth opportunities. It’s an exciting time for JAZZ and we’re looking forward to sharing our new-look journey with customers, growers and consumers.”
T&G also stated that it is pleased with the consistent growth and demand for JAZZ across traditional markets that include Germany, the UK, and the U.S., along with newer markets such as Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Japan.
This season’s crop of New Zealand JAZZ apples will be available soon from Oppy, and supported by high-impact custom promotions arranged in partnership with retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada. JAZZ apples are also available from CMI Orchards and Rainier Fruit Company during the domestic season.
SALINAS, CA - Naturipe Farms celebrated its 100th anniversary last Friday, emphasizing its rich history and those who have helped contribute along the way. On May 5th the company, its growers, and the staff of Naturipe Berry Growers (NBG), one of the company’s partner-owners, marked the occasion with festivities held in Salinas.
“This is one of several celebrations Naturipe Farms will host in honor of the company’s centennial year,” said Kyla Oberman, Director of Marketing, in a press release. “We have appreciation events planned during key trade and industry events throughout the year as way to pay tribute to our growers and thank those who have helped Naturipe reach this milestone.”
The celebration included live mariachi music, a Naturipe branded semi-truck, and a presentation of proclamations from Western Growers Association and the Office of Senator Anthony Cannella. NBG President Rich Amersehhi accepted the proclamations on behalf of the company.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to congratulate Naturipe for having reached 100 years—and doing so with pride for what they do, passion and integrity,” said Tom Nunes, Board Representative of the Western Growers Association, who presented Amersehhi with a proclamation.
In 1917, Central California area growers formed a marketing cooperative, called the Central California Berry Grower Association and began marketing their strawberries using the Naturipe® trademark. Today, Naturipe Farms is a partnership between four highly-esteemed fresh berry growers: Naturipe Berry Growers, Hortifrut SA, MBG Marketing, and Munger Farms.
For more on this and other important events in the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
BAKERSFIELD, CA – With an eye on further uplifting the company’s quality initiatives across its prodigious platform, Grimmway Farms has appointed a strategic team member as its new Vice President of Quality Assurance. The company has named Ben Diesl to the position, building on his already successful history with Grimmway Farms.
“Ben’s strong educational background and diverse food safety and quality assurance experience at Grimmway make him the perfect fit for this position. I am pleased to have Ben join our executive team and look forward to his contributions toward the continued success of our company,” President and CEO Jeff Huckaby said.
Ben has over a decade of experience working in Grimmway’s quality assurance department. Most recently, Ben served as Director of Quality Assurance and Food Safety, where he established field quality teams to ensure adherence to company standards and food safety regulations, in addition to implementing best practices across the company’s carrot and organic vegetable divisions. According to a press release, in this position, Ben also oversaw GFSI-compliant auditing, managed the certification of organic acreage, and led the company’s customer sustainability programs.
Ben initially joined the company as a Quality Assurance Supervisor for Grimmway Farms’ organic division, Cal-Organic Farms. From there, he was quickly promoted to Quality Assurance Manager, where he oversaw quality and safety programs across nine facilities.
“Ben led the way in developing our Good Agricultural Practices and other quality programs for all facets of our farming operations,” continued Huckaby.
In his new position, Ben will be responsible for all the company’s quality initiatives across Grimmway Farms’ entire farming and processing operations.
Ben has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from California State University, Bakersfield.
Congratulations on this appointment, Ben! We can’t wait to see where the Grimmway Farms family heads next.
REEDLY, CA - The DJ Forry Company has announced the passing of its beloved President, Dewey John Forry, Jr. Dewey was the youngest son of company Founder and family patriarch Dewey Forry, Senior, and was renowned for his work and spirit in the company.
Born to Dewey Sr. and Betty Forry, Dewey was a star outfielder before being brought into the produce fold. Dewey was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of Terra Linda High School. The company said in a statement that the Dodgers had no choice but to make him a relief pitcher because of his remarkable arm. He played for their organization for seven years and finished with a 1.21 ERA.
In 1978, Dewey joined his father in the family produce business to later become President of the DJ Forry Company. Dewey was revered for doing business the right way, mentoring many in the business like a father, fighting for them like a brother. He always had your back, and he always told you exactly what he thought.
The family stated that Dewey’s idea of sugarcoating was to share his beloved Milk Duds, but not too many, because then you should get your own box. Still, the company noted, you’d have a hard time finding a nicer, more thoughtful person. He called his daughters every day. He drove on their field trips and coached their teams. His sports advice to them and others was: “If you look back in 10 years, can you say you gave it all you got?” He was a fierce competitor you always wanted on your team.
Dewey John Forry, passed away Wednesday April 26th at the age of 64 surrounded by his family after fighting cancer with the passion he applied to everything in his life. Dewey would want it noted he far outlived his doctor’s original prognosis. He once said, “I know why I got cancer! It’s so I can make these people doing chemo with me smile.” His energy was notably infectious.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sava; his daughters Miranda and Liz; his sister and brother-in-law Ruth Ann and Dennis; his brother and sister-in-law John and Jacquie; and many nieces and nephews and their kids who loved Uncle Dewey. His family said that he was the glue that made them stronger.
Dewey spent the last three years on the Central Coast, watching the sunrise as he walked his dog Nellie on the beach. To him, the family and company stated, this was heaven.
The DJ Forry family is celebrating Dewey’s exceptional life on May 26 at 1:00 p.m. at See Canyon Fruit Ranch, followed by a charity golf tournament in his honor on May 27. Please contact [email protected] for details. Donations in his name can be made to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center.
AndNowUKnow extends our deepest condolences to Dewey's family, friends, and all those afffected by his loss.
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Southeastern Grocers is undertaking a shift in strategy, and the company's banners are seeing casualties in the restructuring. The banners—Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, Harvey’s, and Fresco y Mas—are seeing a total of 20 store closures and restructuring in management across the company.
“These changes are designed to allow us to provide additional hours in those stores to serve our customers better, and will be rolling out over the next few weeks,” said Southeastern Grocers Manager of Corporate Communications Joe Caldwell, according to source Orlando Sentinel.
The source reports that closures are distributed across the chain, with the biggest hit coming with six Bi-Lo store closings in South Carolina.
As we’ve previously reported, Southeastern Grocers has seen a burst of strategic activity in the past year. The company appears to have been narrowing its footprint, and shifting its focus. In January, the company closed several drugstores in Central Florida. In March, the company revealed 5 new Fresco y Mas locations in South Florida, bringing the count up to 11 for the banner. The company has also shuttered a number of underperforming stores in recent years, in response to a rapidly changing retail landscape.
"There have been a limited number of stores that closed, but we've remodeled more stores than have actually closed," Ian McLeod, President and CEO, Southeastern Grocers noted in March of 2017, adding that the company was looking to grow in high-income areas.
What does the future hold for this regional company? Follow along with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report.
NEW YORK, NY – After an engine failure en route to the Mediterranean caused a delay of several weeks and resulted in tons of spoiled fruit, Chiquita has filed suit against the owners of the dallying ship to recoup $3 million dollars in damages.
The company filed suit in New York last month. Chiquita Brands International Sarl, its insurer Markel Corporation, and the ship’s time charterer Great White Fleet Ltd. claim that delays caused by M/V Scandinavian Reefer cost the company 10,098 boxes of bananas—valued at $3 million dollars. The complaint can be viewed in its entirety, here.
The vessel was scheduled to arrive in Gibraltar around May 3, 2016, and then proceed to Italy, Greece, and Turkey; but on April 21st of that year, a leaky engine cylinder caused the ship’s crew to shut down its engines. Unable to repair the cylinder, the ship diverted its route to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where Chiquita eventually attempted to salvage the rapidly-ripening cargo.
By the time the bananas were rerouted to Mersin, Turkey, in early June, a good portion of the cargo had spoiled. 10,098 boxes were rejected, and containerized bananas had to be returned to the Caribbean at the company’s expense.
Will the company recoup their costs? AndNowUKnow will continue to report with updates as they come forward.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA – For the last year, Zespri has been making strides in the U.S. market with its innovative SunGold variety, while also working to grow the category with the exceptionally-sweet, long-lasting offering. And the company is starting the new season with a bang—with new trade and consumer campaigns, complete with customizable retail solutions.
“We are set for a strong season from May through November,” noted Glen Arrowsmith, North American Market Manager, in a press release. “Our regional market development managers are excited to help retailers build a customized category program developed for the specific shopping patterns of their customers.”
The company has launched its new “Sweet Success with SunGold” trade advertising campaign, with frequency ads in a variety of print and digital trade publications. Zespri has also cultivated its “Celebrate the SunGold” consumer campaign, targeting specific markets with billboard advertising and social and digital components that were designed to convey joy, optimism, and excitement by leveraging SunGold as a moment of celebration with the season arrival.
“I’m excited about our investment to drive the category,” added Arrowsmith. “This season is projected to increase in SunGold over last year’s kiwifruit season. Our trade and consumer programs will support this initiative. It really will be a season to celebrate.”
To further drive consumer awareness of the brand, Zespri has also launched a geo-targeted campaign to reach consumers through integrated apps; shoppers will receive Zespri ads with location-based messaging while shopping at their local retailer. The company hopes this technology will help bring top of mind awareness to SunGold and other varieties of Zespri.
Retailers can order point-of-purchase displays and other merchandising material featuring the “Celebrate the SunGold” consumer graphics through Zespri.
For more on all things produce, check in periodically with AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, DC - On the heels of its $1.6 billion remodel announcement in February, Aldi has released more detailed plans dedicating $30 million of the investment to the D.C. region.
“We know there is only one way to attract and keep fans: continually providing the highest-quality products, while staying true to what our competitors can’t match—everyday low prices,” said Jeff Baehr, an Aldi Division Vice President, according to source WTOP.
The source reported that Aldi has finished remodeling 17 Washington-area stores and has scheduled grand re-openings at stores in Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Manassas on May 12. The regional remodel will encompass 30 stores total, with work completed by 2018.
The complete $1.6 billion remodeling plan will cover over 1,300 U.S. stores. As we’ve previously reported, the discount retailer’s remodeling plans include a focus on a more robust produce aisle, with an updated modern design.
The company has also disclosed plans to open 650 new stores, bringing the total stores up to 2,000 by the end of next year.
In which other regions will Aldi place large portions of its planned investment? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for all the latest.
SALINAS, CA – For its innovative products and outstanding presence in its local community, Mann Packing has been awarded the 2017 Business of the Year Award in Agriculture from the Monterey County Business Council (MCBC).
"We are extremely proud that our commitment to leading a values-based business is being recognized by the MCBC," said Lorri Koster, Chairman & CEO. "As a medium-sized company doing big things, our collective goal has always been to innovate in the products we offer and contribute to the community in which we work."
The award was presented to Mann’s on Friday, May 5th during the MCBC’s 22nd Annual Gala and Economic Vitality Awards at the Hyatt Regency Monterey.
According to a company press release, Mann’s has, over the course of its existence, evolved into an award-winning and well-respected industry leader in agriculture with proven initiatives that bring innovative, fresh vegetable solutions to market. The company noted its long track record of supporting its local community, fostering a progressive and family-friendly work environment, creating an array of one-of-a-kind products in produce, and educating consumers about the health benefits of eating fresh vegetables.
“Mann Packing exemplifies the innovative, fresh spirit of the Salinas Valley produce industry,” said MCBC’s President, MaryAnn Leffel. “They are constantly evolving with new products, packaging, and ideas. The MCBC is proud to honor Mann's as our Agricultural Business of 2017.”
In its press release, the company also noted that Mann’s holds the distinguished Women’s Owned Business Certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council—among the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the United States for women’s business enterprises.
The company’s products are currently available at over 21,000 retail locations throughout North America, and its products are also available to foodservice partners throughout the U.S. and Canada.
For more on this and other exciting companies in the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
WATSONVILLE, CA - Transparency and sustainability are at the top of demands on all sides, but are the efforts you’re making in store to stock recyclable packaging going to the landfill?
Here’s What’s In Store for Sambrailo Packaging and our latest product introduction—ReadyCycle™.
Many retailers are making a conscious effort to help the earth and meet the demands of consumers doing the same. What they may not realize, however, is that while plastics are usually recyclable, the label and adhesives might not be. With the paper and adhesives polluting the existing recycling stream, those products intended for reuse are most likely going to waste and to the landfill instead.
With the introduction of ReadyCycle, we are offering an alternative packaging solution for growers and retailers who are making the conscious choice to reduce their use of plastic packaging. Fully printable with water-soluble inks and manufactured with food-grade adhesives, the paper-based format makes ReadyCycle 100% versatile, 100% marketable, and truly 100% recyclable.
ReadyCycle can potentially be used for a wide array of commodities; grape tomatoes, tomatoes on the vine, berries, figs, dates, green beans, zucchini, or squash, to name just a few.
And with the ability to quickly develop prototypes and easily make pack size adjustments, the sky’s the limit on making this innovative new package your go-to in the field and in the store.
Need to share a recipe or seasonal promotion? All surfaces are printable, inside and out, so your messaging will always be spot on and appeal to consumers. Don’t let your sustainability efforts end up in the trash, choose ReadyCycle and provide environmentally conscious consumers with an earth-friendly option.
Thank you for watching What’s In Store.