PORTERVILLE, CA - Spring is well on its way, with hungry consumers ready for their fresh fruits and veggies. As blueberry demand continues to rise, Homegrown Organic Farms’ Blueberry Category Director, Chad Hansen, took the time to give me an idea of what we could expect in the coming days.
“Currently we are about a week from harvest on our farms in the Central Valley. Colder nights and late spring storms have slowed things down a bit as far as getting started, but they’ve seen strong quality and field conditions after having a more traditional California winter with a fantastic amount of rain,” Chad tells me. Although there was a slight delay, the overall outlook is a strong one.
“The plants have reset to a fairly normal start while quality and volume look very strong,” Chad continues. “Things have strengthened coming off an extended transition gap from the offshore window and we’re seeing the early market window remain strong and stable. Demand is currently exceeding supply and we expect a strong program start and overall market outlook.”
He explained that not only has the market strengthened and continued to grow, but so has the HGO team.
“We’ve been enjoying such strong and consistent growth here at Homegrown,” he tells me enthusiastically. “We’ve had new, talented team members join us in practically every part of the business, specifically in sales, category specialty/support, and grower relations for blueberries. It has been amazing and crucial in helping us to continue to navigate and support the growing blueberry demand while continuing to fulfill our mission, vision, and core values of both exceeding the customer's’ expectations while providing the best return back to the grower.”
The team, resources, and capacity at Homegrown continue to grow, Chad assures me, with excitement for what’s on the company’s horizon.
AndNowUKnow will keep our eyes out as well for any growth in berries and beyond, so stay tuned.
BOISE, ID - Albertsons Companies has made a changeup in leadership, with EVP and Chief Operating Officer Wayne Denningham stepping into the role of President and Chief Operating Officer for Bob Miller, who will remain Chairman and CEO.
Denningham was named EVP and Chief Operating Officer in April of 2015. He has been a part of the team since joining Albertsons Inc. 1977 as a clerk, working his way up in the organization, according to a press release.
Since then he has served in district manager roles in three different divisions, eventually becoming Division President, first of the Rocky Mountain division and later the Florida division. He was later promoted to Regional President for five divisions of Albertsons, before going on to become both Executive Vice President of Marketing & Merchandising and Executive Vice President of Operations, before leaving the company in 2004.
In 2006, Denningham joined Albertsons LLC as Division President of the Rocky Mountain, Florida, and Southern divisions, where he served over the next seven years. He was named Division President of the Southern California division in March 2013, following the acquisition of 877 SuperValu stores. In January of 2015, following the retailer’s next big merger with Safeway, he became South Region Chief Operating Officer.
“This is the strongest leadership team I’ve worked with in my 50+ years in this industry,” said Bob Miller, Chairman and CEO of Albertsons Companies, who has been in the role of President since April of 2015. “I asked Wayne to join Albertsons LLC in 2006 to lead our Rocky Mountain Division. Since that time, he’s led three different divisions, helped to negotiate and manage some of our most significant acquisitions, and successfully turned around some of our toughest assets. He’s a remarkable leader with tremendous grocery retail acumen, and I’m pleased that he’s accepted this new role.”
Albertsons noted that Denningham will continue to lead store operations. Additionally, his responsibilities will include added oversight in:
- Marketing & Merchandising
- Supply Chain
- Manufacturing
- Integration
All the above departments will continue under their respective current leadership.
For all the latest shifts and changeups in the buy-side and beyond, keep an eye on AndNowUKnow.
SACRAMENTO, CA - Those of you who have made your name is the produce industry know a little friendly competition is what keeps the thrill alive in our day to day. And in that spirit, we brought you our latest Quiz Quix—Know Your Mushrooms. So, which members of our industry flexed their fungi muscles to beat out the rest to capture our $100 prize?
The race was on, with Jewel Osco Produce Buyer John Contesso, Oppy Greenhouse Category Coordinator Kyla Shelefontiuk, and Denny’s Senior Purchasing Manager Gene Harris all making a valiant effort in the battle to be the fastest mushroom expert.
But in love, war, and trivia, there can only be one winner, and this round it was Fusion Marketing’s Senior Category Analyst and Marketing Specialist Matt Schraut who took the title and won the $100 cash prize.
“I answered so fast I didn’t leave mushroom for error,” Matt told us when we reached out for comment.
To see who made the leaderboard, check out the list below:
And because we want you to actually learn something in your pursuit for that top prize, check out the question that stumped most of our takers.
Most Missed Question:
Who is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for To-Jo Mushrooms?
Answer:
Kevin Delaney
If you missed the quiz, it's not too late to try your hand. Test your own skills by clicking the green button below. If you don’t like your score, simply erase your results and no one has to know, not even those of us at ANUK.
Keep an eye out for the next opportunity to test your industry knowledge in the days to come. Just sign in either via email or one of several social media accounts and you’ll be all ready to jump into the competition!
Quiz Quix is our way of encouraging some healthy, fun, informative competition within the industry. Signing in will give us a token to verify you and allows us to put your name in the ranking. It doesn't give us access to more than your name and email address.
Happy quizing to all, and see you soon for another round!
DALLAS, TX – Rising to meet the marketing needs of the fresh produce industry in a demanding climate, DMA Solutions, Inc. has announced some strategic changes to its lineup. The company has formulated a new Communications Team, in addition to promoting Beth Atkinson to Communications Director.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to lead our communications efforts with the expectation that our work becomes more strategic, proactive, and results-driven,” said Beth on her new appointment. “This team has been, and continues to be dedicated to providing the highest quality marketing solutions for the industry, and this transition is going to help us fulfill that commitment even further.”
According to a press release, the company made the announcement in view of the symbiotic role that social media and public relations continue to play in marketing communications.
This focus first began with the expansion of DMA Solution’s offerings in 2015 when the company brought full-service public relations in house. Concurrently, DMA Solutions’ social media specialists have been required to take on more mature roles as content creators and effective communicators in order to meet the rising demand for a relational experience on all platforms.
Both of these needs led to the creation of the new team dedicated to the discipline of communications.
“We’ve spent the last few years really honing our skills in both social media and public relations, knowing that at some point we wanted them to function together under one communications umbrella,” said Dan’l Mackey Almy, President and CEO. “These roles must work in unison, not silos, in order to most effectively communicate everything from brand voice and messaging to customer service and crisis management.”
DMA Solutions offers free downloadable resources to further uplift the industry, like its most recent e-book that breaks down simple social media and PR tactics in order to engage consumers most effectively across each social media platform. The company is and will continue to be committed to providing other marketers with the tools needed to be most successful in their roles.
Visit the company’s website and subscribe to The Core Blog for fresh produce marketing tips.
Congratulations to Beth and DMA Solutions on these new and exciting appointments! AndNowUKnow can't wait to see where you head next.
MCALLEN, TX – We are getting ever closer to the third annual Viva Fresh Produce Expo. As we gear up for the best of fresh and flare that the Texas/Mexico border has to offer in the dynamic setting that is Austin, Texas, Fox Packaging will be there to show you the latest method to pack it all up.
The company’s Stand Up Combo bag is its latest to launch to meet trends and innovations. The bag fits the packaging needs of a wide array of fresh produce, including the potato industry, citrus, and more, according to Executive Vice President of Fox Packaging Aaron Fox.
Aaron told me recently that pouch bags are a growing trend driven by consumers, adding not just to that segment of the company's business, but to the industry as a whole.
“Everyone is benefiting from this consumer-driven trend,” the executive told me, saying that the benefit to all sides of the industry, from grower/shippers, to retail, to the shopper, is what inspired Fox Packaging to create this latest addition.
Now, its proprietary technology and design adds to the expanding bag category. More ventilation gives produce items what they need to stay fresh, while also extending shelf-life to help producers and retailers reduce shrink. Additionally, the beautiful package is 100 percent recyclable for earth-conscious consumers and retailers.
“Having essentially invented the Combo bag, we helped to improve the poly bag segment by creating something of a new category when we upgraded the basic design,” Aaron shared. The Stand Up Combo Bag, he said, is a natural progression of that Combo bag.
See it in the flesh, so-to-speak, and learn more from the team itself when you swing by booth #609 on the Viva Fresh floor Saturday, April 22.
HIGHLAND, IN – The legacy of one of Indiana’s largest locally-owned supermarket chains is undergoing a major change, as the banner’s parent company announced that a majority of the stores currently under the Strack & Van Til name will be sold. The Central Grocers Cooperative released the information yesterday.
"While we don't yet have a signed deal, the proposed transaction calls for 22 stores to be sold as going concerns, which means they would continue to operate and we expect the buyer would offer employment opportunities to most of the stores' current personnel," CEO Jeff Strack said in a statement to The Times of Northwest Indiana.
Strack & Van Til is planning to sell off 22 of its stores to a currently unidentified buyer, where they will remain open under its new ownership. The deal also involves the closure of 9 of the chain’s Ultra Foods discount banner stores, according to Inside Indiana Business.
This news comes after Strack & Van Til last made headlines when it announced the closure of five of its stores earlier this spring. The chain is well known in its region after 58 years in business.
“We appreciate the great impact a store closure has on associates, customers, vendors and the community, and our team is committed to minimizing that impact in every way we can,” Strack said.
The Ultra Foods locations are closing from underperformance as a condition of the sale. The Times noted that these stores are all housed in the Chicago suburbs, which company executives have asserted as a crowded and competitive market.
Who is the buyer and how will the sale affect the buy-side landscape? AndNowUKnow will report.
PARSIPPANY, NJ – Kings Food Markets announced a slew of promotions and other leadership changes to the company’s executive, operations, and merchant teams today.
“Talented leadership is paramount to any company’s success,” said Judy Spires, Chairman and CEO of Kings Food Markets. “By promoting these key leaders within our company, and bringing in new, top-tier talent, Kings is further positioned for growth and inspiration, as we continue to push the boundaries within the food industry.”
In addition to several promotions from within, Kings has hired Daniel Gallagher as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Gallagher will apply his over 16 years’ experience in Senior Level Management positions as he oversees the company’s Finance and Loss Prevention Teams.
Executive promotions include:
- Jessica Gasser has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Strategic Services, where she will continue to oversee the areas of Human Resources, Labor Relations, and Information Technology and be responsible for leading strategic initiatives for the company.
- Joseph Parisi has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations. A 27-year Kings veteran, Parisi has held positions with increasing levels of responsibility, most recently as Vice President of Operations. In his new role, he will continue to oversee the Operations team.
- Arthur Goncalves has been promoted to Vice President of Center Store. Goncalves will oversee Center Store operations as well as pricing, brands and shelf management. Over the past 20 years, Goncalves has held various positions in the business, most recently, VP of Produce and Floral.
- Donna Mastellone has been promoted to Vice President, Produce and Floral, where she will oversee the category-management business plans for the produce and floral departments. Mastellone has held several roles in her 18-year tenure with Kings, including Director of Floral, Specialty Boutique Sales, and Merchandising.
- Allen Merken has been promoted to Senior Director, Engineering, Maintenance, and Construction, where he will continue to oversee remodels and renovations and be involved in site selection, analysis, and planning.
- Thomas McNerney has been promoted to Senior Director, Operations. McNerney will oversee the Operations and Quality Assurance departments.
- Kathe Benjamin has been promoted to Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations. Benjamin will oversee all aspects of Human Resources.
Additionally, key merchandising expansions included:
- Paul Hamilton has been promoted to Produce Buyer.
- Michele Edwards has been promoted to Floral Buyer.
For more important leadership moves in the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – H-E-B seems to have hinged its secret for consumer success on continuing to boost its market presence. And, as its reach continues to spread, the chain has asserted itself into one more position; the company announced on Tuesday that it is now the largest privately-held employer in Texas.
"This milestone represents our deep commitment to improving the lives of Texans and their families, and creating a work environment that brings the spirit of community to life every day while encouraging innovation, engagement, and success," said Craig Boyan, President and COO. "It takes great people to build a great company, and we look forward to providing even more Texans with meaningful career opportunities that bring new experiences, growth, and lifelong connections at H‑E‑B."
Referring to its employee population as its Partner, the company stated in a press release that it now has over 100,000 associates throughout Texas and Mexico. In Texas markets alone, the retailer holds over 90,000 Partners in its 332 stores.
H-E-B specifically noted that it has been investing into the state of Texas since the economic slowdown of 2008, since creating more than 24,000 jobs. This focus further emphasizes the chain's commitment to its markets, in addition to allowing efficient and friendly service, quality products, and low prices.
This news also comes on the anniversary of the company’s Partner Stock Plan, which further rewards H-E-B Partners for their hard work, dedication, and loyalty.
"In business and in life, people matter most," said Tina James, Senior Vice President for Human Resources for H‑E‑B. "Though simple, this philosophy has shaped H‑E‑B for 112 years. It's why we call our employees Partners–because we work together to achieve success and create a strong sense of pride within our stores and throughout the more than 300 communities we serve."
Forbes listed H-E-B as #13 on its list of America’s Largest Private Companies, however The Statesman speculated that the retailer could potentially break into the top 10 on the noted list if it continues to gain new Partners at a rate similar to last year.
Even more growth is on the docket for H-E-B as 2017 continues. The company plans to add nine new stores in Texas, with six more planned for Mexico.
How will this strategy further affect H-E-B's buy-side status? AndNowUKnow will report.
WILLIAMSPORT, MD - Maryland commuters were found going bananas on the way to work this past week, after a truck carrying a load of the sunny yellow produce item had overturned.
According to a report from the York Daily Record, officials were forced to close the ramp from U.S. 11 to Interstate 81 north in Maryland’s southern Washington County due to the slippery contents of the spill. The banana tractor trailer overturned around 2:50 a.m., remaining closed for nearly 7 hours as workers sought to return the bananas back to their rightful and uprighted home.
Maryland State Police - Hagerstown, Maryland State Highway Administration, and the Washington County Fire Police were all called to the scene to assist with traffic control.
Luckily, the banana truck captain remained mostly unscathed, the source reports, but no word was given on whether or not the bananas survived to reach their destiny as a smoothie or banana split.
From all of us at AndNowUKnow—travel safely, you never know when a banana peel might cause your next slip up.
SALINAS, CA – Mann Packing has officially launched the company’s latest leaf lettuce line into Canadian markets. Formerly under the Simply Singles® banner, the new Single Cut™ line includes Better Romaine™, Better Green Leaf™, Better Red Leaf™, and the company’s proprietary Better Burger Leaf™ lettuces.
“We’re thrilled to offer our single-cut leaf line to Canadian customers,” said Gina Nucci, Director of Corporate Marketing, in a press release. Nucci added, “Responding to consumers’ demand for fresh options, this line was developed to deliver variety, value, and the quality Mann’s is known for. We are excited and optimistic to introduce these products, and look forward to an enthusiastic consumer reaction."
The company’s innovative Better Burger Leaf is ideal for sandwiches, burgers, and wraps; with the crunchy texture of iceberg lettuce, and the frilly appearance of green leaf. The Better Romaine, Better Green Leaf and Better Red Leaf can easily be chopped for salads or used whole in a variety of dishes.
The hand-cut leafy lettuces fit perfectly in a newly modified atmospheric tray, which allows for fresher product throughout its 16-18 day shelf-life. For fresher flavor, the whole line of better-for-you lettuces are washed and ready to use, convenient and multiuse, preservative free, and verified non-GMO. All lettuces are grown on a family farm in the U.S.
The new labels for each of the single-cut whole leaf products bear the Mann’s logo, are similar in design, and use color to differentiate each variety. The color palette and typeface were designed to be approachable and appeal to millennial consumers. On the back of each label consumers will find simple preparation and usage suggestions.
This line of value-added lettuces are ideal for cross-promotions and multi-location merchandising. The line can be merchandised directly next to other leafy greens, premium leaf and whole head lettuce sets, a refrigerated end-cap, or free standing refrigerated island for higher visibility.
The new Single Cut™ line is available now to Canadian customers and will be showcased at CPMA, May 9-11, in booth #1320.