- Read more about Friday Morning, March 31st 2017
- Log in to post comments
BENTONVILLE, AR - It’s official, Walmart’s sixth distribution center in the U.S. is in the works. As the retailer continues its trek for growth, reports of a massive Alabama-based distribution facility were confirmed with excitement from both the chain and the port.
The latest addition to the retailer’s distribution arm will be a $135 million investment, spanning 2.5-million-square-feet.
“As you know, there’s been a tremendous competition for the distribution center that Walmart is going to build here in Mobile,” said Public Affairs Director Glen Wilkins at the ceremony opening ceremony, according to the Alabama News Center. “I think we did a great job choosing Mobile. I think that was a fantastic idea.”
As we reported previously, Alabama approved tax incentives for Walmart to push forward last July, with hopes the facility might be in service by December of 2018.
The project is set to bring 550 jobs to the Port of Mobile, as the import distribution facility looks to service upwards of 800 stores.
“Walmart’s decision to locate an import distribution center in Mobile County is a clear signal that Alabama is serious about creating jobs for its citizens and expanding the potential of the Port of Mobile,” said Gov. Robert Bentley at the ceremony. “Walmart is making a substantial investment in Alabama, and we look forward to expanding our valuable partnership with the company through this project.”
The news source noted that the 4,000-acre seaport is one of the busiest deep-water ports in the U.S., handling more than 50 million tons of cargo a year on average.
“We are excited about how this facility will help us serve customers from Alabama to the Great Lakes, and the economic impact it will have through local job creation and future economic development in the Mobile area,” said Jeff Breazeale, VP of Direct Import Logistics. “We are grateful to the State of Alabama, Mobile County, the City of Mobile, and the Alabama State Port Authority for the support we have received throughout this process, and we look forward to a strong relationship with the community for years to come.”
These 550 job opportunities will offer an average of $35,000 a year, the retailer said, with some salaried workers earning upwards of $50,000. Walmart currently employs more than 38,000 in the state of Alabama.
LOS ANGELES, CA – This past winter was a cold, wet, and oftentimes snowy one for most of the U.S. As the industry thaws out for a delightful-looking spring thus far, reports are rolling in with a preemptive look at upcoming seasons. In this vein, Gourmet Trading Company has announced that its blueberry season is looking to be one of its best yet.
“We’ve been really fortunate this year,” stated Luciano Fiszman, Blueberry Category Manager. “Our prime farm locations in addition to our fruitful season means an abundance of fresh and tasty blueberries this spring.”
This year’s crop is looking bountiful for Gourmet Trading Company, as it is boasting increased volume and high-quality crops that have been unaffected by recent weather. According to a press release, this year’s crop may yield some of the company’s best blueberries to date.
The company has partnered with farms in Georgia, Florida, and California in order to cultivate its premium selections. Gourmet Trading Company stated that its farms and crops in the Southeast were fortunate to escape the recent freeze that passed through the area.
Additionally this season, Gourmet Trading Company is especially excited to bring berries to market from its Delano, CA, farm.
“The berries we cultivate here are varieties that are extremely large and flavorful," continued Fiszman. "The farm has some of the earliest production in California, so we can meet the demand of our customers who are eager for blueberry season to start.”
To further emphasize the high-quality selections of its spring blueberries, Gourmet Trading Company is bringing its brand to the forefront of consumer interest through high-profile promotions. As we previously reported, the company has continued its partnership with Sony Pictures Animation to bring beloved Smurfs characters back to its packaging.
As spring seasons pick up speed, count on AndNowUKnow for all the latest in crop and market updates.
NEW YORK, NY - A big IPO looks to be in the near future for meal kit pioneer Blue Apron. CNBC has reported that sources revealed the company has hired investment bankers to lead its 2017 initial public offering.
According to the report, Blue Apron has chosen Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup as lead bankers for the offering, with sources predicting that the actual IPO could come as soon as this fall. As we shared last October, when shopping for the right bankers allegedly took place, Blue Apron could be valued at as much as $3 billion.
It has not been a secret to the produce industry that meal kit companies have grown increasingly competitive over the past handful of years. With HelloFresh, Plated, and Chefs Plate, just to name a few, cropping up across the U.S., the upward climb for market share has been a steep one. And as Reuters reported just last week, organic meal kit company Sun Basket has hired bankers for its own IPO that could come as early as the second half of 2017.
As the meal kit industry continues to grow its position as a prime produce purveyor, and Blue Apron continues on its path towards an IPO, AndNowUKnow will continue to provide you with the latest.
SANDPOINT, ID - The OPA by Litehouse™ Greek Yogurt Dressing line has been all the rave since its launch just three years ago. Free of trans fat, MSG, artificial preservatives, and gluten, these favorites have expanded to focus on the pourable jar. And the excitement around the category is only beginning.
“As the consumer landscape changes, we’ve seen Millennials continue to rise as a key buying demographic across all aisles of the supermarket,” Margi Gunter, Brand Manager, shares. “With the growth in refrigerated salad dressings (RSD) we’ve learned that Millennials really love OPA but prefer the ease of the pourable jar. We’ve also had research tell us that they spend limited time in the grocery store, but 40% of that time is in produce where our line calls home.”
In response to the demand for more options in the category, Litehouse has added five new flavors to its original lineup of Avocado Cilantro, Strawberry Poppyseed, Roasted Garlic, Tzatziki Ranch and Curry. The new faces now include Feta Dill, Ranch, Blue Cheese, Caesar and Jalapeno Ranch and will be available for retailer orders May 1st.
Litehouse has conducted extensive consumer studies to narrow down the scope on these flavor profiles, graphics, and packaging. Presenting all the health benefits of a low calorie, higher protein dressing option, the line is further elevated by the great taste and versatility it delivers.
“As of January 15, OPA was the fastest growing brand in the refrigerated salad dressings category in the U.S. for the 52 weeks prior, and we think this communicates the impact of Greek yogurt-based dressings at grocery,” Margi tells me.
With 1.4 billion PR impressions in 2016, this company with its OPA brand looks to be growing its footprint across demographics and the competitive RSD landscape.
OCEANSIDE, CA - New product offerings are in the works for Oceanside Pole and its marketing partner Oppy. After 75 years growing exceptional Roma and vine-ripened tomatoes on the same land, Oceanside Pole has taken the plunge with its first-ever foray into product diversification—producing Brussels sprouts during Southern California cool winter months.
“The quality of our Brussels sprouts is looking very good,” noted General Manager Priya Singh. “Brussels sprouts actually like the cold weather. We’ve had a couple freezes, and the cold weather actually improves taste.”
In the relatively hot, arid region, Brussels sprouts are a perfect off-season crop to supplement Oceanside Pole’s line of tomatoes. As winter weather gives way to warmth in the traditionally hot climes of Southern California, the company’s Brussels sprouts have matured and are currently being harvested.
“We’re growing at a time when Northern California has issues producing. We fit a perfect climate and a perfect window to produce them,” Singh states. “And the fact that we’ve been wanting to expand into new products has worked out well for us. We’ll be harvesting from about mid-March to the end of May, and we’re excited about the next five weeks.”
The company’s sprouts are currently available in 25-pound cartons, and should demand arise, Oceanside Pole is able to provide one- or two-pound value-added netted bags. Various point-of-sale materials are available through Oppy—including versions that outline recipe ideas and highlight the company’s heritage. Oppy also offers customizable materials for retail promotions and plans to support the company’s latest offering with online and social media content.
For more on this and other exciting companies in the produce industry, check in with AndNowUKnow.
PLEASANTON, CA - Produce industry members gathered from near and far in Pleasanton, California, to connect and campaign yesterday, reigning in the annual Northern California Fresh Produce and Floral Expo.
While this was only my third year attending, I couldn’t help but notice a broader stroke in exhibitors, as well as a spike in those telling me it was their first year doing so. FPFC President Carissa Mace confirmed this when I asked her what set this Expo apart from the rest.
“This year we wanted to focus on bringing more independent businesses and foodservice distributors into the mix,” Carissa shared. “Much of the feedback we received from attendees and council members was a desire to invite a more diverse range of exhibitors, and the result has been a wider variety of both exhibitors and attendees. It’s been great to see more of those that act as the buying arms for the industry.”
In total, over 200 companies showcased their culture and products at 158 booths. On the buy-side, Raley's, Safeway/Albertsons, Whole Foods, Bel Air, and Grocery Outlet were amongst the turnout, as well as a number of distributors that feed into smaller, more independent markets.
With upwards of 1,000 attendees for the event, there was a comfortable buzz of energy in the intimate floor setting.
While there were periodic sounds of small victories as a number of those in attendance won gift cards and various prizes from the raffle, it was the coveted Best in Show booths that ended the Expo with a bang.
Congratulations to the two title winners:
- Produce: United with Earth Corp.
- Floral: Kendall Farms
And another congratulations to the Fresh Produce and Floral Council, for putting on another successful event to welcome those from all corners to Northern California for some fresh foods, networking, and fun.
If you missed it, stay tuned! AndNowUKnow has more to come from this annual stone in the produce calendar.
WATSONVILLE, CA – Pushing its continued focus on consumer engagement, California Giant Berry Farms has launched a new campaign to further connect shoppers with its berries. The company has unveiled “Follow Us to Our Farm,” to further emphasize its item level traceback program.
As part of the campaign, the company built a consumer sweepstakes around the traceback component that is featured on the bottom of each of its containers. As California Giant’s marketing staff connects with its shoppers on a daily basis, the company sent out personalized emails after the first day of Spring to herald the campaign which will run March through September.
“Since the emails were sent to existing California Giant customers, chances are they already have our berries in their fridge or on their shopping list. This is one more way engage and keep building trust with our consumer base,” stated Cindy Jewell, VP of Marketing. “Once shoppers enter the code on the website, they are taken to a landing page with information on which region their berries were grown, where they also see photos from the farm, featured recipes, and more.”
According to a press release, these emails were sent to the California Giant shoppers in the company’s database. The emails said:
Spring has arrived, along with the opportunity to Follow Us to Our Farm for a chance to win! Throughout the peak of strawberry season, lucky winners will win a $100 Visa gift card by entering the 16-digit code from their California Giant strawberry containers and virtually visiting our sweet-smelling fields. Plus, an additional grand prize winner will receive a $250 Visa gift card! Simply follow these steps when you purchase California Giant strawberries.
California Giant first implemented its commitment to invest in item level traceability on its fresh berry clamshells, as part of its comprehensive food safety program over four years ago. The company stated that its trading partners have enjoyed that each clamshell can be traced back to the farm using the unique 16-digit code on the bottom of each package.
As California Giant continues to invest in its consumer connection, AndNowUKnow will continue to update with all the latest marketing endeavors.
BAKERSFIELD, CA – With eyes set on remaining an exemplary partner to its retail customers, Grimmway Farms has recently been recognized for its stature in leadership, partnership, and commitment in regards to the buy-side sector. The company recently received the highly-coveted 2016 Produce Vendor of the Year Award from Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions of Southern California.
“All of us at Grimmway Farms are honored to receive this distinguished award,” said Jeff Huckaby, President. “Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions of Southern California are significant patrons of both our organic and conventional produce, so this recognition is particularly meaningful to us as it validates our commitment to these partnerships and our long-standing promise to all of our customers.”
Senior executives from Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions presented the award to Huckaby at a recent awards luncheon ceremony held in Fullerton, California, according to a press release.
“We could not have received this honor if not for the efforts of the entire Grimmway organization,” Huckaby added. “My sincere appreciation goes out to each member of our team for their unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality product, great service, and transparency.”
This award is just the latest to be laid on the Grimmway Farms mantle. The company also recently received the Produce Trailblazer Award from Grocery Headquarters (2017), Supplier of the Year from Whole Foods Market (2015), and Vendor Development Award from Loblaw Companies Limited (2014).
What successes will Grimmway Farms add to its belt next? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
YUBARI, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN - Those who have been following AndNowUKnow are aware that we have a penchant for pricey produce. And I, in particular, have found myself eagerly awaiting the annual return of Japan’s Yubari melon season and auction. This year’s auction came with an additional bit of exciting news—a sale of two premium Yubari cantaloupes tipped the scales at $27,000, a sale price record.
At around $13,500 per melon, you’re probably wondering why anyone in their right mind would shell out that much cash for a pair of fruits. Well, for starters, Yubari melons are rare. The specific variety in question is called the “Yubari King,” a unique cross between two types of cantaloupe that can only be produced in northern Japan’s Yubari region. And, as U.K. news source Independent reports, Yubari King melons also gain their hefty price tag from their renowned sweetness.
Normally around $50 to $100 a pop—an already painfully high price for most melons I’m used to—the melons in question set the record for highest purchase price for Yubaris. Prior to the sale, Yubari melons could barely top out at $24,000, Independent added, around $3,000 less than the newly set record.
Who was lucky (or unlucky) enough to go home with this lovely pair of prized melons? A supermarket buyer in Hyogo Prefecture, who, according to the report, shared, “I wanted to return a favor to the farmers of Yubari, who help us every year.”
Will you be on the next plane to Japan to battle it out with your fellow bidders? If so, be sure to fill in ANUK!