LEAMINGTON, ON – With an eye on pushing produce and our beloved industry to future generations, NatureFresh™ Farms has announced another year of summer internships for its mobile Greenhouse Education Center (GEC).
“The Center For Growing Talent by PMA encourages organizations like NatureFresh™ Farms to employ students in their operations. These types of unique initiatives give students the hands on experience they need to understand and succeed in the produce industry,” said Alicia Calhoun, Vice-President of Talent Portfolio, Center for Growing Talent by PMA.
The program was first successfully launched in 2016. NatureFresh™ stated in a press release that through the assistance of Calhoun and her team, the company is talk about employment opportunities by directly connecting with colleges and universities in North America.
NatureFresh™ will focus its recruitment efforts on colleges and universities that offer agriculture, agri-science, agri-business, health, and food marketing programs. Last year, the company received applications from all over the country from students with varied ag and business backgrounds. For its 2016 GEC tour, NatureFresh™ employed students from Michigan State, Ohio State, University of Windsor, and University of Missouri.
The GEC team travels throughout the summer, talking to schools, summer camps, city centers, and retail locations about how NatureFresh™’s offerings are grown as part of the company’s #WeAreTheGrower story. The company stated the mobile GEC has seen tremendous success over the last two years reaching thousands of consumers, promoting healthy eating, and sharing the NatureFresh™ story.
"The Greenhouse Education Center internship was an invaluable and unforgettable experience. It gave me the opportunity to learn firsthand about the greenhouse and food industry, by traveling and directly engaging with producers, retailers, and consumers. I completed the program equipped with skills and a strong network to pursue a career in the produce industry,” said Adam Mefrakis, 2016 GEC Team Member and recent graduate of the University of Missouri.
The GEC team travels throughout the entire East Coast and Midwest in the U.S., and Ontario in Canada. During its tour, the company promotes the #WeAreTheGrower story for its greenhouse tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
As we reported last year, NatureFresh™ is planning to once again harness the power of digital and social media to promote its hiring blitz and #GreenInTheCity tour, as well as through its website. All postings for the summer are listed on the company’s site.
VANCOUVER, CANADA - The Oppenheimer Group sustained its 16-year-long streak this week, being honored as one of Canada’s best-managed companies.
“This recognition is only possible because everyone at Oppy lives our expect the world from us promise day in and day out,” said John Anderson, Chairman, President, and CEO, in a press release. “It’s a commitment we all make, and it’s what helps us succeed in the complex landscape of our industry.”
The company was tipped as one of the best managed by the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program—a program sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, Canadian Business Magazine, Queen's Smith School of Business, and MacKay CEO Forums that recognizes organizations with innovative, world-class business practices.
Additionally, Oppy was named to the Best Managed Platinum Club—a distinction for top-performing companies that earn a place among the best for six years or more—for its tenth time.
“It’s great to be named to this prestigious group once again,” remarked Anderson. “Next year, Oppy will celebrate 160 years in business. So, for over 10 percent of our history, we’ve been recognized as a best managed organization. That’s a fine credit to our strategy and the amazing commitment of people across the organization.”
Oppy has been chosen as one of Canada’s best managed companies every year since it first applied in 2001. Best managed applications are reviewed annually by an independent judging panel that evaluates how companies address various business challenges—including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent.
Oppy’s recognition comes, in large part, as a result of the company’s achievements throughout 2016. Oppy achieved record revenues across its business units and accomplished a number of initiatives including:
- A joint venture with Rincon Fresh to strengthen its berry category
- Successful marketing campaigns for Jazz, Envy, and Pacific Rose apples and Zespri SunGold kiwifruit
- Delivering a record-breaking season for Orchard View cherries
- Being honored as having one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures
For more on Oppy and other exceptional companies in fresh produce, check in with us at AndNowUKnow.
MIDWEST and EAST COAST - Those looking to get a head start on SEPC travel may be met with some unexpected delays. Stormy weather and uproarious winds are making many travelers departing from the Midwest and the East Coast wary of late or cancelled flights.
AccuWeather reports that gusts of wind as high as 80 mph have been occuring in the region, and have been strong enough to break tree limbs, spark power outages, and trigger travel delays. As of Wednesday evening, the source shared that nearly 1,200,000 utility customers have already lost power from the Great Lakes to the central Appalachians.
And with the wind proceeding eastward, wind-related airline delays could be rampant from Chicago to Detroit, Pittsburgh, Toronto, New York City, and Philadelphia. Flights that don’t see delays will likely see low-levels of turbulence.
As the high winds continue, they will be concentrated from the lower Peninsula of Michigan to Southwest Ontario, western New York, and part of western Pennsylvania, AccuWeather says. The continuous winds in this area may frequent between 50 and 60 mph, hitting even higher speeds in some locales.
Flight delays and cancellations have not been revealed by officials as of now, but the AndNowUKnow crew will update you as information rolls.
HOUSTON, TX - Albertsons is closing its Randalls distribution center and office in Houston—in an effort to streamline its operations in the competitive North Texas market.
According to The Dallas Morning News, Albertsons will combine its subsidiary’s Houston operations with its own operations, through an office in Fort Worth and a distribution center in Roanoke.
The company expects to transition its office operations over the next three months—noting that the distribution center will take longer.
While the closures will result in the loss of 205 jobs, Director of Public Relations Connie Yates noted that the company is looking to relocate employees: "Our human resources team is actively working to align all displaced employees with other opportunities in Houston, as well as potential transfer options to other facilities.”
Albertsons currently operates 29 Randalls stores in Houston and 15 in Austin.
The Roanoke distribution center will now supply Albertsons, Tom Thumb, and Randalls stores in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The grocery company has 64 Tom Thumb and 42 Albertsons stores in North Texas.
KINGSVILLE, ON - Now for the eighth consecutive year, Mastronardi Produce has announced it has once again been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
“Eight years as one of Canada’s Best Managed is a true honor,” shared company President Paul Mastronardi. “This award is for our entire Mastronardi team, in all locations. You are dedicated and passionate about this business, and it is because of you that we are where we are now. Congratulations!”
Each year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies are recognized for their sustained growth, financial performance, management practices, and the efforts of the entire organization. As the company shared in its press release, Mastronardi Produce is thrilled to have maintained Platinum member status as one of Canada’s Best.
“Companies that earn Platinum Club status exemplify exceptional vision and leadership, and a sustained commitment to growth and innovation,” explained Jon Hountalas, Executive Vice President, Business and Corporate Banking, CIBC. “CIBC is proud to recognize these and all of the 2017 Canada’s Best Managed Companies winners as leaders in their industries.”
To learn more about Mastronardi Produce’s renowned unique and flavorful SUNSET® branded produce, innovative packaging, sustainable business practices, and more, visit sunsetgrown.com.
CORONA, CA – For the second year in a row, Veg-Fresh Farms is taking its Good Life Organic™ brand into the fast lane, supporting NASCAR K&N Pro Series West competition driver Blaine Perkins as a season sponsor. Perkins is a part of the California produce family—he is the son of Ryan Perkins, the Director of Sales for well-known Bakersfield company, Delano Farms.
“We’re proud to support Blaine in another year of his racing career,” said Dino Cancellieri, General Partner at Veg-Fresh Farms. “Not only do we see this as an excellent way to honor our friendship and partnership with the Delano Farms team, but we also see value in getting our organic brand in front of Blaine’s fans and social media followers. That generation is queued to be the next one making purchase decisions at the store, so we’re excited about the idea of getting in front of them now.”
This is Perkins' second year under the tutelage of veteran NASCAR driver Steve Portenga, according to a press release. In 2016, his rookie season, Perkins made a name for himself as “a rising star” in the NASCAR world, tallying ten top-10 finishes in fourteen appearances.
Under this sponsorship, Veg-Fresh Farms’ Good Life Organic™ brand will grace the hood of Perkins’ race car. The brand will join those of other sponsors: Four Star Fruit, Golden Gate Meat Company, and Double Eagle Produce.
“We’re excited to partner again with Veg-Fresh Farms along with all our other great sponsors—they help make each season possible,” said Ryan Perkins at Delano Farms. “We’re looking forward to having our friends at Veg-Fresh cheering Blaine on at our Irwindale race coming up March 25!”
The 2017 K&N Pro Series season kicked off in February, and more races will be taking place from spring until late fall. You can check out Perkins’ races live on NBC Sports throughout the season!
OXNARD, CA – Brent Scattini is on the rise at Mission Produce, as the company looks to boost its avocado offerings even further throughout the globe. Mission announced today that Scattini has been promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
“I’ve been in the produce industry for most of my life, and all of my career. Mission is a juggernaut when it comes to the avocado category, and the company is in a solid position of strength for the future. As we continue to grow the business globally, I’m confident that my experience and outlook can help us extend our position as the category leader in avocados,” stated Scattini.
Scattini joined Mission Produce only a few short months ago at the end of last year, in his initial role as Vice President of Sales for North America. In his current executive position, Scattini will oversee the company’s global sales and marketing efforts as Mission expands its footprint, according to a press release.
“Brent is a strong cultural fit for us. His background in the produce industry, along with his management style, are well-suited for Mission,” said President and CEO Steve Barnard. “We have lofty global growth goals, and we feel that Brent’s approach to team-building, customer development and strategy will keep us on a rapid growth curve.”
Scattini’s goals on the Mission team will be to keep the company’s leadership position and future business at the forefront of his endeavors. Barnard also stated that in his new position, Scattini will fulfill in an important role in the company and its prospective growth.
Scattini brings 27 years of produce prowess to the position, and also comes to the industry from a five-generation farming family in Salinas. Prior to joining Mission, Scattini served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Gold Coast Packing, where he worked for the past 6 years. Previously to that, Scattini was Director of Sales for Grimmway Farms for 15 years. Scattini also serves on the Board of Directors for the United Fresh Produce Association, and is currently Co-Chair of the PMA Foodservice Committee.
“Mission has a great team in place. My goal is to continue to develop our people, programs, and category expertise to further enhance our ability to service our global customer base,” continued Scattini. “Our global footprint is expanding, and my efforts will go toward developing the business in each of the end-user markets we serve in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.”
Mission Produce operates eight ripe distribution centers in North America, and is currently completing other facilities in Canada, Europe, and China.
Going to SEPC? Stop by the Mission Produce booth #215 to say hi and congratulate him.
Congratulations on the appointment, Brent, and we can't wait to see where you head next!
HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP, PA - An expansive new Weis Markets prototype store is set to open this week in the competitive West Shore market.
"We want this to be our latest and greatest and we have some new ideas here," said Kurt Schertle, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, in a report from local news source Penn Live.
The new 65,000-sq.-ft. store has an expansive local foods section, more than 1,900 organic and gluten free products, and will feature a massive produce department. It will also be replete with gas pumps, a drive-thru pharmacy, a pub, an ice cream parlor, and a Choboni Yogurt Bar.
The new supermarket will offer 1,200 conventional and 200 organic items, as well as eight varieties of fresh sqeezed juices, fruit and vegetable butchering, and fresh-ground peanut and almond butter.
"We are sort of a middle-of-the-road supermarket," said Jonathan Weis, the chain's Chief Executive Officer. "We always have one eye on pricing, and we compete with massive, massive competitors such as Royal Ahold, Wal-Mart, and Wegmans—and others who do a tremendous volume. So, that tempers our thinking. But, on the other hand, we have to be on trend. We want to be interesting, not boring or dull. We just have a philosophy that we're not going to be afraid to fail.”
The store has been a long time coming; its location was proposed more than six years ago and is set to open at 8:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, March 9, 2017.
The prototype store will also incorporate a number of environmentally-friendly innovations—including LED lighting and skylights and advanced refrigeration technologies aimed at reducing refrigerant emissions by 60 percent.
Weis hopes to use the new store as a test case, eventually incorporating the most successful elements of the prototype store into the chain’s other locations.
"What works we will move to the other stores. What doesn't have applications, we won't," said Schertle. "Do we think we know what is going to work? Yes. Is it all going to work? We know it won't, and we'll pivot from there."
How will the store’s success going forward reshape Weis’s business? What implications will this have on the retail landscape? AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date with the latest information.
LEAMINGTON, ON - Change is in the air for Pure Flavor, with an eye on growth both within the company and throughout the evolving produce program as a whole. To kick off 2017, Pure Flavor hit the ground running with a ground breaking early this year, on a new office expansion at its Leamington headquarters.
Matt Mastronardi, Chief Marketing Officer, joins me to dish on all things Pure Flavor and to pull back the curtain on the exciting times for the greenhouse innovator.
“The latest office expansion at our headquarters will be bringing the company's footprint to approximately double its size.” Matt shares, “At our recently expanded greenhouse in Canada, we will be adding additional R&D growing zones, all in an effort to continue to enhance what we currently offer our customers and to test new crops/varieties that aren’t available yet in our industry. To accompany our growing R&D, a section of the office expansion will be dedicated solely to market research and product development, with the focus on creating more environmentally friendly packaging, packaging that will enhance shelf-life and consumer experiences, a cooking area to help provide new ideas for the culinary artist, and much more.”
The newfound space has a combination of private offices, cubic sections, open floor plans, and quiet spaces where the Pure Flavor team can cultivate collaboration. With this project, the team will create 20 new full time positions in total.
When I ask Matt, what motivated Pure Flavor to take on this new project, he tells me that the company has been experiencing rapid double-digit growth for several years, which reflects an increase in opportunities for our businesses. This means making more room for current employees working at the headquarters and laying the foundation to future support growth and expansions.
“The newfound space will also prompt the company’s new rebranding initiatives that stimulate the Pure Flavor’s forward-thinking mindset, creative lifestyle, and core values without barriers.” Matt adds, “In preparation for future growth, we intend to provide a paid internship program with the nearby post-secondary education institute to empower the next generation to enter the produce industry.”
Congrats, Pure Flavor, on an exciting year ahead. And as a little teaser for next time, stay tuned for even more news from the Pure Flavor team!
SEATTLE, WA - As Amazon continues to seek a firmer foothold in grocery and other retail sectors, its Fresh arm has announced an expansion into the South Florida market.
Bringing delivery of several perishable departments, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, baked goods, dairy products, prepared meals, and a number of other items, distribution is stemming from the company’s Miami-Dade warehouse, according to the Sun Sentinel.
AmazonFresh’s delivery service is now available exclusively to its Prime members with a $40 minimum order requirement in the following Florida cities:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hollywood
- Miramar
- Miami Gardens
- Coral Gables
- Hialeah
- Westchester
- Kendall
The company touts a wide selection of organics, daily specials, and deals; the news source reports, for example, a 3-pound bag of Granny Smith apples priced at $5.07, a dozen cage-free eggs at $2.71, and a gallon of organic milk for $6.99.
Customers can expect evening deliveries for early morning orders, as well as next morning deliveries for evening orders.
Amazon Prime members can shop and schedule delivery off its free app or on desktop computers. Its membership is currently priced at an additional $99 a year, or $14.99 per month, for Fresh, on top of an Amazon Prime membership–currently $99 a year or $10.99 a month.
This is the latest from the Amazon umbrella in a series of strategic delivery and transport announcements. Previously we reported the e-commerce giant’s plans for investing in its own air cargo hub, as well as interest in sea transport and logistics.
AndNowUKnow will continue to follow this and other retail moves in the industry.