SANDPOINT, ID - Litehouse Inc. knows that nothing can heat you up in cold weather quite like the delicious warmth of a plate of hot wings. With the company’s new promotion, “Bring on the Heat,” Litehouse is helping consumers gear up for the biggest football game of the year with its cool dips for hot wings—not to mention for the wide array of possible produce accompaniments. From January 22 through February 4, the company will offer retailers support for its Homestyle Ranch and Chunky Bleu Cheese dressings, highlighting that they are the perfect addition to any tailgate or party.
"With the excitement around the end of football season, this promotion is a fun and organic way to connect with consumers around pop culture events that are a part of their life," Camille Balfanz, Litehouse's Brand Manager tells me. "Keeping both the consumer and retailer top of mind, we developed a dynamic, multi-touchpoint national promotion to engage with shoppers and support sales—all while highlighting our best-tasting ranch and our signature blue cheese dressings."
Vaulting off the success of last year’s successful “Dip it, Dunk it, Wing it” promotion, the brand is again angling to increase sales for retailers by engaging consumers ahead of the Big Game. “Bring on the Heat” puts the spotlight on two cool Litehouse dressing flavors, aiming to help soothe the heat of hot wings: ranch, a favorite flavor profile for millennials, and bleu cheese, what the company refers to as the favorite flavor profile of all other generations. Litehouse data points to Americans eating a projected more than 1.25 billion chicken wings during the 2017 Big Game, making these dressings prime for a hot promotion.
In its entirety, the “Bring on the Heat,” promotion will be supported by initiatives such as:
- In-store campaign, including signage, sampling, and $1 off instant redeemable coupon, in select retailers
- Free standing insert (FSI) with $1 off coupon, in select markets
- “Party Tips for the Big Game” Satellite Media Tour hosted by a notable lifestyle expert
- Mat release featuring hot eats and cool tips for hosting a Big Game party
- Integrated social campaign and consumer sweepstakes polling consumers on their favorite wing dip for a chance to win a game day “party in a box”
To find out more about Litehouse dressings and its wide array of other products perfect for Game Day, check out www.LitehouseFoods.com.
ELGIN, MN - When it comes to producing memorable and craveable apple varieties, Honeybear Brands understands that sometimes it takes a few tries, a lot of patience, and a little bit of luck. With close to 100 varieties currently in multiple stages of pre-commercial development, the Elgin, Minnesota-based apple leader is no stranger to putting in the work to make sure the apple-loving American public has the product they want. As the company's Pazazz apple arrives as the latest star of the company’s varietal development program, take a deeper look, and welcome to What’s in Store.
For every one of the hundreds of varieties Honeybear has evaluated over the years along with its growing and packing partners in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Washington State, and Nova Scotia, a comprehensive array of testing includes everything from assessing the right microclimates, growing locations, and soil types, to evaluating tree productivity, yield, disease resistance, and so much more. On average, a new apple variety takes nearly 10 years to perfect.
But once you find a great variety, how can you get consumers to pay attention? Beyond the in-depth testing process, Honeybear gives great weight to customer feedback. Honeybear’s varietal development team works closely with retail store managers, buyers, and their customers to understand where a potential new variety will fit into the in-store apple line up, assessing its place as either a niche or everyday variety, or if it would cannibalize a market for a pre-existing variety.
Two of the company’s latest exciting apple varieties to come out of this extensive process are RiverBelle and Pazazz. Only grown in the Midwest, RiverBelle has quickly become an early Summer season local favorite. And Pazazz, a descendent of the crowd-pleasing Honeycrisp, is garnering wide North American appeal while being grown across the U.S. and Canada. Expectations for Pazazz to be the next truly national apple variety are high, thanks to rapid increases in planted acreage, strong production volumes, and more retailers than ever jumping on board to showcase this exceptional apple. In the first two months of 2017, there will be more commercially produced Pazazz in more retailers and more geographical markets than ever before. Thank you for watching What’s in Store.
NEWARK, DE - The Oppy team is growing! Eric Jones, Oppy’s new Senior Sales Representative, is joining the company with an extensive background in both the grower and retail spheres.
“When I moved from retail to the supply-side, I gained very helpful and detailed knowledge about growing produce, while also adapting my skills to serve different kinds of retailers,” Jones said, according to a press release. “I look forward to applying this experience at Oppy and contributing in every way that I can.”
Jones, who joined Oppy on December 21, was recently employed as Domestic Sales Manager for Sun Pacific, where he’d started as a sales executive in April 2013. Previously, Jones spent nearly a decade and a half at Giant Eagle, Inc. of Pittsburgh, PA., serving first in store operations and ultimately as a category manager.
In previous roles, Jones developed season-long programs for citrus, grapes, and kiwifruit, experience readily transferrable to three of Oppy’s signature categories. While at Giant Eagle, Jones oversaw retail strategies for various product lines, ranging from apples and pears to cherries and stonefruit, gaining expertise relevant to numerous Oppy items.
Jones, a Pittsburgh native was drawn to the opportunity to move his young family closer to home. Oppy was recently recognized as as one of Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2016 in the enterprise category.
“As our volume and product assortment grows, we have the great opportunity of meeting the challenge with the best service possible,” said Bill Poulos, Oppy’s Newark-based Sales Manager, according to the release. “With strong product knowledge and leadership experience on both the supply and retail side, Eric brings the ideal skillset to our team.”
Oppy continues to grow strategically, achieving record sales in 2016, up 10 percent in volume over 2015.
UNITED STATES – Could fresh produce soon be launched further into consumer hands, and inspire further healthy food choices throughout the nation? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is introducing a new pilot program that would extend Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to e-commerce groceries.
"Online purchasing is a potential lifeline for SNAP participants living in urban neighborhoods and rural communities where access to healthy food choices can be limited," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack stated in a press release. "We're looking forward to being able to bring the benefits of the online market to low-income Americans participating in SNAP."
Not only will this program look to offer eligible consumers access to fresh produce and healthy food no matter their location, but will also answer a growing consumer demand for ease of access to convenient groceries.
The pilot program will last for two years, and is slated to begin this summer. For a well-rounded test of the program, seven retailers have been tapped to participate. Spanning from regional to national reach, the chains exist in both urban and rural settings to test different settings for users.
The initial chains, and the states their e-commerce platforms will cover, are as follows:
- Amazon: Maryland, New Jersey, New York
- FreshDirect: New York
- Safeway: Maryland, Oregon, Washington
- ShopRite: Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
- Hy-Vee, Inc: Iowa
- Hart’s Local Grocers: New York
- Dash’s Market: New York
The USDA intends to offer the fresh produce selections of more retailers as the pilot progresses, though the initial chains selected will help the USDA work out technical logistics of the program. The program was cultivated with the intention of taking it to national coverage.
This new e-commerce benefit plan is further bolstered by the USDA’s mission to up consumption of fresh produce by incentivizing SNAP receivers to purchase more fresh produce. This focus also extends to the e-commerce pilot.
As consumers continue to look towards accessibility, is this move the latest in the growing impact of online groceries? Stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest buy-side news.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – In recent years, vegetables are increasingly taking center stage. Retailers are taking notice; as the arc of food trends curves more and more toward fresh produce, those that want to stay competitive must get ahead of shoppers demands for increasing quantities—and varieties—of fruits and veggies.
“Vegetable-centric eating is finally mainstream, and it’s paving ways for the future of food and produce consumption,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce, in a press release. “Retailers are embracing this change by expanding the number of vibrantly colored vegetables and providing more produce variety for shoppers.”
Frieda’s, a forerunner in fresh food trends for years, has identified four emerging produce trends that sellers can capitalize on in 2017:
Radishes
As root-to-stem cooking makes its way from restaurants to home kitchen, Frieda’s predicts that specialty radishes—popular with chefs for the last few years—will take hold with shoppers. A variety of radish varieties were recently featured on Bravo’s “Top Chef Charleston”—from daikon to French breakfast to watermelon radishes. Vibrantly-colored, brightly-flavored, and capped with nutritious, edible tops, radishes are an attractive item to feature and may wind up being the kale of 2017.
Purple Cauliflower
Cauliflower has been on the cusp of a renaissance of late, and with consumers increasingly eyeing purple veggies this year, purple cauliflower might push this category over the brink. Gorgeously-arranged vegetable trays and pickle boards featuring the cruciferous vegetable are already popping up on gourmands’ Instagrams. Even TV Food Personality Alton Brown called cauliflower the “ingredient of the year” in 2016.
Hard Squashes
Squash isn’t just for Fall anymore. Consumers’ demand for soups, grain bowls, and spiralized noodles could push hard squash to the forefront in 2017. Butternut, delicata, and other hard squashes are nutrient-dense and hardy, capable of carrying an entrée, and are increasingly becoming the darlings of veg-centric cooking.
Tropical Fruits and Aromatics
Jackfruit, lychees, dragon fruit, and starfruits are increasingly-trending, with consumers becoming more and more fond of trendy tiki cocktails and island cuisine. And aromatics like turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass are along for the ride!
Retailers looking to boost sales can take advantage of these on-trend categories. For more on fresh produce trends, check in with us at AndNowUKnow.
CALIFORNIA - Flooding and dangerous conditions will continue to hit California into the middle of this week, with a succession of storms unleashing what AccuWeather is describing as “torrential rainfall” and substantial snow.
"Periods of rain and mountain snow will follow on Monday, especially in northwestern California and the Sierra, before the next heavier round slams into northern and central California Tuesday into Tuesday night," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.
Northern California’s coastal ranges are expected to receive up to a foot of cumulative rainfall, and between two and eight inches of rain are expected throughout the inland Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.
And while the drought-stricken region is in need of rain, the sheer volume of rainfall threatens to saturate soil and trigger more and more urban flooding, mudslides, and rockslides throughout the week—many incidents of which have already occurred.
"Rivers and streams that flow out of the Sierra into the lower foothills and valleys on California and also into western Nevada will likely see the worst flooding in a couple of decades," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Ken Clark said, noting: "The greatest potential for destruction comes from the rivers that have little or no flood control, such as dams and catch basins."
Evacuation orders may be required in some communities, as well as traffic advisories and closures due to water, snow, and debris in roadways.
Snow is expected to fall as low as 5,000 to 6,000 feet into Wednesday, making travel through northern coastal ranges and the Sierra Nevadas extremely dangerous.
Pydnowski did note that the storms will eventually provide “a boon for the ski industry and for the region’s water reservoirs.”
By the end of the week, the lion’s share of moisture is expected to move north into Washington and Oregon.
How will traffic troubles and flooding in important central California growing regions affect the industry? Check back with AndNowUKnow for updates.
PALMETTO, FL - With 2017 underway, companies across the board are renewing and re-energizing their commitment to social responsibility, their employees, and bringing more resources and opportunities to each individual at every level of their operations. From the hand that picks the produce to the team member that packs the food-safety certified fruits and vegetables, Sunripe is one of those companies increasing its efforts to support both its evolving program and the people who have helped to build it.
CEO of Sunripe Certified Brands Jon Esformes, joined us to pull back the curtain on the company’s initiatives moving forward, and how the program is as much about the people as it is about the produce. How Sunripe grows is just as important as what the company grows, and that starts with a safe and fair workplace for employees.
Situated in some of the most fertile micro-climates in Florida, Jon told us the story of how Sunripe has been growing its Fair Food Program Certified organic and conventional strawberry and tomato programs, allowing the team to recruit more people.
“For us it’s a unique opportunity to provide more work for our employees who live in the area, and also keep people working close to their home,” Jon shared. “A mother and father being able to be with their children when they eat breakfast in the morning and when they eat dinner at night, is what we want for our families and for anyone who works for Sunripe Certified Brands.”
To have a sustainable farming operation, you’ve need to have sustainable land. To have sustainable land, you need to have a fully-integrated family–that’s from the ground where the plants are cultivated to all those individuals working throughout the company. In other words, Sunripe’s employees are a valued-extension of its family. To build on this idea, the company hosted its annual Feria de Salud, Sunripe’s Health Fair for employees, which the company executed in December, for the 4th year in a row.
“This is really about celebrating the health of the people that work at Sunripe Certified Brands, as well as the way that we celebrate the health of this land, and the health of these strawberry and tomato plants,” Jon said. “This program allows us to go ahead and provide the wraparound services to keep people safe.”
Sunripe organized a variety of services at the Health Fair, from the Ronald McDonald House providing dental services, to local physician Dr. Brown, who brought his team to the event to administer glaucoma checks and vision tests. The company adheres to the most rigorous of standards, from consistent audits and checks, to health benefits that keep employees more than safe, they keep them happy. Sunripe also publicly advocates for human rights issues and are proactively partnering with other like-minded organizations to combat health and safety challenges within the agricultural industry.
“I want to thank everyone that shows up 365-days a year to work with us at Sunripe Certified Brands,” Jon reflected as he took in the expanse of the company’s efforts and the family they continue to build.
So, what does “Sunripe Certified,” mean? In a nutshell, it is a commitment. Sunripe Certified signifies the company's deliberate approach to the thousands of daily tasks that fulfill its brand commitments in the areas of sustainability, social responsibility, food safety, and quality. But Sunripe Certified also means so much more. Sunripe believes that its passion for agriculture and its people shines through in the products that the company grows and shares with the industry and consumers.
Passionate. Happy. Healthy. The Sunripe Certified way.
FRIESLAND, WI- A lucky Wisconsinite has won a surplus of spuds in the latest promotion from Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc., and the Green Bay Packers.
“Alsum Farms & Produce is proud to be a partner with the Green Bay Packers this season,” said Heidi Alsum-Randall, National Sales and Marketing Manager of Alsum Farms & Produce, according to a press release. “The Free Potatoes for a Year promotion encourages football fans to make nutritious, homegrown Wisconsin Potatoes a part of their gameday and everyday meals, and create awareness of Alsum brand potatoes that can be found at Midwest grocery stores and national retailers.”
Jim Kurovsky of New Berlin has been named the winning fan of the Free Potatoes for a Year Fan Contest. The fortunate Packers fan will receive a year supply of Alsum potatoes, via a monthly package of an assortment of Alsum potatoes delivered right to his door step.
In the contest, fans were invited from September 1 to November 30, 2016 to enter for a chance to win a year supply of Alsum potatoes. More than 3,000 Packers fans participated in the contest. Additionally, six fans won a bi-monthly prize pack that included Alsum potatoes along with grilling accessories.
MEXICO - Reports have come in that a policy change in Mexico that de-regulated fuel prices and led to a sudden increase in costs has triggered truck strike movements in the country.
Anonymous sources shared with AndNowUKnow that approximately 500,000 commercial and public vehicle drivers went on a 24-hour strike Monday, January 2, with the possibility of official protests and blockades as soon as this weekend.
“The gasoline crisis likely won’t change, so it's just a matter of how long the people are going to be pissed off about it,” one source, who asked to remain anonymous, shared with me, adding that while they don’t know of any official strikes, there have been several protests which have slowed trucks in several areas.
Thus far it is reported that everyone has been affected in a mild way, but it is likely there will be a cumulative effect.
Map of protests all over #Mexico against gasoline price hikes. https://t.co/pcVa8akgf8 #energy #oil #populismo #gasolinazo
— Veronica Flores (@vxflores) January 4, 2017
“Because the roadblocks are away from the border (for now), it is harder to get a feel for their full impact,” one source continued. “It will definitely affect the produce market in that freight costs will likely go up an equivalent amount–currently consensus figures are at 20%. There is the possibility of official protests and blockades for the weekend, but since this is a popular movement there is no mouthpiece or leader to talk to to verify.”
A few roadblocks have been set up, but are letting vehicles through slowly.
Another source shared that, while the majority of produce commodities imported into the U.S. from Mexico are in ample supply, the following could be affected by the movement:
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cilantro
- Cucumbers
- Green Onions
- Squash
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
The current outlook is that few hold-ups are reported, but to be on the lookout for more delays at the border, as well as crossing times and impacts on supply levels, should the strike continue.
VALENCIA, CA – The organic category seems to be ever-increasing in popularity with consumers. Demand even threatens to outpace supply. But Sunkist has you covered with a full range and ample supply of both organic and conventional produce.
“Sunkist offers over 40 varieties of fresh premium citrus grown by our members in California and Arizona,” said Sunkist Director of Communications Joan Wickham, in a company release. “Many of the farming families in the Sunkist cooperative have been growing citrus for generations, preserving their land for the future through their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Sunkist offers engaging content to help our customers leverage this commitment by telling the powerful stories of our growers.”
Sunkist is able to supply customers’ entire citrus program—both organic and conventional. The company offers a broad portfolio of organics—including mandarins, Minneola tangelos, Navel, Cara Cara Navel and Valencia oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes.
“Consumers today are making thoughtful choices about their produce, and we see that trend in the rapidly expanding organic category,” said Wickham. “As the market for organics grows, there is a lot of opportunity for organic citrus, including mandarins and other easy-peel varieties which are such a popular segment of the citrus category.”
Last year, according to IRI Worldwide Data, sales of organic easy-peel citrus varieties were up 70 percent in dollars and 60 percent in volume.
“Last year’s data showed a dramatic increase in organic easy-peel sales, and we expect that trend to continue in all seasonal varieties as more supply becomes available,” added Wickham. “Sunkist offers a wide array of organic packaging and merchandising materials to help retailers capitalize on the organic category.”
Additionally, the Sunkist Family Story program allows consumers to experience the history, heritage, and dedication of Sunkist’s family farmers. The program offers a microsite with video, imagery, and vignettes, along with social media content and retail point-of-sale materials to bring the Sunkist story to life.
For more on exciting and innovative companies like Sunkist, check in with us at AndNowUKnow.