UNITED STATES – Retail Business Services, LLC, an independent Ahold Delhaize company that provides support services to Ahold USA and Delhaize America local brands, announced that the company has appointed Roger Wheeler as President.
“We look forward to working with Roger as he brings this new organization together to build a world-class support services organization to assist the local brands in accelerating their local strategies,” said Frans Muller, Acting Chief Operations Officer (ad interim), Delhaize America.
Retail Business Services, LLC, is a newly-created company intended to provide cost-effective, best-in-class support services to Ahold Delhaize’s local brands in the United States. The company is comprised of associates in various support groups within the organization and is a key service provider for these brands. Wheeler will report to both Muller and Ahold USA’s Chief Operations Officer Kevin Holt.
“With Roger’s extensive background, familiarity with the Ahold USA and Delhaize America businesses and demonstrated leadership of the U.S. Integration Management Office, we are confident Roger is the right person to lead this new organization,” said Holt.
Wheeler brings to his new position an extensive background in the supermarket industry with more than 20 years of experience in retail operations, category management, supply chain, and project management. Wheeler had previously been the U.S. lead for the Integration Management Office, where he helped to coordinate the merger between Ahold USA and Delhaize America in the U.S.
Wheeler has previously held a number of roles with Stop & Shop and Ahold USA, including stints as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Third Pary Management, Oracle Program Leader, and Vice President of Meat and Seafood. Before joining Ahold USA, Wheeler worked for Shaw’s supermarkets in various roles.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wheeler holds a B.S. from West Point and an MBA from Bentley University; he is a veteran of the United States Army who served in the Persian Gulf War.
We here at ANUK offer a sincere congratulations to Wheeler on his recent appointment and wish him well in his exciting new endeavors.
MILLEN, GA – With the first few days of 2017 now under our belts, the industry is prepping for the next series of whirlwind events that the year will bring. Amongst these springtime expos, is the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure, from March 9-11.
Against the picturesque backdrop of Orlando, FL, Southern Exposure will boast some big news to contribute to its glittering theme “The Magic of Produce.” At the forefront of celebrity exposure will be Willie Robertson, Executive Producer of reality TV series Duck Dynasty, and company Buck Commander.
Robertson will entertain attendees as the keynote speaker with his humorous recounting, and entrepreneurial and brand building experience. Robertson is effortlessly able to combine his passion for the outdoors with his natural ability to entertain. Attendees can expect an example of entrepreneurship and dedication through Robertson, as well as a lesson in putting love, faith, and family first.
The SEPC is bringing Robertson to the agenda after Southern Exposure’s agenda shifted with a change to its keynote schedule. Tim Tebow announced that he would be unable to attend the event as he is pursing a new career opportunity in baseball and will be required to be with his team at that time.
“We will miss hearing from Mr. Tebow, but are happy that he is pursuing a new endeavor and wish him all the best. He’ll continue to be a great inspiration to all of us at the SEPC and we hope to have him join us in the future,” stated SEPC in a press release.
Additionally, Southern Roots will welcome Alison Levine as its speaker for the women’s event. Levine is the Team Captain of the First American Women’s expedition to Mount Everest, as well as the author of New York Times Best Seller On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Everest and Other Extreme Environments.
“We can’t wait to hear Ms. Levine’s message of perseverance,” said SEPC Board of Directors President and Southern Roots Chairperson, Teri Miller. “Learning about her strength, not only physically, but emotionally will be inspiring to the group, and ideally provide them with a stronger foundation to climb their own 'mountains' in life.”
Levine has overtaken some of the most challenging outdoor environments, which includes climbing the highest peaks on each continent, skiing both the North and South Poles, and also climbing the corporate ladder. Levine’s message for the attendees of the women’s luncheon will include words on leadership development, creating cohesive teams, and developing no-nonsense leaders.
Registration for the event is open now, click here for more information.
See you in Orlando!
OXNARD, CA – Today Freska Produce International announced that Mary Velasquez of Edinburg, TX, has joined the firm to establish the company’s Texas division, along with expanding the portfolio of regional and national accounts. Mary brings with her a wealth of experience within the produce industry, having spent more than 20 years at Coast Tropical, where she played an integral role in acquiring a number of large accounts.
“I am excited to start a new challenge within Freska Produce and look forward to working with the team to further develop their already extensive distribution of mangos and avocados,” Mary commented, according to a press release. “I am fortunate to be joining such a respected company that prides itself on top quality and service.”
Mary joins Freska Produce International as General Manager to continue Freska’s recent success providing mangos to many retailers in America, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
Freska has been distributing mangos and avocados nationwide for over 12 years from its Oxnard, CA location, and has been applying a strategy to grow as opportunities arise.
“We are very excited to have Mary Join our team of produce professionals," said Jesus “Chuy” Loza, Managing Member of Freska Produce. “We have had tremendous respect for what she has done and are excited for her to join our team. We have been bringing mangos through Texas for many years and now we are eager to set up location to call our own. With the hiring of Mary we are on track with our internal planning to have our own distribution center in McAllen, TX, very soon.”
This development follows the company’s December announcement that it is doubling its Nogales, AZ, cooling capacity in response to high demand and product volume. The company was established in 2004 with the sole purpose of sourcing the freshest mangos and avocados from around the world and is now a market leader in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
U.S. - We asked, and several answered! In the spirit of ringing in a new year with new possibilities, we asked members of the industry to share any and all of their New Year's goals with the ANUK team.
Whether it was personal, work, or worldwide, there wasn't a single answer to disappoint. Here are some of the responses we got from all sides of the business.
“Spend more time with my puppy (how could I not? Look at this face).”
“Not sweat the small stuff, get my 10,000 steps in daily, find ways to convince people to consume more fresh produce, teach my daughters strength and resilience, and to breathe.”
- Heather Shavey, Assistant Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Fresh Foods-Produce, Costco Wholesale
“I want our team to execute one large-scale, exciting new program that involves technology in our Stemilt Marketing program. We need to venture into something totally different.”
- Roger Pepperl, Director of Marketing, Stemilt Growers
“Sleep 8 hours a night, drink a lot of water, and be prepared to fight for what you believe in.”
- Dr. Frieda Caplan, Founder of Frieda's Specialty Produce
“I resolve to make a positive difference every day in 2017, and to keep produce a focus within our organization in 2017!”
- Frank Swanson, Senior Manager of Produce Sourcing, US Foods
“Meet Dolly Parton. Also, in 2017, I am committed to writing more.”
- Dan’l Mackey Almy, President and CEO, DMA Solutions
“In 2017, I hope to make better use on my time and eat healthier. I also plan to exercise on a regular basis, something I started mid-November of 2016.”
- Mac Riggan, Director of Marketing, Chelan Fresh
“Live in the moment more, react less, do lots of yoga, and eat clean and healthy.”
- Nancy Pickersgill, Events Manager, SUNSET®
“My New Year's resolutions are to incorporate FSMA Transportation rules into our TMS product to reduce produce claims... And to photobomb more.”
- Kenny Lund, VP Support Services, Allen Lund Company
“Work smarter!”
- Gina Nucci, Director of Corporate Marketing, Mann Packing
“Eat healthier by eating more fruit and vegetables. In other words, walk the walk. Be a better husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and boss, and play more guitar.”
- Mike O'Brien, VP of Sales and Marketing, Monterey Mushrooms
“Make Dave Gleason look even more handsome on camera during his Orchard Updates, and put my phone down when I get home from work to give more attention to my beautiful fiancée and our puppy.”
- Tyler Weinbender, Media Manager, Domex Superfresh Growers
We cannot wait to see where this year takes us all. Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on industry news throughout 2017 and beyond.
ANTWERP, BELGIUM – In the ongoing saga pitting fresh produce against seedy criminal activity, authorites have taken eight men into custody after they tried to hide nearly 4,000 pounds of cocaine in a shipment of fruit. The gang, comprised of citizens of Europe and South America, were apprehended in the port city of Antwerp, Belgium.
The fruit cargo was being unpacked from the port when officials swarmed the gang, arresting the members. Hidden amongst the inconspicuous fruit was a very conspicuous second cargo of 1,800 kg of cocaine.
Authorities stated, according to the Liverpool Echo, that the fruit and drug shipment was intended to travel further to Medemblik, the Netherlands. The shipment of both was packed and shipped from South America.
The raid also produced guns and cars. The suspects are remaining in custody in the Netherlands. No word on the fate of the innocent fresh fruit seized in the bust.
Where will the strange world of crime syndicates intersect with fresh fruits and vegetables next? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.
MISSION, TX – As Viva Fresh Expo 2017 grows on the horizon, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has announced a new Advisory Board to guide in the event’s direction and beyond.
“Our goal is to continue to deliver on implementing a conference and expo that exceeds expectations and provides innovative programs and services,” stated Bret Erickson, TIPA President and CEO. “In order to accomplish this, we felt it was critical that the retail and foodservice attendees weigh-in and offer their valuable insights and advice.”
The annual Viva Fresh Produce Expo will return for its third installment on April 20-22, 2017, in Austin, Texas. So far, according to a press release, Viva Fresh Expo has catered to sold out exhibitor space and hotels, in addition to increasing buyer attendance by over 70 percent.
This year’s Advisory Board, made up of 13 retail and foodservice contacts, will be as follows:
- Matt Reeves, Bus. Development Manager, H-E-B
- Brian Boutin, Bus. Development Manager, H-E-B
- Joseph Bunting, Produce Bus. Director, United Supermarkets,
- Keith Durham, Certified Category Manager - Fresh Foods, Brookshire Grocery Company
- Gary Campisi, Sr. Director, Quality Control, Fresh Grocery Division, Walmart
- Tony Fisher, Director Sourcing, Walmart
- Joseph Soe, Manager of Produce Sourcing, Sobeys, Inc.
- Frank Pagliaro, VP National Produce/Floral Procurement, Loblaw Companies
- Jessica Johnson, Executive Purchasing Coordinator Produce & Floral Southwest Region, Whole Foods Market
- Wes Holcomb, Director of Produce & Dairy, Ben E. Keith
- Greg Rowe, Chief Operating Officer, Hardies Fresh Foods
- Mark Sanders, Senior Manager Strategic Purchasing, FreshPoint
“We’re very excited to make this announcement and have so many be willing to serve. The retail and foodservice attendees are an important component of our event and we want to ensure we’re meeting their needs as well as obtain their guidance to help us grow,” stated Jimmy Bassetti, President of J&D Produce and Chairman of the Viva Fresh Expo Steering Committee.
Year after year, Viva Fresh continues to focus both on networking and education of critical issues through technology, expert speakers, and experiential learning.
For more information, or to register online, visit the Viva Fresh website here. Registration for retail and foodservice buyers is free, with a travel stipend. This year’s event will take place at the Austin Convention Center and Hilton Hotel.
As all news Viva Fresh continues to be unveiled, AndNowUKnow will have all the latest.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - When you’re living in a household of just one or two people, sometimes navigating the produce department can seem like a daunting undertaking. You might not know when you’ll be able to finally finish off that 5 lb. bag of potatoes, and even more challenging, what you’ll do with them to turn them into a meal worth having.
Enter Side Delights Flavorables by Fresh Solutions Network. One pound microwaveable trays of petite potatoes, accompanied by bold and uniquely global seasoning blends; Smokin’ Tomato, Malaysian Curry, and Chimichurri.
“62 percent of all households now consist of just one or two people. This is the highest percentage in history,” Kathleen Triou, President of Fresh Solutions Network, tells me as I ask her about why she thinks convenience products are so important for the potato category. “Despite the shift, 65 percent of potato volume is still sold in 5 lb. or greater bag sizes. The time is right to sell more offerings that cater to the smaller household, like our Side Delights Flavorables.”
An important aspect to the success of the Flavorables line is certainly its high-graphic and beautifully designed packaging. Millennials, such as myself, can easily see the modern-looking and bold color choices next to other microwaveable products on the shelf—a key difference in drawing in more eyes, and in turn, more sales. It doesn’t hurt that the product’s bold, global seasonings, as well as easy-to-see gluten-free & vegan labeling, draw in a crowd that is both ready for adventurous eating and committed to clean-eating.
“Side Delights Flavorables does the best job of capitalizing on flavors that are HOT, HOT, HOT right now with a range of consumers—all looking for excitement in an all-in-one side dish kit,” Kathleen continues. “We worked extensively with a prominent flavor house to analyze and target trending flavors that have already gained adoption in the marketplace and are proliferating across mass audiences in popular applications.”
And you won’t find overly familiar flavors coming to the line any time soon. Kathleen tells me that the company stayed away from flavor profiles that are considered “mature” in the marketplace. For example, she says you won’t find another “Four Cheese” or generic “Herb” seasoning profile in the Side Delights Flavorables line.
So, why does Kathleen think Flavorables will be a winning formula for retail buyers? It comes down to answering that age old question, "What's for dinner tonight?”
“It’s important for retailers to continue to grow the convenience and value-added fresh potato category segments by satisfying consumers' need for a quick to cook, flavorful, fresh potato product,” she says. “Flavorables leverage bold, global flavor trends that complement fresh potatoes and make them exciting again. The goal is to provide consumers with a potato 'kit' complete with fresh potatoes, cooking tray, and seasonings for an all-inclusive, healthy, convenient solution.”
Fresh Solutions Network provides an ever-growing list of solutions to that classic question, including Side Delights Steamables—one of the best selling microwave/steam potato products on the market, Side Delights Roastables—a convenient potato item for the oven or grill, and Side Delights Bakeables—a single-serve, wrapped, microwavable baked potato.
Will 2017 bring even more growth to one of my personal favorite produce categories? If Kathleen and the innovators over at Fresh Solutions Network have anything to say about it, it certainly will.
SALINAS, CA – With its kickoff year one for the books, the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) is gearing up for another year filled with even more organic-centric features and opportunities for the produce industry. Planning is well underway for OPS 2017 from July 12-13.
“We’re very excited about this year’s event and making OPS 2017 a premier event for the produce and retail communities. We want to keep it an intimate and energetic two-day event that gives all attendees insightful, informative, and inspiring educational sessions, first-rate keynote presentations, and outstanding networking opportunities between the production and buying segments of the organic produce industry,” said Susan Canales, Executive Director of OPS.
New to the event this year, are retail/buyer tours to the following places:
- Driscoll’s: Strawberry research station for an overview of the latest R&D of strawberries
- Taylor Farms: organic processing operations
- Braga Fresh: organic processing operations
- Vitalis Seed Research Center: for firsthand look of items that will appear on supermarket shelves in the coming years
OPS 2017 will team up with Forbes Live! for an exchange of informative presentations. Forbes Live! will host the popular AgTech Summit in Salinas, which brings together the minds of Silicon Valley to tackle critical world ag challenges. OPS will also host a presentation at Forbes Ag TechSummit 2017, and Forbes will also present a session at OPS 2017.
As more sessions, topics, and keynote presenters are finalized in the coming weeks, the event’s educational breakout sessions are currently slated to include:
- H2O & H2A–Water and Labor: The two biggest challenges facing California Agriculture
- Excellence in Organic Produce Retail Merchandising
- Opportunities around the globe for Organic Fresh Produce
Keynote presentations for the event will include A.C. Nielsen presenting on the overview of Organic Fresh Produce sales and trends, a retailer roundtable of three operators discussing sourching/selling organic, and the Co-Founders of the first USDA-organic approved fast food restaurant chain The Organic Coup.
OPS is currently the only event exclusively dedicated to organic produce for the fresh fruits and vegetable industry, according to a press release. The event will feature a sold-out exhibitor area featuring over 120 producers and distributors of organic produce. The products of these companies will be displayed to over 100 different retail and buying organizations.
Retailer registration is open now, with qualified retail and buying operations available for complimentary hotel and registration available. For registration information, go here. The event will take place at the newly renovated Monterey Convention Center.
General attendee registration will open later this month. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
MCLEAN, VA - Gladstone Land Corporation closed out 2016 on a high note, scooping up one more acquisition before the ball dropped.
The company announced that on December 28 it acquired 16,595 acres of farmland across one large, contiguous farm in Baca County, Colorado, for total consideration of approximately $9.1 million, or just under $550 an acre, in cash. Additionally, the deal included 233,952 common units of limited partnership interest in its OP Units, according to a press release, which were valued at $12.93 per unit, resulting in the total consideration of $12.1 million.
"This is a very strong acquisition to finish the year," said President and CEO David Gladstone.
In brief review; Gladstone Land made more than eight acquisitions in 2016 in California, Florida, and Colorado. It’s last Colorado purchase, in March of 2016, was for approximately $19.3 million in cash, or $3,117 per acre of farmland, and 745,879 common units of limited partnership in OPS Units.
"Similar to our most recent purchase in Colorado, the soil on this farm is ideally suited to grow high-quality crops to serve the cattle industry,” David Gladstone continued. “This acquisition was another opportunity to partner with a very strong tenant, diversify our portfolio, and add additional farm owners as investors by issuing OP Units, which are like common stock. The company has another large farm that is scheduled to close in January if all of the due diligence comes out positively. We believe that 2017 will be the best year in our company's history, and we plan on increasing our dividend if earnings continue to increase."
Bill Hughes, Gladstone Land's Midwest Managing Director, said that the tenant has farmed in Southeast Colorado for decades, calling it one of the top-tiered operators in the area.
"This farm acquisition is a great example of how the company can add profitable assets to the portfolio. Adding this purchase to our earlier acquisition in Baca County strengthens our commitment to a new region and a new crop specialty,” Hughes said. “A single tract of land this size affords our operator great economies of scale by being much more efficient with his use of manpower and equipment."
Gladstone has invested in properties spanning a wide range of agriculture, including almonds, strawberries, pistachios, and more. Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we follow the company’s continued growth within the agricultural industry through 2017 and beyond.
BATH TOWNSHIP, MI – Should produce sell like candy? Of course! What’s stopping it? One Michigan mom is taking the initiative and trying to replace junk food with healthier options at one major regional retailer’s checkout stands.
Jane Kramer’s “Ask Meijer for Healthy Checkout Aisles” petition has garnered more than 400 signatures asking that the company “put customer health first by removing junk food from its checkout aisles.”
"I'm not trying to tell people what they should eat," Kramer said. "With all the health issues in our country, it increases the cost of healthcare. They can do so much better, it just has to be re-imagined and supportive."
Kramer started an initiative on Change.org in September of 2016, after becoming alarmed by the lack of healthy options and the effect time spent at the checkout stand had on her 13-year-old son. The initiative targets Meijer grocery stores throughout Michigan—as well as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.
"I started noticing the product in checkout as a new parent," Kramer said, in an ABC News report. "Before that, I didn't really pay attention to it. After we adopted, the grocery shopping experience just changed. Our only options were junk, and I wanted to be able to buy a banana or carrots."
Kramer initially made requests to Meijer’s customer service department five years ago, but she never received a response. After being told that she could not be put in touch with a representative from the company earlier this year, Kramer decided to draft the petition.
“I think if Meijer does it, other grocery stores will do it too,” she said.
Despite her disappointment with the unhealthy items at the company’s checkout stands, Kramer notes that she is a loyal customer and a fan of Meijer: "I like Meijer because it's close to my house, and I really like the employees. People say, 'Well, just go somewhere else.' Well, I could, but I don't want to.”
This isn't the first initiative to bring healthier options to the checkout stand; we previously reported on a Raley's campaign to improve its checkout stands' healthy options this November, among others.
Could bananas and oranges be replacing candy and gum in your local supermarket soon? With enterprising advocates of healthier food becoming more and more vocal, we can only hope.