SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Competition in the self-driving car market is heating up.
As major players like Google and GM make increasingly-bold forays into the emerging market, Uber is looking to maintain its edge—even while ceding ground in California.
Last month, on December 21st, California regulators forced the San Francisco-based company to stop testing its self-driving cars, within the City by the Bay, for failing to obtain the appropriate permits. According to the Washington Post, by the 22nd, Uber had shipped the cars to Arizona.
Uber’s expansion into Arizona marks another state in the expanding map of Uber’s self-driving operations. Anthony Levandowski, Founder of Otto and Uber’s head of advanced technology, noted that the company has, since introducing self-driving cars only a few months ago, expanded its operations to four states.
“Pittsburgh, Arizona, Nevada and Florida in particular have been leaders in this way, and by doing so have made clear that they are pro technology. Our hope is that California, our home state and a leader in much of the world’s dynamism, will take a similar view,” said Levandowski in a company blog post.
While some, including Levandowski, have criticized the state for creating a potentially adverse regulatory environment, the California Department of Motor Vehicles maintained that Uber simply refused to comply with regulations that many other companies have no problems with.
The DMV noted in a statement: “California’s testing regulations for autonomous vehicles strikes a balance between protecting public safety and embracing innovation. These regulations were adopted two years ago, and they are working for the 20 manufacturers now testing more than 130 autonomous vehicles on California’s streets and roads.”
General Motors, another major player in self-driving technology, with self-driving cars being tested on public roads in Northern California and Arizona, is making overtures toward testing self-driving cars in Chicago.
In a recent opinion piece, Harry Lightsey, Executive Director, Global Connected Customer, Public Policy at General Motors, stated: “Chicago residents deserve access to the benefits of such technology. In addition to advancing safety, self-driving vehicles have the potential to reduce congestion, supplement the city's public transit system, provide connectivity between downtown and the suburbs, and facilitate a system of doorstep-to-doorstep mobility for elderly and disabled residents.”
Google’s parent company Alphabet, likewise, has been testing autonomous vehicles in several states with its self-driving company, recently established as Waymo.
Currently, nine states have legislation on the books allowing for, and regulating, self-driving cars, and an additional seven states have proposed legislation, according to news source Quartz.
In November, we reported on Uber’s efforts to test self-driving delivery trucks in Ohio. With more and more states and municipalities partnering with Uber and other autonomous car pioneers, how long will it be until we see entirely automated logistics chains with shipments delivered door to door with virtually no human intervention? For updates on this exciting technological front, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
ELGIN, MN - Honeybear Brands is ringing in the new year with its winter apple Pazazz arriving in many of the U.S.’s top grocery and supermarket chains.
“This is the largest Pazazz retail campaign we’ve ever mobilized,” said Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Honeybear Brands. “In the first two years of commercial production, Pazazz shattered our and our retail partners’ expectations for premium apple sales at the start of the New Year which is typically a time of slow sales. And given the scaling up and maturing orchards of the Pazazz crop, we’re able to bring far more fruit to more markets, more retailers and more customers than ever.”
Grocery partners bringing Pazazz to their winter shoppers in record numbers include:
- Central Markets
- Coborn's
- Cub
- Hy-Vee
- Kroger
- Loblaws
- Lunds & Byerlys
- Publix
- United/Market Street
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods
As we have reported previously, Pazazz is one of the leading market varieties in a portfolio of close to 100 new varieties by Honeybear Brands, in various stages of testing and commercial production.
“This is a big year for Pazazz,” Roper added. “We’re thrilled that we’re able to bring an extensive, multi-faceted marketing campaign to support our retail partners but even more excited that we’re being flooded with inquiries from consumers about when and where Pazazz will be sold this year.”
In all, Pazazz will be available in more than 50 markets total, and 1,000 stores through January and February. According to the company, 2017’s introduction campaign includes custom, in-store POS materials for each retailer, assistance with marketing and merchandising, and more in each launch market. The Pazazz team of specialist in-store demonstration experts deployed yesterday, January 2, to markets across the country.
Already winning over consumers and retailers with its “Honeycrisp-like crunch” and intense flavor, Honeybear expects the Pazazz to roll out in a full, national distribution in 2018.
OXNARD, CA - We are amidst transition for the next mango location on Freska’s map of year-round supply: Peru. As more big-eating days like the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, and Easter approach, Sales Manager Tom Hall took the time to share with me how the switch is going for the company.
“The Peruvian season was off to an earlier start than previous seasons, with the initial volumes harvested destined for Europe,” Tom shares with me. Typical starts to the season would be later this month, instead of already under way. “With the early start and some delays with the holiday season harvest, as packing sheds and harvest crews enjoyed some much needed time off during the holidays, the initial shipments into the U.S. will correlate with peak volumes out of Peru.”
So, as we kick off the new month and the new year, Tom assures me that Freska is coming out of the holidays off and running. He does caution, however, that the early start and a current drought in the San Lorenzo area will bring volumes down significantly as we finish the month of January.
“February volumes are looking to be light. Retailers should look to promote early as we head into January and then look towards the initial Mexican crop of Ataulfos in February to offset any dip in volume from Peru,” he explains.
But the slow-up should only last through the end of February, when Tom assures me we will start seeing the initial shipments of round Tommy’s fruit from Mexico.
As mangos and other popular categories keep us on our toes, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for the latest in all produce markets.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Grimmway Farms closed out 2016 with a milestone move, cutting the ribbon on new sales offices in Arvin, California.
“By combining the two sales teams, we have made it easier for our customers through better communication and service,” said Bob Borda, Vice President of Organic Sales, commenting on how the change will help the company meet rising demand. “This is an exciting time as we have seen record growth, and we are now prepared better than ever to tackle it.”
The new location is surrounded by striking views of one of the company’s prime organic vegetable ranches, according to a press release, and is helping the team to actively respond to the quickly-evolving organic marketplace.
“We made the move in an effort to support a more mainstream system of sales operations,” said Eric Proffitt, Senior Vice President of Sales. “With sales teams for Grimmway and Cal-Organic farms under the same roof, we are able to better serve our customers, offering a convenient, consolidated buying option for both conventional and organic produce.”
Grimmway added that the shift helps the team to continue carrying out its mission “to take care of our customers’ needs every day of the year with consistent quality, service, and competitive pricing.” This is aligned with a recent shift the company has noted from a previous produce industry trend to segment conventional from organic, where buyers look to a more unified, efficient approach.
We will continue to report as the company embarks on a new year and all that it holds.
UNITED STATES – With the start of 2017’s clock, comes not only new resolutions but new top spot-holders for the year’s prospective lists and accomplishments. Notable company reviewier Glassdoor has named the top places to work for in 2017, with fresh produce providers H-E-B, Costco, Wegmans, and Trader Joe’s included.
In its latest Employees Choice list, highly peppered with large tech companies, what about these retailers made them a top choice for employees across the board? The retailers have distinguished themselves with their company cultures, establishing innovative methods of drawing and keeping their employees–thus, providing better return for their customers.
“Our store leaders run their business the way they know best, and each store and each department in each store is always looking to improve and evolve how we do things,” stated H-E-B President and COO Craig Boyan to Harvard Business Review. “The key is pushing decision-making to those who know best–partners in our stores–and having great leaders and partners to be constantly learning and working to evolve our business.”
Boyan stated that H-E-B, number 27 on the list for its fourth consecutive year included, aims to set the bar high for its employees, and consistently push them to do better. H-E-B also calls its employees “partners,” as all members of H-E-B are invested in the company’s betterment. The company grants its partners raises, and then challenges them to earn them by establishing new innovative ideas for the company. H-E-B puts emphasis on team and store success, rather than individual.
Costco aims to hire the right individual people off the bat, with the correct training to launch them even further. The company, number 34 on the list for its sixth consecutive year, stated that this strategy secures better productivity, and keeps all Costco employees looking for new ways to keep customers satisfied.
According to Costco Founder Jim Sinegal, retail is fundamentally a people business. He stated that there are two pillars to Costco’s culture; to set the highest standards for its employees, and to encourage employees to take ownership of their work.
The Harvard Business Review reported that Trader Joe’s has also pinpointed employee empowerment as a recipe for company success. Trader Joe’s was named as 33 on 2017’s list, for its fourth appearance on the annual report.
Trader Joe’s Former President Doug Rauch stated that emphasizing employee voices is paramount to keeping them engaged with the company.
Its inclusion on Glassdoor’s 2017 List of Best Places to Work as number 50, will make for just the latest in a list of Wegmans accomplishments touting the retailers workplace culture and retail prowess.
Also amongst the list of tech companies adorning the list, comes convenience store chain QuikTrip.
As retailers continue to hone strategies for employee success, and translate those wins to the floor, count on AndNowUKnow for more in yearly appointments.
VENICE, CA- With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, many fresh produce companies are looking at ways to capitalize on this holiday of love. Thanks to the latest Snapchat trend, this may be easier than you’d think.
According to Bustle, a new trend has hit the burgeoning social media app. Users are apparently using different fruit to indicate their relationship status. A legend to the mysterious produce codification is as follows:
- Blueberry: Single
- Pineapple: It's complicated
- Raspberry: I don't want to commit
- Apple: Engaged
- Cherry: In a relationship
- Banana: Married
- Avocado: I'm the better half
- Strawberry: Can't find Mr. Right
- Lemon: I want to be single
- Raisin: I want to get married to my partner
Origins of the game are a bit unclear, but the trend started shortly after Christmas and has swept through users, according to the source.
So is this something that fresh produce can cash in on? It’s possible. As we reported in December, Sun Pacific’s Cuties® spearheaded a Snapchat campaign, having sponsored a filter, and seeing mass success.
After seeing nearly 70 million brand exposures in the filter which launched on December 4, the filter was also promoted by celebrity influencers such as The Cooking Channel’s “Real Girl’s Kitchen” star Haylie Duff, and Snapchat design maven CyreneQ.
Will other fresh produce companies hop on the Snapchat bandwagon? With this trend, there may be some room for interesting opportunities. Check back with AndNowUKnow as we continue to watch fresh produce trends!
BOISE, ID – In recent years, Albertsons Companies Inc. has had one of the more storied paths to its current success, with dramatic reversals of fortune and a strong resurgence in very little time.
So, is it shrewd mergers and acquisitions? Maybe. But also—according to a recent report by news source Idaho Statesman's Jerry Brady—“a deep trust in people” and willingness to cede control.
In 2013, Albertsons had contracted to 192 locations and $4 billion in sales, with sister stores in Idaho taking a sad turn.
But today, Albertsons is thriving. The company has 2,300 stores, some $60 billion in sales, and operates under 18 banners—many of which had been successful but have recently fallen on hard times.
Rather than rebrand these stores, though, and mount an expensive branding campaign, Albertsons CEO Bob Miller elected to do the opposite: keep the chains’ names and rebuild the businesses' formerly loyal customer base.
Miller and Albertsons decided to provide patient support and capital, decentralize their business structure, and keep management and employees in place and in control.
The result, the report points out, has been extraordinary growth over a short period.
To read the original article in its entirety, click here.
For more on successful retail strategies and hurdles retailers have faced, check in with AndNowUKnow.
MORRO BAY, CA - With many of us looking to start the new year healthy, adhere to resolutions, and make moderation a priority, Shanley Farms’ Gator Eggs are a perfect treat to draw the consumer’s eye and drive repeat sales.
“What we’re really trying to do with the brand is get consumers more in tune with the single serving portion size of avocados,” says James Shanley, President and Founder of Shanley Farms. “Gator Eggs are size 84 avocados, which average four ounces. They are an ideal serving size, something you could pack in a child’s lunch, add to a sandwich or salad, or eat as a snack.”
Shanley notes that the typical avocado sold by retailers is a size 48 fruit; at roughly eight ounces, these avocados are significantly more than one serving, and the fruit’s ungainly size paired with the quickness with which cut, peeled, and pitted avocados can spoil can lead to unappealing fruit and food waste.
Shanley Farms introduced Gator Eggs two years ago, in part to head off food waste and provide consumers with avocados that wouldn’t spoil prematurely. Since then, Gator Eggs have fast become a favorite with consumers looking for a convenient, ready to eat, “one salad, one sandwich, one snack” avocado.
Available in a signature six pack cartons—a playful take on the traditional egg carton—the company’s single-serving avocados are both delicious and ideally-sized to serve on a sandwich, spread on a piece of toast, scoop out with a spoon, or add to a salad. Shanley notes, “our standard sized packaging is a specially-designed six-serving carton. Additionally, we’ve introduced several bagged options, and our cartons come in a high-graphic display box that calls out our single-serving messaging.”
And produce departments looking to boost avocado sales throughout the year should take note; Gator Eggs provide perfectly-portioned snack options all through the year.
“Gator Eggs is a year-round program,” Shanley says. “During the California season, February through September, we source Eggs primarily from California. The rest of the year, when California fruit is unavailable, we partner with some exceptional growers in Mexico to pack Mexican fruit in our Gator Eggs.”
If you have any further questions about pricing and shipments, Shanley noted that you can connect with either Shanley Farms or Del Rey Avocado, here and here.
For more on innovative and exceptional fresh fruit products, check in with AndNowUKnow.
ISRAEL - Researchers are bringing robotics to yet another aspect of farming, this time to help predict yield. With a technology that I am fondly picturing as something out of Batman, a team at Israel’s Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Tel Aviv University is looking to mount a robot onto a sonar system to make this next breakthrough in cutting edge ag.
“Up until now, farmers were working out this information on a hunch, or with not particularly accurate estimating tools like using the naked eye to look at a small sample,” Dr. Avital Bechar, leader of the team, told news source Digital Trends about yield projection.
To make this practice a surer thing, the institute has worked to develop the automated “AGRYbot” sonar system, described by the report as a “robotic sonar for yield assessment and plant status evaluation.”
“We’ve found that [the current practice] can result in up to 50 percent errors,” Dr. Bechar explained. “Compared to that, our technology gives us very high accuracy with regards to the weight and yield of a plot. In addition, we can pinpoint the exact locations in a plot that give more or less yield, so that the reason for this can be examined.”
So how does AGRYbot work? This is where my Batman analogy comes in.
The robot, on its sonar mount, identifies acoustic signatures of objects on the farm by sending out waves and analyzing the data. Then, the team said the bot uses smart algorithms that enables it to recognize, or “see,” and differentiate between fruit trees and greenhouses, and even the difference between the leaves of a plant and the fruit. Finally, it can provide you readings of the numbers of leaves on a given tree and the weight of its fruit, within 100 grams according to Digital Trends.
See the little mobile in action in the brief snapshot below:
A prototype is already working both indoors and outside, and Dr. Bechar said that the team hopes to have a production line model in the “next several years.”
I for one, am excited for this tech to hit the U.S. and beyond.
PAPAMOA, NEW ZEALAND - Coming off a successful 12 months with Spectrim, including the sale of over 500 lines, Compac Sorting wanted to give the industry a behind-the-scenes look at what it says is one of the top grading platforms in the world.
“The great thing about the Spectrim platform is the customer only needs to purchase this one product and we can update that as time goes on and technologies advance,” Rob Davidson, Mechatronics Team Lead for Spectrim, said in the video.
The team explained that future investment cycles are smaller and quicker for that very reason, making it easier and a more affordable investment over time.
Davidson explained that the quality of this tech-savvy platform lies in the following few key points:
- Lighting
- Rotation of fruit
- No shadows
- No reflections
He added that the platform can pick up small and subtle defects, no mirrors involved, with even lighting and the ability to see all sides of the fruit.
“We released two new machine-learning algorithms, they are called Smart Scan and Smart Map,” Andrew McQueen, Product Manager for Compac Sorting, explained. “Respectively, they are a new method of defect-identification and defect-classification.”
From new ideas, to new additions that brought a wealth of innovations to the company’s offering, learn more about this detailed, high-tech approach in the video below.
For all the latest approaches to packing, sorting, and all other produce-related methods, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.