WATSONVILLE, CA - In efforts to further boost efficiency and recognition, noted industry berry supplier, Driscoll’s, has announced that it will change its name. Starting this month, the company will streamline its previous legal name, Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc., and become simply Driscoll’s, Inc.
“We will continue to honor the company’s deeply-rooted heritage in strawberries,” said Tom O’Brien, SVP, General Counsel for Driscoll’s in a press release. “As we introduce our brand and the entire berry patch to more global markets, it is important for our corporate name to be consistent with our brand. Driscoll’s, Inc. eliminates the confusion that has existed between our brand and our corporate identity.”
For years, retailers and consumers have known the company informally as “Driscoll’s.” The name change comes on the heels of a recent global brand launch that saw the brand unify its brand strategy and visual design for the first time in its 100-year history.
Driscoll's has also complemented its official name change with a new look and feel. As we previously reported, the brand has already begun to update its product and marketing in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and China, with the following elements rolled out earlier this year:
- Fresh new logo
- New packaging design
- In-store merchandising
- Digital design
- Social Media
Driscoll’s Board of Directors and shareholders approved the name change. To further finalize the move, a Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation were also filed with the California Secretary of State. Driscoll’s Inc. will remain incorporated in the state of California.
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WENATCHEE, WA - As we leave the spookiest season of the year, many have had their thoughts consumed by creepy crawlies, ghouls, goblins, and everything in between. But perhaps you haven’t thought about one seasonal baddie that’s particularly close to our industry—the scarecrow. Well, Stemilt Grower’s Kyle Mathison is here to get you thinking in a new interview with CBS Sunday Morning, talking about the modern grower’s version of the scarecrow.
“We use bird cannons, reflective tape, stress calls—we want the birds to eat the neighbors' cherries, not ours,” Mathison tells CBS from the beautiful Wenatchee, Washington orchard, showing the news team what bird-damaged cherries look like. “It’s just a constant battle.”
The iconic orchard grower also showed CBS his cherry protecting falcon, used to scare away the area’s finches and robins, known mortal enemies of the fruit. The news report says that every year, birds devour at least $30 million worth of cherries every year, just in Washington State alone.
Want to learn more about the origins of the spooky scarecrow, and see even more bird scaring techniques from other growers? Check out the full CBS Sunday morning news piece above for one last dose of Halloween fun.
PALMETTO, FL – Looking to further diversify its premium selections, Sunripe Certified Brands has announced a new proprietary variety of tomato. The company has unveiled the Oh So Rosso for this fall.
“Tomato lovers everywhere can be assured in Sunripe Certified Brands’ commitment to offer the highest quality and most sustainable products in the market,” said Jon Esformes, President and CEO of Sunripe Certified Brands. “Our commitment to flavor, food safety, and social responsibility allows us to deliver tomatoes that not only taste great, but that our consumers can feel good about eating.”
The Oh So Rosso is bred consistently with Sunripe’s Non-GMO growing practices, according to a press release. The fruit’s sun-kissed, fresh flavor, and rich color make the Oh So Rosso ideal for tomato-based recipes like Caprese salad or fresh salsa.
“A crimson tomato is 50 percent higher in lycopene than a regular tomato,” said University of Florida Horticulturalist Jay Scott.
The company noted that the tomato ripens into a deep red color, both inside and out. The newest addition to Sunripe’s lineup will add a unique offering to its already robust line of which includes Roma, Vine-ripened, Grape, and Mature Green tomatoes.
“Studies are finding that the lycopene in tomatoes is beneficial in reducing risk of heart disease and some cancers, and high-lycopene tomatoes also have anti-oxidant properties,” added Dietician Mary Branagan.
In addition, after a successful first run, Sunripe Certified Brands is bringing back its Bella Roma tomatoes for a second year. Harvest begins mid-November, and this year’s crop includes an expanded offering of the company’s unique proprietary varieties, bred to meet the sizing and flavor needs of foodservice and retail partners.
Sunripe’s Grape and Mature Green tomatoes are expected to appear in good supply with outstanding quality throughout the fall and winter months.
As more companies invest in and unveil new proprietary varieties, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest.
ORLANDO, FL - West Pak Avocado launched two new consumer brands at the well-attended PMA Fresh Summit, AvoMonsters and I Love Avocados. Doug Meyer, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, took a moment to share with me the innovative, fun new face the company is giving the popular fruit.
“The 'I Love Avocados' brand is targeting the millennial shoppers, who are avid users of avocados and are very focused on learning more about where avocados come from, all the nutritional elements of avocados, and the multi-uses of avocados,” Doug explains.
As for the AvoMonsters, Doug tells me that the brand targets parents and children to boost avocado buying as a family food.
“Avocados are such a nutrient-rich fruit, we think it’s going to drive repeat sales and help our customers grow the bag category even further,” Doug says.
Hitting growing retail trends like brands for kids, millennial targeting, and bagged fruits, it will be interesting to see what this latest launch does for the company and the category. To see my full interview with Doug, watch the brief video above.
PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has announced that its President and CEO Steven L. Spinner has also been appointed as Chairman, effective in December, 2016 after the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
“I appreciate the Board’s recognition of the company’s success and its confidence in our future,” said Spinner, according to a press release. “We have accomplished a great deal in building our business and developing an incredibly talented team of people and we believe we are beginning to see the results of our strategic initiatives.”
The executive, who has served in his current role as UNFI’s President, CEO, and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors since September, 2008, is stepping in to succeed Co-Founder, former Chief Executive Officer, and current Chairman Michael S. Funk.
“After 40 years of being involved with UNFI, I am as excited as ever about our future,” said Funk. “Steve and I enjoy a great working relationship and I look forward to continuing to work with him as a member of UNFI’s Board.”
James P. Heffernan, UNFI’s lead Independent Director, commented, “Thanks to Steve’s leadership over the last eight years UNFI has undergone a dramatic evolution. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we have confidence in Steve’s ability to continue to execute upon UNFI’s strategic vision for growth. I would also like to thank Michael for his exemplary leadership of our Board and his continued guidance, input, and leadership.”
In Spinner’s eight years with UNFI, the company noted that its net sales have grown from approximately $3.5 billion in fiscal 2009 to nearly $8.5 billion in fiscal 2016.
Congratulations to him and the company on this new chapter in the business.
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – In further efforts to shakeup the buy-side sector and engage more consumers, Raley’s has unleashed plans for a new and innovative store concept with its newly announced Market 5-ONE-5. The new store is a hybrid of small format, indoors farmer’s market, and a natural foods hub all rolled into one.
“I want to go back to the basics and create a store that is reminiscent of a neighborhood corner market but with a focus on nutritious food at a fair value,” Raley's CEO and President Michael Teel said in a written statement. “Market 5-ONE-5 will be an unpretentious, inclusive, and straightforward shopping experience.”
The new store will exist as a subsect of Raley’s, but operate independently of the chain, according to the Sac Bee. The unconventional store format was the creative invention of Teel, who will act as owner.
Market 5-ONE-5 will be located in a thriving district in Sacramento, California, and boasts a smaller format layout of 11,000-square-feet. The company described the new concept as an indoor farmer’s market for natural foods, and will have fresh products delivered daily to the location.
“[Market 5-ONE-5] will strive to source products that meet the highest quality standards – minimally processed, organic (when available), sustainably sourced, and free of elements not found in nature,” stated a company news release, according to Sac Bee.
Sacramento Business Journal reported that the acronym “ONE” in the store’s name stands for its three values; organic, nutrition, and education. Similarly, the number 5 was chosen for its titles to refer to a consumer’s five senses. City councilpeople have named the project as appealing to downtown residents.
The new concept is slated to open its doors in spring of 2017.
Also on the docket for Raley’s is a prospective plan for a new 55,000-square-foot supermarket on Freeport Boulevard in Sacramento, serving up grocery options for consumers in a more traditional full-service supermarket setting.
Will this new store format soon expand further into Raley’s than its pilot, and will other banners pick up the innovative torch? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, CA - While the fall months may bring cooler temperatures and overcast days to the Sunshine State, Sun Pacific is brightening up produce departments with its full line of citrus offerings. The company is forecasting an amazing season of growth with increased Cuties® supplies, strategic partnerships, and a host of promotional opportunities to drive citrus sales at retail.
Victoria Nuevo-Celeste, Vice President of Marketing, joins me to discuss the company’s varietal spread, and what opportunities retailers can tap into during the California citrus season.
“The demand for Sun Pacific citrus is exceptional. Our farming and packing expertise allows us to deliver the highest quality and best tasting products that consumers and customers appreciate,” Victoria tells me. “In addition, Cuties consumption continues to grow, with $/store/wk increasing every single year. This past season the growth was 18% compared to a year ago. This is the result of a perfect combination of great quality, excellent in-store display execution, and exciting consumer marketing.”
Victoria also shares that Mandarins are the segment with the highest dollar sales representing 40% of the total citrus category with double-digit annual growth year over year.
“We have significantly increased our supply of Tango and Murcott Cuties varieties with new strategic alliances with outside growers, and existing acreage coming into peak production. Sun Pacific continues to capture consumers' attention through our robust marketing support behind Cuties, driving brand preference and category growth,” Victoria says. She also shares that the company is concentrating its media efforts on the top communication platforms that Sun Pacific’s millennial mothers are consuming, especially digitally.
In addition to the highly sought-after Cuties program, Sun Pacific is invigorating the navel category with the launch of Vintage Sweets® Heirloom Navels, grown in the company’s best old-line groves, and carefully selected through sensory aspects like touching, feeling, smelling, and tasting, ensuring juicy, sweet perfection.
“Consumer feedback for Vintage Sweets has been very positive and its acceptance confirms that consumers are willing to pay a premium price for produce that provides superior quality and flavor,” Victoria adds. “Vintage Sweets combine sensory and scientific inspection that results in an exceptional eating experience from January to May.”
This season, Sun Pacific will bring more vibrant Cuties packaging that brings its Lil’ Zipper icon to life, enhancing the brand experience in-store. And with existing and new acreage coming into peak production and with new stronger outside grower relationships, the company expects to support more promotional activity with its Tango and Murcott variety Cuties in the second half of the season.
Sun Pacific has also developed a display-ready navel orange pallet for bulk or bag navels packed in high-graphic, open top, Euro cartons, and newly designed high-graphic poly/mesh bags to energize the growth of California Navel orange sales.
"We allocate a significant portion of our marketing spend on customer-specific programs," Victoria adds. "We encourage our retailer partners to take advantage of our attractive and functional POS materials and our support for in-store merchandising contests to tap into the creativity of their store personnel, and watch them drive sales. Our marketing team will work directly with retailer teams to develop creative social marketing campaigns that reach and invite their customers to take advantage of our peak season citrus."
Sun Pacific grows Navels, including Heirloom Navels, under the Vintage Sweets™ brand, and Valencias. Production of regular Navels is consistent from November through June, and Valencias from April through October. Vintage Sweets are at their peak between January and June, when the company harvests on demand. Under the Cuties program, Sun Pacific is harvesting Clementines from early November to early January and W. Murcotts and Tangos between mid-January and April. Lisbon lemons are available from mid-October thru April.
It looks to be a sweet citrus season for Sun Pacific and the company’s retail partners as we move into the holiday push and increasing demand.
WATSONVILLE, CA - Further investing into future generations and the growth of its own community, Monterey Mushrooms will award $215,000 in scholarships to 127 children of its employees. Dependent children of full-time employees are eligible for the award, bestowed through the Carl Victor Fields Scholarship Program, to receive $5,000 a year for up to four years.
“We don’t just grow mushrooms; we grow people,” said Shah Kazemi, President and CEO of Monterey Mushrooms. Kazemi said he is committed to giving the next generation of decision makers the tools needed to be successful in the workplace and in society in general.
These scholarships may be awarded to students pursuing degrees at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational and technical schools. To apply, students are asked to share their educational background, academic goals, aspirations, activities, work experience, and personal achievements.
The Monterey Mushroom scholarship program began in 1992. It was renamed the Carl Victor Fields Scholarship Program in 2004 in order to honor the company’s past Vice President of Marketing, a man passionate about the importance of young people achieving their potential. Since its beginning, the company has awarded 1784 grants—a total of more than $2.6 million.
As companies throughout the industry continue to invest in the betterment of our future, AndNowUKnow will have the latest.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Mercatropic Corp. satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a recent release, the McAllen, Texas, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Roberto De La Torre was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Its experts also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $140 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
AVONDALE, PA – Mixing the nexus of our government with the earthy appeal of mushrooms, the American Mushroom Institute recently put the category in the spotlight at the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) final Farmer’s Market of the season.
Attendees of the Farmer’s Market and the USDA’s 7th Annual Harvest Festival, got a specific and fruitful view of mushrooms at the VegUcation tent.
According to a press release, the American Mushroom Institute and the Mushroom Council displayed numerous varieties of mushrooms and gave the public access to recipes, nutrition information, tips, and mushroom tastings.
To-Jo Mushrooms entertained the crowd with the styling of Louise D’Amico and Peter Wilder. The duo espoused fun mushroom facts, and gave advice on how to pick and store fresh mushrooms.
In addition to the numerous guests, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made a pit stop to the tent to help Dave Santucci of Country Fresh Mushrooms prepare Mushroom Sauté a la Vince with mushrooms, butter, and parsley.
Held this past Friday in Washington, DC, the festival focused on the vibrant colors of the fall season, while also providing area shoppers with access to a variety of locally and regionally sourced produced. The Harvest Festival is hosted by the People’s Garden Initiative and the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
Visitor’s pallettes were also treated to samples of the mushroom paella created by Chef José Andrés, and the Jaleo restaurant team. The paella contained over 40 pounds of mushrooms donated by Phillips Mushroom Farms and R.L. Mushroom Co., and was housed in a stunning seven-foot pan.
The AMS manages the USDA Farmer’s Market, and also supports farmer’s markets throughout communities across the nation. This support is given through grants, research, and technical assistance.
What’s next for consumers’ love for mushrooms? Stay with AndNowUKnow to keep abreast with the latest.