ORLANDO, FL - Excitement is high for NatureSweet as the company embarks on a mega new marketing campaign. Not only will the company be highlighting its new Tomatoes Raised Right initiative in the coming months, but NatureSweet is continuing to take the snacking tomato game by storm with two new pack sizes.
“In life, when you feel the best around something, it's because you’ve worked hard for it, and nothing comes over night,” Brand Manager Lori Castillo tells me as I steal her away from the PMA Fresh Summit show floor. “And that’s just like our tomatoes.”
Tomatoes Raised Right helps to highlight the company’s vertical integration, from seed to store. Lori stresses the fact that it’s the company’s associates that really make it all happen for the company, hand-picking each tomato and nourishing them from the very start of the growing process.
This comes at the same time as NatureSweet introduces two new pack sizes—an 18 oz Cherub pack and a 16.5 oz Constellation Medley pack. “This adds value to our consumers. They still get the same great taste and same great quality, and everything else they’ve come to expect from NatureSweet,” Lori explains to me.
Want to learn more straight from the expert’s mouth herself? Watch my full interview with Lori above to hear all the juicy details.
SEATTLE, WA – As retailers strive to lock down consumers in the competitive Chicago and Dallas markets, the buy-side segment will have one more contender in their midst. Amazon has announced that its e-commerce grocery delivery service has expanded to the aforementioned cities.
“We continue to expand AmazonFresh into new regions so that more and more customers can take advantage of the service,” said Ben Hartman, VP of AmazonFresh. “Whether they are busy with family, work, travel, or something else, we believe all Prime members will enjoy the convenience and flexibility of AmazonFresh, in addition to the vast selection and low prices that the service offers.”
This new expansion set, according to a recent press release, will allow consumers in each city to place orders for fresh fruit and vegetable items with same or next-day delivery.
ChicagoInno reported that Chicagoans will now have the AmazonFresh delivery options alongside other platforms Peapod and Instacart. Texas TechPulse stated that its arrival in Dallas marks is the first Texas-based location for AmazonFresh.
To further entice consumers into biting into its grocery delivery service, the company also indicated that new customers to AmazonFresh can start a free 30-day trial of the e-commerce subscription , and also receive $25 off their first order of $75 or more. This program will be available for a limited time only as the online retailer looks to gather new customers.
Initially launched in 2007, AmazonFresh has also launched services in Northern Virginia, Boston, Baltimore, and London this year. The e-commerce option has also expanded its services to more locations within 10 more states which had previous access to the service.
As Amazon continues to expand its online grocery service in new and existing cities, AndNowUKnow will have the latest in its impact on the buy-side market.
RIVERHEAD, NY – A new sweet onion, as easy on the eyes as it is the tastebuds, is hitting U.S. shores from across the pond. Imported from Stourgarden Farms in England, The Pink Onion™ by Fresh from the Start™, is milder and sweeter than red or yellow onions, with a unique visual appeal thanks to its delicate pink color.
“As the exclusive partner with Stourgarden in the United States, we are excited to bring retailers and foodservice another onion option,” said Dan Dubinsky, SVP Sales and Marketing at Fresh from the Start, according to a press release.
The Pink Onion™ launched stateside with a 15/3 count, pillow wrap package. The high-graphic package includes a tray which tells the interesting history of the pink onion, as well as a recipe and health benefits. Loose pink onions are also available for foodservice.
This unique onion is pink in color on the inside and outside. With a subtle and sweet flavor, it contains less pyruvic acid and higher brix than other varieties. These onions tout a wealth of health benefits, and are delicious raw, grilled, roasted, and pickled.
Originating in the 1800s Coastal France and slowly working its way across Europe, this unique variety has been popular in France and Britain and is now making its way to the United States. Fresh from the Start™ has exclusive rights to Stourgarden Farms pink onions in the United States, you can learn more about these sweet, subtle, pink treats at ThePinkOnionUSA.com.
For more news on the latest imported fruit and vegetable varieties, continue checking back with AndNowUKnow.
MEXICO - Strawberry growers are asking for help from Michoacan state leader Silvano Aureoles Conejo and the local Congress, alleging they have fallen victim to an international fraudulent scam.
Those that were affected had to put up their combined properties valued at 400 million pesos (about $22 million), plus default interest to bring the case to court, according to news source La Voz de Michoacan, and are seeking aid from legislation to revisit the issue.
The producers said that in 2013 they came to the realization that they had “received credit” from a Guadalajara, Jalisco-based company for finances they never applied for or received, affecting their credit negatively. While the report did not say how bad the impacts were, the company growers named responsible had also allegedly allocated resources to other local fruit companies without ever actually providing funds, according to the source.
When brought to court in 2014, the judge ruled against the growers, finding insufficient evidence. Now the producers are imploring Governor Conejo to intervene on the matter, as the group had to put up their combined properties and are looking to help save not only their land and production, but their reputations as well.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report as this story develops.
VIDALIA, GA – Amidst the bustle of the PMA Fresh Summit show floor, Giro Pack, Inc. reported increased traffic to its booth as attendees collected to see the company’s ‘Ultrabagger.’ The high-tech bagger offers nine different bag styles in just one machine.
“Customers continued to ask for a machine that was versatile enough to accommodate constant changes in demand,” stated Josh Logsdon, West Coast Sales & Marketing Manager for Giro Pack. “The Giro ‘Ultrabagger’ allows packers to remain agile and respond to fluctuations in pack styles–without the capital investment of adding additional equipment.”
The ‘Ultrabagger’ produces each of its nine bag varieties with Giro’s soft woven net and high-graphic printed film. The soft net bags offer the company’s customers high-visibility of the products encased in the bags, paired with increased breathability and improved shelf-life.
Bags produced from the ‘Ultrabagger’ can also have handle or finger holes to make for easier handling and transportation, according to a recent press release. Each bag is also available in standard and soft versions to accommodate a diverse selection of categories and their needs, including apples, avocados, citrus, onions, potatoes, and more.
The nine different pack styles available through the versatile ‘Ultrabagger’ are as follows:
- Ultrabag
- Ultrabag Fashioned
- GirSac
- GirSac Fashioned
- MiniBag
- GirPlus
- GirPluSac
- Window Compact
- Window Ultrabag
The company stated that it continues to receive positive feedback regarding one of the industry’s most flexible automated bagging machines. Giro’s “9 Bags – 1 Machine” marketing campaign also helped drive traffic to the company’s PMA booth, which touts the machine’s flexibility.
For more information on the ‘Ultrabagger,’ contact the Giro Pack team by reaching out to [email protected].
SALINAS, CA – The annual produce migration from California down to Yuma, Arizona, is underway. AndNowUKnow checked in with Church Brothers Farms to get an idea of what this year's transition will look like for the leafy green purveyor.
“October 24th was our first day of lettuce in Huron, with Salinas lettuce finishing up by November 4,” said Jason Lathos, Manager of Commodities for Church Brothers “Yuma will also start on the 4th, setting us up for a seamless transition.”
The Church Brothers processing plant will pack up and move on November 17th, and be set up to start shipping the brand's full line from Yuma by November 21st.
Despite the smooth synchronization of the transition, the company is shoring up for some turbulence thanks to the predicted rains throughout Northern California for the upcoming weeks. Many Salinas and Santa Maria crops have been in the ground for 80 to 90 days, so the rain might throw a wrench into the quality and ability to harvest.
“History has shown that when it rains during the transition, the markets tend to go up. With local crops finishing for the season, we get an increase in West Coast demand,” Lathos explained. “Michigan celery is a great example, demand increased as they finished, right before the Thanksgiving holiday shipments.”
Church Brothers predicts that West Coast demand will increase on all crops due to the finish in local product creating a higher market. If the upcoming rain creates quality issues, markets may well be higher than anticipated.
For more information on the company's Salinas-Yuma transition, watch the short video above!
BOSTON, MA - Look out meal kit industry—Whole Foods is throwing its hat in the ring of one of food’s fastest growing industries. As part of a new pilot program with vegan meal kit company, Purple Carrot, the health-conscious retailer will now be providing Boston area stores with boxes of pre-measured ingredients and recipes.
“People might think, ‘Well why would I buy a meal kit online when I could just get it at Whole Foods?’” Andy Levitt, Founder and CEO of Purple Carrot said, according to Eater. “But the meals available online will be different than those available in-store.” Levitt said that this latest partnership will bring the company in front of “a whole new consumer who isn't really aware of how a meal kit works.”
This is Purple Carrot's first move into in-store retail stores, moving away from its e-commerce subscription model, and the first time Whole Foods has partnered with a meal kit company. Although meal selections are expected to rotate periodically, for its initial launch, meals will include cashew korma with cauliflower rice, Mongolian seitan stir fry, and pan-seared tofu and black rice noodles.
Of course, buying Purple Carrot from a Whole Foods does not require a subscription, making wary potential customers more likely to feel comfortable with the idea. Levitt referred to the move as a nice way for the company to expand, with even more potential to grow within the next two months.
“We can evaluate the volume, consumer feedback, and how it all goes, then contemplate rolling this out to other stores in the region,” he concluded.
Will shoppers be able to purchase vegan and veggie-focused meal kits in stores nationwide soon? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep our eyes on this innovative pilot.
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - Always working towards maintaining its reputation as a leading manufacturer of fresh food products and beverages in the U.S., Good Foods is looking to expand upon the high quality offerings within its company to further its dedication to delivering convenient and healthy products to consumers.
This dedication to its customers throughout the nation extends from a focus on sustainability to developing new products as well, as Vice President of Marketing Jim Garsow recently told me.
“At Good Foods, we’re passionate about creating quality foods to help nourish lives,” Jim says. “Our vision is to make delicious products with convenience, high quality, and mindful nutrition at the forefront. It’s our mission to ‘share the goodness.’”
Jim tells me that Good Foods’ recipe for premium products is simple; use fresh ingredients, add a dash of culinary creativity, and use a cold pressure process to lock in the freshness, taste, and nutrition of each product.
“We constantly strive to improve traditional foods, and to create exciting new ones,” Jim explains. “We take out all added sugars, saturated fats, and excess sodium to make more room for fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.”
Good Foods prides itself on never containing artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in its products. Jim tells me that this is due to a company-wide acknowledgement of the importance of proper nutrition both for the self, and family.
“Good Foods is just like it sounds, something you can feel good about,” Jim says, detailing that the company takes its sustainable efforts just as seriously as its product offerings as Good Food strives towards a zero waste to landfill goal.
Jim says that to maintain the company’s commitment to its tagline, “We’re real people, using real ingredients, to make really good foods,” Good Foods relies on product sampling, social media, and targeted coupons to differentiate its brand. These methods of special merchandising allow the company to remain connected with its customers.
“All of our products are made in our state-of-the-art production facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin,” Jim says. “Our current product line spans guacamole, Greek yogurt dips, non-dairy dips, protein salads, grain salads, dressings, and cold pressed juices.”
This focus on keeping innovation and consistently successful is evident in the company’s latest offerings; Grab & Go Snack Packs. Available in four varieties, the snacking option is becoming a consumer favorite for an on-the-go, single-serve food full of energy containing ingredients.
Jim says the to further the push of its new Snack Packs, Good Foods launched a new website at the beginning of October, right during the lead-up to PMA Fresh Summit.
As the company looks to launch its website and continues the development of new products, stay with AndNowUKnow for the latest.
U.S. - Watch out pumpkins, there might be a few new fresh faces representing Halloween in the holidays to come. It seems consumers have been carving into pineapples and watermelons with some fruitful results.
Tampa Bay Times reports that the move can be more cost-effective for consumers (for pineapples especially) and both are an easy vehicle to hallow.
For me, personally, those are some insides I wouldn’t mind munching on while I create a face on the outside of the fruit as well, as opposed to having to wait for seeds to dry and then bake.
When I asked Cesar Pacheco, Sales Manager for Giumarra Companies, about the concept, he commented it would be right up the company’s alley.
“That would be great for us because that’s one of our biggest harvest times of the year,” Cesar shared on the trend becoming a more frequent occurence. “I’m assuming if you do carve a watermelon you would need a big one, and we have a lot of big sizes.”
It seems size would be a benefit, browsing the different options consumers have posted, but Josh Leichter of Dulcinea shared with me that the company has seen success with mini melons as jack-o-lanterns as well.
"It’s definitely something we’ve been involved with in the past, featuring our mini PureHeart® watermelons,” Josh told me when I asked about the trend. “We’ve had some fun promotions tied into it in the past of examples of what you can do with the melons. It’s a fun thing to spur up some interest in the category around the Halloween season.”
Pineapples, on the other hand, present added spookiness with their prickly surface while wearing toothy grins with a candle behind them.
So is this a quirky spike in consumer holiday trends, or the next promotional opportunity for the produce industry? I, for one, can’t wait to find out.
SALINAS, CA - Tanimura & Antle is showcasing holiday spirit whilst upholding its commitment to quality, service, and innovation. The latest to come out of one of the industry’s leaders’ think tank? A new seasonal label and online consumer campaign for its pioneer Artisan product–Tanimura & Antle's Artisan Lettuce®.
“Research and experience with seasonal labeling shows that consumers are drawn to on-pack messaging,” Rick Antle, CEO of Tanimura & Antle, said of the new “Eat Healthy, Be Merry” label. “We’re excited to support our retail partners with this program and connect with consumers while continuing to grow our brand equity around our Artisan Lettuce.”
Recently, the company completed an independent consumer study on types of lettuce, flavor profiles, and special offers and promotions. This latest label, T&A said, is a direct reflection of those results as far as messaging deemed as most important to consumers.
The seasonal label pairs enticingly with petite Red and Green Gem, Oak, and Tango lettuces to help provide retailers with a high shelf impact.
The new snowflake of T&A’s “Eat Healthy, Be Merry” label will serve as an eye-catcher for shoppers, according to a press release, driving them to the consumer-focused www.artisanlettuce.com website. That website and social media will offer not only recipe inspiration and preparation tips for visitors to engage in, but also the chance to win one of four $500 gift cards.
With previous seasonal labels multiplying retail sales and simultaneously decreasing shrink for retailers, Tanimura & Antle’s "Eat Healthy, Be Merry" is the latest in a line of promotions that have proven successful in the past. Packed in a signature protective clamshell, the product offers consumers better value, higher yield, and longer shelf-life than bagged salad blends.
A single clamshell of Tanimura & Antle Artisan Lettuce® also makes at least eight side salads and four main dish salads, great for consumers during the entertaining season. The petite lettuce pack is described as allowing for more creative flexibility in the kitchen, as well as the texture, variety, and flavors that today’s shopper demands.
Keep your eyes peeled for this latest launch, the AndNowUKnow team certainly will.