PORTLAND, OR - Agriculture Capital (AC) is making waves in regenerative agriculture by welcoming Ben Vitale as its new Partner. This strategic appointment brings three decades of expertise in carbon markets and sustainable agriculture to AC's mission of revolutionizing food production and environmental stewardship.

"I was incredibly excited to join Agriculture Capital, an organization that can generate climate dividends based on the carbon removal services that agriculture provides while feeding the world," Vitale stated.

The addition of Vitale comes at a crucial time as AC aims to scale up its efforts to help corporations achieve net-zero goals through integrated carbon removals and emission reductions. His extensive experience in leveraging capital markets for sustainable climate solutions is expected to play a pivotal role in this endeavor, according to the press release.

With a successful track record of raising over $400 million in equity over the past decade, Vitale is set to lead the scale-up of institutional-grade carbon removals and emission reductions at AC. This initiative is critical to the company's strategy of reducing carbon footprints and enhancing ecosystem resilience.

"Ben brought a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in areas directly aligned with our core mission at Agriculture Capital. His expertise would be invaluable as we continued to scale our efforts in making food production more regenerative, improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and effectively using every part of our farmland to combat climate change," shared Rob Hurlbut, Managing Director.

Vitale's appointment underscores AC's commitment to sustainable agriculture and climate-smart business practices. His previous roles as Chief Executive Officer and Operating Partner at Resilient Infrastructure Group and Principal at Equilibrium Capital Group have prepared him for this new challenge.

"Ben’s passion for climate mitigation and resilience, when directed at the regenerative agriculture opportunity, will help generate economic value for AC and our grower-partners while decarbonizing points along the supply chain. Only a few exceptional people have deeply integrated climate considerations into business operations to drive financial returns and sustainability outcomes like Ben," expressed Brooke Randall, Principal.

To stay ahead of the curve on industry partnerships, keep clicking back to AndNowUKnow.

BATAVIA, IL—This time of year is stressful for most. As retailers strive to adhere to savings, suppliers strive to get products on the shelf. One grocer has a particular Thanksgiving pricing strategy in mind, as ALDI announced its low-priced holiday basket.

"Every day at ALDI, we are focused on finding ways to deliver the lowest possible prices for our customers—and this Thanksgiving is no different," said Jason Hart, Chief Executive Officer. "With 25 percent of [United States] households now shopping ALDI, we know grocery prices are still top of mind for customers. We worked hard this Thanksgiving to deliver the best value and quality products so everyone can enjoy a traditional meal with family and friends without having to scale back."

According to a press release, the Thanksgiving basket—touted as an “inflation-busting holiday meal”—includes a full meal for 10 people for less than $47.

Stocked with a Butterball turkey, pumpkin pie ingredients, and every guest’s favorite side dish, the ALDI Thanksgiving basket delivers a full Thanksgiving meal for less than $4.70 per person.

As shopper demand continues to drive the retailer’s growth plans, pricing strategies like this bring more customers through the door.

For more information, click here.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest holiday updates, so stay tuned.

WASHINGTON, DC - Have you eaten a plant today? Over the past few weeks, The Foundation for Fresh Produce has connected with and educated thousands of dietitians at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE), and the Retail Dietitian Immersion Event at the International Fresh Produce Association's (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show (GPFS), to help deliver on the Foundation’s vision of growing a healthier world by boosting appeal for fruits and vegetables.

“We are committed to nurturing this critical stakeholder audience to help us increase consumption of fruits and vegetables across the globe,” said Katie Calligaro, Director, Marketing and Communications. “Whether it’s through events like The Consumer Connection Conference in April, IFPA’s Foodservice Conference in July, the Retail RD Immersion Event at GPFS, or by showing up where they are at FNCE and other nutrition conferences, there are many ways we stay engaged and connected with the health and wellness community throughout the year.”

For the second year now, The Foundation showed up strong amongst the over 8,000 nutrition professionals from across the world at FNCE. According to a press release, the Have A Plant® booth was one of the most popular on the show floor, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables donated by FreshPoint Bix Produce Company, Have A Plant t-shirt giveaways, fun fruit and veggie tattoos, as well as a Hack-A-Thon survey for a chance to win a spotlight on @fruitsandveggies social media channels.

The team engaged with nearly 3,000 dietitians during the three-day FNCE Expo, highlighting resources to help people eat more fruits and vegetables, and the simple message to pass on to their clients, patients, and communities: Every time you eat, Have A Plant!

“The efforts made by The Foundation for Fresh Produce to engage with and inform dietitians are unparalleled,” stated Alex DiNovo, President and Chief Operating Officer of DNO Produce and past Chair of Foundation for Fresh Produce. “We are excited to support and extend this mission into 2025 to enhance the global discussions on nutrition and contribute to creating a healthier world by improving human health through produce. This work wouldn't be possible without the invaluable input from dietitians who educate, advise, and communicate with consumers daily.”

The Foundation also hosted 20 influential retail dietitians at its 2024 Retail Dietitian Immersion Event during IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show. For over a decade, this key annual event has given retail dietitians the latest in produce innovations, research, and behavioral insights.

To read the full release, click here.

Turn back to AndNowUKnow any time you’re looking for a quick produce update!

DELANO, CA - From flavor-forward varieties to strategic partnership agreements, Four Star Fruit continuously takes well-thought-out steps to improve its already strong table grape offering. In doing so, the company continues to expand its year-round network, helping its retail partners secure a deeper consumer commitment to the table grape category.

“We uphold the strength of our table grape portfolio by working with the best-in-class varieties and growers in the United States and other growing regions to meet customer demands,” shares Jack Campbell, President. “Whether that is re-developing our vineyards in California or collaborating with growers abroad, Four Star recognized the need to always be evolving.”

The table grape supplier is currently harvesting its HOLIDAY® and PRISTINE® Seedless varieties, noting that now is a great time to promote some of the best-eating grapes the California fall harvest has to offer.

“We provide some of the best quality and varieties that the California table grape industry has to offer,” Jack assures. “Acreage has declined in the state over the past few years, meaning less volume is being packed and sold. The decrease in volume has not affected the North American customers, and we expect a normal end of the season in the San Joaquin Valley.”

Also supporting its portfolio is an extensive line of packaging styles and unique brand partnerships that allow Four Star’s retail partners to get creative when developing merchandising plans to reach the consumer.

As Jack goes on to note, satisfying consumers with high quality, flavor, and consistency gives retailers an edge when it comes to overcoming pressures in the market.

“Rapidly rising costs continue to put pressure on everyone in the supply chain, whether you are a grower, retailer, or consumer,” Jack adds. “Creating the best experience for shoppers enables the consumer to see value in their purchase.”

ANUK will continue to spotlight advantageous opportunities in the California table grape industry and beyond, so stick around for more updates.

MONTREAL, CANADA - A distinguished retail executive is getting ready to hang up their hat. It was announced last week that François Thibault, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer at METRO, has decided to retire next spring after more than 12 years with the company.

Since joining METRO in 2012, Thibault has been a key leader of the company and business partner to its operating divisions, steering a number of key acquisitions—including the Jean Coutu Group—and supporting the modernization of METRO’s supply chain. He has ensured the company’s solid financial position and disciplined capital allocation, overseeing sustained investments across the business and contributing to the achievement of our long-term financial objectives.

According to a press release, he also established strong credibility with investors and will leave behind an excellent team.

Thibault will continue in his role until his retirement, which will give the company time to identify a successor through an external search as well as allow for a smooth and harmonious transition.

“I am grateful to François for his strong leadership and partnership over the last 12 years and thank him for his significant contribution to our success,” said Eric La Flèche, President and Chief Executive Officer.

We wish the best of luck to François Thibault on his next steps!