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NOGALES, AZ - Retailers will have a new distribution hub for its Good Life Organic™ products come mid-October. Veg-Fresh Farms has announced it will begin offering FOB sales and distribution for organic Italian squash, organic green bells, and organic cucumbers out of Nogales, Arizona, all grown and packed in the Good Life Organic™ label.
“Loading Good Life Organic™ produce out of Nogales offers our customers a wide variety of advantages that will enhance their organic program,” explains Anthony Innocenti, the Good Life Organic™ Category Manager. “The efficiencies of buying direct loads out of Nogales cannot be discounted when looking at ways to streamline your organic supply chain without sacrificing quality.”
Veg-Fresh Farms will offer a large variety of organic produce grown and packed under the Good Life Organic™ label, giving retailers a consistent look for their store shelves, as well as reliable and strong quality. According to a press release, consistency in labeling and quality in an organic program at store level has proven to build consumer confidence and loyalty.
Good Life Organic™ offers a full line of organic vegetables including:
- Italian and yellow squash
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Green and colored bells
- Roma tomatoes
- Green beans
- Hard squashes
Just as important as providing consistent quality and a wide variety, Innocenti shares that the Good Life Organic™ Nogales facility offers consolidation services that will save retailers time by giving them a one-stop-shop.
“Our goal is to have our customer’s truck arrive, load, and depart,” Innocenti adds. “Keeping it simple and streamlining the supply chain. However, in the event a retailer needs more product to fill out their truck, Veg-Fresh Farms will also be offering conventional dry veg, a full line of chiles, and conventional tomatoes at the Nogales facility.”
Starting in mid October, the Good Life Organic™ location in Nogales will continue shipping through June. Both organic grapes and organic mixed melons will join the mix of products come late spring, the company says. A third generation family-run agribusiness, Veg-Fresh Farms also provides fresh produce under the Veg-Fresh Farms and Crystal Cove Berry Farms labels.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - While the leaves haven’t even fallen off the trees yet, retailers are already looking towards their bottom lines for the holiday season. One retailer looking to make this holiday one for the pocket books is Target, who has announced it will boost its workforce by 70,000 for the season.
In the period from November through late January, many retailers make up to 30 percent of their sales and profits for the entire year, according to a report by Fortune. Store attendance also rises dramatically during this season, giving stores the chance to pull out all the stops as far as customer service, helping to solidify customer loyalty throughout the year. During 2015’s holiday quarter, Target’s comparable sales rose 1.9 percent, Fortune says.
However, while 70,000 seems like an impressive amount, some say the number reflects a shrinking expectation for the retailer's season. 70,000 was also the number of seasonal employees Target hired for its 2015 holiday, showing a lack of major growth year over year.
There is one particular area Target is investing in for its end of the year marathon, however: e-commerce. An increase over last year, the company is hiring 7,500 workers to serve in its order fulfillment centers and distribution centers. The trend as of late has been for shoppers to order online and pick up in stores. In response, Target has increased the number of locations that will ship online orders from 460 last year to 920 this year.
So how will the holiday season pan out as Target gets ready to take its 70,000 new troops into battle? Stay tuned as we continue to look at the company financials in the coming months.
DELANO, CA - With the autumn colors on the way, consumers will need to freshen up their recipe books with more healthy, tasty options. As the weather cools and the kitchen becomes the place to be, see What’s in Store for Columbine Vineyards and our creative CoVi Kitchen.
At Columbine Vineyards, we’re ecstatic about the “foodie” culture rising out of social media as creative, beautiful ways to prepare meals push grapes into the spotlight. To showcase their versatility, we’ve created an easy, interactive destination for anyone looking for a new, healthy, delicious way to use this vine-grown gem.
From breakfast to dessert, you and your customers can find a wide array of inspiration when visiting CoVi Kitchen. Browse numerous ideas broken down into simple, easy-to-prepare steps that will elevate your grape offerings. In-house favorites include delicious lamb chops flavored with rosemary and CoVi grapes to finish, as well as the crumbly, not-so-guilty pleasures of Apple Mini pies with our proprietary Milano® grapes.
Milanos are the perfect autumn grape to incorporate from back-to-school to Halloween. Available early September through mid-October, these extra large green gems deliver a clean, crisp flavor with a crunch that makes for a delicious flavor profile to cook with or snack on. Packaged in an eye-catching high-graphic stand up bag and a 3lb clamshell, these are the epitome of retail ease and versatility, not to mention attention-getters on the shelf.
Don't worry Holiday® Grape lovers! Having kicked off early September, these are available now for all your grape needs.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube to ensure you never miss a CoVi(sm) recipe.
Thank you for watching What’s In Store.
LEAMINGTON, ON – Highline Produce Limited, a fully integrated and extensive mushroom producer in Canada, has announced the strengthening of its operations through the acquisition of one of the largest growers in Western Canada; All Seasons Mushrooms.
"I look forward to working with Frank Moscone and his team as we combine these two excellent mushroom companies. Both Highline and All Seasons are known for their quality, customer relationships, and innovation, including our leading positions as suppliers of organic mushrooms," stated Highline CEO Glenn Martin.
Highline is one of the largest operators in Canada and one of the world’s largest organic growers, according to Yahoo Finance, and markets approximately 58 million pounds of mushrooms a year, with five facilities spanning Ontario and Quebec.
All Seasons will significantly add to Highline’s operations with its own prominent portfolio of certified organic mushrooms, growing around 19 million pounds of mushrooms each year from three facilities in British Columbia, and one facility in Alberta.
"Highline was a natural choice for All Seasons to partner with because we have a shared culture that recognizes the importance of our dedicated employees, customers, and suppliers," said All Season CEO and Founder Frank Moscone.
With All Season’s production now joining the operations of Highline, the companies will encompass nine locations with 1,400 employees across Canada. Yahoo Finance reported that all operations will continue with business as usual.
As acquisitions and mergers continue to range throughout the industry, stay with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on the latest strategic announcements.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – In further efforts to promote food safety in the industry, GLOBALG.A.P. and United Fresh Produce Association have announced that its Harmonized Produce Safety Standard (HPSS) V1.0 has been recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
“GLOBALG.A.P. has a long-standing commitment to eliminating duplication of effort and achieving greater harmonization within the industry worldwide,” stated Kristian Moeller, CEO of GLOBALG.A.P. “We are proud to be the first scheme owner to make the industry’s vision of harmonization a reality in the North American marketplace for those seeking a GFSI recognized option.”
The standards were worked on extensively between United Fresh and GLOBALG.A.P., according to a press release, to drive focus on the following harmonization of GAP standards and reduce audit fatigue in order to allow operations to focus on food safety resources to actually achieve food safety, rather than simply passing audits.
“As Secretariat for the Produce GAP HarmonizedStandards, United Fresh Produce Association is thrilled that the Standards have successfully been benchmarked through the GFSI process,” said Tom Stenzel, President & CEO, United Fresh Produce Association. “We commend GLOBALG.A.P. for shepherding the Standard through this important process. ‘One audit by any credible third party, acceptable to all buyers’ was the goal of fresh produce growers and buyers alike in 2009, when the Produce GAPs Harmonization Initiative began. This goal is consistent with GFSI’s objective to ‘reduce food safety risks by delivering equivalence and convergence between effective food safety management systems’. Benchmarking against the GFSI Guidance Document 6 will increase acceptance beyond the extensive list of customers already accepting the audit.”
The HPSS has been benchmarked by the GFSI and achieved recognition against the following:
- GFSI Guidance Document Sixth Edition
- Scope BI – Farming of Plants
- D1 – Pre Processing Handling of Plant Products
The HPSS, according to a press release, is the first GFSI recognized application of the Produce GAP Harmonized Standards. The Harmonized standards cover field operations, harvesting, and post harvest operations, which were developed by a Steering Committee of over 30 major fresh produce buying companies, growers, and trade association staff. These standards are available in English and Spanish, and continuously updated. Most recently, the standards were updated to align with the forthcoming FDA requirements, and will continue to accept public comments until November 21.
The HPSS was developed by the Produce Gap Harmonization Initiative technical working group, which was facilitated by United Fresh. The operations and management was handled by GLOBALG.A.P.
“We look forward to working with GLOBALG.A.P. and others to offer training to support the implementation of this audit scheme,” finished Stenzel.
GLOBALG.A.P. stated that it puts forth its thanks to Quality Certification Services and SCS Global Services for their support in the GFSI application process. CCOF Certification Services, LLC, NSF Food Safety Certification, LLC, Quality Certification Services, and SCS Global Services are all accredited to offer HPSS.
As food safety and health initiatives continue to stay at the forefront of the industry, stay with AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover leading announcements.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Howard Butt, Jr., brother of HEB CEO Charles Butt, passed away Sunday evening at the age of 89.
He served as President of the H.E. Butt Foundation and as Vice Chairman of the HEB Board for several decades, which was founded in 1933 by his parents, Howard Butt Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth-Butt.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of my brother, Howard," said his brother Charles, HEB CEO, according to a release. "His decades of inspired leadership, philanthropy, and humanitarian efforts will forever be missed by our family and those he impacted across the U.S."
One of the largest family‑owned companies in Texas, HEB is led by family members including, in addition to Charles, Howard Butt III and Stephen Butt.
Born in Kerrville, Texas, on September 8, 1927, Butt grew up in the food business founded by his grandmother, Florence, in 1905. He attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, graduated in 1947 with a degree in business, and soon afterward married his longtime sweetheart, Barbara Dan Gerber.
While working in the family business, Howard, Jr., continued to pursue spiritual endeavors. According to the company, he is perhaps best remembered for nationally convening groups from all walks of life for intellectual discussion and inspired reflection, naming him a bridge-builder between the secular and religious worlds. Howard, Jr. created the Layman’s Leadership Institute with evangelist Billy Graham, which hosted national faith‑based programs for business professionals. In recognition of his efforts on behalf of workers, Butt was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to the first Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.
In 1982, he assumed presidency of the H.E. Butt Foundation. As one of the earliest private foundations in Texas, HEB noted that the foundation served as a vehicle for philanthropic contributions to south Texas communities. In 1954, the foundation acquired 1,900 acres in the rural Texas Hill Country to provide free outdoor camping facilities for underprivileged children. After Howard, Jr. took on leadership of the foundation, he was able to greatly expand his parents’ vision, serving more than 20,000 campers each year–almost one million to date–including from churches and other non‑profit groups. He also established the Laity Lodge Retreat Center in the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio.
The AndNowUKnow team wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and those touched by this loss.
SALINAS VALLEY, CA - Markon Cooperative, along with several of its foodservice members, is the most recent ag company in Salinas, CA, to join Labor of Love.
“At Markon, one core value is that people matter – and we know how critical to our success the people that harvest and pack our products are,” said Tim York, Markon’s President, according to a press release. “Through our partnership with Labor of Love, we are able to acknowledge and thank the dedicated people who work in the fields every day to ensure we are able to offer the best produce to our foodservice customers.”
Yesterday morning, the two sides surprised a crew harvesting and packing Markon Fresh Crop label romaine with breakfast on the farm, as well as gift cards to Walmart.
“Harvesting is a difficult profession and requires a commitment and unique set of skills,” Steve Alameda, President of YFVA and grower, commented. “When we find the right workers, we want to make sure we take care of them, respect them, and celebrate their invaluable contribution to the industry. This program showcases our work force and thanks them for their hard work.”
Foodservice members present were:
- Ben E. Keith Foods
- Gordon Food Service
- Gordon Food Service Canada
- Maines Paper & Food Service
- Nicholas & Company
- Reinhart Foodservice
- Shamrock Foods Company
In addition to breakfast, gift cards, and other random acts of kindness, Labor of Love has a website and a Facebook page with posts devoted to sharing the stories of various farm workers. Launched in 2015, the unique program looks to thank those who serve the ag industry, starting as a grassroots effort by the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association (YFVA), a Yuma group made up of growers, shippers, and agriculture subsidiary professionals.
Thousands of farm workers have been personally thanked for their hard work through Labor of Love, with personal stories having been shared with millions within the Yuma and Salinas Valley communities and beyond.
The program will continue in the Salinas Valley through September, so stay tuned to see what random members get hit with gratitude next!
IRWINDALE, CA - It has been an incredible year of growth for Ready Pac Foods as the company continues to innovate within the value-added salad category. As we head into fall festivities, the company has continued to bring new opportunities and fresh offerings to evolving sectors of the industry.
One of these latest innovations for Ready Pac Foods has been in the chopped salad category. The company was the first to market its’ four chef-inspired Organic Chopped Salad Kits. The Company is looking to bring more value-add to the category with these recipes—Caesar, Zesty Greek, Kickin' Southwest and Sweet Kale.
“The difference at Ready Pac Foods is our ability to continue to innovate after a long history of firsts,” Tristan Simpson, Ready Pac Foods Chief Marketing Officer tells me. “Our culinary team is the best in the industry and we are proud of their work in delivering these popular consumer flavor combinations in a new organic and convenient format.”
Here is a tasty breakdown of what these new salads have to offer:
Caesar: Organic Chopped Romaine and Radicchio, Organic Pita Squares, Organic Parmesan Hard Grating Cheese and Organic Caesar Vinaigrette
Zesty Greek: Organic Escarole, Endive, Romaine, Radicchio and Carrots, Organic Feta Cheese Crumbles, Organic Herb-seasoned Flatbread Strips and Organic Greek-inspired Vinaigrette
Kickin' Southwest: Organic Romaine, Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage and Carrots, Organic Tortilla Strips, Monterey Jack Cheese and Organic Southwest Ranch Dressing
Sweet Kale: Organic Kale, Red Cabbage, Carrots and Radicchio, Organic Cranberries, Organic Sunflower Kernels and Organic Lite Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
In addition to developments in the organic chopped salad sector, Ready Pac Foods has also announced a new partnership as part of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Last month, the company announced a national rollout of co-branded salad bowls at all Domino’s restaurants in the U.S. Ready Pac Foods has been a supplier of fresh-cut produce and bagged salads to Domino’s since 2008 and this new partnership with co-branded salads, marks a greater level of value for the pizza chain and for Ready Pac Foods.
The prepackaged salads are available in three varieties—Classic Garden, Chicken Caesar and the new Chicken Apple Pecan—as part of Domino’s mix-and-match menu. These salads offer premium ingredients like spring mix, roasted white meat chicken, and brioche garlic croutons—items that have tested extremely well in key markets.
“Our significant growth as a company has allowed us to continue to look at new ways to reach consumers, increase fresh produce consumption, and give them more opportunities to eat healthier,” said Tony Sarsam, Chief Executive Officer, Ready Pac Foods. “Our work with long-term partners like Dominos, drives our vision to offer fresh, healthy foods to consumers every day.”
Value-added salads are definitely one of my favorite vehicles for increasing fresh produce consumption in my daily meals and in my household. With this accelerated growth in the company’s product line, I am excited to see what will come next from Ready Pac Foods.
CINCINNATI, OH – Releasing its Q2 financial for 2016, Kroger has announced a rise to its sales over the past quarter with corresponding strategies already marked for the next.
"I'm very proud of our associates for their determined focus on always making a difference for our customers. Their execution of our Customer 1st Strategy in a deflationary environment helped deliver growth in identical store sales, units, and market share,” stated Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen in a press release.
The company’s sales, excluding fuel, increased 1.7% over the quarter from this same time last year, to rest at $0.47 per share. This brings the company’s adjusted EPS up to $454 million from 2015’s $433 million. Reuters reported that this number is slightly lower than the average analyst estimate which marked the company for a 2.6% rise.
Thus far, Kroger has reported an increase of year-to-date net earnings, excluding adjustment items, when compared to this time last year. These net earnings have risen to $1.15 billion from 2015’s $1.052 billion.
Other notable Kroger reportings to 2016’s second quarter, when compared to last year’s data, are as follows:
- Net earnings of $383 million, or $0.40, down from $433 million
- Total sales increased 4.0% to $26.6 billion from $25.5 billion
- Total operating expenses (excluding Roundy’s, fuel, and pension agreements) decreased 6 basis points
In tandem with this increases to its sales, Kroger reported on its financial strategies for the next quarter and beyond. Kroger has lowered its projected guidance for both its sales and profits guidance for the year.
“We are focused on long-term performance over a three-to-five year horizon. We have the right strategy, the right people, and the financial flexibility to execute our strategy, which allows us to continue investing in our associates and our business and growing market share. By staying on our strategy, we create long-term value for our shareholders," continued McMullen.
Kroger’s shift to its financial outlook includes a drop to its full-year profit from $2.03 to $2.13 per share from its previous guidance outlines of $2.19 to $2.28. Kroger also lowered its net earnings guidance range per diluted share to $2.10 to $2.20.
The company stated that it expects its supermarket sales growth to be in the 1.4-1.8% for the next year, which is down from its previous statement of 2.5-3.5%.
Kroger stated that these changes were to promote long-term financial strategies to better utilize financial flexibility to drive growth for its shareholders. Reuters reported that Kroger is not the first company to report numbers lower than expected in the industry in the midst of deflation.
With a new financial outlook for the horizon, and further plans to boost its portfolio through the Roundy’s banner and online ordering services, stay with AndNowUKnow as we report on where Kroger is headed next.