ORANGE, CA – FreshSource continues to secure its team of experience-heavy members, this time adding Justin Hill to its lineup of leaders. Justin is translating his ten years of buy-side experience as the company’s newest National Director of Bakery, Deli, and Frozen categories.
Justin is joining the company fresh off of eight years with retailer Tesco, with unique professional assets obtained in Retail Buying and Category Management.
“He is an expert in strategic planning and analytics, and has a proven track record of identifying and executing new opportunities for growth,” the company said in a recent statement.
This new position, along with Justin’s previous experience, has flushed his portfolio with a multi-faceted background that now includes the following:
- New product development
- Operations
- Strategic marketing
- Merchandising
- Promotional planning
- Supply chain management
Justin’s new role with FreshSource with span a national level for the categories which he will serve as National Director for. Justin also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University.
In his less professionally-minded realms, Justin enjoys being a barbecue pit master, cycling, paddle boarding, and volunteering his time as an Auxiliary Board Member at St. John the Baptist School.
Justin’s hiring is the latest in a string of additions for the company. AndNowUKnow will continue to report as the company grows its valued set of team members in the industry.
IRWINDALE, CA – Expanding its portfolio to include further foodservice options, combined with the consumer allure for pizza, Ready Pac Foods has announced that its salads will now be easily available on a nationwide scale through a new partnership with Domino’s.
"Now everybody can be happy on pizza night," said Joe Jordan, Chief Marketing Officer at Domino's. "There's no shame in wanting salad when everyone else wants pizza, especially now that Domino's has found a perfect way to offer even more options for customers across the country. The new Chicken Apple Pecan option might even lure a few pizza lovers over to the salad side!"
Ready Pac Foods stated in a press release that the company will offer a three variety selection of pre-packaged salads for the salad and pizza loving consumers of the national chain. The flavors are as follows:
- Classic Garden
- Chicken Caesar
- New, Chicken Apple Pecan
By picking up the innovations of Ready Pac, Domino’s will not only diversify its options for consumer’s, but become what the company says is now the largest national pizza chain to deliver salads.
"We are thrilled that our salads are now available for Domino's customers in every store," said Tristan Simpson, Chief Marketing Officer at Ready Pac Foods. "Everyone who loves pizza night can now breathe a deep sigh of relief, and enjoy Domino's Classic Garden Salad with that slice of pizza."
To make every type of eater happy, Domino’s new Ready Pac Foods salads are available for $5.99 when you add them to any of the chain’s mix and match menu items. Consumers can now add their veggie proclivities for salads to medium two-topping pizzas, specialty chicken, eight-piece chicken, cheese breads, and more.
What kind of partnerships can the diversity of fresh produce be packed into next? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated with the most recent foodservice ties and announcements.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - H-E-B looks to be expanding its footprint once again, particularly in the northern region of the Lone Star State.
The retailer has bought six locations from the local Sun Fresh Market, four in Uptown, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, and Northwest Dallas. The other two locations are located in McKinney and Grapevine.
"At this time, Central Market continues to be the primary format for Dallas-Fort Worth," said Todd Piland, H-E-B Executive VP of Real Estate, according to The Dallas Morning News. "We are currently evaluating the feasibility of each site to determine the most effective use of the properties."
Meanwhile, Director of Public Affairs Mabrie Jackson told the news source that H-E-B/Central Market is thrilled to have these new stores, which Sun Fresh is currently in the process of closing after only a year or so of operation.
H-E-B has made several strides in expansion since 
it was reported that growth was top of mind for the chain back in May, including the announcement of two more stores in hometown San Antonio and upping its land ownership to 20 pieces in the state.
This most recent acquisition boosts the retailer’s position in what are being reported as burgeoning retail markets. AndNowUKnow will continue to report once it is determined if these will be additional H-E-B locations, more growth for it Central Market format, or both.
SOUTHERN EASTERN U.S. - A slow-moving storm system has caused massive flooding throughout the central Gulf of Mexico coast this past weekend. Rain levels over the past few days have reached over 30 inches in some parts of Louisiana.
The heavy rains sent local rivers to the flood stage, breaking records in some cases. Reportedly, record crest levels were surpassed on the Amite, Comite, and Tickfaw rivers just east of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
From August 10 through 13, AccuWeather has tracked the following rainfall totals:
- Baton Rouge, LA: 19.24
- New Iberia, LA: 18.76
- Lafayette, LA: 20.91
- Monticello, LA: 26.26
- Denham Springs, LA: 27.45
- Brownfields, LA: 27.47
- Jackson, LA: 21.56
- Watson, LA: 31.39
While there were a few submerged highways over the past weekend, it doesn’t seem like fresh produce transportation will be affected in a meaningful way. I spoke with Kenny Lund, V.P. of Operations for Allen Lund Company, who was optimistic about the region's ability to handle the opposition.
"The people working in the region know how to handle these conditions, and they have good contingency plans in place," Kenny tells me. "The professionalism of these offices will make sure these goods get to where they need to be."
Over the next few days, the threat of flash flooding will expand to parts of Texas and Arkansas through Tuesday. According to AccuWeather, the heaviest downpours will be focused from central and coastal Texas, and western Louisiana to southern and eastern Arkansas.
AndNowUKnow will continue to track this storm as it effects the fresh produce supply chain.
HOUSTON, TX - Sysco has released its Q4 and fiscal year 2016 financial report this morning, not only beating Wall Street’s estimates on earnings, but also increasing sales by double-digits on a year-over-year basis.
“I am very pleased with our performance during fiscal 2016, as we made significant progress toward our three-year plan financial objectives,” shared Bill DeLaney, Sysco’s Chief Executive Officer, upon the release of the report. “During the year, we had strong local case growth, improved our gross profit, managed expenses well, and drove increased operating income. Looking forward, we remain highly focused on supporting the success of our customers, profitably growing our business, and achieving the objectives of our three-year plan.”
Prior to the report, analysts at Nasdaq had estimated the company's non-GAAP earnings per share to reach 60 cents, which Sysco beat to reach 64 cents per share. This win had Sysco’s shares up by 5% in pre-market trading, Nasdaq reports, but by 1 PM EST stocks had leveled out to near even, hitting $52.17.
Other highlights from Sysco’s Q4 and fiscal year 2016 included:
- Q4 Sales increased 10.0% to $13.6 billion
- Q4 Gross profit increased 12.7% to $2.5 billion; gross margin increased 44 basis points to 18.3%
- Q4 Operating income increased 351.9% to $547 million; adjusted operating income increased 23.4% to $628 million
- Q4 Earnings Per Share increased $0.26 to $0.38; adjusted EPS increased $0.12 to $0.64
- Fiscal 2016 Sales increased 3.5% to $50.4 billion
- Fiscal 2016 Gross profit increased 5.7% to $9.0 billion
- Fiscal Year Operating income increased 50.5% to $1.9 billion; adjusted operating income increased 12.1% to $2.0 billion
- Fiscal Year Earnings Per Share increased $0.49 to $1.64; adjusted EPS increased $0.26 to $2.10
On the tails of an abandoned merger between Sysco and US Foods, Sysco recently closed a $3.1 billion acquisition of U.K. distributor Brakes. This reportedly grew sales by 10%, reaching $13.6 billion.
How will fiscal year 2017 look for a thus far thriving Sysco? AndNowUKnow will keep dishing up the latest.
ORLANDO, FL – In continued efforts to work with mango-producing countries to give retailers and consumers an informed prediction of how many mangos will be shipped to the U.S., the National Mango Board (NMB) has released its latest update from Mexico and Brazil as of August 6, 2016. NMB reports that volume arriving into the U.S. is up almost one million boxes from last year’s numbers.
Mango volume shipping the first week of this month was approximately 2,623,012 boxes. During the same week last year, volume was around 1,721, 053 boxes. These numbers brought the total mango volume to 80,520,019 boxes brought into the U.S., according to a recent press release.
These numbers are supplemented by crop from Brazil. The Brazilian season runs from July through November, with a projected 8 million boxes expected. Varieties to comprise the volume is expected as follows:
- Tommy Atkins: 85%
- Ataulfo: 8%
- Palmer: 7%
As of August 6, volume shipped from Brazil was 322,298 boxes for a total of 372,530 in the season thus far. This volume is up an approximate 84,242 boxes from last year’s total at this point in the year.
Additionally, the Mexican season, which began in January and will run through October, is expected to provide the U.S. with around 66.5 million boxes of mangos. The varieties to compose this number are the following:
- Tommy Atkins: 38%
- Kent: 20%
- Haden: 7%
- Keitt: 8%
- Other: 1%
At this point last year, volume from Mexico was composed of a total of 64,034,955 boxes. This number is slightly lower this year, with a total of 63,126,453 boxes of mangos.
Though the overall volume is lower as of right now, weekly volume is on the rise. During the week of August 6 last year, volume arrived from Mexico was approximately 1,708,091. This year, that number has significantly increased with volume arriving from Mexico on the same week at around 2,623,012 boxes.
For more information on the NMB’s latest mango crop report, along with the average price per box comparisons for each port of entry, click here.
As mangos continue to sweeten up consumers baskets, and volume remains on the rise, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest crop information.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Answering feedback from its retailer partners and consumers at large, Frieda’s Specialty Produce has developed new 8 oz. stand-up pouches for its shishito peppers.
“We have been selling shishito peppers for several years, and every year they get more popular,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s. “Shoppers will be looking for these peppers and our grab-and-go pouch makes it easy, while retailers will love our eye-catching, easy-to-merchandize package that will protect and extend the life of the product.”
The company stated in a press release that the bags are eye-catching and convenient, in addition to using 60 percent less material than a clamshell. The shishito pouch stands up for easy display, which also enables it to stand out in the aisle with its bright color, playful copy, and highlighted serving ideas.
“Our shishito pouch offers the perfect solution for everyone,” added Caplan.
In the United Fresh Produce Association’s 2015 winter industry trends report, Frieda’s stated that shishito peppers were featured as a growing and trending item in foodservice. The mostly mild peppers are making appearances nationwide as appetizers on menus, which translates to increased retail sales and opportunities for consumers; especially during grilling season.
Shishito peppers are available now in 12/8 oz. pouches, and in bulk. Organic shishito peppers are also available in bulk in limited supply during the summer season.
For your spiciest announcements, stay with AndNowUKnow for the hottest industry news.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SuperValu will serve as a grocery wholesaler and distributor for the Fresh Market, according to a long-term agreement that was announced this morning, August 15.
“We are excited about this relationship with SuperValu,” said The Fresh Market’s President and CEO Rick Anicetti, according to a press release. He went on to say that this new relationship would enhance its customer experience, with a focus on providing superior quality and freshness at a greater value, adding, “SuperValu’s experience in wholesale grocery and logistics capabilities aligns well with our strategic vision and will make them a valuable strategic partner for our future.”
In this new role, SuperValu will supply The Fresh Market with signature grocery products ranging several departments of the store.
According to both companies, the intention is for SuperValu to become the primary distributor once The Fresh Market completes the transition with current distribution relationships.
“The Fresh Market is a terrific organization with a tremendous store base and a great consumer offering,” SuperValu President and CEO Mark Gross commented. “The stores offer a great shopping experience. They are extremely well merchandised, meet customer demand with a keen focus on fresh, and provide a wonderful mix of traditional and specialty products. This is an excellent example of how our experience, strong distribution network, and overall wholesale capabilities can serve larger grocery chains while also being flexible to the needs of specialty-focused retailers.”
As we’ve previously reported, it has been a year of changes and transitions for The Fresh Market, having been acquired by Apollo Global Management, LLC, last spring and, most recently, delaying the opening of new locations in several states.
Currently, the expectation is that SuperValu will begin serving some of The Fresh Market’s stores as early as this fall, taking on additional stores throughout the transition.
CINNCINATTI, OH - This was another one for the record books. That is what Bob Lummis shared with me as we spoke about the company’s always-successful Buying Food Show and Educational Seminar held this week at the home of the Cincinnati Reds.
And what a success it was. I had the opportunity to experience Cincinnati at its finest on Wednesday. Between Crosset’s buying show at the Great American Ballpark, where I walked through the inspiring history of the Reds, to the Belle of Cincinnati Dinner Cruise held amid Victorian décor, the lush green of the city, and a wealth of conversations… This trip definitely delivered.
When I ask Bob where the value of the Crosset program lies, he says that it is the rich vendor and retail relationships that have truly built the company over the years.
“Each year, we work hand-in-hand with both our vendors and retail partners to fuel growth within the produce department,” Bob tells me. “Whether that is working with them to innovate new products to meet the demands of the value-added or on-the-go consumer, energizing their merchandising support and programs, or planning for the evolving consumer palate-we look to provide a space where these conversations can be nurtured and then executed. We are strategically positioned to help retailers increase the ring at the register, while supporting our vendors by helping them cultivate new relationships and partnerships.”
So how did this annual event draw in the intimate crowd this year? To start, the day’s first pitch was thrown by Crosset Company’s TC Williams, who addressed a room full of attendees in the Great American Ballpark’s new Handlebar Club. TC spoke to the crowd about the growth within the organic category and how Crosset’s program has expanded its product mix in this sector to better differentiate itself amongst the burgeoning competition.
Speaking of the evolution of the organic category over the past 25 years, TC said, it has been like a blue chip stock, increasing year after year after year.
“Let’s go way back to 1990,” he told the audience. “The entire organic category was worth $1 billion – which wasn’t just fresh fruits and vegetables, that was the entire category. Ten years later it grew to $7.76 billion. That is when the Crosset Company got involved with organics.”
Seven years later it grew from $7.76 billion to $20 billion and this year’s growth is expected to be in the double digits, he added, speaking to the need for companies to re-evaluate their investments in organic offerings.
TC was followed by a collaboration between Michael Sansolo, Retail Food Industry Consultant and Research Director of the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Councils and Kevin Coupe, “Content Guy,” for MorningNewsBeat.com. The two speakers discussed the shifting retail landscape, technological advancements, the need to diversify, and recognizing the opportunities within different consumer demographics. From Amazon’s always-evolving business model, to U.S. retail disruptors like Aldi and Lidl, both speakers acknowledged that new consumer buying behaviors and demands must be addressed in order to thrive in our competitive arena. At the heart of their message: adapt.
Next to the stage was special guest speaker and former Cincinnati Reds Manager, Lou Piniella, who shared the rich baseball history that brought him to the Red’s and beyond. Lou also pulled back the curtain and shared some of his insights into the game and some of his all-time favorite players during his tenure.
After a delicious lunch in the Diamond Club, we made our way to the buying show floor. Overlooking the Red’s field, the vendor spread brought together organic and conventional produce and floral companies that include the likes of Braga Fresh, Lady Moon, Cal-Organic, as well as Stemilt, Columbine Vineyards, and Giorgio to name a few. Attendees took advantage of special deals with savings on products from the more than 50 top produce and floral suppliers during the day’s event and I was able to experience the reason why Crosset is the successful company that it is today: its push toward differentiation and the company’s incredible supplier and buyer relationships. Customers tasted products from across the U.S. and filled their buying books with new and innovative produce items.
As the floor wrapped up, I took advantage of an intimate tour of the Great American Ballpark before heading out to the Crosset Dinner Cruise on the Belle of Cincinnati to add to an already successful buying show.
From the budding new business relationships to the diverse product mix and attendee response, I would have to agree with Bob, Crosset definitely hit it out of the park with this one. And with this year’s theme, “It’s a Whole New Game,” driving the company forward, I truly believe the wholesale distributor and logistics company has more than just a brighter future ahead, but a long and prosperous one as well.
PORTERVILLE, CA – As its organic stonefruit program continues to expand across the board, Homegrown Organic Farms is currently ramping up to start its second season of California peaches.
“I’m very excited about our second season of peaches. They’re all wonderful yellow peach varieties of big and beautiful California peaches,” Stephen Paul, Category Director, tells me of the company’s current crop.
Stephen says that the season started and stayed very intense with elevated volume until the end of last month, with supply expected to remain steady through mid-October with the later varieties. Homegrown Organics says its crop will remain bountiful as long as weather permits.
“I expect the market is going to remain steady as the season goes through October, with prices staying around mid to upper 20s, and in some cases lower 30s,” Stephen says. “I’m optimistic because I know California produces an amazing piece of fruit, and there is thriving demand for the organic sector.”
The company is focusing on tapping in on retailer needs for merchandising this season in order to deliver an optimized product.
“Our motto is to listen, learn, and deliver. This year we’re focusing on learning what POS materials retailers want and are working with them to achieve their goals, because they’re the ones working with the customer,” Stephen tells me.
Stephen says the company’s stonefruit program has consistently grown year-over-year due to new growers and partnerships, including Homegrown’s partnership with The Giumarra Companies. The arrangement, penned last year, gives Homegrown access to the Nature’s Partner brand of DulceVida stonefruit varieties to grow them organically.
“This was our first year with DulceVida volume, and we expect the program to continue in growth and maturity to fill our late-summer timeframe,” Stephen says of the diversity the partnership adds to Homegrown.
Stephen says that the company also has its eyes ahead on the next season as the company plans to launch new varieties of stonefruit to answer growing consumer, and retailer, demand.
“Our organic Asian Pear program will see a significant increase in volume next year with the addition of six or more varieties,” Stephen finishes. “This will allow our program to run from mid-July through mid-November.”
As Homegrown Organic Farms continues to expand its stonefruit program, and supply this year’s retailers and consumers with beautiful California peaches, AndNowUKnow will have the latest in handpicked industry announcements.