IMMOKALEE, FL – As part of its commitment to the local Immokalee community, Lipman has announced that at its 5th annual free community event on August 6, the company distributed more than 1,200 backpacks filled with school supplies to Immokalee elementary and middle school students.
“We look forward to our backpack distribution event every year because it has a huge impact on children and families right here in our community,” shared Jaime Weisinger, Lipman’s Community Relations Director and Board Chairman for Lipman Family Foundation. “Encouraging education is very important to us, and we hope to continue this program and serve even more children in the coming years.”
Beyond the massive distribution of backpacks, more than 30 local nonprofits were present at the event, offering free haircuts, a bicycle giveaway, a bounce house, and free food and entertainment for families. Lipman’s event partner, Ciclovia, was also in tow to provide a rock-climbing wall and exercise classes. Attendees were also treated to emergency vehicles on display and educational materials from representatives from the Immokalee Fire Control District and the Sheriff Department’s Crime Prevention Unit respectively.
As reported in a press release, the funds used to purchase the backpacks and school supplies were collected during Lipman’s “Run for Backpacks 5K.” The run was sponsored by more than 25 local organizations to help raise donations.
Along with the yearly backpack distribution, Lipman offers scholarships to both high school and college students in Collier and Lee counties, as well as a textbook reimbursement program.
To learn more information about Lipman, its produce, and its charitable endeavors, visit www.lipmanproduce.com.
NEW YORK CITY, NY - Retail banners Kings Super Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Markets were acquired by Delaware-based investment firm KB Holding, Inc., with the close of the deal announced this morning, August 11.
"Kings and Balducci's are two long-established and well-recognized brands in high-end food retailing with, we believe, an outstanding potential for expansion, and we are pleased to see this transaction reach its successful conclusion," said Eric Schwartz, Managing Director at private equity investment firm Castle Harlan, who led the transaction with Marcel Fournier, Senior Managing Director.
Acquired from Angelo, Gordon & Co. and MTN Capital Partners LLC, Kings and Balducci's are well-established East Coast-based banners, with Balducci’s serving as a gourmet specialty food shop and Kings an upscale grocery store.
Both have long histories in the area; Balducci’s was founded in 1916, celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, and Kings was founded in 1936, marking its 80th year in business this year.
The exact terms of the transaction were not disclosed, as reported by Castle Harlan. Both chains, however, will continue to be managed locally under their current operating structure, according to a representative of Kings and Balducci's.
Continue to follow AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on all changes and expansions within the retail market.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - After just under a year of working for the Allen Lund Company, it has announced that Bryan Howe will be promoted to Business Development Specialist at the Charleston office.
"I look forward to helping grow an already phenomenal company and bringing another persistent work ethic to our sales team,” shared Bryan in a statement. “I also want to thank Don Roberts and James Lipp for the opportunity.”
Bryan began his work with Allen Lund’s Charleston office as a Transportation Broker in June 2015. Having had graduated Cum Laude from the College of Charleston, Bryan majored in Business Administration with a minor in Economics. He received his Bachelor's of Science Degree in May 2015.
"We look forward to the fresh perspective Bryan will bring to the Charleston team and expect great things from him in the future,” added Eddie Lund, Vice President of Sales and Branch Operations.
Charleston office Manager, Don Roberts, had equally kind words to say upon Bryan’s promotion, having said, "Howe has demonstrated the ability to adapt and learn quickly here at ALC, and has the skill set and backing to successfully sell all the products ALC has to offer.”
This move is just one of many the company is making to bolster its southern U.S. operations, so stick around AndNowUKnow for more.
POMPANO BEACH, FL - As the company moves into its 26th year of business in 2016, Southern Specialties is enjoying record sales. A large contributor to this success, is the popularity of the company’s Southern Selects line of value-added specialty produce.
Vice President of Business Development, Charlie Eagle, knows the Southern Specialties journey like the back of his hand. With his story beginning on the ground floor of the company’s success, Charlie joins me to discuss the ever-evolving Southern Selects line, and what is currently driving the company’s growth.
“About 15 or so years ago we started offering value-added products and came up with the Southern Selects brand. Over the years, the company has made inroads into offering the Southern Selects value-added produce line to our customer base which has grown exponentially since its inception,” Charlie tells me. “Now, Southern Selects products can be found in many of the best retail and club stores in the country.”
With Southern Selects’ brand recognition growing throughout the U.S.’s Eastern corridor, the company will begin increasing its effort into promoting the Southern Selects brand, in addition to innovating various foodservice packs.
“The growth, while a part of our strategic planning, has also been motivated by our retail customers who are coming back to us and adding additional Southern Selects products to their shelves,” Charlie says. “Because consumers are enjoying our products, and as a result retailers are seeing sales on a northward trend, they are expanding their lineup with asparagus, sugar snaps, snow peas, Brussels sprouts, and any number of other products we offer under the brand.”
Currently, Southern Selects distribution points extend as far north as Canada, as far south as Southern Florida, and as far west as Texas and Minnesota. Along with the increased demand for the product, Southern Specialties is also enjoying the fact that retailers and club stores are awarding the brand more real estate on their shelves.
For several years, the Southern Selects microwave specialty line-up has been one of the company’s most popular products as well, with approximately ten different items that are perfect for today’s generation of grab-n-go consumers.
“Our microwave products are the perfect serving size for one to four people. We have become known for that lineup of specialties which we offer under our Southern Selects brand as well as private label,” Charlie shares. “As a leader in the asparagus category, we are enjoying more popularity for our Southern Selects asparagus in various presentations, as tips or tenders trimmed, as well as full size asparagus, all available in a pack size ideal for singles, families, or foodservice professionals."
"We were a pioneer in growing and importing French beans. Today, our hand selected, trimmed and packed Southern Selects French beans set the bar for the value added green bean category," Charlie adds. "You are going to see us promoting and increasing sales across the board on value-added offerings.”
To help tell the story of this constantly growing company, Southern Specialties is working on a new website slated for launch by PMA, so stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest news on the Pompano Beach, Florida-based company.
RIDGE SPRING, SC – As consumers continue to clamor for peaches, Titan Farms is expecting its own quality crop this year, with an added focus on expanding the category as a whole.
As Daryl Johnston, Vice President of Sales, recently told me, Titan Farms is experiencing excellent quality peaches from its varieties this season, with over 50 varieties harvested for maximized yield, flavor, and supply.
“We are ending our Summer Gold, Red Skin, and July Prince varieties, and going into O’Henry, Flame Prince, and August Lady among others,” Daryl tells me of the company’s current crop and transitioning varieties. “The remaining varieties are some of our best tasting peaches, with high-color and great size.”
Titan Farms recently partnered with Florida-based Sizemore Farms to extend its peach season. The company is now able to offer its partners quality peaches from April until early September.
“Overcoming some impact from weather, Titan Farms has had a consistently great product to offer our customers,” Daryl says. “We’ve also grown our specialty pack business with bags and club packs at the retail level to help spur impulse sales and attract new consumers. We’ve also expanded our basket business overall.”
Daryl says that the company is seeing lower volume this season compared to last as the chill hours received over the winter occurred in a condensed timeframe. Daryl credits Titan Farms’ comprehensive irrigation system for successfully fielding the hottest summer to date.
To match a quality in product, which Daryl says is the best the company has seen in years, Titan Farms is offering a wide array of packaging specifically focused at driving consumption through increased purchases.
“We’ve done market studies to follow peach consumption, and see there is a lot of growth potential,” Daryl tells me of the company’s retail-based mindset. “By offering different purchase options, we are able to reach more consumers and appeal to a more diverse customer set.”
Titan Farms is also offering retailers POS materials such as shelf talkers, stanchion signs, educational handouts, and display bins with branding from the company’s various programs.
Daryl says that for seasons ahead, the company is continuing to focus on research and development on new packaging trends, consumer interest, and growing specialty packs. Additionally, the company is keeping its sight set on the growing demand for its peaches in Canadian and Mexican markets.
“We pride ourselves with an ongoing commitment to the trade to maintain and utilize the best agricultural practices to provide the best quality and eating experience,” finishes Daryl. “We are always investing in our partnerships, and in the development of our partners’ growth.”
Looking for even more Titan Farms news? The company plans to aggressively grow its bell pepper, eggplant, and broccoli programs for the spring and fall to help its partners transition throughout gaps in the season.
As Titan Farms continues to invest in the growing peach segment, AndNowUKnow will have our ear to the ground of the company's expanding operations.
WEST DES MOINES, IA - Hy-Vee, Inc. has promoted two senior leaders — Donna Tweeten and Jeremy Gosch — to the title of Executive Vice President, joining six others on an exclusive executive list guiding the regional supermarket chain.
Donna Tweeten, formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Jeremy Gosch, formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, was named Executive Vice President Strategy and Chief Merchandising Officer. Tweeten and Gosch will officially be named permanent members on Hy-Vee’s Board of Directors at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting in December, and Tweeten will be appointed to the board’s executive committee.
“Now is the right time to elevate the leader with the insight, skills and creativity to help guide Hy-Vee forward in our marketing and brand development. I know Donna will be a great example of an insightful, strong leader for years to come,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s Chairman, CEO and President, according to a press release.
Prior to Hy-Vee, Tweeten had a long career with The Meyocks Group, a marketing firm in West Des Moines, and was President when Hy-Vee owned the company in 2002. Tweeten joined Hy-Vee in 2006 as Assistant Vice President of Communications, and moved up quickly through various Vice President positions relating to brand, marketing, and communications. Throughout her impressive career, she has received numerous awards and recognition from retail and produce organizations.
Tweeten was born and raised in the Chicago area. She graduated from Proviso East High School and received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Drake University in Des Moines.
Gosch began his career with Hy-Vee in 1995 as a part-time clerk at a Coralville, IA, store. He served in a number of store level managerial roles before being named Director at a location in 2000. He went on to become Director at several other locations before being promoted to Assistant Vice President of Operations for Hy-Vee’s northeast district in 2012. Over the next several years, he moved up quickly through Vice President roles in various merchandising departments.
“Jeremy has been very successful in every area he has been asked to lead. I am very excited to see the new energy and great leadership Jeremy will bring to this very important position. He has already brought great drive and a can-do spirit with keen insight to complex ideas,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s Chairman, CEO, and President.
Gosch graduated from Aplington-Parkersburg Community High School and received a degree in Finance from the University of Iowa.
Hy-Vee operates more than 235 stores located in eight Midwestern states, including Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
ROSEMONT, IL - With more locations and a new magazine on the way, US Foods has announced growth for its Food Fanatics Live™ tour, which kicked off yesterday, August 10th, in Daytona Beach, FL.
“More than 21,000 food and restaurant industry professionals attended a Food Fanatics LIVE event this year, taking with them inspiration, ideas, and solutions for improving their business,” said Marshall Warkentin, Senior Vice President of Marketing for US Foods, in a press release. “Whether it’s through the educational sessions and live demos at our events, working in the kitchen with our Food Fanatics Chefs, or building off the ideas and insights in the Food Fanatics magazine, we have something to help all our customers inspire their menus, attract more diners and optimize their operations.”
The tour, which features live stage demos, industry-leading technology solutions for restaurant operators, and US Foods’ Exclusive Brands products, has added ten locations this fall.
On the list for a visit are:
- Cleveland
- St. Louis
- Denver
- Virginia
- Memphis
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Columbia
- South Florida
US Foods stated that its one-of-a-kind culinary experience offers the opportunity to discover fresh produce and top equipment for a restaurant’s front and back of the house needs, including Stock Yards®, Rykoff Sexton®, Metro Deli®, Chef’s Line®, and more.
Side-by-side with the kick off is the latest issue of the company’s Pearl Award winning magazine, Food Fanatics, which it noted will make it to the hands of more than 130,000 chefs, restaurant owners, and foodservice operators.
Available August 15, this latest issue reportedly covers buzzworthy trends in the industry like meatless meals rising in demand, the growing debate on tipping, and beyond. Articles and more can will be available on US Foods’ new-and-improved foodfanatics.com.
As for the growing Food Fanatics event, you can also visit the site for more information on the tour, the chefs, or join the movement on social medias like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Videos of the company’s chefs can also be seen on YouTube.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA – As the company celebrates 40 successful years and more growth in its logistics arm, Kenny Lund of Allen Lund Company and ALC Logistics took a few moments to share with me the positive reception he has heard for its TMS Software.
“Our TMS Software works through the whole transportation department for companies, but also through their whole organization,” Kenny tells me, adding that it allows the transportation department to work in collaborative ways they haven’t been able to before.
“I’m really proud that we have a company that does 25 loads a month, and we have companies that do 2,500 loads a month with our software. It’s scaleable, it works well, and the people really like it,” he adds.
To attest to that great reception by the people using ALC Logitsics’ TMS Software, Kenny shares a funny story with me about an operations employee of ALC's customers that threatened to quit when he heard they would be switching to this new technological option.
To find out what that employee thought after the implementation of ALC’s TMS Software, and to hear the rest of what Kenny had to share, watch my full interview with him in the short 63 second video above.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – As consumers start gathering a variety of back to school items, and prepare to send their children back for their next round of education, Frieda’s Specialty Produce is highlighting specialty fruits and vegetables as the perfect addition for lunch boxes or after-school snacks.
“Never underestimate how adventurous children can be when it comes to food,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce. “They prove to us time and time again that they are open to try something new and fun.”
Frieda’s recommends, as stated in a press release, that parents can stock up on a vast selection of classic kid favorites such as baby apples, organic baby heirloom apples, baby bananas, blood oranges, and Yellow Sweetie grapes.
For more of a “wow” factor with their young students, parents can pick up exciting new items like rambutan, dragon fruit, baby kiwifruit, and starfruit.
To further supply families with healthy food items, Frieda’s is also working with wholesalers who support the USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable (FFVP) program to inspire more than 400,000 students nationwide with enticing selections like jicama, rainbow carrots, organic finger limes, and seasonal stonefruit.
“Frieda’s has been our partner in growth in FFVP,” said Chris Mills of Bonanza Produce Company in Sparks, Nevada. “The program is bigger, more diverse, more successful, and most importantly, the children have had the opportunity to learn and taste so many different fruits and vegetables.”
As reported by the National Fruit & Vegetable Alliance, children’s intake of fruit has increased by 18 percent over the past five years. Frieda’s stated that on school days, the FFVP increases children’s fruit and vegetable intake by one-third cup a day.
Wholesalers and foodservice distributors who are interested in adding specialty fruits and vegetables to their FFVPs can contact Frieda’s for more information.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Target is once again putting its focus on improving its supply chain, this time with the hiring of Preston Mosier as its Senior Vice President of Fulfillment Operations, effective August 14. This is the second Amazon.com veteran to join Target’s supply chain this year, having previously hired Arthur Valdez as Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain and Logistics Officer.
“Target has a sophisticated distribution network – plus nearly 1,800 stores across the country that are well-positioned in local neighborhoods,” shared Mosier upon his hiring. “I’m excited to work with the team, at a brand I’ve long admired, to continue refining how we use those assets to improve speed and precision, while also reducing cost and complexity.”
Mosier is tasked with overseeing Target’s direct-to-consumer fulfillment centers, according to a press release, along with the process improvement, customer experience, and product management functions related to direct fulfillment. He will be reporting to his fellow Amazon alum, Arthur Valdez.
“A top priority for our guests is to get what they ordered quickly, accurately, and without hassle,” added Valdez. “Target already has a strong operation to move product in bulk to stores, so bringing the online fulfillment function under a specialized leader will enhance our direct-to-guest operation. Preston’s experience using technology and data to deliver smaller packages directly to consumers will help us continue building capabilities that will put product in guests’ hands even faster.”
Just last month, Target’s Chief Information Officer, Mike McNamara, outlined supply chain improvements as one of his top priorities in an interview with Forbes. “The focus and the needs of our supply chain have changed massively over the last few years as direct to guest fulfillment has become more and more important,” he said, adding the company is hugely invested into its supply chain from both a technology and a broader business standpoint.
Mosier’s experience is heavily involved with managing direct-to-consumer delivery, including optimizing last-mile operations and using data and automation to move product more efficiently, the company says. His 10 year tenure at Amazon included various leadership positions, and most recently, he spent four years with Liquidity Services as Vice President of Operations.
As Target continues its focus on tightening and improving its supply chain, including fresh produce, keep returning to AndNowUKnow for more.