SACRAMENTO, CA - After more than 80 years of promoting top quality in fresh, including produce, meats, and more, Raley’s has unveiled a new strategy to make healthy eating more available to its shoppers.
This week, the Sacramento-based retailer announced its “Let’s Begin” campaign, a renewed focus on eating better and feeling better.
“We want to change the way the world eats, one plate at a time,” said Michael Teel, President and CEO, in a statement, according to the Sacramento Bee. “Raley’s has been in our family for over 80 years, and I want to empower change in the methods in which food and resources are delivered to our customers.”
To understand more about the launch, watch the newly released video from Raley’s team below.
In an effort to ease the shopping experience for shopping fresh, the strategy looks to:
- Help its shoppers with fresh cost-saving tips
- Give assistance in defining food labels
- Provide shopping facts and tips about things like coloring and other fresh produce facts
An entire, detailed approach has been outlined for online visitors on the Raley’s website here, complete with tips, facts, and information on seasonal offerings under a Let’s Begin tab.
With weekly updates to keep the freshest information on its store offerings for both the produce and deli departments, the retailer encourages employees and consumers alike to share information related to the fresh focus on social media using the hashtag #LetsBegin.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this and other retail strategies highlighting fresh produce on the buy-side.
LAKELAND, FL - Publix has released its Q2 2016 financial report and stock price, with results signaling a decrease in confidence from investors. This is just the second report since Todd Jones took over as CEO, with him reporting a fall from $43.95 per share to $41.90 per share as the company has been seeing slower than average sales growth.
“Our results were impacted by weakening tourism in some market areas and the timing of Easter,” Jones explained with the announcement of the results. “Our associates remain focused on providing excellent customer service.”
Previously, Publix had announced an all-time high for its stock prices of $45.20, just this past March 1st. Since then, the company's share price has dropped 7.3 percent, according to a report by the Orlando Sentinel.
As outlined in the release, Publix’s sales this quarter were $8.1 billion, a 2.1 percent increase from last year’s $8 billion. Comparable-store sales increased 1.1 percent. Net earnings for the second quarter of 2016 were $478.2 million, a decrease of 0.9 percent since the company hit $482.7 million in 2015. Earnings per share were unchanged at $0.62 per share.
This quarter’s report comes on the heels of Publix’s purchase of 10 Martin’s Food Markets stores as result of the Ahold and Delhaize merger. This purchase signals an aggressive expansion into Virginia, where the company had only previously announced the intention to open two stores. Virginia will be the seventh state that Publix has entered into.
Will Publix continue in the trend of lowered stock prices, or will the new locations be enough to pick it up for Q3? AndNowUKnow will keep bringing you the latest until we find out.
CORAL GABLES, FL – Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has reported its financial results for its 2016 Q2 which ended on July 1. The company reported a large increase to its gross profits when compared to last year’s second quarter, rising from $114 to $145.4 million.
“We are pleased with our performance in the second quarter,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We continued to see strong growth in our fresh-cut and avocado product lines. We achieved higher selling prices in our pineapple and banana business segments, and we benefited from lower input costs and cost-reduction initiatives that directly improved our bottom-line performance.”
According to a press release, Fresh Del Monte attributed its higher gross profit to higher gross profit in all of the company’s business segments, combine with lower costs for transportation, and banana production and procurement.
The company also reported an increase to its earnings per diluted share when compared to last year, from $1.21 to $1.86. Fresh Del Monte’s comparable earnings per diluted share also rose from last year’s Q2 reporting of $1.18 to $1.75.
“We also continued to invest in our diversification strategy and advanced our global business platform during the quarter,” continued Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh. “Our investment in diversifying our products and geographies over the years resulted in solid second quarter results, despite weather issues which negatively affected sales volume in several of our product lines.”
Other reported highlights to the company’s 2016 Q2 report are as follows, when compared to last year’s reporting:
- Net income increased from $64.5 million to $96.2 million
- Comparable Net income increased to $90.4 million from $63.0 million
- Operating income increased from $73.6 million to $106.7 million
- Comparable operating income increased from $72.1 million to $100.9 million
- Total debt decreased from 254.2 million to $192.4 million
Although the company saw a decrease to its net sales from the approximate $1.1 billion reported last year to around $1 billion, Fresh Del Monte stated that this resulted from lower sales volume in its banana business and other fresh produce segments from inclement weather and unfavorable exchange rates.
Since reporting its Q2 results, the company’s stock generally remained on the rise. As of August 2, 2016, at 1:07 PM (PST), Fresh Del Monte’s stock had risen by 2.34% to $57.68. At the previously mentioned time, the company’s price to earning ratio was 29.88.
AndNowUKnow will continue to have the latest in industry financials as we keep a finger to shifting strategies and impacted reportings.
CAMARILLO, CA - Houweling’s continues its quest to find the perfect, flavor-forward tomatoes to add to its produce line with the debut of a new premium cherry tomato: Tomazing.
“This premium snacking tomato delivers huge flavor, a crisp eating experience, high brix, and of course, inclusion in our exclusive Signature Selection label,” Brand Manager Lindsay Martinez, tells me. “Houweling’s Signature Selection standards dictate strict criteria for packing.”
Flavor is at the forefront of this criteria, along with the demand for outstanding texture and appearance, and a consistent premium quality tomato throughout the crop’s lifecycle. As consumer buying behaviors continue to evolve and the desire for more knowledge surrounding the foods that they eat grows, Houweling’s is bringing tomato lovers into the fold by declaring the specific seed variety on-pack so consumers can always enjoy and expect a quality experience.
Grown year-round in California and British Columbia, the Houweling’s Tomazing variety is available in 12 x 10.5 oz. clamshells and 100 cases per pallet.
“All of our tomatoes are naturally vine-ripened and this variety is no exception. Our tomatoes are picked, packed, and processed through our own grading facility or directly in the greenhouse,” Lindsay adds. “This helps to minimize handling of our products to maintain peak quality and freshness. With rapid distribution systems, our products can be picked, packed, and shipped same-day.”
With growth always top-of-mind for Houweling’s, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more upcoming news from the greenhouse grower.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - A modern appliance company has married together the demand for chef-prepared perfection and sustainability with a smart oven that offers more than your standard microwave.
San Francisco, CA-based June touts bringing intelligence to the tools of the kitchen, looking to up the cooking game for the ley chef with its cutting-edge Intelligent Oven.
Before I get into the high-tech reason why this particular appliance can cut energy use, let’s look into why it can help push produce in the consumer kitchen.
June’s Intelligent Oven logs meals for consumers, keeping photos and cooking stats of everything they make. According to the company, this is a strategy encouraged by nutritionists to adjust for a healthier diet. One less step consumers have to take in incorporating more fruits and veggies into their diet.
Another edge this auto-smart oven gives to help the produce industry is saving recipes, even adding them to the owner’s calendars. Linked up to the consumer’s wifi, this means that all the recipes the industry has created to inspire consumers to use their produce more, and more creatively, can be programmed into their kitchen appliance.
As for bringing more sustainability to the consumer kitchen, June reports that its Intelligent Oven cooks food faster and more efficiently, while using precision thermal engineering to use less energy than traditional ovens.
“What do you get when you cook with precision sensors and more computing power than some laptops? More control, fewer surprises, and more enjoyable results than ever before,” the company states on its website of this metallic chef.
Unfortunately, the kitchen technology doesn’t seem to talk back like your smartphone or give any adorable beeps and expressions just yet, but if one more high-tech addition to the consumer household helps tip the scales ever-more in fresh produce’s favor, why not?
Continue to follow AndNowUKnow as we keep on the lookout for the latest tech trends and possible breakthroughs that could influence our industry.
CINCINNATI, OH - In an effort to better engage the company’s consumers, Kroger’s insights firm has acquired predictive analytics company, Market6. Market6 provides extensive capabilities in data, insights, and customer experience for over 1,000 retail and supplier clients. With Market6, suppliers will now have a single provider for Kroger-specific product movement data and customer insights to better understand customer preferences.
“Every decision we make focuses on engaging customers where, when, and how it matters most to them. Market6’s technology and people will be key to further enhancing how we communicate with Kroger customers in the most personalized and relevant ways,” explained Stuart Aitken, CEO, 84.51°.
As we reported previously, 84.51° was created in April 2015 when The Kroger Co. purchased the remaining fifty percent of its joint venture with dunnhumby/Tesco PLC. Market6 is Kroger’s fourth technology acquisition in less than two years, according to Gannet’s Cincinnati.com, having most recently spent $280 million on the Florida-based Vitacost.com before the dunnhumbyUSA acquisition.
“Our company vision has always been about enabling collaboration between retailers and suppliers in order for them to better serve their customers. We believe that the combination of Market6’s collaboration platform and 84.51°’s customer insights will be a catalyst to help Kroger and its suppliers to realize this vision,” added Dave McLean, Executive Chairman, Market6.
According to a press release, Market6 uses a proprietary web-based collaboration platform, which allows it to focus on optimized inventory, execution of more effective promotions, and optimization of new product introductions and lower incidences of out of stock items in store.
Will Kroger continue to build its portfolio of tech-based companies? Keep watching for more updates as the company continues to develop its consumer data programs.
IRVINE, CA - Foodservice has flatbread fever, giving operators a shareable, snackable, and customizable platform for creative fillings and toppings. The California Avocado Commission sees this as a perfect marriage for California avocados, which are just reaching their peak season. That’s why the commission has developed recipes to help fuel this growing trend.
"The California Avocado Commission supports the foodservice industry with innovative menu planning in advance of and during California avocado season," Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing for the California Avocado Commission. "At our exhibit at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo this past weekend we shared additional ideas about how California avocados can add value for restaurant operators."
Check out some of these appetizing flatbread recipes below, and be sure to browse the Commission’s recipe database to find more concepts featuring fresh California avocados.
California Avocado Flatbread
In the hot appetizer category, the California Avocado Flatbread comes to the table warm, with avocado slices nestled in a flavorful bacon-cream sauce. Click here for the recipe.
California Avocado Flatbread Sandwiches
A perfect cool dish for hot summer months, this recipe makes a great lunch or snack special. Click here for the recipe.
California Avocado Scallion Flatbread
This innovative take on flatbread uses ripe avocado in the dough, and as a topping! Click here for the recipe.
Visit CaliforniaAvocado.com/Foodservice to find these Fresh California Avocado flatbreads, along with other exciting appetizer and snack recipes. While on the site, take advantage of resources to optimize Fresh California Avocado usage: nutrition, selection, storage and handling information.
For all the latest on industry news and promotions, continue to follow AndNowUKnow.
VIDALIA, GA - Do you know somebody who has what it takes to be a leader in the onion industry? The Vidalia® Onion Committee (VOC) is now seeking nominations for its grower Board of Directors. The VOC elects four new members annually, there are currently four member spots and four alternate board spots available.
Susan Waters, Executive Director of the VOC, remarked, “The Committee members serve in a role that is critical in the success and management of the Vidalia Onion Committee. Board members provide a voice to member issues and concerns so we can build programs that meet the direct needs of our growers and see that their funds are well managed.”
The VOC consists of eight producer members and one public member, along with alternates for each role, according to a press release. The VOC Board of Directors oversees the Vidalia onion marketing order and its role in carrying out research, marketing, and advertising on behalf of the grower members. Members are limited to three consecutive two-year terms of office.
Qualifications for the board include:
- Good standing with the Committee
- Currently registered grower with the State of Georgia
- Individual tax paying entity
- On the last available GDA Registered Grower List, or an employee of a member of this list.
The VOC encourages all interested members including minorities, women, and those with physical challenges to apply as they work toward building a diverse and representative membership. It is especially interested in getting input from small business and organic growers so that the Committee might represent all interests in the Vidalia onion industry. Newly elected board members will be seated in their new positions upon approval by U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary of Agriculture.
Nominations for board members will be accepted from August 3rd – August 17th, and voting will take place September 15th at the VOC office. Contact the Vidalia Onion Committee to receive a nomination form at [email protected] or via phone at (912) 537-1891. Nomination forms can be submitted via fax at 912-537-2166 or by mail at P.O. Box 1609, Vidalia, GA 30475.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Any day is a good day to start a healthy habit. With that resolve in mind, Grimmway Farms is launching its TRUE Organic Mid-Year Resolutions Sweepstakes on the company’s social media channels. With #MidYearResolutions creating new possibilities, Grimmway is providing a great opportunity to talk up TRUE Organic with friends, family, and customers in the produce department.
Kellen Stailey, Senior Director of Marketing & Merchandising, took the time to share the details around this new campaign with me, and how it is as good for the retailer as it is for the consumer.
Visit Grimmway Farms' Facebook!
“The vision behind this campaign, is to inspire our audience to make TRUE Organic a part of their daily, healthy habit. The campaign focuses on "how-to" incorporate TRUE into their every day and to stick with the program by leveraging known, attainable methods for building new habits,” Kellen tells me. “Creating a buzz around TRUE will ultimately increase the ring at the register and we hope it will continue to make the produce department a destination at retail.”
While consumers start the New Year with healthy eating resolutions, Grimmway reports that by mid-year, 92% of those resolutions made in January are abandoned and back to the drawing board we go.
So how does this TRUE Organic Mid-Year Resolutions Sweepstakes work? Kellen tells me that TRUE Organic is giving a reset button to those who may have fallen short on their New Year's resolutions or want to re-energize their current habits.
“TRUE Organic can be the catalyst for a healthy habit, and we will offer helpful tips to get there, and even throw in a sweepstakes to help motivate them down a healthier, happier path,” she adds. “We are asking our fans to share their Mid-Year Resolutions for a chance to win six months of TRUE Organic."
How to Enter:
- Facebook: Like or Comment to Enter
- Instagram: Follow: @TRUEOrganic and comment to Enter using campaign hashtag
- Twitter: @reply to enter using campaign hashtag #MidYearResolutions
- The sweepstakes kicked off 8/1/16 and will run through 8/28/16. The winner will be announced 8/29/16.
By introducing the Mid-Year Resolutions concept, Grimmway hopes to rally its fans around the versatile, delicious, and healthy organic juice line by removing the disappointment that comes with a failed New Year’s resolution and inspiring them with a new beginning. Because new beginnings don’t have to happen just once a year!
WATSONVILLE, CA - The third Tour de Fresh, which this time took participants from Napa to Monterey, CA, broke all its previous records in its effort to donate salad bars to schools across the nation.
“This was, by far, the best event we’ve had to-date and will set a precedence for future Tour de Fresh rides,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms, in a press release. “It’s always such a joy to witness the passion that these industry professionals bring to the event because it produces significant results, and in the end, kids win!”
Some of the record-breaking stats include:
- Currently at more than $160,500 (as of this morning)
- Raised enough for more than 50 salad bars through Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools
- Record-breaking numbers in both riders and sponsors
The ride brought together an overwhelming camaraderie, as the riders not only went through the three-day ride of almost 200 miles, coming into the finish line at Monterey, CA’s Wharf Marketplace on July 28th to family, friends, industry leaders, and event sponsors.
“Most people don’t realize the months and months it takes to prepare and train for a three-day event like Tour de Fresh,” said Helena Beckett, Director of Walmart at Tanimura & Antle, Tour de Fresh steering committee member, and yellow jersey recipient. “But, when we’re able to finally experience that time together, celebrating something as significant as putting fresh fruits and vegetables in more than 50 schools in America, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
As we reported previously, the yellow jerseys are nominations by peers on the ride for those inspiring, assisting, or in any way going an extra mile on the ride. Other yellow jersey recipients for this third installment of the Tour de Fresh included:
- Jess Kolko of Whole Foods Market
- Jenn LaVardera of Dole
- Ty and Troy Burns of PMA
- John Lukasko of Fresh Produce Partners
- Brian and Greg Vetter of Tessemae’s
- John Feldeisen of Dole
- John McCann of Delmonte
- Ryan Wolcott of Stuppy
- Brandon Gritters of Interfresh and his wife Amy
As the event ended to applause and congratulations, riders found they raised more than $7,000 more than the last Tour de Fresh event, over $157,000 before the kick off of PMA Foodservice. Donations will continue to be taken, however, until reaching the 2016 goal of $175,000.
Donate to Place Salad Bars in Schools
Tour de Fresh would not be possible without the support of its Premier Sponsors:
- California Giant Berry Farms
- Church Brothers Farms
- DMA Solutions
- Dole Fresh Vegetables
- Enza Zaden
- Fresh Point
- J&J Family of Farms
- Mission Produce
- Sunripe Certified Brands
- Tanimura & Antle
- Tsamma
Additional sponsors include AndNowUKnow, Artic Apples, Blendtec, CHEP, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, EBX Logistics, Evolution Fresh, Hort Americas, Infinite Gold by Sakata, Interfresh, iTrade Network, Lipman, Natural Delights, Pajaro Valley Fresh, PRO*ACT, PMA, Rehrig Pacific Company, Renaissance Food Group, Specialty Produce, SunFed, United Fresh, Watsonville Coast Produce, Western Precooling, and The Wharf Marketplace.
The partnership between Tour de Fresh and Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools, led by the United Fresh Start Foundation, continues to offer the produce industry a way to be directly involved in furthering access to fresh fruits and vegetables to students, having raised over $300,000 and placed over 100 salad bars in schools across the country before this third event even took place.
Congratulations to all the organizers, sponsors, and especially the riders, on this program’s continued success.