AUSTIN, TX – In efforts to further boost store sales and stay at the forefront of consumer demand, Whole Foods Market has announced its pilot launch of a new rewards program that will soon go nationwide following the completion of the pilot test in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Philadelphia areas.
“Today, we took another big step forward in our efforts to better understand and provide personalized offers to our customers, with the market test launch of our new rewards program in the Dallas and Fort Worth metro area,” stated Co-CEO Walter Robb during the company’s Q3 earnings call, as transcribed by Seeking Alpha.
The more consumers use the Whole Foods program, the bigger rewards they will receive. According to Dallas Morning News, registered Whole Foods customers will receive the following perks as part of the program:
- 10 percent off of their initial purchase
- One-time 15 percent discount on any department of their choosing, including produce
- Cumulative rewards earned with each purchase
- Surprise discounts and earnings occasionally received at the register
“With each scan at the checkout, easy-to-use, customers increase their savings and personalize their future rewards. This new program builds upon our initial pilot in Philadelphia, while adding improvements that allow us to be more strategic in the ways in which customers can earn and redeem their rewards,” continued Robb. “Once the test is complete, we look forward to national rollout of the program sometime next year.”
Whole Foods first tested a rewards program in the Philadelphia market in 2014, with Dallas-Fort Worth picking up the pilot program this past week before the programs impending expansion. The rewards program is accessible through the company's website and smartphone app.
Robb stated in the call that this move was pre-empted by the addition of digital coupons to the Whole Foods app, which quickly became its most used feature. The company also plans to put a continued focus on its 365 store format.
Whole Foods recently reported a 2.6 percent decrease of comparable store sales in its 2016 Q3 earnings, but stated that the company retains confidence in its business evolution to successfully implement new programs and ideas for growth.
As Whole Foods continues to shift its strategies to up repeat business and tap in on consumer demand, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this rewards programs and other strategies in the fresh produce industry.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - For the first time ever, genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) will have to be labeled on food packaging, following the signing of a new bill by President Barack Obama.
Under the new legislation that was brought by Congress two weeks ago and signed by Obama on Friday, most food packages will be required to carry either a text label, a symbol, or a QR code to be read by smartphones that indicates if the product contains GMOs. From the time of signing, the United States Agriculture Department has two years to write specific rules for the bill to follow, The Washington Post reports.
Tom Stenzel, President and CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association gave his own statement on the bill when it was passed by Congress, applauding the strong bipartisan passage on a bill that, “provides much-needed clarity for the food and agriculture sector, as well as consumers.”
“The bill puts the requirement for labeling on those companies that introduce these foods into the marketplace, which may reduce the pressure on companies to seek “non-GMO” verified labeling. At the same time, the bill provides significant flexibility to companies with genetically engineered foods as to the manner of labeling, whether on package text, symbol, or link to a website,” Stenzel continued in his statement. “Finally, this bill would provide for a coherent national labeling program, preventing the 50-state nightmare that might otherwise arise.”
According to Stenzel, the bill is widely supported by all sectors of the food industry, including all major farm organizations, food manufacturers, and retailers.
The bill has been met with some opposition from voices that feel it does not go far enough to inform consumers of the risk of GMO products, including political figures like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
While there has been very little scientific evidence suggesting GMO products are unsafe, advocates believe that consumers still have a right to be able to find out the contents of their food products. Genetic modification of foods can simply refer to plants or animals that have had genes copied from other plants or animals inserted into their DNA.
The bill’s specific rules and consequences are still unknown as of now, but AndNowUKnow will continue to provide you with updates as the law progresses.
MONTEREY, CA - Another successful PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo went down in the books this past weekend, once again uniting buyers and suppliers from across the foodservice industry, and bringing us all a healthy dose of innovation, education, and networking opportunities.
"The 35th annual Foodservice Conference & Expo set records across the board for PMA. We had 1,952 attendees join us (including more than 485 foodservice distributors and more than 190 foodservice operators), marking three consecutive years of record attendance. The Foodservice Expo was the largest in event history with 204 exhibitors, 47 of which were first-timers," PMA President Cathy Burns tells me. "In addition, attendees were highly engaged during the education sessions – and on social media as well – as they learned more about fresh produce’s growing role as a 'center of the plate' star and emerging consumer trends."
As Cathy mentioned, 2016 meant another year of hitting 1,952 attendees, with the conference boasting 485 foodservice distributors from across the buying community, as well over 200 exhibitors. Kicking off with Thursday’s Joe Nucci Golf Tournament, the following team of produce professionals took home the coveted First Place Foursome:
- John Chubbuck of Vessey & Company
- Jeremy Tucker of Valley Ag Supply
- Michael Clayton of Railex
- Josh Colace of Valley Ag Supply
Even more winners of the tournament and honorable mentions can be found here.
This year at the Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament, @growingtalent10 had a ball launcher at hole 18! #PMAFSC pic.twitter.com/N7SC7RdeB5
— PMA (@pma) July 29, 2016
Another major highlight of the weekend-long conference was Friday’s three education sessions set up by the PMA team. Topics like food safety, tastes and trends, and insider tips from chefs graced the ears of attendees, bringing a well-rounded wealth of knowledge to both newcomers to the foodservice arena and seasoned veterans.
Celeb chef @RichardBlais leads our last #PMAFSC education session- "Menus of Change." pic.twitter.com/mdBRCTp3F5
— PMA (@pma) July 30, 2016
Celebrity Chef and winner of Top Chef All Stars, Richard Blais, strapped in industry members for his session, Menus of Change: From Seed to Stalk, marrying comedy and education to explain which trends we be seeing hit menus soon.
“I feel like we are in a golden era of produce,” Richard exclaimed during his talk. The chef name dropped such produce items as cactus fruit and swiss chard as the next big wave of products consumers will be ordering from top chefs.
Last but not least, the conference wrapped up Sunday with buzzing show floor. Filled to the brim with new exhibitors (45 to be exact), never-before-seen products, and flavors, the show also gave these few special companies some top bragging rights with the following awards:
Best Product Promo: Gold Coast Packing
Judges awarded @GoldCoastPack with the Best Product Promo! #PMAFSC pic.twitter.com/nkWT9BIOR3
— PMA (@pma) July 31, 2016
Best Sensory Experience: National Watermelon Promotion Board
Congrats to @WatermelonBoard for winning the Sensory Experience award! #PMAFSC pic.twitter.com/PWK3OahcgB
— PMA (@pma) July 31, 2016
Best of Show Runner Up: Mann Packing
And the 2nd place award for Best of Show goes to @VeggiesMadeEasy! #PMAFSC pic.twitter.com/J62Me5TQn1
— PMA (@pma) July 31, 2016
Best of Show Winner: Owyhee Produce
.@OwyheeProduce was just presented with the #PMAFSC Best of Show award! Congrats! pic.twitter.com/BI1rNuOxh1
— PMA (@pma) July 31, 2016
One more winner was announced at the annual Chef Talks: A Strolling Lunch event as well. Participants offered various produce-centric dishes, and guests could then vote for their favorite. The 2016 contest winner was Hollandia Produce, with Chef Kyung Carroll, Regional Executive Chef, at Bon Appetite, preparing Gourmet Red Butter Lettuce Steak Wraps.
"Thank you to all attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, tour hosts, and program contributors for making this year’s conference a huge success," Cathy concluded. "We look forward to seeing you again next July in Monterey!"
Need more content that you may have missed from the show floor? Stay tuned as we deliver you even more highlights, and some of our favorite products and pictures from PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo 2016.
MORRO BAY, CA - Shanley Farms is right around the corner from marketing en masse the latest product in its innovative lineup, Citriburst Finger Lime Pearls. After putting the finishing touches on its brand new processing facility, a converted barn on the flagship Morro Bay ranch, Shanley Farms is positioned to launch high volumes of the packaged pearls in the 2016 season.
The Citriburst Finger Lime Pearls product takes the bursting, juicy pulp from the Citriburst Finger Limes and puts it into 25g and 100g jars for easy use by the consumer.
When asked about the eating experience, Megan Shanley, Director of Sales and Marketing for Shanley Farms, said, “It’s been compared to a lemon-lime grapefruit when you crunch into the pearls. They vary in color depending on the growing area. So, what we have coming out of the coast tends to be a little more pink and champagne colored, and the pearls coming out of the central valley are a little bit more green.”
Megan Shanley sees the pearls gaining traction in both retail and foodservice settings. The fastest application to trend has been pairing with seafood; such as on top of oysters, fish tacos, or salmon. However, Megan predicts that they will quickly take off for use in desserts and cocktails. Mixologists will find that they add texture to drinks, and add visual appeal as the pearls “dance” in carbonation. Megan noted, “Shanley Farms has a lot of work to do. Our goal is to team up with different bars to start developing cocktails, and get the word out that way.”
In retail, Shanley Farms has a partner dedicated to putting the Citriburst Finger Lime Pearls on ice in the seafood section. In the future, Megan sees the pearls appearing as toppings on desserts like yogurt or tarts, and adding variety to the selection in salad bars. Shanley Farms plans on launching an aggressive sampling program to help consumers understand applications for the citrusy pearls.
The path to launch has been a journey through uncharted territory for Shanley Farms. As we reported previously, there was no existing equipment to process this unique product. The company needed to develop the technology for citrus pearl extraction, and is excited to bring the product to market. The limes are grown from operations in Visalia, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, and Goleta. Shanley Farms recently teamed up with Trinity Fruit Sales, working closely to bring the product line to its customer base.
When discussing the Shanley Farms dedication to innovation, Megan remarked with a smile, “We’ve got lots of exciting new items in the pipeline for the next few years.”
Shanley Farms will be showcasing the Citriburst Finger Lime Pearls alongside its Morro Bay Avocados, a premium late season variety, and the available-year-round GatorEggs at PMA Foodservice in booth #424.
GILROY, CA - Garlic grower, packer, and shipper Christopher Ranch, has launched a new, consumer-friendly website as the company looks to create a more personal connection to its brand. Visit www.christopherranch.com to see the new look for yourself!
“We’re very pleased with the new design and have confidence that people will treat our website as a resource and for inspiration,” said Patsy Ross, Director of Marketing at Christopher Ranch. “We believe that the new design, along with SEO-optimization for the brand, will bring more people to the Christopher Ranch page and allow us to engage with consumers for longer and across all platforms.”
The new Christopher Ranch’s home page is designed to allow for quick navigation to the wide array of products the company offers. Along with descriptions of each product, the site provides inspiration in the form of a variety of recipes, as well as FAQs to help consumers use their products with confidence. According to a press release, SEO-optimization was a top priority for the new website as well, making for the best search results online. The newly optimized SEO will make it easier for consumers to find all the resources the website has to offer.
This launch comes just in time for two, big industry events to cap off the month of July. The 38th Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival and PMA Foodservice both kick off today. As presenting sponsor, the Garlic Festival will help the company welcome nearly 100,000 visitors over a three-day period as a Presenting Sponsor at the festival. On top of that, visitors to PMA Foodservice will get to experience Christopher Ranch products for themselves at booth #413. See you all there!
PHOENIX, AZ – As more companies realize the lasting values of implementing healthy practices and commitments in upcoming generations across the globe, Sprouts has also turned its eyes towards bolstering the health and prolonged habits of future consumers by partnering with Vitamin Angels to support the proper nourishment of children.
“The Sprouts team is humbled to have the opportunity to partner with Vitamin Angels to improve the lives of so many children around the world,” said Diana Lucas, Vice President of Vitamins and Body Care at Sprouts. “Our shoppers come to Sprouts with their healthy journey in mind, and this partnership allows them to make a significant difference in the journeys of those in need.”
Sprouts has already donated more than $540,000 to the non-profit in order to help 2.1 million children, according to a recent press release. The company intends to continue its investment to benefit 2.4 million more undernourished children through the following two in-store campaigns:
- July 27 – August 31: Customer purchases of any product tagged with an angel will result in 25 cents being donated to Vitamin Angels, which is the amount needed to give a child vitamins for a year.
- October register round-up: Consumers can opt to have their final totals rounded up to the nearest dollar, or make an additional donation of $1, $5, or $10.
All proceeds garnered from these nationwide campaigns will go to Vitamin Angels.
“Sprouts has been a terrific partner for Vitamin Angels because they believe in our program and have been out in the field with us. From these experiences, they’re able to inspire thousands of team members and shoppers to take part in change,” said Howard Schiffer, President and Founder of Vitamin Angels. “Having partners who believe and are committed to helping us provide a solution to malnutrition on a long-term basis is critical.”
Earlier this year, Sprouts visited Ttio Grande, Peru, with Vitamin Angels to learn firsthand the drastic impact its donations towards vitamin A, prenatal vitamins, and children’s multivitamins can have on the health and wellness of undernourished youth.
Sprouts emphasized that undernutrition is the number one cause of preventable deaths in children, according to The Lancet. Essential nutritents, especially that of vitamin A, is critical for the immune system to ward off disease.
Through this partnership, Sprouts and Vitamin Angels can keep focus on helping children attain good health in order to lead meaningful and productive lives.
As the industry continues to commit to the health and habits of tomorrow’s consumers, AndNowUKnow will have the latest in this lasting trend.
MONTEREY, CA - Starting out in the gray, brisk fog and ending in the warm sun, it was all smiles as riders came into the finish line of the final day of the third Tour de Fresh.
Nearly 200 miles, flat tires, hills, and honking cars, not to mention the “mud, sweat, and tears” of the sport of cycling, brought together a group of more than 50 members of the produce industry as they stood on stage and heard that they had successfully raised $157,312.
Not only is this the most any one Tour de Fresh ride has raised, but it means about 57 salad bars for U.S. schools.
“Our goal is to increase kids’ produce consumption,” Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, Vice President of Nutrition & Health with United Fresh, said as she thanked the riders for all they had done to help meet that goal. “We know when they have a salad bar that happens, and influences their lives.”
It is a big dent to be made in the 300 schools still on the list looking for salad bars, a key move in ensuring the future health of children.
Sam Farr, member of both the House Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, commented that beginning with health in childhood is where our national focus should be.
“I thank you, you are the first responders to turn America’s health,” Farr told the riders. “And to do it in such a fun way, you are my congressional heroes.”
Many turned out to both speak and listen to the gratitude expressed for all those involved, including Kenneth Lawrence, Executive Director of the Learning for Life Charter School, who thanked the Tour de Fresh for the salad bar his school will receive.
Donate to Place Salad Bars in Schools!
To wrap everything up with the camaraderie that has held this team together so tightly, Church Brothers Farms invited everyone back to the family ranch for some music, food, and fun.
“I just thought this would be a great way to finish,” Jeff told guests as he welcomed everyone to enjoy the beautiful view. “I love the Tour de Fresh, it’s officially my favorite week of the year.”
And for a group of people who had ridden through much of the northern California coast, they had no problem dancing the night away as Church Brothers Farms’ Drew McDonald and Evolution Fresh’s Brian Jameson struck up their band and invited anyone willing to come up and sing.
But it’s not over yet. While it was bitter-sweet tie-up to an amazing event, donations can still be made to get even more salad bars to those waiting schools. Ever since riding in yesterday afternoon, the Tour de Fresh has raised almost $2,500 more, bringing the latest total to $159,992. Don’t miss the chance to push that limit as far as it can go, and help raise the bar for the next Tour de Fresh!
You can find out even more about it by visiting California Giant Berry Farms at PMA Foodservice Expo on Sunday, July 31, booth #238.
WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that Phoenix, Arizona-based Sun Produce Specialties LLC, has complied with the terms of a consent decision and order finding that the company violated section 8(b) of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and revoking the company’s PACA license for unlawful employment of Ricardo B. Bombella, an individual under PACA employment restrictions.
According to a USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division press release, the finding and revocation were held in abeyance so long as the company paid a civil penalty of $20,000 by no later than July 29, 2016. The company has subsequently paid the civil penalty in full along with the finding and license revocation were permanently abated and the case was closed.
The AMS, PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce companies operating subject to PACA, which includes buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
During the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,700 PACA claims involving more than $66 million.
PHARR, TX - SmartCold, a company from the Triple H family, is continuing in its efforts to stay at the forefront of cold chain logistic solutions with the recent renewal of its Primus GFS certification as the company begins its second year of operations.
“We are committed to offering the best solutions to our clients, and to that end, consistently updating our certifications is important because we want to be a trustworthy part of their value chain.” Jesús Claudio Zazueta, Operations Manager, said while announcing the renewal of the certification.
SmartCold is located in Pharr, TX, which offers a strategic point along the U.S.-Mexico border along with a host of services that include use of cold storage facilities, to inventory management, and office spaces.
The innovative company upholds its status as an industry leader in efficiency as well as food safety and traceability, with its comprehensive, up-to-date certifications, cutting-edge warehouse management systems, real-time information, and the latest technology in cold storage.
So what’s next for SmartCold? The company has future plans that include expanding its operation with a multiphase project. According to a press release, the warehouse expansion project is part of the second phase and is designed to add 13,200-square-feet of additional and cold storage capacity to an existing 22,000-square-foot warehouse facility built in 2014.
Primus GFS is a private certification scheme, which comprises Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), in compliance with FDA-USDA regulations.
Congratulations to SmartCold by Triple H, on this latest certification, and upcoming expansion!
LOS ANGELES, CA - Blake Lee, former Regional Produce Buyer for Sprout’s Farmers Market’s Midwestern and Southeastern, has left his role and joined Bristol Farms/Lazy Acre Market as a Produce Buyer, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Lee has spent the past eight years at Sprouts, in various produce positions. He began his tenure at the Phoenix, AZ-based retailer as Produce Manager in 2008, and rose to his role as Regional Buyer in 2013, according to his LinkedIn profile. Lee was also a Produce Manager at Henry’s Farmers Market, before it was merged with Sprouts in 2013.
In a job posting by Bristol Farms/Lazy Acre Market, the company says its Produce Buyers, and presumably Lee, are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing brand strategies, pricing strategies, and merchandising/marketing programs related to the produce department.
Bristol Farms, and its sister store, Lazy Acre Market, are gourmet retailers that focus on specialty and natural foods. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the company operates 15 stores under the Bristol name, and two under the Lazy acre name.
Sources reports that his position is effective this Monday, August 1. AndNowUKnow wishes Lee the best of luck at Bristol and beyond!