MONTEREY, CA - PRO*ACT has announced a new executive to it ranks. Mark Frankenberg, an experienced worker in sales and business development, has been named as the company’s Vice President of Client Development.
Most recently, Frankenberg helped achieve significant sales increases, as well as lead several business expansions, as Vice President of Business Development for CDI Customized Distribution in Florida. He has also worked as Vice President of Sales and New Business Development for Sysco Corp’s SYGMA Network, where he started out in a sales position before working his way up.
“It is important to our Client Development team that we have someone in place that really understands the industry and has experience dealing with customers and with business development. Mark fits that bill,” David Peterson, Senior Vice President of Sales and who Frankenberg will report to directly, said in a press release. “His work experience, and his participation in industry affairs, support his ability to develop and sustain strong customer relationships. We look forward to having him as part of our development team.”
Frankenberg will be based in Florida, the company said, working with PRO*ACT’s senior management team and distributors in order to strengthen client relationships and create new ones.
Congratulations, Mark, on this next step in your career.
NEW YORK CITY, NY - A coming special on ABC Television will put fresh produce in the spotlight as it featured D’Arrigo Brothers New York’s continuous acts to make a difference in the community.
A feature entitled Above and Beyond: Inspiring People in Our Community, the show turns its eye to the wholesaler’s support of Sister Elisabeth Anne, a 77-year-old Catholic nun, with the Little Sisters of the Poor.
“She thanks us each week for helping to care for those in need, but it is we who are thankful that we are blessed to be able take part in her incredible acts of giving and loving kindness,” said Michael D’Arrigo, Vice President of D’Arrigo Brothers New York, in a press release. “It is inspiring to witness Sister Elisabeth Anne do so much for so many for so long, and to realize that her actions are aiding those most fragile in our society.”
As we recently reported, helping to assist in the community it has been a part of for the past 50 years is a deeply-instilled initiative in the company, and the relationship it holds with Sister Elisabeth Anne extends back to the 1970s. From her first visit, the company’s workers have loaded her van with hundreds of pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables.
“The kindness of the D’Arrigo family throughout my four-decade relationship with them has allowed me to provide nutritious meals to the needy,” Sister Elisabeth Anne said. “The D’Arrigo family and their caring workers have become like family to me and make sure that any request I make on behalf of the needy is met.”
That relationship has helped her to provide for 80 impoverished residents in her care, ranging from ages 68 to 103, at the Queen of Peace Residence in Middle Village Queens. Nine of them are over 100 years old, she said.
At 77 herself, it’s understandable that providing for the impoverished is very challenging for her, but Sister Elisabeth Anne said the warm embracing welcome that she receives from the D’Arrigo family and their workers provides her the strength to go back week after week. That kindness, she said, keeps her going and, more importantly, allows her to provide a safety net for her very vulnerable residents.
Don’t miss the full story when it airs on WABC–TV in New York this Saturday evening, June 25th, from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. EST.
Congratulations to both D’Arrigo Brothers New York and Sister Elisabeth Anne on this recognition of hard work and contributions.
MEXICO – After exporting its 14 millionth box earlier this week on June 14, the industry is right on track to surpass the initial preseason total estimate of 14,171,000 boxes.
“Larger berry size, young vineyards producing more than normal, and diversion of volume from Mexico to the USA are the likely explanations of the variance,” said John Pandol, Director of Special Projects for Pandol Brothers and Chairman of the Grape Division of the Nogales-based Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA).
According to an FPAA press release, the industry is currently seeing around 15 to 20% extra volume this season. Pandol stated that a revised crop estimate for Sonora is now in the 16 to 18 million box range.
Crossings at Nogales, AZ, are occurring daily, with over 300,000 boxes a day, and are expected to continue for the next two to three weeks. The FPAA noted that the market is currently orderly, and over 50% of the volume is being harvested in a three-week period with supermarket promotions in place when they should be, just like last year’s season.
“Nothing frightens a seller more than talk of a short crop,” said Pandol. “The distributors want to set up ads and programs; growers resist because they feel ads are unnecessary at the lower volume. Distributors respond by saying something like ‘14 million grapes won’t sell themselves.’ It seems that this year we created the necessary demand at key times.”
Pandol continued to say that he expects a smooth transition into the Central California harvest.
Stay with AndNowUKnow we keep a close eye on the season as it progresses.
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger has officially reached its 50th consecutive quarter of positive identical supermarket sales growth, with earnings up ten percent to $680 million from $619 million in the same period last year. This jump to $0.70 per diluted share from $0.62 per diluted share sent the company’s stock up to 93 cents, a 2.6 percent jump to $36.64.
"Fifty consecutive quarters of positive identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel, is extraordinary,” shared Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen. “Our associates work tirelessly to produce these consistently remarkable results. We've been through all kinds of business cycles during the last 50 quarters, and we've demonstrated time and again that regardless of the environment, you can count on Kroger to continue executing our strategy, investing in growth and creating value for our customers and shareholders."
This 2.6 percent jump signals a bit of a turnaround for Kroger is recent months. Since the beginning of the year, pricing had fallen 15 percent, closing at $35.71 yesterday.
Other highlights from Kroger’s Q1 2016 financial report include:
- Total sales increased 4.7% to $34.6 billion, up from $33.1 billion last year
- FIFO gross margin was 23.0% of sales for the first quarter
- Total operating expenses excluding fuel and Roundy's decreased 4 basis points as a percent of sales compared to the prior year
- Now offers ClickList and ExpressLane online ordering services in 25 markets
As we previously reported, Kroger revealed in its Q4 2015 financial report that it upped its capital expenditure budget by 24 to 33 percent, aiming to hit between $4.1 billion and $4.4 billion, with McMullen later explaining that a critical part of his strategy for success is adding or expanding stores within the company's current 35-state footprint.
It looks as if Kroger’s pathway towards massive growth will not be hindered any time soon, so keep attune to the latest.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – As a seasonal storm blows into California, the state is looking to assuage summer’s signature moves with some late winter weather.
A winter storm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for the western part of Plumas County in Northern California, and the Lassen Volcanic National Park region. Possible snow and winter dustings are possible for Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte counties as well.
The National Weather Service advised that snow should be expected into this afternoon. Mercury News reported that regions above 6,000 feet elevation could expect around two inches of snow, with those above 7,000 feet seeing three to five inches.
The National Weather Service advised caution for travelers regarding possible delays, and noted that chain controls in the national park area should be used. Residents of these Northern California regions should also be wary of limited visibility as the storm passes through.
Although Santa Cruz and the Bay Area should not expect to see any snow, the National Weather Service does forcast temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s for tonight.
This snowfall and unseasonable winter forecast will not make a significant impact on the overall drought affecting the state, but this development provides an interesting lead-in for California as forecasters predict above normal temperatures for a majority of the state this summer.
AUKLAND, NZ - From black market to green, it looks as if New Zealand’s latest illicit industry is pilfering fresh avocados. As reported by The Guardian, there have been close to 40 large-scale thefts from avocado orchards in New Zealand since January.
‘Why, exactly, is an entire country being driven into madness over the pitted green fruit?’ you are probably pondering to yourself right now. Well, the main motivating factor is just downright skyrocketing demand.
Avocados in New Zealand are selling for between NZ$4-6 (US$3-4) each following a particularly unfruitful season and an increase in local demand. The Guardian reports that produce company, New Zealand Avocado, says 2015 saw an additional 96,000 New Zealand households beginning to purchase avocados. The company has seen local growers being unable to keep up with the surge in demand, especially since the majority of their business has historically been export sales.
The thefts have been occurring under the cover of night, according to the report, with the fruit being either “raked” from the tree and collected in sheets placed on the ground, or hand-picked and driven away to be sold.
Sergeant Aaron Fraser of Waihi told The Guardian that he has seen “spates” of avocado crimes during his tenure as a policeman, but nothing quite like this current crime wave.
“These stolen avocados can carry risks,” he said. “They are unripe, some have been sprayed recently and they may still carry toxins on the skin. But with the prices so high at the moment, the potential for profit is a strong inducement for certain individuals.”
It doesn’t seem like us stateside will have to worry about accidentally coming in contact with these tainted avocados, however. Jen Scoular, the CEO of New Zealand Avocado explained to the source, “It’s an easy way to make a quick buck, but I don’t think we are dealing with a sophisticated or highly-organized operation here, more opportunistic,” she said. “This stolen fruit will only have made it to the local markets, it would never reach our export markets.”
While she’s concerned about the surge in thievery, Scoular expects a bumper season of locally-grown avocados to flood the New Zealand market in coming weeks, and local avocado farms are already learning to pump up their security game by installing automatic lights and alarm systems.
And if avocado thievery fever makes it way onto this side of the pond, expect AndNowUKnow to bring you every thrilling detail.
TYLER, TX - The Brookshire Grocery Company’s storecount has grown by 25, with an announced acquisition underway for Walmart Express stores in both Texas and Louisiana.
“Brookshire Grocery Company is already known throughout our market areas for having great stores and we are confident that our customers in these new markets will feel the exact same way,” Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO, said in a statement, according to news source KLTV. “Our Spring Market stores will stand for friendly service, quality products, affordable convenience, and a pleasant shopping environment.”
On top of expanding its presence in both states and entering several new small markets, it is also planning to grow its team by the hundreds.
“We are also really excited to hire hundreds of employees from these communities to help us take care of our new customers,” the executive stated. “We look forward to making a positive difference in each of these communities through our people, products, stores, and service.”
Already with an established footprint in both states, the company will add 20 Texas stores and five Louisiana stores upon the close of the deal, expected to take place in July, 2016.
The five stores in Louisiana will include Colfax, Lake Arthur, Iowa, Mamou, and Zwolle.
In Texas, Brookshire has purchased locations in Anson, Diana, DeKalb, Edgewood, Frankston, Godley, Grandview, Hughes Springs, Haskell, Italy, Kemp, Leonard, Lone Star, Maud, Merkel, Naples, Palmer, Waskom, Whitewright, and Winters.
The company plans to reopen the stores under its Spring Market banner this summer, when the acquisition is finalized.
No amount was disclosed.
AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you posted on all the latest moves in the retail market.
ORANGE, CA - FreshSource Pacific Northwest has added two to its leadership team as it continues to grow since the division’s initial launch last year.
The team has welcomed experienced veterans Chris Powell and Kenneth Pierce, both of whom bring decades of experience to their respective positions.
Powell, who is stepping into the company’s position of Retail Sales & Merchandising Manager, Washington, bringing 20 years of experience in CPG Retail, foodservice, and perishable food manufacturing. Most recently having worked with Taylor Farms/Retail Foods North West he has previously held positions with both Albertsons and US Foods.
In this new role, Powell will be covering the I5/405 corridors for FreshSource PNW in Washington for retail continuity, sales, and marketing, according to a letter from the division’s Vice President, Leith Anderson.
Pierce also brings a plethora of experience to his new role, now Retail Merchandiser, Southern Oregon for FreshSource PNW.
He is a grocery professional with more than three decades experience in CPG Retail, Club/Drug/Mass, Brokerage, Dairy, and DSD Bakery sales, according to the announcement. His previous positions include Wonder Bread/Hostess, Select Sales, and, most recently, working with Crossmark on the Land O’Lakes and Johnson & Johnson teams.
As the company’s new Retail Merchandiser, Pierce will be covering the I5, 101, and Hwy 97 corridors in Southern Oregon, supporting FreshSource PNW’s efforts at key banners including Albertsons/Safeway, C&K Markets, McKay’s Markets, and Sherm’s.
With the continued goal to offer its clients high-level service, coverage, and support, it will be interesting to see what the next move will be for this growing division.
SALINAS, CA – As the industry prepares for United Fresh next week, Mann Packing has its own eyes set on how best to highlight its products and innovations for the event. This year, the company announced that its recently unveiled Nourish Bowls™ will be featured as its booth’s product showcase.
“We are very excited to officially debut our new Nourish Bowls at United Fresh,” said company Chairman & CEO Lorri Koster, in a press release. “We know Millennials, moms, and families are on-the-go more than ever and looking for healthy meal solutions.
As we previously reported, Mann Packing’s Nourish Bowls in four trending flavor profiles; Southwest Chipotle, Monterey Risotto, Sesame Sriracha, and Smokehouse Brussels. The bowls were cultivated to deliver flavor, convenience, and quality in alignment with consumer demand.
“Our new Nourish Bowls offer the taste and convenience consumers crave, and sales are currently exceeding our projections,” finished Koster.
The company also stated that Mann Packing will participate in the first occurrence of Fresh Foods: The Retail Revolution during United Fresh on Monday, June 20. The company will serve a Broccoli Clover Greek Salad.
Samples of the Nourish Bowls, as well as the company’s Culinary Cuts® Broccoli Clovers, Sugar Snap Peas, and more will be offered at booth #1823.
Stop by for a taste, and we’ll see you at United Fresh!
WATSONVILLE, CA – To encourage consumers to flavor their summertime grilling dishes with mushrooms this season, Monterey Mushrooms has announced a new website page and ebook, 10 Ways to Kebab with Mushrooms.
“Studies have shown us that fresh mushrooms are consumed most frequently in the summer,” said Lindsey Roberts, Marketing Coordinator. “We decided to capitalize on this time by sharing some of our favorite kebab combinations to inspire consumers to fire up their grills. Kebabs using mushrooms are easy, fun, and they don’t make a big mess in the kitchen.”
Partnering with local food and lifestyle blogger, American Huney, to bring the kebab selections to the tasty top, the company said in a press release that the recipes and tips featured will turn even a novice griller into a master.
The new webpage includes the three step-by-step recipe videos and the free ebook. To download the ebook, consumers must answer a few easy questions to provide the company with insights about mushroom users. Monterey Mushrooms intends to use these answers to better understand consumer preferences, which will also benefit the company’s retail and foodservice partners.
Find the new website page and ebook here, and get your grill on with AndNowUKnow this summer as we continue to provide the latest in industry innovations and marketing techniques.