SEATTLE, WA - Piggy-backing off of its pilot drive-up grocery in the Bay Area, Amazon looks to have purchased a second location to expand on its physical establishment in the market.
Similarly to when the e-commerce giant went about its first operation in the Sunnyvale, CA, area, a site has been identified and linked with Amazon before an official announcement has been made.
As we reported previously, Amazon was rumored to have been behind a new 11,600-square-foot building and grocery pick-up area. Now, Silicon Valley Business Journal reports, a second pattern has arisen in San Carlos, CA.
According to the news source, public records directly connect Amazon to the site where the project is planned, using the same architects that headed up the pilot.
Bill Bishop, Chief Architect at Brick Meets Click, told Silicon Valley that the expansion into what’s called a “click and collect” model could boost Amazon’s market share even more by furthering the company’s obsession with getting products to customers any way they can.
“They [Amazon] understand that they’re not going to have a single platform that builds this thing out,” Bishop said. “They are going to penetrate half a dozens or more ways. They’re going to sell stuff every way they can.”
Not only is this a move towards growth in the physical grocery market on Amazon’s part, but a new Brick Meets Click study due this week reportedly shows the entity can take up to a third of all grocery spending in markets where it competes.
In 2015, Amazon’s shoppers placed 48 percent of all grocery trips in those markets, a 39 percent boost from two years prior.
What will this mean for the expanding sector of supermarkets? AndNowUKknow will continue to keep its ear to the ground as more information emerges.
GLENDALE, AZ - Legend Produce is now in peak production harvesting for its exclusive Origami cantaloupes in Yuma, Arizona, and the company reports that the 2016 season is already proving to be the best crop to date!
"These are the best cantaloupes we have ever grown," Barry Zwillinger from Legend Produce tells me. "We have perfected the Origami cantaloupe with our high brix, excellent flavor, and bold aromas! The weather in Arizona has been fantastic, allowing for prime growing conditions for our cantaloupes."
Over the next three to four weeks, Legend Produce will continue to be in its peak production lasting through the summer. The company's Maricopa-based growing partner, Santa Rosa Farms, is starting its production this week as well. Barry expects Santa Rosa Farms to be in full production by late next week, growing cantaloupes, honeydews, and a few varieties of mixed melons.
"Our exclusive seed variety, Origami, is creating the demand in the market," Barry continues as we talk about what makes Legend Produce’s program so special. "Because this is a full slip melon, the brix of the Origami is currently averaging 14-16 percent with many reaching 18 percent, which is one sweet cantaloupe! Customers are in for a treat when they cut into this beautiful melon and experience how a cantaloupe should taste."
Origami provides consumers with a strong inviting aroma, a sweet flavor, and beautiful orange flesh to match—precisely what one expects out of their cantaloupe experience. The company has been, and will continue to be, committed to growing the best tasting, best eating, and highest-quality melon.
"Our customers are noticing what sets Legend Produce and Origami apart, because this season’s production is superseding all expectations, particularly in the demand over last year. Our retail customers are experiencing increased in-store sales over last spring with our Origami cantaloupe," Barry adds.
Legend Produce will continue to harvest its Origami melons through the summer, so if you have not tried this delicious cantaloupe, now is your perfect chance. Look for them on the store shelves!
PLEASANTON, CA – Veg-Fresh Farms is pledging to take consumers to the next snacking level as the company looks to engage tomato fans with new varieties from its gems family of snacking tomatoes.
“A product line of five varieties of snacking tomatoes was designed with millennial consumers in mind who want to experience more variety in their cooking options, desire healthy recipes, accompanied with a short amount of preparation time,” explained Kate Reeb, Director of Marketing.
Veg-Fresh Farms is showcasing high-res photographs of finished plate recipes for each gem variety to attract consumers' attention, according to a press release. Each label has a photo of the finished plate, and contains a recipe on the inside of the label. The new, featured varieties are as follows:
- Ruby gems
- Mini gems
- Vintage gems
- Garden gems
- Golden gems
“Our new gems family allows the retailer an ease in merchandising with uniform, stackable packaging that is brightly colored to attract the consumer’s attention,” said Sandy Garcia, Sales Manager. “The gems family of five offers retailers a solution for a consistent, high-quality look that engages the consumers with trending recipes.”
As we previously reported, on Veg-Fresh's new website online users which will now have access to a consumer page to support ideas, new recipes with trending ingredients, and nutritional education on snacking tomatoes. Also featured is a light and upbeat 30 second gems commercial to showcase the gem lines’ “super market to super star” recipe potentials.
The company stated that each recipe featured in the varieties launch was vetted and tested in the Veg-Fresh Test Kitchen, and is especially designed for easy preparation, minimal amount of ingredients, with quality results for consumers.
Veg-Fresh said that the new gem varieties are being released in a continued trend of snacking tomatoes, which originally began with cherry tomatoes, and has continued to expand in the marketplace as consumers enjoy new varieties, colors, and portability of the tomatoes.
AndNowUKnow will continue to have your best-picked industry news as new products and varieties appear in the marketplace.
WATSONVILLE, CA – Monterey Mushrooms Inc. has announced Tom McMunn as its newest team member, joining the company as its Gourmet Sales Manager. Tom comes to Monterey Mushrooms from the Schnucks supermarket chain.
“I’m very excited about joining the Monterey team. I look forward to using my experience and passion for food to build strong relationships with our current and future customers,” said McMunn in a press release.
As Gourmet Sales Manager, McMunn will oversee current business of processed foods with both existing and prospective customers in the retail, foodservice, and processor sectors.
The company said that McMunn will also work with the Monterey Mushrooms product development team to provide sales and marketing support for the debut of new processed and value-added products.
“Tom is a result-orientated merchant with over thirty years of developing and executing corporate strategies,” said Mike O’Brien, Vice President of Sales and Markting. “He is proficient in product development, merchandise planning, and procurement.”
McMunn left his position as Schnucks’ category leader and Director of Private Brands Development to join Monterey Mushrooms. McMunn possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Webster University – Saint Louis, Missouri School of Business and Technology.
McMunn will report directly to O’Brien in his new position, which came into effect on May 9.
Congratulations to Tom McMunn on his new role! Continue to check back with AndNowUKnow as we report on management shakeups and hirings in the industry.
PITTSBURGH, PA – 42 years of service to Giant Eagle is soon to come to a close for President and Chief Operating Officer, John Lucot, who has just announced his intent to retire this upcoming June 30th. Beginning his career in 1974 as a Supermarket Clerk, Lucot has risen to be a key member of the senior leadership team responsible for launching the company’s Market District banner, fuelperks! customer loyalty program, and more.
“The fact that I have spent my entire career with Giant Eagle is a testament to the compassionate spirit and commitment to the personal growth of others that is at the core of our wonderful organization,” said Lucot in a statement, explaining that the part of his career he will miss the most is serving his tens of thousands of team members and millions of customers.
“Throughout this difficult decision-making process, my belief in the strength and positive direction of the company has eased my mind as I begin spending less time with my Giant Eagle family, and more with my wife and children,” he added.
Since January 2012, Lucot has served in his current role, rising from other executive positions in distribution, retail development, real estate, and operations. According to the company, Lucot has been an instrumental part of developing several sectors of Giant Eagle’s business, including:
- Giant Eagle’s GetGo chain
- Real estate operations
- Independent operations
- Investing hundreds of millions of dollars in capital reimbursement
- Entering Giant Eagle into new markets
- Launching the Market District banner
- Launching fuelperks! customer loyalty initiative
- Enhancing Giant Eagle’s Own Brands program
Chief Executive Officer Laura Karet will assume Lucot’s Chief Operating Officer responsibilities moving forward, and had this to share about his contribution to the company, “John’s value to Giant Eagle is immeasurable. In addition to his expertise, steadfast leadership and competitive and fiery spirit, the profound and positive impact he has had on the lives of our Team Members cannot be understated.”
Congratulations to John Lucot and his 42 years as a key member of the retail grocery industry, and happy travels into the future!
JAPAN - Melons and other fruits are a hot, highly sought-after commodity in Japan, making it that much more of a sting when two separate farmers reported hundreds missing from their properties earlier this month.
One farmer was upset to discover as many as 1,400 Rupia Red melons missing from six of his greenhouses, located in the Miyagasaki region.
“It’s unfortunate,” the farmer told the Fuji News Network. “1,400 melons, that’s quite painful.”
Desired for their red flesh and high sugar content, the news source reports that the melons were valued at a total of about 700,000 yen (over $6,400.)
The theft, the grower reported, was discovered on May 9th, just one week after another man discovered 200 melons missing from his property in Hokota City. That incident, which took place on May 2nd, cost the grower upward of 120,000 yen (more than $1,100.)
As we’ve reported previously, the popularity of melons in Japan has been cause for astonishing bids at auction when it comes to just the right varieties. Around this time last year, a pair of Yubari melons went for 2.5 million yen (about $20,500) and in June of 2014 a rare, black skinned watermelon sold at an auction for 350,000 yen (more than $3,000).
As for finding the stolen melons, Ibaraki police confirmed that they regularly receive reports of thefts from farmers in the area.
The higher the risk, the greater the reward. And it seems there’s great rewards, and the risks that come with them, to melon growing in Japan.
WATSONVILLE, CA – This year’s signature Tour de Fresh event is already breaking records with more than 50 riders and 32 sponsors. Riders represent all areas of the fresh produce industry, including growers, retailers, foodservice, industry associations, service providers, and registered dieticians. Participants will ride from Napa Valley to Monterey, Calif. July 26-28, with the goal of raising at least $175,000 in order to donate 50+ salad bars to schools across the country through Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools. Currently, riders have raised $28,047.
As an incentive, anyone who donates to a rider now through May 31 will automatically be entered into a raffle for the chance to win a $1,000 Visa gift card, courtesy of Premier sponsors:
- California Giant Berry Farms
- Church Brothers Farms
- Dole Fresh Vegetables
- Enza Zaden
- Fresh Point
- J&J Family of Farms
- Mission Produce
- Sunripe Certified Brands
- Tanimura & Antle
- Tsamma
“In order to meet our goal of placing 50 more salad bars in schools this year, we’ll need support from industry professionals, family, friends, and local community members,” said Cindy Jewell, vice president of California Giant Berry Farms. “We want everyone who supports this event to feel a sense of ownership and pride, knowing that their contribution lasts far beyond 2016 - it provides fresh fruits and vegetables to thousands of students for years to come.”
This year’s event takes place three months earlier than in years’ past, which puts additional pressure on riders to fundraise quickly. To help support a shorter fundraising window, Tour de Fresh encourages everyone to share rider donation pages on social media, lead community fundraising events, and encourage businesses and schools to get involved.
“We believe wholeheartedly in the mission of Tour de Fresh, which is why Sunripe Certified Brands has chosen to be a Premier sponsor this year,” said Jon Esformes, CEO of Sunripe Certified Brands. “It is our hope that companies and communities will rally together to support the riders who have committed their personal time to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students.”
Opportunities are still available to join the following confirmed sponsors:
- AndNowUKnow
- Arctic Apples
- California Giant Berry Farms
- CHEP
- Church Brothers Farms
- DMA Solutions, Inc.
- Dole Fresh Vegetables
- Duda Farm Fresh Foods
- EBX Logistics
- Enza Zaden
- Evolution Fresh
- Fresh Point
- Growers Express
- Hort Americas
- Interfresh
- iTrade Network
- J&J Family of Farms
- Lipman Produce
- Mission Produce
- Pajaro Valley Fresh
- PMA Foundation
- PRO Act
- Rehrig Pacific Company
- Renaissance Food Group
- Sakata Seed America, Inc.
- Specialty Produce
- SunFed
- Sunripe Certified Brands
- Tanimura & Antle
- Tessamae’s
- The Wharf Marketplace
- Tsamma
- United Fresh
- Watsonville Coast Produce
- Western Precooling
For more information about Tour de Fresh sponsorships and riding opportunities, please visit www.tourdefresh.com or contact Brock Nemecek at [email protected].
NEW YORK, NY - National Cucumber Day, June 14th, is upon us produce fans, and if you work for a company that provides the refreshing produce-item, I would bet you this gin-soaked festival will be right up your alley.
Hendrick's Gin, a cucumber-infused spirit itself, has declared it will be initiating a “whimsical-takeover” of both National Cucumber Day and the entire “cucumber celebration season.” For 44 days, beginning May 2nd, 2016, "All individuals prone to wonder, curiosity, and atypical acts of garnishment are advised to keep an eye on [Hendrick’s],” explained the company’s National Ambassador, Jim Ryan in a statement.
"The era of people thinking of the cucumber as an innocuous salad ingredient has ended," declared Ryan. "More than the core infusion of our liquid, the cucumber is central to our worldview as a most unusual gin."
So how exactly does Hendrick’s expect to take the cucumber from innocuous to “Most Unusual?” Well, one way to start is with 130-foot, “lighter-than-air miracle” known only as “The Flying Cucumber.” The Flying Cucumber is a massive dirigible airship, shaped, of course, just like the familiar produce item, which will be traveling from one coast of the U.S. to the next.
Want ever more cucumber-y goodness as your new favorite cucumber-based holiday approaches? Additional festive happenings include:
The Cucumber Festival of Wonder in New York City
Taking place in June in New York City, the event will present “a cavalcade of cucumber-inspired marvels,” fascinating live spectacles, roaming cocktail contraptions, and more.
Most Unusual Cucumber Day Contest
Enter to win a trip to the Festival along with other cucumber-themed prizes by posting a photograph of the “Unusual” on Instagram and Twitter with #CucumberDayContest and #MostUnusual.
Cucumber Cultivation Kits
To support at-home cucumber growing, complimentary Cucumber Cultivation Kits may be requested at CucumberDay.com
Cucumber Greeting Cards
The gin-maker has designed its own line of customizable greeting cards that can be shared throughout the cucumber season. Design your card here.
National Cucumber Day Hotline: 1-844-Q-CUMBER
For all cucumber inquiries, Hendrick's Gin has established a round-the-clock Cucumber Day hotline.
Want to learn more about the cucumber extravaganza? Visit the Cucumber Day website at CucumberDay.com, and @HendricksGin on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to learn how to get involved.
CHICAGO, IL - With more than two decades of experience in helping to cultivate leaders in the produce industry, President of Krivanek Consulting, Inc. Julie Krivanek has been named this year’s honoree and featured speaker for United Fresh’s Honoring Women in Produce reception.
Founder of a top strategic thinking and planning firm in the fresh produce industry, Julie shares a long history in helping contribute to United Fresh by kicking off the inaugural Industry Leadership Program back in 1995, according to a press release. Julie has since served the program for the past 21 years as those apprentices of the program have gone on to help lead and influence the fresh produce industry.
Julie is the latest in a distinguished line of influential women in the industry, most recently Frieda’s President and CEO and 2015 Honoree, Karen Caplan.
Join the United Fresh Association and attendees next month, June 20-22, at what has been called one of the most popular networking events of the show, while celebrating Julie and all the women of our industry.
Typically with standing room only, you can ensure a spot at the Honoring Women in Produce reception with an All Access or Produce Convention Package, found here.
Hope to see you there!
OXNARD, CA – In what the company has marked as an expansion to its foodservice role, Mission Produce has announced that Bryan Garibay has been promoted to Foodservice Sales Manager.
“We have expanded Bryan’s role in our foodservice operations based on his abilities, and also based on the growth of this important business segment,” said Patrick Cortes, Sales Director, in a recent press release. “Bryan is a solid performer, and this new position gives him that opportunity to expand his leadership capacity with the company as we develop additional foodservice business.”
Garibay rises to his promotion with ten years of experience, most recently in foodservice sales. In his new role, the company said that Garibay would be responsible for managing top-level client relationships, developing new business, and overseeing daily sales activities.
On his own behalf, Garibay said that he sees the popularity of avocados, and Mission’s market position in the category, as the biggest avenue for growth in the foodservice arena.
“I’ve been involved in the foodservice business at Mission for the past two years, and I’ve seen explosive growth over that time. Moving forward, we expect the category to continue to expand as more and more operators add avocados to their menu. Based on Mission’s year-round availability from multiple production areas, and ripe distribution centers across North America, we are in an excellent position to serve foodservice customers’ needs every day of the year,” stated Garibay.
Cortes said that Garibay’s promotion represents the growth of the foodservice role in the company as a whole, and how important that position has become to Mission.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on industry hirings, promotions, and executive shakeups as they are announced.