CINCINNATI, OH - It seems like Kroger’s growth momentum is still in full force. On top of several newly announced growth investments and acquisitions, Kroger has revealed plans to hire an estimated 14,000 permanent positions in its supermarket divisions. The company will hold open interviews in its stores nationwide on Saturday, May 14.
"We have openings across the country for friendly, hard-working associates to join our team," said Tim Massa, Kroger's Group Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, in a statement. "We are looking for people who are passionate about making a difference for customers and communities – and want to do it in a fun, team environment with great benefits and advancement opportunities."
According to the company’s announcement, Kroger has created more than 74,000 new jobs over just the last eight year period. That 74,000 does not include jobs created as a result of capital investment, such as temporary construction jobs, nor does it include increases due to the company's mergers.
AndNowUKnow has covered many announcements of large scale hiring plans from Kroger over the last few years, the most recent being 740 jobs in Ohio, 700 in its Mid-Atlantic Division, and 1,200 more in Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio. Kroger's total active workforce grew by more than 9,000 during 2015, with more than 90 percent of those being in the company's supermarket divisions. The company hired more than 7,000 veterans in 2015, and has hired more than 35,000 veterans since 2009.
Interested candidates can apply online at jobs.kroger.com and return to a store on May 14 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (no appointment necessary).
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA – To praise his distinguished and extensive volunteer work, The Allen Lund Company (ALC) has announced that its Vice President of Support Operations, Kenny Lund, will be receiving an award from St. Vincent de Paul.
"St. Vincent De Paul has a long history of serving those in need from all walks of life. To receive recognition from them is hard for me to understand, when they do so much," stated Kenny Lund in a recent press release. "The things I have done to serve others have always ended up coming back in ways that enrich my life. My hope is that this inspires others to get involved in the greater community for the benefit of everyone involved and the improvement of oneself."
The award will be presented on May 25, 2016, at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s 2016 Mardi Gras in May Benefit Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles, CA. Kenny Lund will be one of four honorees at the event being publically recognized for their volunteer work.
"We're very grateful for the kind work and friendship of a man like Kenny. Honorees for our Mardi Gras in May Gala are chosen based on their passion and support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's mission to help the needy,” said David Fields, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles. “They display a strong connection to the Society's spiritual foundation. Kenny Lund is very worthy of the honor that will be given to him at our benefit."
This award will the be latest in a string of honorary titles associated with ALC and its employees for their volunteer work and community contributions. As we previously reported, Allen and Kathleen Lund recently received the Christus Magister Medal, in addition to pledging to complete 40 Acts of Kindness by the end of the year.
AndNowUKnow would like to congratulate Kenny on this honor, and will continue to have the latest on industry companies and their contributions to communities at large.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN – Central Georgia is about to see a lot more of discount retailer Dollar General. The company recently announced massive plans to build a new 1 million-sq.-ft. distribution center in a capital investment of approximately $85 million.
“This state-of-the-art distribution center will help support our rapid store growth throughout Georgia and the southeast,” CEO Todd Vasos, said in a statement according to the Washington Post.
Dollar General has announced that construction will begin as early as summer of this year near Jackson, GA, and should be completed around summer or fall of 2017. The company estimates that the distribution center will service over 1,000 stores in the Southeastern region, and create around 500 jobs once fully operational.
The new Dollar General distribution center will be located about 45 miles south of Atlanta, along the Butts and Spalding county line, as announced by the company and Georgian Governor Nathan Deal’s office.
Dollar General currently operates 14 other distribution centers throughout the nation. In Georgia, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the company currently runs over 700 stores, and employs over 1,000 people.
As we previously reported, this new distribution center comes after close after another recent expansion declaration by Dollar General for the company to open 900 new stores in 2016, then another 1,000 in 2017.
As these expansion plans come to fruition, AndNowUKnow will have the latest to keep you informed.
FOLSOM, CA - Members of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s (USHBC) health research committee gathered with a group of scientists from universities and institutions around the world for the second year in row, all uniting for one cause—blueberries.
With the topic of scientific research on the potential health benefits of blueberries on everyone’s minds, researchers and council members alike explored the effects of blueberries on human gut microbiome, and the types of studies that the USHBC Health Research Committee should fund in order to successfully explore this topic. The April 19-21 event in Silverton, OR, culminated in a farm tour of Riverbend Organic Farm in Jefferson, OR.
“The blueberry industry has dedicated significant resources to health research in recent years,” explained Mark Villata, Executive Director of USHBC in a statement. “The investment has helped position blueberries as a fruit with many potential health benefits – all based on sound scientific research. And with much larger human studies underway, we stand to learn a great deal more.”
Over the past 15 years, the USHBC has focused on building a robust health research program, meticulously uncovering evidence to bolster evidence for blueberries’ potential health benefits. In recent years, the program strategically focused on areas of cardiovascular health, cancer, insulin response, and brain health, but now, human gut microbiome is top-of-mind. Most recently, preliminary research findings from a multiyear human study were presented at the meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The study explored the effects of blueberries on memory and cognitive function in older adults.
As what the council refers to as the ‘health halo’ around blueberries continues to grow, also does consumer purchases. According to the council, recent survey data revealed the following findings about blueberries:
- Americans are nearly twice as likely as they were nine years ago to buy blueberries in the coming year
- Data now shows that consumers associate blueberries with health
- Awareness of the fruit’s nutritional benefits is closely tied to likelihood that a purchase will be made
- 99 percent of consumers believe blueberries to be a healthy food
- 84 percent state awareness of specific health benefits, a 115 percent increase over 2004
To access published blueberry health research and resources for health professionals, please visit: http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/healthresearch, and to learn all about the latest scientific findings regarding the produce industry, AndNowKnow has got you covered.
OAXACA, MEXICO - Southern Mexico saw a strong earthquake early Sunday, May 9th, hitting at a depth of 24.4 kilometers, or just over 15 miles.
The shakeup registered at a 5.9 magnitude on the Richter scale and was felt as far as Mexico City, nearly 300 miles away. The hit was enough to sway buildings and send some locals rushing to the streets, Reuters reported, though Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera said there were no reports of damage or injuries.
The response is understandable, however, considering the area just saw a series of volcanic eruptions in recent weeks. As we previously reported, the last was enough to shut down air traffic and closed roads as ash blanketed the region.
Connections between the eruptions and the earthquake have not yet been reported.
According to the USGS, the following nearby places were impacted by the earthquake:
- Pinotepa de Don Luis, Mexico, 29.0 km (18.0 mi) from the focus
- Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, Mexico, 44.0 km (27.3 mi) from the focus
- Santa Maria Asuncion Tlaxiaco, Mexico, 77.0 km (47.8 mi) from the focus
- Ometepec, Mexico, 78.0 km (48.5 mi) from the focus
- Mexico City, Mexico, 351.0 km (218.1 mi) from the focus
Luis Felipe Puente, the National Head of Emergency Services, took to Twitter to reinforce that no immediate reports of damage in much of southern Mexico had been received, including the Puebla, Chiapas, and Guerrero states.
We will continue to follow this and other natural occurrences that could influence the produce industry as more details develop.
ROSEMONT, IL - In tandem with its Q1 2016 financial report, US Foods has announced further progress towards its previously announced initial public offering (IPO). U.S. Foods Holding has registered an amended Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission detailing new underwriters for the deal. According to the new filing, the list of underwriters now includes:
- Goldman, Sachs & Co.
- Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
- J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
- Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
- Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
- Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
- Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
- Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
- KKR Capital Markets LLC
- BMO Capital Markets Corp.
- Guggenheim Securities, LLC
- ING Financial Markets LLC
- Rabo Securities USA, Inc.
- Natixis Securities Americas LLC
In the company’s Q1 2016 financial report, net income doubled over the same period last year, increasing from $7 million in Q1 2015 to $14 million today. Net sales increased 0.7%, increasing $39 million to reach a total of $5.6 billion.
The company has been focusing on streamlining its works in recent months, acquiring companies like foodservice data startup, Food Genius, New England-based wholesale distributor, Cara Donna Provision Co., and family-owned foodservice distributor Dierks Waukesha. US Foods also recently confirmed that its Severn, MD, distribution center will close in June 2016.
Still, US Foods has not revealed any pricing details for the IPO price per share. US Foods has previously announced it will list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “USFD.” Fortune had reported that US Foods planned to raise $100 million, and that this number is likely to increase as the filing moves forward.
Other highlights from US Foods’ Q1 2016 financial report include:
- Adjusted EBITDA increased $44 million to reach $203 million
- Gross profit increased 31% to reach $949 million
- Independent restaurant case volume grew 8.0%.
- Operating income increased $43 million, or 102%, to $85 million in 2016
With US Foods continuing to pick up speed towards an impending IPO, you can count on AndNowUKnow to update you with the breaking news.
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA – Infusing its line of all natural guacamoles with the nutritious power of vegetables, Sabra Dipping Company has announced that consumers can expect three new flavors in its innovative new Veggie Fusions line.
"More than two-thirds of American consumers purchase avocados," said Marketing Director Tracy Luckow, in a recent press release. "And we've all fallen for Guacamole in a big way. In expanding our successful line of products we kept true to what people enjoy, the chunky avocado and clean flavor while adding even more great taste by blending in the best, freshest vegetables for an absolute breakthrough in guacamole.”
Sabra said that its Hass avocados are blended with a variety of colorful, chunky cut, fresh vegetables picked at peak ripeness to add antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. The three Veggie Fusions flavors, and the vegetable varieties featured in them, are as follows:
- Garden Vegetable: carrots, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, spices
- South Western: corn, peppers, onions, black beans, garlic, tomatoes
- Mango Lime: mango, lime, herbs
The company said that this new line of packaged guacamoles has an overall reduced fat content by 30 percent, when compared to other guacamoles. “The added benefit is not only more flavor but a reduced fat content which is win-win even for those of us who appreciate the good fat content in guacamole," added Luckow.
Sabra’s Veggie Fusions line is vegan, kosher, and gluten-free. The packaged guacamole varieties are available now, in 7oz containers with a suggested retail price of $3.99.
Veggie Fusions were created at the company’s Center of Excellence, based on consumer feedback on reduced fat per serving guacamoles, and trending combinations of guacamole and vegetables in restaurants, recipes, and social media.
Dip back into AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover new products and innovative produce industry news.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - While Alex Jackson is Senior Account Manager for Frieda’s Specialty Foods, she is also something else that made her words an insightful addition to the Fresh Produce and Floral Council (FPFC) April luncheon in Cerritos, California—Alex is a millennial.
“Different generations shop differently and think differently,” she said, according to a press release. “You need to understand your shoppers’ core beliefs to stay relevant.”
With this in mind, the company offered a brief breakdown into the generations that make up the pool of consumers the industry is looking to reach, saying that understanding generational traits is key to staying relevant, improving shoppers’ experience, and boosting sales.
“Companies in all industries are making changes to their branding to appeal to my generation, the Millennials,” Alex said. “But to make your stores relevant to us, it takes more than just changing the look—you have to be a company we can believe in.”
Companies like Frieda’s have made moves to appeal to Millennial shoppers, such as a redesign of their packaging, with the goal of not alienating other generations.
For those born before 1946, referred to as “The Silent Generation” or Traditionalists, take the most time going through the store, but spend the least during shopping trips, according to Frieda’s.
On the other side, the generation born from 1946 to 1964 seem to prefer bargains, but don’t mind paying more for brands they are loyal to. Baby Boomers are currently the largest shopping generation, and prefer helpful produce managers and cheerful cashiers at their stores, which can keep them coming back.
Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, are reported to be willing to go with a new brand if quality and customer service prove exemplary.
And then there are the latest entrants to the buying market. Millennials, born between 1981 and 2000, are projected to be spending more than $200 billion annually starting in 2017, and make up half the workforce by 2020. When it comes to preferences, Frieda’s reports that Millennials are loyal to brands that offer them a new experience, treat them well, and are aligned with their beliefs.
Bearing this marketing angle in mind, Frieda’s looks to focus on offering culinary adventures to Millennials and the generations that have preceded them, opting to inspire new food experiences for friends, families, and food lovers.
Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for the latest marketing and trending hits promoting fresh produce.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a recent USDA press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Kelly Brothers Inc., operating out of Exeter, CA, for failing to pay an $18,803 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Christopher J. Kelly was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.
- Khans International Trading Inc., operating out of Orlando, FL, for failing to pay a $14,363 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Ajia Khan and Fazlur Khan were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.
- Delta Global Farms Logistics LLC, operating out of Greenwood, MS, for failing to pay a $7,728 award in favor of a South Carolina seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Joyce Nicosia was listed as a member of the business.
The USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.
In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 3,700 PACA claims involving more than $66 million. Its experts also assisted more than 7,100 callers with issues valued at approximately $100 million. These are just two examples of how the USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - In an effort to speed up its supply chain amidst growing competition from rivals like Walmart and Amazon, Target has announced a multi-billion dollar plan to crack down on its relationships with suppliers, Reuters reports.
According to the publication, Target will be tightening deadlines for its deliveries and increasing fines for those who miss the deadline. Penalties could reportedly reach up to $10,000 for inaccuracies in product information, according to a letter sent to suppliers and obtained by Reuters. Both Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, John J. Mulligan and CEO Brian Cornell worked on these changes with a group of over 200 suppliers.
"These steps are a key part of becoming more reliable," Mulligan told the news source in an exclusive interview. In the letter, Target said its main goal is to keep products stocked, and to "lower missed sales for all of us."
"We had a very long question-and-answer session," Mulligan explained. "Obviously there were concerns, so we listened to those and we feel very good with where we are going with our vendor partners."
This announcement comes on the heels of rival Walmart informing its suppliers that it was raising its standard for on-time delivery to 95 percent from 90 percent at its annual vendor conference this past February. According to Reuters, Walmart will also be cutting down on the window for deliveries to within one to two days of a target date, down from one to four days previously.
As a result on the company’s reemphasis on fresh product including produce and other perishables, Target’s supply chain has became much more complex in recent years, increasing the need to hold more inventory at any given time. Amy Koo, a Principal Analyst with Kantar Retail told Reuters these new changes will allow Target to minimize its inventory holdings, a key part of retail efficiency. "In theory, everything can move faster, and they will have less stuff in the system."
The new rules detailed in the letter include the following:
- Domestic suppliers must give a single-day arrival date for shipments to Target's warehouses
- Suppliers will no longer have a "grace period" to ship a few days after the promised date without penalties
- Target will hike fines on late shipments to 5 percent of the order cost
- The retailer is considering "escalating charges of $5,000-$10,000" for suppliers who fail to provide complete and accurate product information
As more information about Target’s supply chain developments are released, AndNowUKnow will serve the latest right to your inbox.