POMPANO BEACH, FL - Just in time for SEPC’s Southern Exposure conference that celebrates the southeastern United States’ thriving produce community, one of the region’s staple suppliers, CarbAmericas, has announced its new, company-wide rebranding.
Part of the company’s strategic five-year plan, the new CarbAmericas brand seeks to show its customers at SEPC just how much depth it has as a company, something VP of Sales Danny Pollak says was missing from the old branding.
“Through some informal research, we determined that some of our current customers and potential new customers didn't fully understand the depth of our business, and we felt a brand refresh was a great way to reinforce who we are to the trade,” Danny explained to me. “CarbAmericas is more than just an importer; we are an exporter, a frozen processor, and we are a strategic supplier of our core products—mangoes, asparagus and broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and more based on our customers' needs.”
That diversity and wide array of offerings Danny mentions is what sets CarbAmericas apart from some of its competitors, he tells me when I ask him what makes the company so unique.
“The breadth of product and services we offer are unique in the produce supply chain,” he adds. “Our team is committed to bringing these products and services to our customers based on a foundation of performance, integrity and passion. This is more than a tagline for us, it is a way of life that is embedded in our company culture.”
The company will be unveiling its new brand at this weekend's Southern Exposure conference, so visit CarbAmericas' booth #708 to see it for yourself.
IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission is gearing up for Cinco de Mayo, a celebration it says is one that necessitates a bumper supply of Fresh California Avocados.
“Blessed with a mild, nutty taste, a rich, smooth texture, Fresh California Avocados infuse any dish with a unique California style and appeal,” the commission stated in a press release, adding that Cinco de Mayo also kicks off the peak of Fresh California Avocado season in terms of both ripeness and availability.
Good news for foodservice operators looking to add the popular fruit to their Cinco de Mayo menus.
Here are a few suggestions:
Stuffed California Avocado Quinoa Salad
Both quinoa and avocados on the climb in trending flavors, this dish meets that demand while also emphasizing the “good” in the “good for you” needs of California consumers. To see the recipe, click here.
Verde Margarita
Few Mexican-inspired drinks are so popular as the margarita, and this helps integrate the fresh flavor and benefits of avocados into that indulgence. To see the recipe, click here.
California Avocado Cornbread
This spin on adding avocados shows versatility and creativity, widening the reach for the fruit in a tasty traditional dish. To see the recipe, click here.
It’ll be here before you know it! Even more California-style Cinco de Mayo menu ideas can be found at the California Avocado Commission’s website, CaliforniaAvocado.com/Foodservice. Also on the site are tools for sellers and foodservice operators, including nutrition, selection, storage, and handling information.
Stay tuned as AndNowUKnow continues to keep you up to date on all key opportunities and methods to promote fresh produce.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – Anthony Hucker, a retail veteran of over 25 years, is making a move to Southeastern Grocers as its new Chief Operating Officer.
Prior to joining Southeastern Grocers, Hucker was the President and COO of Schnucks between 2013 and 2015. He has also held various leadership positions at Giant Food, Walmart, and Aldi UK.
Ian McLeod, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, was excited to bring Hucker aboard, welcoming his valued expertise and experience in the retail field.
“I am confident that Anthony will make a significant contribution to the performance of Southeastern Grocers,” said McLeod, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Before being named as the President of Giant Food in 2011 and eventually, President and COO of Schnucks in 2013, Hucker gained domestic and international experience having worked with Walmart for seven years and Aldi UK for nine. During his time with Walmart, he oversaw both global and new format development, as well as strategy and business development.
Hucker began his career working as an analyst for the European retail industry reporting on pan-European stocks to the City of London, the Jacksonville Daily Record reports.
Southeastern Grocers is the parent company of Bi-Lo, Harveys, and Winn-Dixie. The company employs approximately 66,000 associates who serve customers in 756 grocery stores, 145 liquor stores, and 504 in-store pharmacies throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
SANTA PAULA, CA – Limoneira is showcasing lemons in more than just foods and drinks, welcoming the spring season with a video showcasing the lemon’s versatility as a household cleaner.
“Lemons are one of the most versatile items in the produce department,” said John Carter, Limoneira’s Director of Global Sales, according to a press release. “Everyone knows that lemons are a great recipe ingredient and enhancer, but they also have many uses in the areas of health, lifestyle, beauty, and cleaning.”
Hosted by Limoneira Lemons for Life™ Spokesperson and CEO of Healthy Grocery Girl® Megan Roosevelt, the video details a number of do-it-yourself recipes and tips for all-natural and green spring cleaning at home.
“When life gives you lemons, take the lemons and unleash your green clean machine,” Megan says in the video.
In the video above, Megan breaks down lemon-based cleaning solutions for the following:
- All-purpose cleaning
- Laundry
- Toilet Cleaner
- Dishwasher
- Natural Air Freshener
- Natural Furniture Polish
- Hard water stains
- Microwave degreaser
- BBQ Grills
- Remove rust stains
As one of the largest providers of lemons in the United States, Limoneira has partnered with some of the nation’s green cleaning experts to share with the industry.
Green Cleaning Opinion Leaders include:
- Saudia Davis, of New York-based Founder of GreenHouse Eco-Cleaning, previously featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s NY, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Economist, Fortune Magazine, ABC World News and is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post.
- Alex Rosten and Jeremy Round, owners of Los Angeles-based Maid in the U.S.A, the premier boutique cleaning service, with clients including The Gap, Armani Exchange, and Banana Republic.
- Louise Taillon, Director of Training for the Toronto-based The Sani Marc Group, and a frequent speaker on green cleaning and cleaning for health and sustainability.
- Diana Seablom, Owner of Boston-based Green Cleaning, using products that are free from harsh chemicals, are biodegradable and toxin-free to help clean clients’ homes.
- Kathleen Bands Schindler, Vice President of My Cleaning Service, one of the top janitorial companies in the United States, cleaning more than 5,000,000 square feet of space in the Baltimore area daily.
- Shelley Baker, Owner of An Angel’s Touch, LLC, which uses only eco-friendly, non-toxic and certified green cleaning products and recycled/recyclable cleaning supply to offer both residential and commercial services.
Megan said, “These people are professionals in their industry and know how to keep environments clean and sanitized naturally. They’re excited to share their tips for using Limoneira lemons to add sparkle."
Keep some of those tips in mind when it’s time for Spring Cleaning!
WENATCHEE, WA – Stemilt and The Little Gym® have joined forces to give parents the night off and kids a night to play along with a host of healthy activities and Lil Snappers® apples.
Throughout the month of February, The Little Gym hosted “Parents’ Survival Night” events, giving 2,500 families in Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, Asheville, and Toronto, Ontario, a thrilling opportunity to show their kids the benefits of eating healthy and keeping fit.
“We were thrilled to partner with The Little Gym to give kids an evening of fun and food while their parents enjoyed a night out. Lil Snappers are the perfect snack for the active kids that you’ll find at The Little Gym locations across the country, and it was great to treat kids and their parents with a healthy snack and resources on how to use Lil Snappers in new ways at home,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt’s Communications Manager.
During their stay, Stemilt helped kids create Crab Fruit Critters with Lil Snappers Piñata® apples, while also teaching them about the nutritional qualities of apples or pears. At the end of the evening, each family took home Lil Snappers activity sheets, a lunchbox themed recipe book, and a bag of either Piñata® or Pink Lady® Lil Snappers to continue fueling the fun with the award-winning kid-sized fruits at home, according to a press release.
Stemilt also provided a bag of Lil Snappers to every child that attended a class at each Little Gym location during the week leading up to the Parents Survival Night.
The 3lb. grab-and-go pouch bag helps parents put a kid-sized serving of fruit in a week’s worth of lunches for two children.
“At The Little Gym, we encourage agility, rhythm, and overall fitness to launch a lifetime of healthy habits,” said Jordan Jedeikin, Director of Brand Development at The Little Gym. “Our partnership with Stemilt’s Lil Snappers was a natural fit, and incorporating healthy, kid-sized snacks into our Celebratory Snack Time was a hit with children and parents.”
Since introducing Lil Snappers in 2011, the product has evolved into one of the top-selling pouch bag brands for both apples and pears, according to retail scan data.
LEAMINGTON, ON - In an effort to support the company’s Greenhouse Education Center (GEC), NatureFresh™ Farms is using social media power to help recruit college students to the company’s workforce.
Following the recent launch of WeAreTheGrower.com with its creative and digital partners, NatureFresh is looking to not only connect with college summer job seekers, but also resonate with them the opportunity to educate consumers about greenhouse-grown produce. The new initiative is in support of this summer’s #GreenInTheCity Tour.
“Some may say that using social media is not unique, however we are focusing our strategic geo-targeted recruitment efforts towards specific college and universities that offer agriculture, agri-science, agri-business, health, and food marketing programs,” said Chris Veillon, Director of Marketing.
College students looking for summer jobs in the industry will be able to get real life, hands-on consumer-facing experiences, thanks to NatureFresh’s recruitment program. As members of the GEC team, these students will get to travel throughout eastern North America attending community events, schools, summer camps and connecting with consumers at retail events, according to a press release. Equipped with the latest technology in smartphones, tablets, and video equipment, the new team members will be able to share their exploits on NatureFresh’s social media channels and new website/blog that will be launched later this spring.
This is not exactly an internship, Veillon assures, explaining, “We have the opportunity to further invest in our industry by attracting and retaining students who want to have a career in the produce industry. The Greenhouse Education Center is an impactful and game-changing tool that we fully embrace which benefits the entire industry.”
The Center For Growing Talent by PMA says these opportunities are critical to university students and to their career path.
Alicia Calhoun, PMA’s Program Director adds, “When companies like NatureFresh™ create platforms to bridge the gap between educational institutions and real life work settings, it creates the opportunity to generate interest in our industry. Programs like these provide students with a chance to take their career plan for a test drive and industry a chance to gain access to bright, new talent.”
Lead by the company’s Chef and Sensory Education Coordinator, Henry Furtado, NatureFresh provides the community with opportunities to participate in informational sessions at schools and community gathering. By now involving students from colleges and universities in the USA and Canada with the Greenhouse Education Center, NatureFresh™ is providing quality hands-on experiences to students to help them apply what they have learned in school to real-life customer interactions, the company says.
“The Greenhouse Education Center internship that NatureFresh™ is offering is a great way for local college students to help connect fresh produce with consumers in a variety of cities throughout North America this summer,” commented Eric Richer, Ohio State University Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources. “It seems to me that above and beyond educating about their company, the Greenhouse Education Center team will educate about the process of growing greenhouse vegetables and the value of those vegetables in our daily diet.”
Larry Zink, Industry Relations/Outreach Coordinator, Michigan State University, also shared his thoughts on the NatureFresh program, explaining, “Opportunities like what NatureFresh™ Farms is creating only enhance a student's education, they are being exposed to real word opportunities. These very unique opportunities are sometimes few and far between so we encourage students to take advantage as often as they can.”
NatureFresh™ Farms says it expects to complete all of its hiring for the Greenhouse Education Center by the end of March. To learn more about the program, please visit WeAreTheGrower.com.
LAKELAND, FL — Closing out with $8.2 billion in sales, Publix Super Markets reported a strong final quarter for 2015.
“I’m pleased to report another year with excellent results,” Ed Crenshaw, Publix’s current CEO, said, according to the financial report. “Our associates deserve the credit for continuing to make us a leader in customer service.”
Publix is privately owned and operated by its 179,000 employees, and shares are not publicly traded. In light of the report, however, the retailer’s stock price increased from $41.80 per share to $45.20 per share as of yesterday, March 1st.
Highlights for the retailer’s fourth quarter included:
- $8.2 billion in sales for Q4 2015, a 4.5 percent increase from $7.9 billion at the same time last year.
- Net earnings at $521.1 million for the Q4 2015, a 15 percent increase compared to $453.3 million in 2014.
- $0.68 for earnings per share for Q4 2015, up from $0.58 per share in 2014.
Overall, the retailer saw a 13.2 percent increase in net earnings from 2014 to 2015, ending Dec. 26, 2015, closing out at $2.0 billion. This is compared to 2014’s closing at $1.7 billion. Publix also noted a 3.2 percent boost in comparable-store sales for the fourth quarter of 2015.
Publix currently has 1,110 stores in several states, including:
- Florida
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Tennessee
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
This means leaving on a high note for Crenshaw, who recently announced that he will be retiring next month after leading the company for the last eight years.
Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we continue to note all retail news, financial and beyond.
SALINAS, CA - The upcoming Organic Produce Summit (OPS) is solidifying its lineup, selecting Founder of Pacific Organic Produce and Purity Organics brand juices, Greg Holzman, as its keynote presenter. Scheduled for July 13 through 14 in Monterey, CA, at the Hyatt Regency Holzman,will be joining Purple Carrot Co-Founder Mark Bittman and another yet-to-be-named featured speaker for the inaugural event.
“These are exciting times for the organic produce industry and the Organic Produce Summit is a must-attend event,” said Melody Meyer, Vice President of Policy and Industry Relations for United Natural Foods. “With outstanding networking opportunities, tremendous speakers and educational sessions, and a wide array of organic producers exhibiting their products for the retail community, we’re excited to be a part of this first-ever event.”
Holzman founded Pacific Organics in 1994 and first started organic juices in 2004, before launching the Purity juice line in 2009. The addition of Holzman creates a line-up of innovative and inspiring speakers for OPS attendees, the organization says.
“We look forward to supporting the OPS and the growing organic produce marketplace,” Meyer continued. “This special summit provides the entire organic fresh produce community an opportunity to unite under one roof and exchange valuable ideas and information.”
Additional educational seminars hosted by the Organic Trade Association are currently being finalized, selecting an array of industry educators and leaders as panelists for three educational sessions. The event will also host a fourth educational session focused on the growing e-grocery sector and organic produce, featuring Tony Stallone, Vice President of Merchandising for Peapod, and Mike Buffington, of IdeoClick. Kevin Coupe, Founder of The Morning News Beat, will serve as moderator.
Also announced by the OPS, Albert's Organics has agreed to be a silver sponsor, joining co-sponsors Taylor Farms and Braga Fresh and other major sponsors Tomorrow’s Organics, Homegrown Organic Farms, Earthbound Farms, and Driscolls.
For further information about the inaugural Organic Produce Summit, visit www.organicproducesummit.com.
BENTONVILLE, AR - In an effort to bring in more local and organic food products, Sam’s Club has revealed it will be hiring a team of regional buyers for its U.S. stores. This is a strategy that has been employed by rival Costco in the past in order to boost loyalty and attract a wealthy customer base, Reuters reports.
Already hiring several buyers in the Dallas-area, Sam's Club’s Chief Merchandising Officer, John Furner, told Reuters that the company is considering new teams in up to five other markets. Since the company’s inception, all of its buyers have been located at the company’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Furner believes that having buyers near local markets will make it easier to create relationships with “up-and-coming suppliers of organic, healthy, and premium foods.”
Unnamed sources told Reuters that Sam's Club was considering having regional buyers handle 30 percent of its food items. Furner said he did not yet have a unit target and that his first priority was to make the Dallas operation successful before setting further plans.
Furner said a stronger array of organic and premium foods would help attract wealthier shoppers, a key plank of Sam's growth strategy and increasingly the target demographic for warehouse clubs.
After a half percent fall in sales at existing stores in the quarter ending in January, the first drop since early 2014, the company says it has a renewed focus on attracting a new customer base and retaining its current base. In contrast, Costco has been continually outpacing Sam’s Club in financial growth for years. As we’ve previously reported, Costco was found as the leading retailer for organics by BMO Capital Markets, selling more than $4 billion worth of organic products annually.
As continued details on Sam’s Club’s organic and upscale aspirations are revealed, tune in here for more.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The USDA has cited Duke City Produce Inc., an Albuquerque, New Mexico-based company, for failure to pay for produce.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, said in a press release that the company has allegedly failed to pay $382,655 to three sellers for 53 lots of produce. As a result, Duke City Produce Inc. has been barred from operating in the produce industry until December 4, 2017, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license.
Joseph V. Kemetz, the company’s Principal, may not be employed by, or affiliated with, any PACA licensee until December 4, 2016, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
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 have 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.