HOUSTON, TX – In the face of multiple food safety-related scandals in recent months,Edible Software is looking to give the produce industry an upper hand when it comes to traceability.
The inventory control and traceability provider offers a full suite of solutions pertaining to food inventory so that your company can maximize efficiency and ensure traceability at every step in the supply chain. Charles Butler, Edible Software’s Vice President, spoke with me briefly to share more about what this company has to offer.
“No one is exempt from traceability,” he says. “In the event of a recall, traceability can help significantly limit liability and losses, as well as prove in most cases that your company was acting responsibly and not negligibly.Edible Software is a state-of-the-art enterprise resource planning (ERP) provider that can reduce all the guesswork in product recalls and shorten the timeframe in which all affected products can be identified.”
At the click of a button, Edible Software reports all finished goods, raw materials, and all transactions within a given lot on a single document. Users can also trace product back from a sales invoice to identify the originating vendor of the raw material, and all processing runs in which that product was used.
In addition to inventory control and traceability, Edible Software also helps wholesale food distributors manage slotting, receivables, receiving, accounting, order entry, purchasing, repacking, and more.
Since its foundation in 1980, the company has grown significantly to accommodate the needs of the produce, meat, fish, grocery, cheese, baked goods, and beverage industries.
“We are not afraid to take risks,” Butler says of Edible’s growth in the past decade. “When I started about 11 years ago, Edible Software was a simple package but today its functionality has been enhanced in ways we never thought could be possible.”
With Edible Software, your company can stay one step ahead in food safety.
BRAMPTON, ON - In the company’s Q4 and Fiscal Year 2015 financial report, Loblaw Companies has shown its shareholders both increased revenue and increased retail segment sales amid the increasingly competitive retail grocery market.
“I am pleased to report that we continued to deliver against our financial plan in the fourth quarter and, on a comparable basis, we delivered positive same-store sales and stable margins, achieved growth in operating earnings, and our strong balance sheet allowed us to return capital to our shareholders through share repurchases,” said Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman and President, Loblaw Companies Limited.
During its fourth quarter, Loblaw rose its revenue 2.3% over Q4 2014 to reach $10.87 billion, and rose its retail segment sales by 2.2% to reach $10.6 billion, an increase of 2.2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. Growth for food retail same-store sales at its Loblaw banner was also up 3.1%.
Despite its continued increases in some areas, net earnings for the company this quarter were down to $128 million ($0.31 per common share), a decrease of $67 million ($0.16 per common share) compared to 2014. Loblaw commented the lower profit was largely because of the write-down of drug retail assets that are being held for sale, according to CTV News, as well as costs for switching some grocery stores to more cost-effective labour agreements.
Also announced at the time of the report, Weston confirmed in a call with investors that the company will be further expanding its "Click & Collect" grocery pickup program beyond its current 39 locations.
Additional highlights in Loblaw’s Q4 and Fiscal Year 2015 financial report include the following:
- Adjusted EBITDA(2) was $881 million, an increase of $2 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.
- Food retail (Loblaw) same-store sales growth was 3.1%, excluding gas bar and the negative impact of a change in distribution model by a tobacco supplier.
- Drug retail (Shoppers Drug Mart) same-store sales growth was 5.0%, with same-store pharmacy sales increasing by 4.2% and same-store front store sales increasing by 5.7%.
- Adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company were $363 million, an increase of 5.5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.
- Net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company were $128 million, a decrease of 34.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.
Loblaw’s stock has remained fairly flat since the announcement of the report.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more on what's to come in the retail grocery landscape.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Wonderful Orchards announced this week that it would be immediately reducing the amount of almond acres in production in western Kern County by 10,000.
"Due to limited water resources and market factors, Wonderful Orchards is reducing its Western Kern County almond orchards by 10,000 acres, effective immediately," Steven Clark, Vice President of Corporate Communications, said in an emailed statement. "We remain committed to our Central Valley farming operations and will continue to look for growth opportunities."
The move comes as a surprise for Central Valley grower and economics teacher David Gill.
“That’s very surprising that they would pull 10,000 acres, especially because it’s bloom time right now,” Gill tells The Bakersfield Californian.
Gill added that almonds remain as one of the most profitable commodities being grown locally despite a roughly 37 percent decline in prices paid to producers, the publication reports.
For now, it is unclear what will happen with the land, which, according to county figures, is equal to about 5 percent of the total acreage devoted to almonds in 2014.
Despite recent rains in previous weeks and an improvement in the Sierra Nevada snowpack, California is still experiencing a severe drought. As we reported previously, the Sierra snowpack, which provides about a third of the state’s water supply, was upwards of 130% of normal as of the beginning of February.
On Wednesday, California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) increased its water delivery estimate for most recipients to 30 percent of requests for the calendar year.
“After more than four dry years, we still have a critical water shortage. We need a lot more wet weather this winter to take the edge off drought,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin in a press release. “Using water carefully and sparingly is still the quickest, most effective way to stretch supplies.”
For any further information on this story as it develops, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
NOGALES, AZ - With the FPAA’s Spring Policy Summit 2016 rapidly approaching, key members took the time to share why those in the industry should participate in the event.
The FPAA has been doling out a video series in the weeks leading up to the summit, having kicked off with SunFed Vice President of Operations Matt Mandel on Feb. 11th., discussing international trade agreements and how vital they are in expanding industry opportunities.
The FPAA and its members are doing this to reiterate that the event is crucial in the betterment of the industry and the continued supply of fresh produce to United States and Canada, according to a press release.
Following Mandel’s one-on-one, Scott Vandervoet of Vandervoet and Associates, Inc. was featured discussing the opportunity to drive conversation that addresses issues like infrastructure and transportation.
“While the modern Mariposa port in Nogales has the capacity to process up to four times more traffic than before, there are some roads and bridges that need to be brought up to proper standards,” Vandervoet said.
The most recent video, released yesterday, Feb. 25th, shows Sabrina Hallman, CEO of Sierra Seeds Company, discussing difficulties in smoothly transferring money because of new banking regulations.
“As a business who operates with headquarters in Nogales, Arizona, and offices throughout Mexico, we have been extremely affected,” Hallman commented.
The final video, slated to be released on March 3rd, features Giumarra Companies’ Vice President of Food Safety, Walter Ram.
In his one-on-one, Ram discusses that attending the summit is important for learning, guiding, and being prepared to implement new food safety regulations.
In regards to the introduction of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and provisions including the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), Ram is quoted saying, “This program will require our members to do food safety activities they never had to do before.”
The videos and more information about the event can be found at www.freshfrommexico.com. The clock is dwindling down, with the Spring Policy Summit kicking off Tuesday, March 15, 2016 in Tubac, AZ. Click here to register.
SALINAS, CA – The Mann Packing team continues to grow, this time with a new Director of Business Development and Director of Human Resources.
Martin Flewell, a 12 year veteran of Taylor Farms, moves into the role of Director of Business Development, where Mann’s stated he will be focusing on building sales, product line optimization, and new product development.
“I feel Martin’s diverse background is perfect to become a key contributor to Mann’s continued growth, which has already been on a terrific pace over the past few years,” Rick Russo, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing and the one Flewell will report to directly, said, according to a press release.
His last position with Taylor Farms was VP of Business Development, prior to which he worked directly with customers as a Product Manager. He originally started his produce career in sales at Dole Fresh Vegetables.
Paul Eads is moving into the newly created position of Director of Human Resources for Mann Packing, where he will report to Lorri Koster, Chairman and CEO.
“The size and scope of our business today requires someone with a strategic vision on human capital management,” Koster commented on Eads’ addition. “I look forward to working with Paul in his new position towards creating the ultimate work environment for our employees.”
Eads crosses over to the produce industry after most recently having managed human resources for a workforce of over 800 employees at family-owned Bronco Wine Company in the central valley of California.
Before that, he worked in a variety of HR positions with International Paper in several locations, including Modesto, CA, Vicksburg, MS, and Memphis, TN.
As Director of Human Resources, Mann’s stated that Eads will be responsible for providing strategic, integrated direction on business issues with human resource implications.
The new position has been put in place to support management through a variety of human resource-related focus areas including:
- Recruiting
- Training and development
- Employee onboarding
- Succession planning
- Performance management processes
- Employee wellness programs
Eads’ position will also oversee payroll, benefit administration, policy development, and union relations.
Congratulations to both of the newest additions to the Mann Packing team.
VALENCIA, CA & MIAMI, FL - After a long, fruitful, and innovative tenure with Sunkist Growers, Kevin Fiori has announced he will be leaving his position as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Instead, he will begin his new venture with Miami, Florida-based floral company, Passion Growers. To fill the role left by Fiori, current Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer John Striff will be stepping up.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my decision to leave Sunkist Growers,” Fiori shared with the industry. “I joined Sunkist because I was drawn to the collaborative culture that makes the cooperative so special within our industry. I feel fortunate to have worked at Sunkist for the past seven and a half years. We accomplished many great things together.”
Fiori also noted that he has no doubts that Sunkist will continue to do very well under the leadership of President and CEO Russ Hanlin, and the organization’s incredible, talented, and dedicated people.
“Working with Sunkist for over seven years, Kevin has done outstanding work on behalf of the cooperative,” added Hanlin. “However, the opportunity for him and his wife to be close to his two boys and three grandchildren was impossible to resist. We will miss him greatly, both personally and professionally.”
He continued, “While he will be greatly missed, we are fortunate to have a talented executive like John Striff to assume this role. John has been instrumental to many important initiatives throughout the cooperative and we are excited for him to bring his leadership and experience to another area our organization.”
Striff has worked in the Sunkist system since 2003, first at Sunkist-affiliated cooperative Fruit Growers Supply Company (FGS) and then at Sunkist Growers. He served as Chief Financial Officer for both organizations, and was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2015.
Fiori's new journey with Passion Growers is one that is perfect for him in his personal and professional life, he says. He will be now be able relocate closer to his children and grandchildren.
“I’ve been offered an amazing opportunity to work with Jaime and Cheryl Peisach and the entire team at Passion Growers,” Fiori continued. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for and look forward to working with Jaime Peisach, Cheryl Peisach, Sam Ferrara, Ben Pauley, Eugenia Barth, Moises Croitoru and others at Passion, many of whom I’ve worked with in the past. As a company, Passion values people, is dedicated to impeccable customer service, and invests in infrastructure to produce the highest quality flowers available.”
Jaime Peisach, Owner of Passion Growers commented on his excitement to have Fiori join the team.
“We’ve known Kevin for over 15 years and we know he shares our core values,” Peisach explained. “Our culture is built on teamwork, integrity and a system-wide dedication to customer satisfaction. The past working relationships and mutual respect between Kevin, Sam, Ben, Eugenia, Moises and other members of Passion makes this a great fit. The ultimate objective of this move is to expand our individualized products and services to our valued customers. We are committed to earning our customers’ business everyday by providing the highest quality flowers and best customer service available in the industry.”
With plans to depart Sunkist in June, a press release states, Fiori will be working closely with Sunkist staff until then to ensure a smooth transition.
Our CEO Robert Lambert and the rest of the AndNowUKnow team would like to congratulate Kevin Fiori on his successful career at Sunkist, and wish him the best of luck as he transitions to Passion Growers. Looking forward to seeing what’s next!
OTTAWA - The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) met with Parliamentarians on Tuesday with one goal at mind—increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in Canada.
Host of Chef Michael’s Kitchen, Chef Abroad, and Chef at Home on Food Network Canada, Chef Smith has devoted his life to helping Canadians create a healthy food lifestyle that includes lots of daily fruits and vegetables, and will be doing a cooking demonstration at the event to promote the CPMA’s Half Your Plate message.
“We all know how important it is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables every single day but not all of us know how. That’s where I come in,” explains Smith in a statement. “It’s my mission to remind everyone how simple healthy cooking is, that it’s not expensive, difficult, or time consuming. We’re all in this together and together we can help every family improve their health, every day.”
Launched in January 2015 by the CPMA and health partners the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Public Health Association, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Half Your Plate program emphasizes how fun, practical, and easy it is to prepare a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for every eating occasion imaginable.
“Evidence shows that a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone of good health, yet 60% of Canadians over the age of 12 do not eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day,” adds Ron Lemaire, CPMA’s President. “We need to show Canadians how easy it is to prepare fresh, healthy meals at home, and our Half Your Plate Ambassador Chef Michael Smith’s message is intended to inspire change.”
Eating more fruits and vegetables is one of the easiest steps towards big improvements in overall health and preventing chronic illness, according to Ian Culbert, Executive Director, Canadian Public Health Association.
He says, “Filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal is easier than you may think. We’re proud to partner with the CPMA in helping Canadians live healthier lives.”
Canadia Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay, also weighed in on the work CPMA has been doing in the country.
“The CPMA continues to do a great job of growing our fruit and vegetable business across Canada,” he says. “I’m proud to see such a thriving industry supplying Canadians with healthy food throughout the year.”
For more information on CPMA’s Half Your Plate Campaign, visit www.halfyourplate.ca.
PHOENIX, AZ – Shares in Sprouts Farmers Market jumped more than 9 percent in midday trading on Thursday following an encouraging quarterly financial report.
For the fourth quarter of 2015, ended January 3, 2016, the natural and organic grocer reported net sales of $930.3 million, a 27% increase from the same period in 2014, beating Wall Street expectations. Seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected $912 million.
Similarly, the company beat estimates on net income, which was reported at $28.2 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.18. The average estimate of twelve analysts surveyed by Zacks was for earnings of 16 cents per share, according to Yahoo Finance.
This is now the 35th consecutive quarter of positive comparable store sales growth, which increased 7.4% for the period.
Sprouts’ CEO Amin Maredia, who was also recently appointed to the company’s board of directors to replace resigning board member Andrew Jhawar, was pleased by the results.
“As more and more Americans embraced our ‘Healthy Living for Less’ model, Sprouts’ position of strength in the industry continued to grow in 2015,” said Maredia. “Our unique combination of health, value, and customer engagement resulted in industry leading comps of 5.8% and strong earnings growth in the high teens. This momentum enables us to focus on our strategic priorities, including product and category innovation, in and out-of-store customer experience and developing team members who can lead our new stores as we continue to grow.”
During the fourth quarter of 2015, Sprouts opened one new store in Texas. A total of 27 new stores were opened during fiscal 2015.
In terms of its outlook for 2016, Sprouts expects comparable store sales growth of 4.5 percent to 6 percent.
The company also appointed Brad Lukow, a retail executive with 25 years of financial executive experience, as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective March 4, 2016.
“I am extremely excited to join Sprouts at this stage in the company’s development,” said Lukow. “This company is dynamic and its competitive position is compelling. I feel privileged to begin working with the team to continue growing the brand, enhancing long-term shareholder value, and having a positive impact on the communities Sprouts serves.”
While reporting directly to Maredia, Lukow will be responsible for leading the company’s financial, accounting, investor relations, and treasury functions, according to a press release.
“We are looking forward to Brad joining Sprouts as our new CFO,” said Maredia. “Brad brings a wealth of retail business and financial experience. I look forward to working with Brad to continue to drive our business and deliver on our mission of ‘Healthy Living for Less.’”
Other highlights from the fourth quarter include:
- Adjusted net income of $28.4 million; a 57% increase from the same period in 2014
- Adjusted EBITDA of $66.7 million; a 25% increase from the same period in 2014
Highlights from the fiscal year 2015 include:
- Net sales of $3.59 billion; a 21% increase compared to reported net sales in 2014
- Comparable store sales growth of 5.8% and two-year combined comparable store sales growth of 15.7%; both on a 52-week basis
- Net income increased to $129.0 million; diluted earnings per share of $0.83
- Adjusted net income increased to $134.7 million; a 21% increase from 2014
- Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.86; a 19% increase from 2014
- Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.84; a 17% increase from 2014 on a 52-week basis
- Adjusted EBITDA of $302.1 million; a 14% increase from 2014
For more on Sprouts’ financial performance as it hits Q1 2016, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Demand for more variety in root veggies is climbing, says Frieda’s Specialty Foods, fueled by climbing vegetable-centric menu trends and foodies.
As health awareness spreads through foodservice and into retail, root vegetables offer not just nutrients, but also color, texture, and flavor.
“Retailers should ready their wet veg sets to take full advantage of this growing demand by building a beautiful display to showcase the wide selection and brilliant colors that can be found in root vegetables, from specialty carrots to radishes, parsnips, and beets,” Frieda’s recommended in a press release.
So what options does the company say offer the potential and variety those produce aisles need to catch the impulsive eyes of consumers? When it comes to the four roots listed above, the company offers a breakdown of the rising stars within each commodity.
When shopping among radishes, Frieda’s suggests the following:
- Easter egg
- French breakfast
- Daikon
- Watermelon radishes
Consumers continue to see and take home with them more and more ways to prepare and incorporate beets as well. To add some flare to those fresh beet displays, Frieda’s suggests red, gold, and striped (chioggia) beets.
Then there are the veggie root trenders’ best-kept secret; those roots that seem typical and yet will be shopped for by consumers “in the know” Frieda’s says, including:
- Jicama
- Celery root
- Parsnip
- Kohlrabi
- Sunchokes™
These unsuspecting roots have seasonal variation, with potential for roasting in the winter and being added to salads in the spring and summer time.
To catch consumer attention, Frieda’s recommends big, bold, colorful signage.
For roots with tops, the company also notes that occasional long truck rides can cause wilted or yellowing green tops. With a key focus on reducing food waste, Frieda’s Specialty has worked with its retail partners to trim yellow tops, or even soaking the greens, to revive instead of reject the product.
Interested retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice distributors can contact Frieda’s to either stock their wet racks, find out more information, and to gain access to the company’s product information, high resolution images, and recipe database.
SOUTHERN CA - McDonald’s continues to ride the streak of success it has found by putting a greater emphasis on breakfast, now incorporating the produce-centric love of kale that has gripped the Golden State.
Continuing its endeavor to be a cleaner, healthier alternative than the fast food burger giant it has come to be known for, McDonald’s has now introduced a pilot “Simple Delights” low calorie menu, with a new item that includes both kale and spinach.
The new egg white and turkey sausage bowl with spinach and kale was announced this week to Los Angeles and San Diego consumers, according to a CNN Money report, along with a scrambled egg and chorizo bowl with a hash brown, salsa, and Pico de Gallo.
The new greens-infused item is customized to California tastes, McDonald's spokeswoman Lisa McComb told CNN Money, adding that Mexican food and kale are popular in the region the test is being rolled out in.
It could be big news for both the chain and the produce industry, as this incorporates fresh produce into the breakfast addition that CEO Steve Easterbrook attributed a 5.7% jump in Q4 same-store sales in the U.S.
The egg white and turkey sausage bowl with spinach and kale has 250 calories and 27 grams of protein and will be available on the Simple Delights menu for $4.39. The scrambled egg and chorizo bowl with a hash brown, salsa and Pico de Gallo, also $4.39 has 460 calories and 26 grams of protein.
You’ve almost got the list checked off, McDonald’s, but Californians are also rather fond of avocados with their Mexican flavors. Get to it!