MAMARONECK, NY – Nature Addicts, a fruit-centric snacking company, is debuting a line of new bite-sized products catering to the on-the-go consumer.
The company offers three all-natural flavors, utilizing an innovative recipe that retains the best of the fruits. Each flavor comes in a 1.06 oz resealable package.
“Fruit Sticks” comes in two different varieties – Apple Mango Passion Fruit and Apple Raspberry – each offering one serving of fruit per pouch, with no added sugars.
According to the company’s website, Apple Mango Passion Fruit took a little more than two apples, a big slice of mango, and half a passion fruit to create the unique flavor in this package. Its ingredients include concentrated apple puree, concentrated apple juice, concentrated mango puree, concentrated passion fruit juice, pectin (from fruit), citrus fiber, natural mango, and passion fruit flavor.
Apple Raspberry, similarly, took two and a half apples and a handful of raspberries. Its ingredients include concentrated apple puree, concentrated apple juice, raspberry puree, concentrated elderberry juice, pectin (from fruit), citrus fiber, and natural raspberry flavor.
Nature Addict’s second offering, “Fruit & Chocolate,” combines a thin layer of dark chocolate and fruits to create a guilt-free treat for chocolate lovers. Its ingredients include fruit filling (70%) (concentrated apple puree, concentrated apple juice, concentrated orange juice, pectin (from fruit), citrus fiber, natural orange flavor), dark chocolate (28%) (cocoa mass, cane sugar, fat-reduced cocoa powder, soy lecithin), acacia, cane sugar, and honey.
This product is easy to showcase on retail shelves, thanks to its slot hang tabs and 10 units displays.
Created in 2009 by food fanatic Bertrand Jacoberger, Nature Addicts says it is committed to “bring nature up to date using unique technologies that keep the fruit whole and offer wholesome products ideally suited to our hectic lifestyles.”
These new snacks are now available and can be found at a number of retailers, including Fairway Market, Kings Food Markets, Oliver’s Market, and more.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – NatureSweet® is bringing back its highly anticipated SunBursts® Snacking MVP campaign to help boost tomato sales pre-Super Bowl.
Both retailers and consumers can get involved in this program between January 4 to February 6, 2016, to win prizes and ramp up excitement for SunBursts tomatoes.
“As in the 5 years past, this year’s Snacking MVP Contest with Sunbursts® creates excitement by incenting Moms and party hosts everywhere to create & discover new snack recipes for game day watching parties with in-store offers," Lori Castillo, Senior Brand Manager, tells me. “This year, we added a NEW on-line campaign element with a recipe contest that drives trial and purchase by encouraging consumers to buy SunBursts® in-store, and use our delicious sweet snacking tomatoes as part of their football watching snack options for contest entries.”
“Always vine-ripened and hand-picked at the peak of freshness, each tomato is tested for sweetness and color long before it makes its way to the table for friends and family to enjoy – all the more reason why people can trust in NatureSweet to help make game day party preparations a pleasure,” the company said in a press release.
For retailers, the Snacking MVP’s 2016 Sales Contest rewards entrants with two tickets to the winner’s choice of one regular season 2016 professional or regional collegiate football game, according to a press release. Entrants are judged on SunBursts displays featuring the appropriate program signage and reported year-to-year sales increases.
Consumers can submit their best original SunBursts appetizer for the chance to win a $500 prepaid gift card and prime placement in the recipe search function on Food52, a website dedicated to featuring recipes from around the world.
Six winners will be chosen as Community Picks on Food52, two will be chosen as contest finalists, and one grand prize winner will be chosen to receive a $1,500 prepaid gift card.
As the hype for Super Bowl 50 reaches its peak, now couldn’t be a better time to get involved in NatureSweet’s SunBursts Snacking MVP campaign.
LUBBOCK, TX - This year marks The United Family’s United Supermarkets’ centennial anniversary.
In the last century, the now Texas-based chain has grown from a single United Cash Store in Sayre, Oklahoma, into a multi-banner retailer with 66 stores in 36 communities throughout Texas.
“Reaching our 100th anniversary is a remarkable accomplishment, and a true testament to the hard work and dedication of all our team members through the years, as well as our loyal guests in each of our communities,” Robert Taylor, CEO of The United Family, said in a press release. “Most importantly, this celebration is a tribute to the Snell family, because without their vision and leadership, United wouldn’t be the beloved supermarket it is today.”
In commemoration of this milestone, the company has organized a slew of events throughout the year to benefit and improve the communities it serves.
“The company has been very fortunate for an entire century to have owners as well as leaders who believe in the core value of supporting communities and doing the right thing,” Taylor added. “In honor of that legacy and to kick off our next 100 years, the 100th anniversary of United Supermarkets will be acknowledged and celebrated in each of our 36 communities in Texas and New Mexico.”
The celebration starts off this Saturday, January 16th, with each of its 66 stores hosting a birthday party and giving away a total of 100,000 free cupcakes.
Other slated moves to help the community and keep the party going are a school donation program, Shop to Support Schools, later this month and a donation of 100,000 pounds of apples to Food Banks in the communities it serves in April.
Other events in the pipeline, beginning May 31st, are The United Family’s 100 Days of Giving, donating $100,000 in $1,000 increments to local non-profits, as well as an additional donation of 100,000 pounds of food this summer.
“Giving back to our guests has always been a cornerstone of United Supermarkets, and that emphasis will continue as The United Family enters its next century,” Shelby Crews, Senior Community Relations Manager for The United Family.
She and the company conveyed that these programs, as well as dozens of ongoing initiatives, will mark a memorable 100th anniversary.
PHARR, TX - Officials at the Texas-Mexico border uncovered an attempted shipment of illegal drugs disguised as a haul of fresh carrots coming through the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility.
Weighing in at more than a ton, a total of 2,817 packages of pot wrapped up in orange plastic to look like fresh carrots were discovered among a shipment of real carrots, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release. CBP officials stated that the haul is estimated to have a street value of about $500,000.
“Once again, drug smuggling organizations have demonstrated their creativity in attempting to smuggle large quantities of narcotics across the U.S./Mexico border,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Our officers are always ready to meet those challenges and remain vigilant towards any type of illicit activities.”
The deal was uncovered last weekend, January 10th, in a big rig hauling produce from Mexico. The CBP officers reported that the truck caught the eye of Border Protection agents, who tagged it for a secondary inspection.
It was on this closer, more thorough inspection with help from canine units that the fake carrots were discovered and confiscated in nearly 2,500 pounds of carrots.
The case is still under investigation by agents from the Homeland Security Investigations department, and it was not reported if the driver of the truck was taken into custody.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Supervalu has reported falling earnings in Q3 2016 financial report this week, and Wall Street has responded in the form of plunging stock prices.
Supervalu’s revenue fell 2.6 percent to $4.11 billion from $4.23 billion a year prior, citing increased competition as the reasons for the decline. Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations were $46 million, down from $49 million from Q3 2015.
"Although third quarter adjusted EBITDA was in-line with our operating plan, we continue to operate in a challenging environment," said President and CEO Sam Duncan, who is planning to retire in February of this year. "Improving sales is a primary focus as we look to complete the fiscal year."
Q3 sales for Save-A-Lot net also fell 1.5 percent over Q3 2015 from $1.09 billion last year to $1.07 billion now, the report stated.
Rumors that Supervalu would be selling or spinning off its Save-A-Lot business have been circulating for some time now, with the company filing documents just last week that detailed more in-depth plans behind the potential game plan. According to the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Supervalu shareholders would own approximately 80% of the newly separated company.
“We believe that separating Save-A-Lot from Supervalu so that it can operate as an independent, publicly traded company is in the best interests of both Supervalu and Save-A-Lot,” said Duncan. "We believe Supervalu will be able to focus on providing wholesale distribution services to independent retail customers and operating its five regionally based traditional-format grocery banners."
Other highlights from the Supervalu's Q3 2016 report include:
- Consolidated operating earnings of $101 million
- Adjusted EBITDA of $182 million for Q3 fiscal 2016
- Gross profit for the third quarter was $601 million, or 14.6 percent of net sales
- Selling and administrative expenses were $494 million
- Includes charges and costs of $10 million for the potential separation of Save-A-Lot, store closure impairments, and employee severance.
Supervalu has been struggling with competition the majority of this year, it seems. The company's stock fell an entire 4 points, from 9.08 in January 14, 2015, to 5.08 in after hours trading on January 13.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow any and all further updates.
YAKIMA, WA – FirstFruits Marketing is contributing $75,000 in grant funding to help youth-led programs address issues relating to food security, nutrition, agriculture, and food politics and education. The funds are part of the company’s Youth Make a Difference initiative, which allows various non-profit organizations to benefit from Opal® apple sales.
“The Youth Make a Difference campaign aims to inspire the next generation to make a real difference in their communities on issues such as hunger and healthy eating, the politics of food distribution, and the importance of community service,” said Suzanne Broetje, Executive Director, Vista Hermosa Foundation, Broetje Orchards. “It’s important for us to support organization that are making a difference, as this brings us one step closer to addressing the most important issues of our time.”
Non-profit organizations and school-based entities can apply for funding on the Opal® apples website by clicking here. All applications for 2016 funding must be received by February 27, 2016.
After evaluating all 2016 Youth Make a Difference applicants, FirstFruits will invite consumers to visit the Opal® Apples website to vote for their favorite initiatives. Then, in July, FirstFruits plans to award funding to multiple youth-led charities based on consumer votes and consistency with criteria, according to a press release. The criteria, nomination guidelines, and funding details can by found by clicking here.
Since its inception, the Youth Make a Difference initiative has granted more than $200,000 to various youth-led initiatives.
CORAL GABLES, FL - ONE Banana has announced that it is proud to kick the year off with its Sustainably Grown certification for several of its Guatemala and Ecuador farms.
“We are honored to have been granted SCS’ Sustainably Grown certificate as it is just further evidence that we are committed to doing our part to promote the environment, ensure the security and safety of our employees, and grow the freshest bananas,” Bernhard Roehrs, Corporate Director for ONE Banana, said in a press release. "The public now has every assurance that the certified bananas they buy from us are truly sustainable from plant to store.”
ONE Banana maintains principles of transparency while also promoting sustainability, producing high quality bananas and fostering good for society. To see more about their practices, watch the video below:
According to the company, it underwent a comprehensive independent evaluation to obtain what is considered “one of the most rigorous voluntary agricultural certifications to achieve,” effectively placing it in the ranks of some of the oldest, biggest, and most sustainable food growers.
Factors included the process were:
- Product quality
- Product safety and purity
- Fair labor practices
- Sustainable crop production
- Ecosystem management and protection
- Resource conservation
- Integrated waste management
This latest certification joins a plethora of others the company has received, including those for Rainforest Alliance, GLOBALG.A.P., BASC, and C-TPAT. With it, ONE Banana is pleased that it is able to satisfy certain retailer and manufacturer specifications, as well as help maintain employee satisfaction and help to gather more information and resources to reduce energy, water, and packing costs.
FLORIDA - Albertsons has released plans to invest in the remodeling of its three Florida stores. Only they will not be Albertsons when they are completed.
The chain will be converting the locations to Safeways, the California-based chain’s first in the Sunshine State.
"When complete, our new Safeway locations will have contemporary decor packages, new digital signs and menu boards, a natural/organic zone and living well products," Sidney Hopper, President of the Houston division of Albertsons Cos., said, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The report noted that these three stores also happen to be the remaining Albertsons in the state, located in Largo, Altamonte Springs, and Fort Lauderdale.
The retailer plans to invest upwards of $10 million in the project as it opens a new market to it subsidiary of one year.
Albertsons at one time had more than 100 stores in Florida, but ultimately shuttered the majority of them in recent years. Now this move will add a new market to Safeway, which already has stores in:
- California
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Idaho
- Delaware
- Hawaii
Albertsons and Safeway plan to have the stores open during the remodeling, which is set to be completed sometime this Spring.
TEXAS - It’s no secret that Texas recently went through a rough patch of weather, with overall rain, West Texas snow, Dallas tornados, and South Texas thunderstorms making an appearance over the New Year’s weekend during Winter Storm Goliath. Thankfully, however, it looks like Texas produce is proving to be resilient in the face of the storm.
“Our last cold front brought damaging winds and a steady light rain for five consecutive days,” said Jimmy Bassetti, Partner/Owner of J&D Produce. “The wind caused a small percentage of wind burn to some of our tender crops, like Dandelions, Mustard and Turnip Greens, and Swiss Chards. Because both Florida and California have experienced some quality-affecting issues as well, this damage is not affecting our business.”
South Texas saw only between 1.5 to 3 inches of rain, but since the fall was constant over the five days, it created what J&D calls “a soaker.” Soakers cause soil to become extremely muddy, slowing down some field work.
“The soaker slowed down harvesting down by 50% and combined with temperatures only reaching 42F for a high we fell behind on filling orders,” Bassetti continued. “We planted prior to forecast so we did not fall behind on planting schedules. So the primary adverse effect was harvesting.”
That seemed to be the consensus when I asked other Texas growers how the season was faring after the storm. Grow Farms Texas’ Director of Sales Tommy Wilkins echoed Bassetti's harvest report, but remained optimistic.
“Rains over New Year’s weekend made it tough to harvest, as our fields have remained cloudy and muddy. The winds have been lighter, so the fields have not been drying out as quickly,” Wilkins shared with me. “All we need now is to get back into our rhythm after Christmas and New Year’s disrupted normal schedules.”
Texas International Produce Association’s CEO Bret Erickson had an equal sense of optimism about the Texas produce season when I spoke with him. Saying perhaps the cold snap even benefitted the region’s quality.
“During the cold snap, most areas received 1-2 inches of rain, some a little less, some a little more, but the moisture was spread over several days which was great in that it didn’t cause any crop damage and slowly soaked into the soil,” Erickson corroborated. “Harvesting slowed down a little bit during those 3 or 4 days but nothing that would severely alter supplies coming out of Texas. In fact, the cold snap and moisture really helped to improve the overall heartiness of many of the greens that are grown here further improving what already has been a high-quality season for most growers.”
With all three produce powerhouses confirming little to no crop damage and only slightly slowed harvests, it looks like Texas has squeezed by Goliath relatively unscathed. For more on the Texas season as it continues, AndNowUKnow will keep updating you on the latest.
J&D Produce Grow Farms Texas International Produce Association
LAKELAND, FL – After 42 years, Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw will be retiring from the privately-owned grocer and passing the torch on to current President Todd Jones., effective April 30, 2016.
“I’ve been privileged to lead what could quite possibly be the best company in the world,” Crenshaw said in a statement. “The time has come to turn over the reins, and I am pleased to have a leader with the experience of Todd who is ready to take the next step in his career. I am confident in his ability to lead our company into the future and to continue to make Publix a great place for both customers and associates.”
Effective May 3, 2016, Crenshaw will be named Chairman of the Board. Charlie Jenkins Jr., the current Chairman of the Board, will become Chairman Emeritus.
Before being named CEO in 2008, Crenshaw had a diverse, yet successful career with Publix. He started as a front-service clerk in 1974 and was eventually promoted to Director of Retail Operations for the Lakeland Division in 1984. He then served as Vice President of the Lakeland Division in 1990, and in 1991, was appointed Division Vice President in Atlanta. He was promoted to Executive Vice President of Retail in 1994 and to President in 1996 and, twelve years later, was appointed as CEO.
After Crenshaw’s retirement, Todd Jones, a 26-year company employee and current President, will take over as President and CEO.
Jones began his career in 1980 as a front-service clerk in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He was later promoted to Store Manager in 1988, District Manager in 1997, Regional Director in 1999, and Vice President of the Jacksonville Division in 2003. In 2005, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Product Business Development, and later became President in 2008.