PELION, SC - WP Rawl has added a new kale item to its offerings that adds a splash of color to its nutrient kick.
“We are particularly excited about this item because it is the answer for those people who might not have tried kale yet or have been scared to do so,” Ashley Rawl, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development, said in a press release. “Due to its mild taste and soft texture, we believe consumers will respond well to it.”
This latest item, Nature’s Greens® Seasonal Harvest, is “a delightful blend of craft kale greens,” according to the release.
With kaleidoscope leaves featuring green, purple, and white, the product comes sheathed in a royal purple bag to attract consumers as much as the product itself. But, as Rawl stated, it’s not just the appearance that could bring in the less adventurous consumers.
The colorful leaves are also soft and offer a mild flavor. The company stated that its addition is the latest complement to the existing line of items offered under Nature’s Greens.
This product is currently being offered for a limited time, from November through March. It is currently available at select retailers across the U.S.
CARLISLE, PA – C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. sold its Nell’s Shurfine Market in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Giant Food Stores for an undisclosed amount.
“Giant has been proud to call the Carlisle community home for more than 90 years,” Tom Lenkevich, President of Giant Food, said in a press release. “We are always looking for ways to grow our business and provide convenient locations to help our customers save money, save time and eat well.”
The acquisition of the 51,800-square-foot location is still being finalized, however plans are already tentatively set for the store to close temporarily on February 28th to convert it over to a Giant Food Store.
This conversion will include the chain’s newest marketplace style produce section, an updated and expanded prepared foods and deli department, as well as an expanded department for natural and organic items.
This is the latest in a spike of sales and acquisitions from C&S Wholesale, including the recent purchase of FrehKO Produce Services and a $15 million investment in a new Pennsylvania facility, both announced last month.
The acquisition is expected to close by the beginning of March, making this the second Giant Food store in the area.
Giant Food stated that Nell’s associates will have the opportunity to apply for positions at the new location. The company plans to reopen this newest location to consumers in late March.
SACRAMENTO, CA - It’s not often you hear 80-year-olds celebrating their 8th decade by being more active than usual. Raley’s, however, has remained as sprightly as ever with changes in ownership, opening and closing of stores, the launch of a new format, and testing new programs in the year 2015 alone.
President and CEO Michael Teel spoke to the Sacramento Bee, discussing his outlook for the years ahead and how busy the company has been in 2015 implementing this transformation.
“We’re well-positioned for the future,” Teel told the publication. The executive was given majority ownership of the company from parents, Jim and Joyce Raley Teel, in May 2015. “We look forward to it. This is our home.”
One of the bigger announcements made over the past year was the development of a new format that aligns with the less-is-more trend currently gripping the retail industry.
“The future is going to bring smaller stores,” Teel said, the Sacramento Bee reports.
This first location will break ground later this year and is slated to open during the second quarter of 2017 at a modest 36,000 square feet.
Two other stores were announced as well, alongside the difficult decision to shutter four.
The ongoing revamp has been focused on the consumer, Teel emphasized. This includes new programs and inventory decisions that push a healthier lifestyle, such as the launch of the new Hello Savings initiative, which features multiple ways to save a range of product from fresh produce to meats and milk.
“I want to continue that legacy of giving, providing more – healthy foods to the community, sustainability, supporting the arts… I feel really good about the future and growth, and this community,” Teel told the publication.
Raley’s continues to look forward to expanding its footprint in Northern California and Nevada, but Teel said that his confidence is bolstered by what the company has learned about its shoppers since the launch of its consumer rewards and loyalty program, Something Extra, in 2012.
“We now know our customers better than ever,” he stated in the report, saying the program has provided data that confirms a consumer demand for healthy snacks and what they want at the checkout aisle, and has responded in kind with things like produce at checkout and expanded organic offerings.
Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow to see how Raley’s and other retail chains in the market continue to evolve and expand in 2016.
VANCOUVER, BC – Village Farms has appointed esteemed produce professional Dr. Roberta Cook to its Board of Directors.
Dr. Cook is also a member of the Board of Ocean Mist Farms. Prior to her appointment at Village Farms, she has served on several other Boards at companies including Naturipe Farms and Sunkist, as well as other advisory boards in the industry.
“Dr. Cook brings significant expertise to the Village Farms Board of Directors with her extensive industry, market and trade knowledge both domestically and internationally,” John McLernon, Chairman and Head of the Nominating Committee, said in a press release.
McLernon went on to say that he is especially excited to welcome her long-standing reputation as a valued advisor to the Board, highlighting her experience working with an array of governments, businesses, financial institutions, and company boards.
Currently, Dr. Cook works as the Cooperative Extension Marketing Economist in the Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics (ARE) at the University of California, Davis. She has a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University.
Her vast knowledge and experience will be a significant asset in helping to shape the future of this greenhouse grower.
SANTA PAULA, CA – When it comes to fruits and veggies, knowledge can be key to selling classic products such as those that occupy the produce aisles. So Limoneira has launched a brief, informative video promoting the benefits of lemons to shoppers.
“Lemons are among the healthiest and most accessible products people can buy from any market,” John Carter, Limoneira’s Director of Global Sales, said in a press release. “That’s really the best part – lemons are so easy to integrate into everyday lifestyle.”
Hosted by the Founder of Healthy Grocery Girl® and spokesperson for Limoneira’s Lemons for Life™, Megan Roosevelt, the video shares a number of reasons why an apple isn’t the only produce item consumers should have once a day.
Naturally Restore the Body’s pH Levels
According to Limoneira, lemons are alkaline-forming in the body and aid in restoring balance in a body’s pH levels.
Fight Infections and Colds
With a high concentration of Vitamin C, lemons work to fight and prevent colds and a number of infections.
Detox the Liver
Yes, lemons flush out toxins throughout the body, but they also work to stimulate and detoxify the liver specifically.
Strengthen Blood Vessels
How does this citrus source help treat high blood pressure? The bioflavonoid can help strengthen blood vessels and prevent internal hemorrhage.
Reduce Inflammation & Pain
Lemons are a strong and natural dissolvent of uric acid. This helps reduce pain and inflammation in the joints, as well as prevent inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis.
Anti-aging Benefits
The Vitamin C in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals, which have been linked to both aging and disease.
Regulate Digestion
By increasing the production of the digestive juices, Lemons can help regulate digestion more efficiently.
Potential Anticancer Properties
Lemons are high in antioxidants, potentially protecting cells from mutating into cancer cells. This property may also help slow the growth of cancer cells.
Lower Cholesterol
Lemons are a good source of pectin, which Limoneira explains is a soluble fiber that protects cardiovascular health.
Prevent Kidney Stones
By upping consumption of lemons, consumers can raise the citrate levels in urine, which can help prevent the formation of future kidney stones, calcium deposits, and gallstones.
To learn more about the promotional and health-enhancers of Limoneira lemons, visit www.limoneira.com.
SUSSEX, NJ — Charles Kuperus, passionate advocate for agriculture and former Secretary of Agriculture for New Jersey, passed away at the age of 57.
Family members said Kuperus died on Wednesday at his Sussex home, according to the Associated Press, after battling cancer.
Born on August 5, 1958, in Sussex, Charles has been married to his high school sweetheart Marjorie for 36 years. Together they founded Kuperus Farmside Gardens, and he became a loving father and grandfather.
Charles oversaw the preservation of 1,100 farms spanning about 85,000 acres in the nation’s most densely populated state, increasing its total preserved farmland to more than 171,000 acres, according to his online biography. This accounts for more than 21 percent of New Jersey’s total agricultural land base, the highest percentage in the nation.
He also spearheaded the expansion of the Jersey Fresh brand, ultimately helping growing agricultural cash receipts and helping to push the economic trend in an upward direction for the state’s farmers. Charles served the state through several posts, including the Sussex County Board of Agriculture, the New Jersey Farm Bureau and the State Planning Commission.
Charles believed in the power and strength of Jesus Christ's love and the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing, and previously served at Sussex Christian Reformed Church, on the Sussex Christian School Board and on the Christian Schools International Board.
A man who enjoyed gardening, reading, and playing with his grandchildren, his family said he will be most remembered for his incredible enthusiasm for the faith and his uncanny ability to take a genuine interest in anyone's life wherever he went.
Charles is survived by his children, C. Mark and Michelle, of Lafayette, Katherine, of New York, N.Y., Jonathan and Rachel, of Haskell, James and Katherine, of North Haledon, Annette and Carlos Franco, of Morristown, and David and Alexandra, of Ridgewood; his cherished grandchildren, Charlotte, Stella, Matthew, Penelope and Grace; his siblings, Grace Datema (Jack), of Zeeland, Mich., Henrietta Van De Weert (Roy), of Goshen, N.Y., John Kuperus (Helen), of Wantage, Miles Kuperus Jr. (Lisa), of Wantage, and Anne Amels (John), of Wantage.
The family sends thanks to John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Newton, for the wonderful care given.
Family received friends on Monday, Jan. 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Sussex Christian Reformed Church, 51 Unionville Ave., Sussex, according to the New Jersey Herald. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Sussex Christian Reformed Church.
Memorial donations may be made to Sussex Christian School and Eastern Christian High School.
For condolences and directions, please go to www.fergusonsussexfuneralhome.com.
The AndNowUKnow team would like to offer our condolences to family and friends of Charles for the loss that they have experienced.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – Crowley Maritime Corp.’s liner services group is investing $25.5 million in new cargo carrying equipment, significantly expanding its fleet for the New Year.
The expenses will go towards the addition of:
- 325, 20-foot chassis
- 500, 45-foot (102-inch wide) dry containers
- 600, 53-foot (102-inch wide) dry containers
- 440 generator sets (gensets), some of which are underslung and some that are nosemount
Crowley said that it is committed to meeting the needs of its customers, going so far as making the necessary investments to ensure the right equipment is in place.
“While we transport many different types of cargo, including that which is oversized, or otherwise not suitable for a container, the majority of cargo we carry throughout our trade lanes is containerized, and as such, we must continue to enhance our fleet to ensure we have the right equipment in the right locations when it is needed by our customers,” Collar said in a press release.
This latest fleet expansion follows the company’s recent addition of 400 new 40-foot, high-cube refrigerated cargo containers for use by perishables customers in Central America and the Caribbean.
The 600, 53-foot containers in particular are designed specifically for Crowley’s Puerto Rico customers. These boxes have a capacity of nearly 4,000 cubic feet.
The 500, 45-foot containers, on the other hand, will leave for the United States at the end of December and arrive in Port Everglades and Jacksonville, Florida, by the end of January.
The remaining equipment is expected to arrive within the first half of 2016.
EMERYVILLE, CA – Grocery Outlet has some big sized plans in 2016, and it all begins in one of California’s largest metropolitan areas.
Poised for impressive gains in the next decade or so, the bargain retailer said that it is looking to open several stores in the greater Los Angeles area, creating hundreds of jobs in this landmark move.
“Our plan is to open a substantial number of stores each year in Southern California over the next several years,” said Melissa Porter, Vice President of Marketing. “But so much will depend on real estate. Our first entry came about because a competitor gave up great locations as they looked to pull back from the market. We’re very opportunistic; we like to take advantage of great deals.”
As we previously reported, Grocery Outlet announced that it would open 14 new stores throughout the Los Angeles area from 2016 and beyond.
Over the past 15 years, the company’s sales have ballooned from $500 million in 2000 to more than $1.5 billion in 2014. That number could be easily doubled or tripled in the next decade, Porter said.
In a market as massive as Los Angeles, Grocery Outlet says that there is untapped potential waiting to be found. The extremely competitive environment, however, is tricky for many retailers to navigate. Haggen, for example, had ventured into Southern California territory after acquiring 146 supermarkets from Albertsons and Safeway but later began implementing layoffs after it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Grocery Outlet executives hope that the key to success in this area is in emphasizing the value that it offers consumers.
“There is a reason we label products with discounts over 50 percent as ‘WOW’ deals,” said Co-CEO Eric Lindberg. “It’s often the first thing shoppers say when they realize how much money they’ll save.”
Each location is also run by an independent operator under an operating agreement, allowing for even greater differentiation between stores.
“Many of our stores are run by husband-and-wife teams, while others are run by father/daughter teams or father/son teams,” Porter continued. “The independent operators set the tone for each store, so you’ll find different deals at every store. They are not the same.”
Today, Grocery Outlet operates more than 225 locations in six states. With these plans for expansion in motion in such a competitive market, it will be interesting to see how well the company performs with its unique consumer value proposition.
ROCHESTER, NY – After its popular debut last season, the RubyFrost® apple is coming back with even more promotional options to push this exclusive item from Crunch Time Apple Growers.
“We were really pleased with the results of this past season and the positive feedback we received from consumers who embraced this new wintertime apple,” said Mark Russell, Marketing Committee Chair. “RubyFrost is known for its crisp texture combined with the well-balanced taste of sweet and tart flavors making this a great apple for snacking as well as baking.”
Grown in New York State, this recently introduced variety was developed by Cornell University’s apple breeding program.
Starting in mid-January, Crunch Time Apple Growers will expand its marketing efforts to include coupons, high graphic bags, bins, and in-store demos, according to a press release.
Crunch Time Apple Growers is a grower-owned company comprised of 145 grower members in the state of New York, representing about 60% of the state’s apple production.
COACHELLA, CA - Whether from California or Mexico, Prime Time is sure to follow the sun to ensure that fresh peppers are always available, in season, and provide the best quality to your consumers.
Here’s what’s in store for Prime Time Produce.
Prime Time goes the extra mile to adhere to the same strict standards of quality all year long, no matter where it’s harvesting. To do this, all Prime Time peppers are carefully nurtured and grown, skillfully picked, and tenderly packed in state-of-the-art packing houses that follow the strictest standards in the industry.
This all leads to Prime Time having an excellent supply of green, red, yellow, orange and mini sweet peppers every day of the year. While the summer has gone and fall turns to winter, Prime Time ensures that you have the finest fresh peppers when you need them.
And that’s not all! New to Prime Time’s mix is fresh, dark green, pole-grown cucumbers from Mexico. Loading in San Diego or Nogales, these fresh products are grown, selected, and packed with the same high quality standards the company is known for and that you depend on.
At Prime Time, we are happy to have available peppers grown both in the field and in a protected environment - making us a one-stop shop for all your pepper needs.
Thank you for joining us for this episode of What's In Store.