WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited three companies in Honolulu, Hawaii for failure to pay produce sellers a total of $111,528.
According to a USDA press release, Super Save Market LLC, Super Aloha Ltd., and Cheung Chau Trading Inc. have all been cited for failure to pay for produce. The details of the release are as follows:
- Super Save Market LLC failed to pay $16,350 to two sellers for 19 lots of produce.
- Super Aloha Ltd. failed to pay $39,211 to two sellers for 21 lots of produce.
- Cheung Chau Trading Inc. failed to pay $55,967 to one seller for 65 lots of produce.
These are violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
As a result of these actions, the USDA stated that Super Save Market LLC, Super Aloha Ltd., and Cheung Chau Trading Inc., cannot operate in the produce industry until Oct. 21, 2017, at which time they may reapply for a PACA license.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,700 PACA claims involving more than $66 million. USDA 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.
ATLANTA, GA – After 43 long, dedicated years, Kroger’s Vice President of Operations at its Atlanta Division is retiring.
Before he was named to his current role in 2009, Charles Mitchell began his career with Kroger in 1972 as a management trainee in Atlanta. He was promoted up through the corporate ranks and held various leadership positions in merchandising and operations, according to a press release.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Kroger’s Vice President of Operations,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me, and to our associates for their commitment to Kroger customers.”
Bruce Lucia, Kroger’s Atlanta Division President, was grateful for Mitchell’s service to the company and thanked him for his contributions toward the success of the Atlanta Division.
“He has made a positive impact across our industry, and his knowledge and expertise will be greatly missed,” said Lucia. “We thank Charles for his many years of dedicated service and wish him and his wife, Toni, the very best in retirement.”
Mitchell is a graduate of Tuskegee University, and is active in the Atlanta and Kroger communities. He served in a leadership role in the grocer’s Multicultural Committee and Enterprise Diversity Committee, and is an active supporter of the United Negro College Fund, helping to raise more than $1 million to support the non-profit over the years.
YAKIMA, WA – As Star Wars fans flock to theaters for the opening of The Force Awakens today, Sage Fruit is continuing to tap into the craze to promote fresh produce for both children and adults.
The company has unveiled its new Star Wars car to retailers nationwide to drive shoppers to the produce aisle. This unique display builds off the company’s efforts to showcase its fruits using Star Wars related branding.
Kaci Komstadius, Sage Fruit’s Social Media Director, tells me that the reception to the Star Wars packaging has been great so far and that the vehicle serves as another fun way to further amplify retailers’ promotional options.
“We have been overwhelmed by the number of stores that have participated in this event,” she said. “We have many ads running around the film release and we have many more ads planned for the next several weeks as the movie hype continues.”
Formerly Sage Fruit’s Spider-Man car, the company has been debuting the vehicle to various retail chains nationwide for use with store openings, ads, and for unique displays.
The hype for The Force Awakens is hitting its peak, and there couldn’t be a better time than now to “Star Wars-ify” your produce aisle.
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - Third-party logistics (3PL) company C.H. Robinson has found itself at the top of Jel Sert Company’s list, being named 2015 Carrier of the Year by the Chicago-based food company.
Recognizing C.H. Robinson for its approach of freight transportation and logistics solutions with Jel Sert, this accolade notes outstanding customer service, on-time pick-up and delivery, and ease of doing business as key reasons for the decision.
Mike Martinez, Vice President of Distribution at Jel Sert says C.H. Robinson has been a reliable 3PL to manage the company’s strong growth over the last few years.
“C.H. Robinson established itself as our trusted advisor by quickly proving they could handle large amounts of shipments while still meeting and exceeding customer expectations,” Martinez explained. “We use them an extension of our own traffic department, and this award is a testament to the value they bring to our shipping operations.”
According to a press release, the award validates C.H. Robinson’s proven approach to meeting customers’ freight needs, and is the second time Jel Sert has recognized C.H. Robinson as its Carrier of the Year. The company began its partnership with C.H. Robinson in 2006 to stabilize seasonal changes in shipping volume, with the company now handling several of Jel Sert’s largest accounts.
C.H. Robinson continued in the press release that it designed and executed a Core Provider Program for Jel Sert, which helps the company consolidate freight for just-in-time inventory requirements and creates consistent pricing for every lane in the supply chain. Through the program, C.H. Robinson helped Jel Sert realize significant cost savings.
“We pride ourselves on understanding our customers’ unique shipping challenges and developing tailored solutions that create value throughout the supply chain,” said Ed Celler, Key Account Manager at C.H. Robinson. “We’re honored to win this award from Jel Sert, and look forward to helping the company continue to drive efficiencies and grow its business.”
To learn more about C.H. Robinson’s collaborative relationship with Jel Sert, read the case study here.
ORLANDO, FL – Shares in Darden Restaurants jumped 7% this morning after reports of the company’s second quarter financial performance showed considerable improvement. This is the seventh consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth, signifying that its efforts to revamp the Olive Garden brand are paying off.
“We saw continued momentum this quarter, with all our brands once again posting positive same-restaurant sales growth and delivering meaningful margin improvement,” CEO Gene Lee said in a press release. “These results reflect our continuous focus on operating great restaurants and leveraging our competitive advantages to drive sales and profitability.”
During a conference call with investors, Lee said that the increased sales at Olive Garden was a direct result of its improved restaurant experience and enhanced menu options.
Olive Garden’s sales rose 1.0% at established locations for the second quarter, ended November 29, 2015, when compared to the same period last year. Profit also increased nearly 12% for the chain, jumping to $157.1 million compared to $140.5 million last year.
Darden’s total sales from continuing operations increased 3.2% to $1.61 billion.
Other highlights from the quarter include:
- Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations increased 92.9% to $0.54
- On a reported basis, diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.23 and were negatively impacted by approximately $0.31, primarily related to the implementation of the company’s strategic real estate plan
- Same-restaurant sales increased 1.6% for the fiscal quarter, including 1.0% for Olive Garden, 1.5% for The Capital Grille, 1.7% for Yard House, 2.6% for LongHorn Steakhouse, 1.1% for Eddie V’s, 4.5% for Seasons 52, and 2.4% for Bahama Breeze
- On a comparable calendar basis, same-restaurants sales increased 2.9% for the quarter, including 2.8% for Olive Garden, 0.9% for The Capital Grille, 2.4% for Yard House, 3.6% for LongHorn Steakhouse, 3.2% for Eddie V’s, 3.8% for Seasons 52, and 5.8% for Bahama Breeze
Darden has subsequently increased its outlook for fiscal 2016 same-restaurant sales to 2.5% to 3.0% and adjusted diluted net earnings per share to $3.25 to $3.35.
“We accomplished a great deal in the quarter to further strengthen our company and deliver value for shareholders,” Lee said. “Our strong operating performance gives us the confidence to increase our outlook for the year, even with the increased costs associated with our comprehensive real estate strategy.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow Darden’s financial performance in Q3 2016 and beyond.
CINCINNATI, OH - The wait is over—the buyout of the season is complete. Kroger announced today that it has successfully completed its nearly $800 million buyout of Roundy’s chain of stores.
"This merger blends Roundy's complementary markets with Kroger's strengths in scale and merchandising,” shared Rodney McMullen, Kroger's Chairman and CEO. “Our future together is bright, and we look forward to learning from each other as partners. Most of all, we want to welcome each of Roundy's more than 22,000 associates to the Kroger family of stores."
Each outstanding share of Roundy's common stock (approximately 33,144,128 shares) was purchased for $3.60 per share in cash, according to a press release, and the tender offer expired at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on December 17, 2015. Roundy’s President and CEO, Bob Mariano, will continue to serve in his role at the company, despite the change in ownership. He has served as Chairman, President and CEO for the company since 2002.
"We look forward to bringing together the best of Roundy's and Kroger for our customers and associates," said Mariano. "Our merger with Kroger will help us continue to exceed our customers' expectations."
Following completion of the merger, Roundy's shares will cease to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange, which is expected to take effect later today.
With this addition, Kroger inherits 151 stores and 101 pharmacies in new regions, including Milwaukee, Madison, Northern Wisconsin, under the Pick 'n Save, Copps, and Metro Market banners, plus two Wisconsin-based distribution centers.
SALINAS, CA - With 2016 right around the corner, Ippolito is reflecting on a successful year with new products, an evolving business model, and a growing market share ahead. While currently in the last stages of completing a new processing facility in Salinas, California, General Manager, Butch Corda tells me that the team behind Ippolito is looking forward to a fruitful New Year.
“We will be producing a variety of value-added, microwaveable pouch style bags of Brussels sprouts, and plans are in place to begin a line of packaged spinach for retail and foodservice customers,” Butch says, adding that each year the company’s overall volumes have increased across the board on all its commodities.
Ippolito’s Queen Victoria and Coast King brands’ graphics have also been given an updated facelift as well and the company’s major focus in the New Year will be launching the value-added sprout line in addition to its growth in all commodities.
“We are North America’s largest fresh Brussels sprout producer. We alone produce up to 50% of the total industry’s tonnage annually in California and Mexico, and we are increasing our acreage every year,” Butch adds.
Ippolito also features a full line of western vegetables, including asparagus, artichokes and green onions, and specialty items like anise. Butch notes that in addition to quality, the company is known for its responsiveness and customer service.
“The great thing about Ippolito is we offer large volumes, but our culture here is of a small company,” he says. “Customers are able to get answers quickly to their needs and requests without going through a lot of layers. We are happy to work with customers on custom packs or store-branded items.”
The company recently launched a new website as well, which features many Brussels sprouts recipes, and the team is constantly adding more, as they want to be known as the source when it comes to anything regarding Brussels sprouts.
“Whether it is artichokes or asparagus, green onions, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce or romaine hearts, we can work with retailers to put together a program to suit their needs,” Butch tells me.
Congrats to Ippolito on a great 2015 and we look forward to all the new developments that 2016 has in store.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Giumarra Wenatchee has a product offering that’ll bring a bit of brightness to your winter season—its new Jingold™ brand gold kiwifruit. Showcasing a characteristically vibrant yellow color, and a sweet, low acid flavor, this variety is one that’ll bring a tropical flair to any winter produce display.
The Jingold™ kiwifruit is a proprietary variety grown in Italy, and is available for only a limited time. U.S. and Canadian customers on both coasts can find the golden fruit from now through February, making it a must-grab for retailers.
The development of Jingold™ came through a series of natural selection programs through a partnership with Italy’s University of Udine, according to a press release, and due to a combination of Jingold’s heredity, growing region, and the horticultural practices used to produce it, this gold kiwifruit variety has an exceptional shelf life.
Giumarra offers Jingold™ in both 1-lb. and 2-lb. clamshells, as well as volume fill 6-kg cases, something Giumarra Wenatchee’s Division Manager Jason Bushong says can help retailers gain wide popularity.
“We find that offering both packaged and bulk options of kiwifruit can help a retail customer appeal to a variety of consumers,” Jason shared. “Consumers with families who are seeking larger volumes of kiwifruit perceive packaged fruit as a value.”
Giumarra will be continuing to offer point-of-sale materials and additional retail support to help consumers discover Jingold’s flavor, the company says, and recommends sampling to make sure the products unique flavor comes across.
Scott Ross, Eastern Region Business Manager for Giumarra adds, “For our retail customers seeking added value for their consumers, we also offer the option of a free kiwi spoon promotion for Jingold packed in clamshells.”
For retailers looking for a unique product to bring a burst of color and flavor to a dreary winter, Jingold™ may be just the key.
ROSEMONT, IL - In late January of 2016, US Foods will put into gear an expansion that will double the size of its 123,000-square-foot facility in Fife, Washington. The food distributor looks forward to how the construction will broaden its customer base, improving its offering to Seattle restaurateurs, chefs, and foodservice operators.
"As the vibrant culinary market in Seattle continues to grow, US Foods is positioning itself to continue to be a significant player in the area," Matt Reynolds, President of the Mountain West Area, US Foods, said in a press release.
Once completed, the facility US Foods has operated out of for the last 17 years will be more than 216,000-square-feet in size, and will have a number of technological and environmental improvements.
"Once complete, our expanded facility will allow us to double our capacity for product storage, making it easier for us to bring our innovative, on-trend products and tried and true favorites to more customers throughout Seattle and beyond," Reynolds said.
Among the improvements and additions, the project includes:
- A state-of-the-art kitchen
- A training center that can be used for product demonstrations and customer ideation
- A technology center where customers can learn about industry-leading mobile apps and web-based business solutions.
- A highly efficient cascade refrigeration system
- Energy saving high-output fluorescent and LED lighting
Though many additions and improvements will be for sustainability and the latest offerings, US Foods stated that the majority of additional space will be used for increased product storage. This will allow the distributor to offer its customers an expanded product offering to more readily meet their needs.
Home to more than 300 employees, the facility serves thousands throughout Seattle and the surrounding market area, including:
- Independent restaurants
- Healthcare and hospitality entities
- Government institutions
- Educational institutions
The project is expected to be finished in the fall of 2016, with every effort on the company’s part to use locally sourced and recycled content, such as furnishings and building materials, during construction.
We will continue follow this and other moves foodservice influencers making to grow their footprint in markets around the county, so stay tuned.
TYLER, TX - Brookshire Grocery Company is commencing a new chapter in leadership. After more than four decades with the company, CEO Rick Rayford is retiring and passing the torch to the company’s current Chairman of the Board.
“We appreciate Rick’s 44 years of service to this company and the legacy he leaves behind. Hundreds of employees were promoted to leadership positions during his tenure, some directly through his mentorship and others through the many career development and education opportunities he so strongly supported,” Brookshire said, according to a KLTV report.
The current Chairman and new CEO brings plenty of familiarity to the role, not only as grandson of Founder Wood T. Brookshire, but as someone who has served in many leadership roles within the company. Before becoming Chairman of the Board in 2007, Brookshire worked his way throughout various positions for 30 years.
As for where the company will go from here, he trusts the track Rayford laid out.
“We will continue on the path set forth by Rick’s leadership to fulfill our mission of providing a great food and shopping experience,” he stated. “We thank Rick and wish both he and his wife, Bonnie, the very best in the next phase of their lives.”
Brookshire added that this time of change also brings a time of great opportunity and growth.
“I am excited about all that the future holds for Brookshire Grocery Company. My challenge to each and every one of our 14,000 partners is to remain focused on our common goals of taking great care of our customers, uniting as a team, and making our company the very best it can be.”
In recent months, Rayford encouraged the Board in evaluating a range of strategic alternatives for the company. AndNowUKnow will continue to follow the company as those plans, and new ones, unfold with this new regime at the helm.