IMMOKALEE, FL - Lipman Produce is expanding its reach into the Mountain West region with the acquisition of Denver, Colorado-based Sam’s Produce.
“At Lipman, we attribute our success not only to our integrated business model, but also to our commitment to geographic diversity,” Darren Micelle, Chief Operating Officer, said, noting that the company strategically locates its farming, packing, and distribution facilities, according to a press release.
Lipman stated that all of its facilities are operated by a team of seasoned managers with decades of produce experience. Now, newly acquired Sam’s Produce will join that network.
“This partnership makes excellent sense business-wise, but it’s also natural fit culturally since both companies are family-owned,” Scott Iannacito, Owner and General Manager of Sam’s Produce, said in the release. “We’re proud to join the Lipman family and look forward to a successful future together.”
Sam's, which was established in 1929, brings more tomato operations under Lipman's umbrella, as well as cut celery and zucchini, sliced apples, diced peppers, canteloupe, and several other items.
The benefits of the Denver company having access to the Lipman network is a mutual one, with enthusiasm apparently echoed on both sides of the transaction.
“This opportunity allows us to expand our operations into Mountain West – and as a result, continue to better serve our customers,” Micelle added.
Keep checking with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on all the latest mergers and acquisitions taking place within the produce industry.
LAKELAND, FL - Publix had yet another successful quarter in 2015, with upticks in sales and net earnings.
In its third quarter of the fiscal year, Publix reported that its sales increased 6.3% to $7.8 billion from last year’s $7.4 billion. Net earnings increased 7.3% to $412.3 million, compared to $384.2 million in 2014.
“I’m proud of our associates for delivering strong results,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Unfortunately, the challenges in the stock market continue to impact our stock price.”
Publix’s stock, which is only made available to current company associates and members of its Board of Directors, decreased from $42.00 per share to $41.80 per share.
Earnings per share increased to $1.86 for the first nine months of 2015, up from $1.64 per share in 2014.
Highlights from the first nine months of 2015 include:
- Sales were $24.1 billion, a 6.4% increase from last year's $22.7 billion
- Net earnings were $1.4 billion, a 12.6 percent increase from last year's $1.3 billion
Publix currently operates 1,106 stores across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The company employs over 178,000 people and its retail sales in 2014 reached $30.6 billion.
One more quarter remains. Will Publix beat its 2014 sales record? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow this retailer’s financial performance.
SALINAS, CA - Lorri Koster, Chairman and CEO of Mann Packing Co., Inc., was named as the Center for Community Advocacy’s 2015 recipient of the Ben Heller Award.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” Lorri tells me on having received the award. “It’s a passion of mine to take care of the people that take care of the business, and to be an advocate for those who might not have a voice and need to be heard.”
The Ben Heller Award, which seeks to honor those who have exhibited extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life for agricultural workers in both the Salinas and Pajaro valleys, is presented annually to one individual who has done just that.
The CCA named Lorri as this year’s recipient, honoring her contributions to several programs that serve the farmworker community.
In a press release, the CCA acknowledged her steadfast support for policies that encourage moves towards more affordable housing for both farmworkers and other working families, particularly in the Monterey County General Plan, as well as her role at Rancho Cielo, a comprehensive learning and social services center for underserved youth in Monterey County.
First Tee, which looks to help shape the lives of kids and teens from a variety of backgrounds by introducing them to values inherent in the game of golf, was also acknowledged, receiving the Volunteer Hero Award.
Both awards were presented at the CCA’s 20th Annual Dia de Los Muertos yesterday, November 1, at the California State University Monterey Bay University Center. Congratulations to both on recognition for all your contributions.
FISHERS, NY - New York state McIntosh apples have a brand new distinction under their belts—the official fruit of the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon.
"Apples are great for restoring your kick after a run, or any exercise for that matter – and it doesn't get any more 'New York' than our top variety McIntosh," said New York Apple Association (NYAA) President Jim Allen. "We are glad to support our local community and a world-famous healthy event, while shining a spotlight on our state's great apples at the same time."
According to the NYAA, an 18-year sponsor of the Big Apple's largest marathon, the organization donated 82,320 McIntosh apples for the event. NYAA distributed apples at the finish line as well as at several related events. Of those more than 80,000 local McIntosh apples, 56,160 were distributed to TCS New York City Marathon finishers on November 1. The association also sponsored 15 runners including members of the Rochester police and fire departments.
During the marathon, NYAA encouraged participants to "Munch a McIntosh” with its new advertisement campaign, including ads in the runner handbook, check-in goodie bag, event program, wayfinding towers in the TCS New York City Marathon Start Village, 5-second public announcements at the expo and the finish, and race results edition.
Apples were also distributed at the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff on October 25, the NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K on October 31, the TCS Run With Champions on October 30 and the TCS New York City Marathon Eve Dinner on October 31, and to finish line volunteers on November 1.
HOUSTON, TX – Sysco is making important progress towards achieving its previously laid out three-year financial plans, despite facing increased competition from other distributors.
The foodservice company said that its sales for the first quarter of 2016 increased 0.9% to $12.6 billion, just slightly beating expectations for three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research.
“Our first quarter results demonstrate important early progress toward achieving our recently establish three-year financial goals,” said Bill DeLaney, Sysco’s President and CEO. “Specifically, our U.S. Broadline operations delivered strong local case growth and excellent gross margin management in a challenging deflationary environment.”
Sysco shares were down 1.31 percent to $40.71 at 1:03 PM EST.
Since its failed merger with US Foods, Sysco has made a number of efforts to move past this hurdle by implementing new capabilities and initiatives to create better value for its shareholders.
Nelson Peltz, Founding Partner and CEO of Trian Partners, was appointed to Sysco’s Board of Directors after his investment firm became the largest individual shareholder in the business with a 7.1 percent stake.
“Sysco is a leader in its business, and we believe it is undervalued and has tremendous long-term potential,” Peltz said.
Other highlights from this quarter include:
- Gross profit increased 2.3% to $2.2 billion; gross margin increased 23 basis points to 17.81%
- Adjusted operating income decreased 0.5% to $506 million
- Adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS) was flat at $0.52
- Sales from acquisitions (completed within the last 12 months) increased sales by 0.4%, and the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates decreased sales by 2.0%
- Case volume for the company’s U.S. Broadline operations grew 3.4% during the quarter
- Local case growth within U.S. Broadline operations grew 2.0%
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow Sysco’s financial progress in the quarters to come.
CITY OF COMMERCE, CA - Felicia Thornton, most recently Co-Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Operating Officer of the supermarket chain DSM, Inc., is now the new CFO and Treasurer of 99 Cents Only.
"I have been impressed by 99 Cents Only's commitment to delivering value to their customers and appreciate the opportunity to join this organization and find new ways to enhance value for all stakeholders," Thornton said, according to a press release. "I am committed to supporting the team in driving stronger financial performance as we continue to build 99 Cents Only into a leader in the extreme value sector."
Thornton brings a wealth of grocery and retail executive experience to her newest role. Before her time leading DSM, Thornton served as Chief Financial Officer for Albertsons, having overseen the company’s strategies for about five years, according to the release, and prior to that, she was responsible for Kroger’s retail operations as Group Vice President, among a variety of other positions.
"We are thrilled to welcome Felicia to our team at 99 Cents Only Stores, where we believe her strategic financial experience and proven track record of leading finance functions during transformational change at large, multi-site retail organizations will be valuable to us as we work to continue to grow the company," Geoff Covert, President and Chief Executive Officer of 99 Cents Only Stores, stated.
With this new appointment, which 99 Cents Only said was part of a broader Operating Advisor agreement with majority shareholder Ares Management, L.P., Thornton will be relieving Interim CFO Michael Fung. Fung will now return to his prior position as head of the Board’s Audit Committee while retaining his seat at the Board of Directors.
In her new role with 99 Cents Only, Thornton will oversee accounting, finance, and treasury, as well as risk management and IT functions for the company.
WOODBRIDGE, ON - Burnac Produce has formed a strategic alliance with the Culiacan-based Leyson family, combining forces to become a premier source of Mexican produce for the North American market.
Burnac’s portfolio will now include Leyson’s sustainably- and responsibly-grown eggplants and colored bell peppers which will augment and enhance its very large network of offshore growers.
“We at Burnac are honored and privileged to collaborate with the Leyson family,” a Burnac Produce press release states. “Simply put, we view this as a marriage of equals who share similar philosophies in pursuit of excellence.”
All Leyson eggplants are grown in protected environments, triple washed, and packed in innovative shelf-life extension packaging.
The joint venture is expected to further increase shelf-life for retailers. According to a press release, Burnac says a minimum of 2 to 4 days of additional shelf-life will be achieved thanks to the company’s innovative business model which combines shortening travel distances and reducing on-hand inventories.
Eggplants and bell peppers aren’t the only new Mexican offerings. Burnac has developed unique Mexican sources of green and French beans, figs and cactus pears to further enhance its program.
Look forward to seeing more from Burnac and the Leyson family as they kick off the upcoming 2016 season.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – Whole Foods Market has joined GLOBALG.A.P. as a retail member to develop a streamlined audit process for growers seeking IFA certification and a “Responsibly Grown” rating.
GLOBALG.A.P. and Whole Foods will be working together to benchmark the retailer’s IFA standard to its Responsibly Grown program, which was introduced last year. The program assesses growing practices based on human health, environmental sustainability, water conservation, and worker welfare, and then grades fresh produce and floral items as “good,” “better,” or “best” to help shoppers make informed choices.
Robin Foster, Whole Foods’ Team Leader of Responsibly Grown, was proud to be working with GLOBALG.A.P. to address these important issues, benchmark achievements, and raise the bar across the industry.
“Whole Foods Market launched Responsibly Grown with the goal of addressing some of the most critical agricultural issues we’re facing today, and to reward growers who are taking major steps to protect human health and the environment,” said Foster.
Whole Foods requires that all produce vendors and their suppliers operate using risk-based food safety plans created after performing a risk assessment to identify potential food safety hazards, according to a press release. Vendors of “high-risk produce,” such as salads, melons, and green onions, are required to have a 3rd party food safety audit, preferably to GFSI-recognized schemes, including GLOBALG.A.P.’s Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA-Crops-Fruit & Veg) and Produce Safety Standard (PSS).
Roberta Anderson, GLOBALG.A.P. Sustainability Consultant, said in a press release that this partnership with Whole Foods is a great example of the company’s commitment to developing efficient, pragmatic approaches to food safety and sustainability assurance.
“The more we can do to acknowledge similarities in standards, the better we can eliminate unnecessary duplication of efforts, saving both time and money for growers,” she said.
Whole Foods currently operates over 420 locations throughout the USA and Canada. It now operates nine stores in England and Scotland as well, after having expanded into the United Kingdom in 2004.
OXNARD, CA - Oxnard-based Mission Produce today announced that it has launched a new website, including a new URL: www.worldsfinestavocados.com. The website ties in with the company’s new trade show booth, which debuted at the recent PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, and is a symbol of the company’s global approach to leading the avocado market.
According the LeighAnne Thomsen, Marketing Manager, the website fulfills several items on the company’s wish list.
“We really wanted to give our presence a facelift, offer more consumer information, and have a site that we can update on a consistent basis,” said Thomsen.
Added Robb Bertels, Vice President of Marketing, “Mission operates in a global avocado marketplace, and we feel that we need to tell the whole Mission story on a global stage. We have used ‘World’s Finest Avocados’ on our packaging throughout the company’s history, so it seemed like a natural fit to make that our web address. It calls out the global nature of our business, and our emphasis on delivering the finest avocados to our worldwide customer base.”
“The website’s look and feel tied in with our tradeshow booth at Fresh Summit,” according to Thomsen. ”Our goal is to be open and inviting, with colorful graphics, and easy navigation. We will continue to build our web presence, social media outreach and other digital components as we grow. It’s an exciting time for Mission.”
Added Bertels, “We really tried to highlight Mission’s heritage in the avocado business while looking forward to growth globally. We will continue adding components and updating the site, and use it as our primary digital communications platform.”
PEORIA, AZ - One city got a Halloween scare a little early this year, when a 350-pound inflatable pumpkin fought loose from its wires and bounced through a busy, Arizona intersection yesterday.
As this is something I think you may need to see to believe, you can watch the full video of the jack-o’-lantern's festive journey below:
In the video you can see the 25-foot tall, 350-pound pumpkin roll across multiple lanes of traffic. After some fighting through the street’s obstacles, the pumpkin broke free and rolled off into the distance.
Big AZ Promotions, the owners of the pumpkin, were understandably surprised when they got the call that their pumpkin was rolling around aimlessly across Peoria, and spoke with USA Today about the ordeal.
"I was so shocked to see that it was like bouncing like a basketball all the way down the road," said Patrick Sparkes with Big AZ Promotions. "We showed up and it wasn't there and we spent the last 40 minutes driving around looking for it.”
City officials said the pumpkin broke free from a Halloween display promoting the Peoria Monster Bash at the Peoria Sports Complex, adding that the city’s strong winds were to blame for the pumpkin getting loose.
Luckily, no injuries were sustained from the massive pumpkin fiasco, but now passersby have an excellent Halloween story to tell.