LEAMINGTON, ON - With PMA Fresh Summit just a few weeks away, Pure Flavor® is gearing up to showcase its new booth and a surprise culinary guest.
Pure Flavor® is calling its own booth #4575 the ultimate Fresh Summit destination. The company’s new, open-concept booth will be just the first step in what will be the start of the company’s brand revitalization project, featuring living plants used to produce greenhouse vegetables, new product concepts, and Atlanta’s renowned Chef Asha Gomez.
“We are excited to be showcasing our first stage of rebranding at the PMA this year,” says Matt Mastronardi, CMO of Pure Flavor®. “The refreshed new look represents the outside-of-the-box thinking we have set out since day one. It is our commitment to provide innovative products like our Living Lettuce and to find fresh and unique ways to stimulate engaging marketing initiatives for our consumers.”
Visitors to Pure Flavor®’s booth will see just how these innovative products got their start, showing the entire growing process from baby plants to final products. They’ll then have the chance to taste inspired apps and hors d’oeuvres from Chef Asha Gomez, and fill up on flavor.
“We’re not just bringing packaged products to the booth, we’re bringing an experience!” exclaimed Mastronardi.
According to a press release, Chef Gomez’s restaurant, Spice to Table, was recently listed as one of GQ Magazine’s 25 best new restaurants in America. Gomez is best known for culinary view that blend flavors from South India with those of the Southern U.S..
At the booth, she will be demonstrating the versatility of Pure Flavor® vegetables using some of the company’s exclusive products, like Living Lettuce and Marzanito™.
NEWARK, DE - As Kevin Fiori’s one-year tenure as PMA Board of Directors Chair come to end, he now passes the torch to Sam’s Club’s VP of Produce & Floral, Russell Mounce.
“I'm grateful to PMA members and its elected leaders worldwide,” said Fiori in a statement. “I've learned a lot listening to your interests, ideas, and constructive feedback. I also appreciate and respect the commitment of more than 400 volunteer leaders who have served on PMA boards, committees and task forces over the past year. This is not a one-person show. The association is incredibly successful due to the engagement and efforts of many.”
Prior to joining Sunkist in 2008, Fiori worked with Dole Food Company for 29 years in a number of positions ranging from Sales Representative, all the way up to Senior Vice President, Agriculture Operations. His long-standing dedication to the industry and leadership experience has proven to be valuable asset to PMA, helping to grow the association’s global network to connect 28,000 people, in 45 countries, across 6 continents.
Fiori will officially complete his tenure at this month’s PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, where Mounce will become the next Chairman of the Board.
“PMA will move forward under the leadership of Russ Mounce of Sam's Club, our youngest board chair ever,” Fiori continued. “I've worked with Russ for more than 20 years and have great respect for his vision and insight. PMA is lucky to have him as chair, and I wish him all the best.”
Mounce began his career at Sam’s Club as a Senior Buyer, rising to the role of Senior Director for Produce and Floral just 2 years later, according to his LinkedIn profile. Now in his role as VP of Produce and Floral, Mounce has been a key influencer in Sam’s Club’s efforts to revamp the fresh sector of its business.
From all your friends at AndNowUKnow, we'd like to congratulate Kevin on his tenure and leadership as PMA's Chairman, and look forward to see what's next to come for PMA.
NEW YORK, NY - JetBlue has announced the T5 Farm, a 24,000 square-foot blue potato and fresh produce farm that will now exist at Terminal 5 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
In a partnership with Hain Celestial’s TERRA® Real Vegetable Chips, this experiment in 'farm-to-air' innovation is being used to promote New York agriculture and show customers that JetBlue values a green and sustainable customer experience. The T5 Farm will yield blue potatoes like those used to make the TERRA Blues, the official snack of JetBlue.
"An airport seems like an unexpected place for a farming experiment, but what better way to explore JetBlue's role in the food cycle than to harvest right in our own backyard at JFK," explained Sophia Mendelsohn, JetBlue’s Head of Sustainability. "We know from our T5 Rooftop that people are drawn to light and green spaces, and they also have an inherent interest in understanding where their food comes from."
The farm will feature 3,000 crates of potato plants, herbs, and other produce, and will highlight local farmers and New York's agriculture, according to a press release. The company expects the farm to produce more than 1,000 pounds of blue potatoes per harvest, as well as house 2,000 herbs and plants including arugula, beets, mint, and basil. This will be the world’s first-ever blue potato farm at an airport.
A Jet Blue press release reports that the T5 Farm will also serve as an agricultural and educational resource for the community. Harvests will help JetBlue and its partners in T5 become more self-sufficient by providing herbs and produce for use in some of the terminal's restaurants and eateries, with the goal of blue potatoes eventually finding their way back in TERRA Blues served onboard. Items from the T5 Farm will also be donated to local food pantries.
"TERRA Blues are the perfect snack to complement the JetBlue mission to provide quality food during the travel experience,” said Senior Director of Marketing for Hain Celestial, Jared Simon. “Now, through the T5 Farm, we are pleased to bring a farm-to-flight experience closer to travelers. We are proud to extend our partnership with JetBlue through this initiative, which highlights the journey that blue potatoes make as they become a delicious in-flight snack."
JetBlue also composts many leftovers from restaurants in T5, hauling nearly 300 pounds of food waste each day.
WENATCHEE, WA - With the warm summer months having led to varying sizes among Washington apple varieties, what are the key points retailers need to know? Roger Pepperl, Marketing Director for Stemilt Growers, took the time to discuss some key strategies retailers should be executing, as well as an overview of the season.
To hear everything Roger had to say, listen to the complete interview above.
If there is one thing he impressed as far as maximizing dollars and volume with the smaller fruit this year, it was getting promotions out there early.
“We’re doing display contests, we’re doing custom POS posters, whatever needs to be done to build around that fall apple category,” he said, explaining that retailers have a chance to capture dollars due to prices being more attractive for growers.
“This year’s crop we have some opportunities,” Roger tells me. “Last year’s crop was north of 140 million in boxes in Washington. This year it’s looking more and more like this crop might be closer to 115 million.”
Despite the smaller sizes, Roger says that retailers should not accept having decreases in volumes and sales, but instead take a look at the category.
“Let’s face it, bulk ads drive the category,” he said, adding that Stemilt will be focusing on ads like Fujis and Granny’s, both which have nice sizing, as well as:
- Pink Ladies
- Braeburns
- Reds
- Golds
Even Honey Crisp, Roger added, is a large enough apple that it can be sold in bulk despite being slightly down in size.
As we previously reported, fruit came off the tree earlier than years past following warm summer temperatures, which Roger explained led to Galas coming off in August. To replace the Gala in bulk ads, Stemilt is offering its signature Pinata variety as an alternative, having been up 44 percent in volume last year in the U.S.
But decreases in volume will be present, and as a result Roger says bag sales is where retailers can and should drive dollars. “Looking at the bag as a category that can drive dollars, not just off truly cheap prices, is so necessary,” he tells me.
Promotions and options Stemilt offers for the bag category include Lil Snappers bags and Fresh Blender bags, providing both value and volume.
Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow all the latest developments across the apple industry.
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Collington Services LLC, a subsidiary of C&S Wholesale Grocers, is closing two Safeway distribution centers in Maryland.
The company plans to shut down operations at a grocery distribution center in Upper Marlboro and a general merchandise distribution center in Landover in a move that could affect up to 700 employees, the Washington Business Journal reports.
Collington Services said in a statement that it would move operations at the warehouses to Pennsylvania and Cecil County. Both facilities have served Safeway since 2000.
The closures will occur over time and into 2016, company spokesman Wade Gates told the Washington Business Journal.
“This is a very difficult situation,” said Mark Pitts, Collington Service’s Director of Warehouse Operations. “We intend to work closely with the unions that represent our employees and with our non-union associates in order to ensure that everyone can participate in a transition plan that is fair and equitable.”
A notice filed with the state under the Worker Adjustment and Restraining Notification Act stated that the company would cut 191 positions, including full- and part-time workers, beginning on December 5, according to the Washington Business Journal. Employees may apply for jobs at other C&S facilities in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
C&S says that it serves approximately 5,000 stores from more than 50 locations in 15 states. The company says it works with retailers including Stop & Shop, Giant of Carlisle, Giant of Landover, BI-LO/Winn-Dixie, A&P, Safeway, and Target.
CORAL GABLES, FL - Turbana and Sendik’s Food Markets partnered up to become the official banana sponsor and composting partner for the Brewers Mini Marathon for the first time.
Presented by Sendik’s to benefit the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund, which seeks to fight childhood cancer, the run was held in Milwaukee on Saturday, Sept. 26th.
“Turbana is excited to join Sendik’s on this important initiative,” Marion Tabard, Director of Marketing, said on behalf of the company, according to a press release. “We share a vision with our long-standing retail partner to empower and encourage individuals of Wisconsin to work together to create a better tomorrow. Together, we can grow and inspire the Wisconsin community to make a lasting difference and fight childhood cancer.”
Those who participated in the event ran either a 10K or “mini” 13.1-mile course through and around the Milwaukee Brewers’ beloved Miller Park.
Turbana, the “official training partner,” supported the runners, giving them fuel during the pre-race training period over the summer and on race day. Leading up to and through the event, the company also provided support with:
- In-store discounts at Sendik’s so trainees can load up on bananas.
- Provided weekly print and digital newsletters with nutrition and hydration tips.
- Refueling runners on race day with over 7,000 Turbana bananas as they crossed the finish line.
- Giving marathoners Turbana koozies saying “Run. Fuel. Repeat,” on the way to the post-race tailgate party.
The company also announced that, as a pioneer in social consciousness and sustainability, it launched the first composting station for the event.
"Most of our guests know that Sendik's has been composting produce trimmings for years," Nick Bandoch, Communications Director for Sendik's Food Markets, said in the release. "And this year, Turbana was not only able to provide a great healthy snack for all the Brewers Mini Marathon & 10K runners, but they also offered a way for us to bring composting to this community event."
After the Brewers Mini Marathon, the compost was donated to leading local collector of organic trimmings Waste Management, where it was created into reusable soil for the Wisconsin community.
CENTRAL LAKE, MI – King Orchards is taking its first leap into alternative energy.
Earlier this week, the family-owned and operated business kick started production on its newly installed 52 kW solar field. The system is located behind the King Orchards retail market on U.S.-31 Hwy in Kewadin, Michigan, according to a press release.
John King, Owner of the business, said he is very excited about the installation of the solar field.
“Generating sustainable energy is an important initiative of ours, especially as we are stewards of the land and our livelihood is so dependent on the environment and weather,” he said.
King Orchards offers several fruits and vegetables, including tart and sweet cherries, apples, stone fruit, raspberries, asparagus, and more, and markets cherry juice concentrate around the world.
Though this is the first alternative energy source for King Orchards, it’s not expected to be the last. Provided that the installation proves to be a worthwhile investment, the company anticipates looking into adding more sources of alternative energy in the future, so stay tuned.
MONTEREY, CA - “The goal of this show is to provide a bridge within the organic produce industry. Whether its suppliers and seed companies, or retailers, wholesalers and distributors, there is a place for everyone at the table,” Todd Linsky, Principal and Owner of Todd Linsky Consulting, tells me, as we discuss the opportunities within the $11 billion organic fruit and vegetable industry.
To support this growing sector of the industry, Todd and an advisory committee of heavy hitters in organics have put together the inaugural Organic Produce Summit to be held July 13-14, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, California.
“With 53% of organic produce coming out of California, it just made sense to establish this first annual show here in Monterey,” Todd adds. “And with organic produce expected to see more than 15% growth in 2015, now seems like the perfect time.”
Organic fresh fruit and vegetables are flourishing, and as consumer buying behaviors evolve to include room for more organic options, this summit hopes to present an engaging, informative and educational avenue for all categories of organic produce.
“We will feature leaders and innovators of organic fresh produce on both the buy-side and supply-side of the industry for the sake of collaborating, networking, and educating toward a more engaged and productive community,” Todd says.
For the team behind the Organic Produce Summit, it is incredibly important that attendees bring back value from the show to their roles and companies. The Committee is focused on going the extra mile to bring retailers to the show and to provide as much support as possible to the growing community.
“The two-day summit is open to anyone and everyone who wants to come. We expect a broad range of categories to be represented, from nuts and organic juices to organic specialty produce and staple fruits and vegetables,” Todd tells me. “This is a global business, and there isn’t a reason why national and international companies cannot find their share in the market.”
The event will host a gala opening night reception where attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a wide selection of exciting educational sessions, view a keynote address by an organic industry leader, and network with more than 70 organic exhibitors.
The OPS Advisory Committee Members include the following:
- Gary Kosofsky of BJs Wholesale Club
- Tim Shepard of Crosset Co.
- Howard Nager of Domex SuperFresh Growers
- David Hahn of Four Seasons LLC
- Brian Peixoto of Lakeside Organic Gardens
- Dave Lively of Organically Grown Co.
- Laura Batcha of the Organic Trade Association
- Michael Schutt of Raley’s/Nob Hill/BelAir
- Matt Seeley of The Nunes Co.
- Todd Linsky of Todd Linsky Consulting
- Edmund Lamacchia of Whole Foods
- Ricardo Crisantes of Wholesum Family Farms
It is never too early to plan for 2016. Hope to see you all there!
BELLINGHAM, WA - Six more locations from two different states have been added to Haggen’s list of stores for sale.
As we previously reported, the chain added to its saga of ups and downs with the intention to either sell or shutter more than 100 stores, pull out of the Pacific Southwest market, and restructure itself under what it called its “core” profitable stores.
These latest additions to the list, three of which Q13 Fox reports are in the chain’s home state of Washington and three in Oregon, bring the count to 133 stores up for grabs.
The locations of the latest additions to the list include:
- Puyallup, WA
- Burien, WA
- Federal Way, WA
- West Linn, OR
- Happy Valley, OR
- Eugene, OR
According to the report, Haggen has said it has buyers lined up for 36 stores in California and Nevada, as well as a bid and auction process in place for some of the stores.
If the sales are successful, Haggen will almost be back to the same number of locations it was at this time last year, before it purchased 146 stores from Albertsons and Safeway.
SALINAS, CA – Sysco has named Mann Packing as a Gold level supplier for the produce category during its FY 2015 Sysco Supplier Excellence Awards ceremony.
On Wednesday, September 30, Sysco executives congratulated Mann for achieving sales, margin, and case growth, as well as receiving high marks for sales support and category management engagement, according to a press release.
Mann CEO Lorri Koster and Director of Foodservice Marketing Gina Nucci attended Sysco’s Supplier Recognition Event and Supplier Roundtable in Houston to formally receive the award.
“We are honored that Sysco recognized Mann and our relationship with them,” said Nucci. “They are an important customer we look forward to further building a significant relationship together.”
This isn’t the only award Mann has received from Sysco. The company was previously named by Sysco as a Bronze level supplier and was also given the Bronze level Heritage Award for being a women-owned business.
Sysco’s Supplier Excellence Awards program highlights the commitment and support of the company’s suppliers.
AndNowUKnow congratulates Mann Packing on this latest achievement!