WATSONVILLE, CA - With an estimated 157 million Americans with Halloween plans slated this year and one-third of those with parties on the agenda, the National Retail Federation estimates $7 billion to be on the line for this holiday season. One company that's ready for all the retail opportunities Halloween has to offer is California Giant Berry Farms.
As consumers embrace fall and all of the color and celebrations that come with it, California Giant has introduced new colors and messaging with the company’s new Scary Berries promotion. The promotion offers a Scary Berries electronic recipe booklet developed in partnership with ScharffenBerger Chocolate, and is packed with unique ways to dress up California Giant strawberries and chocolate into mummies, ghosts, pumpkins, and more.
“We are really excited about this Fall promotion and look forward to the consumer feedback," said Cindy Jewell, VP of Marketing. "Developing these fun and scary creatures has been a lot of fun as we see them all come to life on the plate and begin to get extremely positive feedback from consumers, bloggers, and the media.”
California Giant is also offering consumers a peek at its latest YouTube video, featuring transformations of berries into scary edible creatures that will be promoted throughout social networks and draw attention to the fact that berries can be the perfect Halloween treat. Watch the video below for more all the details.
According to a press release, consumer subscribers of the company Buzz Blog received a link to the free Scary Berries electronic book of recipes and the link to the YouTube video. Trade partners will also be able to subscribe to the Trade Buzz and receive the material they can use to keep California Giant berries prominently displayed throughout the fall season.
To see more from the new campaign, all California Giant and ScharffenBerger social media outlets will offer the free materials to consumers after they provide demographic information and answer a few questions about their shopping behavior and preferences.
PHOENIX, AZ - Sprouts Farmers Market is adding 12 more locations to its portfolio in early 2016.
The specialty and organic grocer will be adding five stores in California, two stores in Georgia and Colorado, and one store each in Texas, Tennessee, and Missouri.
Each location will bring up to 100 additional jobs to their respective communities, the company said in a press release. The grand opening dates for each unit will be announced later this year or in early 2016.
The announcement of these new stores indicates that Sprouts is continuing its commitment to expand into new territory. Throughout the year, the retailer had added 27 more stores to its roster, with a fraction of those stores in new states, including Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee. By the end of the year, Sprouts will own more than 200 locations.
New stores have proven successful for Sprouts in the past. Most recently, the company saw a 21 percent increase in net sales during the second quarter of 2015 compared to the same period last year, topping $902 million for the quarter. Strong store performance, as well as growth in comparable store sales, contributed to Sprouts’ robust performance.
In August, former CEO and now current Executive Chairman Doug Sanders, said that the company will continue to focus on growth in existing markets to offset the investment in its new market expansion strategy.
The full list of the 12 newly announced locations is as follows:
- Alhambra, CA - 150 E. Main St., Suite 150
- Atlanta, GA - 1853 Piedmont Ave. NE
- Clovis, CA - 850 Herndon Ave., Suite 103
- Colorado Springs, CO - 13415 Voyager Parkway
- El Paso, TX - 2036 N. Zaragoza Rd., Suite E
- Franklin, TN - 1010 Murfreesboro Rd., Suite 194
- Lakewood, CO - 98 N. Wadsworth Blvd., Unit 112
- Lee's Summit, MO - 800 NE Missouri 291 Highway
- Los Angeles, CA - 915 N. La Brea Ave.
- Marietta, GA - 4101 Roswell Rd. NE, #700
- Oakland, CA - 3001 Broadway
- San Clemente, CA - 550 Camino de Estrella, Unit C
For more on Sprouts’ expansion plans, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - Innovation and super foods will be top of mind for Mann Packing during this month’s PMA Fresh Summit expo.
Named as a finalist for the 2015 PMA Impact Award: Excellence in Packaging, Mann will be showcasing its Culinary Cuts® for attendees this year. This unique line features fresh cut vegetables cut into distinctive shapes including Sweet Potato Ribbons and Butternut Squash Zig Zags.
Washed and ready to cook, these vegetables are versatile for a number of uses, such as side dishes, stir-frys, soups, or casseroles. Each package contains four to five, 1-cup servings and can be prepared in four minutes or less in the microwave, sautéed, steamed, or on the stovetop. Detailed cooking instructions are included in each package as well as three unique recipes and usage ideas, according to a press release.
“We made Culinary Cuts for parents who want to make healthy eating fun, but also for the everyday home cook who’s looking for some creativity to spark tonight’s dinner,” said CEO Lorri Koster.
Visitors to Mann’s booth #1333 will also get a chance to see Mann’s award-winning Power Blend, which contains multiple “super food” ingredients like kale, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, Napa cabbage, carrots, and broccoli, all washed and ready-to-use.
Kim St George, Director of Marketing and Communications, said Power Blend is completely on trend with current restaurant offerings.
“Now consumers can enjoy it at home as a cold salad, hot sauté, or adding it to their favorite juicing recipes,” she said. "Mann’s Power Blend is the first to include Kohlrabi, a mild, sweet crisp vegetable high in Vitamin C & fiber. Also, Brussels sprouts and kale continue to grow in popularity, and combined with Napa cabbage, broccoli, and carrots, this blend is truly nutritious, delicious, and has multiple uses.”
Kalettes™ will also be on display in a value-added 6-ounce bag at the show.
Select packages of Mann’s products will also feature the Women Owned Business logo this fall. The first of these packages will be on display for customer preview at PMA.
Lastly, Mann created a micro-site, CulinaryCutsClub.com, to provide a community for sharing recipes, serving ideas, and notifications about where to find the items on sale.
For all the latest news on PMA Fresh Summit, stick to AndNowUKnow.
WENATCHEE, WA - Since the label debuted in August 2014, produce shoppers have been experiencing a piece of where the pears they buy come from through Stemilt’s Rushing Rivers™ pears. Stemilt introduced the label last year as a way to share with consumers the two renowned locales, the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys in Washington State, where the company grows and packs its pears.
Now with new packaging, POS signage, and a new drone-filmed video that shares the unique story of Stemilt’s pear growing locales, the company is telling produce shoppers something they want to know now more than ever—where their food was grown.
“The Rushing Rivers™ pear label was developed to share the story of where and how our pears are grown, something that 2 out of every 3 consumers have stated through research studies that they want to know,” shared Stemilt’s Marketing Director Roger Pepperl. “The Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys are heritage sites for growing pears and the place where our pears have called home for decades. The Rushing Rivers™ label informs consumers that the pears they are buying come from a special place, and from multi-generational family farmers who are passionate about quality and flavor.”
You can watch Stemilt’s new, beautiful drone helicopter video below to learn and see more about Stemilt’s Rushing River pears program.
This year’s Washington pear harvest both started and ended earlier due to an early spring and warm summer temperatures. Stemilt finished picking its share of the Northwest pear crop in late September, and according to Pepperl, pear crop volumes are slightly down, while quality and flavor for Rushing Rivers™ pears are characteristic of any crop grown in the two renowned river valleys. But as we’ve previously reported, fruit size is a differentiator between this year and last for key pear varieties like Bartlett, green d’Anjou, and red pears.
“Fruit size often slows down with warm summer temperatures, and the big heat wave we had in Washington State this summer means that most pear varieties will trend a size smaller this year,” said Pepperl. “This makes bagged pears a great option for retailers. Along with Rushing Rivers™ bulk displays, we have the top-selling pouch bag program for pears in our 3lb. Lil Snappers™ kid-sized fruit program to help bring additional dollar and volume sales to the category.”
With families being among the biggest consumers of pears and Lil Snappers® grab-and-go 3lb. pouch bag, these smaller varieties are the perfect size for today’s busy family. Retailers can build great bulk displays and promote multiple varieties of pears throughout the fall and winter months using Rushing Rivers™ pear cartons, signage, and even video displays.
The Wenatchee River Valley and Entiat River Valley run parallel of each other, separated only by the peaks of the Cascade Mountain range. Stemilt and its long-time pear partners, Peshastin HI-UP Growers, a leading growers’ cooperative, have been farming pears in these river valleys for decades.
“Pears are right at home in these two valleys,” said Pepperl. “The mountains protect pears and consistently draw clean air down through orchards to keep air flowing through each tree, which results in clean, premium-quality fruit. The rivers that run alongside our orchards are a great pure water source for trees. There’s no better place for pears to call home.”
Stemilt will feature Rushing Rivers™ pears at booth #2453 at PMA Fresh Summit it Atlanta later this month.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Less than one week after the announcement that J.K. Symancyk will be stepping down as President, Meijer has revealed that 26-year company veteran Rick Keyes will be his successor.
“I am truly humbled and honored to accept the role as president of Meijer,” Keyes said. “I joined this company as a front-line team member more than 25 years ago, and Meijer has provided me the opportunity to learn, grow and develop experiences across a variety of disciplines. I’m very much looking forward to working with our team members at all levels to ensure Meijer continues to grow and thrive.”
Keyes, began his career with the company as a pharmacist in Columbus, Ohio, but has been Executive Vice President of Supply Chain and Manufacturing since 2006. In that capacity he oversaw the retailer’s expansion into manufacturing with the acquisition of one dairy and construction of another, according to a press release, and pioneered initiatives ranging from the launch of a near-zero emission truck fleet to significant investments in lean distribution technologies.
“We are pleased to introduce Rick as our new President,” said Hank Meijer, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer. “Rick’s proven leadership has been an inspiration to our team. He has grown up with Meijer, excelling in positions in both pharmacy and store operations, and, most recently, building industry-leading supply chain and manufacturing operations.”
In the company’s release, Meijer commented on both Keyes’ positive affect on the sophistication of Meijer supply chain, and his place as a strong advocate for team members—especially increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Since 2012, Keyes has led an initiative at several Meijer distribution facilities to create job opportunities for persons with various levels of disability, partnering with several local non-profit agencies.
“A company can only be great if its team members feel valued and engaged, regardless of their role or level,” Keyes said. “Together with a strong senior leadership team, I’m looking forward to charting a course for our company where everyone can feel ownership for our success, while delivering the excellent customer service Meijer is known for.”
Keyes will be the 7th President in the company’s 81-year history. He is a native of Columbus, Ohio and a graduate of Ohio Northern University’s College of Pharmacy.
NORTH & SOUTH CAROLINA - Heavy storms have hit the East Coast over the past couple of days, especially in North and South Carolina where more than 20,000 people went without power and local weather records were broken, to say the least.
The states both saw historic rains, according to AccuWeather and 6abc reports, with some areas seeing upwards of 20 inches of rainfall in the short time that the pattern has been in the area.
According to AccuWeather, the torrential storms developed due to a combination of tropical moisture from Hurricane Joaquin and a non-tropical system that has brought life-threatening floods.
"The flooding is unprecedented and historical," Dr. Marshall Shepherd, Meteorologist and Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program, University of Georgia, wrote in an email to The Associated Press, according to 6abc.
It is a situation that the state’s Governor Nikki Haley says is still vulnerable in a news conference. The latest reports are that the record shattering storms have left about 26,000 people without power, 40,000 without running water, and ten weather-related fatalities in South Carolina, plus two in North Carolina, 6abc reports.
Noted areas of impact were Charleston, which saw 24.23 inches, half of what the area usually would see for the entire year, Columbia, which experienced 10.28 inches, the heaviest rainfall on record for both areas. Columbia Metropolitan Airport saw 6.87 inches of water, as well as several hundred roads and bridges. On Monday, Governor Haley said 381 roads and 127 bridges were closed across the state, according to 6abc, with 1,000 law enforcement officers and 1,000 transportation department personnel working to make the areas safe.
She also added that the structural integrity of all roads and bridges will have to be checked, which could take several weeks or more.
AndNowUKnow will continue to follow the situation as it develops.
RIO RICO, AZ - SunFed is tapping into tropical produce with a new addition to its growing portfolio – limes.
Grown on family-owned farms in the fertile growing areas in Mexico, SunFed is looking to introduce limes year-round as its inaugural entry into tropical produce.
In an effort to continuing to meet customer demands, SunFed saw the tropical program as a natural extension to its traditional line of products, which include squash, bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes, and more.
“Limes are a natural progression for SunFed,” said COO Matt Mandel. “It’s an item that continues to increase in demand and it fits in nicely with the items we’re currently carrying.”
SunFed’s limes will be offered in a 10 pound and 40 pound box, designed with the company’s signature vibrant 60’s pop art-inspired packaging.
“We want to deliver a farm-fresh product that also catches consumers’ eyes so the retailer gets more exposure for the everyday item,” said Brett Burdsal, SunFed's Director of Marketing. “The high-graphic, pop art-inspired packaging helps the item jump off the shelf.”
The season is just starting to ramp up for the item, and so far, the lime quality is looking like it’s going to be outstanding with great sizing and brilliant dark green color.
Limes are just the beginning. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow to learn more about SunFed’s developing tropical program.
BANCROFT, WI - In just over two weeks, RPE will be in attendance with all aspects of the industry in Atlanta, Georgia, as it attends the PMA Fresh Summit. So what is the company bringing in that will make its booth stand out?
The company will be featuring Tasteful Selections, Old Oak Farms potatoes, with Chef Joey Elenterio showcasing their flavor in two signature dishes.
“We are extremely thrilled to continue our partnership with the talented Chef Joey,” Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE, said in a press release. “His creativity with each mouthwatering creation, using Tasteful Selections potatoes, meshes perfectly with our goal to provide innovative solutions and recipe inspirations for our customers and consumers alike.”
Chef Elenterio is opening his own restaraunt, Cadence, in San Francisco, and during his tenure as Executive Chef at Chez TJ in Mountain View, California, he received 1 Michelin Star in both 2011 and 2012. Zagat named him in its 30 under 30, and he is also a recipient of the San Francisco Chronicle’s Rising Star Chef award.
“Tasteful Selections potatoes are so versatile, colorful and cook quickly and evenly, so I never run out of new ways to prepare them,” Chef Elenterio said, according to the release. “It is always a delight to work with a product you believe in.”
Chef Elenterio will create his signature Tomato and Chili Braised Sweet Surprise potatoes on Saturday, Oct. 24th, and on Sunday, Oct. 25th he’ll create what is described as a Midwest based treat with Leinenkugel braised Sunrise Medley potatoes complimented with Parsley Fennel Salad and Cheese Curds.
Both can be enjoyed at Booth 239 during PMA Fresh Summit, where several Tasteful Selections products will be on display, including:
- Conventional and Organic lines
- Specialty varieties from Old Oak Farms®
- White Russet® brand potatoes
Find out about these varieties and more at booth 239 in just 19 days.
CASTROVILLE, CA - After 25 years of serving Ocean Mist Farms as its President and CEO, Ed Boutonnet is passing the torch to a new leader.
Joe Pezzini, the current Chief Operating Officer, has been named as the company’s next President and CEO. Boutonnet will remain as Chairman of the Board and will participate in special assignments, projects, and other operations of the corporation. The transition in leadership will occur over the next 12 months, according to a press release.
“I’ve been privileged to lead one of the greatest produce companies in the country. I am confident in [Joe’s] abilities and excited for the future of Ocean Mist Farms,” said Boutonnet. “I look forward to working with Joe and the board during the transition period, and to being an advisor to management in the years ahead.”
Hugo Tottino, Owner/Partner of Ocean Mist Farms, gave Ed his sincere gratitude for his strong, dedicated, and honest leadership throughout his many years at the company.
“[Ed] was instrumental in working with management to position our company for long-term success,” said Tottino. “We are grateful for his innumerable contributions to the company and we thank him for his distinguished tenure as President and CEO over the last 25 years.”
Pezzini, Boutonnet’s successor, has been with the company since June of 1983. Prior to being named Chief Operating Officer in February 2009, he was appointed as Ocean Mist’s Vice President of Operations, where he was responsible for cooling operations, food safety, research and development, quality assurance, human resources, and strategic planning.
“I’m honored by the confidence expressed in me by the Ocean Mist Farms board,” said Pezzini. “I will work hard as we embark upon the next chapter in the company’s history. Working with the talented professionals on the board, the senior management team, and our dedicated employees, I anticipate an exciting and successful future.”
AndNowUKnow wishes Mr. Boutonnet the best of luck in this transitional period, and congratulates Pezzini on being named to this executive post.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - As we welcome in the month of October, companies across the industry are launching their pink promotions to support the many organizations that are on the front lines in the fight against breast cancer.
For the fourth year in a row, NatureSweet is partnering with Susan G. Komen, to offer their support of the non-profit’s breast cancer awareness initiatives. With a mission simply put “to save lives and end breast cancer forever,” Susan G. Komen has been the leading non-profit for the cause and a great partner as well as a resource for NatureSweet.
“Here in our office, we have a number of people that have dealt with breast cancer in their families so the cause is very close to our hearts. Susan G. Komen is the perfect partner for us. While we take on the impossible by growing a great tasting product year-round to promote healthy living, Komen is really taking on the impossible by trying to create a world where breast cancer no longer exists,” Michael Joergensen, VP of Marketing, tells me. “They not only welcome our support, but also bring NatureSweet and our 6,000-plus Associates, the resources and awareness we need to keep our company educated and engaged as well.”
This year, NatureSweet is featuring in-store pink packaging and materials for Glorys tomatoes. Glorys are a tomato variety perfect for cooking and can be used in pizzas, sauces, pastas, casseroles, kebabs…really any dish that calls for tomatoes or can be enhanced by them.
NatureSweet relaunched the packaging and a new variety under the Glorys name at the beginning of the year, and Michael tells me that these are the best Glorys the company has ever had.
To show its support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NatureSweet is also donating $100,000 to Susan G. Komen®.