MONTREAL, CANADA - Ever heard of the Banana Badass movement? I hadn’t either, that is until Kim Chackal’s latest announcement came across our desks. Equifruit revealed that the woman behind its genius marketing and phenomenal sales growth has been promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

“I wake up each Monday morning, excited to go to work. I think that says it all,” Chackal stated. “I have an incredible business partner in Jennie, who has supported my professional development since day one. We have built a team that is kind, hard-working and excited to be part of the Banana Badass movement.”

Chackal joined Equifruit in December 2014 under contract. She quickly moved from sales rep to sales manager, and in 2019, took on responsibility for Equifruit’s marketing as well in her new role as Director of Sales and Marketing.

In 2020, she managed a major rebranding project and has since overseen award-winning in-house marketing campaigns which have earned Equifruit fans around the world, a press release stated. In 2023, she became a Co-Owner of the business and joined Equifruit’s board.

“Thanks to Kim’s keen commercial sense, Equifruit has grown 20-fold since her arrival—which translates into significant impact for the small producers and plantation workers we advocate for,” President Jennie Coleman enthused. “She is laser-focused on achieving Global Fairtrade Banana Domination, but her ambition is communicated through warmth, humor, and a genuine desire to change the world. I’m quite certain she’s the only produce executive in history with the chutzpah to be photoshopped riding a shark to sell more Equifruit Fairtrade bananas.”

Chackal and her team will be exhibiting at the Organic Produce Summit next week. Swing by booth #318 to congratulate her on her well-deserved promotion!

CHARLOTTE, NC - National Pineapple Day was on June 27, and Dole Food Company celebrated with a week of giving back to the community. Dole team members, family, and friends at Dole Food Company port, sales, and other offices nationwide donated blood in a week-long blood drive and pineapple-gifting event June 23–29.

"Dole was thrilled to again host a blood drive on National Pineapple Day as part of our mission to make the world a healthier place,” Bil Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications, told ANUK. “By aligning this giveback effort to a day that celebrates one of our signature products—pineapples are traditionally symbolic of hospitality, welcome, and kindness—we aim to increase awareness and participation, bringing our communities together for a vital health initiative.”

Every blood donor received a ripe DOLE Pineapple, and Dole is also donating the fruit to residents in its communities, according to an announcement from the company. Dole's 2024 goal was to double the number of pints of blood donated in 2023.

“This event not only highlights our dedication to promoting health and wellness but also reinforces the positive impact we strive to make beyond our products,” Goldfield continued. “We invite everyone to join us in giving and making a difference."

As giving initiatives continue throughout the year, ANUK will be here to report.

SPRINGDALE, AR - It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Roger Collins, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Harps Food Stores, on July 1, 2024.

His illustrious career with Harps began in 1986, where he started as Vice President of Finance. From the beginning, Collins proved that he would be an integral part of the retail’s strategy. In fact, in 2001, Harps transitioned from being family-owned to employee-owned under his guidance.

Collins led the retailer through its first 15 years of employee ownership as he then stepped into the role of Chairman and CEO. According to a release, his tenure was marked by remarkable growth and success, with the number of locations expanding from 42 to 82 and sales increasing by 110 percent.

For those who knew him, Collins will be remembered for his competitive spirit, his passion for excellence, integrity, and a people-first approach.

Our thoughts and prayers are extended to all affected by Roger Collins' passing.

FRESNO, CA - California Fresh Fruit Association recently released a statement in regard to Governor Newsom’s enactment of legislation to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).

“CFFA is grateful that the coalition was able to come together and reach a solution to the scourge of PAGA lawsuits. Far too many ag employers have been on the receiving end of these shakedown lawsuits and have spent millions of their hard-earned dollars in attorney fees to make them go away. This reform effort helps protect employers and employees," commented President Daniel Hartwig.

A press release noted that the association is proud to have been a partner in the Fix PAGA Coalition, as this new state law will make significant improvements to how PAGA cases are handled in California.

The release went on to note that the PAGA Reform agreement was reached in a collaborative effort by the Newsom Administration, legislative leaders, labor advocates, and the Fix PAGA Coalition.

The legislative package will ensure employees are able to bring forth labor claims and receive fair compensation, while limiting lawsuits that ultimately hurt employers and their workforce.

ANUK will continue to report on legislation as it pertains to the industry.

ANAHEIM, CA - Retailers, are you getting ready for the summer’s Olympics? Frieda’s sure is as it looks to revive a successful produce strategy. The produce company debuted its ready-to-eat crêpes over 40 years ago, seeing a boost in sales by strategically placing them in the produce aisle next to fresh summer berries. This year, the company is utilizing Olympic fervor with a unique campaign appropriately featuring the French-style crêpes in new packaging with Olympics-themed stickers.

"Designed to appeal to national and regional retailers, buyers, merchandisers, and produce department professionals, these crêpes promise to bring a taste of France to consumers across the country," shared Alex Jackson, Vice President of Sales and Procurement.

Frieda’s has also elevated in-store merchandising with a two-tier, French bakery-inspired display for the produce department. The company encourages retailers to hang these displays on or near the berry case, as hooks are included. Consider also bringing in other items from the store, such as whipped cream and dessert toppings, a release stated.

Committed to a legacy of revolutionizing the fresh produce approach, Frieda’s noted how cross-merchandising crêpes and berries allowed retailers to witness an effortless increase in sales.

This is the perfect opportunity to capitalize on French-themed foods to pair with the summer Olympics, as well as the availability of fresh summer fruits and berries that make easy and tasty fillings, and an easy cart topper.

For more fun summer foods, check with ANUK daily.