MILFORD, CT - Hot on the heels of Chipotle and Taco Bell, Subway is the latest restaurant chain to revamp its menu with all-natural ingredients.
Over the next 18 months, Subway will remove artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives from its menu, including sandwiches, salads, soups, sauces, and cookies, according to Bloomberg Business.
The changes come at a time when more restaurant chains are opting for more natural alternatives to meet consumer desires to understand what they are eating. Tony Pace, Subway’s Chief Marketing Officer, noted these changing customer attitudes in an interview with the New York Post.
“As their expectations go up, we have to meet those expectations,” he said.
According to the Post, Pace went on to say that using simple ingredients is becoming a “necessary condition” to satisfy customers, but it won’t be enough on its own to drive up sales.
Last year, Subway sales for stores in the U.S. averaged $475,000 each, a 3 percent decline from the previous year, according to industry tracker Technomic.
Technomic analyst and Executive Vice President Darren Tristano told the Post that while older generations looked at nutritional stats such as fat and calories, younger generations are more concerned with qualities like “local,” “organic,” and “natural.”
“Change has come so fast and rapidly, consumers are just expecting more and more,” Tristano told the Post.
Reinforcing Pace’s statements, Elizabeth Stewart, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Subway, said, “We are committed to choice and quality, but we also take wellness and environmental responsibility very seriously. The new menu items we are introducing are perfect examples of how we plan to continuously improve to serve our customers.”
For example, Stewart said that the chain has most recently removed caramel color from cold cuts such as roast beef and ham, and will also be switching to banana peppers colored with turmeric instead of the artificial dye Yellow No. 5, the Post reports.
With the recent spur of restaurant chains going all-natural, I have to wonder… Who’s next?
EUROPE - With the possibility of an Ahold/Delhaize merger on the horizon, new reports are stating that the Dutch CEO of Delhaize Group, Frans Muller, could be leading the combined company. According to DutchNews.nl, this information was provided by Petercam analyst Fernand de Boer.
In the report, de Boer notes that Ahold’s Chief Executive Dick Boer will transition to President of the Supervisory Board and believes Ahold will pay €40 to €245 a share plus 2.5 to 3 Ahold shares for the Belgian company, according to the Financieele Dagblad reports.
As we previously reported, Delhaize and Ahold announced that they were in merger talks and are now reportedly aiming to have a deal struck as soon as the end of this month.
In response to a complaint by Dutch investor union VEB on behalf of a group of small shareholders, Ahold said it would ultimately explain the timing of its disclosure of talks between the company and Delhaize that was announced in May, according to MarketWatch. VEB requested a meeting with Ahold's board of Directors today, to address investor concerns about a potential leaking of information which may have impacted the company's share price.
VEB spokesman Eroll Keyner told Dow Jones Newswire, "We do not ask for information about the nature and status of the talks. Just a clear explanation, why the preliminary talks were not confirmed sooner.”
On Saturday May 9th, rumors of preliminary merger talks between the retailers were published in local media which gave them essentially two days to confirm before Monday morning markets opened, VEB said.
Ahold and Delhaize had waited until Tuesday May 12th to confirm the talks, after Ahold's share price went up 5.5% to 18.18 euros on Monday May 11th, having closed at EUR17.23 on Friday May 8, VEB said, according to MarketWatch. Ahold shares moved up another 3% to EUR18.78 after confirmation, at the opening of the market on Tuesday May 12th.
"Shareholders may have been disadvantaged by this late disclosure, for instance those who sold their Ahold shares on Monday," Mr. Keyner said.
The merger would combine about 6,600 stores and about $68.5 billion in sales and could also create a top 20 global retailer, with footholds in Europe and the U.S.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow the merger talks between Ahold and Delhaize.
CHICAGO, IL - PakSense, Inc., provider of continuous environmental monitoring solutions, is unveiling its new AutoSense Facility Monitoring, launched in conjunction with PakSense strategic partner Controlant. This system monitors temperatures in stationary areas such as storage and processing facilities, walk-in coolers and freezers, and cold cases, according to a press release. The wireless system uses gateways that connect to the Cloud using cellular connectivity.
“There is minimal impact on existing networks with this drop-in cellular system,” said David Oster, CEO at PakSense. “AutoSense Facility also proactively alerts users of temperature excursions via email or text and provides automated compliance reporting."
Additionally, PakSense’s AutoSense Facility Monitoring has also been named a finalist for the United Fresh 2015 New Product Awards for Best New Food Safety Solution.
This new innovation utilizes fixed wireless (RF 915MHz) sensors that communicate continuously with a gateway ensuring that all data is uploaded to the centralized cloud database where proactive out-of-range alerts and reports are automatically generated and delivered.
All gateways include a 10-hour battery backup that keeps the system live in the event of a power failure, as part of the self-auditing watchdog system. In addition, the system is extensible and easily upgraded and the same gateways used in facility monitoring can be leveraged as part of an outbound temperature monitoring program providing continuous visibility within the supply chain.
If you haven't visited them yet, check out booth #2019 at the United Fresh convention before the show is over to check out the company’s latest innovation, AutoSense Facility Monitoring.
PORTERVILLE, CA - Welcome to What’s In Store.
Homegrown Organic Farms, one of the largest growers and marketers of organic blueberries in the U.S., is excited to announce its high-quality, season-long supply of fresh organic blueberries from California and Oregon, as well as a stonefruit program ready to delight consumers’ palates.
As one of the few organic growers that controls its produce from the field to the shipping dock, Homegrown Organic Farms prides itself on having a cutting-edge varietal selection for organic blueberries that hold high flavor and quality characteristics.
Homegrown Organics has seen double-digits for blueberry growth in multiple national accounts, and it’s ready to meet the increasing demand. Driven by factors like increased consumer consumption, excellent industry innovation, and sustained high quality, organic blueberries are an extremely hot topic.
And within a 15 mile radius of Homegrown Organic Farms’ packing facility in Kingsburg, California, the company has orchards offering a full line of organic stonefruit, provided fresh off the branch all season long.
Customers can expect a steady supply of premium organic peaches, nectarines, plums, and pluots from May through mid-August, with Homegrown Organic's first commercial crop of DulceVida stonefruit varieties expected to be harvested next year.
Organics is what they do, and they do it well, making Homegrown Organic Farms a name its customers recognize and trust. So keep an eye out for those flavorful, homegrown, organic blueberries and stonefruits on store shelves this summer.
Thank you for watching What’s In Store.
WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt Growers is introducing its long-awaited Skylar Rae® brand of cherries in select markets this week.
Grown and marketed exclusively by Stemilt Growers, the Tip Top cherry cultivar is a bi-colored cherry with a firm texture and flavor profile that the company says makes it “The sweetest cherry you’ll ever eat™.”
West Mathison, President of Stemilt, acknowledged the one-of-a-kind, dessert eating experience of this cherry, noting its naturally sweet flavor.
“[Skylar Rae® cherries] are both extremely firm and sweet, with naturally high sugar levels that make it the sweetest cherry on the market,” he said. “Though volumes are limited in 2015, we are very excited to start introducing Skylar Rae® cherries to consumers, and look forward to increased volumes as trees come into production in the years to come.”
Measuring in at 23-25 brix, Skylar Rae® cherries contain the highest sugar content of any sweet cherry on the market, according to the company.
Discovered by chance in a Wenatchee, WA orchard in 2005 by the Toftness family, the new cherry was named after the heartbreaking loss of their infant daughter, Skylar Rae Toftness. Because of the timing of the discovery and events that surrounded it, the family knew this cherry was a rare gift from nature meant to honor their daughter.
Stemilt will market Skylar Rae® cherries in two packages during its short, four-week season from mid-June to mid-July: a convenient 1.25-pound pouch bag, and a smaller 1-pound clamshell. This will be the third sweet cherry SKU to have its own PLU number (3448), joining dark-sweet and Rainier.
Stop by Stemilt’s booth #1456 at United Fresh 2015 or check out the show’s Featured Product Showcase to get your first look at this latest cherry variety.
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - Toronto’s competitive retail market may be getting a new player in the near future if upscale Italian eatery, Eataly, gets its way. This eclectic and diverse food lovers’ wonderland is said to be eyeing prominent Toronto locations for its first Canadian restaurants-and-store emporium, according to The Globe and Mail.
“We really want to come to Toronto,” said Adam Saper, Managing Partner and CFO at Eataly’s U.S. unit. “We are looking to make a deal.”
Saper confirmed last month that Eataly has teamed with Canada’s Weston family business, which owns Canadian luxury chain Holt Renfrew & Co., to help scout for the best place to lay Eataly’s roots.
Locations near the Holts Bloor Street West flagship store in the Yorkville area, have been visited, the publication notes.
Eataly was founded by Oscar Farinetti in Turin, Italy, in 2007 and has grown its footprint to encompass 10 stores in Italy, one in Istanbul, one in Dubai, one in Sao Paulo and 13 in Japan. In the U.S., the company has a flagship location in New York and one in Chicago. So, if you are in Chicago for United Fresh 2015, take a trip to this amazing locale and experience the high-quality flavors, food and drink that the company is known for.
As we previously reported, Los Angeles, California is also slated to receive an Eataly location.
Saper noted his surprise at the extent of Italian food sophistication in Toronto when he began familiarizing himself with the market a handful of years back. The company also has a joint venture with the Weston family to launch a food hall at its luxury Selfridges department store in London.
For more coverage of Eataly’s international expansion plans, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
GUADALUPE, CA - Apio is introducing new salad kits to meet the demand for alternative protein options. The company’s single-serve Plant-Powered Protein™ Salad Kits come in three different varieties: BBQ Ranch, Super Caesar, and Yogurt Curry.
BBQ Ranch
BBQ Ranch combines julienned cauliflower, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, kale, and carrots with chia seeds, roasted soy nuts, slivered almonds, and crunchy freeze-dried corn. It contains no preservatives, no meat, and is gluten-free, with a tangy BBQ Ranch dressing on top.
Super Caesar
Super Caesar blends nutritionally-packed collard greens, Italian kale, red chard, broccoli stalk, and savoy cabbage with chia seeds, sunflower seeds, dried roasted edamame, parmesan cheese, and a classic Caesar dressing.
Yogurt Curry
Yogurt curry infuses a popular trend in ethnic-inspired cuisine with the nutritional benefits of hearty vegetables and plant proteins. The kit features julienned cauliflower, kale, carrots, multicolor kale, and green cabbage along with chia seeds, roasted chickpeas, slivered almonds, golden raisins, and a deliciously unique Yogurt Curry dressing.
Available this month from Eat Smart®, Each Plant-Powered Protein™ Salad Kit contains 40 percent or more of the recommended daily value of fiber and contains at least 13 grams of protein per serving.
James Caldwell, a beloved produce industry maven, sadly passed away at the age of 73 on June 8, 2015.
Kind and compassionate, James’ passion for produce and love for the business goes without saying. For thirty-five years, James worked across a broad range of companies, including United Produce, Harbor Banana, Associated Grocers, and Amex Distributing. Together with his son John, the current VP of Sales for Phoenix Vision Produce, he opened his own produce brokerage company called Caldwell Enterprises and enjoyed the success until he retired in 2005.
Born in Houston, Texas, James came with his family to Peoria, AZ in 1954, where he remained until his passing. Both an avid soccer fan and fly fisherman, James enjoyed spending time with his family and mentored new transplant recipients after he himself received a heart transplant in 1990.
James is survived by his loving wife, Donna Jean of 52 years, his sons, John (wife Wendy), Bill (wife Anje), four grandchildren (Charlotte, Emma, Sutton, and Ella), and two sisters, Mary and Ginger.
A memorial service will be held at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 East Pinnacle Peak Road, on Friday, June 12, 2015 at 3 pm. A reception will follow on site.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in the name of James Caldwell can be made to Hospice of the Valley or The Donor Network of Arizona.
AndNowUKnow would like to take this time to offer our sincere condolences to the Caldwell family and friends in this difficult time.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Giumarra recently promoted its Nature’s Partner eat brighter!™-labeled watermelons, featuring Oscar the Grouch, at Grocery Outlet’s “Freshtival.”
The event, which was held June 5-7 in select regional stores serviced by Portland-based United Salad, encouraged visitors to increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Grocery Outlet has been committed to the eat brighter! program since its inception, using Sesame Street characters in our print ad circulars and supporting suppliers such as Giumarra who have actively promoted this program through packaging and displays,” said Don Murphy, Director of Produce and Floral for Grocery Outlet. “We look forward to working with our partners Giumarra and United Salad as we continue to educate our consumers on the benefits of eating fresh, healthy meals.”
During the event, staff provided kids with eat brighter! melon coloring pages, courtesy of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and Sesame Workshop. These pages are designed to encourage produce consumption by featuring a three-week chart for kids to color in a fruit or vegetable they eat every day, according to a press release.
“We believe the eat brighter! program is a fun and educational way to connect kids with the importance of eating fresh produce,” said Kellee Harris, Western Region Business Manager for Giumarra. “Grocery Outlet and United Salad are committed to this program and we look forward to future promotions to continue carrying the eat brighter! message to families and their children nationwide.”
Giumarra offers Sesame Street eat brighter! packaging on watermelons, grapes, and blueberries, and plans to expand the line this fall with additional commodities.
NEW ZEALAND - This month, more than 400 McDonald’s Mexico restaurants will be serving Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit in Happy Meals in a world-first partnership for the New Zealand-based company.
“Mexico is a sophisticated fruit market and consumers have responded really positively to the sweet tropical taste of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit,” Carol Ward, Zespri’s General Manager, said in a press release. “Mexico is a relatively undeveloped market for Zespri; we’re forecasting sales volumes of around 750,000 trays in Mexico this season, up 50 percent from last season.”
Ward also stated that this partnership will result in sales of more than 1 million pieces of kiwifruit.
“McDonald’s in Mexico is searching for suppliers that are governed by and adopt our high standards of hygiene and quality; for us, the fact that we are incorporating products such as kiwifruit into our range of options is synonymous with evolution and our commitment to Mexican society,” said Felix Ramírez, Director of Corporate Communication for McDonald’s Mexico.
Every McDonald’s Mexico Happy Meal will include one Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit and spife, a combination spoon-knife to cut and scoop. Additionally, Zespri will promote the partnership via a SunGold advertisement will play on McTV in McDonald’s stores.
Up to 8,000 of McDonald’s Mexico’s staff members will receive training on Zespri and SunGold.
“This marketing partnership is a great step toward establishing both our brand and gold kiwifruit, which is largely unknown in this region, to families across Mexico,” continued Ward. “This is part of a broader strategy to introduce our new premium product and its powerful health benefits to new markets around the world.”
With more than tens of thousands of Happy Meals sold across Mexico every day, this looks to be a prosperous partnership between Zespri and McDonald’s. Time will tell if more suppliers follow suit.