OXNARD, CA – Following the recent trend of organic produce expansion, Deardorff Family Farms is adding kales, chards, and butter lettuces to its line-up from the Salinas Valley.
This week in Salinas kicked off the first harvest of bunch items, including Red, Green, and Black kales, as well as Red, Green, and Rainbow Chards. Luke Patruno of the company's Organics Sales team says. “We’ve had tremendously great success with the addition of Organic Kales & Chards. These increased offerings in Salinas along with continuing in full swing at our Oxnard location allows our customers flexibility and convenience.”
The new program is an addition to the partnership between the Deardorff and the Bunn families – who are both 4th generation growers with over seventy years of farming experience. The company’s full line-up of items now includes Romaine, green leaf, red leaf, red butter lettuce, green butter lettuce, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, and the new bunching items.
Organic cauliflower and broccoli are in its third week of harvest, with steady production and quality, according to a press release. The cauliflower is offered in 9, 12, and 16 count packs, while the broccoli is offered in 14 count packs. These items will be available through June, taking a summer break and starting up again from September through November.
“Organics continues to be a growth segment for our company and having the opportunity to work with outstanding growers like the Bunns allows us to meet our customers’ demand for high quality, consistent supply of Deardorff Organics products,” said Deardorff President Tom Deardorff, II.
Red and green butter lettuce are two new offers joining the leaf items in Salinas this year. Harvest will begin early May, along with the Romaine, Green and Red Leaf lettuces, with lettuces available from early May through September.
BOISE, ID - AB Acquisition LLC, parent company of Albertsons and Safeway Inc., has announced that Bob Miller will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The prior CEO, Robert Edwards, will continue on with the company as Vice Chairman.
"As CEO of Safeway, Robert made tough decisions that led to significant improvements in Safeway's shareholder value and positioning the company for the future," said Miller. "The last year has been a time of great change for our companies, and we appreciate Robert's leadership during this critical time.”
Edwards, who will now be providing counsel to the Board and the organization on key strategic and integration matters, said, "It's been a privilege to work with Bob and our teams as we've brought these companies together, and I'm extremely proud of the work we've completed and the foundation we've created for the future. We've made significant strides in the time since the merger has closed, and I feel comfortable turning my focus to other matters that will be of the best benefit to the company."
Albertsons also announced further restructuring of its executive leadership team and introduced the “Office of the CEO.” The new office will support the day-to-day operations of the company's 14 divisions and 2,200 stores.
In addition to Miller, the Office of the CEO will be comprised of the following executives:
Wayne Denningham, Chief Operating Officer for all of the company's regions
Denningham began his career with Albertsons, Inc. in 1977, and has since assumed his current role overseeing operations for the South Region at the Safeway transaction close in January 2015.
Justin Dye, Chief Administrative Officer
Dye joined Albertsons LLC in 2006, and in February 2015, he was appointed Chief Administrative Officer with responsibility for Information Technology, Supply Chain, Corporate Development, Real Estate, and Integration Management.
Shane Sampson, Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer
Sampson built his career with Albertsons Inc., working his way up through the company's ranks, culminating in serving as President of both the Florida & Intermountain Divisions and in January 2015, was appointed Executive Vice President of Marketing & Merchandising.
Jim Perkins and Kelly Griffith will continue to serve as Executive Vice Presidents of Operations for the company's regions and will now report to Denningham.
CUPERTINO, CA - The watch that some questioned as being overpriced sold out within six hours of being available for pre-order.
Last Friday people reportedly flooded Apple stores to try on the flashy yet technological accessory. And while they aren’t due to ship until April 24, the orders are already backlogged for 37 of the 38 models, according to an NBC News report, adding an additional six weeks of anticipation to anyone who ordered them.
The marketing strategy for Apple’s latest product appears to be, as far as product launches go, a complete success.
For weeks speculations have gone back and forth between the desire for the latest in technology and the practicality of the price range. The watches range in price from $350 to $17,000 for all audiences, available in varying styles. This has sparked comparisons with high-rolling timepieces like Rolex, but with the added benefits of features like tracking your heart rate, taking calls, and viewing messages via text or email.
Plus they're just so cool looking.
Taking all these features added together and placing them next to a watch that costs thousands of dollars, which though very appealing to look at is still only a watch, suddenly that high price doesn’t seem so high.
So while some might think the gap in price range was too wide, or the aspirations for Apple’s latest accessory too high, the results are that the available merchandise was snatched before it even hit the proverbial shelves. This particular selling strategy might be one to remember.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Trade Commission is now pointing to 32 cities around the country as reasons to block the merger, arguing that it would give Sysco a monopoly or near monopoly in those markets.
As we’ve previously reported, the FTC has filed a lawsuit to block the $8.2 billion Sysco/US Foods merger. The merger had been scheduled to go through in March, though Sysco and US Foods have agreed to put it on pause until it gets a ruling in the U.S. District Court case. That ruling is expected to come this summer, according to news source the Democrat & Chronicle.
According to the FTC, post-merger Sysco would have a huge market share, particularly in a number of local markets around the country. A post-merger Sysco would have 57 percent of the Rochester market share, and in most of the 31 other metro areas pointed to by the FTC, Sysco's market share could be anywhere from 69 percent in Tampa to a shocking 100 percent in San Diego.
In a statement when the FTC filed its administrative complaint in February, Debbie Feinstein, Director of the Federal Agency's Bureau of Competition, said the Sysco takeover "would eliminate significant competition in the marketplace and create a dominant national broadline food service distributor. Consumers across the country, and the businesses that serve them, benefit from the healthy competition between Sysco and US Foods, whether they eat at a restaurant, hotel, or a hospital."
A number of states have also agreed to join the FTC in its fight, according to the Democrat & Chronicle. These states include:
- Maryland
- Illinois
- Iowa
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Ohio
- Nebraska
- Virginia
- Minnesota
- Pennsylvania
- California
Sysco and US Foods have both called the FTC argument "ill-conceived." US Foods has said the merged company would be a more robust, efficient and effective competitor to the thousands of other food service distributors and wholesalers ... and that customers would directly benefit from the merger.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow the Sysco and US Foods merger.
FORT VALLEY, GA - After a tumultuous winter season nation-wide, Georgia is looking to make the summer of 2015 a peachy one.
Georgia Peach season is approaching, and the company stated the produce responded well to being exposed to 1,200 hours under 40 degrees, reportedly yielding some sweet results.
“We’re so fortunate to have inherited the land that our great-great-grandfathers planted in Georgia over 140 years ago. The geography always produces the most flavorful, juicy peaches,” Duke Lane III, President of the Georgia Peach Council, said in a press release. “Combined with an optimum number of chill hours, the ridiculously hot expected summer temperatures are helping this season shape up to look like one of the sweetest.”
After a well-rested stretch of “beauty sleep” weather, the company says that the sweltering heat that approaches will be the perfect combination for the peaches. According to the release, growers are anticipating the first wave of the “quintessential summertime fruit” to be here the week of May 18.
Coming varieties include the Flavorich, due to arrive around Memorial Day, all the way through to the August Prince which will arrive in late August. Retailers around the country and shoppers who anticipate Georgia Peaches will have their first bite soon.
How fast can you read?
Like the saying goes, time is of the essence. That’s why we’ve recently introduced the new Speed Read feature for mobile devices to help you read content quickly and with less effort.
This feature is currently only available for mobile devices. If you're viewing this article on a desktop computer, you won't be able to use it.
What Is It?
The Speed Read feature lessens the amount of time it takes for your eyes to move from word to word. By flashing one word at a time and highlighting a letter of each word, our eyes stay focused on the same area.
If you are on mobile, try it out: Tap the “Speed Read” tab above any article and set your pace. The average adult reads at about 300 words per minute. Try starting there and moving your way up!
How Does It Work?
Traditional reading methods require our eyes to constantly move back and forth. This movement is known as a “saccade.” It’s a laborious, automatic process that wastes time spent moving from word to word. Decreasing the number of times your eyes are moving helps you read content more efficiently.
It might be a bit uncomfortable using it for the first time, but when we’re spending more time swiping across our smartphone screens to get to the information as opposed to reading it all in a single convenient window, we think you’ll agree that it’s pretty useful - especially if you're looking to get a smartwatch in the near future!
Let us know what you think about the new Speed Read feature by e-mailing [email protected] or by voting in the survey below.
READING, ENGLAND - There’s a new broccoli variety in town, and eating it could drop your cholesterol by quite a bit.
While not exactly new, as it has been in markets for a few years, it's definitely new-ish. And new-ish was enough to get the attention of the University of Reading.
The broccoli variety, currently being called Beneforté, was recently used in two independent studies run by the University of Reading in the United Kingdom that claim it can reduce blood LDL-cholesterol levels by as much as 6%.
Beneforté broccoli is the result of over 10 years of cross-pollination and selection, and combines the most desirable attributes of commercial broccoli and a wild broccoli variety found in southern Italy. This wild broccoli, related to the familiar broccoli we eat today, has a increased ability to produce phytonutrients such as glucoraphanin.
The key to Beneforté is that it was bred to contain two to three times more glucoraphanin, which is thought to help our bodies increase cellular metabolism.
According to a report provided by the University of Reading, researchers gave volunteers 400g of the high glucoraphanin broccoli per week. And after 12 weeks, LDL-cholesterol was lowered by an average of 6%.
With LDL cholesterol being a recognized as a risk factor for heart disease, any reduction could be seen as a victory.
Beneforté is already being sold in some supermarkets, so keep an eye-out for this next possible superfood.
SALINAS, CA - NewStar Fresh Foods welcomes Tim Meissner, the former VP of Sales and Marketing for Amerifresh. The company is also promoting Mark Solis and Antonio Ojeda to management positions.
Meissner’s over 16 years of experience in the produce supply chain will be a valuable asset as NewStar is seeking to grow its market share in the specialty vegetable arena. His responsibilities will include sales, business project strategy, new product line development, and brand marketing. Along with his work for Amerifresh, Meissner has also been COO of Southern Specialties, VP of Sales at River Ranch Fresh Foods, and Corporate Produce Manager at SUPERVALU.
John Killeen, VP of Sales for NewStar said, “Tim is a perfect fit for New Star’s strategic blueprint. His in depth knowledge of the business, from both a buying and selling perspective, coupled with his operational background will serve the company well as we aggressively grow our brand."
Meissner is a graduate of Montana State University with a degree in Business Marketing and Psychology and will work out of the Phoenix and Salinas offices.
Mark Solis’ promotion to Inside Sales Manager was also announced. Mark Solis has extensive experience in commodity management, transportation, and customer service and has previously worked for Tanimura & Antle, and Church Brothers.
Mark was most recently an Inside Sales Executive with NewStar, and the company says he has demonstrated the skill sets necessary to lead a highly focused team on providing our customers with the service levels necessary to insure their supply and needs. Mark will be responsible for the day to day sales activities within NewStar.
Antonio Ojeda was promoted to Commodity Group Manager. He will now have oversight on all commodity management processes throughout the company.
“Antonio has developed a strong relationship with all groups responsible for our program and works very closely with our great team in Mexico,” says Anthony Vasquez, VP Business Operations for NewStar.
These promotions are both newly created positions within the company, according to a press release.
SANTA MARIA, CA - Kalettes® will be presented at StarChefs.com’s Rising Stars Revue in Boston on April 15 through April 16, 2015. The curious kale and brussels sprouts hybrid will be highlighted in a private honorees dinner on the first night and a tasting gala, and approximately 500 people on the second night.
StarChefs.com is the award-winning restaurant industry trends magazine and its Rising Stars Revue showcases up-and-coming chefs and culinary professionals spearheading the American dining scene. These chefs and culinary professionals are recognized based on creativity, ambition, exquisite presentation and delicious food, according to a press release.
“We’re very excited to be at the Rising Stars Revue because it’s an opportunity for us to introduce Kalettes to foodservice industry professionals,” said Kraig Kuykendall, Sales Manager of Tozer Seeds America, the company behind Kalettes. “Our goal is to begin a dialogue and engage with these professionals who are at the forefront of the foodservice industry and influence food trends with consumers.”
Tozer Seeds has exclusive marketing agreements with select companies to grow and market Kalettes to create a consistent name and brand identity, which would allow consumers to easily recognize this new vegetable.
The companies who have entered into the marketing agreement include:
- 4Earth Farms
- Classic Salads
- Mann Packing
- Ocean Mist Farms
- Southern Specialties
- WP Rawl
Kalettes are the brainchild of more than a decade of research by Tozer Seeds. The hybrid veggie offers a fusion of both sweet and nutty, combining the most likable traits of each of its parent vegetables. Kalettes were developed by cross-pollinating brussels sprouts with kale through traditional methods, and are not genetically modified.
As part of the agreement, Kalettes seeds will be sold by Johnny’s Selected Seeds to small farmers and homegrowers.
Donald (Don) S. Perkins, pioneer of the dual grocery store-drugstore format and a cultivator of leaders, passed away in his home last week at the age of 88.
Don was the CEO of Jewel, now Jewel-Osco, for ten years, though he was with the company for almost 30 years. During that time he was involved in several acquisitions, including Osco Drug in 1961, Boston-based Star Market in 1964 and Pacific Northwest grocer Buttrey in 1966, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Strongly believing and promoting the idea of a marriage between grocery and drug stores, he oversaw the launch of the Jewel-owned convenience store chain White Hen Pantry, as well as the company’s 1980 acquisition of the Sav-on Drugs California pharmacy chain.
"That became a very powerful engine for Jewel," Richard G. Cline, former Jewel Chairman and CEO, said in the report. "The trade term was 'combo stores,' and it was a great strength of Jewel. It was a kind of convenience retailing where a consumer could get a lot done in one visit. There was a great degree of complementarity of people shopping for food and people shopping for merchandise — not only drugs and cosmetics but certain items and general merchandise and in particular, seasonal items."
According to Richard, Don’s other passion was people. In fact, he developed a bench of leaders who later went on to take top positions at various companies.
"Don had great faith in people and was willing to take risks with them and give them challenges to help them grow and move as far along as they could," Richard said.
Keeping his promise to only serve a decade as CEO, Don stepped down from his position with the company in 1980. Upon retiring, he explained to the Chicago Tribune:
"I get asked all the time, 'How can you leave Jewel and retire at this time?'” Don said back in 1983. "I could have stayed on until I was 65, but we would have lost a generation of management and spent too much time building good management. One of my favorite lines is: I can show you a company hurt more by someone staying too long than by someone staying too short."
And he did so much in the short time he stayed. During his time in the chair, Don oversaw several successful initiatives to push Jewel’s growth, including unit pricing and open dating of perishable items and helping the company to be the first grocer to offer generic foods.
Of course he couldn’t stay too still. After reaching the age for mandatory retirement on the boards of some large public companies he was serving, Don continued to dabble in business by serving on the advisory boards of a few smaller firms that had no age limits.
In 2008, Don co-wrote a memoir with his daughter entitled, "A Calm Temperament Expectant of Good." His first wife, Phyllis, passed in 1983. He is survived by his second wife, Jane; another daughter, Susan; a stepson, Frank Phillips; a stepdaughter, Elizabeth Phillips-Sorich; a brother, Bob; a sister, Joan Gerrard; seven grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
A memorial and celebration of his life will take place at 3 p.m. May 16 at Shoreacres, 1601 Shore Acres Road, Lake Bluff.
AndNowUKnow would like to offer our sincere condolences to Don’s family, friends, and all affected by this loss.