PLEASANTON, CA - Jeff Knight has joined the Edge/CMC Sales & Marketing team as it’s new Vice President of Sales - Northwest.
“Edge has always been a leader in my eyes when it comes to working in the produce industry, representing their brands and partnering with retailers to help grow the business,” Knight said in a press release. “Edge/CMC has a high level of professionalism, passion and dedication to the products they represent. These attributes were the main factors in making me want to join Edge/CMC and their family of vendors.”
Knight brings a plethora of industry experience after almost 30 years at Safeway. Beginning as a store courtesy clerk before he attended the University of Berkeley, he spent 15 years at store level working his way up to produce clerk, then assistant produce manager, to produce manager, and working most recently as Category Director.
According to the press release, the company is sure Knight’s produce experience and expertise in brand and category management, as well as retail merchandising will be a strong introduction as Edge/CMC enters new geography and adds to its well-established reputation in the Produce Sales and Marketing industry.
“We are extremely excited to expand our business into the Northwest,” Brad Raffanti, Edge/CMC Northern Region President, said in the release. “Jeff gives us the professionalism, skills sets and experience needed to lead the team in this new venture. With this addition, we will now be able to best represent our client needs throughout the Western Region with Albertsons/Safeway, corporately and in their local markets, as well as the independent retailers and distributors.”
While he has been a Regional Director for the northern California, Seattle, Portland, and Dominick’s division, as well as Regional Manager for the Seattle division, Knight will actually be relocating to the Seattle area for the new Vice President position.
Knight also commented that he has a strong passion when working with many different people of the industry, making Edge/CMC perfect for him to continue such work. He reportedly looks forward to building on new and current relationships and adding value to the business in an industry filled with passionate and motivated people.
DELTA, BC - Village Farms International has announced its financial results for the year ended and Q4 2014. While the overall 2014 results were down from last year, net sales for Q4 2014 increased by $3,028, or 10% to $34,766.
"While improved pricing positively impacted our fourth quarter financial performance, we are disappointed with our overall 2014 operating results,” says Michael DeGiglio, Chief Executive Officer. “Many of the positive initiatives implemented in 2014, which had tangible positive contributions, were concealed by poor pricing. We remain unwavering in our objectives to deliver a return to pre-hail storm financial results in 2015."
The report offers that the increase in net sales is primarily due to an increased average selling price for tomatoes of 13%, an increase in pepper pounds sold of 37%, as well as an increase in cucumber pieces sold of 94%.
DeGiglio continued, "Market conditions strengthened for larger tomato products in the final quarter of 2014, which had experienced poor pricing during the prior quarters of the year. Year on year TOV pricing was down 16%, almost all of it emanating from product out of our Canadian operations, however commencing with the fourth quarter TOV pricing improved and was up 9% over the fourth quarter of 2013. As previously mentioned pricing in Canada eroded at the beginning of 2014 with certain Mexican suppliers circumventing the US government's suspension agreement, by shipping directly from Mexico to Canada and then back into the US. This action coupled with increased supply and softer demand continued through the third quarter."
Other highlights from the report include:
- Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014, decreased ($1,020) or (1%), to $136,615 compared to $137,635 for year end 2013.
- Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $3,367, or 3%, to $122,730 from $119,363 for year end 2013.
- Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2014, decreased
- EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased ($19,538) to $8,674 from $28,212 for year end 2013.
For all the latest industry financial news, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
ORLANDO, FL - Darden Restaurants have reported strong financial results for its third quarter 2015. Total sales for the company increased 6.9% to $1.73 billion. The company projects fourth quarter earnings to increase between 69% and 74%.
"We delivered solid improvement in our financial results this quarter thanks to the hard work our teams are doing to grow same-restaurant sales and control costs," said Darden CEO Gene Lee. "Our strategy of getting back to basics and elevating the food, service, and atmosphere in our restaurants in order to deliver the best possible guest experience is driving these sales and profitability improvements. I'm proud of the increased engagement and effort of our teams and the momentum we have created, but we still have progress to make.”
As far as individual restaurant sales go, here are the highlights:
Olive Garden
- Grew total sales by 3.0% to $957 million.
- Added nine net new restaurants
- Increased operating profit
LongHorn
- Grew total sales by 11.4% to $404 million
- Added 25 net new restaurants
- Increased operating profit
Specialty Restaurants
- Grew total sales by 14.7% to $367 million
- Added 16 net new restaurants
- Increased operating profit
Other highlights from the report include:
- Adjusted earnings per diluted share increased 39% to $0.99.
- On a GAAP basis, earnings per diluted share increased 55% to $1.01.
- Combined Darden comparable same-restaurant sales for the quarter were up 3.6%.
- Less severe winter weather was a positive factor for same-restaurant sales.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest industry financial news.
WATSONVILLE, CA - Classic Salads is looking to supplement the Spring Mix business at select restaurants with its new Nordic mixes Nordic Blend and Nordic Spring.
Featuring a distinct mix of four red and green baby lettuces, the Nordic Blend seeks to bring a uniquely fresh crisp and heartiness to any salad, according to the company. The Nordic Spring mix, on the other hand, harmonizes what restaurants love about spring mix and the new Nordic Blend.
The frill of the leaves bring a lift to salad plates, while the mixes themselves are light and fluffy, setting it apart from the traditional spring mix and adding versatility to this strong branch of the foodservice market. This also allows for savings in food costs, as the volume of the plat requires fewer ounces per serving.
According to Classic Salads, both new blends bring a fresh crunch with a sweet flavor. Nordic Blend and Nordic Spring are equally able to maintain their crispness under heartier, creamier dressings as opposed to being restricted to thinner options like vinaigrettes.
The two new Nordic salad flavors feature 4 hybrid varieties of Red Leaf, Green Leaf, Tango, and Lolla Rosa. They contain rich, colorful upscale presentation, as well as versatility for use in salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
For the latest in products and news happening in the industry, keep checking in with ANUK.
IRVINE, CA - Haggen is determined to open 100 stores in 100 days, and has hired the first five senior members of its Pacific Southwest leadership team to help lead the way.
This strong leadership team for Haggen Pacific Southwest is:
- Wendy Oliver, SVP, Operations. A former Vice President of the Southern California Division of Albertsons
- Chris Linskey, SVP, Marketing. A veteran of Vons, Linskey was most recently EVP, Sales, with Intelligent Clearing Network after working for Valassis and Catalina Interactive.
- Rich Winters, VP, Fresh foods. He was formerly VP of Sales and Business Development for Sun Pacific, Pasadena, Calif., and, before that, VP, Retail Merchandising and Marketing, for the Northern California Division of Safeway.
- Jaime Prager, VP, Center Store, who was formerly Director of Hispanic Category Management for Smart & Final, Los Angeles
- Melina Ranii, VP, Human Resources, formerly Director of Recruitment and Development for Trader Joe’s in Monrovia, Calif.
“Each of our leaders has extensive experience in the grocery business as well as professional and personal connections to the Southern California marketplace,” Bill Shaner, CEO of Haggen Pacific Southwest, said in a press release. “You couldn’t ask for a stronger group to lead our historic rollout of 100 stores in 100 days.”
The retail store opened its doors to the Southern California consumers on March 11 in Carlsbad, and now officially have three open locations in the region, with three more scheduled to open this week.
These new locations in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, Kern, and San Bernardino counties mark the first of 83 stores the company will acquire and convert in California before the first half of 2015 is over. And these conversions are taking place in record time. See below as a Haggen team converts an entire store to be ready and open for customers in 40 hours.
The race continues, as Haggen is scheduled to open its first Los Angeles location on March 24. As it continues this dynamic growth spurt, the company release also states that opportunities are available at the division office, located in Irvine, CA.
Once the acquisition is complete Haggen will have grown:
- From 18 stores to 164 stores.
- From 16 pharmacies to 106 pharmacies.
- From 2,000 employees to more than 10,000 employees.
- From a Pacific Northwest company with locations in Oregon and Washington to a major regional grocery chain with locations in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona.
According to the company, one to twelve stores will be converted each week in this record roll out.
RIVERSIDE, CA— Index Fresh Director of Sales John Dmytriw and Vice President of Sales Todd Elder have announced the addition of two new Account Managers to the company.
Bill Frank and Jessica Chavez have joined the Index Fresh family, according to a press release.
“Bill has extensive experience as a regional produce field merchandiser, and a field buyer for a major, national grocery chain,” Elder stated in the release. “As a previous produce buyer, he understands the stresses of bringing fresh produce in and improving company profits. Our buyers really relate to him with topics like our ripening programs and merchandising promotions.”
Dmytriw commented, “Jessica brings valuable experience to our team from previous produce account management including exporting. She is extremely organized in her work and understands the logistics issues we have in delivering a perishable fruit to our customers just in time.”
Originally from Denver, CO, Frank has moved back and forth between California and Arizona before finally settling down with a southern California produce wholesaler, packer and distribution company where he crossed paths with Index Fresh.
“I’ve bought avocados from Index Fresh and worked with Todd Elder and Debbie Willmann in the past,” Frank said in the release. “You can’t ask for a nicer group of people to work with. I feel fortunate to be at Index.”
Chavez, however, is a Riverside native. Crediting her mother with the organizational skills that she feels have furthered her career, Chavez previously managed retail chain produce accounts, including inventory control, logistics, and documentation for export certifications and inspections, according to the release.
“This is a great team to work with and I love their attitude of striving to exceed customer expectations every time,” Chavez said.
Chavez will manage some of the company’s top retail/foodservice accounts, nationwide, under the AvoTerra brand, and Frank will assist as Account Manager in managing top retail accounts for the company.
Overall, the company conveyed confidence in its latest additions and their success in their new roles.
AUSTIN, TX - Continuing the success of the South By Southwest (SXSW) music, tech and food festival, the now sold out Viva Fresh Produce Expo is only continuing to prove, “it’s going to be Austin.”
“For a first year show, it’s unbelievable that the show floor, Golf Tournament and the hotel are all sold out and we have a waiting list,” said Bret Erickson, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association when asked about the industry’s response to the next week’s Viva Fresh Expo. “We’re looking forward to launching our inaugural show with some wonderful Texas-style country music and delicious food.”
Embracing the sights, sounds, and electric buzz of SXSW, up-and-coming musicians and local award-winning chefs are invading the floors of the Viva Fresh Expo Hall to join the high profile buyers and grower/shippers from throughout Texas, Mexico, and neighboring Southwest U.S. states.
The expo is even taking the SXSW vibes one step further by getting one of Texas’ most buzzed about bands. Quoted by Billboard Magazine as “one of the rising stars in the Texas music scene,” the Cody Bryan Band will play at the Viva Fresh Expo’s Welcome reception on Friday, March 27 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Cody Bryan, a Texas native, has teamed up with bandmates Zach Lynch, Miles Barker, and Casey Conway to create rich country music, according to a press release.
Also during the expo’s opening reception, three chefs, from the Texas International Produce Associations’ home base in McAllen, will showcase their own signature dishes. Adam Cavazos and Jesse Castellon from their restaurant Spork, and Larry Delgado who owns the restaurants, House. Wine. & Bistro and SALT will be serving up a range of menu items from food trucks, which are iconographic of the Austin city scene.
Additionally, three Hilton staff chefs have partnered with the expo to create menu items that will feature produce grown in the southwest, Texas and Mexico, and resemble traditional southwest cuisine. These dishes will be featured at the Tex-Mex luncheon on Friday, March 27 and at the Expo Hall Luncheon on Saturday, March 28.
“This regional expo extends across international boundaries, connecting retailer and foodservice attendees with suppliers from Texas, the Southwest region, and Mexico in an intimate setting,” Jimmy Bassetti, President of J&D Produce and Chair of the Retailer/Foodservice Outreach Committee, commented. “With our goal to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, there will be a focus on health and wellness, making our VIVA Fresh Expo unique, resulting in an overwhelming, positive response.”
So remember, when you think produce, cuisine, and music, it’s going to be Austin.
LOS ANGELES, CA - California Governor Jerry Brown Jr. was joined by a bipartisan group from all over the state to announced the allotment of $1 billion in a detailed plan to aid drought relief. And according to the state, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
“This is just a down payment on our efforts to address the drought," Kevin de Leon, Democratic Senate Leader for Los Angeles, said, according to an L.A. Times report. "This is just the first round."
Other lawmakers in the group included Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen, Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, and Democratic Speaker of the Assembly Toni Atkins.
Tom Nassif, President and CEO of Western Growers, released a statement addressing the funding and Governor Brown’s resolve that the state will increasingly control, and restrict, water use.
Nassif clarified that restrictions already exist for California farmers and residents living in rural areas.
“Farmers bear the brunt of these restrictions,” Nassif said in the release. “Last year, 500,000 acres of highly productive farmland was left unplanted, and that number is expected to grow by as much as 40 percent this year. For the farm workers and others whose economic security is tied to California’s farms, water supply restrictions mean lost jobs and family stress. Last year, 17,000 farm jobs were lost due to water cuts, and this year the number will be higher.”
The proposal includes $272.7 million from the water bond approved last year by voters, which contains $7.5 billion for projects like water recycling and desalination.
According to the L.A. Times, a large bulk of the plan dedicates funding to infrastructure initiatives that won’t be completed any time soon, while millions will go towards providing food assistance and emergency drinking water to hard-hit communities.
$660 million would go to flood-control projects in the event of extreme weather events, funded with an almost 10-year-old bond that will expire next year. When questioned about taking flood-control measures to counteract a drought, according to the report, Gov. Brown replied, “With extreme weather events, you get drought. And then all of a sudden, when you’re all focused on drought, you can get massive storms that flood through these channels and overflow and cause havoc."
This is the fourth consecutive year that California is in a drought, and the second in a row that the government has responded with emergency measures. Gov. Brown acknowledged the true struggle of the situation, as well as the fact that it is unknown how long this will continue.
“We appreciate the intentions behind the emergency legislation announced today and we are grateful for the aid it might provide to some of the tens of thousands in our communities who are suffering,” Nassif said in his statement. “But real relief can only come from an end to this drought and the regulatory policies that have exacerbated it. We continue to watch helplessly as scarce water that could be stored south of the Delta is instead sent to the sea in the name of species protection, notwithstanding the fact that through both wet and dry periods this has failed to halt the decline of the very same species.”
While Western Growers appreciate a clear attempt and something being done, the association hopes for both parties of legislation to shield farm workers, farmers, and the San Joaquin Valley (which received no water delivery this year, according to the statement) from regulatory overreach.
For now, this could only be the beginning. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to keep you up to date on this developing story.
NEW YORK, NY - Sysco Corp. and US Foods Inc. are continuing their fight to get the Federal Trade Commission to reveal the 92 declarants who contributed to the agency’s suit against their planned $3.5 billion merger. Sysco and US Foods filed a motion in a Washington, D.C. federal district court on March 6 asking the judge to publicize the names, which the FTC quickly opposed.
“Now that plaintiffs have emerged from their ex parte investigation and chosen to make the declarations an element of their case, they should not be permitted to hide this evidence and further impede Sysco and US Foods’ defense,” said the defendants’ in their supporting reply brief.
According to Law360, making the names public is particularly important following FTC’s requested expedited fact discovery, Sysco and US Foods say.
“Defendants are left to build their defense in the dark,” the Sysco/US Foods brief continues. “If [the FTC and several state plaintiffs] want the court to consider witness testimony, then defendants must have a meaningful opportunity to cross-examine those witnesses.”
Sysco and US Foods first rejected the FTC’s bid to keep the declarants secret earlier this month. The companies countered by saying the identities are "basic information" that should be public. According to the news website, JD Supra, the problem is that many of the declarants only testified because they assumed their identities would be protected, the FTC says.
“Relying on these confidentiality protections, many third parties — broadline food service distributors, customers and others — agreed to participate openly and candidly in plaintiffs’ investigation,” the FTC said. “Third parties, particularly defendants’ customers, were often nervous about participating because they feared retaliation if defendants learned that they had complained about the proposed merger.”
Sysco and US Foods countered by saying this is merely a ploy to delay the proceedings.
"Plaintiffs’ purported retaliation concern is belied by their recognition that the identities of declarants will eventually become public at the hearing and in the court’s decision in this case,” they said. “This admission suggests plaintiffs merely seek to delay disclosure until after defendants have missed their opportunity to conduct meaningful cross-examinations of declarants and to prepare for trial.”
As we've previously reported, Sysco has informed US Foods that it has extended the termination date for the deal by 60 days, from March 8 to May 7. Hearings in the case are currently scheduled to begin on May 5.
Internet Explorer, we hardly knew ye… The 20-year era of the infamous internet browser is being put to rest.
Good Riddance
Microsoft announced earlier this week that it is officially retiring the Internet Explorer brand in anticipation of Project Spartan’s debut this summer – the presently unnamed new default internet browser for Windows 10.
Some speculate that Microsoft’s decision to axe such a well-known brand may be to shed the poor reputation Internet Explorer has garnered over the years. Numerous security vulnerabilities, instability, and poor design decisions were some of the bigger issues, to name a few. Yes, a few. Given Microsoft’s admittedly humorous attempts to revive the brand with a number of ad campaigns, little could be done to repair its tarnished legacy even though more recent versions of the browser have alleviated these concerns.
If you’re still using Internet Explorer, do yourself a favor and check out these other browsers for a safe, faster browsing experience. We recommend Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, both of which can be downloaded below.
Fret not, diehard Internet Explorer fans - the browser will stick around on Windows 10 for compatibility with older programs and devices. Nevertheless, now's as good a time as any to stop using this outdated browser.
Get Off Internet Explorer
The majority of our audience still uses Internet Explorer. Throughout much of its existence, Internet Explorer has generally been regarded as a nightmare for web developers because it puts a huge constraint on what they can create and too much time is wasted finding workarounds. Regardless, we’re happy to point out that fewer people are using Internet Explorer. From 2009 to 2010, more than 75 percent of AndNowUKnow viewers used Internet Explorer. That number has continued to decrease ever since.
Here’s the current breakdown of which browsers our viewers have used to access the site from March 2014 to March 2015:
- Internet Explorer (38.74%)
- Google Chrome (26.70%)
- Safari (22.54%)
- Mozilla Firefox (7.94%)
We encourage everyone in the produce industry to switch to a better browser today.
While it’s still unclear how Microsoft’s Project Spartan will perform in comparison to its predecessor, I'm sure that it will be scrutinized just as much, if not more.
Let’s all raise a glass to the end of Internet Explorer. It will not be missed.