CASHMERE, WA - The People's Choice Awards will be getting a new injection of star power tonight, courtesy of the fresh produce industry.
Crunch Pak has agreed to supply the hosts, presenters and award winners with sliced apple products throughout the ceremony.
“We’re delighted that the producers request our products for their shows,” said Tony Freytag, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “This is an indication of how people want to eat now: Fresh and delicious.”
Some of the products Crunch Pak will be supplying include:
- Foodles: fresh apples packaged in a Mickey Mouse-shaped tray
- NBA Snackers: featuring basketballs biggest names on the packages
- Two-ounce mini-bags
This is not the first time Crunch Pak has engaged in this type of promotion. According to a press release, Crunch Pak apple slices have been featured in Super Football Sunday, the Academy Awards, the Country Music Awards and more.
PLEASANTON, CA & BOISE, ID - As Safeway and Albertsons prepare for their impending merger, two of Safeway's biggest names in produce are taking on new roles.
Sources are telling AndNowUKnow that Scott Bradley, former VP of Produce at Safeway, has been promoted to VP Corporate Supply Chain. With an extensive knowledge of the distribution center and merchandising sides of the business, his insights will be key to bringing the two retail chains together during the merger process. Going forward, Scott will be focusing on:
- Successfully merging the operations of the two companies with a common set of best practices.
- Developing promotional events and new sales drivers to leverage the impressive size of the combined retailer.
- Negotiating contracts based on off division needs.
- Building and managing JAG with key vendor partners.
- Working on joint accelerated growth strategies.
In addition, sources confirm that former Regional Director Corporate Produce of Safeway Northern California and Denver, Colorado Mil Mijanovic has been promoted to VP Retail Support Produce and Floral. With expertise in supporting divisions across diverse Safeway regions, he will be:
- Responsible for seven divisions (still to be determined).
- Communicating the “One Team One Dream” message.
- Reviewing and assessing competitors in each market.
- Identifying and sharing best practice information.
- Communicating quality standards.
- Providing divisions support with advice, mentorship and solutions.
- Training current and potential sales managers.
While preparing for their impending merger, Safeway and Albertsons have been the fixture of news headlines for weeks, selling off 168 retail locations to appease FTC anti-trust regulators and naming a broad swath of new executives to head the companies combined leadership staff.
Congratulations on your exciting new positions, Scott and Mil!
DALLAS, TX – Love Super Football commercials? Avocados From Mexico sure does.
The company has announced that it will be airing a 30-second TV spotlight at the end of the first quarter of “The Big Game” this February 1st, 2015. According to a press release, this will mark the first time a produce company has aired an advertisment during football's biggest event. NBC's Pre-Game, The Today Show and NBCSN will also be supporting the debut of this marketing milestone.
“Avocados From Mexico is proud to be the first produce supplier to have an advertisement featured during the most popular event of the year,” shared Alvaro Luque, President of Avocados From Mexico. “We are excited to be advertising during the ‘Big Game’, but more importantly, we’re committed to giving consumers a nutritious way to enjoy game-time, and anytime snacking. This ad continues the trend toward good for you choices advertised in a big way, and we’re thrilled to be a part of that important shift.”
Football fans of all stripes will of course be chowing down on avocados throughout the day, but Luque took care to note that it's not just on Super Football Sunday that fresh produce shines. In January 2014 alone, 70 million pounds of avocados were consumed in the U.S., while 421 million pounds were sold through foodservice establishments throughout the course of the year. With the market expected to grow 8.1% through 2019, these impressive gains aren't forecasted to let up any time soon.
Avocados From Mexico hopes that by showcasing its fresh produce during Super Sunday, the company will be able to draw attention to the great taste, nutritional benefits, versatility, and year-round avalbility of Mexican-grown avocados.
To complement the new commercial, Avocados From Mexico will also be launching two marketing campaigns: No Guac, No Game and Fanwich.
No Guac, No Game will feature the TV show host, actor and best-selling author Mario Lopez along with his wife Courtney as spokespersons. This public relations campaign will work to communicate how only great guacamole has the power to bring together rival sports fans. Mario and Courtney will share recipe ideas during national and local media interviews, social media chats and on Avocados From Mexico's online domains.
“We may be cheering for different teams, but there’s one thing we agree on – fresh guacamole makes game day better,” said Mario Lopez. “It’s the centerpiece for our family get-togethers, a crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect to share with the ones you love.”
Avocados From Mexico will also be conducting an in-store promotion during Super Football Sunday: Fanwich. The first annual “Now, That’s a Fanwich” national display contest will feature Avocados From Mexico, along with unique display materials, IRC coupons and over $100,000 in display prizes. Jeff Mauro, “The Sandwich King” and co-host of “The Kitchen,” will launch the consumer program, helping to raise awareness about the contest.
Consumers will be challenged to create their ultimate sandwich or wrap made with fresh avocados. Prizes include weekly $500 grocery gift cards and entry to win a big grand prize. The promotion will run from February 2, 2015 – March 13, 2015 with a pre-contest beginning January 19, 2015.
See you at the Big Game, Avocados From Mexico!
LIMA, PERU – The country of Peru exported $450.3 million of grapes from January through November 2014.
According to data from the Association of Peruvian Exporters, that total is representative of a 59.1% growth over the same period in 2013.
Andina, a Peruvian news outlet, reports that the top importer of these grapes was Hong Kong, totaling $74.6 million, a 174% increase over 2013.
Other top importers include:
- China ($72 million)
- Netherlands
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Russia
Other major exports from Peru in this timeframe include: asparagus, avocados, quinoa and cocoa beans.
With these increases in the Peruvian grape export market, it will certainly be interesting to see if this trend continues through 2015.
PHOENIX, AZ – Vision Produce Company is starting out the New Year with a new salesperson.
The company has hired Lance Nichols, a 32-year industry veteran with procurement and sales experience in produce, as its new salesperson. According to a press release, Lance will partner with Vision Produce Company VP of Sales and Procurement John Caldwell.
“Vision Produce is continually looking for ways to add value to our procurement and sales departments. Lance brings both those attributes. In addition, he possesses years of experience and accomplishments. As we advance our direct grower deals and brand, he will be in a position to assist Vision Produce in exceeding our customer’s needs and expectations,” said Caldwell.
Most recently, Lance was a member of the procurement/sales team for Legend Distributing. Before that, he held increasingly responsible positions with Del Monte Fresh Produce and Safeway stores.
“My new role with Vision Produce comes with strong enthusiasm, as I join an extremely talented and forward thinking company. Additionally, grower-direct deals create a multitude of branded items that will solidify the future in a bright and exciting industry,” said Lance.
He continued, “Bill Vogel and his team have created a fantastic market presence in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Nogales, in addition to Vision Import Group, which is located in River Edge, New Jersey. We look forward to sharing the possibilities with all in the business.”
Lance began this new position on Monday, January 5. He is based in the company’s offices in Phoenix, Arizona.
Congratulations, Lance!
WASHINGTON - Four PACA violators in Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York have been restricted from operating in the produce industry, according to a USDA press release.
World Best Tropical LLC, a Doral, Florida-based company, has been barred for failing to pay a $14,720 award in favor of a Florida seller. Marcos Rodas Woo was listed as a member of the business.
Best Buy Foodservice Inc., a Paterson, New Jersey-based company, has failed to pay a $19,472 award in favor of a Wisconsin seller. Steven J. Sfugaras was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
David Jackson, doing business as Enterprise Farm, a Whately, Massachusetts-based company, has failed to pay a $17,124 award in favor of a Pennsylvania seller. David F. Jackson was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
Shatav LLC, a Brooklyn, New York-based company, was barred for failing to pay a $6,895 award in favor of an Ohio seller. Jacqueline Hyatt was listed as a member of the business.
In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims under the PACA involving more than $87 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.
CALIFORNIA – Last year, California lost a large amount of its walnut exports from China, which has left growers concerned.
CBS Sacramento reports that walnuts generate $1.4 billion in revenue for California growers, and China has traditionally been the largest exporter. According to the California Walnut Board, exports to Hong Kong were down more than 60% in November compared to 2013.
“The Chinese were concerned, I think, the prices were a little higher than they should have been,” Mat Conant, President of Conant Orchards tells CBS. “And so they basically pulled out of the market and bought very few walnuts in California this year.”
Conant added that the Chinese were able to produce much more of their own walnuts in 2014 as well.
Without a guarantee of Chinese exports, the question of who will replace that demand is still up in the air. Conant tells CBS, “India has bought quite a few walnuts this year and are increasing, but they’re still nowhere compared to the number that the Chinese bought.”
This decrease in demand would result in walnut price decreases. In his interview with CBS, Conant estimated that income would be down $1,200 an acre. He added that this could lead to a slight on grocery shelves but that it would be fairly insignificant.
The markets are always changing, and there is a chance that China could come back onboard and increase exports in 2015. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow this story.
BOULDER, CO - Lucky’s Market is welcoming Steve Black, a former Sprouts Farmers Markets executive and 38-year industry veteran, as the company’s new President, effective immediately.
“Steve adds a wealth of experience and leadership to our team. His knowledge and passion will allow us to further execute our core mission of making a positive impact in the lives of others through food,” said Bo Sharon, CEO and Founder of Lucky’s Market. “His results-oriented people-centric approach and ability to think strategically will play a pivotal role in our company becoming the customer service driven retail grocery store of choice in the areas we serve.”
Black will be responsible for leading the teams overseeing Lucky’s Market updated 2015 and beyond expansion plans, developing other leaders, and being a critical member of the company’s executive team, according to a press release.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Bo, Trish, and the team at Lucky’s Market,” said Black. “There are several team members there that I’ve worked with in the past and look forward to the amazing milestones we’ll be able to accomplish together in the coming years. The biggest single element to success is people, and I plan to focus on helping everyone there be all they want to be in business and life. And have a little fun along the way.”
Prior to joining Lucky’s Market, Black served as VP of Operations, CIO and CMO of Sprouts, as well as the VP of IT and Marketing at Sunflower Farmers Market.
This up-and-coming retro organic grocer has big plans in store for expansion nationwide, with opportunities in Florida, as well as Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wyoming.
Lucky’s Market was also previously featured in AndNowUKnow’s print magazine, The Snack. In that article, Peter Gialantzis, Vice President of Purchasing at Lucky’s Market, spoke to us about the company’s focus on community and its plans for future growth.
Check out The Snack article by clicking here.
Congratulations on joining Lucky’s Market, Steve!
IDAHO FALLS, ID – Kingston Fresh is kicking off the new year right with a sweet treat from Peru.
Peruvian mangos are due to arrive in South Florida ports beginning the week of January 12th and Kingston Fresh is looking forward to taking advantage of a strong demand market.
“In general, mango supplies in the U.S. are extremely light at the moment and, as a result, demand is very strong,” explained Kingston Fresh President Ken Nabal in a company press release. “We expect the volume from Peru to be reduced as much as 40%, which is very similar to Ecuador’s crop shortfall experienced this past season. Although the volume is delayed, our customers get excited when the Peru Kent variety enters the market each season. The overall quality of Kingston’s first arrivals is expected to be very good and the eating quality of the fruit will be outstanding. We are excited and ready to go.”
In looking to grow its business, Kingston has been pursuing an aggressive growth strategy for its import division. So far, this plan has paid dividends for the company's Central and South America business operations.
“We remain steadfast in our expansion plans and are rapidly growing our footprint in Central and South America,” shared David O. Kingston, CEO. “With this steady increase of imports into South Florida, it also means additional cold storage opportunities for our distribution business, Kingston Cross Dock and Cold Storage (KCDS). We have been making significant capital improvements to the KCDS facility over the past several months and are excited for the business growth that lies ahead in 2015.”
For now, however, the company's focus is fixed on the upcoming week in order to ensure a successful start to the 2015 Peruvian mango season. Stay tuned for more.
FRESNO, CA – Lotpath has been selected as one of the 10 finalists for the Thrive Accelerator Program, an initiative sponsored by Forbes and SVG Partners.
“I was really impressed with the quality of the people who were pitching their product and business ideas at the Thrive Accelerator Seed Camp,” said Mike Dodson, CEO of Lotpath. “We met AgTech people from all over the world and saw some very innovative ideas that will revolutionize agriculture in the coming years. It is really humbling to be selected as one of the ten finalists. I look forward to working with the other AgTech companies and the Thrive Accelerator Mentors in Salinas.”
This initiative sifted through over forty entries from innovative leaders in Peru, Israel, Switzerland, Panama, France, UK, Ireland and from across the United States at Thrive Accelerator's Seed Camp.
According to a press release, the competing AgTech companies pitched their teams, technology and vision at the Seed Camp in San Jose, California, on December 11, 2014. All of the pitches were judged by a group of tech and agriculture industry experts from Forbes, Taylor Farms, Western Growers Association, Smith Group and Verizon.
“We were all extremely impressed with the quality and ingenuity of all the solutions presented during the Seed Camp,” said Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor Farms and a Thrive Accelerator Mentor. “Selecting just 10 of these companies to move on to participate in the full Accelerator was an incredible challenge.”
John Hartnett, CEO of SVG Partners added, “This is AgTech’s moment. This Accelerator has the potential to bring some incredible energy and disruptive innovation to one of the world’s most important industries.”
Aside from its Lotpath Quality, the company is currently developing additional software apps for the fresh produce industry and is planning to use the Thrive Accelerator Program to help in design and testing of its software apps in cooperation with Salinas produce companies.
The Thrive Accelerator Program will culminate in the Forbes sponsored AgTech Summit in Salinas, California, in July 2015.