LOS ANGELES, CA - Gourmet Trading has appointed Paul Mortanian as its newest salesperson.
“Paul’s drive and enthusiasm make him an excellent addition to our team here at Gourmet Trading Company,” said Kristen Francisco, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “His background in operations makes him a well-rounded employee who fully understands the business.”
Having grown up in the Central Valley, agriculture was a natural fit for Paul. He studied agricultural business at California State University Fresno where he was among the first chosen students of his major for the PMA FIT Career Pathways Program, according to a press release. Prior to joining Gourmet Trading, Paul served as Director of Operations and Shipping at Eclipse Berry Farms for three years.
Congratulations on joining Gourmet Trading, Paul!
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AmazonFresh is expanding again, bringing its same-day, at-home delivery services to Philadelphia residents.
Tom Weiland, Vice President for AmazonFresh, shared that shoppers can select from hundreds of different grocery items, ranging from apples to pears, onions to oranges. In all, over 500,000 items will be available to Philadelphia shoppers, according to Philly.com.
For now, these services will be limited to Philadelphia's Center City, but Weiland certainly sees this expanding in the near future. He declined, however, to share with Philly.com a timetable for this expansion, or any specific geographic areas he foresees AmazonFresh expanding into.
Over the course of 2014, AmazonFresh has been growing at a prodigious rate. Most recently, the company opened outlets in San Diego and New York.
Members of Amazon Prime currently have free access to AmazonFresh's services through the end of the year. After that point, these users will have to upgrade for $299/year.
With the growing popularity of delivery services such as AmazonFresh and Instacart, it will certainly be fascinating to see how much of an impact these companies could have on the retail industry going forward. I know this is one company I will be keeping my eye on closely.
Congratulations on this latest expansion, AmazonFresh!
U.S. WEST COAST – As the port truck driver strike at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach continues to intensify, protest organizers have targeted three more companies that they accuse of wage theft.
According to the Los Angeles Times, drivers from QTS Inc., LACA Express and WinWin Logistics Inc. joined the strike Monday morning. Barb Maynard, a spokeswoman for the Teamsters Union told the Times that she did not know how many drivers walked off of the job.
As we previously reported, LA truck workers affiliated with Total Transportation Services Inc. and Pacific 9 Transportation walked off the job on Thursday, November 13th. Those drivers are still on strike, but agreed not to picket as talks are underway, according to the Times.
This is the second such action these truck workers have taken, according to the LA Times. The last strike, which occurred in July, was temporarily called off after LA Mayor Eric Garcetti requested a “cooling-off” period. Alleged “retaliation” by the trucking companies has since reignited the strike, with drivers organizing picket lines at company yards in Compton and Carson, according to Barb Maynard, a Spokeswoman for the Teamsters Union. The Teamsters have reported that they will be supporting the strikers during this action.
The dockworkers have currently been without a contract since July, while management and the union have thrown public accusations at each other.
Aside from Los Angeles and Long Beach, other West Coast ports are struggling with these labor agreements. JOC.com reports negotiations to produce a new West Coast longshore labor agreement have gone off the rails at Seattle and Tacoma, both major ports for Washington apples.
JOC.com quotes Rebecca Lyons, International Marketing Director for the Washington Apple Commission, as saying, “We are hearing of containers stuck on the docks waiting to be loaded, and inability to obtain containers to load during this critical export season. Many of our markets in Latin America depend on Washington apples for their Christmas season, and without the ability to get them there, those sales will be lost. We know of at least one retailer in Latin America who is waiting on 50 percent of their Christmas shipments for Washington apples alone.”
Last week, United States Senators from California, Oregon and Washington urged leaders from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILUW) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) to continue working together toward a fair and amicable settlement.
In a letter sent to ILWU President Robert McEllrath and PMA President and CEO James C. McKenna, U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) said, “This collective bargaining agreement is important for the health, safety and economic well-being of the 13,600 longshore, clerk, and foreman workers at 29 ports from California to Washington, as well as for companies large and small, agriculture producers, ports and international buyers around the world. We strongly urge both the PMA and the ILWU to continue negotiating in good faith to resolve the remaining issues and to swiftly move toward a final contract agreeable to both parties.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow any updates as negotiations continue.
HOUSTON, TX - MountainKing has introduced a new potato variety: Butter Russets. The new variety features a natural, buttery taste and is available in five-pound bags.
“Our initial roll out has been very successful with several chains reporting an uptick in category sales,” said John Pope, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for MountainKing.
Developed in Europe, the Butter Russets are said to offer a “smoother, moister, and richer taste ideal for baking, mashing and frying,” according to a press release. Marketing support includes special introductory pricing, social media coupons, point-of-sale, and high-graphic display units. The company is currently in conversation with several retailers regarding exclusivity deals.
“We’re certainly open to geographic exclusivities with retail partners,” added Pope. “Since we have a limited supply, we’ll have to be selective to make sure we have the best fit.”
Like all MountainKing varieties, the Butter Russets are naturally fat free, cholesterol free, and contain no sodium.
IMMOKALEE, FL - Two of Lipman’s proprietary tomato varieties are making a return this Fall. Harvest has already begun on the company’s Ripe Bites grape tomatoes, and harvest will soon begin on its Crimson Queen round tomatoes after the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Our Crimson Queen and Ripe Bites continue to be our most popular tomato varieties, and we look forward to growing them throughout the Fall season,” said Darren Micelle, COO. “These tomatoes are farmed exclusively in Florida due to the need for a specific environment, making the Spring and Fall an exciting time for our consumers and foodservice providers.”
Crimson Queen, recognized by its red interior, long shelf-life and high lycopene levels, delivers an increased flavor without sacrificing the consistency of the variety, according to a press release. Ripe Bites are known for their deep red color and high brix content.
Since their launch last year, both varieties have seen a tremendous rise in popularity. Both the Crimson Queen and Ripe Bites were developed by Lipman’s research and development team, and continue to see high demand by consumers and foodservice operators.
COMMERCE, CA – Smart & Final Stores, Inc. has reported its results for its 16-week third quarter that ended October 5, 2014. The retailer saw net sales of $1.13 billion, a 10.8% increase over the $1.02 billion in the same period of 2013, according to a press release.
For the quarter, Smart & Final opened six new stores, and in the 52 weeks that ended October 5, 2014, the retailer has opened a total of 13 new stores, all in the Smart & Final Extra! Store format.
"It's an exciting time at Smart & Final Stores," said Dave Hirz, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our store banners are uniquely positioned at the intersection of value, convenience and quality. We are leading the way with the growth of our Smart & Final Extra! stores which offer a one-stop shopping experience that resonates with today's household and business customers. We continue to grow sales in both of our store banners – Smart & Final and Cash & Carry – and this has translated into strong financial results."
Other highlights from the financial report include:
- Comparable store sales growth of 6.6%
- Net income increased 1.9% to $10.2 million
- Adjusted net income increased 24.9% to $14.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share
- Operated 252 stores at quarter-end, including 90 Smart & Final Extra! Stores
- Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.3% to $57.1 million
Hirz added, “We continue to see growth in customer transactions as our distinct merchandise and strong value pricing remains a compelling proposition for both household and business customers. Our strong financial performance of 10.8% sales growth and 6.6% comparable store sales growth provides a strong foundation for continued growth, and we plan to continue a robust program of new store openings during the balance of this year and during 2015."
Congratulations on the strong Q3, Smart & Final!
OAK BROOK, IL – From redesigned milk jugs to reduced French fry sizes, McDonald’s has been working to get kids to eat healthier. The company’s CEO, Don Thompson, recently spoke about one of the company’s oddest attempts – bubble gum-flavored broccoli.
Now, if you think this doesn’t sound like a good combination, you’d be right. Business Insider reports that even Thompson agreed, saying that kids were confused by the taste.
Even with this failure, however, he defended healthier menu options. Thompson claimed that McDonald’s sells the most salads of any American restaurant chain, according to Business Insider.
As we previously reported, McDonald’s is also adding fruit to Happy Meals with the addition of Cuties into Happy Meals this fall, as well as some newly announced market tests for blueberries and Chiquita's junior bananas, and even grapes.
Additionally, McDonald’s has also been testing a build-your-own burger concept as well as allowing some franchisees to tweak their menus, according to CBS News.
When asked about this oddly flavored broccoli by CBS MoneyWatch, the fast-food giant responded via email saying, “We’re always looking at new food innovations and recipes that will appeal to our customers.”
While there are plenty of jokes that could be made about this broccoli debacle, it is important to acknowledge that McDonald’s is trying to find ways to help kids make healthier eating choices.
Christofer Oberst, one of the invaluable members of our creative team, has been featured in the latest edition of AndNowUKnow’s print publication, The Snack Magazine. A writer, a cancer survivor, and a friend, Chris discusses his battle with Osteosarcoma and what it means to be a fighter.
Check out The Snack article by clicking here, or read the full article below:
Meet the Artist: Christofer Oberst
Christofer is a survivor. Let’s start there. At our company, we are a band of storytellers from the written word, to video, and image, and Chris’s story got to me right from the start. Not that the guy wears his life experiences on his sleeve, but I knew from our first conversation that Chris had a fire in him. His strength and determination come from a space that not all of us have seen. While most kids spent their early teen years getting into trouble, playing baseball, or finding the next ponytail to pull, Chris was growing up under a different set of circumstances.
When Chris was 13, about to go into his 8th grade year, he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a type of cancer that begins in the bones and sometimes metastasizes elsewhere, usually to the lungs or other bones. Facing a 40% survival rate, Chris entered a year of chemotherapy in the hospital for his leg. After a complex and extensive surgery on his leg, his family found out the cancer had spread to his lungs. With the resolve of someone twice his age, he faced off against another 2 surgeries on his lungs as well. By 2006, Chris finally beat Osteosarcoma.
“It’s about being a fighter. There is always that struggle to keep going day after day. It doesn’t matter what age you are; you are always hoping that the next day is the day you will get to go back home,” Chris tells me.
Living in that unknown has taught Chris so much about himself. “That experience continues building the person I am today. Though I wouldn’t wish that journey on anyone, I can’t imagine who I would be today without it,” Chris says. “In a reality where some people don’t win that fight, I feel incredibly lucky.”
It’s easy to sense his incredible energy and ambition. Behind the black-rimmed glasses and quiet demeanor, Chris carries a strength that perseveres. His tenacity and devotion for the craft is infectious. It’s this kind of dedication that’s an inspiration to us all.
It was only last year we brought Chris into our fold and he has quickly become a leader on our editorial team, keeping our content current, evolving, and always entertaining.
Next time you meet Chris, pen in-hand, hopefully you will see what we get to see everyday. A writer, a fighter, and a friend.
KINGSVILLE, ON – Don Mastronardi, Chairman of Mastronardi Produce, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual OPMA Gala on November 14.
“Throughout the years, Donny has been an incredible influence on the produce industry,” said Frank Spagnuolo, Senior Category Director at Loblaw. “He is a supportive mentor to all around him, and a kind, charismatic man who people crowd around, just to be around him and hear what he has to say. He is an amazing businessman and the true Tomato Master.”
Check out the video at the top of the page for a look at Don’s accomplishments!
When Don was just 25, he stepped into the family business after his father’s unexpected passing. According to a press release, he would work in his family’s newly acquired Harry Becker Company in the Detroit Market from 4am until noon, then return to Leamington to sell the family’s greenhouse harvest until dinnertime, while also managing the local Chrysler dealership, Mastronardi Motors.
Through his experience as a Canadian working in the North American market, Don learned the ins and outs of importing and exporting as well as what it takes to set yourself apart from the competition. It was those skills combined with his excellent customer service that helped build SUNSET’s reputation.
Don went on to lead a co-operative sales group in the 90s called Fresh Sales, which helped to bring back prosperity to greenhouse growers. After that success, he further changed the industry by building a 40-acre greenhouse, the largest single greenhouse at the time and first of its kind in North America, in 1994. The very next year, Don launched Campari® Brand Tomatoes.
“I’m speechless,” said Don Mastronardi. “It’s incredibly humbling to be presented with this award among so many innovators and professionals. This is a true honor.”
It is Don Mastronardi’s innovative spirit, passion for flavor, and unparalleled customer service that has truly made SUNSET® what they are known for today: pioneers of quality and flavor.
Congratulations on this well deserved honor, Donny!
BANCROFT, WI - RPE Inc. is welcoming Ross Verner as its new Vice President of Sales. He will be responsible for overseeing all operations of all RPE offices and ensuring continuity between the sales offices in Wisconsin, Idaho, and Colorado, according to a press release. He will report to Gary Hansen, Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations.
Verner, who formerly served as the Director of Produce Program Management at Topco Associates LLC and has more than 15 years of sales experience, shared his excitement on his appointment to this new role. “At Topco, I had the opportunity to work with RPE,” he said. “I was impressed because RPE is a progressive company. They’ve invested in their quality assurance and marketing departments, which show their commitment to give their customers quality potatoes and the turn-key tools to sell those potatoes.”
Russell Wysocki, President and CEO, commented, “Ross understands sales – he’s worked in category management, brokering, brand development, and he brings a new perspective to our office. We’re excited to work with him and I know he will help bring out the best in our sales team.”
Former Director of Retail Sales, Kevin Wright, will now lead the company’s recently created new product development sales department, which is responsible for unique new varieties, organic, and specialty potatoes.
“The new role still affords me the opportunity to work directly with customers, which is one of my favorite parts of the business,” said Wright. “But I also get to be directly involved in the decision-making process on new and progressive product lines within the potato and onion industry.”
Congrats on your new roles, Ross and Kevin!