NEWARK, DE – The inaugural PMA Fruittrade Latin America will kick off soon in Santiago, Chile through the collaboration of PMA, Fedefruta (the growers association of Chile) and Yentzen Consulting Group.
According to a press release, this first-of-its-kind event for South America is replacing both Fedefruta’s and PMA’s long standing individual conventions in the region. The event is scheduled for November 12-13.
“This new collaboration is part of PMA’s strategy to help the industry build consumer connections by linking members to the people, markets and insights needed to grow business and increase consumption,” said Nancy Tucker, PMA’s Vice President of Global Business Development. “This event is designed to help industry members build connections – to experts, ideas, trends and talent – produce and floral companies can focus on building consumer demand for the products they grow, ship and sell.”
This convention is going to feature business round-tables that connect retailers and suppliers. According to a press release, a group of international buyers including Associated Wholesale Grocers, Cencosud, Costco Wholesale Canada, Eurosupermercado, Grupo Éxito, Grupo Pao de Acucar/CBD, The Kroger Co., Sam's Wholesale Club, Save-a-lot, Ltd., Spinneys Dubai LLC, Supermercados Tottus, Tesco, and Wal-Mart Mexico, Inc. will participate in this unique ‘matchmaking’ event.
“I am looking forward to participating in PMA Fruittrade Latin America,” said Oleen Smethurst from Costco Wholesale Canada. “I expect to make new connections and that the program will be very enriching and give me the insight I need on key markets.”
Additionally, Carlos Furche, Chile’s Minister of Agriculture, will join ProChile’s Director Roberto Paiva, Fedefruta President Juan Carolus Brown and Tesco Sourcing Manager Simon Mandelbaum for PMA Fruittrade Latin America’s inaugural session on November 12. The session will focus on how the organizations are addressing the needs of the industry.
Another session entitled “Turning Trends into Market Strategies” will feature Naturipe Vice President of Marketing Robert Verloop, Nielsen Perishables Vice President Sherry Frey and Cencosud’s Stephan von Meyenn. It will focus on consumer trends and how they differ around the world.
"As a grower, the topic of global consumer trends can be so broad that it can be difficult to relate it back to what we grow today and what we should grow in the future,” says Verloop. “How does a grower in Chile respond to the consumer demand of healthier, convenient snacks? I think the answer is in rethinking your supply chain and business models.”
For the full list of education programming for PMA Fruittrade Latin America, click here. This new event is sure to become a staple in the industry.
UNITED STATES - I’m no master chef, but with the holidays quickly approaching, the pressure is on to make a dish worthy of being included with a classic Thanksgiving dinner.
This year, my roommates and I are planning to make our own homemade dinner at the apartment before we all head home to our families for the holidays. Normally, this would be the time I’d start to panic, but having had the opportunity to work with so many companies in the industry, I finally got to share some of my top stress-free produce picks with my friends to include with our dinner this year!
These five Thanksgiving staples can help make any millennial “cook” like me feel like a master chef…
1) Country Sweet Produce – Bako Sweets Steam Bag
Country Sweet Produce tells us that this new and improved steam bag cooks sweet potatoes in 10 minutes, dramatically decreasing the amount of time it usually takes by over 80%. Consumers can achieve the same great taste and receive the same health benefits with significantly less effort. Convenience and value-added offerings are quickly catching on in the market, and Country Sweet Produce is delivering in spades with this new steamer bag.
2) Duda Farm Fresh Foods – Celery Sticks
The convenience and versatility of this produce favorite makes it perfect for a healthy snack for kids, an easy addition to salads, or a must-have item for a classic turkey stuffing. My personal favorite is setting it out on a platter for quick dipping. Duda offers its celery sticks in 8 oz, 1.6 oz, and 1.25 lb size bags for retailers.
3) Naturipe – Cranberries
Cranberries can help brighten any main Thanksgiving dish with their glossy red color, but they can also be used for sauces, salads, or healthy desserts. They’re packed with antioxidants and disease fighting components including anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and immune system support. Retailers should encourage consumers to pick up a box of cranberries based on their versatility and wide range of health benefits.
4) To-Jo Mushrooms – Mushrooms
Mushrooms are in heavy demand this holiday season with July, normally the slowest month of the year, setting a new record high for the category, according to Mushroom Council statistics. With a range of packaging options available for retailers, To-Jo is all set for a busy Thanksgiving this year. Toss some mushrooms in with a stuffing recipe, or even use them as a regular side dish.
5) Wada Farms – Smalls
Recently introduced at PMA Fresh Summit, Wada Farms’ Smalls – Artisan Mini Potato potatoes are bringing new options for consumers on a time crunch. The Artisan Smalls include C-size, mini red, and mini gold potatoes, no peeling necessary. Wada Farms says each 1.25 lb microwaveable bag cooks these potatoes in just 5 minutes.
From the looks of things, this is going to be one produce-packed Thanksgiving. I can hear my stomach growling already…
SAILSBURY, NC - Aldi has reached an agreement with the Delhaize Group to purchase 66 Bottom Dollar Food stores for a total of $15 million. This transaction, which includes the land, buildings and leasehold improvements associated with the Bottom Dollar Food banner, will significantly expand Aldi's presence in the greater Philadelphia, southeast New Jersey, and greater Pittsburgh regions.
"This decision was difficult given the impact on our associates, customers and communities in which we operate," shared Gene Faller, Vice President of Retail Operations for Bottom Dollar Food. "We want to thank our associates, customers and communities for their support over the past four years."
According to a press release, Bottom Dollar is currently expected to continue the operations of its stores through the end of the year, after which it will close all 66 locations and retire the Bottom Dollar banner. The retailer shared that it plans to offer each of its associates severance, as well as career transition services for those eligible.
The Delhaize Group shared that this sale agreement, which will end Delhaize's participation in the U.S. discount retail sector, is part of its overall strategy to focus on its core operations centered around traditional retail outlets.
This transition created an exciting opportunity for Aldi, which is currently working to expand its store base in order to add 650 new stores nationwide. This would bring its total store count up to nearly 2,000, a milestone the retailer hopes to reach by the end of 2018.
This transaction and key early step towards Aldi's longterm goal, is expected to close during Q1 in 2015.
Congratulations on the completion of this latest acquisition, Aldi!
CHICAGO, IL – Food Genius has announced a massive update to its suite of services for the restaurant industry.
This update will allow the company’s clients to access enhanced features in the company’s award winning analytic dashboard, according to a press release. These updates help to create a better user experience and provide deeper insights about the foodservice landscape.
“Our clients are now fully equipped with market level data for developing selling strategies that take advantage of all our core strength, being at the intersection of technology and food data. Clients who have been exposed to the new features are already expressing delight at the depth of insights as well as the enhanced functionality, leading to time saved and greater understanding of complex data,” says CEO Justin Massa.
The updates include a revamped user experience for many tools and features as well as greater functionality. It also has added metropolitan-statistical-area (MSA) data, enhanced interoperability between Food Genius’ suite of services and deeper analysis of pricing data. Let's break these three new features down:
Addition of MSA Level Insights – Clients will be able to filter all the way down to the metropolitan statistical area level. This will allow sales and marketing professionals in the foodservice industry to get deeper, more regional perspectives, and ultimately develop more specific insights for their targets.
Enhanced Interoperability – Before this update, Food Genius’ three premier services, Reports, Engage! And Industry Reports, worked as separate entities in the suite of service. The company has now addressed that. “Now users can expect a more holistic experience from Food Genius. Whenever clients perform a search in the dashboard, the system will automatically highlight related Engage!, and Industry Reports collateral that the user has access to,” says Paolo Lorenzoni, VP of Product Development.
Pricing Analysis Update – According to the company, pricing of menu items is one of the most common requests from its clients. Based on feedback over the year, Food Genius’ pricing module in the menu analytics dashboard has been revamped. It now highlights the two most common price points for the dishes as well as the average across all instances.
For a more detailed look at Food Genius, check out our interview with CEO Justin Massa as he discussed how the company is using data to track current market trends and consumer attitudes. Food Genius’ clients will have access to all of these enhanced features starting on November 10th.
SANTA PAULA, CA - Calavo Growers, Inc. recently debuted three new products for retail and foodservice partners – AvoMayo, Avocado Chocolate Mousse, and Aveyo items. The company has been a worldwide leader in the procurement and marketing of fresh avocados and other fresh produce as well as the manufacturing and distribution of prepared avocado products and fresh salsas.
Calavo tells AndNowUKnow:
Avomayo - Calavo asks, "Tired of using boring, less healthy Mayonnaise?" AvoMayo is a true Mayo, but with Hass Avocado added for a true comfort food made better. Use AvoMayo to wake up the flavor in your foods and get the nutritional benefits of avocado with less bad fats and calories than the leading traditional brands. Treat your body to a healthier mayo and treat your taste buds to delicious AvoMayo Sandwich Spread. AvoMayo is currently available in an 18 oz. bottle for retail, but is also available in a foodservice packed 12/24 oz. pouches or 2/1 gallon jugs.
Avocado Chocolate Mousse - Calavo is always looking for healthier ways to serve, and with this Rich Chocolate Mousse they've outdone themselves. Mixed inside are fresh Hass avocados with rich chocolate, and only three other ingredients to make this chocolate mousse vitamin packed, natural, lactose-free, gluten free and vegan. And the best thing is, this is a guilt-free indulgence. Use as is or add to your favorite recipes. Frost or fill cakes, mix with fruit, even use on pancakes for a special morning treat. Use to make a healthy chocolate shake for the kids. Currently available in trays for retail as well as foodservice packed in 6/ 1 lb pouches.
Aveyo - A delicious and healthy avocado-based mayonnaise alternative, created by people with strong values. Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Preservative-Free, Vegan. This is a true Mayo replacement made with 82% fresh Hass avocado that can be used with any recipe, salads, sandwiches, sauces and baking, making yet another guilt-free comfort food to help people make healthier choices. This is a collaborative effort using Aveyo’s marketing and recipes and Calavo’ s strength in manufacturing and distribution nationally. Packed in 3/2oz portion packs for retail and ease-of-use and Foodservice packed 6/1 lb pouches.
AUSTIN, TX – Whole Foods Market has posted its fourth quarter financial results. In the report, the retailer announced that it recently signed 12 new leases, including one relocation.
According to the report, the leases include three new markets and are located in Hoover, AL; Tempe, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; Denver, CO; Destin, FL; Towson, MD; Woodbury, MN; Lancaster, PA; Newtown Square, PA; El Paso, TX; Las Colinas, TX and Seattle, WA.
This comes after the company opened a record 13 new stores and expanded into seven new markets in Q4. So far this quarter (Q1), it has kept that momentum going by opening three new stores, including one relocation, with 6 additional stores expected.
“The last few months have been an incredibly exciting and rewarding time for our company as we opened a record number of new stores and launched several strategic initiatives, expanding choices for our customers and reinforcing our values as America’s Healthiest Grocery stores,” said John Mackey, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Whole Foods. “Collectively, our efforts have led to extremely high team member morale, heightened brand visibility and positive sales momentum.”
As for the Q4 financials, Whole Foods saw record total sales of $3.3 billion, a 9% increase over last year. The retailer also saw EBITDA of $296 million, or 9.1% of sales.
“We are pleased with our quarterly and fiscal year results which reflect continued market share gains, record EBIDA, and healthy returns on invested capital,” said Mackey
In after-hours trading, Whole Foods' stock was trading at $43.25, up $3.26, representing an increase of 8.15%.
Other highlights from the quarter include:
- Comparable store sales growth of 3.1% on top of 5.9% in the prior year
- Operating income of $205 million, or 6.3% of sales
- Diluted earnings per share of $0.35, a 9% increase over the prior year
- Return on invested capital of 14%
Currently, Whole Foods has 401 stores and expects to cross the 500 store mark in fiscal year 2017. The financial report also noted that the company sees demand for 1,200 Whole Foods Market stores in the United States.
Congratulations on the strong quarter, Whole Foods!
UNITED STATES - AmazonFresh and Instacart owe their rise in part to the emergence of a still new segment of the retail market: online grocery. Analysts at Packaged Facts have come out with a report claiming this industry is only on its way up and will quadruple in size between now and 2019, rising to a staggering $100 billion.
Tim Kenney, President of MyWebGrocer, a provider of Web and digital marketing services for retailers, explained that he sees most of this growth coming from in-store pickup programs, like the one which Whole Foods offers through Instacart or the one which Kroger is currently testing in Cincinnati. In fact, according to research done by MyWebGrocer, consumers prefer in-store-pickup to home delivery by a margin of 3:1. Shoppers clearly still value something fundamental about the in-store experience. The role home delivery is beginning to play cannot be ignored, however, but given the scope and growth potential of this market, there seems to be plenty of room for both services to coexist.
According to U-T San Diego, Packaged Facts' report claims that online grocery will account for almost 12% of all grocery spending by 2019. Given that today online grocery only comprises 3.4% of total spending, these numbers may seem like a stretch, but it's important to note growth rates of this magnitude are already common in the online marketplace. Packaged Facts reveals that online grocery sales have risen 22% between this year and last alone.
“It was never a demand issue, but an issue of retailers wanting to embrace it. It changes the way you do business,” Tim shared in U-T San Diego. “A good store can move about 10 percent of its shoppers to online, so it becomes a big business.”
How will this market continue to evolve and develop as the industry moves into the future? Who can say for sure, but you can count on AndNowUKnow to bring you the latest updates as it pertains to this exciting trend.
TORONTO, CANADA - Nature Fresh Farms is bringing its first-of-its-kind micro greenhouse to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. From November 7th-16th, fair attendees will be able to get an up-close look at this groundbreaking mobile unit when visiting the Exhibition Place in the Direct Energy Center.
“We welcome the opportunity to connect face to face with consumers as often as we can,” stated Peter Quiring, President. “The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto is a fantastic event for us to showcase our micro greenhouse operation. It gives us an opportunity, first hand, to help educate consumers about greenhouse grown produce. The micro greenhouse is a living attraction and allows us to physically demonstrate to consumers how tomato plants are grown in a greenhouse environment, it really helps put things in perspective.”
Nature Fresh's micro greenhouse, which highlights the 11 core elements of the growing process, is equipped with live plants growing fresh tomatoes, a complete irrigation & heating system and a contained area with live bees. The grower's Integrated Pest Management System (IPM) uses helpful bees and ladybugs to pollinate the crops in the greenhouse and keep bad bugs away.
The Nature Fresh team enjoyed great success at the United Fresh Convention in June 2013 and it hopes to carry this momentum into the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The Nature Fresh team will be on site throughout the fair to answer questions about its operation and greenhouse grown produce in general. Corporate Chef Henry Furtado will also be on-hand at the Food & Lifestyle Change to prepare dishes for fairgoers, according to a press release.
Be sure to look for Nature Fresh at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to learn more!
ORLANDO, FL – Produce for Kids® is helping retailers grow their holiday sales with its new Festive Flavors: 12 Fresh Takes on Holiday Favorites e-cookbook.
Realizing how crucial the holiday season is for sales departments, Produce for Kids chose to highlight fresh produce as the main ingredient for each of the 12 healthy holiday dishes featured in the publication, including Sweet Potato Casserole and Cranberry Apple Crisp. With meal and snack ideas and planning tips, it is Produce for Kids' hope that this e-book will help increase family consumption of fresh produce during the holidays.
“Between parties, family get-togethers and meal planning, the holidays can be a stressful time for parents,” said Trish James, Vice President, Produce for Kids. “We’re excited to launch this new e-cookbook with delicious, healthy recipes and tips to make the holidays a little less stressful. Our hope is that families will learn how easy it is to makeover their favorite dishes for a healthy holiday celebration.”
To check out the e-book for yourself, you can download it for free here.
To complement the launch, the company will be hosting a #FestiveFlavors Twitter party on November 12 at 9pm ET. Special guests Melissa’s Produce, Naturipe® and Stemilt® will be attending, according to a press release. Participating brands will be sharing healthy holiday recipes and tips and Produce for Kids says consumers will have a chance to win grocery store gift cards during the event.
Produce for Kids will also be hosting a #FestiveFlavors Sweepstakes on its Facebook page from November 10th through December 31st. Consumers who enter this contest will be eligible to win a Ninja® 3-in-1 Cooking System. Consumers can also share their healthy holiday meals on Instagram with the hashtag #FestiveFlavors for a chance to win the Cooking System as well as to have their recipe featured on Produce for Kids' website.
Congratulations on the release of this exciting new e-book, Produce for Kids!
LAKELAND, FL - Publix has once again posted strong financial results for its third quarter with both sales and net earnings increasing.
The company saw net earnings rise to $384.2 million during the quarter, up 6.8% from last year’s $359.9 million, according to the company’s financial report. Total sales were $7.4 billion, representing a 5% increase from last year’s $7 billion. Similarly, comparable store sales increased 5%.
Despite its solid performance this quarter, Publix’s stock price dropped by 5 cents to $33.80 per share compared to its valuation last August.
“I’m pleased that our Publix associates delivered strong results,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Unfortunately, these results were not enough to offset challenges in the stock market.”
Rumors are still circulating that Publix may debut a smaller format store in Charlotte, North Carolina. As previously reported on AndNowUKnow, real estate sources claim that the new format will be approximately 20,000 square feet in size. Plans for the prototype have not yet been confirmed.
Publix did confirm, however, that it is still planning to open 11 stores in the Charlotte area by the end of next year, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
For more on Publix’s expansion in North Carolina and its potential new format, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.