BLOOMINGTON, MN - Supervalu is going 'all in' with its wholesale business division, company CEO Sam Duncan revealed during Supervalu's annual shareholders' meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Bloomington. Duncan talked at some length about Supervalu's earlier purchase of 18 Rainbow Food stores, something he characterized as a “wholesale play.” His most revealing statement however came later:
“We are going to be a great wholesaler,” Duncan said. “That is our focus. It is more than half of the company, and we are darned good at it…I have no desire to be a big retailer.”
So far it has been revealed that 10 of the 18 former Rainbow stores will be reopened as Cub Foods locations. Supervalu's wholesale customers such as Jerry's Foods and Lunds are expected to play a big part in many of the remaining stores.
That wholesale has become the majority of Supervalu's revenue is no accident. When Supervalu sold four of its biggest supermarket operations earlier this year for $3.3 billion, it left its much smaller Cub grocery store line as its largest remaining retail chain. Annual revenue fell to about $17 billion in the wake of this deal, a majority of which now came from Supervalu's wholesale operations.
Duncan hopes the shift in focus will help his company halt the downward path its sales numbers and stocks had taken prior to his installment as CEO in late 2013. So far he's been successful, with Supervalu stock up 7% as of Wednesday, $6.83 higher than it's 30 year low at $2 per share in 2012.
“We have got a heck of a lot accomplished,” Duncan told shareholders. “But we have a lot more to do.”
Supervalu however, with Duncan at the helm, is confident that it is on the right path.
VENTURA, CA – LINKFRESH has been named to the 2014 Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club for the forth time.
The Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club honors high-performing Microsoft Dynamics partners that have commitment to customers that are reflected in its business success and growth, according to a press release. This group represents the top 5% of Microsoft Dynamics worldwide partners.
Robert Frost, Group CEO for LINKFRESH said, “LINKFRESH is dedicated to helping customers around the world, particularly in the food industry, find the best solutions and services to accommodate their business needs and further their success. By collaborating closely with the teams at Microsoft and through the Presidents Club, our Microsoft Gold Partner status, and the Global Independent Software Vendor (ISV) program, we can maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft Dynamics platform and supporting Microsoft technologies to ensure we continue to provide innovative solutions, services and unparalleled value to Microsoft Dynamics customers.”
The acknowledgment came during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) 2014, which is the company’s yearly premier partner event.
“Each year we recognize and honor Microsoft Dynamics partners from around the world for exemplary performance,” said Neil Holloway, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Business Solutions Sales & Partners. “The award-winning partners contribute to the ecosystem and customer businesses alike through their exceptional commitment and expertise. Microsoft is honored to recognize LINKFRESH for their achievements this past year and for their dedication and support of Microsoft Dynamics applications.”
LINKFRESH was previously honored by inclusion into the Microsoft Dynamics Presidents Club in 2007, 2010, and 2012. The company was also Microsoft Dynamics ISV of the Year (United Kingdom) 2012 and Microsoft Dynamics NAV Partner of the Year 2010.
Congratulations LINKFRESH!
BRAMPTON, ON – Loblaw Companies Limited’s Board of Directors has appointed Galen G. Weston, the current Executive Chairman, as the new President, effective immediately. He will also continue in his position as Executive Chairman.
"I am excited about the future, and the opportunity to execute on the strategic vision we have built for the Company. I am confident that Loblaw will continue to advance its business both financially and operationally and be well positioned to create long-term sustainable value," commented Mr. Weston.
Weston has an extensive background in Canadian retail. He has been the strategic architect of reshaping the grocery business as well as transforming Loblaw into a diversified portfolio of businesses, according to a press release. Weston is credited with the creation of the Choice Properties and the acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart.
As Executive Chairman, Weston is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Company as well as leading the Board. In his new role of President, he will be responsible for the execution of the Company’s strategy, leadership of the management team and its overall business performance.
Loblaw reports that Vicente Trius, President since August 2011, will be leaving the business effective today to return to Brazil for family reasons.
“Vicente has made an enormous impact on virtually every aspect of our business in the time that he has been with the Company. Our businesses are stronger, our customer proposition more compelling, and our operating effectiveness much improved. He has set a strong foundation for the future,” said Mr. Weston.
“When we release our second quarter results next week,” Weston continued, “You will see that Vicente and the team have delivered another solid quarter in a very competitive supermarket environment, with synergies, SAP and efficiencies on track. With the business in very good shape, Vicente felt it was the right time to leave Loblaw. I respect his decision, and on behalf of the Board and all of our colleagues in the business, I thank him for his many contributions."
Congratulations on the new appointment Mr. Weston!
HAWAII COUNTY, HI - GMO Papaya growers in Hawaii County can breathe easy in the aftermath of Judge Greg Nakamura's judicial injunction preventing the public disclosure of the location of their farms. The court battle started when two growers, Ross Sibucao and a second unnamed plaintiff, sued Hawaii County arguing that the disclosure requirement would unfairly expose them to vandalism and economic damages.
The registry requirement being challenged in court is just a part of a larger law which Hawaii County adopted last December banning the open-air use and testing of GMO crops. Margaret Wille, the Kohala Councilwoman who authored this legislation, told reporters at West Hawaii Today that she was satisfied with Judge Nakamura's decision.
“It addresses the concerns without undermining the right-to-know laws,” she said.
Since its passage, the ban of open-air GMO crops has been incredibly controversial in Hawaii. Judge Nakamura's injunction will be in effect for a 30 day period while a larger lawsuit works its way through the U.S. District Court in Honolulu. This lawsuit challenges the broader question of whether or not Hawaii County had the legal authority itself to ban the open-air growing of GMO crops and is certainly a battle Hawaii growers will be closely following.
For updates on this story stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MOSES LAKE, WA – In a surprising and frankly somewhat puzzling turn of events, Washington State Potato Commission Director Chris Voigt has found himself in the midst of a scandal because of his support of U.S. congressional candidate Dan Newhouse. After looking into the matter, Voigt seems to done nothing and yet he is currently being investigated by the Washington State Executive Ethics Board over accusations that he used state tax funded resources to support Newhouse's political run. Allegedly Voigt sent politically themed emails from his Potato Commission account and used a company car to deliver campaign signs.
Tim Kovis, Newhouse's campaign manager characterized the accusations as a pathetic example of “flinging mud everywhere and praying some of it sticks...Chris is a volunteer and the campaign had an understanding with him that he would support Dan with his own time and resources."
Voigt argues that this is exactly what he did. He points out that he could not have even used state resources to aid Newhouse because the Potato Commission is not a state owned enterprise.
“All potato commission assets are owned by the potato growers, not the state,” Voigt said in a statement. “Our building, our computers, our pens and pencils, any intellectual property [are] all owned by the potato growers, not the State of Washington...The potato growers of Washington own the domain name ‘potatoes.com.’ This is not state property, and any e-mails were sent during my personal time.”
As for the company car he allegedly used to deliver campaign materials, Voigt explains that the cars were not purchased with state resources and were owned by the Potato Commission.
“A deduction is taken out of my paycheck every pay period for some personal use of the Potato Commission vehicle,” he said.
The trouble started for Voigt when Dan Newhouse's political opponent Clint Didier released a series of emails Voigt allegedly sent using his Potato Commission email, although it has not been confirmed that these are the same emails which the Ethics Board is investigating Voigt for. Didier's Campaign Manager Larry Stickney wants to go so far as to bring the matter to the attention of the Federal Election Commission.
“We’re consulting with an attorney about it,” he said. “Nationwide, these type of groups have become more politically active … We believe they are out of line.”
According to iFiberOne News, if found to have committed an impropriety, Voigt could face up to a $5,000 fine per violation. If what Voigt says is true however, it would be surprising if this matter is ever allowed to get that far.
Whatever is decided in the end, you can count on AndNowUKnow to bring you the news as it breaks.
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Harry Stigter, Nature Fresh Farms Grower, joins AndNowUKnow to discuss the company’s growing processes and environmental protections. From heating to technology and water recycling to biologicals, Nature Fresh is working from day one to ensure the best quality produce out of its 30 acres of TOVs, 66 acres of peppers, and 30 acres of specialty tomatoes.
BANCROFT, WI – RPE is continuing its partnership with Chef Joey Elenterio for a third year. Elenterio has developed a signature dish featuring Tasteful Selections potatoes for the PMA Foodservice Chef Demo Lunch on Saturday, July 26.
“It’s always a joy to work with a product you love,” said Chef Elenterio. “Potatoes are already fun and versatile to cook with, but the great flavor and small, uniform sizes of Tasteful Selections take it to another level.”
Chef Elenterio’s latest creation to showcase Tasteful Selections is his Simply Amazing Baby Potato Salad that incorporates fresh vegetables, lots of color and a bit of kick, according to a press release.
“Four years into our adventure with Tasteful Selections, we are always excited to see what new ideas Chef Joey has for our potatoes,” said Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE. “His cooking embodies the creativity and healthy choices we want our potatoes to inspire.”
Chef Elenterio is currently executive chef at Wayfare Tavern in San Francisco. He received 1 Michelin Star in both 2011 and 2012 during his tenure as executive chef at Chez TJ in Mountain View, California, and has been honored in Zagat’s 30 Under 30 and with the San Francisco Chronicle’s Rising Star Chef award, according to a press release.
The dish will be presented at the Foodservice Chef Demo Lunch on Saturday, July 26 and will be at Booth 58 at the PMA Foodservice Expo. Tasteful Selections bite-sized potatoes and RPE’s full line of potato category products will be on display at the exposition on Sunday, July 27, at booth number 58.
WATSONVILLE, CA - As produce departments fill with the latest fruit and vegetables of the season, Well-Pict Berries is welcoming its first year of production on two new proprietary strawberry varieties. The 9271 and 3108 varieties are exclusive to Well-Pict’s Watsonville, California growing operations and are presenting excellent quality and consistent supply as the harvest continues through the summer.
"These two new proprietary strawberries offer high flavor profiles, light and fresh berry aroma as well as large berry size with a firm conical shape and large shoulders. Great skin integrity and color make them a great item for produce departments,” Dan Crowley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, tells us.
Typically, Well-Pict’s Watsonville harvest winds down around October when the shorter days take over from the dog days of summer and inclement weather comes over the horizon. At this point, the company transitions to Oxnard where it will be harvesting its Fall crop proprietary 4053 strawberry. But, stay tuned for a twist.
“For Well-Pict’s Spring crop, variety 269 has really been our tried-and-true workhorse variety and as we continue to invest in R&D. Next year, we will be introducing two new proprietary varieties to Oxnard. The 324 and 3024 include the same high flavor profiles and are very complimentary to each other. Variety 324 comes in early and paves the way for 3204,” Dan notes.
Next year, the company plans to have a 100% split in acreage throughout its Oxnard operations.
Well-Pict’s variety development begins with choosing the perfect “parent” plants. Tens of thousands of unique seedlings are evaluated each year as the company searches for the finest in flavor and size, color and shine, and even the best in performing against pests and disease. New varieties are “fingerprinted” and patented for future identification. Over a four-year period, a single seedling becomes millions of identical disease-free plants.
For more than 40 years, Well-Pict and its partner farms have been overseen by knowledgeable growers who employ only expertly trained field crews and the latest technologies.
Congrats, Well-Pict, on your newest additions to the berry category!
VANCOUVER, BC - Oppy, the provider of delicious New Zealand JAZZ Apples, is stepping up to the plate with its Crunch to Contribute fundraiser, a social media campaign which will leverage the great appearance and flavor JAZZ apples in order to raise money for diabetes prevention. Apple lovers looking to do their part can upload a photo of an Oppy JAZZ apple to this site. For every apple picture uploaded, Oppy will be contributing a $1 donation to either the American or Canadian Diabetes Association.
“New Zealand JAZZ apples are exciting consumers’ taste buds while engaging their hearts,” said David Nelley, Apple and Pear Category Director for Oppy. “A fresh, crunchy JAZZ apple is an incredibly refreshing summer snack. And with a few quick clicks, people can post a fun photo while helping others.”
This is a cause close to the Canadian based grower's heart, especially considering that nearly 7% of Canadians suffer from diabetes. According to a press release, that number is even worse in the United States where 10% of all residents are affected by the disease.
In light of these stark numbers, Nelley took care to explain that “regular physical activity and healthy eating are important for all of us, particularly those at risk of or living with diabetes. JAZZ apples can help in several ways. Being high in fiber, they add a healthy benefit to snacks and recipes. And through Crunch to Contribute, we can make funds available for investment in programs that support people living with diabetes and may help curb the growth rate of the disease in the future.”
Oppy's Crunch to Contribute campaign will last until the end of September, and it hopes to raise $20,000 for diabetes prevention in that time. Consumers looking to get more involved are encouraged to spread the word through their social media channels and of course to keep snapping those pictures!
TEWKSBURY, MA - It feels like Market Basket has been a newsroom fixture ever since Arthur S. Demoulas organized the ouster of his cousin and much beloved Market Basket President and CEO, Arthur T. Demoulas last month. This week is no exception with news breaking that Market Basket workers have issued a new set of demands to the company's new CEOs Felicia Thornton and Jim Gooch. They have made it clear that they expect an answer by Thursday, July 17th at 4:30pm.
According to the Boston Herald, the list of demands read:
- Bring Arthur T. Demoulas "back with full authority, non-negotiable
- A non-answer will be considered a no.
- A group meeting must be held by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, informing us of your decision.
- We will not work for anyone but [Arthur T. Demoulas].”
Thornton and Gooch released a joint statement in the wake of the news saying, “This morning, several employees informed us that they require an answer on their demands by the end of day tomorrow. When we attempted to acknowledge their concern and respond on the status of the request, these employees instead left the meeting. We also are aware of a memo they issued, although it was not immediately given to us by these employees. This behavior is not appropriate nor is it in keeping with Market Basket’s culture of respect.”
Appropriate or not, the protesting employees are committed to their cause. They have already posted protest signs in and outside of the company's headquarters in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, according to the Boston Globe. So far, they have not informed the press about what their plans are if Thornton and Gooch refuse to give in to their demands, but a statement from Tom Gordon, a Market Basket manager with 39 years of experience with the company, may hint at it...
“They can’t run this company without the team at headquarters,” he said.
With emotions this high on all sides, there's no telling what may come next. No matter what happens however you can count on AndNowUKnow to keep you updated on any developments, so stay tuned.
Also, if you'd like to read about the events that lead up to this powder-keg of a situation, you can check out our previous articles here and here.