DES MOINES, IOWA - Hy-Vee is taking one step closer towards its long term goal of becoming a larger presence in the Midwestern retail market with the announcement of plans to build its second Twin Cities location in Oakdale, Minnesota. Hy-Vee is currently negotiating a contract to build a new, full-line supermarket in the downtown city area and local residents and politicians are excited to welcome Hy-Vee into their community.
“We could not be more delighted that Hy-Vee is choosing Oakdale for one of its first metro stores. Hy-Vee will be a wonderful addition to our city for years to come,” said Oakdale Mayor Carmen Sarrack.
Jay Marshall, Executive Vice President of Hy-Vee's eastern region seconded this enthusiasm.
“The City of Oakdale has embraced us, and we look forward to demonstrating the quality customer service, culinary expertise and health and wellness features that our stores offer,” he revealed in a company press release. “When we enter a community, we want to become part of that community. We’re excited about this new store allowing us the opportunity to build those relationships while serving residents’ grocery needs.”
According to a press release, Hy-Vee plans on ramping up this expansion in the immediate future, adding several new Twin Cities locations each year for the next several years.
These expansion plans come during a strong month for Hy-Vee in which the retailer was recently named as the 'First-Ever Regional Grocery Store Brand of the Year' by a Harris Poll of American consumers. Hy-Vee polled first among Midwestern retail chains because it “has strong Purchase Consideration scores and very 'connected consumers,' meaning they have strong feelings for the brand and believe it's a good fit for them," said Michael Treboni, Executive Vice President of Retail Professional Services at Nielsen.
Judging by their response to the new location, the residents of Oakdale would certainly agree with this sentiment it seems.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for any further updates on Hy-Vee's Midwestern expansion plans.
YAKIMA, WA - With demand for Washington state apples rising every year, Domex reportedly has a record sized apple crop on their hands this summer. Because of perfect growing conditions and pristine weather, the crop isn't just coming in bigger than ever, it's also early by a week.
“This year we're seeing everything come together,” said Domex grower Dave Gleason. “This has been a beautiful growing season. The weather's perfect and we've got excellent fruit that is sizing well. We've got a big crop this year, but we've also got all sizes of fruit available.”
With the crop coming in early, Domex currently expects all of its apple varieties to be available to retailers by September 1st.
“We're excited about this crop and things are coming together well...things look good and we just have a few weeks left until we start harvesting this year's crop,” Gleason commented.
The demand for Washington state apples has certainly risen in the last several years. In response to this increase, Gleason discussed how the Domex has both increased the number and quality of its orchards. According to a press release, it has also expanded its facilities for packaging, storing, and processing its apple crops.
Congratulations on a great looking summer crop Domex!
MONTEREY, CA - Along with the record-breaking year for July’s PMA Annual Foodservice Conference, the event hosted an array of new, innovative products and initiatives that continue to raise the bar in foodservice and retail. Here are a handful of my favorites.
Fresh Origins, a company whose portfolio offers an extensive variety of Micro Greens and Edible Flowers, showcased a new summer items. The company featured Micro Carrot Grass, a unique product that adds fresh carrot flavor to any recipe. Petite Sorrel Green Apple™ was also featured and presents a fresh, tart, green apple flavor profile with a distinct crunch. Fresh origins program also offers the edible Pink Begonia Flower, which brings a visually stunning, tart and juicy addition to menu items. Fresh Origins
Tanimura & Antle also recently introduced a new lettuce variety, George T s Special Colossal Romaine Heart. The new variety honors company co-founder George Tanimura, who is celebrating his 100th year in 2014. This new seed variety combines Iceberg and Romaine Hearts, and offers a superior flavor, improved sustainable value and impressive per-head yield. Tanimura & Antle
In addition, USA Onions brought a fresh new initiative to the table, as well as a great flavor experience to the foodservice floor. This year, USA Onions is promoting new recipes that provide an onion-packed twist on All-American comfort food. Sherise Jones served up Caramelized Red Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches in Monterey; one of ten recipes that capture the flavor of comfort food enjoyed nationwide. Keep an eye out for Shrimp and Grits with Crispy Fried Onion Strings, Texas style Savory Onion Cornmeal Waffles with Jalapeno Honey, Maine Lobster Salad Rolls with Onions Buttery Croutons, and Manhattan Grilled Steak with Blue Cheese and Onion Sauce. I’ll be looking forward to Chicago deep dish pizza style grilled cheese as well. I always suggest adding Sriracha to everything if you need to take the spice up a notch. USA Onions
California Specialty Farms highlighted some great, versatile offerings. The company truly is “Where Produce Meets Art.” California Specialty’s "Heart Beets" are prepared with 3 kinds of beets: Purple, Golden and Candy Stripe, and also come combined with potatoes to make a Yin/Yang offering. They also dare to be visually intriguing with potatoes in the same heart creation, along with Stars, Shamrocks, Yin/Yang designs and other shapes. The company packs them in 12-count cryovac sheets, so that virtually any size restaurant or end-user can order just what they need. Retail is available in a 4 count clamshell. Each design is 1 ounce in weight and can be simply heated throughout and served. These are perfect for weddings, graduations, holidays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and much more. California Specialty Farms
Classic Salads brought new kale products to the table this year, and include the company’s Winter Mix; a great source of vitamins A & C, foliate, iron, potassium, and vitamin K. The brassica family consists of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and other hearty greens that are included in this mix. The Chopped Kale mix is another new offering and a great source of iron and calcium, as well as vitamins K, A & C, folate and protein. This mix offers several varieties of kale. Packaging for these items include foodservice conventional 2# bags as well as organic 2# re-sealable clamshells. In addition, Classic Salads has introduced organic 5 oz. clamshells showcased under the "Classic Salads" brand. Kale is trending everywhere and Classic Salads is staying at the top of the game. Classic Salads
Check out even more great PMA highlights in this PMA TV episode:
Next up for me, PMA Fresh Summit. See you there.
WASHINGTON D.C. - The USDA has cited Nogales, AZ based Triple R Distributing for failure to pay $334,261 in debts to four produce sellers, a violation of PACA law.
As a result of this citation Triple R Distributing is barred from doing business in the produce industry until June 28, 2015, after which it will become eligible to apply for a new PACA license. In addition, Daniel A. Romero, Triple R Distributing's principle, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until that same date. After June 28th a company may employ him with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of the PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million. This is just one more way USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
WASHINGTON D.C. - The USDA has cited San Antonio, TX based Chaparral Fruit Sales for failure to pay $738,006 in debts to seven produce sellers, a violation of PACA law.
As a result of this citation Chaparral Fruit Sales is barred from doing business in the produce industry until June 3, 2016 after which it will become eligible to apply for a new PACA license. In addition, Amadeo C. Lopez, Chaparral's principle, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until that same date. After June 3rd a company may employ him with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of the PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million. This is just one more way USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
WENATCHEE, WA – Big news has come down from Washington State with Stemilt's announcement that it has begun its harvest for its line of organic peaches and nectarines. Harvest season is a week early this year, coming on the heels of a growing season in which Stemilt Marketing Director Roger Pepperl described as 'absolutely ideal' for stonefruit crops.
“This is the sixth season that our entire peach and nectarine crop is grown and certified as organic. Consumer demand for organic fruit is very high, and...The fruit looks and tastes incredible. Vibrant colors, juicy and sweet flavors with a good amount of acid. Our focus on tree-ripened fruit ensures a consistent level of maturity to further enhance the consumer eating experience,” he said.
According to a press release, Stemilt has been growing all-organic peaches and nectarines since 2007. Its first harvest came in 2009 and was met with such success that Stemilt Growers has never looked back.
“The move to organics brought our trees into balance from a horticultural standpoint, and balanced trees deliver fruit with higher sugars and acids resulting in a better eating experience for consumers,” said Jill Douglas, General Manager of Douglas Fruit, the principal growers behind Stemilt's summer peach and nectarine crop. “We also benefit from growing peaches and nectarines in the best locale. The Columbia Basin and Tri Cities area of Washington State has a volcanic-rich soil and is known for having long, warm summer days that build the fruit’s flavor and cool nights to reenergize trees. The perfect combination that is only enhanced by farming the fruit with natural methods.”
According to a press release, these stonefruits will be sold under Stemilt's Artisan Organics label and will be available to retailers from late July to mid-September. In addition to the excellent quality of their product, Stemilt also offers a full line of merchandising materials to aid their retail partners, such as pop-up displays and signage featuring the Douglas family's commitment to organic farming.
Congratulations to another excellent season for Stemilt!
JUPITER, FL - Smart Traxx Go, the latest product offering by Locus Traxx, is a product that shippers and distributors are going to get excited about. Industry veterans are probably well familiar with Locus Traxx by now. Its Smart Traxx Portable technology, housed in its iconic yellow suitcase, has become a mainstay for logistics professionals wanting to glean more insights into what's happening to their product during the shipping process.
Smart Traxx Go takes this technology into the cloud, doing away with reverse logistics and giving produce shippers temperature, security, and location information in real time through wireless cloud based services.
"It's very straightforward," David Benjamin, Locus Traxx CEO tells ANUK. "Pull the tab, place it in the truck, in with the container. It provdes real time information reports from inside the container or the truck, through the newtork, to the cloud. We give you real time information."
Check out our above video for a first hand look at this new technology and what it could mean for you and your logistics operations.
DELANO, CA - Columbine Vineyards has launched a new integrated website to enhance interaction as a part of the company’s recent effort to rebrand with users. This modern, clean layout offers intuitive navigation that will allow users more efficient access to product resources, including recipes, videos and photo galleries, along with social media, according to a press release.
Lauren Olcott, Marketing Representative, states, “With the launch of the new website Columbine Vineyards will be in a better position to provide information on the company’s full breadth of product mix and share with the public the vast health benefits of grapes.”
As part of Columbine’s recent efforts over the past year, the company unveiled a G.P.S. or “Grape Positioning System,” application for iPhones and Android phones that makes it easier for customers to locate their Columbine grapes at the nearest grocery store. The application debuted in August of 2013.
“Our website is now more interactive, user-friendly and feature-rich. It’s a one-stop resource for customers and consumers to connect to Columbine Vineyards,” added Olcott.
Columbine Vineyards has a tradition of growing high quality grapes and has expanded this level of excellence to their website and users.
PACOIMA, CA - Sunkist Blends are getting a new look this summer as Trifecta Foods launches its fresh, redesigned packaging and social media campaign. Along with new packaging features that include high impact graphics and a revamped window for snack viewing, the line will also be welcoming two new flavors: Island Lime and Orange Cream.
CEO Nick Desai tells AndNowUKnow, “After our initial launch of the Sunkist Blends, we decided to gather data from our trade buyers and consumers to help bring our packaging to the next level. The new design distinctively focuses on their flavor profiles and product versatility, while bringing more color differentiation to our skus. So far the reception has been fantastic.”
The Blends are created with premium dried fruits, nuts and delightful unique morsels, and work as a versatile dessert alternative. The line is also crafted with the company’s proprietary seasoning process and includes items like sweet dried cherries & strawberries, blueberries, dark chocolate covered bananas & hazelnuts.
In addition, the Sunkist Blends can also be showcased at the retail level in a new display ready, 6-count case. The line also offers a 64-count shipper.
To support the new items and redesigned packaging, the company is “Snacking it Forward” with a social media campaign through Facebook as well as a new website that is currently in the works. Click here to check out the new Facebook page…
“We are promoting the message that to eat good is to feel good. This campaign will feature a host of promotions and contests that ask our consumers to 'Snack it Forward' and help others eat better as well,” Nick tells me.
The company has already begun converting to the new bags in retailers that include Kroger and Publix.
Keep an eye out for the new look from Sunkist Blends.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Lori Taylor, the woman behind the much lauded The Produce Mom blog, has named Nature Fresh Farms as the 2014 Produce Mom Partner of the Year at the 27th Annual Indianapolis Fruit Company Trade Show.
“All of my partners are valued. The Partner of the Year recognition is like a team’s MVP award," Lori Taylor explained. “Nature Fresh Farms committed to a remarkable level of education & exploration with The Produce Mom over the last year. Together we taught so many consumers about greenhouse farming & demonstrated Nature Fresh Farms’ dedication to ‘Growing Perfection.’”
Nature Fresh Farms Marketing Manager Andrea Quiring accepted the award with thanks, speaking at some length about how much Nature Fresh has benefited from its ongoing partnership with The Produce Mom.
“She helped Nature Fresh socialize our brand. As a family farm & a progressive leader in greenhouse construction & practices, we want to share our story with consumers,” she said.
According to a press release, The Produce Mom and Nature Fresh have collaborated on three previous Twitter events, drawing a Twitter impression of almost 8 million each time. Nature Fresh produce has also been featured by the Produce Mom Picks program in the past.
“The growth of Produce Mom Picks® is very exciting; we are proud to have our products and recipes featured,” said Mike Glass, Sales Manager Nature Fresh Farms.
For more about the partnership between Nature Fresh and The Produce Mom check out our previous article on there Pepper Pinathon Pinterest Contest here.