Fallback FLV:
https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/fallback-videos/sepc_southern_exposure_2020_-_produce_on_parade_03.mp4?VersionId=5htR5KlvBXcn1pNLUoP4gTqP1xwoXEsG
WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt Growers is upping the stakes of its category insights program, Fruit Tracker™, with a new video podcast series. Similarly to the info provided by Fruit Tracker, the podcast—dubbed Fast Facts—will share quick facts and analysis around performance for top fruit categories and feature industry experts like Roger Pepperl, Stemilt’s Marketing Director, and Brianna Shales, Senior Marketing Manager.
“
Fast Facts 2.0 has arrived,” said Shales. “We’re rolling out this podcast-style analysis of category data to give retailers an easy way to digest facts that stood out to us in the latest set of Nielsen retail scan data. Whether they watch or listen, it’s a fast and fun way to understand how the total category is doing. It also offers advice for making small yet bold changes to elevate the category going-forward.”
The first episode, Fast Facts: The Cast, examines the U.S. apple category’s performance in October of 2019. The episode begins with a look at the overall apple category’s contribution to the total fresh produce department in October 2019 and compares it to the same timeframe the year prior, according to a press release.
“October is still in that transition time for apples, but it’s also a big selling month for apples, and the harsh reality is that we need to see bigger volumes of apples sold. Going big with promotions will help account for deflation in the apple category and help move the large crop that we have nationally this season,” said Shales.
Specifically, in October, apples were 6.9 percent of fresh produce sales, which was down 0.2 percent year-over-year. The Midwest region beat the average with 8.6 percent of fresh produce sales coming from apples, while the remaining regions fell just above or below the national average.
In terms of varieties, Gala led the pack with a 3.6 percent increase in volume sold year-over-year. Honeycrisp followed closely behind despite sales being flat. Fuji, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith finished out the top five, and all saw sales decline year-over-year.
“The Gala increase was a positive, yet when we consider the larger crop we have this year, there is room for improvement,” continued Shales. “All top five varieties can benefit from increased multi-variety promotions that are centered around moving volume. Bigger displays, creative merchandising tactics, and in-and-outs on larger pouch bag packs are all strategies Stemilt has in place for retailers to tap into to push more volume through the register.”
The first episode of the podcast also covered club apples and organics. Pepperl, a former apple buyer/merchandiser, advised those in the role today to “pick their favorites” when it came to new varieties and focus on messaging their unique attributes to consumers in order to increase trial and future purchases, according to a press release.
“The gas pedal isn’t there when it comes to organic apples and presents a real creative promotion opportunity for retailers,” added Shales. “The retailers that do organics best will often have 20 to 30 percent of their apple sales coming from organics. With the largest organic apple crop in history, this is the year to reward loyal organic shoppers and entice new ones via promotions.”
In October of 2019, organic apple volumes were up nearly 7 percent when compared to 2018 and about 10 percent of apple category sales.
“It’s time to sell more to these produce fanatics. We want to see the same multi-variety ad effort that is made for conventional apples made for bulk organic,” said Shales, before noting that increasing the bag size retailers carry on organic apples is one simple trick to garnering more sales. Specifically, Shales explained that selling in packs that are three pounds or larger is an easy way to ensure organic product is identified at the register while also increasing the average purchase size.
“And beyond that, Stemilt has a value opportunity on 5-pound pouch bags of Artisan Organics™ apples that retailers can take advantage of to give that organic category a volume boost,” Shales concluded.
Click here to listen to the very first episode of the podcast yourself! And for more fresh produce news like this, stay right here with AndNowUKnow.
YUMA, AZ - As packaging that can be or has been recycled continues to give providers a leg up in consumer loyalty, Natural Delights has announced the launch of packs that are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
“Our new green packaging for tub containers will help to keep 800 tons of plastic out of landfills and oceans, reducing water consumption by 34 million gallons and eliminating 1,200 tons of CO2 emissions,” said David Baxter, Brand Manager.
This is not the only area in which the company is going green, Baxter added.
"In addition to our plastic packaging, we are converting most of our display materials to kraft material, which is certified by the sustainable forestry initiative. This change increases the amount of recycled material used by 50 percent and improves the recycle-ability of the box,” he said.
Natural Delights’ new green packaging will apply to all tub containers and roll into stores this month, according to a press release. The company has made significant investments in converting its date packaging to be among the most sustainable options on the market for the category.
“We continue to invest in packaging sustainability in order to do what is best for our business, consumers, and the environment," Baxter concluded.
The date provider offers a line of Whole, Pitted, Organic, and Pitted Organic Medjool Dates; Premium Chopped Medjool Dates; and Medjool Date Rolls with flavors like coconut, almond, and cacao with pecans. As more and more categories look to answer the call for sustainable options in packaging, AndNowUKnow will report on the latest.
PHOENIX, AZ - Sprouts Farmers Market is fortifying its leadership team with the addition of Joel Anderson to its Board of Directors. The news of Anderson joining the Board follows the announcement that Steve Townsend has stepped down from his position.
“It is an honor to welcome Joel to our Board of Directors,” said Jack Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Sprouts Farmers Market. “Joel’s deep experience as a high-growth retail executive at companies of scale will be extremely valuable to our Board as we continue to develop our strategy for long-term growth and value creation.”
Since the start of his career, Anderson’s resume has included many leadership positions in the retail sector, including various executive positions at Toys “R” Us over a 14-year period, President of the Retail and Direct Business units for Lenox Group, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart.com from 2011 to 2014.
Currently, Anderson serves as the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Five Below, a leading high-growth value retailer offering trend-right, high-quality products, according to a press release.
Chairman of Sprouts’ Board of Directors, Joseph Fortunato, commemorated Townsend’s time with Sprouts Farmers Market, stating “Steve has served on the Sprouts Board since 2013, and we extend our gratitude and appreciation for his contributions.”
As the leadership in the grocery retail industry continues to wax and wane with talent, know-how, and unique expertise, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
MICHIGAN - With growth on its mind, retail giant Kroger is pushing ahead with expansion plans across the U.S., but has recently been making efforts to boost its presence in the Michigan retail space. Earlier this year, Kroger announced its plans to invest $97 million in the state, an investment that includes two new stores, 11 existing store remodels, and three new fuel centers. The retailer has been laying the groundwork in the state for some time now, as Kroger built a new $25-million facility in 2017 to handle the anticipated increase in demand. Now, the retailer is ramping up its efforts, holding a hiring event to fill more than 500 positions at its stores across Michigan.
“We are seeking friendly, hard-working associates for a variety of positions to help serve our amazing customers during the holiday season and beyond,” said Stephanie Spangler-Opdyke, Human Resources Manager for The Kroger Co. of Michigan.
On-site interviews will be held on November 18 in any one of Kroger’s 120 Michigan stores, but will only be available to applicants who have already applied online, according to WWJ 950. New employees will join the retailer’s Michigan team of more than 18,000 associates.
“Kroger is a great place to work, with various career paths for associates and incredible opportunities for advancement," continued Spangler-Opdyke. "We also make the application process easy by offering open interviews during the hiring events and enabling candidates to apply online from anywhere.”
For more retail expansion news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
NOGALES, AZ - Good things come to those who wait, and in this case Mother Nature saw fit to make the industry and those we serve wait for melons coming out of Mexico. Though the weather might have set harvest back just over a week compared to previous years, yield is coming up and flavor is more than on track, according to the experts.
“Quality is looking fantastic and among some of the best we have seen,” Cesar Pacheco, Sales Manager of Giumarra Nogales, shares. “Volume will also remain constant throughout the fall season.”
Though heavy rains during the planting and growing frame delayed the season by about 10 to 12 days, the melons themselves are looking good and will be here in time for those post-Thanksgiving holiday promotions.
“The melon market is slowly moving up,” Cesar says when I ask about where the category currently stands in terms of volume. Demand, he adds, looks as if it will closely match offerings. “Overall, it might slow down for a few days because of the holiday, but right after Thanksgiving, demand will increase.”
Honing in on key attributes drawing shoppers in, besides the stellar quality Giumarra is currently seeing come in, Cesar tells me the team is seeing that larger sizes are in heavier demand than smaller ones.
As we look toward the fruits of our patience, and the onset of holiday demand, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to date on all the key categories influencing our industry.
ANAHEIM, CA - Every produce show is a golden opportunity to reconnect with old friends and partners from across the industry. With these “catch-ups,” we get to see how things have changed from the previous year, including new promotions and steps in our friends’ journeys. Tracey Lewin, Vice President of Sales and Operations for the Allen Lund Company, took time to chat with me about how she is settling into her most recent role.
“Over 30 years ago I began with the Allen Lund Company in the accounting department where I lasted for about a year and a half or so and then I moved into the sales department—particularly refrigerated and produce,” Tracey told me. “From there I worked my way up and became the Assistant Manager, then the Manager of the Los Angeles office, and in April of this year I was promoted to Vice President.”
Tracey has a busy plate with the new role, but she is more than up to the task. She is challenged with overseeing 11 of the company’s 35 branch offices, and from headcount freight management to management styles and regional differences, each office holds its own special characteristics.
“I’m learning more and more about these offices, getting to know the managers even better, and I’m really embracing this opportunity to continue to grow with the company,” she said.
For over 25 years, Tracey has attended just about every show that the company does, and yet she still finds ways to extract value and fun out of every single one.
“We really appreciate the opportunity to meet with our shippers, growers, and even other carriers that come to see us—it has been a very beneficial relationship for all parties involved and we really appreciate PMA,” she commented.
For more exclusive show content, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - Good Foods, one of the biggest names in the plant-based dips and good-for-you products category, is bolstering its leadership team with a new highly-qualified member. Malin Benicek has been hired to fill the role of Vice President of Technical Services, where he will oversee global food safety initiatives as well as the company’s quality management strategies, programs, and standards.
“I’m honored to be joining the Good Foods team,” said Benicek. “Good Foods’ dedication to using the most advanced technologies in food manufacturing and safety is simply the best in the industry. I’m deeply committed to advancing the business growth both nationally and internationally.”
With over 30 years of experience in his back pocket, Benicek has previously served as the Executive Vice President of Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and Regulatory Affairs for Schuman Cheese Inc. and Wayne Farms LLC.
“We believe adding Malin to the team will be crucial for maintaining the success of our company and products,” Kurt Penn, Founder and CEO, commented in a press release. “His experience and passion for improving food safety and quality assurance standards makes him the perfect fit for this role.”
Benicek earned a master’s degree in food microbiology from the University of Wisconsin, after which he went on to work in various industry segments, including prepared foods, food ingredient manufacturing, cultures, and enzymes.
Congratulations to Benicek on the new position!
AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you updates on the leadership of our industry.
IDAHO FALLS, ID - Whoever coined the phrase “couch potato” has a thing or two to learn about the category. If by couch potato you mean healthy, dependable, and titillating, then sure, you can put that on my tombstone! Any other definition is simply untrue. Given the wide array of benefits that come along with eating potatoes, it’s no wonder why the delicious spuds are in high demand this time of year. Dallin Klinger of Marketing and Communications at Eagle Eye Produce knows all about the wondrous tubers, so I reached out to hear his thoughts on the state of the potato market this time of year.
“The potato market is steady currently—at higher than historical prices for this time frame. Supply is light and demand is good. We should see the demand continue to increase in the coming weeks,” Dallin explained. “We have seen a spike in prices due to the tight supply nationally, which is even more dramatic with the larger-sized potatoes. Historically, prices would plateau during the holidays, but they are higher than they have been in over a decade during this time.”
According to Dallin, the eastern Idaho harvest was prolonged due to a significant frost in early October, meaning the national supply is expected to be a bit tighter than last year. However, Eagle Eye’s crops in Nevada and Washington finished on schedule earlier in the month. The company is now shipping all storage crop potatoes from all of its growing regions.
“The quality of our potato crops is excellent, especially those harvested the earliest this fall,” said Dallin. “Our sizing is good, on the smaller side, but should be fairly similar to what we had last year. Nationally, we have some concerns due to an early frost that could factor into how potatoes store this season, but we feel confident in our supply. The overall effects of the frost will take time to fully surface as the season progresses.”
Here’s to more persevering potato crops in the East! To stay up to date on the status of all produce categories, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SANTA BARBARA, CA - The innovative technology provider, Apeel Sciences, is launching its operations into orbit. No, it isn’t sending its scientists to the moon, but it is rolling out new satellite offices in three countries to help facilitate its growing global presence. The new offices will touch down in Peru, Mexico, and the Netherlands, bringing each a solution to the increased demand for Apeel produce. In addition to this initiative, the company has hired and extended roles of key executives that have proven track records in supporting accelerated growth paths.
According to a news release, the first of Apeel’s satellite offices will be in the Netherlands—one of the world’s largest exporters of food and agricultural products—and will service all of Europe, following the European Commission approval in June. Apeel’s second and third satellite office locations in Peru and Mexico offer new solutions to regions that have been eager to bring food waste prevention technology to their farms.
The company is also adding five new key executives to help spearhead this growth, bringing the total team headcount close to 200 employees. Additionally, the company currently has over 100 open career opportunities across three continents, including roles in Product and Strategy, Operations, and Engineering.
The new executives include:
- Jason De Turris, Vice President of Brand, who joins Apeel with twenty years of marketing experience having previously worked with brands like Rolex, Jell-O, Xbox, American Express, and Naked Juice. He will use his experience building world-class brands to establish Apeel’s consumer brand and retail activation strategy worldwide.
- Viviane Schappo, Director of Supplier Relations in Latin America, comes to Apeel from C.H. Robinson, an organization with over $16.6B in sales. She will focus on driving the business development pipeline in Latin America and supporting Apeel’s partners and in-country implementation processes.
- Megan Opp, Chief People Officer, has joined as Apeel’s first Chief People Officer to ensure that Apeel’s culture seamlessly scales as the company grows and continues to attract and retain top talent in the business, technology, and science communities.
- Bill Strong, Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed CFO after helping Apeel raise $110M to-date and overseeing the growth of Apeel’s business from 30 to nearly 200 employees.
- Erich Klawuhn, Vice President of Product is chartered with bringing Apeel products to market and helping identify the opportunity for Apeel’s technology in new verticals. Previously, he was a VP at View Inc., the first company to successfully advance the large‐scale commercialization of dynamic glass.
The company has demonstrated a greater than 50 percent food waste reduction at U.S. food retail, and now has its produce in over 2,000 stores with request for its revolutionary, waste-reducing product globally. Congrats to all of these industry experts on working alongside such an innovation-driven company!