PHOENIX, AZ - Sprouts Farmers Market is doubling down on its Philly love, quite literally. The banner has announced it is effectively doubling its store count in the state with two new locations in the Philadelphia market, both due to open this month.

While the retailer did not directly comment on the move in recently released details, locals showed excitement and anticipation for more of the produce-centered stores’ doors to open.

“I am excited to welcome Sprouts Farmers Market to Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in a press release. “In addition to providing fresh, healthy, and specialty foods to Philadelphians, Sprouts also brings jobs to our communities, playing an important role in our vision of a safer, cleaner, greener Philadelphia, with access to economic opportunity for all.”

Sprouts noted that it is invested in serving the communities where it operates, working with local Pennsylvania farmers like Harnish Farms, Frecon Farms, Hess Brothers Fruit Company, and others to source local produce.

The first store, located at the Roosevelt Mall, is set to open on June 14 while a Quartermaster Plaza location will cut a ribbon on June 21.

Grand Opening weekend events celebrating both additions will engage and entice consumers of any age, with more details listed in full here.

Through Sprouts’ Food Rescue program, these stores will donate nutrient-rich, edible groceries to local food bank Philabundance, effectively reducing food waste.

As we monitor all strategic moves throughout the industry, continue to keep an eye on AndNowUKnow for the latest.

OXNARD, CA - With additional offerings of blueberries and mangos in its arsenal, Mission Produce™ delivered financial results for the fiscal second quarter.

“Revenue growth was driven by robust consumer demand for avocados which translated into an 8 percent increase in avocado volumes sold in our Marketing and Distribution segment and a 22 percent increase in per-unit sales prices,” commented Steve Barnard, Chief Executive Officer. “Results were also supported by our emerging Blueberries segment, where volumes benefited from the harvest season timing that extended into the fiscal second quarter this year. Strong per-unit margins related to avocados in our Marketing & Distribution segment, combined with an overall reduction in corporate expenses and continued implementation of cost savings actions, contributed meaningfully to our improved adjusted EBITDA and cash flow generation.”

Some highlights from the report include:

• Total revenue increased 35 percent to $297.6 million compared to the same period last year driven primarily by a 22 percent increase in average per-unit avocado selling prices and an 8 percent increase in avocado volume sold
• Net income of $7 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(4.6) million, or $(0.07) per diluted share, for the same period last year
• Adjusted net income of $9.8 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to $0.5 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the same period last year

“Looking to the second half of the year, while El Niño weather conditions had appeared to have eased, we are still seeing its impact on the development of the Peruvian avocado crop for this year, resulting in notable decreases in industry and owned production volumes. In the second quarter, we continued to advance our rigorous cost optimization initiative in Peru and are on track to deliver approximately $10 million of annualized cost savings in Fiscal 2024,” Barnard continued. “We expect these cost optimization initiatives to partially mitigate the impact of the smaller crop and translate into improved operational efficiencies when growing conditions improve. Mission remains in great position with a diversified network of global assets and we expect to utilize the strength of our world-class sourcing team to access other third-party fruit to augment the shortages from Peru and meet customer demand during the Mexican low-season.”

For more highlights from the release, click here.

AndNowUKnow will continue to plumb the depths of industry insights, so stay tuned to us!

SACRAMENTO, PA - The new Side Delights® Amazables! potato product line is already living up to its name, turning heads and, most recently, winning the Masser Family of Companies (MFC) product innovation awards and citations.

“We are thrilled that the Masser Family of Companies received recognition for the product innovation of Amazables!,” Kathleen Triou, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Solutions Network (FSN), said. “The Krisp Film Technology crisps the potato skin while the inside cooks up drier and fluffier—more like an oven-baked potato. Plus, the Litehouse® sauces are scrumptious—truly delicious. People tell me they devour them because they are just that tasty.”

MFC was awarded the 2024 Award for Excellence in recognition of product innovation from the Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) Manufacturers and Employers Association and the Employer Product Innovation Award from the National Association of Manufacturers, in conjunction with the NEPA Manufacturers and Employers Association, according to a press release, for the Side Delights Amazables! potato product line.

The NEPA Manufacturers and Employers Association Manufacturers and Employers Excellence Award was listed as actively celebrating the mission of supporting the achievement of excellence among member companies.

“We are honored to receive recognition for such an innovative product from an esteemed organization,” Lela Reichart, MFC’s Vice President of New Business Development, stated. “MFC is proud to be a partner in the Fresh Solutions Network and to be a Gold level member of the regional Northeast Manufacturing Association.”

Reichart accepted the awards at the annual ceremony and dinner on May 7 for Amazables!, which launched in March 2024 as an oven crispy-skin style microwavable U.S. No.1 grade Russet potato available with two custom Litehouse sauces.

Congratulations to both the FSN and MFC on this wonderful accomplishment!

UNITED STATES - We are saddened to report the passing of Buck Shuman, a titan who left an indelible mark on the Vidalia® onion industry.

Buck was the proprietor of Shuman Fertilizer and later marketed seed genetics to growers throughout the Vidalia industry. As noted in a release from the Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC), he pioneered the practice of blending fertilizers for his customers in the 1970s. At the time, this challenged conventional methods and paved the way for a new way for onions to be grown.

Customizing fertilizer blends based on the unique needs of each field led to a groundbreaking innovation, crucial in preserving the unmistakable sweet, mild flavor of Vidalia onions, renowned for their exceptional quality.

Beyond fertilizer blending, Buck lent his expertise to the industry as an onion farmer, a career that began in the early 1980s. He retired as a grower and then embarked on a new chapter in his life, joining D. Palmer Seed in 1996 as a Vidalia onion representative.

In this role, Buck collaborated with breeders globally. His contributions include the renowned 'Miss Megan' variety and the 'Sapelo' variety, which were considered cornerstones of the industry.

Buck’s passion for the Vidalia onion industry was an intrinsic part of his life. Over five decades of shaping the industry was a great gift to him, and a love that he passed on to his children, John Shuman and Mark Shuman, who are now President/Chief Executive Officer and Director of Operations respectively at Shuman Farms.

Buck Shuman's passion for the Vidalia onion industry was not merely a profession but an intrinsic way of life. His unwavering dedication and tireless efforts over five decades have played an instrumental role in shaping the industry and upholding the esteemed brand image of Vidalia sweet onions.

Several industry members added their thoughts regarding Buck Shuman’s impact on both themselves and the industry through the VOC.

Delbert Bland, Owner and President, Bland Farms®

“Mr. Buck was a true mentor to me. He had a way of encouraging you when things were not going well. He injected a positive attitude into our industry, and I don’t know anyone he didn’t encourage and wanted to see succeed in our business. He was a blessing to know.”

Cliff Riner, Vice President, G&R Farms

“Mr. Buck was a true legend in the industry; his reputation as the Southern Gentleman and his passion for Vidalia Onions was as evident as anyone I know. His work ethic and dedication to enhancing the Vidalia Sweet Onion lasted for multiple decades, and I am extremely thankful for Mr. Buck’s legacy; he set the example for us all to follow."

Alan Sikes, Owner, Sikes Farms

“He was always encouraging and wanted everyone to do good within our whole industry; our industry has lost its best and finest gentleman. Mr. Buck made you feel respected and valued, and he kept a smile and the humblest attitude.”

R.T Stanley, Retired Owner, Stanley Farms

“I’ve always enjoyed doing business with Mr. Buck. When he sold fertilizer, he helped our farm; when he sold seed, he was a pleasure to do business with. He was both a friend and doing business with him for multiple decades meant a lot to me. I truly enjoyed our relationship. Most importantly, he was an outstanding family man and raised a great crop of children and a family that is well respected.”

In a formal obituary, it was noted the family is honored by all expressions of sympathy, but suggest memorial contributions in Buck’s memory to be made to Paul Anderson Youth Home, 1603 McIntosh Street, Vidalia, GA, 30474. To read it in its entirety, click here.

We extend our condolences to all who knew, loved, and admired Buck Shuman.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - With our industry often eyeing our neighbors across the pond for anticipated shifts in everything from food trends to technology, I recently had the chance to dig into how up-and-coming produce software provider Prophet aligns perfectly with the next iteration of fresh business with the company’s Vice President of Sales Mick Heatherington and Chief Operating Officer Tony Zuccato.

“The supermarkets’ domination in Europe forces produce businesses to look at their own supply chain and costs to make money,” Mick explains. “There's a commonality to all the clever packing and grading machinery and other tools. Most of it is all designed, developed, and engineered in Europe, crafted for efficiency and making a profit from incredibly skinny margins. It's high volume, low margin for produce operators and, obviously, very, very fast-moving supply chains.”

While this may sound familiar to Stateside operators, Mick shares it is not an exaggeration to say our European counterparts work on a seven to 10 percent gross margin.

“This has pushed produce companies to look inward, be more efficient, and ERP systems are a big part of that. Margins are better in the U.S., even though they are getting skinnier. That change will have the same impact in necessitating looking at internal processes, and it is something we’ve already been doing for over 20 years,” Mick points out.

Other areas Prophet has built its network around include food safety and traceability. Suppliers wanting to work with European supermarkets receive thick manuals detailing compulsory requirements and approach to these areas, necessitating software that is broad, flexible, and deeply implemented. Now, with this becoming much more prevalent in the U.S. too, Mick and Tony pose the question if the technology available is ready.

“The impact of these regulations and margin pressure is only going to grow. So, we're well positioned to help potential U.S. customers get ahead of what’s to come. It’s a factor that drove us to start working into the U.S. market in the first place—supply chains are more cost efficient, and their traceability and food safety is more mature in Europe,” Tony observes.

From tracking and traceability to cost awareness and flexibility, there is more than an article’s worth of features to the company’s offerings. Yet I can share from firsthand experience learning something new is harder before it is easier. From new phones to better programs, I always resist, even though I inevitably ask the same new offering where it’s been all my life once I’ve completed the learning curve.

“This is true," Tony acknowledges, but his smile is confident. "And we're there every step of the way and with smart proactive planning about how the software is going to work and meet all their needs. It’s a strategy we’ve gone to market with and are seeing success. We had a less-than-six-month implementation cycle with a couple of customers last year specifically. We strive to work with customers and take the pain out of the implementation process. It is a big process, yes, but it needn't be something to be scared of with the right partner.”

With an eye for growth on the horizon, Prophet is a company we certainly expect to hear more news from, so stay tuned.

UNITED STATES - The results are in! Of what, you ask? Instacart recently shared the insights gleaned from an online survey by The Harris Poll, which tapped into over 2,000 U.S. adults’ opinions on the stonefruit category.

Among the grocery ally’s deep dive into the stonefruit sector is an exploration by region. According to Instacart:

• New Mexico is the reigning champ, loving its stonefruit 30 percent more than the national average. New Mexico shoppers have a particularly sweet spot for apricots, buying them at a staggering 229 percent more than other states
• Minnesota and New Jersey sit 22 percent above the national average. Minnesota’s cherry adoration is notable at 53 percent higher than average
• Washington, DC, shows a preference for mangos, purchasing them 51 percent more often
• On the West Coast, California shoppers crave nectarines, with orders 76 percent more frequent than elsewhere

The grocery delivery ace also took a moment to dive into the unusual pairings featuring stonefruit, which means cross-merchandising opportunities await!

Some of the findings that stood out to us include:

• Burrata is purchased 550 percent more often with yellow peaches than it is overall, and whole salmon is 629 percent more likely to be purchased when yellow peaches are in the cart compared to average
• Yellow nectarines inspire a mix of health and comfort–their presence increasing purchases of Popsicles by 139 percent and smoked salmon by 186 percent
• Plums seem to bring out a taste for Mediterranean cuisine, boosting sales of traditional yogurt, dried dates, and pistachios
• Pluots invite an interest in eclectic snacking with mochi, pressed juices, and more
• Cherries pair delightfully with prepared shrimp and croissants
• The tropical vibes of Ataulfo mangos see a surge in canned coconut milk and cream, tofu, and paneer

Instacart also shared that, following peaches, cherries (49 percent), mangos (40 percent), plums (35 percent), and nectarines (30 percent) are among the top stonefruits Americans are looking forward to eating this summer.

The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Instacart from May 28–30, 2024 among 2,090 adults ages 18 and older, the release noted. Dive further into the findings here.

For more category deep dives, you know where to click!

DALLAS, TX - I’ve seen produce marketing grow tremendously in the past five years, continuing to gain influence with brands big and small. Elephant House Public Relations is one organization at the forefront of this movement, and happens to be celebrating its third anniversary this month.

“Public Relations has, historically, been an underrepresented area of the marketing plan in our industry, but things are changing. Since beginning my career in produce nearly 15 years ago, and especially since starting Elephant House PR, I’ve seen an exciting shift happening within companies to engage more strategically with influencers, registered dietitians, the media, and ultimately the public,” said Beth Keeton, Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

With a network of over 400 engaged media and influencer contacts, Elephant House PR has become adept at finding the perfect partners and storytelling opportunities for its clients, the company stated in a press release. More than 800 media placements have generated over 15 billion earned impressions, equating to $90 million in advertising value. These accomplishments underscore the agency’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and building deeper relationships within the industry.

Krysta Markham, Communications and Content Manager at Nature Fresh Farms, commented on her experience with the agency.

"Collaborating with Beth and her team at Elephant House PR has been transformative for our company," said Markham. "Beth's commitment to understanding the intricacies of our business, combined with her keen insight into our goals and aspirations, has seamlessly integrated her team with ours, making them a genuine extension of our workforce. Their collective efforts not only catapulted us to success with the 2024 Good Housekeeping Best Snack Award for our Hiiros™ Tomatoes, but continue to propel us forward."

The agency’s focus is twofold—helping those with influence tell a more complete and vibrant story about fresh produce, and helping the brands within the industry better understand how public relations can positively impact sales.

Elephant House PR has hosted harvest tours for retailers, influencers, and the media; helped brands earn distinguished awards in publications like Good Housekeeping and Prevention; and secured television spots on local stations, most notably The TODAY Show.

The agency is poised for even greater achievements, driven by its passion for fresh food and its unwavering commitment to its clients.

Congratulations to Elephant House PR!

SANTA PAULA, CA - As of June 3, Calavo Growers gained a new board member. The supplier has welcomed John Lindeman as the newest member of its Board of Directors and Audit Committee.

Lindeman has served since March 2020 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hydrofarm Holdings Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of branded hydroponics equipment and supplies for controlled environment agriculture. There, he is responsible for accounting, finance, and information technology, a press release stated. Prior to joining Hydrofarm, Lindeman served as Chief Financial Officer of Calavo Growers from 2015 to 2020.

The new board member has also held various leadership positions within the finance and investment banking industries, including serving as Managing Director at Sageworth Trust Company, Managing Director and co-head of the consumer and retail group at Janney Montgomery Scott, Managing Director at Stifel Nicolaus, and Principal at Legg Mason. He was also a manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Lindeman has also served as a director of Utz Brands since September 2020. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington.

“We are excited to welcome John to our Board of Directors,” said Steven Hollister, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “John has extensive experience in corporate finance, strategy, and leadership and has deep knowledge of Calavo and the avocado industry having served as Calavo’s Chief Financial Officer for several years. We welcome John back to the organization and look forward to his insight and contributions.”

Following the appointment of Lindeman as Independent Director, Calavo’s board will consist of nine directors, eight of them independent.

Cheers to Calavo’s new board member!

SALINAS, CA - Flavor with a side of sustainability? “Sign us up,” consumers say in unison. Tanimura & Antle’s Artisan portfolio continues to showcase the brand’s commitment to excellence, and its Artisan Romaine is among seven standout products comprising this lineup. Artisan Romaine is the second addition to the product family, showcasing a proprietary seed variety that simultaneously delivers on sustainability and flavor.

"A commitment to excellence and sustainability has always been at the core of Tanimura & Antle’s values of Quality, Service, and Innovation," said Scott Grabau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tanimura & Antle. "Tanimura & Antle Artisan Romaine embodies this commitment, delivering unparalleled flavor and versatility while simultaneously prioritizing sustainability from farm to table."

The product first hit shelves in 2011, aiming to provide more salad and less waste with a sweet flavor and consistent leaf size.

Like all products within the family, Tanimura & Antle Artisan Romaine excels not only in taste and culinary versatility but also in sustainability, both on the farm and in consumer homes, a press release stated. This is due to its shorter growing cycle, which yields several benefits on the farm: less water, fertilizer, tractor usage, fuel, and ultimately, less labor.

As the release went on to note, Artisan Romaine’s seamless substitution for staple Romaine and Iceberg recipes not only conserves refrigerator space but also extends shelf-life, providing consumers with greater flexibility and reducing the likelihood of food waste.

"As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their food choices, items like our Tanimura & Antle Artisan family of products provide a solution that marries consumer demand with increasing pressure on businesses to focus on sustainability," says Ashley Kaslin, Director of Marketing at Tanimura & Antle. "We’re proud to provide the industry and consumers alike with a lettuce option that is both healthy for them and our planet.”

The item is available in a variety of packs for both retail and foodservice, including 2 and 3 count retail bags and 24 count, 36 count, and 48 count foodservice cartons. Read more about this beloved offering here.

As more category insights come to light, ANUK will be here with the latest.