NASHVILLE, TN - Nashville is known for many things: country music, honky-tonks, and publishing, of all things. But what it was known for from this September 12-14 was organics and foodservice, and boy, it did not disappoint. We took the temperature of several amazing produce powerhouses and also that of our own boots on the ground at Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Innovations—who helped me understand what made this show one for the books.
With over 800 attendees and 225 industry buyers present, not only was this show ideal for talking business, it was a great place to meet new faces and connect with old ones.
“I think the weekend can best be summed up by a passage quoted by keynote speaker, Steve Robinson,” David Sherrod, SEPC President and CEO, shared with me. “Matthew 5:41 says, ‘And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.’ The SEPC went the extra mile to deliver one of the best networking events ever. Every educational session delivered expert industry input backed by syndicated data. Both Shasta Nelson and Steve Robinson provided key insights and wonderful words to live by in their keynote addresses. In addition, our attendees were treated to a private concert by new country music star, Chris Lane. From start to finish, Southern Innovations topped the charts and we couldn't be more pleased with its great turnout."
On top of putting together an expo that is sure to go down in organics history, SEPC also released a report called Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Organics but Were Afraid to Ask, a valuable data set for those in organic produce.
“Organic produce has been a shining star in a challenged perimeter for several years now,” David continued. “We are encouraged by the study results and see that there is still ample opportunity and consumer interest for organic to drive continued growth for produce for the country, and the Southeast specifically. While organic produce uptake in the Southeast still lags behind that of the rest of the U.S., we are catching up fast with above-average dollar gains of plus-12.3 percent.”
As buyers mingled with those exhibiting, those boots-on-the-ground moments rang true, and highlighted what is so vital about our industry. When it comes down to it, we’re all go-getters, out there trying to provide the best produce possible to the world.
“Southern Innovations provides the perfect opportunity to address two different segments of our industry and address the organic and foodservice buyer and talk specifically to their needs,” Stephanie Hilton, Marketing and Business Development for Tom Lange Company, told me of her experience. “The expo size and conference makeup is perfect for multiple networking opportunities and meaningful conversations. It is a not-to-be missed event.”
Not-to-be missed was the running theme of this event, as showgoers mingled and talked about new innovations, the future of organics, and where our industry fits into ever-changing consumer trends.
“This conference has grown into something really special and unique. I’m leaving inspired by truly innovative discussions and products,” Amanda Keefer, Managing Director of Produce for Kids, expressed to me.
Mike Roberts, Director of Produce Operations for Harps Food Stores, also echoed the importance of this particular show.
“SEPC Southern Innovations is a great show and, although regional, you can meet people and make connections from all regions of the country,” he told me. “Those kinds of opportunities along with the ease of the show format and strong bonds you make at this show truly set it apart!”
Of those 225 buyers, we were lucky to also hear the perspective from one of US Foods’ own top dogs—a treat for a trade journalist such as myself.
“Once again, the SEPC provided a first-class show focused on the needs of the foodservice customer by providing educational and networking opportunities in a relaxed atmosphere!” Frank Swanson, US Foods’ Senior Manager Produce Operations, remarked.
We also tapped Nicole Hulstein, Food Lion’s Category Manager, to hear about the value she finds in this particular show.
"SEPC Southern Innovations continues to prove its relevance to the produce industry. The focus of organics, innovation, and foodservice trends provides the opportunity for continued dialogue of business needs of the current market and the market of tomorrow,” she explained.
It wasn’t all business throughout Southern Innovations—although we know that doing business and having fun is what the produce industry is all about! There was golfing and sporting clay fun to be had, of which several industry vets came out on top.
The winning golf team was comprised of Dug Schwalls, Brandon Parker, John Williams, and Tomas Gonzalez.
Sporting Clays:
1st - Mike Prather, Andy Garrett, Jon Schwalls, Robert James, Seab Temples
2nd - Jordan Kowalski, Spencer Ensley, John Baker, Brad Hansman, Jacqueline Soria
3rd - Quad Whitworth, BJ McCormick, Jimmy Alderman, Eric Frasse, Clark Roper
In addition to these awards, SEPC also handed out the Next Generation Award to Andrew Hare of Vertical Roots, for being an exemplary model of what a next-generation produce leader looks like.
So many exciting things, so little time! As always, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest details in everything produce industry related.
ORLANDO, FL - If you doubt that Disney is the happiest place on Earth, maybe it's because you didn't know it has some skin in the fruit and veg game. According to delish, Disney World features a futuristic greenhouse that’s available for guests’ viewing via the Living with the Land ride, an educational boat tour located in Future World. The ride highlights the history of farming in addition to a glimpse at agricultural advances that have yet to come.
Disney pitches the ride as such: "Discover a cornucopia of fruits and veggies from around the world—some modified to jaw-dropping effect." This is in reference to the customized Mickey Mouse-shaped pumpkins, nine-pound lemons, and other uniquely-grown items featured in the greenhouse.
Travel & Leisure, reports that Disney World also harbors a food lab where innovative studies are conducted. Furthermore, soil-less hydroponic and integrated pest management systems can be accessed via the “Behind the Seeds” tour, where guests can interact with animals, sample produce, and learn about growing techniques used at the park.
I don’t know about you guys, but my Mickey ears are already in the suitcase. The innovative agricultural practices at Disney World will no doubt contribute to the future of our industry. Stay with us at AndNowUKnow for the most magical produce concepts around.
WASHINGTON, DC - United Fresh announced yesterday that Representative Jim McGovern is slotted as Keynote Speaker for the Opening General Session Breakfast at this year’s annual Washington Conference. His speech will fall on the morning of Tuesday, September 17.
“As we gather our industry in DC to share our critical message on the importance of ensuring families and children have access to the fresh produce we supply, I can think of no more fitting advocate to keynote our kick-off breakfast,” said Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther. “Congressman McGovern is a fearless leader, fighting at every turn for strong school meal programs and access to nutritious foods for everyone.”
Representative McGovern was elected to Congress in 1996 and now serves as Chairman of the House Rules Committee. He is known as a steadfast Congressional leader in nutrition and hunger initiatives, as he founded the Food as Medicine Working Group in 2018 within the Congressional Hunger Caucus, and is a Senior Member of the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Nutrition and Oversight. He also is a member of the Specialty Crops Caucus.
The United Fresh Washington Conference will bring hundreds of produce industry leaders to DC from September 16-18, engaging them in strategic face-to-face dialogue with key members of Congress and top Regulatory Officials. For more information and to register, visit www.unitedfresh.org.
Follow along with ANUK as we continue turning over the latest news in the industry to you, our viewership.
EVANS, GA - Earth Fare, an organic grocer that seems to take some of its strategies out of the Trader Joe’s playbook, announced its latest Southern expansion in Evans, Georgia. The Augusta Chronicle reported that a sign variance approval alerted those sniffing around the grocery newswire—folks like me. This approval thus allows Earth Fare to begin developing a 21,000-square-foot grocery store. Although The Fresh Market was also in the running for this space, the deal fell through after the company closed more than a dozen stores.
The new store will have a competitor not too far from its doorstep, too. Metro Spirit noted that a Publix is just across the street.
The retailer’s press room has not yet issued a statement, and declined to comment on the current Evans store. However, The August Chronicle reported that artist renderings submitted to Columbia County officials shows that the new store will feature a newer, more urban concept design.
Marketing materials, the news source suggested, show that the new store will also place more emphasis on freshly-prepared items, inlcuding things like sandwiches, wraps, beverages, salads, and prepared foods. The specialty grocer will continue to lean into its natural foods association, bringing consumers foods that are free of artificial sugars and preservatives.
Where will Earth Fare head to next? Should other retailers—like Publix—be worried? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest.
NASHVILLE, TN - For those watching from afar, SEPC’s Southern Innovations Organics and Foodservice Expo is well underway over in Tennessee. The event brings associates from across the chain to network, educate, and enlighten on the latest that the produce industry has to offer. With convenience being sought out more than ever, I caught up with BrightFarms to get the scoop on what they have in store. Abby Prior, Vice President of Marketing, sat down with me to talk about what Southern Innovations means to BrightFarms.
“Southern Innovations is incredibly important for us,” Abby shares. “It’s exciting for us and the rest of the controlled-environment community that the industry is embracing us at events like this. Local is the new organic; the demand has always been there. BrightFarms is making it available to consumers on a year-round basis.”
So, what does BrightFarms plan on introducing to the masses? The company has sent Jack Holland, Key Account Manager, and Brian Jenny, VP of Sales, to unveil three new products at the event: Sunny Crunch, Spring Mix, and Crunchy Romaine. The packaged lettuce products are geared to launch BrightFarms into foodservice; the new varieties are all pre-cut, making it low labor for the foodservice industry, and have many culinary applications from salads to sandwiches.
“We’re a mission-driven company. We’re about the health of people and the planet,” Abby continues. “We provide more people with access to more locally-grown, nutritious, and fresher produce that makes them want to eat more of it. We’re bringing more opportunities for fresher, local eating experiences to more places in our consumers’ local communities.”
Grown both up and down the East Coast as well as in the Midwest, the hardy selections hold up beautifully in foodservice applications while also bringing local to the table. Stop by BrightFarms’ booth #214 to chat with Jack Holland and Brian Jenny to find out more about the latest selections and how they could benefit you.
THE WOODLANDS, TX - As we listen for the needs and demands of today’s buyside operators, one necessity we constantly hear about at AndNowUKnow is the desire for a one-stop-shop for products and quality. The Fresh Food Group is a leading operation answering that call and with a mission to bring the most value to its customer relationships. Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Purchasing Doug Burris takes a beat to share the drive behind the company and its family of brands.
“The Fresh Food Group is one of those visions that came to fruition in response to strong consumer demand for fresh and on-the-go convenience,” Doug shares with me. “The Fresh Food Group combines three best-in-class organizations with complementary production and products.”
These organizations include, Country Fresh—a leading provider of fresh-cut fruit, apple slices, vegetables, and fresh snacking solutions as well as Sun Rich, which cuts and prepares made-to-order fresh fruit for foodservice. Rounding out the trifecta is Tiffany Gate, which creates, manufactures, and delivers fresh prepared foods to some of the largest retail and foodservice companies in North America.
“Under the Fresh Food Group, we unite fresh-cut expertise, prepared food capabilities, and an expanded geographic presence to become a full-service, fresh solutions partner for retail, foodservice, club, and convenience stores,” Doug expresses. “Our mission is to provide an experience unparalleled in quality and freshness in the most socially and fiscally responsible way possible.”
On top of that, add a strong vision to create extraordinary value as a market leader providing safe, convenient, and delicious fresh food solutions, and you have a partner who can respond to, and anticipate, the needs of customers across the U.S.
“A cornerstone of the Fresh Food Group philosophy is agility. We partner across channels to develop products tailored to customers and consumers and also develop custom packaging designed to maximize shelf space,” Doug tells me. “We continue to see strong trends in snacking, side dishes, ready-to-go meals, and meal kits. Demand is high for products that add to the convenience value proposition. Consequently, fresh-cut and value-added produce is moving farther down the processing continuum. Our goal is to get product as close to the final state as possible making it as convenient as possible. This requires continued investment in research and development, cooking technologies, and packaging design.”
The Fresh Food Group also features:
- Custom Packaging: As mentioned, most of its packaging is custom designed for fresh-cut. The Fresh Food Group works with partners closely to ensure that its utilizes shelf space in the most efficient manner. This allows its customers to offer more variety in space that is limited.
- Speed to Shelf: The Fresh Food Group’s geographic footprint enables frequent and low-mile deliveries to distribution centers across the country.
- Hand-Cut: The Fresh Food Group hand-cuts select fruit and vegetable products and focuses on training of its cutters to ensure the highest level of quality and appearance for fresh-cut products. This also enables flexibility in product specifications for partners.
- Total Family of Products: Cut fruit and vegetables, side dishes, fresh snacking, parfaits, foodservice cut fruit and fruit salads, deli salads, pasta kits, meal kits, salad kits, sauces and dressings, and soup and stew kits.
“Relationship building is essential to our business model. We serve some of the most successful brands across the retail, food service, and industrial channels and are proud to be entrusted as a manufacturer of private label programs for most major retailers and foodservice companies in the country,” Doug adds.
As you can see so far, the Fresh Food Group is far from a one trick pony. Add in the fact that while most of its products are sold under private label, the Fresh Food Groupalso provides fresh-made meal solutions through its Freshly Crafted brand.
For the Fresh Food Group, fresh is expanding inside the company and outside in the produce departments as well.
“Strategic retailers are investing heavily in perimeter departments as fresh categories are merging and sometimes undefined. Fresh-cut is expanding beyond produce and into other departments, such as deli. Moreover, consumer tastes and trends change rapidly. As a result, fresh cut partners must be agile to quickly adapt to an ever-changing ecosystem,” Doug notes. “Fresh products and packaging must also be geared toward omni-channel shopping with the rise of e-commerce, delivery, and online grocery pickup.”
While PMA Fresh Summit is still weeks down the road, we all know how time flies in the fresh produce industry. Make sure you stop by the PMA-first timer, which will be featuring a full range of its fresh product assortment.
With fresh innovations raising the bar across the whole of the produce industry, you can be sure we will be keeping our finger on the pulse of produce and beyond.
BURLINGTON, MA - The New England Produce Council (NEPC) recently announced that industry veteran, Rich Dachman, CEO of Brighter Bites and former Vice President of Produce for Sysco, will be the featured speaker at NEPC’s keynote breakfast. The topic he will be speaking on is “Foodservice, Nutrition, and Making a Difference.”
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Rich to the NEPC Expo this year. Rich brings with him a wealth of retail, wholesale, and foodservice expertise. He has been a leader in the industry for over 40 years and we look forward to his insight,” said NEPC President, Anthony Sattler.
Dachman’s presentation will cover topics such as the complex matrix of foodservice distribution, the success of a distributor-operator relationship, and the ways the produce industry can make a positive impact. The keynote is just one part of the 20th annual NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo, set to take place September 18-19 at the Hynes Convention Center, in downtown Boston.
According to a press release, Dachman brings to the table an abundance of produce industry experience—40 years worth of it, in fact. He began his produce career at his family-owned business in Denver. In 1992, Dachman joined FreshPoint Inc. and became President of FreshPoint Operating Companies in Houston, Denver, Atlanta, and the company’s central procurement office in Salinas, California. When Sysco acquired FreshPoint in 2000, Rich was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President, Western Region, and in 2007 was promoted to Vice President of Produce for Sysco Corporation.
He retired from Sysco this summer, after which he joined Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit organization changing behavior among children and their families to prevent obesity. The company delivers donated fresh fruits and vegetables to families, teaches them how to cook, and then tracks their behavior changes.
Dachman has received multiple awards, including the Center for Growing Talent’s Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award, and Produce for Better Health’s Excellence Award. He was Chairman of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) in 2012, capping more than 10 years of leadership service for PMA.
Congratulations to Rich on this great honor!
THE DALLES, OR - Between a milestone year for partnerships and premium weather giving way to stellar quality, the Orchard View Cherry team is closing out 2019 on several high notes.
“This was our largest volume year ever. But the defining moment was that we had consistently phenomenal quality. Because temperatures were quite moderate, the sugars were able to develop more fully, making for very sweet cherries. This allowed us to have less stressful days so that we could enjoy the wins that much more,” Brenda Thomas, President of Orchard View Cherries in The Dalles, Oregon, said.
Mother Nature must have sensed that this year marked a decade since Orchard View teamed up with exclusive marketer Oppy, deciding to give the partnership the best gift a grower can get from her.
“We’re thrilled to be toasting to our union alongside a record volume increase of 10 percent,” said Oppy’s Senior Vice President, Categories and Marketing James Milne. “It truly was a 10/10 year.”
Thomas attributed much of the partnership’s success to working well together, saying the team is lucky to have commemorated multiple milestones all in one fantastic year, not the least of which was a wave of positive comments from consumers.
According to a press release, the feedback came throughout the shorter-than-typical seven-week season spanning June 13 through August 1.
“People always have their own special story about cherries, they seem to usually bring up a cherished memory from when they were kids. Cherries really are a treat and people appreciate that because they are only in store for a limited time,” Thomas said. “I’m so thankful for the support we’ve received from retailers through promotions, engaging displays, and more! Our team works very hard to get fruit to market in pristine condition and we’re so grateful our retail partners present them to their shoppers with care and creativity.”
Milne explained that, each summer, Oppy is blown away by the response in the market.
“No one wants to miss out on these premium cherries while they’re here for a limited time,” he said, to agreement by Oppy Sales Manager Larry Hanson.
“I am honored to be a part of shipping these phenomenal tasting cherries each year. Brenda and her team don’t take shortcuts. They pick to eat, and picking at the right time is of the utmost importance to them,” Hanson said, after having relocated from his home in Nogales, Arizona, to the farm each season for the last eight years.
This is just a small piece of the passionate commitment both sides have brought to the cultivation of a memorable cherry season and more.
Looking to the horizon, Orchard View has another key milestone in its sights that will be here before the team knows it.
“We can’t wait for the day we get to say our fresh cherries have been enjoyed around the globe for over 100 years,” Thomas said excitedly of the company’s approaching centennial, which arrives in 2023. “We’re not necessarily seeking out a certain taste in a cherry but rather one that fully embodies the characteristics of a cherry everyone looks for—a bright exterior, plump, juicy, and sweet interior and bright stem. We hope to celebrate our anniversary with the cherry of the future.”
Comparing cherry life to Santa’s break between Christmas Eve and preparations for the following year, Thomas laughingly shares it is a brief moment between the celebration of one cherry season and getting ready for the next. Such is the life of the wonderful industry we serve!
BENTONVILLE, AR - It seems that grocery delivery is a norm now; shoppers prefer the convenience of their groceries and food items delivered to their houses at the push of a button without the need of having to interact with society. I for one do. However, Walmart is taking it a step further—the company has a delivery service named Delivery Unlimited where customers have the option to pay a yearly $98 fee or a monthly $12.95 fee to receive unlimited Walmart Grocery Delivery orders.
“Grocery Delivery takes convenience to a new level, and our customers love it. With Delivery Unlimited, we’re providing incredible value for our customers and leveraging our unique assets to save them both time and money,” said Janey Whiteside, Chief Customer Officer.
According to Walmart’s press release, the retailer saw resounding success during its pilot earlier this year in Houston, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Miami and Tampa, Florida. The company intends to expand the program to all 200 metro areas currently offering Walmart’s Grocery Delivery, reaching to 1,400 stores later this fall. By the end of the year, the service will be available in more than 1,600 stores and more than 50 percent of the country.
“We’ve been investing in our online grocery business by quickly expanding our Grocery Pickup and Delivery services. Delivery Unlimited is the next step in that journey,” said Tom Ward, Senior Vice President, Digital Operations, Walmart U.S. “By pairing our size and scale and these services, we’re making Walmart the easiest place for [customers] to shop. Combine that with the value we can provide, our customers can’t lose.”
The delivery service employs 45,000 personal shoppers to handpick the products and has various delivery services. The membership comes with a free 15-day trial, and customers will continue to have the option to pay a per-delivery fee without a membership. Grocery Pickup is still available in nearly 3,000 stores where customers can have curb-side pickup.
How will this latest strategy place Walmart in today’s market? Keep reading ANUK as we report on the latest.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Fresh Direct Produce, a portfolio company of middle-market private equity firm HKW, has recently announced its acquisition of Islands West Manufacturing. This agreement follows Fresh Direct’s acquisition of Emperor Specialty Foods in July of this year. Financial details have yet to be disclosed.
“This acquisition meets several key objectives for Fresh Direct Produce, offering our customers a range of complementary new products, a wider and more efficient distribution network, and a state-of-the-art processing facility, adding capacity and improving operations,” commented President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Fresh Direct, Davis Yung. “ With a strong leadership team already in place, Islands West immediately provides the fresh-cut capabilities our customers want, while at the same time expanding our overall product offering and geographic reach.”
Islands West was founded in 1995 in Victoria, British Columbia, and is a family-owned wholesalers of produce, processed fruits, fresh-cut vegetables, and dried spices. The new company will bolster Fresh Direct’s operations. Fresh Direct, which has its headquarters nearby in Vancouver, British Columbia, distributes more than 1,000 domestic and imported organic fruit and vegetable items.
“We are very pleased to partner with an organization that has the talent and capabilities of Islands West. The expanded range of products, in particular, the offering of fresh-cut vegetables, allows for significant cross-selling opportunities,” said Kent Robinson, HKW Partner and Chairman of the Board for Fresh Direct, in a press release. "HKW’s emphasis on health and wellness remains a key area of focus; this add-on strengthens our commitment to that sector.”
For more industry acquisition news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.