STELLARTON, NS, CANADA - As we inch closer to 2020, talks of the 32nd annual Olympics have been circling. Known as the world’s biggest sporting event, even retailers have decided to support the cause. Today, the Sobeys banner, owned by parent Empire Company, announced its partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee, making it the very first official food retailer for Team Canada. Sobeys’ world-class e-commerce platform, to be launched shortly, will be the official online food retailer for Team Canada.
"There is no sporting event that rallies the whole country as well as the Olympics. Empire is honored to support our athletes from across Canada for the love of the sport and their country," said Michael Medline, President and CEO, Empire Company Limited. “Today, we join Canadian athletes to help them realize their dreams in the eyes of the world. The qualities inherent to great athletes, that is, passion, the pursuit of excellence, the love of their community, and their country, are the qualities that our stores seek to represent every day."
According to a news release, healthy food and nutrition will be key aspects of this partnership. Empire Company’s marketing campaign will be unveiled at the beginning of 2020.
"The eyes of Canadians are turned to our teams for two weeks every two years, but our athletes dedicate their lives to training to create the moments that the whole nation celebrates. We want to be there for our athletes 365 days a year, and our partnership will help bring that aspiration to life," added Medline.
The company is headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, so this partnership is especially close to home.
"The Canadian Olympic Committee is very pleased to announce that Empire will become Team Canada's first official food retailer," said David Shoemaker, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “A proud Canadian company, Empire has been supporting hundreds of communities for 113 years to highlight the natural connection between family, food, and sport. This partnership illustrates our shared promise to provide this same support to our athletes and the wider sport community from coast to coast."
Empire also announced today a major partnership with Hockey Canada, a sports organization partner of the Canadian Olympic Committee. In order to increase interest in the presence of women in the Canadian sport sphere, Empire will become the exclusive partner of the National Women's Hockey Team Canada.
"The National Women's Hockey Team is one of Canada's most beloved teams," said Sandra Sanderson, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Sobeys. “We will encourage them in their quest for gold both at home and abroad, which will create many opportunities to celebrate with Canadian families. Through this partnership with Hockey Canada, we will build excitement and interest in women's hockey and inspire the next generation of young women passionate about the sport."
Sobeys will support and celebrate with the team before and during the Olympics, as well as at the IIHF World Women's Championship 2020.
"We are proud to partner with Sobeys to ensure that players on the National Hockey Team are supported to the best of their ability. In addition, we will work together to share stories that will connect Canadians to the sport they love," said Mike Ross, Hockey Canada's Chief Business Officer.
2020 is still well ahead of us, but the year’s plans are already beginning to unfold. To keep up with it all, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
FRESNO, CA - The California Table Grape Commission recently announced the promotion of Maria Montalvo as the new Marketing Director of Retail and Foodservice. Montalvo’s responsibilities include leading the in-store promotion initiatives and communication strategies needed to help move California table grapes through the U.S. and Canadian markets.
“We are very excited Maria has joined the team,” said Kathleen Nave, President. “Maria’s background and experience in promotion and sales, and her extensive work promoting products in the Hispanic community, will be key to the development of retail promotional campaigns in the seasons to come.“
According to the press release, Montalvo has 15 years of experience in marketing, promotion, and sales. The California native joins the commission from Sinclair Systems International where she served as the Global Marketing Manager. Nave noted that Montalvo will primarily focus on developing retail promotion and communication strategies to drive California table grape sales. She will be part of a four-member retail team and will manage numerous retail accounts.
Montalvo is a graduate of Fresno State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a focus in international business.
We at AndNowUKnow congratulate Maria Montalvo on her recent appointment!
WATSONVILLE, CA - The sixth annual, California Giant Foundation-presented Tour de Fresh ride is on its way, offering industry members the chance to get the blood pumping while supporting a worthy cause. While the event is mere days away, the organization reports that there are still opportunities to support the cause before this year’s PMA Fresh Summit kicks off.
“Another year has flown by and our highly-anticipated fundraiser Tour de Fresh is almost here,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing, in a press release. “As professionals in the fresh produce industry, making sure everyone has access to fresh fruits and vegetables is at the heart of what we do and we are so proud to partner with Salad Bars to Schools to see this come to fruition.”
The Tour de Fresh is a four-day cycling event featuring nearly 50 riders, that aims to raise funds to benefit the United Fresh Start Foundation, which provides fresh fruits and vegetables through salad bars at schools. As of now, this year’s ride has raised over $130,000 for the salad bar initiative. But fundraising isn’t over yet, and the Tour de Fresh organizers hope to surpass last year’s total of $149,588, to offer fresh options to even more students in need.
At this time, over 308 requests for salad bars were sent from schools across the nation, which would grant access to fresh produce to more than 150,000 students. Participants of the 2019 Tour de Fresh ride hope to finance at least 50 salad bars, at a cost of approximately $3,500 per bar. The organization is looking to the fresh produce industry to support and further this noble cause.
It’s not too late to contribute to the event and support childhood nutrition across the country. To donate, visit the Tour de Fresh website here, or contact the team directly at [email protected].
Tour de Fresh would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors: Americold, AndNowUKnow, Arctic Apples, Atlas Produce, Basil Seasonal Dining, C&S Wholesale Grocers, California Giant Berry Farms, CHEP, Church Brothers, Coosemans, DMA Solutions, Earthbound Farms, EBX Logistics, Emerson, Famous Software, Fight Like A Girl Foundation, FreshPlaza, Gold Coast Packing, Good Foods, Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, Interfresh, iTrade Network, JAZZ Apples, Jerue Trucking, Lipman Produce, Markon, Misionero, Mission Produce, Ocean Mist Farms, Paramount Export, PRO*Act, Procurant, Produce Marketing Association, Regal Marketing, Renaissance Food Group, Sakata, Specialty Produce, SunFed Produce, Sunkist, Tat-On Inc., Taylor Farms, Total Quality Logistics (TQL), United Fresh Start Foundation, and Western Precooling.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we cover this year's Tour de Fresh.
KINGSVILLE, ON - We love celebrating big and impactful moves in fresh produce. This fall, the industry in Mexico is getting a whole lot sweeter thanks to Agrizar’s commitment to exclusively grow for Mastronardi BerryWorld America® (MBWA). Agrizar is one of Mexico’s largest growers, with a production network of over 8,700 acres. Last month, the company began picking MBWA’s remarkable blueberries and raspberries—celebrated worldwide for their exceptional quality and flavor.
“We’re excited to expand our long-standing relationship with Agrizar,” says Paul Mastronardi, President, CEO, and the fourth-generation family member to lead Mastronardi Produce. “We’re continually impressed by their operations, facilities, and ability to deliver a fresh, flavorful product. There is massive growth potential for berries in North America, and we look forward to growing together.”
The berry category is primed for change if you ask me.
“I was intrigued by the success of BerryWorld’s proprietary berries in global markets,” says the CEO of Agrizar, Piero Zarattini. “But when I witnessed the plants’ durability and yield and tasted the fruit, I was blown away.”
A joint venture between Mastronardi Produce Ltd.® and the UK-based BerryWorld®, Mastronardi BerryWorld America presents a milestone move in the industry and the introduction of BerryWorld’s exclusive berry varieties to the North American market, according to a press release. This new venture launches on the heels of a record of successful expansions across Europe and into Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Congrats to Mastronardi Produce, BerryWorld, and Agrizar on the exciting journey ahead and the innovation in store!
AUSTIN, TX - The retail market is rife with competition, but when developing new strategies, sometimes looking inward is the best way to get ahead. H-E-B is taking stock of its current stores and launching renovations, new stores, and even replacing older, outdated stores with a fresh new format. The retailer has recently announced plans to construct a new store in southwest Austin that is set to replace an existing location in the Oak Hill area.
“We are excited to answer the call for a new store for the growing community in Southwest Austin,” commented Leslie Sweet, Director of Public Affairs. “With an enhanced in-store experience and the highest standard of service and selection, we tailored the store to serve the needs of our longtime Oak Hill customers that deserve the best we have to offer.”
Construction on the new store is planned for February 2020, with an anticipated opening date in late 2020 or early 2021, according to a press release. Once the new store opens, the older Oak Hill store will close its doors forever.
The new 90,000-square-foot store will have all the bells and whistles that consumers look for in their grocery experience, including the retailer’s H-E-B Curbside service, expanded product offerings, and more. The store will also feature an eco- and neighborhood-friendly design, incorporating sustainability practices like rainwater harvesting, water retention ponds, strict adherence to all aquifer regulations, and a future solar panel installation. Design elements of the store will also incorporate the look and feel of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Some of the new store’s offerings will include:
- A produce section with expanded organic and locally-grown selections and a large assortment of fresh-cut, ready-to-serve fruits and vegetables
- A large selection of prepared foods like sushi and other take-and-go meals
- An expanded selection of craft and import beers and wines
- An expansive deli department offering a variety of meats and cheeses, rotisserie chicken, in-house roasted meats, charcuterie, and a Mediterranean olive bar
- A bakery department featuring handmade artisan breads, cakes, and a Tortillería for fresh tortillas made in-house
The new store is not the only recently-planned development, as the retailer intends to renovate several stores, including its East 7th and South Congress locations, and open more new locations, such as H-E-B Lake Austin, which is expected to open in 2021.
Are these plans a sign of a new strategy? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.
PORTLAND, OR - After over 40 years of bringing natural groceries to Portland residents, the independent grocery chain Bales and Lamb’s Marketplaces is set to close all four of its stores. The city known for its quirks is home to many small grocers, but shoppers and employees are sad to see such a long-standing chain close its doors. According to The Oregonian, Bales and Lamb’s hasn’t made public statements about the closure, but employees at each location have leaked the news.
Bales Marketplaces began as its own entity, but was purchased by Lamb’s Markets in 2015. The independent chain currently has stores in the Aloha, Garden Home, Lake Oswego, and Cedar Mill neighborhoods of Portland.
Employees reportedly learned of the closure on Tuesday, stating that the Garden Home store will close by October 19 and the Lake Oswego store will close on October 13. Last week, however, news of the Aloha and Cedar Mill store closures was reported by KPTV.
When grocery chains retire, so too do the moments created there. But luckily for Portland, relationships born from Bales and Lamb’s existence will no doubt carry on. To keep up with the latest in grocery news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SANTA BARBARA, CA - Apeel Sciences announced that an agreement with Houweling’s Group has been made. Houweling’s Group will have access to Apeel’s plant-based technology to replace the single-use plastic wraps on its English cucumbers, reducing food and plastic waste at the same time. The partnership comes after Apeel's news that U.S. retailers will soon have year-round access to Apeel fruits and vegetables that stay fresh up to two to three times longer than untreated produce.
"We are so excited to partner with Houweling’s Group knowing that sustainability is built into the fabric of their organization and we have the same mission of reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills every year,” said Gordon Robertson, Apeel Sciences’ Chief Revenue Officer. “Our growing network of suppliers is committed to using our technology to deliver longer-lasting produce, but we are incredibly proud to see Houweling’s utilize our technology as a way to replace the use of plastic wrap which will ultimately eliminate thousands of pounds of plastic waste per year.”
According to the press release, this partnership comes at a time when approximately 18 billion pounds of plastic waste enters the oceans annually. According to the UN Environment, only 9 percent of all plastic waste produced has been recycled, revealing the crucial need to reduce plastic use at the source.
“We have a rich history of investing in green business practices, leading the industry to a more sustainable future, which is why Apeel is the perfect partner to help achieve our goals in protecting the planet,” said David Bell, CMO of the Houweling’s Group. “We saw an opportunity with Apeel’s unique plant-derived solution that has proven to reduce food waste, but when we recognized Apeel could be used as a complete replacement for the functional plastic wrap on cucumbers, we became really excited. With the launch of Apeel-treated Houweling’s cucumbers, we will be addressing a significant pain point for environmentally-conscious consumers. This enables us to bring sustainable solutions to our retail partners and create a pathway to significantly reduce plastic from the supply chain.”
With more partnerships being made toward sustainability, will the time for zero-plastic wrapping become the norm? Keep reading ANUK as we uncover more in the produce industry.
SALINAS, CA - What could be better than a strawberry? A gigantic strawberry emblazoned across a brand-new website! Blazer Wilkinson, grower and shipper of conventional and organic Foxy-brand strawberries, launched its latest website after a period of significant growth. Both volume and service capabilities increased as the company ramped up its delivery of “The Ultimate Strawberry” to markets across North America.
“As farmers, we believe it’s our duty to respect the Earth’s resources and minimize our impact on the environment all while delivering a delicious, nutrient-dense product to consumers,” stated Kiana Wilkinson Amaral, Business Manager, Blazer Wilkinson. “Our new website gives us a much-needed platform to tell our story and demonstrate how we manage quality and flavor throughout every aspect of our growing, harvesting, and shipping operations. Being vertically integrated and connected to every aspect of our business is a big differentiator in our category and why we’re able to confidently say ‘We Grow the Ultimate Strawberry.’”
According to a press release, the new site is designed to highlight Blazer Wilkinson’s unique ability to manage quality, flavor, and year-round volume while respecting natural resources and providing an ethical working environment for its employees. As a vertically-integrated company, Blazer Wilkinson has farming operations throughout California, Florida, and Mexico, which allows the company to consistently deliver ultra, high-quality Foxy-brand strawberries year-round.
In order to develop this website, Blazer Wilkinson partnered with design firm MJR Creative Group.
“We’re thrilled with the result of our collaboration and opportunity to support Blazer Wilkinson in its mission to connect with consumers and tell their story. The visual impact of the site’s all-original artwork is stunning and a true testament to Blazer Wilkinson’s commitment to deliver on quality,” said Geoff Johnston, Account Director at MJR Creative Group.
Stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest in innovative efforts across the produce industry.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - It wouldn’t be PMA Fresh Summit time without an already pages-long to-do list full of all the exciting innovations to preview and companies to visit at this year’s show. One company that’s towards the top of our list is AgroFresh Solutions, a leading freshness solutions provider that will be showcasing a few of said solutions in Anaheim, California, on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of this month.
“At AgroFresh, we’re focused on providing solutions for the entire fresh produce supply chain and for a broad variety of crops. We’re proud to present our comprehensive lineup of freshness solutions at PMA Fresh Summit this year,” said Narciso Vivot, Director of Business Diversification.
According to a press release, AgroFresh’s comprehensive portfolio of produce freshness solutions includes the likes of:
- SmartFresh™, which offers growers and packers control over the ripening process, overall lengthening it so that produce remains at optimal ripeness longer. Categories like apples have already reaped the rewards of the SmartFresh technology, with avocados, melons, and broccoli looking to get in on the action.
- RipeLock™, which leverages the time-tested tech behind SmartFresh to hone in on the banana category. This solution helps retailers deliver quality bananas to shoppers with a color and texture that encourages purchases while also minimizing food waste.
- FreshCloud™, a platform that provides visibility and insight throughout the supply chain by offering end-to-end visibility throughout transport. As a result, this integrated platform empowers informed inventory decisions for all types of fresh fruit, including blueberries.
In addition to helping retailers, wholesalers, and ripeners preserve freshness and bring ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables to the market, each of these solutions will be on display at booth #3290—so be sure to stop by!
For more PMA-worthy news like this, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
LAKELAND, FL - Not too long ago, Publix recently broke the news that its Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Facilities, Jeff Chamberlain, had made plans to retire at the end of the year. Now, another veteran has decided he will retire as well. Joe DiBenedetto, Publix Super Markets’ Atlanta Division Vice President, has announced his decision to retire at the end of the year.
“Joe has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of our Atlanta Division,” said President Kevin Murphy. “Throughout his career, Joe has worked to develop leaders for future opportunities. We wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life.”
According to the press release, DiBenedetto’s more than 44-year-long career began in 1975 as a front service clerk in Cape Coral, Florida. After working in different capacities at several stores in Southwest Florida and Orlando, he was promoted to Store Manager in 1986 and District Manager in 1992. He was also Publix’s first District Manager in South Carolina. DiBenedetto was promoted to Regional Director in the Atlanta Division in 1995 and to his current position as Atlanta Division VP in 2011. The press release further goes on to state DiBenedetto and his wife, Cindy, will remain in the Atlanta area and are looking forward to spending more time with family, friends, and on their hobbies.
DiBenedetto’s successor has already been chosen. Kris Jonczyk will be promoted to take DiBenedetto’s place effective January 1, 2020. Jonczyk began his Publix career in 1986 as a front service clerk in Tequesta, Florida. Following along similarly to DiBenedetto’s footsteps, he became a Store Manager in 2000 and District Manager in 2012. He was promoted to Regional Director in the Atlanta Division in 2016. Jonczyk, and his wife, Cammie, will relocate to Atlanta.
“Kris is a strong operational leader who is committed to training and developing associates,” stated Murphy. “We are excited that he is ready to take the next step in his career.”
With all the recent changes lately in the executive structure, how will Publix perform in the upcoming year? Keep reading ANUK as we cover the latest in retail news.