WAKE COUNTY, NC - We at ANUK have fun when we get to report on thwarted produce criminals, but sometimes there are stories of crimes against produce that are truly unfortunate. North Carolina land ownder Dale Sage and farmer Sam Parker faced every grower’s worst nightmare—irreparably damaged crops. However, this time it wasn’t Mother Nature lashing out, but a man from Wake County who drove his Nissan SUV all across Sage’s squash field.
“He acted like he was drunk or something. He was out there yelling and screaming and using a few words. Just doing doughnuts and figure eights and stuff,” Dale Sage said to Fox8.
Sage owns the land and leases it Parker and his brother, the news source reports. The field spans over three acres, and the extensive damage was all the more heartbreaking because the squash was just days away from going to market.
Sheriff’s deputies of Wake County noted in the arrest warrant for the crop-destroyer (and all-around garbage person), that the damages, particularly those related to the irrigation system, exceeded $15,000. But as all growers know, damage to a field is not limited to irrigation systems alone—this time, the crop was completely unharvestable.
Our condolences go out to these fellow members in produce, whose significant financial loss reminds us all of how precious and delicate are the Earth’s gifts on which we base our entire industry.
NORTH AMERICA - It just hit me the other day that summer is officially over and boy is that a bummer feeling. While many are lamenting the end of beach visits, backyard barbecues, and all manner of fun-in-the-sun activities, I will be mourning the ending of something else—cherry season. Although we’ll all have to wait another year for peak-quality cherries, there were promising category developments this past season. I spoke to a few experts who informed me of a summer with bigger and better cherries, as well as price trends that have been evolving over the past few years.
“We had stellar quality this season, which was similar to last year, but sizing was off the chart on very large cherries this year,” Tim Evans, Sales Manager at Chelan Fresh, said about the past season’s cherry harvest.
Chelan Fresh grows over a dozen varieties of cherries each year, including several varieties of dark sweet cherries and yellow cherries, throughout the state of Washington and up to the Canadian border. The grower recently wrapped up and shipped its last cherries on August 17, capping off a successful season. Some rain events and heavy wind this past season diminished volume, but the quality remained exceptional.
“The overall volume was down for Chelan Fresh this season compared to the last couple of years,” Tim commented. “Our grower base is very proactive on growing the best fruit possible as they realize the expectations of consumers is at an all-time high.”
Despite the lower volume, Chelan Fresh experienced steady prices this season, and while the market was reliable this year, other growers have expressed concerns about the overall pricing trends for the category.
“Prices this season were good, but they have to go up over the long term to stay in business,” Brad Fowler, Co-Founder of Hood River Cherry Company, told me. “Cherry prices have been kind of stagnant for a number of years. Prices were okay this year, but last year they weren't, and the year before they weren't. The industry needs to make up the lost ground from the last five years.”
Hood River, an Oregon-based grower, has also recently wrapped up its cherry season, and even though pricing remained an issue, Brad reported that the grower also enjoyed a season full of top-quality fruit.
“We had really good quality cherries this year,” he said. “It was really kind of exciting to be a cherry grower again this year because the demand was high. Even though we had a fairly good-sized crop here in the Northwest, they seemed to move through the market well. That means that when people were buying cherries, they were coming back for repeat purchases. That's what we need.”
Quality from the very start is the key to repeat customers, Brad told me, as if the industry delivers poor-eating cherries in the first half of the season, then shoppers will be less likely to purchase cherries again later in the season—even when the quality improves. Consumers who are burned once are twice shy, as the saying goes, so kicking off the season with a bang is crucial for gaining those repeat customers.
The cherry harvest season may have come to a close, but for Hood River, cherries are a year-round affair. To stay on top of this category’s market, the fruit always has to come first, even when it’s not being picked.
“You think that cherry season is over and you can sit back and won’t have much to do till next year, but for farmers, harvest is just another part of the season. We start growing next year's crop the day we are done with this year's,” Brad assured me.
For more market updates, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI - My short time with this industry has already shaped the way I view produce. Recently, I've been more intrigued with the idea of composting. It seems like my curiosity is even more heightened now that I've learned more about compostable packaging. North Bay Produce recently announced that the company will be paving the way of produce delivery in green, providing compostable packaging and less plastic use in its current offering.
“Top seal packaging will set the new standard for how blueberries are sold in the U.S.,” Jon Wall, Vice President of Operations, commented.
According to its press release, North Bay’s new packaging of blueberries will be in biodegradable trays with a single translucent cover that is also resealable after opening for convenient storage. Consumers nowadays, especially younger consumers, have been more conscientious about where food comes from and how it’s being delivered. The compostable packaging proposed for traditional clam shells will reduce the amount of plastic used by up to 34 percent, a significant headway in terms of reducing the company’s carbon footprint. This new approach will enhance food safety efforts by providing a secure barrier while also ensuring freshness as well as better storage.
North Bay’s purchase of new compostable packaging equipment is a great step forward in preserving our environment while also adding more jobs throughout the supply chain. For more sustainability efforts being made in the industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
IRVINE, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!
Today I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see the latest around all growing regions.
HURRICANE DORIAN
After reviewing more information, it appears the coastal cities of Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, North Carolina, are getting pummeled with rain. Both locations received heavy rainfall yesterday afternoon and overnight. Totals for Myrtle Beach were 7.8” on Thursday and 10.00” for Wilmington where it continues to rain. This is based on info from the NWS website.
Further inland in the farming region areas such as Fayetteville have received over 3” so far and Florence over 2” but both locations continue to receive rain throughout the night.
Please call shippers in the area to get accurate information.
EXTREME HEAT WAVE IN SOUTH AFRICA STARTS TODAY
Maximum temperatures that were in the upper 60°s and low 70°s only yesterday will be in the upper 90°s on Saturday and above 100° on Sunday. More importantly, the minimum daily temperatures will also increase dramatically, going from the 40°s and low 50°s all the way up to the upper 60°s and a possibly 70° mark this weekend.
Temperatures will begin to cool on Tuesday and will be back into the 60°s and 70°s by Wednesday. We are talking about temperature swings of 30°s in only a few days. Could these warmer temperatures affect current citrus production and possibly future summer items? Please check with your shippers.
OREGON TO SEE FIRST SIGNIFICANT RAINS IN OVER A MONTH
The months of August and September have been relatively dry throughout Oregon with less than 0.5”
total falling in most of the state. This Sunday through next Wednesday, there is a good chance for rain in the state and specifically the Willamette Valley just south of Portland. During the 4-day period, they may see up to 1.0” of rain. By Thursday September 12, skies should be dry again. High temperatures will fall over the next 10 days as well from a maximum of 89° yesterday to only 69° by next Monday.
MINI COOLING TREND COMING TO SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Yesterday in the SJ Valley, the high temperatures were in the low 100°s and the minimum was in the low 70°s. Temperatures will begin to cool starting today, and by Sunday maximum temperatures will only be in the upper 80°s and minimum temperatures in the low 60°s. Temperatures will remain on the cooler side through next Wednesday. Temperatures will begin to warm up to the upper 90°s by next Saturday.
Thank you as always! We will be back later next week with another report.
WEST DES MOINES, IA - The employee-owned corporation in the Midwest, Hy-Vee, has announced that many of its stores will be getting a facelift next year. Fourteen stores in Kansas and Missouri will soon include unique foodservice offerings, new departments, updated signage, enhanced health and wellness services, and refreshed convenience stores, amounting to a whopping investment of nearly $90 million. At many of these locations construction is already well underway.
“Hy-Vee has a proud history in the Kansas City metro area, opening our first store in Overland Park in 1988,” said Jeremy Gosch, Executive Vice President, Co-Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Retail Officer. “Thirty-one years later, we have 24 stores serving Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, and Manhattan and are excited to make this nearly $90 million investment in an area that has been a great home to Hy-Vee.”
The renovation details will vary case-by-case, a press release noted, but in general, stores will experience the acquisition of restaurants like Mia Pizza, Hibachi, and Sushi Island, beauty department expansions including Basin products, relocation of existing in-store Starbucks, HealthMarket expansions, new floral and gifting departments, a Joe Fresh clothing addition, self-checkout lanes, and the rebranding of Hy-Vee Gas to become Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh Express.
The following stores are being or have been remodeled:
- 64th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
- Barry Road, Kansas City, Missouri
- Liberty, Liberty, Missouri
- Blue Springs, Blue Springs, Missouri
- Gladstone, Gladstone, Missouri
- Noland Road, Independence, Missouri
- Shawnee, Shawnee, Kansas
- 95th Street, Overland Park, Kansas
- Overland Park South, Overland Park, Kansas
- Prairie Village, Prairie Village, Kansas
- Lenexa, Lenexa, Kansas
- Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, Kansas
As of 2020, several additional stores will also experience the Hy-Vee revamping. The $90 million investment will also cover the company’s Kansas City fulfillment center, expected to open later this fall and serve the area’s Hy-Vee Aisles Online grocery pickup and delivery customers. Just two years ago the company became the naming rights partner for its area as part of Kansas City’s Stockyard District revitalization.
Follow along with ANUK to see the finished product of these revamped stores.
BURLINGTON, MA - With the 20th annual NEPC Floral & Food Service Expo fast approaching (it’s September already, people!), the entire industry is wondering, what produce pro is the event tapping to be its featured speaker? The wait is over, as the New England Produce Council has announced that Steve Lutz, Senior Vice President of Insights and Innovation for Category Partners, is set to share his knowledge and experience at the Council’s education session on Wednesday, September 18.
"Steve is a veteran in the produce industry, and we are very excited and honored to have him present at our 20th expo," said NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan. "Lutz's entire career has been built on providing ideas and solutions for organizations in the fresh foods industries to grow their businesses. Over his career, he has had the opportunity to work across the entire supply chain, from the producer level to wholesalers, retailers, and ultimately with consumers. His professional experience includes product and brand development, consumer and trade research, strategic communications, retail category management and analysis, packaging development, and promotional analysis.”
The expo will be held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 18 and 19, and attendees can look forward to enriching educational sessions. “How New Products Are Permanently Changing Consumer: What Retailers and Producers Need to Know,” is the topic of Lutz’s presentation. In his talk, Lutz will examine the expansion of competitive products now entering the produce aisle and other store departments. He will also comment on how new items will shape category performance and consumer purchases for years to come.
Prior to joining Category Partners, Lutz served as Vice President of Member Engagement for the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), and Chief Strategist and Vice President of Marketing for CMI Orchards. He was also one of the three founding partners and Executive Vice President of Perishables Group, a Chicago-based consumer research and data analytics research firm. Before that, Lutz served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Apple Commission, which at the time was the largest fresh fruit promotional association in the U.S., according to a press release. He also served on the board of directors for PMA and United Fresh Produce Association.
What other surprises and opportunities lie in wait for the attendees of the NEPC Floral & Food Service Expo? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.
NEW YORK, NY - Starbucks, the company well-known for its fun and fanciful drinks and expanded menu, has long dominated the market share in the coffee- and cafe-based foodservice format sector. However, the company is facing increasing competition from other similar chains, such as Peets Coffee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and even regional chains like Blue Bottle Coffee in the Bay Area. Now, Starbucks is cementing its status as coffee king with a new-concept store aimed at on-the-go consumers.
The new “pick-up only” store is designed to solely service mobile and delivery customers, according to delish. Customers would place their orders through the company’s mobile app and pick up their drink at the store—no lingering or lounging, just grab-and-go service. The news source reports that the new concept is not intended to replace existing Starbucks stores, but rather expand the company’s offerings for a wider range of consumers.
Starbucks has reportedly already tested a similar format in China, dubbed Starbucks Now. That store concept was similarly geared towards pre-ordering customers desiring quick pick up. However, while the Starbucks Now stores are smaller and simpler stores, they are not designed to be for pick-up only.
“What we’re using Starbucks Now for, and what will be Starbucks pick-up stores in the U.S., is to blend them in where we have dense urban areas where we have a lot of Starbucks third-place cafes,” CEO Kevin Johnson said in an interview with Bloomberg. “Think of it as a Starbucks pick-up.”
According to Bloomberg, the new store is set to open in New York City this fall, and if the new concept tests well, Starbucks may introduce the format to new urban markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and Boston.
Will Starbucks’ new concept prove successful stateside? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.
WOODRIDGE, IL - Produce Pro Software is extending our E-commerce solutions. Meant to showcase your products in a visual and transparent way, our new Public Product Catalog gives you a solution that complements your E-commerce. In short, more convenience with an opportunity to attract new or additional business.
Here’s What’s In Store with Produce Pro Software.
Integrated with your public website, anyone can access information about the products you carry without a login.
So, what can you do with this visual marketing tool?
- Showcase your products with more detailed information from Produce Pro
- Enjoy a more visual interface that works seamlessly with your website
- Real-time data allows newly added items on the site immediately
- View live inventory to see what’s available
- Customize how products are displayed and what information is shared
- Showcase local vendors and locally grown products, and more!
And, existing customers can add an item to their shopping cart with the click of a button thanks to this intuitive, transparent, visual tool.
The Public Product Catalog runs on the same web server as your existing E-commerce solution, automatically communicating with the core system for real-time Produce Pro data without showing customer-specific information like pricing. Instead, anyone can learn about the products you carry, while existing customers can easily add an item to their online order.
Speaking of easy, don’t forget about our Checkout App, which lets your customers place orders from a mobile device! Designed for ease and portability, it extends your reach beyond traditional E-commerce and manual ordering methods.
Enjoy how this visual marketing tool can enhance your traditional E-commerce solution. For a full demo of Produce Pro Software’s Public Product Catalog, along with our E-commerce solution and Checkout App, contact us at 630.395.9600 or visit producepro.com.
Thank you for watching What’s In Store.
NETHERLANDS - Grocery shopping can either feel like an empowering self-love moment or a colossal disruption of free time. Some days I boycott the grocery store for no reason other than to avoid interacting with employees at checkout. Ahold Delhaize, along with big names like Amazon, have taken steps to make shopping experiences as painless as possible by piloting a fully digital grocery store. The project is spearheaded by Ahold’s banner, Albert Heijn (AH), and planned to operate within a small 150-square-foot structure.
“This latest concept not only makes shopping very easy, but due to its autonomous nature, this ‘plug and play’ store can be placed at locations where there is a temporary need for a small store, from offices or university campuses to residential areas under construction that do not yet have shopping facilities. A second advantage is that the store can always be open, which is useful for people who are on the road very early or very late,” said Marit van Egmond, Brand President of AH.
This new technology makes it possible to buy groceries without checkout or self-scan. Customers will be able to enter the doors with nothing more than their payment cards, which the system electronically scans. Cameras can determine the products customers choose to purchase and will charge them automatically when they exit the doors. The store was developed together with AiFi, a U.S.-based start-up, and Dutch Bank ING, which developed the payment solution and will process payments. Located in front of the AH support office in Zaandam, the system will be tested by associates in the coming two months.
Ahold’s innovative approach to grocery shopping has been developed through many veins of the company. Last year AH opened its first checkout-free stores, where customers can pay right at the shelf with a “tap to go” card or using a mobile app. Delhaize Belgium earlier this year launched a mobile payment application, called YesWeScan, which allows customers to scan product barcodes with their smartphone, add the items to an electronic shopping basket, and then pay. And in the U.S., Stop & Shop is offering frictionless checkout using the SCAN IT! mobile app.
Ahold is throwing its hat in the ring of the industry’s digital age. Stay with us at ANUK to hear about the latest technological advances in produce.
ARVIN, CA - Potatoes are the spice of life, even if they aren’t a spice at all. For Tasteful Selections®, it’s aware that consumers go wild for spuds and is hoping to inspire even more shoppers with its Small-Bite campaign. For the next two months, the company will be providing inspiration through bold flavors and new recipes, proving that its bite-size potatoes can be versatile, flavorful, and offer inspo for countless meals to come.
“As we move into the next theme of our Small-Bite Campaign, we will offer inspiration to our consumers,” said RPE Marketing Director Tim Huffcutt. “Flavorful and versatile, Tasteful Selections bite-size potatoes are the perfect muse to inspire your meal. With recipes like Saucy Macaroni & Potato Meatballs, Potato Gnocchi Hash, and Passion Chive Potatoes, Tasteful Selections will inspire bite-size, potato-filled meal-time favorites.”
According to a press release, consumers can win a prize package that will surely spark inspiration in even the most fuss-less home chef. This prize includes free potatoes, a Kodak Printomatic Instant Camera Gift Bundle, cast iron skillet, cooking utensils, foodie dice, and more!
“We want to share just how versatile and fun meal planning can be with bite-size potatoes,” Huffcutt said. “In the next theme of our Small-Bite Campaign, 'Inspiration in a small bite,' we hope to inspire new ideas to bring to you and your future meals.”
Stick with us at AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things produce.