SACRAMENTO, CA - Industry members rumbled once more in our April edition of the “Find the Apple Logo” contest, but one industry member was lucky enough to land the prize. The winner of our April Snack logo contest was Bailey Slayton, Sales Account Manager, Country Sweet Produce.

“I love The Snack and always eagerly await the next issue! It’s always filled with interesting stories, fun ads, and of course, delicious recipes,” Bailey shared with ANUK when declared the winner.

If you missed out on this issue, you’re in luck! We’re going to have another contest come through for our May issue.

As a reminder, contest rules require submissions showing your smiling face while pointing at the ANUK logo on the cover of The Snack Magazine.

Be sure to keep a keen eye on all ANUK emails, as the countdown does not begin until we announce the contest in our daily newsletter. Once it's found, snap a selfie, and send it on over with the subject line of your email stating “FOUND the Apple Logo.”

Keep reading ANUK for your next chance.

ROSEMONT, IL - We suspect US Foods may be making big changes in the coming months. The company hosted its 2024 Investor Day at its Rosemont, Illinois, headquarters yesterday to discuss forward-looking strategy. Among the discussions was a commitment to growing its core Broadline business, and therefore beginning to explore strategic alternatives for its CHEF’STORE cash and carry retail business.

“We are excited to highlight our business drivers and introduce our new long-term financial targets,” said Dave Flitman, Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “With the support and dedication of our 30,000 associates, I am confident in our ability to deliver shareholder value in both the near- and long-term, as we continue to leverage our customer-centric model and differentiation, advance our operational excellence, and remain disciplined on our capital allocation priorities. Further highlighting the confidence we have in our future and our acceleration in operating cash flow, our board has authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program, which we see as highly accretive to shareholder value creation.”

Members of the executive team provided an overview of US Foods’ long-term strategic vision, growth drivers, and a long runway of value creation ahead. A large national scale, targeted customer growth, and a leading position in digital innovation are allowing the company to execute its transformation, customer-first digital solutions, sales, supply chain, and merchandising excellence.

The press release added that US Foods is introducing its long-range plan expectations for financial results in fiscal 2027, including:

• Net sales of $43.0 billion to $45.0 billion
• Adjusted EBITDA of $2.2 billion to $2.3 billion
• Adjusted Diluted EPS of $5.20 to $5.70

For more from the release, click here.

ANUK will continue bringing you updates from across the supply chain, so stay tuned.

YUMA, AZ - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released its multi-year environmental study to better understand the ecology of human pathogens in the environment in the Southwest agricultural region. One of the key research focuses was on how pathogens survive, move, and possibly contaminate produce prior to harvest.

In a release sent to ANUK, the Food Safety Desert Coalition express the following:

“The Southwest agricultural community would like to express our appreciation and admiration for the FDA-CFSAN research team. These top-notch scientists were central to the development and execution of this study which represents one of the largest environmental microbiology research efforts to date,” the association stated.

The preliminary results of this study stress the interconnectedness between people, animals, and environment.

While noteworthy progress has been made, there is still much to be done. Desert Food Safety Coalition members share a common commitment to public health through research, science, and continuous improvement to promote science-informed food safety decision making and practices.

To learn more, click here.

MISSION, TX - A strategic partnership aimed at strengthening a central growing region is on the horizon. The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) and the Houston Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (HFFVA) announced their collaboration to fortify and enhance the produce industry in Texas.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Houston Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association to strengthen our collective efforts in supporting the vibrant produce industry in Texas," stated Dante Galeazzi, President and Chief Executive Officer of TIPA. "Together, we will work tirelessly to grow the industry in our great state while bringing the same excellence, innovation, and value to the members of the Houston community that TIPA has brought to other parts of the state.”

The goal of this partnership is to unify the voice of fruit and vegetable businesses in Texas, while supporting the advancement of those businesses.

Some of the central issues the associations hope to tackle are infrastructure needs at the maritime ports and roadways, increasing consumption in a diverse socio-economic region, and networking opportunities.

On top of that, the partnership aims to:

• Enhance market access and ensure competitiveness for fresh produce
• Foster innovation and sustainability across the supply chain
• Provide valuable resources, training, and support for industry stakeholders
• Advocate for policies that promote a vibrant and resilient produce industry
• Promote consumer education and awareness about the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables

"This partnership represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to serve the fresh produce community in the Houston area and beyond," added Mayra Vazquez, Business Development and Sales at Latin Specialties and former HFFVA board member. "By collaborating with TIPA, we can amplify our impact, expand our reach, and create greater opportunities for growth and success for all stakeholders."

We’ll keep you in the loop on the latest happening in the fresh produce biz, so stay tuned!

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Produce Moms® recently announced the addition of Jaclyn Lodon to the team. Lodon steps into the role of Chief Nutrition Officer where she hopes to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-life application.

“I’m thrilled to join Lori and her team on their mission to make eating produce more accessible, delicious, and fun for families. As a longtime fan and friend of The Produce Moms, I know that the brand’s work is invaluable,” Lodon shared. “I look forward to sharing my nutrition college with the TPM community. The Produce Moms brand and platform is uniquely positioned to get more veggies and fruit into the dietary pattern of more Americans.”

In this role, she will lead nutrition oversight, fact-checking publications and messaging. She will also provide nutrition consulting and tailor messages for those who partner with The Produce Moms.

She is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN) with extensive experience as an author, brand consultant, and media spokesperson. Lodon has held leadership roles with WeightWatchers and Good Housekeeping. She has also appeared as a nutrition and wellness expert on many national TV shows.

“Adding Jackie to the team as our Chief Nutrition Officer provides The Produce Moms with enhanced credibility and accuracy,” added Lori Taylor, Founder.

Congratulations to Jaclyn Lodon on this new role!

IRELAND - Fyffes has some ambitious plays in its book, according to the company’s most recent announcement. The supplier named Frank Burkhardt as its new Chief Commercial Officer. He will oversee the promotion of Fyffes’ recently launched sustainable brand proposition, Trudi’s, as well as deliver against the company vision—Shaping Wellbeing for the World—over the coming years.

“I am delighted to join Fyffes at such a pivotal moment for the business as it seeks to capitalise on its excellent reputation and 130-year history while transforming to become a more sustainable, future-focused organisation,” Burkhardt stated. “The launch of Trudi’s offers a truly sustainable proposition that we firmly believe will bring an exciting new choice and opportunity for both retailers and their consumers – something that hasn’t been seen in this space for a long time. I look forward to working closely with our retail partners across the many markets in which we operate and building on a number of exciting prospects and partnership opportunities in our pipeline.”

This appointment is critical to the rollout and success of the commercial strategy for Fyffes as well as its new brand proposition, a press release stated. With more than 20 years’ experience in sales and marketing across various industries, categories, and regions, Burkhardt is well placed to grow Fyffes’ business in strategic markets.

He most recently served as the Group Chief Marketing Officer at Holcim and was previously CMO at L'Oréal Switzerland. Burkhardt also held multiple positions at Procter & Gamble, including Commercial Director Europe, Head of eCommerce DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), and more.

“With his knowledge, experience, and keen insights into commercial strategy across a range of sectors, Frank will play a key role in helping us deliver on an ambitious, go-to-market commercial strategy across key markets within the EU, the U.K., and the U.S.,” CEO Helge Sparsoe said. “For the last three years, we have been focused on leveraging the years of knowledge and brand reputation within Fyffes, while evolving rapidly to reflect the needs of our customers, our employees, our consumers, and our communities into the future.”

Fyffes’ new Trudi’s brand, launched in continental Europe, was founded on the desire of consumers to not only eat healthy, fresh, and nutritious produce, but to ensure the fruit is also doing good in the communities among the people who cultivate fresh produce. Fyffes is currently in discussions with select retailers across Europe to trial the brand this year.

For more from the press release, click here. And keep up with ANUK as we bring you the industry’s latest.