LOS ANGELES, CA - The sale of Bolthouse Farms from Campbell Soup Company is officially closed. In April of this year, the company made an announcement that it was under a new company: Butterfly, a Los Angeles-based firm specializing in the food sector. That sale cost $510 million.
“Today we are excited to formally join Bolthouse Farms on its mission of providing fresh, healthy plant-based products to consumers around the country,” stated Butterfly Co-Founder Adam Waglay.
Jeff Dunn, one of Butterfly’s Operating Partners, previously served as President and CEO from 2008 and 2012, when it was acquired by Campbell Soup Company. He continued to lead the business for Campbell Soup Company from 2012 until his departure from the company in 2016.
“Now begins the work of reinforcing Bolthouse Farms’ position as a leader and innovator in produce and plant-based products,” said Jeff Dunn, CEO of Bolthouse Farms. “Today we begin the next chapter in Bolthouse Farms’ long and successful history.”
According to a press release, Bolthouse Farms is Butterfly’s most recent investment within its “seed to fork” approach to investing in food across agriculture, aquaculture, food and beverage products, food distribution, and foodservice. With this acquisition, Butterfly will have access to over 65,000 acres of growing land, nationwide fresh distribution capabilities, and a state-of-the-art carrot and beverage processing facility. The company has approximately 2,200 employees and operates facilities in Bakersfield, California; Hodgkins, Illinois; Wheatley, Ontario; and Prosser, Washington.
For the latest on acquisitions, sales, and more, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - Around this time each year, the team at AndNowUKnow checks our calendars and waits in joyful anticipation for the results of the annual Leamington Fair R.E.A.CH. International Greenhouse Competitions. Now in its 12th year, this series of competitions hosts categories including “The Hottest Tomato”, “The Perfect Pepper”, “The Coolest Cucumber,” and the “Sweetest Strawberry.”
Not only does this event recognize the best of the best, but the proceeds raised provide funds to sponsor over 50 children in Uganda, Africa, annually. The sponsorships give the children food, school supplies, medicine, and everything else they need to get an education and break the cycle of poverty.
So, we thought, what better way to kick off the week than with some of those pioneering companies who rose the award ranks at the Leamington event.
“This competition is focused on flavor, which is the driving force behind everything we do,” Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO, and the fourth-generation family member to lead Mastronardi Produce, said. “We’re proud to support and be recognized by our local community.”
SUNSET® took the competitions by storm, earning top honors in nine categories. In addition to receiving Best Overall Strawberry for the perfectly sweet dreamberry™, part of the new WOW™ berry line, and the SUNSET® new two-bite cucumber, Qukes™, was named Best Cocktail Cucumber with Cloud Cukes taking the awards for People’s and Kid’s Choice Cucumber. The ALOHA™ pepper won Kids’ Choice Pepper and Best Specialty Bell Pepper; SUNSET® orange bell pepper also received first place in its category. On top of those accolades, Campari® won Best Cocktail Tomato and red Sweet Twister™ won Best Specialty Long Pepper, according to a press release.
Fiona McLean, Marketing Manager for DelFrescoPure also shared her excitement on the recent event, including the award for the company’s YES!Berries Your Everyday Snack® strawberries.
"We are thrilled to win the People’s Choice Strawberry award for our YES!Berries. This competition brings together some of the greatest, leading-edge companies in greenhouse innovation and we are honored to be a part of this year's honored recipients," Fiona shared with me.
The company also won an accolade in the Perfect Pepper Competition with the DelFrescoPure’s Yellow Bell Pepper.
Mucci Farms, once again, did what the team does best and brought crowd pleasers across the board. The company was awarded Best Bite-Size Tomato with its ChertoTM Gourmet Cherry Tomato variety and tied for first place for the Best Specialty Mini Pepper with Sweet to the PointTM. The company also tied for Overall Best Pepper for its Sweet to the PointTM and won the Kid's Choice Strawberry Award for its SmucciesTM Sweet Strawberries. 
“We’re very grateful to be recognized, once again, at the Leamington Fair for multiple items," Director of Marketing Emily Murracas shares. "As big supporters of our local community, we’re particularly thankful to receive the Kid’s Choice Award that went to our Smuccies Sweet Strawberries! This competition is a testament to the impact our region has on the greenhouse category in North America and beyond."
Pure Flavor also took to the award rankings, as Chris Veillon, Chief Marketing Officer of the company shares.
“At this years event, Pure Flavor took home awards for Best Red Bell Pepper with our Pure Flavor® Sweet Red Bell Pepper and Best Roma Tomato our Pure Flavor® Roma Tomatoes. Congratulations to all the growers who submitted a record number of entries this year,” Chris tells me. “We are happy to support R.E.A.CH. International each year during Leamington’s Greenhouse Vegetable Competition. The funds raised from the entries go to a very worthwhile cause. With literally hundreds of varieties being tasted during the competition, we take great pride in our family of growers commitment to producing the most flavorful vegetables each season, regardless of growing region.”
NatureFresh™ Farms came ready to impress as well and was recognized with honors including Best Overall Tomato, Cucumber, and tied for the Overall Best Pepper.
NatureFresh™ Farms took home top awards in the following categories: Best English Cucumber, tied for Best Speciality Mini Pepper, Best Beefsteak Tomato, Best Cluster Tomato, Best Speciality Tomato for its TOMZ Orange Cherry Tomato, People’s Choice Tomato for its TOMZ Tomberry® Tomato, Kid’s Choice Tomato for the TOMZ Tomberry® Tomato, Overall Best Cucumber for the Long English Cucumber, Overall Best Tomato for the TOMZ Orange Cherry Tomato, and Overall Best Pepper for the team’s Red Mini Pepper, according to a press release.
“We have an amazing team who works very hard to ensure our produce has top-notch flavor paired with consistency,” Executive Retail Sales Account Manager Matt Quiring, who accepted the awards on behalf of NatureFresh™ Farms. “Winning the highest overall honors across the board is a great testament to what our team can accomplish; it is more than just about showcasing the best that we grow, it is about our commitment to continuing to push our categories in the right direction.”
The annual R.E.A.CH. International Greenhouse Competitions are presented in part by NatureFresh™ Farms, Red Sun Farms, QU Truck Bodies, and UCB Canada. The events happen in two stages. First, on Friday evening, expert judges from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), grocery store produce managers, Culinary Guild of Windsor Chefs, and many others, judge entries with a specialized list of criteria. Second, the organizers poled the public for their favourite Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber, and Strawberry for the “People’s Choice” awards throughout Friday and Saturday.
The competitions culminated on Saturday evening with an awards ceremony, which awarded coveted crystal trophies to some of the best producers in North America.
Congrats to all the award winners on your greenhouse innovations!
SUNSET® Produce DelFrescoPure Mucci Farms Pure Flavor NatureFresh Farms
KETTLEMAN CITY, CA - Keenan Farms has revealed the new hire of Mitchell Keenan, son of President and CEO Robert Keenan. He will be joining the sales team and focusing on domestic and export sales. By joining the family-owned business, Mitchell ushers in the third generation of Keenans to work for Keenan Farms. The company was founded in 1972 by his grandfather Charles Keenan.
“I have been fortunate to be around this dynamic business all my life and I have to say, I knew early on pistachios were in my DNA,” Mitchell Keenan expressed.
According to the company’s press release, he graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in Agricultural Business in 2019.
Keenan Farms was one of the first commercial pistachio processors in California. In the $4 billion industry, it is one of the longest-running processors.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome my son, Mitchell, to the Keenan Farms Team,” Robert Keenan said. “He has worked for us during the past few summers, gaining hands-on experience in various departments and an understanding of the overall operation. His focus will be on domestic and export sales.”
Congratulations to Mitchell Keenan from the AndNowUKnow team!
KEASBEY, NJ - New Jersey-based retailer ShopRite is encouraging consumers to go local this summer with a comprehensive marketing campaign aiming to educate shoppers on health and wellness and increase fresh produce sales. The campaign features dietitian-backed information and tips that consumers can use to inform their purchasing decisions.
“Our locally grown produce is handpicked at the peak of freshness and delivered from farms within our market area,” said Derrick Jenkins, Vice President of Floral and Produce, in a statement. “This supports the local economy and also reduces the carbon footprint of deliveries to our stores.”
The campaign will be promoted in the store’s circulars, as well as on highway billboards, television commercials, and on social media. According to Long Island Business News, more than 100 in-store retail dietitians will be on hand to oversee demonstrations, community-based workshops, and social media videos.
“This year’s locally grown program is going to be bigger than ever before,” Jenkins said.
In-store displays will showcase local farms, including information on blackboards that features the names and addresses of the farms where the produce was sourced, according to the news source. Farms will also be promoted in marketing materials and weekend “farm stands” at the front of some ShopRite stores.
The campaign materials are designed “to educate our shoppers and teach them delicious and easy ways to incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into their menus,” said Natalie Menza-Crowe, Director of Health and Wellness, in a statement.
Will this ambitious campaign get shoppers on the locally-sourced train? AndNowUKnow will report.
CHINA - On the heels of its recent announcement that it was breaking into the New Zealand Market for the first time, Costco has now made plans to open its first-ever China store location as well.
According to news source Caixin Global, Costco did set up an online store in China five years ago, but this new store will be its first brick-and-mortar in the country. The store will open to shoppers on August 27, 2019, in Shanghai’s Minhang district.
Costco isn’t the only major retailer looking to head east, as Aldi has also been eying the China market and has recently opened two pilot stores—one of them in Shanghai’s Minhang district. Walmart and Kroger have also been expanding services in the country.
Analysts have speculated how well the retailer’s bulk shopping format will be received in this new market, where most consumers are used to shopping frequently and bulk formats are not par for the course.
Will these new store openings set the tone for more global expansion? And how will overseas competition shake out between retail powerhouses? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
QUINCY, MA - Ahold Delhaize recently announced the grand opening of its Retail Business Services’ technology office. Within the building there is an innovation lab that will provide tech services for Ahold USA's brands, including Stop & Shop in the Boston area. It will be manned by 200 IT associates.
“We’re proud to cut the ribbon on this new office, and continue to be an employer of choice and a good neighbor in the Quincy community,” said Roger Wheeler, President of Retail Business Services, in a recent press release. “Our business provides services to one of the largest grocery retail groups in the United States, and we’re rapidly growing as we support local grocery brands through a period of evolution taking place in our industry. This new space enables us to continue our trajectory of growth.”
The press release noted that Retail Business services is currently hiring for close to 70 information technology positions to be based in the new Quincy office and at Retail Business Services’ other East Coast and Chicago locations.
“We’re excited for this new space as we continue to expand our team,” said Paul Scorza, EVP, IT & CIO. “Whether it’s through our co-op program that brings college and graduate students into our innovation lab for six-month rotations, full-time hiring, or partnerships with start-ups, universities, and others, we’re always in the market for top talent to support our mission of creating the next generation of grocery retail.”
Retail Business Services also announced a new partnership with the Quincy Chamber of Commerce to support the organization’s Incubate Quincy 1400 (IQ1400) venture, which aims to make Quincy a destination for tech start-ups.
“This type of investment and growth is at the heart of our efforts to revitalize downtown Quincy, and we are thrilled about the potential of this new partnership with the Chamber of Commerce,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. “Companies like Retail Business Services are absolutely vital to the future of downtown Quincy, and I am deeply grateful for their continued investment in our community.”
Tim Cahill, President of the Quincy Chamber, added, “We are proud to partner with Retail Business Services on this exciting initiative. It will be a real boost for the emerging, tech start-up community we are developing at IQ1400 in Quincy Center.”
Will this new tech office give Ahold USA another competive edge? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Burgeoning grocer Target is trying on Amazon’s namesake for itself; the retailer is debuting same-day grocery delivery services thanks to its Shipt partnership.
“With same-day delivery now available directly within the Target.com experience, we’ve made it even easier for our guests to shop at Target—while still getting the great value, curated product assortment, and helpful guest service they’ve come to expect,” said Dawn Block, Senior Vice President, Digital.
According to a press release, shoppers can now have over 65,000 Target items delivered to their door—and within an hour of purchasing!
And Target is not the only grocery retailer encroaching on what Amazon has long monopolized. Last month, Walmart announced it would be offering its shoppers free NextDay delivery. This month, Walmart also revealed it will be launching InHome Delivery, which definitely gave the ANUK team Amazon Key and even in-car delivery vibes.
I can't be the only one who thinks half the fun of going to Target is wandering around its aisles, cruising for items you didn't even know you needed, right? Will Target find a way to translate that experience into its same-day delivery service? AndNowUKnow will let you know all of our industry findings!
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Eager to spread the word about the wonders of fruits and veg is produce evangelist Lori Taylor, Founder and CEO of The Produce MomsTM (TPM), who most recently could be found on TV shows in Phoenix, Nashville, and Indianapolis; an interview on MarthaStewart.com; and on several podcasts. In addition to Taylor’s media blitz, she participated in a road trip in 2019 that included guest speaker presentations at many events and venues across the country. This produce warrior shows no signs of slowing down, as her momentum is just getting started.
“I am always excited to spread the message about the benefits and value of increasing consumption of fresh produce,” said Taylor in a press release. “I’m encouraged by all the outreach I have seen from media outlets across the country that want to talk about incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables as part of the wellness conversation. If that means jumping on a plane to go to Phoenix one day and then flying on to Nashville the next day, sign me up! It’s an honor and privilege to represent produce and the produce industry in this way.”
Taylor graced the stage of Good Morning Arizona in Phoenix with kids who ate fresh produce slices with edible produce stickers made by Sticky Lickits. Moving on to Nashville, Taylor joined Talk of the Town Anchor, Meryll Rose to make Berry Fruit Leather and mouthwatering Veggie Kabobs out of fresh produce. Taylor appeared on her regular guest spot on Indy Style in Indianapolis, where she talked about making Mother’s Day meals that incorporated lots of fresh fruits and veg.
“To determine the best produce to use, how to serve it, and how long infused water will last we asked Lori Taylor of (The) Produce Moms, who has been pioneering infused water in schools and has experimented with just about every combination of fruit, vegetables, and herbs possible,” wrote author Bridget Shirvell in her recent blog post, “Here’s Why Infused Water Should Be Your Summer Party Drink,” on MarthaStewart.com. The article also conveyed Taylor’s opinion of which produce to use, when to make it, and how to serve it.
Taylor and TPM saw a busy month this June, as at the United Fresh Convention, Taylor was selected by the United Leadership Class 24, of which she is a member, to give the class graduation address. Taylor also will act as the keynote speaker at the Dallas Fresh Food Association Luncheon on June 26.
As an expert in the fields of marketing, business development, brand purpose, and identity, Taylor has been a key component of taking TPM’s message of the power of fresh produce to the masses. Several thought leaders and influencers have interviewed Taylor and featured her on their platforms, including John Lincoln, digital and internet marketing guru and host of the Ignite Visibility Podcast; and Esther Kiss, business guru and host of the Born to Influence Podcast. Looking ahead to September, Taylor will appear at SEPC’s Southern Innovations Organics and Foodservice expo to deliver a special presentation.
“I love talking about produce with consumers, but I started my career in the produce industry, and that will always be the community that I consider family!” Taylor commented.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more produce-forward news.
AUSTIN, TX - The 10th annual Center for Produce Safety (CPS) Research Symposium is only hours away, and we here at AndNowUKnow are eagerly awaiting all of the latest food safety nuggets of truth. I spoke with Doug Grant, Executive Vice President and COO for Oppy, to learn more about the importance of the Symposium.
“The session I’m moderating is titled 'How to Fuel Change.' The panelists are all senior food safety professionals who will discuss their experience implementing research from CPS projects to improve their own food safety programs," he told me.
Over two days, panel discussions with industry professionals from the entire produce supply chain will take place, including ones with PMA CEO Cathy Burns; Donna Lynn Browne of Naturipe Farms; Suresh DeCosta of Lipman Family Farms; De Ann Davis of Church Brothers Farms; and Walter Ram of Giumarra Companies. A number of scientists from universities across the country will also present new information and discuss science-based solutions to advance food safety plans.
These sessions are meant to inspire change and provide new tools for attendees to take back to their own companies and hopefully, as Dougtells me, collectively advance the level of food safety across the industry.
“There’s a lot of interactive discussions during the panel sessions,” he said. “It’s a chance to really learn what the latest developments are in food safety and I’m sure everyone is going to have some really great takeaways from this symposium. My biggest hope is that companies will have some a-ha moments, during which they can pick up something brand new and then implement it in their organizations with great results. Any opportunity for companies to engage in food safety on a day-to-day basis would be a huge advancement.”
Amen to that! For the latest in what’s happening in the food safety space, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
YERINGTON, NV - Summer is here and that means salad season. Out goes the hearty stews and stick-to-your-ribs food of winter, and in comes the summer bounty of fresh produce. Foxy is gearing up to meet seasonal consumer demand with its upcoming organic vegetable program from Yerington, Nevada. This premium product will soon be available.
“Our organic vegetable program in Yerington, Nevada will complement our organic production in California’s Salinas Valley,” Tom M. Nunes (T5), President, told me. “Our organic leafy green crops will start mid-June and by July 4th, all other organic commodities will be going in Nevada.”
Though other parts of the country have seen some tumultuous weather, growing conditions for Foxy have been ideal—organic quality and yields are looking strong. With summertime production of organics between Salinas and Nevada up 15 percent from last year, Foxy will be bringing exceptional products to its customers and consumers.
Overall, the organic market has been good. Some items have fared better than others and pricing for high-quality organic products continues to be strong. Foxy is excited, not just for this season’s excellent produce, but also for the outreach efforts to support its retail and foodservice partners. Numerous tours and visits to the company’s Nevada operation are in store this summer to bridge the gap between grower and retailer/foodservice provider.
To stay up-to-date on this season’s produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.