WATSONVILLE, CA - I was today years old when I learned about International Picnic Day, and I’m already a better human for it. In true berry-lover and picnic connoisseur fashion, Driscoll’s is taking its 3D Berry Picnic Mobile on the road. As part of its #BerryTogether campaign, this one-of-a-kind picnic basket on wheels will deliver shareable treats and experiences the whole family will enjoy, catering to Twin Cities residents all summer long.
“Driscoll’s #BerryTogether campaign continues to build emotional brand differentiation across multiple integrated touchpoints,” said Frances Dillard, Senior Director of Brand and Product Marketing. “Flavor is the core purchase driver for berry consumers. By combining our powerful brand promise of Only The Finest Berries™ with an emotional marketing strategy of connecting summer picnic moments, we have a winning brand experience."
According to a press release, the Twin Cities market stands as the raspberry consumption capital of the U.S. So, what better place for Driscoll’s to kick off its #BerryTogether campaign? With fun and engaging activities planned, it’s a surefire way to get people involved and living their best picnic lives.
“Our multi-sensory experiential activation in more than 50 locations throughout Twin Cities summer picnic season will bring loved ones together over fun games and a berry-centric menu of summer dishes, including refreshing blueberry mint lemonade, raspberry vanilla popsicles, and an indulgent chocolate berry skewer,” said Jamie Bassmann, Senior Brand Marketing Manager.
The Berry Picnic Mobile’s full Twin Cities tour schedule can be tracked here and includes fan-favorite stops like the Minnesota State Fair, Grandma’s Marathon, and Twin Cities Marathon.
Additionally, the #BerryTogether campaign includes a creative in-store branded destination designed as a giant picnic basket filled with fresh berries.
“Merchandising fresh berries in the front of the store in refrigerated cases has proven highly successful in driving sales,” stated Kim Allen, Senior Channel Marketing Manager. “This year, we are taking the branded destination to the next level with a creative approach to the picnic theme to connect back to the berry mobile experience. A handy tote designed as a picnic basket was created to carry and drive multi-berry purchase.”
You can never have too much of a good thing! For the latest in new campaigns, marketing, and more, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
NEW DELHI, BENGALURU, INDIA - Amazon is looking to expand its grocery delivery services, particularly fresh produce, in India, recently conducting negotiations with produce supply chain company NinjaCart as a potential investment. The retailer is eager to enter the fresh produce delivery market, though it does already sell select grocery items in the country through its Amazon Now and Amazon Pantry platforms.
Amazon has been investing heavily in expanding its delivery presence in India, recently investing in its Indian food-only retail business, which sells groceries and other packaged food products to Amazon’s local e-commerce marketplace, according to Economic Times.
According to the news source, after its most recent funding round, NinjaCart is valued at over $350 million, and supplies 25,000 tons of fresh produce on a monthly basis.
Amazon is not the only retailer investing in this booming market, as Walmart last year invested $2 billion of new equity funding in Flipkart to grow its presence in the country.
Who’s online presence will gain dominance in one of the largest economies in the world? AndNowUKnow will report.
QUINCY, MA - Ahold Delhaize USA has revealed Stop & Shop President Mark McGowan will depart at the end of the year. Giant Food President Gordon Reid will assume the role as President of Stop & Shop in late July.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to lead the Stop & Shop brand,” said McGowan. “I’m grateful for our associates who are incredibly dedicated to serving our customers every day, and I’m extremely proud of all that we have accomplished together. As Stop & Shop embarks on the next phase of its transformation, now is the right time for me to make this change. I look forward to working closely with Gordon and the entire team to ensure a seamless transition.”
According to a press release, McGowan made the decision to stay with Stop & Shop through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition at the company’s request. In the upcoming weeks, Reid will start transitioning to the new role as he officially assumes the role in late July. SVP of Operations for Giant Food, Ira Kress, has been made interim President of Giant Food.
“Mark McGowan has had a tremendous impact for the Ahold Delhaize USA brands, as well as the communities they serve, and we thank him for his 30 years of tireless service,” said Kevin Holt, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA. “Under his leadership, Stop & Shop has built a strong foundation for transformation and expanded success that continues through our ‘Reimagine Stop & Shop’ initiative. As Mark transitions, I have full confidence that Gordon Reid is the right leader to continue this transformation by repositioning the business for future success and rebuilding customer loyalty.”
In 2013, Reid joined Giant Food and currently serves as President of Giant Food, which has 165 stores in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Having served in a great deal of management roles at Boots, A.S. Watson Group, and The Dairy Farm Group before joining Giant Food, Reid has more than 35 years of international retail experience. He also serves as a member of the USO Washington-Baltimore Executive Board, Capital Area Food Bank Board and a member of the Partnership for a Healthier America.
Reid attended Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, U.K., and obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Pharmacy and then went to Nottingham University Business School, also in the U.K. and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
“We are excited for Gordon to join the Stop & Shop brand,” said Holt. “Gordon is an excellent leader of people, with a strong focus on serving customers, engaging associates, and supporting local communities. During his time at Giant Food, the brand has successfully grown sales and market share and has strong associate engagement results.”
For updates on Ahold Delhaize USA’s new leadership, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
LOS ANGELES, CA - The results are in, and already this week’s much-anticipated CPS Symposium is one of our industry’s biggest events of the summer. From insights into how our industry’s experts are tackling the food safety dilemma to in-depth discussions with those leading food safety research, the CPS Symposium is providing a space to answer any and all questions and get to the bottom of just what our industry needs to keep delivering safe, high quality produce to the end-consumer.
I tapped Walter Ram, Vice President of Food Safety for Giumarra, to find out what we can expect to emerge post-symposium in the way of ideas, solutions, and even innovative game-changers.
“There is nothing else like the CPS Symposium; it’s where scientists release the results of their CPS-funded research projects. These projects are produce-specific and are intended to help the industry in a number of ways, including developing improved practices, filling knowledge gaps, and pure science that has long-term goals in mind,” Walter explained. “This is an opportunity for companies to have their food safety and management personnel see firsthand how the science evolves and for them to determine how they might use the most current information at their own operations.”
And, just like last year, Walter is expecting companies across our industry to walk away with a few implementable solutions gleaned from the panels, discussions, and networking opportunities. He noted that since CPS 2018, Giumarra has improved its field packing sanitation practices, thanks to research presented by Dr. Laura Strawn at last year’s symposium.
“I’ve never failed to come away from this event without learning a lot, and we have been able to put that information to work on our farms, in our facilities, and in improving our food safety programs,” Walter continued. “It’s also a great place for networking and comparing notes with colleagues.”
Walter is also on the CPS Technical Committee, which helps fund food safety projects that are presented during the show.
“Food safety has changed our industry during the last 20 years, but we have had to play catch-up with other sectors of the food supply that had nearly a century head start on us. CPS was created to fill that gap by enabling research designed specifically for fresh produce. CPS is where we get an ‘under the hood’ look to the future to develop the tools we will need to take the industry to the next level,” Walter concluded.
To stay up-to-date on the latest trade show news you need to know about, keep checking back with 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 where the rain is falling, the sun is shining, and everything in between.
COLD WINTER STORM COMING TO CHILE
Starting next Monday, many growing regions in Chile will experience at least four days of cold wet weather. The storm will affect regions in the middle of the country. High temperatures in these regions are currently in the mid-70°s and lows in the mid-40°s. Come Sunday, temperatures will begin to drop and by Tuesday, June 25, maximum temperatures will only be in the mid-40°s and minimum temperatures will be in the mid-30°s. The rain will start Monday, June 24, with daily rain fall totals between .50” to .80” through Thursday.
Citrus is currently coming from these areas.
ABOVE AVERAGE TEMPERATURES COMING TO SOUTH
Starting tomorrow, the state of South Carolina and a section of northeastern Georgia will experience about eight days of above average temperatures with Sunday and Monday, June 23rd and 24th, being the hottest days with maximum temperatures around 97°. These predicted temperatures are about 10° above current high temperatures. Nightly lows will remain the same in the low 70°s.
Peaches currently coming from these areas.
CALIFORNIA, SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, AND DESERT REGIONS TO COOL THROUGHOUT THE WEEK
Interior regions of California are currently experiencing above average temperatures, with maximum temperatures in the San Joaquin Valley around 105° and desert regions around 107°. Starting this Friday, temperatures will begin to cool a bit with maximum temperatures in the San Joaquin Valley staying in the 90°s and desert regions cooling a few degrees, with maximum temperatures of 103°. These cooler temperatures will continue through at least next Thursday, June 27.
MEXICAN RAINY SEASON HAS BEGUN
Central and southern Mexico are experiencing their typical summer weather pattern, with the daily possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. Please check the app for specific locations and commodities that may be affected.
TYPICAL WEATHER THROUGHOUT MOST OF COUNTRY
The vast majority of the country is experiencing normal weather conditions for this time of year. Temperatures and possibilities of rain are within the average range for most growing regions. Please check the app for specific commodities and growing locations.
NO HURRICANE ACTIVITY
According to the National Hurricane Center there is no tropical cyclone activity expected for at least the next 48 hours.
Thanks again, and we'll be back later this week with another weather report!
CHICAGO, IL - You expect to meet amazing food when you’re visiting the Windy City, and I was not at all disappointed. My tummy and taste buds left more than satisfied both from what the restaurant scene had to offer as well as the show floor, but here is what I hope to continue to enjoy even when I get home!
Fresh Del Monte Film Sealed Fruit Cups
We all know fruit cups are among the top tiers of value-added offering, with nostalgia and convenience tied together. But Fresh Del Monte has taken a known concept and launched it anew with this latest packaging debut, making the Top Seal 100-percent leak-proof so that consumers can truly take it anywhere, while meeting sustainability requirements with up to 30 percent less plastic compared to its sibling fresh-cut film seal containers. Fashion and function!
Wonderful Pistachios New Flavors
I saw a lot of Wonderful Pistachio bags being snacked on while exploring the United Fresh show floor, a tell-tale sign that something’s a hit. So I had to check out the new flavors that joined the brand’s line. Honey Roasted? Chili Roasted? Personally, I didn’t see why I had to choose. I mixed them together and had no regrets about it, but you follow your taste buds.
BrightFarms Sunny Crunch and Happy Beet
I’ve been previously teased for my love of salad, needing no dressing to appreciate a good crisp blend of fruits and veggies, but BrightFarms latest launches might have more joining my club. Sunny Crunch celebrates, and even adds to, traditional iceberg offerings, while Happy Beet lives up to its name. Add to that the freshness you can guarantee your shoppers of product being more hours than days old upon purchase, and watch the produce ring rack up.
Mastronardi Produce WOW™ Berry Line
There’s just something about reaching into the foil that would house a chocolate and pulling out a berry that makes me glad it wasn’t chocolate. Yes, I’m very susceptible to presentation, and so are my fellow millennial consumers (or so I’m told), so I hope you got to bite into any one of Mastronardi Produce’s new WOW™ berries! Believe me, there was something for everyone to indulge in.
Pearson Foods Fresh Ramen Soup
Let me preface by saying that I absolutely love ramen, so I was already excited to sample this when following the delicious smell on the show floor. But I didn’t see how it could be produce-specific until learning that this particular offering was made with produce in mind. Touting itself as the “only fresh ramen line on the market,” Pearson’s team shared that this fast yet fresh line of ramen was developed specifically for the produce and deli industries, and should be sold as such. Ginger and Miso seemed to be the show floor favorites, but honestly, my shopping cart would have the whole line if I encountered these in-store.
United Fresh treated us to so many good products, packaging options, and memories. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to San Diego, California’s turn in 2020.
SALINAS, CA - The one-stop-shop for all of our industry’s food safety needs is officially underway, with many of produce’s leaders, category frontrunners, and experts mind melding over research, ideas, and initiatives in Austin, Texas, this week. Representing Naturipe Farms is Donna Lynn Browne, Director of Food Safety and Social Responsibility, who clued me into why she’s been looking forward to the CPS Symposium for a while.
“The CPS Symposium brings together our industry with government and scientific communities. This is powerful and encourages our industry to leverage these communities and partner to increase our efforts for food safety,” Donna Lynn shared with me. “It is also where all of the researchers present their most current findings, and we have an opportunity to speak with them directly.”
A few of these opportunities are presenting themselves in the way of information-packed panels, featuring food safety experts from the retail sector, including Walmart, Wegmans, and Sysco, and from the science and research sector. All in all, the panels aim to create conversations between everyone along the supply chain, which Donna Lynn explained is a unique aspect of the symposium that the Naturipe Farms team is especially excited about.
“Naturipe Farms is excited to learn about the latest information and collaborate with others. This event provides us the opportunity to speak with the researchers themselves to see how their current projects might be able to enhance our food safety protocols, not only at our processing facilities but also on the farm,” Donna Lynn continued.
Whether you’re part of the dialogue this week in Austin, or waiting patiently to hear all about the ways CPS attendees pushed the food safety envelope forward, stay right here with AndNowUKnow for the latest coverage.
SHERIDAN, IL - Hy-Vee is doubling down on its new Fast & Fresh banner, opening a new Fast & Fresh Express in Sheridan, Illinois. The new store format is designed to appeal to on-the-go consumers, offering ready-made meals, snacks, and various convenience items. The new store will open in early 2020 and will accompany the existing Hy-Vee location at the same shopping center, according to Central Illinois Proud.
The retailer previously debuted the new concept in Davenport, and Des Moines, Iowa, where the company opened Fast & Fresh locations that served busy shoppers looking for convenience. Hy-Vee is planning to continue its Fast & Fresh presence in Iowa throughout this year as well.
Hy-Vee is one of many retailers testing out new store concepts designed to appeal to different types of consumers. GIANT Food Stores opened its first GIANT Heirloom Market in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, geared towards urban neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Ahold Delhaize-owned Hannaford tested out a new concept in Portland, Maine, earlier this year to push natural and organic foods, and Publix began development on its own community-centric concept stores last fall.
Will the retail market be dominated by new concept stores to appeal to a new audience? AndNowUKnow will keep reporting.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - The Allen Lund Company has revealed that long-time Operations Manager Morgan Underwood will be promoted to Assistant Manager of the ALC San Francisco office.
"I want to thank my manager Wendy Adan, the executive team, as well as all the members of the ALC San Francisco office,” Underwood said. “We plan on continuing our strong momentum through hard work and excellent customer service. I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to a successful future."
According to the company’s press release, this July, Underwood has been with ALC San Francisco for 11 years. Last year, he was promoted to Operations Manager and now to Assistant Manager of the San Francisco office. Underwood obtained a Bachelor's in Communication Studies at California State University Northridge.
"Morgan has been a great asset to our office,” said Wendy Adan, Manager of ALC San Francisco. “I know that through his hard work and dedication, along with his ability to develop great relationships with our team, customers, and carriers, he will be a great Assistant Manager. Morgan has been essential to the success of the San Francisco office, and I am confident he will continue to thrive in this position."
VP of Produce Sales Bob Rose also expressed his excitement about the promotion.
"We could not be happier to have Morgan Underwood move up through the ranks to become Assistant Manager of the San Francisco office," said Rose. "Over the years, Morgan has proven himself as a leader with his customers and the office. Morgan's last duties include working closely with the 'extra mile' teams that handle important customer calls after hours to facilitate complete coverage for our growing client base. Congratulations on a well-deserved promotion."
Congratulations on the promotion to Morgan Underwood from the ANUK team!
LOWELL, OR - Fall Creek Farm & Nursery welcomes Micah Jacob Weiss as the newest member of the sales and grower support team. Weiss will be focusing on blueberry growers in the Pacific Northwest and be based in Lowell, Oregon.
“It’ll be great to meet all the customers we have shipped plants to,” said Weiss. “I’m excited about the opportunity to find new ways to serve growers and help them succeed, to learn more about their challenges and help to work through them. Coming from a production background in a different region, I can bring a fresh set of eyes and share different techniques.”
According to the company’s press release, in 2017, Weiss joined Fall Creek as Manager of the Windy Flat Farm production facility in Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Before that, he was a customer of Fall Creek as the Manager of Production Operations at Frogmore Fresh, a 145-acre blueberry farm in central Florida.
“Business acumen and general business knowledge are increasingly important in all positions at Fall Creek, particularly in positions that work directly with customers. We need to understand our customers’ bottom line for cost of production as well as agronomy and horticulture involved in growing blueberries commercially,” said Dick Mombell, Commercial Manager for the U.S. and Canada. “Micah has a background in both, as well as a passion for this industry. He’s excited and ‘gets it,’ as a former grower himself. We all look forward to his collaboration with our customer-growers.”
Weiss attended the University of Florida obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticultural Science and then went to the University of Florida’s Hough Graduate School of Business earning a Master of Science in Management.
Congratulations to Micah Jacob Weiss from the ANUK team!