ORLANDO, FL - Florida grocery king Publix clearly has no intention of giving up its crown to some young upstart, as it is currently sizing up a new location in downtown Orlando. The retailer plans to use this location for one of its small-concept stores in an attempt to court consumers’ favor by offering up fresh, specialty products.
As part of the company’s further expansion into the Florida market, it has been eyeing a 15,000-square-foot location, formerly occupied by Ferg’s Depot bar and restaurant, which closed last August, reported the Orlando Business Journal. While the retailer operates another store about one mile away, this new store will be decidedly smaller. GreenWise Market, the company’s new small-concept banner, first debuted in Tallahassee last year, we reported earlier, and is most likely the store that would take up residence in this location.
However, the plans for this new location are in line with the booming Orlando urban market, one which many competitors are trying to corner. Both Lucky’s Market and Southeastern Grocers are attempting to expand their presence in the area, and the Orlando Business Journal reports that Dollar General and Duckweed Urban Grocery are also looking to move in on the competition.
Publix is committed to continuing to build on its small-concept stores, as the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported that the grocer disclosed its prototype sizes in its March regulatory filings. The stores ranged from 20,000 to 60,000 square feet; the annual report for 2017 lists the size range beginning at 28,000 square feet.
According to the Orlando Business Journal, Publix has recently ramped up efforts to invest in real estate and technology, allegedly spending $1.53 billion on “supermarkets, remodeling existing supermarkets, new or enhanced information technology hardware and applications, and the acquisition of shopping centers with the company as the anchor tenant.”
Will Publix lock down this new Orlando location? Will the new-concept store upend the competition? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.
MONTREAL, CANADA - Lots to see and do at this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Convention and Trade Show. If you weren’t too busy, then I’m sure your eyes were arrested by Litehouse’s latest product innovations, namely its reformulated dressing line. The new line features products such as Organic Pourable Dressings, new Apple Cider Vinaigrettes, Pourable Vinaigrettes, Snack Packs, and Freeze Dried Herbs.
According to a recent press release, the reformulated products deliver on consumers’ growing hunger for healthier foods.
Details of each new product are as follows:
Organic Pourable Dressings: Fresh New Look, Even Better Taste
The reformulated Litehouse Organic Pourable dressings address consumers’ demands for healthier products with cleaner ingredient panels. Featuring a fresh new look and improved dairy-free formula, the Organic Pourable dressings are Certified USDA Organic, gluten free, non-GMO, and made with sugars from natural sources, including honey, agave, and juices. The organic, dairy-free dressings are available in a mix of top-selling flavors including: Balsamic Vinaigrette, Caesar, Ginger with Honey, Lemon Herb Vinaigrette, Ranch, and oil-free Raspberry Vinaigrette. The dressings are packaged in a 332 mL pourable glass bottle with labels that feature real food photography. Litehouse Organic Pourable dressings have an SRP of $4.99-$5.99.
Apple Cider Vinaigrettes: Lower in Calories, Big on Flavor
New Apple Cider Vinaigrettes are the latest RSD innovation from Litehouse, and will cater to consumers seeking lower-calorie dressing options with simple ingredients and unique flavors. A trending product category, apple cider vinegar is expected to see double digit annual growth over the next three years, driven by consumer interest in the perceived health benefits. The dairy-free, better-for-you vinaigrettes are made with an apple cider vinegar base, contain 5 calories or less per serving, and are available in four flavor-forward combinations: Lemon Ginger Turmeric, Cranberry Orange, Maple Apple, and Spiced Fig. Available in a 332 mL pourable glass bottle with a transparent label that highlights a simple ingredients list, Litehouse Apple Cider Vinaigrettes are dairy-free, vegetarian, and certified gluten-free. They have an SRP of $4.99-$5.99.
Pourable Vinaigrettes: Reformulated with Less Fat and Sugar, Only 25 Calories or Less
In response to growing demand for high-quality ingredients and exceptional taste, Litehouse is unveiling a refresh to its core line of Pourable Vinaigrettes, now made with less fat and sugar, but the same delicious taste consumers know and love. Available in an assortment of flavors including Balsamic, Sesame Ginger, Poppyseed, and Raspberry, the reformulated vinaigrettes are now only 25 calories or less per serving. Litehouse Pourable Vinaigrettes have an SRP of $3.99-$4.99.
Litehouse Organic Pourable dressings, Apple Cider Vinaigrettes and Pourable Vinaigrettes do not contain artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, and are made without high fructose corn syrup or added MSG. Litehouse dressings are available in the refrigerated produce department at grocery retailers in the U.S. and Canada.
Consumer Convenience: Snack Packs and Freeze Dried Herbs
As consumers continue seeking convenient, portion-sized snacks, Litehouse is bringing its classically-delicious, top-selling Homestyle Ranch Snack Packs to Canada. The single-serve, 43 g snack-size cup is conveniently portioned for on-the-go snacking or as an easy lunch pairing. Available in a six-pack of 43g cups with an SRP of $3.99-$4.49, Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Snack Packs can be found in the refrigerated produce department.
In addition to the new dressings, Litehouse unveiled a brighter, bolder look for its Canadian line of Freeze Dried Herbs, leveraging design cues from the recently refreshed core line of Litehouse dressings and dips. The new Litehouse Freeze Dried Herbs packaging features helpful usage tips and mouthwatering photography and delivers the same quality flavour found in fresh herbs. Litehouse offers 13 varieties of Non-GMO Project Verified freeze dried herbs, which can be found in the produce department for an SRP of $3.99-$4.99.
For the latest in fresh produce news, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
ROCHESTER, NY - If you have had the good fortune to meet Mary Zink, Produce Category Merchant for Wegmans Food Markets, I dare you to try and guess how long she’s been in our industry. Having witnessed firsthand her ease in our business, I was surprised to learn she’s only been at it for a couple of years.
“I’ve been with Wegmans for 18 years now, and the past 2.5 years in produce. I started out on the veg side of the business and just recently moved over to fruit,” Mary shared with me.
When it came to spotlighting women of produce in our countdown to the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference (WFPC) later this month in San Antonio, Texas, Mary was a clear choice. If you factor in the culture at Wegmans, as she brought to my attention, this couldn’t be more fitting.
“Wegmans truly supports women in leadership positions as our President and CEO Colleen Wegman leads by example every day and inspires us all to help others, follow our hearts, and love what we do. Being able to support the WFPC allows for us to build relationships within the industry, network, but also strengthen our leadership styles. I know last year when I returned from Miami, I was fully engaged, energized, and inspired,” Mary recalled.
She tells me that efforts to empower the women in fresh produce is one among many reasons to love our business as a whole.
“There are so many reasons to love the produce industry! The people, the innovation and opportunities, the relationships, and being able to help our customers, families, and friends live healthier, better lives through great-tasting produce. More and more women are joining the industry and it’s great to be able to acknowledge their contributions. Spotlighting women in produce is empowering for all women, because it shows what can be done and provides how it can be done,” Mary said.
When I asked her about a challenge that comes to mind since joining Wegmans’ fresh produce side, Mary shared that, understandably, it was somewhat trying to come in without a background in produce.
“Thankfully, I have a great team, a team that has some pretty impressive backgrounds and experiences, that has always been there to help me along the way,” she said. “I think my proudest moment is being able to say I work for one of the top companies in America AND in the department for which they are most noteworthy. How cool is that?”
This resonates strongly with me; I get to share the stories of the amazing people in this industry. Indeed, how cool is that? Thank you to Mary and to all those that keep this business not just fresh, but fun. For more on who they are and what they do, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - Good Foods is thrilled to bring on Jay Guzman as its new Key Account Manager to offer new vision and insight for the Good Foods team. In his new role, he will support the brand by building and maintaining strategic long-term partnerships with retailers in the western region of the U.S.
“I’m proud to be part of a team that values innovation and risk taking,” said Guzman, in a recent press release. “I look forward to diving right in with the Good Foods team to help elevate new ideas as we strive for higher levels of success!”
With more than ten years of experience in business development leadership roles, Guzman has positioned himself in the industry as a forward-thinking leader with excellent relational skills. Before being hired at his new role, he was the former Vice President of Business Development for the Fresh Produce and Floral Council (FPFC).
“We are delighted to have Jay join the Good Foods family and bring a new perspective to the team,” said Danyel O’Connor, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Good Foods. “His ability to maintain long-lasting relationships, in addition to his strategic thinking, makes him the ideal person for this role and we couldn’t be more excited to have him on our team.”
Guzman’s new position will also include working closely with the marketing team to collaborate and promote new product launches, as well as supporting the brand’s business development and trade relationships. He will be developing and presenting key consumer data and preferences to buyers and will support the brand at trade shows and events.
Congratulations to Jay Guzman from the AndNowUKnow team!
TEXAS - As the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border continues to get more complicated, impacted groups are taking a stand to protect their interests. The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has expressed its frustration and offered up solutions to the border trade crisis in two letters recently sent to U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, and Governor Greg Abbott of Texas.
To address the current border situation, McAleenan recently ordered the reassignment of 750 CBP agents from their regular positions at various points-of-entry (POEs) to assist Border Patrol, reported The Texas Tribune. TIPA has expressed concern that this reassignment will result in an immediate and considerable increase in wait times for all traffic crossing the border—including produce shipments.
In the letters, TIPA informs both officials that in just a few days wait times have grown from 30 minutes per truck to 4.5 hours per truck—wait times that the association suggests will continue to go up in the coming weeks due to Easter and Semana Santa (Holy Week in Mexico). The letters go into detail about what is on the line for the produce industry.
“Texas is the crossing point to nearly $7 billion dollars and more than 50% of all the fresh produce that arrives in the United States from Mexico,” the letter to Governor Abbott stated. “We have over 7,800 jobs that are directly reliant on the smooth and efficient flow of these goods, not to mention the many other thousands of jobs that indirectly depend on these products.”
The letter to Commissioner McAleenan acknowledged the security concerns that have led to the CBP personnel reassignment, but pushed for solutions to the problem.
“Can more be done to help facilitate the legal flow of the $533 billion of goods that cross our Southern Border?” TIPA asked in the letter. “Can personnel be repositioned from the other locations in the country like the Northern Border and Seaports to assist? Can personnel be called on from other departments, either federally or at the state level, to help with non-humanitarian/non-security related processes at the POEs?”
Not only does the lack of POE personnel slow the transportation of fresh produce to a crawl, but transportation and warehouse personnel must be paid for the extra time they spend just waiting. In the letters, TIPA cited the San Diego Association of Governments' and the California Department of Transportation’s statement which indicated that “even an extra 15 minutes of wait time could generate as much as $1 billion in lost productivity and 134,000 lost in jobs annually.”
The association stressed the urgency of the matter, as each day of the slowdown will be costly to produce companies, costs which will inevitably trickle down to consumers.
“Every day we delay, the wait times will continue to grow, industry will continue to suffer, and ultimately jobs will be lost,” TIPA implored in the letters. “We understand the immense pressure placed on the CBP during this time, but the legitimate and law-abiding industries that rely on the efficient flow of traffic across our POEs is suffering as well.”
Will the contacted officials come to the aid of the produce industry? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this story as it develops.
SANDERS, ARIZONA - Guess who’s back in the house? With a new store location click-clackin’ about, local grocery chain Bashas’ is back to disrupting the Southwest market. Last week, the grocer opened its first newly built store in a decade, which upped its store count on the Navajo Nation to eight, according to KTAR News.
The new store will operate under Bashas’ Diné Market banner, the retailer’s grocery store brand for Arizona’s Native American reservations, according to the news source. The store is 16,000 square feet and offers signage in the native language and products like fresh mutton and Navajo tacos made with traditional fry bread, according to KJZZ.
In a company press release, Bashas’ noted that the newest location joins 10 others under the Diné Market banner in the state of Arizona. Bashas’ also operates over 100 stores in Arizona and one in New Mexcio under its Bashas’, Diné Market, AJ’s Fine Foods, and Food City banners.
With Bashas’ back to building new stores, will the retailer continue to expand its store network in 2019? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC - At this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s (CPMA) Convention and Trade Show, Mucci Farms took home the Freggie Approved Award, with its CuteCumber™ Poppers taking home the top prize.
“From Smuccies to Veggie to Go to CuteCumber Poppers, we’re grateful to be recognized consistently for our commitment to raising a healthy generation with a variety of products and packages,” said Emily Murracas, Director of Marketing, in a recent press release. “We are huge supporters of the Freggie program and the CPMA does a great job of providing a platform for the industry to showcase a variety of kid-friendly items to retailers.”
The press release noted that the Freggie Approved Award recognizes an exhibitor for their innovative product designed for children, and that the winner is determined by a committee of judges comprised of industry professionals.
CuteCumber Poppers adds to its impressive run of awards, which already includes the People’s Choice Award at the Leamington Greenhouse Competition, Best New Packaging at the United FreshMKT Expo, and the Freggie Approved Award at the CPMA Convention & Trade Show. A one-bite cucumber variety with exceptional flavor and a crunchy texture, CuteCumber Poppers are offered in multiple pack styles to accommodate club stores, retailers, and foodservice.
“We created a lineup of packages to give our ‘partners in produce’ multiple options based on their demographics and value propositions,” explained Fernanda Albuquerque, New Product Development Manager.
CuteCumber Poppers are currently available in select supermarkets in Canada and the United States.
In addition to exhibiting at the show, Mucci Farms annually sponsors the Relaxation Lounge which was themed as the ECO Lounge, to bring awareness to sustainability in the produce industry. The lounge— made of corrugate, repurposed wood and pallet wood—served as an appropriate backdrop to the soft launch of their new sustainable Simple Snack Series—with ‘Simple’ serving as an acronym for Sustainable Innovation Made Purposely for our Living Environment.
Congratulations to Mucci Farms from all of us here at ANUK!
MISSION, TX - On April 25, 2019, the fifth annual Viva Fresh Produce Expo will begin with opportunities for growers, wholesalers, and distributors to tour the San Antonio Wholesale Produce Market (SAWPM). The SAWPM is a crucial unified wholesale center for fresh produce and related industries.
Buses will depart from the JW Marriott for tours of the SAWPM on Thursday, April 25, at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Light refreshments will be provided.
“We’re thrilled to have the Viva Fresh attendees tour our facility and view the opportunities that it can offer,” said Fernando Narvaez, Director of Sales and Marketing for SAWPM. “The tour is specifically designed for anyone interested in working with wholesalers and distributors located here as well as anyone looking for a location for a branch or distribution/warehouse, or processing center in San Antonio.”
According to the company’s press release, in April 2016, the SAWPM facility was inaugurated and offers innovative warehousing solutions for growers and distributors of perishable products, as well as a centralized location for conducting business. The Viva Fresh tour will include the opportunity to learn about upcoming plans for expansion, as well as at least one of the SAWPM’s existing warehouses within the development’s first phase.
“In the past ten years, imports from Mexico through Texas have increased by over 122 percent,” said Dante Galeazzi, President of the Texas International Produce Association. “As this trend continues, it’s exciting to see new developments such as the San Antonio Wholesale Produce Market that offers vital infrastructure to support this region’s growth.”
In a rapidly expanding industry, the new development projects at SAWPM represent an significant investment. As stated in the press release, San Antonio is a fitting location for many Mexican exporters who are looking to grow their business, as well as U.S.-based companies that are looking for opportunities to access larger Texas markets.
The next phase of development will include build-to-suit leases that are ideal for growers, wholesalers, distributors, and processors of fresh produce or other perishables. These custom spaces can offer refrigerated, freezer, dry, and office spaces within a growing community of tenants in the industry.
For updates on Viva Fresh Produce Expo, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
NEW ZEALAND and U.S. - In today’s competitive market, companies promoting their produce have had to get, shall we say, colorful in their methods. Nobody knows this better than T&G Global, who’s recent JAZZ™ apple promotion includes all the colors of the rainbow. The company has recently announced that its JAZZ apples are the official sponsor of The Color Run.
“The Color Run sponsorship enables us to offer our retail customers an exciting promotional opportunity that illustrates our commitment to increasing demand for JAZZ apples through consumer marketing initiatives that also deliver on retail objectives,” said Danelle Huber, Marketing Specialist for CMI Orchards, in a press release.
Known as the happiest 5k on the planet, The Color Run features over 40 events across the U.S. and JAZZ apples will be there every step of the way. As runners are doused from head to toe with a different colored powder at each kilometer mark, they’ll be working up a major appetite, and an estimated 150,000 samples of JAZZ apples will be passed out as a post-run snack. The end of the race is just the start of the party—the Finish Festival features music, dancing, photo ops, activity booths, vendors, and more!
The Color Run sponsorship is one of many ways that JAZZ apples delivers turn-key promotional opportunities to drive traffic to retail stores, inspire sales, and inspire repeat purchases to keep JAZZ apples top-of-mind year-round. Runners from major markets such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle, among others. JAZZ wil also coordinate retail programs to align with The Color Run events to include denos, promotional ads and specials, and in-store displays.
In about half of the event markets, JAZZ will be partnering with retail customers to host The Color Run’s packet pick-up events, bringing brand exposure and thousands of shoppers to retail stores in advance of the events.
To continue to drive JAZZ-obsessed customers into retail customers’ stores, the brand launched an interactive store locator on its website.
“We hear from so many consumers via our social media platforms, website form submissions, and email who are actively searching for stores where they can purchase JAZZ apples,” said Brock Nemecek, Regional Marketing Manager for T&G Global. “Our adoption of Destini Store Locator technology not only simplifies that search for JAZZ fans, but also shortens the distance between purchase intent and the all-important cash register ring in-store.”
For more fresh news in produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
WATSONVILLE, CA - As I hear more and more stories from the women in this industry, I find myself inspired by the strength and commitment they exude. And as a rookie produce industry participant, I was lucky to speak with Lindsey Roberts, Marketing Manager for Monterey Mushrooms, who clued me in to the ins and outs of this colorful industry, and the unbridled enthusiasm for what she does. As we all gear up for the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference (WFPC) April 14 to 16, we at ANUK are taking time to honor the hard-working women of the produce industry.
“This is the most welcoming, down-to-earth industry there is. I love to be a part of it,” Lindsey told me. “It’s like a big family and the trade shows are like our family reunions. I love produce marketing because it’s real. I believe it’s my responsibility—and my fellow peers in the produce industry’s responsibility to help educate the world about what it means to live a healthy, nutritious life and help eliminate some of the barriers that might make that hard for people.”
An industry vet of 14 years, Lindsey began her career as a humble intern for a strawberry grower. From there, she developed a rich and rewarding career, earning Agricultural Science and Agricultural Communications degree from Cal Poly along the way. For the past four years, Lindsey has been a member of Monterey Mushrooms’ marketing team, and has since developed a mind for mushrooms.
“Prior to marketing, I spent time working in quality and food safety. From there, I was chosen to participate in an intensive year-long grower training program that taught me about the art and science of growing mushrooms,” explained Lindsey. “Mushrooms are a niche produce item. After all, we have our own living kingdom: FUNGI! How could that be boring?”
Lindsey expressed to me her appreciation of the strong women of the past who blazed a trail in the produce industry for generations to come. No (wo)man is an island in this industry, and Lindsey gives credit to the great women and men who give advice and encourage fellow women marketers in agriculture. Among them is Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Monterey Mushrooms, Mike O’Brien, who had nothing but high praise for Lindsey’s accomplishments.
“Lindsey is a pleasure to work with and a great teammate,” said Mike. “She is an energetic, innovative marketer and has brought to Monterey Mushrooms a new vision of marketing. On top of her marketing expertise she is a natural leader. She leads many projects for us and her project management skills are unmatched. Her background in growing mushrooms is an added value as she is an expert in all levels of Monterey Mushrooms. What many don't know about Lindsey is that her energy and leadership don't stop at work. She is involved in many volunteer charity organizations in the Monterey/Salinas area.”
Lindsey loves any chance for Monterey Mushrooms’ sales team to show off their products and tools that she helped to develop in an effort to sell more mushrooms. She delights in seeing attendees’ eyes light up when presented with new products, resources, or reports.
Humble beginnings and hard work have led Lindsey to where she is now. It may have taken time, but the wait was definitely worth it—something I can relate to on a deeply personal level.
“It wasn't an easy path to find a job that I love to show up to every morning. As with most jobs, especially in agriculture, you start at the bottom and work your way up. I’m so grateful for my days ‘in the trenches’ because it gave me the knowledge and experience I use every day in my, now, corporate office job," she said. "I'm proud to talk about those days.”
Want more exclusive interviews with the wonderful women of our industry? You'll get that and more when you keep reading AndNowUKnow.