ORLANDO, FL - Innovation abounds at produce shows; it’s almost as though we as an industry don’t know how to stop being so darn creative! I spoke with Giorgio Fresh’s Vice President of Sales, Northeast Region, Doug Stewart, to learn more about the innovative mushroom products the company is serving up.
“We have a Portabella Jerky, called Savory Wild™ and, as we heard at the luncheon this morning, people are looking for a plant-based item. This is a delicious mushroom jerky, and we have three different flavors, which we’re getting very nice experience with at many different retailers,” Doug said.
Available in Roasted Garlic & Black Pepper, Sesame, Ginger & Korean Chili, and Sweet Balsamic & Golden Fig, this mushroom jerky brings snacking to a whole new level. You may have seen me munching on some out on the show floor!
Giorgio was also showcasing its stuffed line of mushrooms, which come in a microwaveable and ovenable tray. You only have to wrap, heat, and enjoy! The line is available in three flavors: Artichoke, Spinach & Cheese; Fiesta Cheese; and Cheese & Imitation Bacon Bit.
To end, Doug told me that Giorgio also debuted a new label on its organic and conventional mushrooms. So much innovation, so little time!
To see the whole interview, watch our brief video above.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Moza LLC (Moza), Moscow, Pennslyvania, for failing to pay for produce.
According to a press release, the company failed to pay $333,328 to eight sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from July 2016 to June 2017. This is in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). As a result of these actions, Moza cannot operate in the produce industry until Nov. 24, 2020, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principal, David M. Martin, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until Nov. 24, 2019, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.
USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,350 PACA claims involving more than $63 million. Our experts also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $156 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
YAKIMA, WA - No surprise here, but apples and pears continue to reign as one of our favorite snacks here in the States! Following National Snack Month (February), Domex Superfresh Growers® noticed that sales were up for both categories, with positive growth for core varieties and organics across the board. The grower is also celebrating another month of upward momentum for its Autumn Glory® apple, reporting sales were up more than 400 percent.
“The excitement around Autumn Glory growth is intoxicating. We have been fielding consumer call after call asking about Autumn Glory, and ‘where can I find the caramel and cinnamon apples?’ One woman called me last week and said that her grocery store ran out of Autumn Glory. She watched another shopper take the last five bags, and she commented that she should have jumped on her and stolen one herself! The Autumn Glory craze is truly contagious!” said Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Communications Manager.
According to a press release, Autumn Glory apples replaced other varieties on store shelves, rising 327 percent in dollars and 436 percent in volume. This places the apple at #15 in dollar sales.
Other runners up for the month of February included Gala (+2.9%), Honeycrisp (+2.6%), and Granny Smith (+1.8%), all of which maintained category growth. Specifically, Honeycrisp and Gala alone represented nearly half of the apple dollar sales in February, with Gala pulling in the top volume at 51.5 million pounds and dollars up $70.2 million, and Honeycrisp leading apple dollars at $85.7 million (up 2.6% from last year) and volume at 33.7 million pounds (up 7.2%). Other proprietary varieties were in double digit decline.
In addition, organic apple dollars were up 5.2 percent and volume was up 7.6 percent. Gala and Honeycrisp again led the pack, representing more than half of organic apple dollars. Gala led at $13.1 million and Honeycrisp followed at $9 million.
Conventional pears also experienced a good month; the same cannot be said about organic pears, however. Conventional Bartlett pears led the category at $14 million (growing 23.7%), with Anjou and Bosc following suit. Organic pears, on the other hand, dropped 5.4 percent in dollars and 7 percent in volume, with only the organic Anjou variety guiding the category toward growth after accounting for 67 percent of the category and 6 percent of growth.
For more fresh produce news like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
WATSONVILLE, CA - California Giant Berry Farms is a month out from the deadline to select chef finalists to compete in the 2nd annual Chef Invitational. May 1, 2019 is the deadline, and finalists will be announced May 10, 2019.
The event will take place on June 25, 2019 at the Tehama Golf Club in Monterey, CA. The Chef Invitational will present a Foodie Forum the morning of the event to unite foodservice partners, Chef finalists, California Giant Influencers, and special guests to share their industry experience and spark interactive conversation.
“We’re really looking forward to the addition of the Foodie Forum this year,” said Director of Foodservice, Tom Smith. “Our blogger and brand ambassador Ashley from Fit Mitten Kitchen will bring a relatable, attainable approach to cooking, and can communicate hacks and at-home tips for the everyday consumer to be able to recreate the chef inspired recipes at home.”
According to the company’s press release, the berry company has some fresh, new features it is adding this year, along with asking chefs to bring their very best berry-inspired entrées and desserts. The culinary competition and experience is meant to strengthen relationships and cultivate new partnerships. This will provide a better understanding into how California Giant can continue to build its brand and loyalty with this important audience, fresh trends, and berry trends.
Restaurant owner of Carmel’s Basil Seasonal Dining and Seaside’s Gusto Handcrafted Pasta and Pizza, Denis Boaro, will also be returning to the 2nd annual event as a judge and forum speaker. He will share his industry experience and discuss partnership development.
“The 1st annual Chef Invitational, served as an introduction to Denis' restaurant and his industry expertise which led to the opportunity to hit the ground running, and a joint partnership and friendship," explained Smith. "Denis utilizes California Giant berries on new menu items and at events, incorporates them into creative, savory dishes, and mixes ingredients and flavors that accent our berries in ways consumers have never seen before. Denis’ craft and innovation when it comes to flavor and berry utilization on the menu will surely spark creative collaboration around the room.”
Culinary tastings will be unlimited with bites and samples hand-made by Chef finalists for attendees to look at and appreciate as the Chef Invitational competition commences. The local sponsors will be showcasing and sampling berry-pairing offerings around the room as well. As reported by the press release, guests can savor happy hour courtesy of returning local sponsors Odonata Wines and Alfaro Family Vineyard Wines, Lula’s Chocolates, California Giant mixed berries, a California Giant raspberry beer collaboration with Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery, and a bunch of cheeses and meats to pair for an afternoon of bites, beverages, and entertainment.
Local radio and television personality, executive chef, and owner of Baker’s Bacon, Chef Tony Baker of Montrio Bistro, will emcee the competition this year, accompany the group on field tours and the Foodie Forum, and host the Chef’s Welcome Dinner.
“I’m really excited to be partnering with California Giant and participating in this year’s Chef Invitational event from start to finish,” said Baker. “It’s a great way to collaborate, network, and form new relationships and partnerships within the foodservice industry, and I look forward to spending a few days with the talented team of chef finalists.”
Joining the group during the 3-day event is 2018 Chef Invitational Top Chef Luis Reyes of Sysco West-Coast Florida, who will present the award to the incoming 2019 Chef Invitational Top Chef.
For updates on the 2nd annual Chef Invitational, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
PASADENA, CA - Bracket blues might have quite a few basketball fans down—particularly those of us who picked Duke, Kentucky, and Gonzaga to make it to the final four—but Sun Pacific has just the cure. In a new marketing campaign for its iconic Cuties® brand, Sun Pacific® is introducing retailers and consumers to #SnackMadness, a competition that only has winners, so long as grocery carts are filled to the rim with Cuties!
“March Madness is a major cultural event that coincides with Cuties’ peak season—it’s perfect timing,” Kate Reeb, Director of Marketing, told me about Sun Pacific’s latest campaign. “To engage with Gen Z and college-aged consumers, Sun Pacific tipped off March Madness with its own take on the phenomena: an Instagram video and a series of giveaways happening throughout the tournament. This perfectly fits in with Sun Pacific’s newly revamped Instagram strategy that has also included the likes of a Sweeter with You campaign for Valentine’s Day and a Spring Break promotional giveaway.”
The video first dropped on March 22, at the start of March Madness. Kate explained that, with its new video, Sun Pacific wanted to showcase not only Cuties' position as a marketing leader in the citrus category, but also elevate the brand as a relevant snacking choice for any and all by targeting a wider consumer base beyond just parents.
“Cuties is aggressively investing in social media communities to connect with shoppers and build brand loyalty. Data tells us that videos perform extremely well on social media, yet it can be costly and is not leveraged by fresh produce brands nearly as often as photos. If you look at the engagement numbers of this video versus Instagram video content of other fresh produce brands, it is clear we struck a nerve with Instagram users and have been successful in capturing their attention and earning their engagement,” Kate noted. “This is a winning strategy for building our Cuties community, and we are seeing a much deeper engagement with our fans as a result.”
As March Madness comes to an end this weekend, Kate hinted at the next big thing that consumers and retailers will be seeing from Sun Pacific and Cuties.
“Please stay tuned to the next months of the season as we create and distribute the content Cuties fans are connecting with on social platforms,” Kate concluded.
For more ways produce companies are shooting their shot and debuting exciting new marketing initiatives, keep following AndNowUKnow.
NECKARSULM, GERMANY - Just two years and two months after assuming the top position at German discount grocer Lidl, CEO Jesper Højer has resigned from the company, according to reports in the German media.
"I am proud to have worked for many years, in various international positions, for as dynamic a company as Lidl and to have contributed to the success of the past few years,” Højer said in a statement issued by the retailer’s parent Schwartz Group. “The decision to make my position available was not easy for me, but for me, it's time to realign my family and professional future.”
Schwartz Group’s Deputy Purchasing Director Ignazio Paternò will assume the role of interim CEO while they search for a full-time replacement.
News of Højer’s resignation follows less than a month after Schwartz Group-owned sister company Kaufland lost its CEO Patrick Kaudewitz. Kaudewitz likewise left the company he headed abruptly, citing personal reasons.
How will the CEO’s departure shape Lidl US’s operations? Just this February, the company’s U.S. arm appointed a new Chairman, and the company has continued to grow vigorously into new markets stateside in 2019.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report with updates on this story and other important retail news.
UNITED STATES - Consumers along the East Coast and California will enjoy samples, savings, and prize-winning opportunities as the trademarked apple brand Envy™, owned by T&G Global, expands its attractive 2019 Roadshow to an extra three months following successful excursions in 2017 and 2018. The multi-state sampling tour is expected to bring in a large crowd following the expansion.
“'Bite and Believe' is Envy’s tagline due to our confidence that one bite of an Envy will win over consumers to the sweet, crisp, slow-to-brown apple,” said Chris Willett, General Manager of T&G Global’s Enzafruit Products Inc. Division. “There’s no better way to drive trial of our apples than to hit the road and meet consumers at popular events where they congregate and in-store where they can immediately purchase Envy, a big win for our retail customers, as well.”
According to the company’s press release, Envy brand ambassadors served samples and prize-winning opportunities to the more than 24,000 foodies in attendance where the roadshow got off to a splashy start at the South Beach (Miami) Wine & Food Festival, February 20-24. The East Coast leg of the Roadshow runs through April and will follow the coast northward, with stops at retail stores in North Carolina, the DC metro area, Pennsylvania, New York City, and more. Running through April, the California leg will cover major markets and retailers throughout the state as well.
“Our customers have been enthusiastic about partnering with us on Envy Roadshow events,” said Aaron DeHerrera, Marketing Manager for Rainier Fruit Co. “Not only does the Roadshow deliver an exciting experience for their shoppers, but it also spurs incremental sales that tend to last well beyond the actual event.”
Also coordinating promotional ads and specials, Envy and its sales agent partners—Oppy, CMI Orchards, and Rainier Fruit Co.—are in-store displays and a nationwide Ibotta rebate offer to align with the Roadshow events, as stated in the press release.
For more updates about other Envy promotional opportunities, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
PROVIDENCE, RI - Recent stories that have suggested that United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is planning on shuttering Shoppers Food & Pharmacy locations are, it seems, without truth. Though several news sources, including our own, reported on the flurry of store closures that were ostensibly in order for the SuperValu-owned banner, UNFI has repudiated those claims, saying that, while UNFI is in the process of divesting retail assets it acquired while buying SuperValu, no store closures are planned.
“Several of the recent media reports have said that Shoppers Food and Pharmacy stores are closing. We want to clarify that there are no immediate plans for any Shoppers stores to close,” UNFI noted in a statement.
The company continued: “What we previously communicated was that UNFI plans to thoughtfully and economically divest its retail operations and the company is making progress on that front. As this is an ongoing and fluid process, we don’t have any specific updates or timing to share. When there is something to communicate, we will do so. But, most importantly, we want to be clear that UNFI has not announced any plans for store closures.”
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this ongoing process and on dynamic companies in retail and foodservice like UNFI.
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO - It’s time to go south for EarthFresh Farms, as the grower just announced plans for a new 140,000-square-foot packing plant and distribution center in Atlanta, Georgia. The new facility will feature advanced technological prowess and is part of the company’s efforts to expand into the Southeastern U.S.
“This new location perfectly complements our vision and plan to provide fresh potatoes to our retailers and consumers,” said Tom Hughes, CEO, in a press release. “The addition of this new location will allow us to keep expanding our base of business and target new customers.”
Operating as EarthFresh Atlanta, the packing plant and distribution center will use the most up-to-date technology and equipment to better serve customers throughout the Southern U.S. The facility will be located at 3800 Naturally Fresh Way in the College Park area of Atlanta because of the location’s ease of access, speed to market, customer service, proximity to rich agricultural regions, and the availability of skilled workers.
EarthFresh has developed a close working relationship with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Quick Start program, and after following their advice, the company is confident with the choice of its new location and efficiencies that the new venture will create.
“The assistance provided to us by the Georgia Department of Economic Development was invaluable,” Hughes added. “The state and people of Georgia will benefit from our investment of bringing fresh potatoes to the area and creating more jobs.”
The Atlanta facility is expected to be fully operational in September 2019, and will employ over 100 people. WIth the new location, EarthFresh is better able to service the Southeastern and South-Central U.S. and follow through on the company’s commitment to deliver fresher product, faster.
How will the new facility pay off for EarthFresh? Only time and AndNowUKnow will tell.
NEW YORK - If there’s one thing shoppers love more than good food, it's good recipes to cook that food! Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative and the merchandising and distribution arm for ShopRite stores, recently announced a partnership with tech company Chicory to expose consumers to new recipes.
“Chicory is proud to partner with Wakefern Food Corp. to bring recipe ingredients to the doors of consumers across the Northeast,” said Yuni Sameshima, Chicory CEO and Co-Founder. “They’ve been incredibly hands-on with our partnership, so it’s clear that they are committed to and believe in driving grocery e-commerce forward through innovative technologies. Wakefern has approached this partnership with the shopper experience as first priority, so we hold their dedication to the partnership and their consumer in high esteem.”
The new partnership will streamline grocery ordering for consumers because the new program will make it easier for shoppers to save recipe ingredients via millions of Chicory-powered digital recipes, according to a press release. Shoppers of the past had to laboriously write down their recipe lists and wander back and forth through the store aisles for the ingredients (raise your hand if this has happened to you). Now, recipe shopping has truly been brought into the 21st century, as ingredients can be directly populated into an online shopping cart at ShopRite, where they can then be picked up at the store or delivered.
The steps are simple:
- Visit any recipe within the Chicory network of 1,000 recipe sites and 3.6 million recipes
- Scroll to the bottom of the recipe ingredients list and click “Get Ingredients”
- Type in your zip code and select ShopRite as your grocery retailer
- A selection of local ShopRite locations will appear; select the best option
- Sign into or register for your shoprite.com account
- Upon login, all recipe ingredients will be pre-loaded into the online shopping cart
- Complete your purchase, selecting either delivery or store pickup (when available) of your recipe ingredients, or use your cart as an in-store shopping list
The partnership will work to boost Wakefern’s e-commerce presence, building on its ShopRite from Home® online shopping platform, and will also build Chicory’s retailer capabilities in the Northeast.
The ShopRite service features associates who personally select food and other items for online orders. Customers then have a choice of picking up their groceries at the store or having them delivered straight to their doorsteps.
For more exciting retail-tech partnerships, keep reading AndNowUKnow.