MIAMI, FL - All abooooard the asparagus train! That’s right, the nutrient-rich stalks have seen an uptick in popularity in recent years, and Crystal Valley Foods is eager to answer the call. Despite weather interference in growing regions, the company is seeing a fantastic asparagus season. While asparagus is still being harvested, the company finds time to look ahead, through 2019 and beyond.
“Although it is the end of the Peruvian season, the quality has been good,” said Katiana Valdes, Marketing Director. “The first arrivals from Caborca, Mexico have been exceptionally good so far as well.”
Although in the past Peru was front and center for asparagus growing, sourcing is now transitioning to Mexican-grown, specifically out of the Caborca region in Northern Senora, which is typical for this time of year. This region will generally see an increase in volume at the end of January, with the peak hitting around the end of February and beginning of March, Katiana said.
2018 was not without its bumps in the road, however, as weather in Caborca was colder than normal. The chill delayed the beginning of the season, though the company does not expect any further weather disruptions. In fact, the company anticipates a growth of approximately 25 percent for 2019 over 2018—provided, of course, the weather cooperates.
Anticipating an increase in supply, the company has identified February and March as an excellent time for promotion at retail and is happy to help with a more hands-on approach.
“Crystal Valley’s marketing team is happy to work with retailers to develop custom POS for their stores and social media posts and help them share recipes and tips in order to promote their asparagus programs,” commented Katiana.
Marketing the luscious green stalks can be tricky, as more and more shoppers veer toward bagged asparagus. As a result, the company is investing more resources in bagging and value-added capabilities. The turn towards bagged asparagus brings up new marketing opportunities, and Crystal Valley Foods has responded with a snazzy new design.
“The new design is bold, modern, calls out the incredible health benefits of asparagus, gives preparation tips, and most importantly, shows the product nicely,” said Katiana.
The entire product line is included in the redesign, featuring all new packaging for its tags, 1 lb, and 8 oz tips bags. The company also offers 11 lb bulk product, naked tips, and several other value-added sizes that can be customized and private labeled. Clearly, now is a great time for retailers to increase their asparagus stock.
“Although consumption has increased over the last several years, there is still great potential for growth and opportunities to reach those consumers who might not know much about this delicious vegetable,” commented Katiana.
To stay up to date on all things stalk-related, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
FLORIDA - While initial forecasts predicted Florida soil will finally get a reprieve from rainy weather, new reports suggest that the state’s veg may get another round of the wet stuff. According to local ABC affiliate WWSB, both snow and rain are likely to roll into the ironically named Sunshine State over the weekend into early next week.
While the forecasted snow will only reach up the northern part of the panhandle, rain is expected all throughout Florida’s most prominent growing regions. Rain totals are expected to reach between 2 to 4 inches over the weekend. Belle Glade already recieved a little under an inch of rain on the 24th.
According to our industry sources, supply for crops spanning typical Florida veg—bell peppers, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, and more—may be affected by the ongoing rain. Berry regions near Plant City are also expected to see some rain, but likely not enough to cause issues with supply.
Interestingly, yesterday’s report from the the U.S. Drought Monitor marked southern Florida as one of the few regions on the east coast that are currently experiencing drought conditions despite the recent stormy weather.
AndNowUKnow will continue to check with growers across the state to learn more about supply of Florida veg. Stay tuned for more.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Ralphs, a subsidiary of Kroger, recently announced the promotion of Kendra Doyel to Vice President of Merchandising, effective February 3. She will report to Mike Murphy, President of the Ralphs Division. Doyel succeeds Victor Smith, who was recently promoted to President of Kroger’s Delta Division.
“I am honored to be a part of such an incredible organization and team, as we work together to execute our Restock Kroger strategy and position Ralphs for continued success in the future,” Doyel stated in a press release.
She joined the company in 1998 as a pharmacist in the Fry’s Division. She was then named Pharmacy Coordinator in 2002 and promoted to Director of Public Relations for the Fry’s Division in 2006.
In 2008, she moved to the Ralphs and Food 4 Less Divisions in the role of Public Affairs and Government Relations leader, where she was responsible for all internal and external communication in both divisions. In 2017, Doyel was promoted to her most current role: HR Leader for both Ralphs and Food 4 Less.
“Already a valued asset to the Ralphs team, Kendra exemplifies the strategic vision, leadership, and execution skills needed for the position,” stated Murphy.
The press release noted that Doyel currently serves as the Chair of the Board for the California Grocers Association, as well as on the Board of Directors for the Network of Executive Women. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and Psychology from the University of New Mexico.
Congratulations from all of us here at AndNowUKnow to Kendra on this new position!
ASHEVILLE, NC - If you’re looking for a gift for Earth Fare, you better get something gold, because the natural grocer just hit the 50-store mark. On Wednesday, January 30, the grocer will celebrate its 50th store in Steele Creek, the seventh store in the Charlotte market, with a ribbon cutting event and shopper promotions. This landmark puts Earth Fare in the running with top grocers like Publix and Harris Teeter.
“There’s certainly room for us to provide healthier alternatives compared to what our competitors do,” said Frank Scorpiniti, CEO.
Shoppers are in for a treat at the opening, as gift cards up to $500 in value will be given to the first 200 customers. Even the latecomers can join in on the fun, since there will be a bounty of free samples and product demonstrations planned, reported the Charlotte Business Journal.
The 24,000 square-foot store is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expansion. The grocer has plans to double its store count within five years, with four new stores opening in Florida within the next two and a half months, and additional stores in the works in Charlotte.
“The business is now well capitalized and funded with a much more powerful brand,” commented Scorpiniti.
The company started in Asheville in 1975, and is built around the ideas that health food should be available to everyone at great value and convenience.
“You don’t have to pay more to eat healthy,” Scorpiniti stated.
The company has expanded its assortment of products, improving offerings around the store’s perimeter and focusing on price points. The company’s products are all without high-fructose corn syrup, artificial and trans fats, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives, as well as containing no bleached or bromated flour in products like pasta, bread, and crackers.
“You can literally come into an Earth Fare and shop blindfolded and leave with a cart of healthy food,” said Laurie Aker, Earth Fare Spokesperson.
The new Steele Creek store contains new features and a focus on price, taking advantage of consumer’s growing need for value, convenience, and quality. Grab-and-go meals will be plentiful, as will Paleo and ready-to prepare options. Hot food and salad bars, pizza, sushi, and sandwiches are also available at the location.
Other features include a deli with numerous prepared options, like salad and sides, as well as whole roasted chickens at $5—watch your back, Costco! Shoppers will also be exposed to sustainable and traceable seafood, Springer Mountain farms chicken, and grass-fed beef. The bakery boasts even more unique qualities, with all the bread kneaded and stretched by hand, and many other bakery products made in-house. The bounty doesn’t stop there, however, as the store will feature specialty foods including an olive and antipasti bar, and hundreds of cheese options with wine pairings.
Price is a key component of the brand, and each week the store will offer a week’s worth of clean dinners for just $2.50 per person, with products easy to locate in the store, and a menu laid out. Even more enticing is the store’s 10 for $10 appetizers including Creole shrimp and crab-stuffed mushrooms, Chilean sea bass spring rolls, and bacon-wrapped scallops.
“Just because you have a certain budget in mind does not mean you can’t eat healthy,” said Aker.
It’s not hard to get excited over a store opening like this, and AndNowUKnow will keep you posted on new openings like this one.
GILROY, CA - One of the produce industry’s own announced it will permanently shut its doors at the end of its current season. Gilroy, California-based Uesugi Farms—a grower of more than 20 fresh produce categories including peppers, strawberries, and pumpkins—has cited poor market conditions and other outside factors as the reason for exiting the business.
“Due to market conditions and factors outside of its control, Uesugi Farms has made the difficult decision to wind down its operations at the conclusion of the 2018 Fall harvest season,” wrote the company in a recent posting. “Uesugi’s priority is to maximize the value of its assets and implement plans to work with customers, vendors, lenders, employees, and others to obtain the best outcome possible for all its stakeholders.”
The Gilroy Dispatch reported that Uesugi Farms has begun selling its assets and farm equipment with the help of Heritage Bank of Commerce. The sources estimate the equipment—which includes trucks, harvesters, plows, bin trailers, and more—equals a value of several millions of dollars.
“The company is in the process of reaching out to its customers and vendors to help them understand what this will mean for them and the proposed next steps,” Uesugi shared in its post.
Uesugi Farms came under ownership by the Aiello family in 1979, The Gilroy Dispatch shared in its report, when Joe Aiello bought the company from its original owners. Pete Aiello is the current General Manager. Uesugi is said to currently have more than 5,000 acres in production, which it operates with the help of 250 seasonal workers and 50 year-round staff members.
MCLEAN, VA - Gladstone Land Corporation has announced a new $2.4 million acquisition. The trust had acquired a 695-acre specialty crop-producing farm in Lincoln County, Nebraska.
Upon acquisition, Gladstone Land entered into a long-term lease agreement with the seller, Malmkar Farms of Grant, Nebraska.
“This farm is located in an area of Nebraska known for good water and specialty crop production,” said Bill Hughes, Managing Director of Gladstone Land, in a press release. “We look forward to opening up this new region and adding edible beans and popcorn to our already diverse crop portfolio. We anticipate our relationship with such a respected and established operator as Malmkar Farms will provide us with opportunities to add even more acres of specialty crops to our holdings.”
According to Gladstone Land’s press release, the property includes 600 tillable acres rotated between popcorn, edible beans, and potatoes. The farm is also irrigated with three on-site wells and recently-updated pivots and electrical panels.
“This is the first of what we hope will be many new acquisitions during 2019,” said David Gladstone, President and CEO of Gladstone Land. “This farm has good water, grows some specialty crops that aren’t as volatile in pricing as certain other types of crops in the region, such as corn, and add another established and long-term operator to our list of farm tenants. We believe these factors combine to make this acquisition a relatively safe investment that will be accretive to our company and its shareholders, allowing us to continue our goal of frequently increasing the distributions on our common stock. We look forward to more good things to come in 2019.”
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
MISSION, TX - There’s no other trend that’s benefitting consumers and our industry more than the healthy eating fad that’s sweeping the nation. While many shoppers and industry members alike have joined the cause to eat more nutritiously, Lone Star Citrus is pulling in those extra stragglers (…guilty!) with its Healthy Eatz with Winter Sweetz sweepstakes.
I chatted with April Flowers, Marketing Director, to find out more about Lone Star Citrus’s latest sweepstakes and campaign that’s helping retailers incentivize their shoppers to grab Texas Red grapefruit instead of unhealthy alternatives.
“The Healthy Eatz sweepstakes is built around consumers’ New Year resolutions and the renewal of healthy lifestyle practices we often see corresponding to those resolutions,” April shared with me. “The sweepstakes encourages active engagement with the Winter Sweetz brand on social media platforms and has already gathered 8,000 new and qualified brand advocates that we’ll engage with throughout the year.”
Running January 8th through February 26th, the Healthy Eatz sweepstakes is supported through social media, Google lead ads, four influencer partnerships, and a Qwik Lok flag with contest info. The lucky prize winner will receive a $500 Amazon gift card, encouraging them to continue purchasing items that support their New Year’s resolutions, as well as one of several shipments of Winter Sweetz.
“We believe it is important that we continually nurture our fans by providing new and interesting ways to use our product in their daily meals,” April explained. “By connecting with our consumers in this way, we are able to encourage repeat purchases. This promotion has been our most powerful one yet because it sends a timely and clear message that healthy is delicious.”
Sounds like a sweepstakes everyone should partake in, if you ask me!
For more sweet produce news like this, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
UNITED STATES - Ready-to-eat items are still center stage in consumers’ eyes, and Your Way *Fresh is continuing down the convenience track with its complete line of fresh, ready-to-eat, protein-based products. These products, which include sandwiches, wraps, protein-based salads, and snack items, are USDA-inspected. They are manufactured out of the company’s facilities in Houston (Texas Harvest), Las Vegas (Get Fresh), Baltimore (Hearn Kirkwood), and Portland (Pacific Coast Fruit).
“As our customers adapt to a changing consumer, they are challenging us to meet some of the demands for fresh, protein items that can be implemented in their units,” stated Jim Padden, President, in a recent press release. “Our growth in all areas of retail, convenience stores, and other food operations in the grab-and-go categories is taking us in this new direction. It’s another step into the world of value-add, ready-to-eat, single and multiple serving items. We can manufacture and deliver into most large metropolitan markets, while also using other Your Way *Fresh operations to enhance our distribution network and capabilities. We’ve successfully designed and operated a ‘hub and spoke’ manufacturing and distribution program to maximize our manufacturing efficiencies, giving us the needed distribution footprint.”
Padden added that the product line is diverse and flexible, which meets the needs of traditional retailers, convenience stores, big-box retailers, schools, airports, hospitals, and institutional feeding operations. As consumers look to products that couple fresh with convenience, they need look no farther than Your Way *Fresh’s new USDA-certified products.
For the latest in fresh news, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Produce industry news in 2018 was peppered with constant reminders of the trucking industry’s tight labor market. Between the new ELD mandate, increasing wages, and in turn, increasing costs at retail, you didn’t have to look far to find an individual affected by the shifting trucking industry landscape. However, one retailer who found a way to fight back against the driver shortage is Walmart, which by implementing new hiring and training processes found a way to hire more than 1,400 new truck drivers last year. Hundreds more are slated to join the fleet in 2019.
In a new press release shared by Walmart, the retailer says that onboarding events introduced last August and revamped orientation initiatives have already cut the time between a candidate’s initial interview and a mandatory driving assessment in half. The result has been what seems to be unprecedented business growth in the face of an industry wide shortage.
“These hiring events are both improving the skill level of our candidates and enriching their onboarding experience,” said Lori Furnell, Director of Driver Talent Acquisition. “We’re leaning heavily on the expertise of our Walmart road team and our certified driver trainers to grow our skilled fleet of professional drivers.”
Of course, increased pay for drivers never hurt either. In February, Walmart will raise driver pay by one cent per mile as well as additional pay for every arrival. The company said its drivers will now earn $87,500 a year on average and an all-in rate close to 89 cents per mile.
Before these new initiatives were introduced, candidates would only have one opportunity to perform an assessment that tested both driving skills and ability to do safety scans of a truck prior to departure. Now, targeted one-on-one mentoring from veteran drivers and a week-long onboarding process at a Walmart facility allows potential new drivers the opportunity to grasp company standards and culture.
“Safety is everything. Courtesy to drivers on the road is paramount. Professionalism at all times is demanded,” said Vinny Faller, a 16-year Walmart fleet driver and assessor. “There’s no substitute for these three principles.”
Still, drivers must meet Walmart’s high minimum standards for its private fleet drivers—including 30 months of experience in the past three years and a clean safety record—to qualify for the onboarding.
“Walmart’s fleet has a reputation for high standards and that can be intimidating,” Faller added. “But you see people getting emotional after the process they go through here, and I think that’s largely because they can sense that we’re here in it with them and we’re committed to their success. I don’t think you get that elsewhere in the industry.”
With hundred more drivers expected to join the company in the coming months, Walmart has no plans to fold under the pressure of a tight trucking market. AndNowUKnow will continue reporting on all thing logistics, retail, and fresh produce.
WESTLAKE, FL - “New year, new me,” is what J&J Family of Farms execs must be thinking, because they have made not one, not two, not three, but four promotions within its senior management team. Always looking to better the company, these changes will work to create new opportunities and responsibilities for several key members of the J&J team.
“We are excited to form an innovative team that will focus on securing new business opportunities and continue exceeding our customers’ expectations,” said Lynn Rundle, CEO.
Starting off the round of promotions, is Dick Bowman, who will take up the mantle of VP of Farming and Grower Development, a role in which he will lead the management and development of all the company’s grower partner relationships.
“Dick, who has been Director of Farming since 2015, will continue to lead the growth of our farming operations, and develop new farming relationships,” said Rundle in a press release. “With the importance of supply chain security and behind the strength of our locally grown program, it is a great time to raise the level of Farming and Grower Development in the organization to the level of Vice President."
Next up is Joseph Mathis—an integral part of the company’s food safety division for the past nine years. Mathis will be appointed to the new position of Senior Grower Development Manager, and will be reporting to Bowman. Mathis will be responsible for leading ground relationships, as well as managing sourcing during the Georgia and summer seasons up the East Coast, and also managing the supply chain provided by the company’s partners.
Another key player will be Kristen Jones, promoted to Senior Food Safety Manager. As a leader with the company’s Georgia growers and East Coast growers in social responsibility and food safety, Jones will operate out of the Adel, Georgia, warehouse during the Georgia growing season.
Last, but not least, is Doug Kling, a Managing Partner at Kling Strategic Partners, who will play a lead role in business development, value-added packaging sales, and strategy, as well as taking on the senior leadership role of the company’s Marketing Division. Kling has been working as a part of the J&J team since August, 2018. Kling will lead a newly formed management team which will coordinate the company’s business development initiatives. The new team will be focused on driving and evolving profitable company growth and expansion.
That sounds like a heck of a team! AndNowUKnow will continue to update you on the comings and goings of corporate management teams.