REIDSVILLE, GA - The collaboration between Publix and Healthy Family Project continues to yield strong results, as demonstrated by the companies’ 22^nd bi-annual Publix Produce for Kids cause marketing campaign. In the past two-plus decades, the campaign has resulted in over $4 million in support for causes that benefit families and children in Publix’s communities. The contribution has in turn helped provide over 14 million meals to local Feeding America area food banks.

"At Publix, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve," said Dwaine Stevens, Publix Director of Community Relations. "The Healthy Family Project’s Produce for Kids campaign fits perfectly with this mission, and we are excited to partner again this year."

As part of this year’s campaign, 12 produce companies are donating 600,000 meals to 35 Feeding America® network food banks within Publix’s market area. Partners supporting the impactful cause-marketing campaign include Ayco Farms, Bay Foods, CMI Orchards, Coast Tropical, Crunch Pak, Driscoll’s®, Fresh Express®, GT’s Living Foods, Sunset®, Tomato Thyme™, Mucci Farms, Shuman Farms RealSweet® Onions, and Wonderful® Pistachios.

The campaign runs through June 26, backed by colorful, recipe-centric signs positioned near participating produce partners in 1,300 Publix locations. As a press release noted, the sign’s QR codes lead shoppers to a free digital cookbook with recipe inspiration and nutrition tips, and products featured in the campaign are highlighted in weekly ads throughout the campaign.

"We are incredibly proud of the Publix Produce for Kids campaign and its continued success in promoting healthier eating habits and supporting our communities," said John Shuman, Founder of Healthy Family Project and President of Shuman Farms. "This initiative not only encourages families to choose fresh, nutritious produce but also raises essential funds to combat food insecurity. The positive impact we are making together with Publix, our produce partners, and our dedicated customers is truly inspiring."

Healthy Family Project also hosted an Instagram Live to signal the kickoff of the campaign, and participating produce brands will also be highlighted in targeted social media and e-newsletter content throughout May and June.

For more information about the Produce for Kids campaign, click here. Keep reading ANUK as we bring you more produce updates throughout the week.

ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco continues to perform well in its earnings reports. The retailer recently released its operating results for the third quarter (12 weeks) and the first 36 weeks of fiscal 2024, ended May 12, 2024. In the report, Costco noted that it came close to $57.4 billion in net sales in Q3.

"We're definitely winning in consumables, as we see the food business and dining away from home has softened up a bit," Chief Executive Officer Ron Vachris said on a call with investors.

The company reported that net sales for the quarter increased 9.1 percent, to $57.39 billion—up from $52.6 billion last year.

Net sales for the first 36 weeks increased 7 percent, to $171.44 billion, up from $160.28 billion last year. Net sales were positively impacted by approximately 0.5 to 1 percent for the quarter.

For more details, click here.

AndNowUKnow will continue reporting on the latest news in retail!

ST. LOUIS, MO - Anchor Packaging is making big moves to increase the sustainability of its packaging. The manufacturer has joined the Cyclyx Consortium at Cyclyx International with the goal of increasing the recyclability of plastic from 10 percent to 90 percent. This is just one effort made to meet the demands of its customers.

"Partnering with Cyclyx was an easy decision because their mission and extensive experience enable us to accelerate our work in advancing foodservice sustainability,” said Richard Daniels, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Custom Products at Anchor Packaging. "Anchor Packaging values our role in this work. While packaging's carbon footprint is just a small fraction of the meal itself, in many cases less than 1 percent, it is uniquely positioned to provide an outsized benefit by protecting food quality to prevent food waste. Improving the recovery of valuable, recyclable food-grade materials only adds to the positive impact packaging provides."

After 61 years in business, Anchor now manufactures using only high-performance materials capable of providing superior food protection to reduce food waste. The company focuses production on two of the most highly recyclable plastic packaging materials—polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A press release stated that currently, Anchor recaptures nearly all materials used in production, generating less than one-half of one percent of waste. In 2021, Anchor launched Drive for 5 to create new pathways for collecting one of the most widely used and highly versatile packaging materials, #5 polypropylene.

This collaboration aims to further build recycling pathways and transform what is possible for recycling food-grade plastic. The ultimate goal is to reach a wider audience across the value chain and secure higher volumes of #5 PP material. Anchor is also supporting the existing 10to90 landfill-diversion programs and actively engaging in initiating new pilots.

"It's an honor to have Anchor Packaging join our Cyclyx Consortium," said Cyclyx's Vice President of New Markets Group Ron Sherga. "They value working collaboratively with others to deliver superior products. Their willingness to support Cyclyx and our 10to90 mission displays their commitment to advancing their sustainability goals."

To keep up to date with other industry collaborations, keep reading ANUK.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Trader Joe’s is on a new store streak, recently announcing yet another slew of store openings. This rapid pace of expansion includes two dozen new stores across the country, including eight in Southern California alone.

Nakia Rohde, Public Relations Manager, noted that the rate of openings “is faster than it’s been in the last few years,” before adding that, “Not a lot of businesses are growing their brick-and-mortar, so it’s nice.”

This may be in reference to the fierce competition within the grocery landscape, especially in Southern California.

According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, the new SoCal stores will be in South Pasadena, Northridge, Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, Ladera Ranch, Murrieta, Poway, and Santee. Opening dates have yet to be announced.

We’ll continue to keep our eyes on the retail market as it heats up—or cools down—so stay tuned!