BRIDGEWATER, NJ - I love intrigue. And a new application, approved by the city of Bridgewater, New Jersey, for a “specialty grocery store” is the latest target of my speculation. Local news source Patch.com has investigated rumors that a new Trader Joe’s could be coming to the Garden State, but is that the case?
“We are unable to confirm any details at this time,” an unnamed spokesperson for Trader Joe’s told the news source, but the location would fill a gap in the the retailer’s presence in the state. Trader Joe’s already has locations in nearby Westfield and Brunswick, and a new location in the burgeoning suburb of Bridgewater could be key in Trader Joe’s expansion plans.
According to Patch.com, the Bridgewater Planning Board approved an application for a “specialty grocery store” on December 11. The store will help anchor a complex that already includes a Costco, Home Depot, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Target—taking its place alongside an Old Navy in the +10,000-square-foot former home of a Goldsmith store. The application calls for a 13,000-square-foot space that a My Central Jersey report speculates is somewhere between a typical Trader Joe's and stores operated by rival retailer Aldi.
Could Trader Joe’s be expanding its presence further in New Jersey? Or will a dark horse like The Fresh Market or Aldi be moving into the area?
Only time will tell, and AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the changing retail landscape.
WENATCHEE, WA - As the year comes to a close, and the world outside becomes cold and slushy, Stemilt apples are still gracing the shelves of retailers nationwide and are as fresh and crunchy as ever.
In 2019, the company will celebrate its 30th year of organically farming apples. I struck up a conversation with Stemilt’s Communications Manager Brianna Shales to find out how the company has maintained its position as a leader in organics, hear the latest developments in its apple program, and get the scoop on newly developed apple advertising opportunities for retailers.
2018 has seen more shoppers than ever traversing the produce department and eyeing organic displays.
“According to the latest statistics," Brianna confided, “as many as 82% of households buy organic regularly. Our organic program started in 1989 and has evolved and grown over the years, but always remained a constant in our company. It is deeply embedded into what we do.”
Stemilt’s organic apple program started out in a big way in 1989, and has continued to grow over the years as the demand for organics has increased. Organic programs take longer to develop as orchards must undergo a three-year transition from conventional growing in order to become certified to grow organics. Today, more than 30% of all of the company’s apples are grown and certified organic as the company orchards are completing these transition.
In addition to the emphasis continually placed on development, Stemilt has also introduced more consumer-focused apple varieties to its organic program. After looking at conventional apple sales, Brianna concludes, “Why not promote high flavor to a shopper who purchases organic? They are looking for the same thing.”
This recent introduction of high-flavor apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Piñata® has contributed to the continued success of the company’s organic apple program. Brianna described the mission of the program as “...to not only grow organically, but grow really high-flavor fruit.” Additionally, due to advancements in organic storage regimens, these main four high-flavor apples are available nearly year round.
Also new for Stemilt is a defined focus on marketing to organic consumers. Due to the success of its Artisan Organics™ program, the company now has enough product to develop suggestions for retail marketing of its apples.
Brianna explains, “There are two types of retailers on the organic side: ones that do a smaller display, and others that are going all-out with displays on organics—those people are really getting more value out of their apple category. We want to see more retailers dedicate display space to organics and promote them.”
To help spur more retail promotion, Stemilt introduced its new E-Z Pallet display, which is a sleeve for a half pallet that turns the sometimes drab apple transporter into an instant retail-ready display. It holds 30 Euro cartons of fruit and allows retailers to mix varieties to entice consumers and improve their organic apple selection. The sleeve can also sail smoothly through distribution centers and be placed in store aisles without any additional preparation by retailers.
AndNowUKnow looks forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with Stemilt, and is eager to see where the next decade will take its organic programs.
CINCINNATI, OH - 2019 is already shaping up to be a year of change for The Kroger Co. with the announcement of J. Michael Schlotman’s retirement.
Kroger reports a transition plan wherein Schlotman will continue his role as CFO through the 2018 fiscal year, until April 3, 2019, after which he will keep his role as Executive Vice President on the Senior Leadership Team. After assisting the company throughout the CFO transition, Schlotman plans to retire fully on December 28 of next year.
"Mike is one of retail's most respected executives and has served Kroger for over 30 years. Mike is also one of the chief architects of Restock Kroger, our plan to create shareholder value by serving America through food inspiration and uplift," said Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen. "He and I have personally worked side by side for several decades. I deeply value Mike's contributions, the credibility he has earned with the financial community, and his leadership as a key member of our most-senior management team."
To fill the position of CFO, Kroger has selected Gary Millerchip, current CEO of Kroger Personal Finance, to follow in Schlotman’s footsteps as Senior Vice President and CFO, starting April 4, 2019
"Consistent with Kroger's governance history of thoughtful succession planning, Gary and Mike have a deliberate and thorough CFO transition plan with a singular focus, a seamless transition to successfully deliver on the Restock Kroger financial commitments and then beyond in the role of Kroger's Chief Financial Officer," continued McMullen in a press release.
After starting his career at accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand in Louisville, KY, Schlotman joined the Kroger team in 1985. After a decade with the company, he was promoted to Vice President and Corporate Controller, and just five years later was appointed to CFO.
From the onset of his career at the Royal Bank of Scotland in the United Kingdom, Millerchip has held a variety of leadership positions in multiple areas. Since April 2008, Gary Millerchip has served as CEO of Kroger Personal Finance which provides financial and retail services through Kroger stores. As part of the Kroger team, Millerchip has led the integration of the company’s corporate strategic initiatives and is responsible for several retail grocery divisions. For five years Millerchip “has been at the table” with the senior management team, playing a key role in driving partnerships and strategies which have diversified the company’s business well beyond grocery.
"Gary's deep finance and business background, coupled with a successful track record of creating long-term shareholder value for The Kroger Co., making him an excellent choice for Kroger's Chief Financial Officer of the future," concluded McMullen.
We at AndNowUKnow congratulate Michael and Gary on their respective retirement and promotion.
SURREY, BC - Grocery is heating up north of the border. After Walmart Canada invested $175 million in a frozen grocery facility in Campbell Heights, British Columbia, earlier this year, major Canadian retailer Sobeys announced plans to open a 530,563-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility in the same market.
“The proposed facility will form a critical component of Sobeys’ supply chain immediately and into the future. The facility will allow for continued growth throughout mainland BC and Vancouver Island and provide critical access to the labour required to facilitate this growth,” Sobeys wrote in a development proposal.
According to a report by Surrey Now-Leader, Sobeys’ new distribution center will primarily be refrigerated in order to handle produce and other food products. The South Surrey facility will also employ 200 people.
With Walmart and Sobeys laying claim to the same town, how will produce prevail in a hot market? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up-to-date on the latest fresh produce news.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Over the course of the last several months, Arable Capital Partners has finalized the acquisition of Hydratec, Inc., Lodi Pump & Irrigation, and Universal Irrigation & Supply, and now the company is launching a new platform combining the capabilities of these three highly regarded irrigation company’s in a single entity: Laurel Agriculture + Water Solutions.
“As we developed this solution-based team, we wanted to be sure that we were filling the gaps with members that have reputations of excellence and integrity,” said Derek Yurosek, Managing Director of Arable, in a press release. “The agriculture industry is a tight knit group, one where your word goes a long way. The combined success of our leadership team illustrates the value of integrity and building lasting relationships with customers.”
With a focus on precision water solutions, Laurel Ag aims “to revolutionize the industry with innovation and a customer-centric mindset to help farmers, investors, and management companies reach their goals.” According to Arable’s press release, the combined group’s long-term mission is to provide growers with the right tools to cultivate the land in a sustainable, profitable, and responsible way.
“Laurel has the ability through this combination of successful businesses and management teams to create value for their customers,” said Greg Richards, Managing Director for Arable. “We are excited to watch the collaborative effort to innovate and develop new solutions for our clients and partners alike.”
Hydratec, Inc., Lodi Pump & Irrigation, and Universal Irrigation & Supply are three companies dedicated to providing unsurpassed customer service, and Arable noted that that commitment will now form the foundation of the newly established Laurel Ag platform.
The company derived the name Laurel Ag from the interlocking leaves of a laurel crown. The symbol is intended to illustrate Arable’s drive for a collaborative relationship with customers—leading to the ultimate goal of celebrating customers’ successes.
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
LOS ANGELES, CA - All is not quiet on the grape front, as Pacific Trellis Fruit announced the successful launch of its new black seedless grape, JAM GRAPES. This variety is exclusive to the company’s lineup and comes as a result of Pacific Trellis’ close collaboration with Labrunier, one of Brazil’s largest table grape producer.
“With the increased focus on flavor and taste in new grape varieties, we knew we had a potential winner on our hands here,” stated Josh Leichter, General Manager of Pacific Trellis Fruit and Dulcinea Farms, in a press release.
The JAM grapes, developed by EMBRAPA in Brazil, offer a unique eating experience with their concord-type flavor and high brix.
Leichter added that, “Based on some of the successes we are seeing with the early distribution of the JAM grapes, we expect to have it back for the spring when Brazil starts their first semester harvest.”
The press release noted that in order to ensure premium quality and supply, availability is currently limited: from now through early to mid-January. The fruit is being offered in 2 lb clamshells as well as random weight bags.
For the latest in new varieties, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
MONTEREY, CA - This year’s Organic Grower Summit 2018 featured a new addition and a new avenue for organic growth; OGS’s 2018 CannaBus Tour—created and hosted in collaboration with the Monterey County Cannabis Industry Association (MCCIA)—took to the roads around the central California coast—offering showgoers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Monterey County’s fast-growing organic cannabis industry.
The tour took place Wednesday, December 12, and featured visits to Indus, a vertically integrated cannabis extraction and manufacturing facility, and to a state-of-the-art, indoor cannabis growing operation.
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OGS noted, in a press release anticipating the event, that the summit “wants to be at the forefront of providing attendees with information and education overview of this burgeoning industry.” Since cannabis growing and recreational use became legal in California this year, the industry has been booming, and as the state moves toward organic regulations in 2021, OGS's educational session should prove indispensable to industry members.
"The 2018 OGS CannaBus Tour is an opportunity to connect organic growers and allied service providers with all aspects of the cannabis industry. This is a unique opportunity to give OGS attendees a platform to learn about the future of the cannabis industry,” said MCCIA's Executive Director John Arriaga, in that press release.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report with more coverage of this year’s OGS.
CHELAN, WA - The Chelan Fruit Cooperative Board of Directors announced that current CEO Reggie Collins will step down to an advisory position, making way for Mark Stennes to step in as the interim CEO, effective January 1, 2019.
“I look forward to leading Chelan Fruit and driving performance for all our growers, working with our employees, our customers, and our growers as we move our company forward," stated Stennes in a press release.
Stennes, previous Assistant General Manager for Chelan, will take up his post as interim CEO on the first of the year. His appointment has been met with delight by the Board of Directors including Dave Robison, Chelan Fruit Vice Chairman, the company noted in a recent press release.
Robison explained, that “He [Stennes] has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his roles leading the operations of our company, and he brings the vision and values to lead Chelan Fruit into the future.”
Reggie Collins spent the past 18 years with the company, and has acted as the CEO for the past 14 years. As of the first of January, 2019, he will act as an advisor for newly promoted Stennes, and also work with Chelan Fresh Marketing on business and strategic opportunities.
Throughout his nearly decade and a half as the Chief Executive, a merger he led created one of the largest apple, pear, and cherry cooperatives in the industry. He was also instrumental in the creation of Chelan Fresh Marketing with Gebbers Farms.
“The Board of Directors has a strong focus on succession planning, and Mark’s selection enables us to ensure a seamless transition in this important leadership position for our company,” said Marrian Peebles, Chelan Fruit’s Chairman of the Board. “The Board appreciates the tremendous progress the company has made under Reggie’s leadership, and we look forward to building on this progress with Mark as our interim CEO.”
AndNowUKnow looks forward to seeing the new strategies that will be implemented in the coming year, and congratulate Mark Stennes and Chelan Fruit on this promotion.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - Last week, Dole Food Company announced an agreement to sell Saba Fresh Cuts AB and Saba Fresh Cuts OY—producers of washed and ready-to-eat salads—to BAMA International. The purhased companies sell various fresh-cut salads and vegetables to the retail and foodservice industry in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, and the Baltic States.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of this sale in meeting the EU’s requirement, and I am confident that Saba Fresh Cuts will be in good hands under BAMA’s ownership,” stated Johan Linden, President and CEO of Dole, in a press release.
The sales of Saba Fresh Cuts AB was a necessary condition of the European Commission’s approval of the investment by Total Produce into Dole in July of this year. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019; it is also subject to approval by the European Commission.
“We are pleased to announce this agreement with Dole for Saba Fresh Cuts,” said Rune Flaen, CEO of BAMA Group. “Convenience products and ready-to-eat salads and vegetables is a fast-growing category in all markets, and Saba Fresh Cuts is a solid and very professional players with a strong organization and high-quality products. We look forward to working together.”
For the latest in fresh produce sales, stick with us at AndNowKnow.
ORLANDO, FL - Staying on top of food trends can be hard work. Fads come and go, and there’s always the latest and greatest thing just on the horizon, and a new year means new trends. Luckily, FullTilt Marketing has, for the second year in a row, surveyed a selection of food bloggers the nation over for their unique insight on new and continuing food trends, and the how those trends impact consumers.
“When it comes to consumer trends, food bloggers offer a unique perspective,” stated Managing Partner Heidi McIntyre. “They are constantly monitoring the responses to their recipe posts, engaging with their followers, and keeping tabs on other food bloggers, which gives them an edge in understanding consumer preferences.”
From the continuing popularity of organics to street food, specialty diets, and locally-sourced foods, the bloggers ranked the most popular and prevalent food trends that pop up, or continue into the new year
Fresh, Whole, and Natural is the Name of the Game
As an overarching theme, demand this year was high for whole, fresh, non-processed foods, and the trend shows no sign of stopping. Bloggers commented on the sense of nostalgia leading cooks to get back to basics and make their dishes from scratch. This year, bloggers epressed nearly double the concerns over added ingredients and increased concern over GMOs, last year's number one concern. Bloggers reverted to concerns over sustainability, food waste, hormones, gluten, and social responsibility to guide their food decisions.
“It’s not surprising to see growing consumer awareness about the food they eat, especially related to where it’s from, who grew it/made it, and what’s in it,” commented Managing Partner Melinda Goodman in a press release. “Today’s consumer has access to more information than ever before and we are entering a new era of consciousness that has consumers considering a holistic view of health, wellness and even community and economic impact.”
Keep it Local
In the same vein, conversations about ‘how and where our food is grown’ still dominates among bloggers, trend makers, and consumers. Locally grown translates into sales, according to food industry research firm Packaged Facts. Packaged Facts sees local food sales increasing to $20 billion in 2019, set to outpace the country’s total food and beverage sales growth.
Diets Aren’t Just for the New Year
Coming in at second and third among blogger trends are specialty diets and healthy meals. 45 million Americans start a diet each year, reports Health & Science, and in most households at least one member sticks to a specialty diet. As a result, specialty diets like keto, paleo, and Whole 30 continue to hold mass appeal.
Ditch the Bowls, Bring on the Comfort Food
While 2018 saw smoothie, food, and poke bowls blowing up on social media feeds, 2019 is poised to bring in a new wave of basic comfort foods. DIY food projects like pickling and fermenting and homemade condiments are gaining popularity. Don’t expect the boring old staples, though, as global, international flavors like ramen, tikka masala, and curries are on the rise.
Bloggers Get Crafty With Their Foods
In a new category introduced this year, bloggers were asked about changes in their shopping habits, including not only what they buy, but where they shop. The majority reported more online shopping, with over a third shopping at more stores and more value formats. Moving away from larger national brands, 70 percent of the bloggers focused on purchasing an increased number of local, specialty, and craft brands, with half purchasing more private label products.
“Consumers of every type are fickle; including bloggers and their readers. As marketers it’s our job to continue to make educated guesses about what’s next, while also wooing consumers to choose what we tell them to,” remarked Goodman. “What is clear from the survey is consumers have an expectation to be better informed. 72 percent of bloggers told us that they felt brands were doing a better job of being more transparent, but those results came with a healthy dose of skepticism where bloggers shared comments that they also felt that transparency was cloaked in telling them what they wanted to hear, and they weren’t sure what information they could trust.”
Keeping up with trends may be intimidating, but this year’s fads aren’t hard to decipher. Consumers in increasing numbers are looking for safe, healthy foods that can come from anywhere, provided that source aligns with their values and offers value. Click here to read the full report.