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SOUTH KOREA - Good Food Holdings, the California-based holding company of upscale grocery chains Bristol Farms, Lazy Acres Market, and Metropolitan Market, has been acquired by Emart, South Korea’s largest retailer, for $275 million. The Korean supermarket has shown interest in expanding in the U.S. but this sale marks its first foreign acquisition.
According to news source Korea Joongang Daily, Emart announced the purchase on Friday and promised that nothing would change after the acquisition.
“We are not planning to make any changes in the management of Good Food Holdings,” said an Emart spokesman. “Nothing in the operations of the three grocery chains will change in the immediate future.”
Good Food Holdings has a current revenue of nearly $598 million a year and a total of 3,100 employees that work for the company and its operations.
With this acquisition, the chain will gain Bristol Farms’ 12 stores across the LA and San Diego areas, as well as Lazy Acre’s five stores in the two cities. It will also take under its wing the Seattle-based Metropolitan Market, which operates seven stores.
How will this acquisition better position Emart’s expansion into the United States grocery market? AndNowUKnow will be on the lookout for the latest news.
POMPANO BEACH, FL - As I sit in California’s capitol celebrating our first real sight of winter weather, Peru is seeing a summer’s day and the right conditions for asparagus. Charlie Eagle, Vice President of Business Development for Southern Specialties, tells me that weather conditions have been normal for the season thus far.
“We are fortunate there have been no dramatic weather occurrences this year. December is summer in Peru. Typically, we may expect to see some light seeding as the month progresses,” he shares, commenting that importers are supplying abundant quality asparagus volumes to retailers with confidence this season. “Quality and availability have made U.S. retailers certain that asparagus should be a staple to consumers tables during the holidays.”
Peru has good volume as we head towards Christmas, he adds, saying that Southern Specialties expects that to start to come down by December 17-20, as well as Mexico’s asparagus. The main season is currently on track to run up to January 15.
“Peru remains a reliable source for high-quality asparagus,” Charlie concludes when I ask him what retailers should keep in mind. “Consumers look forward to enjoying asparagus throughout the year, particularly during holiday seasons.”
As we continue to keep out ear to the ground for all key produce categories through the holiday season, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
SANTA PAULA, CA - Bolstering its senior leadership team, Limoneira has announced four new promotions for the the roles of VP of Sales, VP of Packing Operations, VP of Farming Operations, and VP of Marketing.
“I want to congratulate each of these individuals and thank them for all of their contributions to making Limoneira a global leader in the citrus and agribusiness industries,” said Harold Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, in a recent press release.
He continued, “Each of these team members were already leaders within our organization, driving sustained results and value in their respective functions. These organizational changes will continue to strengthen our leadership team and further position Limoneira to execute on our ‘One World of Citrus’ strategy.”
John Carter was announced as the new Vice President of Sales, receiving a promotion from his previous position of Director of Global Sales. His new position will see him leading the entire sales organization, with responsibilities including: developing and executing sales strategy, promoting and coordinating foreign sourced product sales, internal team development, and continuing to ensure quality service to customers worldwide.
Previously the Director of Packing for Lemon Operations, Anthony Ecuyer, was named the Vice President of Packing Operations. He now oversees every aspect of packing worldwide, including operational strategy and execution, affiliated grower relations, and harvest operations.
The new Vice President of Farming Operations is Edgar Gutierrez, who was acting as the Senior Director of Agricultural Operations before his recent promotion. His new role will see him managing, administering, and growing the value of Limoneira’s farming operations worldwide.
Finally, former Director of Marketing for the company John Chamberlain was promoted to the position of Vice President of Marketing. He will now lead all facets of Limoneira’s marketing program, including: product marketing, event marketing, internal and external communications, and investor relations support.
AndNowUKnow congratulates all four industry leaders on their new promotions and looks forward to seeing how Limoneira continues to grow and innovate with their new Vice Presidents taking the reins.
KEENE, NH; OLEAN, NY - C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., recently announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire New York-based Olean Wholesale Grocery Cooperative, with the sale expected to close early next year.
“As proven by the nearly 100 years of success with Olean Wholesale’s premier service model, Bob and the Olean team have established themselves as outstanding operators in the wholesale food business,” said Mike Duffy, C&S CEO, in a press release. “We have admired Olean Wholesale and the impressive organization its talented employees have built, and very much look forward to partnering with the Olean team to continue this tradition and to expand the solutions available to their customers with the additional strength and scale of C&S.”
The press release noted that Olean Wholesale is a full-service grocery wholesaler with a variety of food products, such grocery, frozen, dairy, meat, and produce, in addition to other non-food, household, and personal care items. Currently, the wholesaler services over 270 independent food retail and convenience stores throughout New York, Pennsylvania, and Northeast Ohio. CEO and President, Robert Ketchner, will continue to manage the day-to-day operations, ensuring consistency for the employees, customers, and vendors.
“I am excited about the future and the new opportunities this partnership will offer the Members of Olean Wholesale. I believe that having the opportunity to combine the unquestioned service and dedication to our retailers with the scale and expertise of C&S will only make us better. I have had the pleasure of servicing our members for over 20 years, and I look forward to working with our team for many more,” said Ketchner.
For the latest in acquisitions, sales, and partnerships, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
CORAL GABLES, FL - Del Monte Fresh Produce is ushering in the holiday season with a new consumer promotion and its first-ever holiday game for the most festive time of 2018.
A fun-filled way to encourage consumers to eat healthy fruit in lieu of traditional holiday sweets, Del Monte’s online game involves avoiding cookies and candies and collecting pineapples, grapes, and other fresh fruit with your playful snowman avatar.
Promotional tags on Del Monte Gold® Extra Sweet pineapples and stickers on Del Monte® branded fresh-cut products will encourage consumers to play.
In addition to promotional products in store, the game—available to play throughout the globe—is also being promoted through Del Monte’s social media channels and website.
To learn more about Del Monte’s products and promotions—and play the company’s new game—visit www.fruits.com.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more fresh produce news.
SACRAMENTO, CA - Raley’s is shedding its Aisle 1 fuel stations in the name of fueling its grocery and food business. This week, the Northern California retailer announced Anabi Oil, a Southern California family business and convenience store operator, has acquired the 13 gas stations Raley’s runs and will assume operations beginning in 2019.
“As we continue to move our vision around health and wellness forward, we are focused on our core business of offering healthy food at affordable prices,” said Keith Knopf, Raley’s President and CEO. “This move will allow Raley’s to advance our long-range strategic plan and sets up a series of moves that will position Raley’s for significant growth and expansion.”
Raley’s Chief Financial Officer Ken Mueller, who led the negotiations, added, “With extensive experience in the convenience business and a strong family business in California, Anabi Oil was the perfect partner.”
According to a press release, Anabi Oil owns and operates more than 295 locations and delivers fuel to an additional 160 stations under multiple brands, including its own Rebel brand. The two companies are currently working to provide options for continued employment to the 80 team members working at the fuel stations, as well as continue to provide Raley’s customers with fuel rewards at the Aisle 1 sites.
“Aisle 1 is a great addition to the Rebel Brand, complementing our existing portfolio in both California and Nevada,” said Sam Anabi, CEO and Owner of Anabi Oil. “We are excited about our long-term relationship with Raley’s. With our expertise in running fuel stations and convenience stores, paired with a dominant grocer in the market, we will offer customers a fueling convenience store and grocery rewards experience that others cannot.”
Both companies asserted in the press release that opportunities for growth, including customer discounts at other Anabi-owned locations and consideration of future fuel stations throughout Raley’s footprint, will abound following the acquisition, which is expected to close late December.
How will Raley’s renewed focus on fresh food and grocery come to fruition? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you in the loop on the latest in grocery.
SACRAMENTO, CA - The industry has been abuzz about logistics this year, and ALC Logistics’ Alchemy TMS software has been increasing efficiencies and assuaging problems throughout the headline-laden year. So we asked, who in our industry—from both the buy- and supply-side of the coin—has accrued the most knowledge and employed the quickest fingers to win our ALC Logistics Alchemy Quiz Quix challenge.
Leading the supply-side, and the entire pack, this Quiz Quix round was Marc Marchini, COO of J. Marchini Farms. Marc is on the road to a cool $100 dollars after letting his logistical knowledge loose.
“ANUK quizzes help us stay engaged in different parts of the industry, and we look forward to playing them,” Marc told me, in an email.
On the buy-side, Gene Harris, Senior Purchasing Manager for Denny’s, proved the quickest witted. This marks Gene’s third Quiz Quix victory, proving the restaurant buyer one of our most formidable and well-informed quizzers.
“WOW! I didn't think my time/score would be good enough to win—but I always enjoy the challenge!” Gene said upon hearing about his victory.“I love reading AndNowUKnow, as well as The Snack! They're informative, interesting, and colorful!”
For a Top Ten—and a who’s who of ANUK quizzers—check out our leaderboard.
Some struggle with a question or two—the most challenging of which proved to be:
Most Missed Question:
Which of the following can Alchemy TMS help you with:
Correct Answer:
All of the above
Missed out on this round? Practice for the next Quiz Quix by checking out the link below!
ALC Logistics Alchemy Quiz Quix
Make sure you’re subscribed to AndNowUKnow’s newsletter to stay in-the-know on our next quiz opportunity, Snack Magazine contests, and industry news, but also to be eligible to win.
Sign in through your email or one of several social media accounts to hop on the next Quiz Quix, and, if you are fast enough and take the right notes, you might end up as the next winner of $100!
Quiz Quix is our way of encouraging some healthy, fun, informative competition within the industry. Signing in will give us a token to verify you and allows us to put your name in the ranking. It doesn’t give us access to more than your name and email address. Participants must have a valid email address registered in their individual name in order to play.
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - Jackfruit, root veggies, and all the fresh flavors of the Caribbean islands—these are just a few prongs of Southeastern Grocers latest strategic move. With its banner Fresco y Más, which usually focuses on traditional Hispanic offerings, the retailer is extending outreach to Caribbean shoppers. A new store in Launderhill, Florida, will be designed to cater to the culinary interests of Caribbean customers, including a first-ever produce department tailored to the demographic.
“Listening to our customers, communities, and associates plays a critical role in the evolution of our Fresco y Más banner. Our newest store in Lauderhill is a direct reflection of our customers’ feedback and incorporates the unique needs of this wonderful community,” said company President and CEO Anthony Hucker. “Our newest Fresco y Más store is handcrafted with a wide selection of products tailored specifically to the Caribbean customer as a unique offering for our Lauderhill community.”
As the first Fresco y Más to place a strong emphasis on products targeted to Caribbean customers, Launderhill customers will see a wide array of enhancements that have never been featured at the Fresco y Más banner before. According to a press release, these include highlights such as:
- Refreshed produce department featuring a “farmers market” setting
- Expanded assortment of local fruits and vegetables tailored to Caribbean and Hispanic customers
- New custom façade signage, vibrant yellow color palate, and bilingual store signage
- All-new café serving authentic Caribbean and Hispanic breakfast items
- Newly updated Cocina offering daily specials of freshly prepared Caribbean family favorites
- All-new, full-service Latin Carniceria offering an expanded selection of fresh, custom-cut meats
- Expanded seafood offerings and an added assortment of crab and whole fish
- New bakery department offering an expanded selection of Hispanic, Caribbean, and locally made baked goods
- An “International” aisle featuring more than 1,200 international and Caribbean products organized by country of origin
The Lauderhill store opened Wednesday, December 5, alongside Hucker and Mayor of Lauderhill, Ken Thurston. Will we see more Caribbean-curated Fresco y Más stores as the retailer continues to eye this potentially expansive new strategy? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.