VANCOUVER, BC - Cranberries are the stars of the Thanksgiving spread—I will fight anyone who disagrees with me. Tart, gorgeous, and the perfect foil to heavy holiday dishes, these delicious red berries are the perfect adornment for holiday-themed lineups. And Oppy, the exclusive marketer of Ocean Spray cranberries, is here to back me up.
To find out more, I spoke to Tony Illiano, Senior Sales Representative, and Cathie MacDonald, Director of Marketing Services.
“All cranberries have been harvested as of last week and those in storage will be packed through December,” Tony says. “We are done with the Stevens variety—the Howes variety is what is currently in the market. About 80 percent of the crop is either of those two varieties with about 15 others taking up the remaining 20 percent.”
With similar volumes to last season, Tony reports to me that the quality has been good; a slight difference in volume may have been due to Massachusetts ending their season early.
“It is currently the busiest time of the year with Thanksgiving around the corner. Overall, this year has been totally normal,” he says.
Then it’s totally normal for me to wonder just how retailers can promote cranberries during the holidays—although it wouldn’t take much to convince me to put four or five bags into my shopping cart.
“We offer a range of POS materials, photography, videos, and more that encourage consumers to make their own fresh cranberry sauce, as well as other alternative suggestions on how to use cranberries,” Cathie explains to me. “Whether on cakes, for décor, or crafts (like wreaths, garlands, and more!), we look to share the versatility of cranberries. We also encourage the Buy 2, Freeze 1 message to make this year's cranberry season last even longer.”
Given that cranberries are steeped in holiday tradition, there’s no reason consumers shouldn’t be gobbling them up by the dozens!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - For Thanksgiving this year, I have been charged with the ever-daunting task of making the mashed potatoes, and trust me—if I mess this up, my family will not invite me back. Luckily, Side Delights® is here to make holiday prep easy enough that no consumer will have to be outcast from their family celebrations.
“What is a Thanksgiving dinner without mashed potatoes?” asks Kathleen Triou, President & CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, the parent company of Side Delights. “Our bag and bulk options are the best value for larger gatherings, but for a smaller, intimate gathering, I go for our Side Delights Gourmet Petite potatoes. These beautiful petite potatoes are colorful and their thin skin means no peeling!”
Triou tells me that Side Delights Steamables and Flavorables potatoes are a perfect way to make sure consumers aren’t in the kitchen for days ahead of the holiday feast. Both product lines come in microwaveable bags or trays, limiting the amount of work a cook must do in order to deliver delicious, satisfying potatoes that taste like they went an extra mile.
“Side Delights offers a range of popular potato types—russet, red, yellow, white—in bag options that perfectly fit your party size. Fresh Solutions Network’s farmers recommend at least ½ pound of raw potatoes per person,” Kathleen says. “For a large crowd of about 15 people, go for a 10 lb bag of potatoes. If you are hosting less than 10 people, a 5 pound bag should do the trick. But potatoes are a popular item, so you might be cutting it close!”
As far as recipes, Side Delights’ website has shoppers covered. Kathleen loves the Classic Thanksgiving Mashed Potato recipe, but for a twist, she suggests Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, Mashed Potato Casserole, or, for a spicy twist, the Tri-Colored Roasted Potatoes with Harissa Sauce.
But how can you as a retailer help make sure consumers are grabbing these value-added potato products and keeping average basket cost high? Kathleen explains: “Adding a secondary display of Side Delights potatoes goes a long way toward increased sales velocity during the holiday season. Featuring the quick to cook, higher margin items like Steamables, Flavorables, and Gourmet Petites deliver incremental sales in addition to the predictable bag purchases.”
And it’s not a bad time to get consumers familiar with the Side Delights brand, either. Kathleen says 2019 will be a great year for for the brand with new product launches sure to delight both retailers and shoppers alike—so be sure to stay tuned!
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - SpartanNash has announced acquisition plans that will expand its corporate retail footprint into the adjacent markets of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. The company has reached an agreement to acquire Martin’s Super Markets—a 21-store chain spread throughout Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.
“We are excited to welcome Martin's Super Markets to the SpartanNash family,” said David Staples, SpartanNash President and Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “Martin's has been a valued independent retail customer since 2005, and we have the greatest respect for the Martin's management team and its commitment to their associates, customers, and the communities they serve. We look forward to working with members of the team to continue to deliver the quality shopping experience and high level of customer service to Martin's customers. Our long-standing relationship has built the foundation for our future success and will enable us to grow our corporate retail business in Indiana and Michigan consistent with our long-term strategic growth strategy. We also believe this investment in our corporate retail business will help us take full advantage of our opportunities to generate value for all SpartanNash stakeholders.”
For the fiscal year ended July 29, 2018, Martin's had more than $450 million in net sales; the chain has 3,500 employees and is currently headquartered in South Bend, Indiana. SpartanNash noted that the acquisition is expected to close early in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 28, 2019, and is subject to customary closing conditions.
“We were seeking a partner we could trust with the family's legacy of exceptional customer service, quality products and value; we found that partner in SpartanNash,” said Rob Bartels, Martin's President, and grandson of its founders. “SpartanNash has been a valued and capable partner, and our partnership has grown and strengthened over time. We share similar values, a passion for the business, and cultures based on excellent customer service, stewardship of our brands, and commitment to our communities and teams. We look forward to a robust and dynamic future for the Martin's family.”
AndNowUKnow will continue to report with updates as the transaction proceeds.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Amon Foods Inc. satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a press release, the Hayward, California, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Hussein Tawfik was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to impose sanctions on a business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. 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.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.
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. PACA staff 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.
CINCINNATI, OH - There’s no place like home! Kroger isn’t venturing far from its home roost to set up what it’s calling “America’s first customer fulfillment center” (CFC). Just last month, Kroger and Ocado announced plans to set up 20 distribution centers throughout the U.S. before the end of 2018, and this week, the two announced that Cincinnati, OH, aka Kroger’s home base, was selected to house the first of the 20.
"Kroger is committed to helping position Cincinnati and Ohio as a destination for digital and technology talent. We are proud to choose our HQ state of Ohio as the first location for this first-of-its-kind customer fulfillment center in the U.S.," said Kroger’s Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen. "Kroger is joining with the best partners in the world to co-innovate and leverage technology to redefine the customer experience. We are incredibly excited to partner with Ocado to transform the industry and deliver on our Restock Kroger vision to serve America through food inspiration and uplift. This Kroger shed, powered by Ocado, will accelerate our ability to provide customers with anything, anytime, and anywhere."
Kroger’s first CFC, also known as a “shed,” will be constructed in Monroe, OH, a suburb north of Cincinnati—subject to securing state and local incentives—according to a press release. The retailer plans to invest $55 million into building the 335,000-square-foot shed that will create up to 410 new jobs.
"We are delighted to be supporting Kroger in its efforts to transform the service and value it brings to U.S. customers," said Luke Jensen, CEO of Ocado Solutions. "Today's announcement of the first CFC is an important first step to making that happen. It's all the more exciting that this CFC will serve Kroger's hometown of Cincinnati."
With its first CFC—an automated warehouse facility with digital and robotic capabilities—both Ocado and Kroger are hoping to introduce innovative robotics technology to the masses and allow for next-generation automated storage and retrieval to become ingrained in the grocery supply chain.
"Ocado is a UK-based company with global ties and advanced digital and robotic capabilities. Working together, we will develop the strongest possible supply network to support a seamless customer experience that can serve every person in America," said Alex Tosolini, Kroger's Senior Vice President of New Business Development. "It's all about building a seamless supply chain to provide our customers with an amazing shopping experience."
Where will Kroger and Ocado land next? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on the latest innovations altering the grocery retail landscape.
WASHINGTON, DC - United Fresh Produce Association recently named its 2019 BrandStorm™ Advisory Committee, also known as the “Brand-bassadors.” These produce marketing leaders will work to ensure the success of BrandStorm 2019, the association’s annual marketing event, which takes place February 20-22 at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, CA.
“Our Brand-bassadors are instrumental in raising awareness of this innovative event within the produce marketing community,” said Mary Coppola, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, in a press release. “The guidance and insights they offer as we plan the event year-to-year are invaluable and will play a pivotal role in the successful execution of BrandStorm 2019.”
The event was developed to engage all levels of marketers in the produce industry who want to create new and unique marketing solutions. BrandStorm is now in its fourth year.
The BrandStorm 2019 Brand-bassadors are:
- Mark Munger, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, 4Earth Farms
- Cindy A. Jewell, Vice President of Marketing, California Giant Berry Farms
- CarrieAnn Arias, Vice President of Marketing, Naturipe Farms, LLC
- Karen Caruso, Market Development Manager, Zespri Kiwifruit
- Brian Denton, Director of Marketing & Brand Development, PRO*ACT, LLC
- Julie DeWolf, Director of Retail Marketing, Sunkist Growers, Inc.
- Meagan Edwards, Account Manager, Moxxy Marketing
- Lisa Hansen, Director of Sales & Marketing, McDill Associates
- Elena Hernandez, Marketing Manager, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
- Hilary Long, Marketing Director, Frey Farms, LLC
- Diana McClean, Senior Marketing Director, Ocean Mist Farms
- Marc Oshima, Chief Marketing Officer, AeroFarms
- Mac Riggan, Director of Marketing, Chelan Fresh
- Kim St George, Director of Sales & Marketing, Private Brands, Mann Packing Company
- Lori Taylor, Founder & Owner, The Produce Moms
- Kori Tuggle, Vice President, Marketing, Church Brothers Farms
The event kicks off on Wednesday, February 20 with the BrandStorm Tour, where a limited group of attendees will be hosted at the Sonoma Brand’s winery, Viansa Sonoma. Later that evening, all BrandStorm attendees will gather for the Welcome Reception at Hotel Nikko. On Thursday morning, the education programming will begin with a CMO Panel during the Breakfast General Session. The association’s press release noted that the following day and a half will consist of four more general sessions delivering top-level inspiration and theories, attendee’s choice of concurrent workshops full of tactical concepts and case studies, and X-Change discussions where attendees will gather for conversation around topics impacting their businesses. The event concludes on Friday afternoon.
To register for BrandStorm 2019, visit www.unitedfreshbrandstorm.org.
CALIFORNIA - A shift in the jet stream is expected to bring rain and mountain snow to the Golden State this week—bringing much needed relief to the fire-afflicted state.
"The rain mid- to late week will greatly aid crews battling the Camp Fire," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Mike Doll in a report. "The negative is rain can be heavy enough to cause flooding with a risk of mudslides and debris flows in the burn areas."
An arid summer and early fall, pairing with windy conditions, have allowed wildfires throughout the state to run rampant in recent days.
"The wet season in California has been off to a dry start, which has played a role in the devastating wildfires in both Northern and Southern California," noted a Weather Channel report. "Very poor air quality due to the smoke will continue to be a concern early this week, and air quality alerts have been issued as this stagnant weather pattern will persist over the next few days. The upcoming storm should blow much of this smoke out of the area."
Gusty weather may exacerbate local fire conditions prior to rain, with fires behaving erratically as a result, according to AccuWeather.
As of Monday of this week, the Camp Fire, which is expected to be entirely contained by November 30th, was spread over a 151,00-acre expanse of Northern California. The Woolsey Fire, in Southern California, is expected to be contained by Thanksgiving.
Rainfall is expected to touchdown Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.
For more on this and other news as it impacts important growing regions, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
HOUSTON, TX - How do I love potatoes? Let me count the ways: I love potatoes small and round, medium and brown, and larger than large and over a pound. As we head further into the holiday season, there are more consumers than just me browsing the produce aisle for the perfect spud to wax potato—I mean, poetic—about to their holiday guests. And with a whole slew of options, including Russets, Reds, Golds, Fingerlings, Whites, Butter Russets, and Butter Reds, MountainKing has plenty of potatoes for retailers to push and consumers to fill their carts with.
I chatted with John Pope, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, to find out more about MountainKing’s potato harvest and why retailers should be prepared for an onslaught of potato enthusiasts this holiday season.
“We just completed our potato harvest in early October with great conditions. It was one of our strongest years. At MountainKing, the key to a good potato crop starts with varietal selection,” John told me. “We use rigorous standards for selecting only the best types based on taste, cooking performance, yields, and overall quality. We then test these types in ‘plots’ to ensure maximum performance when grown on a commercial scale. Another way we ensure a successful crop is preventing bruising during harvest and storage. Our field-testing programs pay huge dividends by identifying issues as product is stored, which allows us to better manage equipment and process for a bruise-free product all season long.”
September and October, in John’s words, were perfect, helping quality reach excellence. Specifically, MountainKing’s growing area in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, with its long summer days and cool nights, offered yet another ideal growing season with optimal conditions. This cool weather, as well as the holidays, has created a strong sales period for MountainKings’ grocery partners as a result.
John noted that demand for smaller sizes like Yellows, Fingerlings, Creamers, and Organics is up right now, with demand trending downward for larger-sized potatoes like Russets and Whites, while Reds are flat.
“We’re expecting to exceed ten percent growth in our Butter Reds, Butter Golds, Fingerlings, and other varietals,” John said. “On the product front, we’re also rolling out new, smaller-sized Creamers with new display sleeves. On a bigger picture scale, we continue to encourage our grocery partners to shift to positively trending items.”
With countless varieties to choose from and a strong crop to look forward to, there’s no reason not to be extra excited about MountainKing potatoes this starchy season.
For more of the latest potato crop news and market updates like this, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - Church Brothers Farms is adding some additional Salinas expertise to its repertoire before 2018 is up. The company’s new Marketing and Media Specialist is Mary (Langford) Poma, who will report to Kori Tuggle, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development.
Poma has worked in the produce industry for the past six years, gaining experience from roles at other Salinas Valley produce companies including Dole Fresh Vegetables and Ocean Mist Farms. At her prior roles, she developed expertise in digital marketing, brand development, and campaign management, according to a press release. Poma earned a bachelor’s of arts degree with a major in human communication from California State University Monterey Bay and lives in Seaside with her husband.
“Mary is a well-regarded produce industry professional with more than six years of brand management, advertising development/execution and implementation of marketing campaigns,” said Tuggle. “We are excited to have Mary come on board and apply her skills to the Church Brothers/True Leaf Farms business.”
Here’s to Mary Poma on this next step in her career! And for more on the latest big moves in the produce industry, AndNowUKnow will keep you covered.
SALINAS, CA - I can still remember the first time I made homemade cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving. The pop of the berries, the citrusy punch of orange zest—it’s arguably one of my favorite memories of the holidays. Cranberries stand the test of time on the holiday table, bringing much needed tartness to heavy dishes. I spoke to Brian Vertrees, Director of Business Development for Naturipe Farms, to find out more about the cranberry season and why consumers should place this item into the basket.
“Harvest has officially wrapped up for organic cranberries, but our conventional cranberries will be going strong shipping through December,” Brian tells me. “Quality and color are superb so retailers can continue to promote through the holidays.”
Naturipe’s production of cranberries has steadily increased over the years. Given that volumes are up from last year, he explains, this offers retailers many opportunities to promote cranberries and surpass 2017 sales.
“Cranberries are positioned as the festive fall fruit,” Brian says. “They have a great color to add to dishes, and go well with traditional savory holiday dishes and sweet dishes!”
Spoken like a true cranberry lover! For the latest in market updates like this, stick with us here at AndNowUKnow.