WASHINGTON, DC - Our industry is changing not just in its products and technologies, but in the people that continue to help move it forward. As the fresh produce business continues to evaluate how it can better move into the future, there is a key place that often remains almost the same as it always has been—the field.
“We hope that the conversation in the industry begins segueing to how a serious workforce development program can improve the industry overall in terms of productivity, quality, and creating a seamless transition through the supply chain, as well as address food safety and labor issues—both scarcity and conditions,” Peter O’Driscoll, Executive Director of EFI, recently shared with me on the team’s certification program.
EFI is currently contracted with 20 produce companies that are introducing workforce development and have achieved, or are working toward, EFI certification.
“Our employees were thirsting for an opportunity to provide feedback. We had feedback channels in place, but the level of engagement from our staff increased dramatically after we implemented the fundamentally bilateral structure that EFI brings with the Leadership Teams,” Kevin Doran, President & CEO of Houweling's Tomatoes, shared on the program. “The staff feel more empowered, more engaged in our business, and that their voices matter. This has led to a tremendous amount of improvements in our business based on their feedback on simple things but that wouldn’t have been obvious to us unless they brought them forward.”
JV Smith Companies, too, has pursued the new method to boost its employee culture in the field.
“EFI is about workforce development and empowering employees and engaging them in the work process. I’ve always believed in that strategy and appreciate EFI’s ability to help us bring it to new levels,” Vic Smith, President and CEO of JV Smith Companies, commented. “We have an acute labor shortage and a marketplace that is becoming more sophisticated and demanding transparency. The EFI program is not only the right thing to do, it is a smart business strategy since it helps you engage your workforce and drive productivity.”
EFI, as Doran put it, is fundamentally different from other audit programs in that there is a mechanism in place to ensure that things are happening properly in between audits.
“The EFI model empowers the staff to keep the business honest to the set of criteria that we agreed to execute on,” Doran continued. “It’s nice to have a third party validate the good things that we are doing as a company and make recommendations on where you can improve.”
Shawn Hartley, Owner and Vice President of Onions52, said that EFI’s certification program has helped the team maximize efficiencies in all program and work areas.
“The EFI model gave workers a voice and a way to share their ideas and helped us work together to implement improvements, taking an efficient operation and making it even better. In a time of labor shortage, listening to and engaging your workforce gives you a competitive edge. We implemented EFI because we wanted to empower our workers, increase job satisfaction, provide growth opportunities and keep them with us for many years,” he said.
All involved report an opportunity to maximize transparency at a time it is needed most, providing everyone from those in the field and offices, to the buyers, and the end consumer with food safety assurance.
“Social responsibility is more than a return on investment, but we have had good outcomes. We have the best and most productive associates in the industry. We have associates who are committed to the quality of our product and to our high food safety standards. It is easy to attract and retain our associates, which means we aren’t spending an inordinate amount of time on recruitment or training. Having a stable, well-trained workforce makes us a stable company and produces the best-tasting tomatoes,” Kathryn Ault, Vice President of Customer Solutions at NatureSweet, concluded.
Connect with the EFI team at https://equitablefood.org to find out how your company might tap into this new resource for a work culture that doubles down on food safety by enhancing work culture on the farm and beyond.
YERINGTON, NV - Peri & Sons Farms Sweetie Sweet onions are back in season for a limited time—with a fresh look for our Premium and Organic sweet onions.
Here’s What’s in Store.
In line with the latest fresh produce trends, our Sweetie Sweets are perfect for consumers looking for fresh and healthy ideas to round out their diet and avoid veggie fatigue.
Our new Sweetie Sweet packaging gives consumers of all ages the information they need to make the right choice for themselves and their family in a fun and engaging way.
As more and more consumers are turning to veg-centric diets, reading labels, and researching the foods they eat, our new packaging is sure to please.
Millennial consumers, in particular, will delight in a new design that highlights growing practices and celebrates the farm, its culture, philosophy, products, and the location where good things grow.
Thank you for watching What’s in Store.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Target has announced it has gotten into the new year, new you spirit a few months early, adding a new member to its Board of Directors. The new Director is former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal Health, George S. Barrett.
Barrett’s tenure with Cardinal Health, a global, integrated healthcare services and products company, has been peppered with accolades from some of the most prestigious names in business. Since becoming Chairman and CEO in 2019, Barrett has achieved such accomplishments for Cardinal as ranking 15th on the Fortune 500 and landing on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies, Forbes America's Best Employers, The Drucker Institute's list of top companies for corporate social responsibility, the National Association for Female Executives' Top Companies for Executive Women, and Chief Executive Magazine's Top Companies for Talent Development.
"George brings to Target's board a wealth of experience at the helm of global organizations in a complex industry that's weathered almost constant change,” said Brian Cornell, Chairman and CEO. “He has proven success as both a manufacturer and a service provider, a strong reputation for creating dynamic workplaces that attract and retain great talent, and a tremendous passion for the people he serves. George's expertise will offer a valuable perspective as we look ahead to scaling our full slate of strategic initiatives in 2019 and beyond."
Prior to his role at Cardinal Health, Barrett spent 10 years with global pharmaceutical manufacturer Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. According to a press release, he also currently serves as a Director for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland; Chairman of the Healthcare Leadership Council; Vice Chairman of The Conference Board, a trustee of the Committee for Economic Development; and on the Board of Directors for Brown University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, the Columbus Partnership, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Columbus Foundation.
What will Barrett bring to his new role on Target’s Board and will he play a role in fresh produce and wellness? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Wholesale distributor John Vena, Inc. has added produce industry vet Joe Killian to its team, in a new role focused on business development. In this role, Killian will oversee business development efforts in the grocery sector—with a focus on regional independent banners—and retail growth strategy.
“It’s great to be joining the ranks at a forward-thinking produce company with 100 years of history behind them,” stated Killian in a press release. “I’m excited to work with such a talented and experienced team of professionals who have a genuine passion for produce and customer service—and who aren’t afraid to try new things. My time as an entrepreneur and manager has been valuable, but I most enjoy the strong business-to-business relationship aspect of this industry. Being in constant communication with customers and potential clients means the opportunity to help navigate a wide variety of challenges and situations, from merchandising to inventory management to pricing strategy. There’s always a new puzzle to solve—it’s exciting and rewarding.”
Prior to joining John Vena, Inc., Joe worked as Director of Operations at a leading foodservice distributor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A press release noted that he owned and operated a produce distribution business in the Delaware Valley for more than a decade, during which he grew the organization from a single-truck enterprise into a business with a 10,000 square-foot distribution center and a seven-vehicle fleet. He also spent 10 years in sales with J. Ambrogi Foods developing and managing the Philadelphia region. Most recently, Joe addressed core operational challenges as Director of Operations at FarmArt Produce, which serves the Philadelphia metro area.
“We’re excited to have someone like Joe on board to strengthen our team and bolster our ability to cover new territory,” said Dan Vena, Director of Sales. “His depth of produce experience makes him a real asset not only to our team, but to our customers as well.”
Congratulations to Joe on this new role! We here at ANUK wish you and the John Vena team all the best.
MONTEREY, CA - Organics are taking over the adult beverages category and Organic Grower Summit is dishing out all the deets! In an all-new educational session, “Giving Organic Beverages A Shot,” OGS show-goers will have the opportunity to take a sneak peek at consumer interest and changing buyer behavior that is paving the way for a boom in organic beer and wine production.
Featuring panelists from California organic wine producers and a major organic beer company —including Frey Vineyards’ Executive Director Katrina Frey, LaRocca Vineyards’ Vintner Phil LaRocca, and Eel River Brewing Co’s Founder Ted Vivatson, and moderator Bill Vyenielo, Modss Adams’ Senior Wine Business Consultant—the new education session will touch on the growth, opportunities, and challenges in the burgeoning organic beverage market. The session will also discuss what the future may hold as consumer interest in organic beer and wine continues to grow.
According to a press release, U.S. organic beer sales have increased more than tenfold since 2003, from $9 million to $92 million in 2014, while organic wine sales were $282 million in 2016, double from 2007.
"Many people don’t realize that drinking organic beverages is not only better for your health, but better for the environment because our organic farm suppliers reduce agricultural stressors by eliminating commercial insecticides and fertilizers,” said Vivatson.
LaRocca echoed this sentiment, stating: “As the famed Roman agricultural writer Columella wrote in 65 AD, ‘Wine which is most excellent has given pleasure by its own natural quality.”
If you haven’t registered for the second annual Organic Grower Summit, taking place December 12-13 in Monterey, California, register today—it’s going to be lit! To learn more about the exciting events to attend at this year’s show, visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.
UNITED STATES - For a third year straight, Wegmans has topped Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Retail, edging Publix out of number one in a tight race for 2018 retail excellence. Wegmans also took second in the magazine’s 2018 100 Best Companies to Work For—narrowly beating famously worker-friendly companies like Ultimate Software, Edward Jones, and Workday. Publix took second. And following up in seventh place, Woodland, California-based Nugget Market scored high marks in its 13th consecutive year atop the list.
Wegmans scored high marks in all the publication's metrics.
“Thank goodness for our employees. They make Wegmans a happy place to work and shop,” said CEO Colleen Wegman, in a press release. “Their work is both meaningful and fun, and that’s an unbeatable combination.”
Publix, likewise, released a press release celebrating the company’s upward move from 2017’s third place to 2018’s second. The 1,200-store and seven-state strong banner was celebrated for its “great atmosphere, bosses, and pride” in a company press release.
“[Publix] actually care[s] about your life outside of work—your short- and long-term goals, beliefs, your family, your struggles and successes,” said one survey participant. “We aren't treated like work robots with one sole purpose, we are treated with great respect and appreciation.”
Nugget Market’s nearly 1,900 associates likewise expressed approval for their workplace.
One Nugget employee noted: “It’s the only job that I've had that makes me feel like I’m a real contributor to the workplace, not just another worker bee. My hard work is noticed and rewarded both within store awards but also through raises and promotions.”
“The dynamic personalities and talents of our associates and leadership create our spirited culture of family and fun, and by extension, provide our guests an extraordinary grocery experience,” said Eric Stille, President and CEO of Nugget, in a press release. “We’re proud of our unique and diverse culture, and honored to be ranked among the best in the country.”
To compile its Best Workplaces in Retail list, Great Place to Work® used anonymous survey feedback from more than 631,000 employees working in retail in the United States. Employees answered a 60 question survey “describing the extent to which their organization creates a Great Place to Work For All™.”
For more retail news as it pertains to fresh fruits and veggies, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
ORLANDO, FL - SUNSET® made Orlando even sunnier than usual at last month’s PMA Fresh Summit, for there’s nothing better than two organizations joining together to bring berries to all.
I spoke to Dean Taylor, Director of Sales and Commodity Planning, to find out more.
“The Mastronardi-Berry World joint venture came together this year, and we’re bringing the best of two organizations,” Dean explained to me. “You have a built-in customer base with Mastronardi’s extraordinary customers, a nationwide logistics program, and of course, with Berry World, we have award-winning varieties.”
Providing berries year-round, it’s no wonder that these varieties are in high demand.
“We think people are going to seek out our brand because of the high flavor in all of our varieties,” he concluded.
For more, watch our brief video interview above.
WILLIAMSVILLE, NY - Beleaguered retailer Tops Markets turned a corner this week. Tops noted that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York confirmed the company’s Plan of Reorganization, and it's set to complete restructuring and emerge from Chapter 11 in the near future.
“We are pleased to receive the Court’s approval of our Plan and are poised to emerge from this process an even stronger and more competitive company,” said Frank Curci, Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “Through this process, we have accomplished several key objectives, including significantly reducing our debt, creating a viable cost structure, and efficiently optimizing our store portfolio. Importantly, we provided an opportunity for employment to every associate who was interested and impacted by store closings at other nearby stores. Our restructuring will create an even more exceptional shopping experience for our customers and assure that we will continue to serve our communities like no one else can.”
Tops initially filed for Chapter 11 this February, hoping to restructure a large amount of accumulated debt. The retailer first filed restructuring plans in August—plans that detailed the closing of underperforming stores—ten of the company’s then 169 locations.
Curci added: “On behalf of everyone at Tops, I want to thank all Tops associates, who have continued to provide customers with convenient, friendly and high-quality service. I also want to thank our loyal customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders for their continued support throughout this process.”
For more on Tops, as the company climbs onward and upward, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
ORLANDO, FL - Last month, SUNSET® brought the party to Orlando (a feat, for sure), taking to PMA Fresh Summit with a new rock star product.
I spoke to Peppe Bonfiglio, Director of Sales, to find out more about Sugar Bombs.
“So Mastronardi Produce is a fourth generation tomato grower—family-owned—and our focus here is flavor. Today, we're featuring our Sugar Bombs,” Peppe explained. “It’s a follow up to our Flavor Bombs—off the chart sweet flavor with a smooth finish. With the name Sugar Bombs, we thought we had a cool little rock theme—dark colors that really bring out the flavor of that tomato.”
Attendees were treated to a sneak peek at this latest seasonal item—in line with its popular Sugar Bombs brand (harmonizing, so to speak).
“They're gonna be a seasonal item—we're launching here at PMA,” Peppe noted.
For more, watch our brief video interview above.
CORAL GABLES, FL - In the U.S., November marks the arrival of melons grown off-shore in Honduras and Guatemala, and the return of growing season to local farming communities is celebrated. With an understanding that local farmers play a significant role in supplying produce to consumers, Fyffes has put in place several initiatives to support workers and their families year-round, including a corn-planting program, organizing family orchards, and trading hand tools for tractors. These initiatives are aimed at providing an off-season source of income to improve both the quality and variety of food available to Fyffes sourcing regions.
Since 2014, Fyffes has sponsored a program through which its seasonal workers can plant and cultivate corn. In 2018, the company provided the husking equipment, irrigation sources, necessary fuel, and on-site technical expertise.
“The well-being of our employees and of the communities in which we operate is a Fyffes core value,” said North America President Enda Walsh. “We are always exploring ways in which to partner with communities who face challenges."
In early 2018, Fyffes partnered with the Honduran chapter of non-profit Amigos de la Tierra (“Friends of the Earth”) to engage the community in five neighboring villages. Their plan? To develop family orchards as a way to alleviate hunger, provide a source of supplemental income, and improve the quality and variety of foods consumed.
“Creating these family orchards is a sustainable solution for some of the off-season’s challenges that our farming communities face,” said Global Sustainability Director Julie Cournoyer in a company press release. “We are particularly encouraged by programs that can benefit groups that are not as easily employable, such as senior citizens—a core value of Fyffes.”
Through this initiative, Fyffes’ local subsidiaries provided communities with water barrels and the equipment used for the orchards’ irrigation systems.
The final initiative is one in which neighboring Fyffes' farms are given Fyffes-owned tractors to plow fields that would otherwise be tilled by hand. Farmers say the program has resulted in increased crop yields that are helping to keep the local independent farming tradition alive. The result is a strong and “deep-rooted” variety of local food staples that include corn, chayote, sorghum, cassava, and beans that are both consumed at home and sold at market as an additional income source.
“As a produce company, we are well aware of the challenges independent farmers face, and we’re pleased to help some of them improve their working conditions while increasing crop yields,” added Cournoyer. “It ultimately translates into greater well-being for all.”
For more on how those in our industry are working to better their communities, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.