KEENE, NH – C&S Wholesale Grocers has announced the appointment of Mike Duffy to Chief Executive Officer, effective January 8, 2018. Allowing C&S’s current CEO Rick Cohen to focus on his role of Executive Chairman of the Board, Duffy will assume leadership responsibility for C&S’s strategic development, customer satisfaction, and day-to-day operations.
“I am honored to be joining the C&S team to continue and to build upon the impressive legacy of this organization,” Mike Duffy said in a press release. “As I have gotten to know Rick and the leadership team, I understand the significant strengths that C&S offers to the industry, and I am excited to partner with the entire organization in driving the future success of the company.”
After earning both a bachelor’s degree in Operations Research and a master’s degree in Transportation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Duffy garnered over 20 years of expertise from working with P&G, the Gillette Company, and Cardinal Health as the President of Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Prior to his current role, Duffy served on the Board of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and as President of the Corporate Advisory Council at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business (Master of Supply Chain Management Program).
“I have full confidence in Mike’s ability to lead C&S’s continued journey as the leading supply chain company in the food industry,” said Cohen. “He brings with him world class leadership and commercial skills and is an experienced operator with supply chain capabilities in procurement, warehouse management, logistics, and distribution. I look forward to working closely with him, as we continue to provide exceptional service to our customers and valuable career opportunities to our employees.”
Congratulations, Mike Duffy, and good luck in your new role. For more news like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
YAKIMA, WA - We are just one month into this year’s Autumn Glory® season, and the proprietary apple by Domex Superfresh Growers® is already lighting up social media spheres across the country. Engaging with more than one million people over social media, the Autumn Glory is available this year in thousands of retail locations, and to kick off the 2017 season, Superfresh Growers sponsored several celebratory events, including an Autumn Glory Harvest Immersion, the Autumn Glory Apple Pie Workshop hosted by feedfeed, and Autumn Glory apple brunch parties in Atlanta and Boston.
“We wanted to host an event that immersed the blogosphere into our own everyday experience,” Communications Manager Catherine Gipe-Stewart shared about a recent tour the company hosted for eight influencers in its Yakima Valley orchards and warehouse. “Influencers had the chance to take sunrise photos, harvest Autumn Glory apples, and experience an Autumn Glory apple-themed dinner.”
The aforementioned event was the first of many, kicking off the social media awareness campaign with influencers from across the United States, including Café Johnsonia, Everyday Maven, Foolproof Living, Fox & Briar, Millennielle, Nosh and Nourish, PDX Food Love, and Piloncillo y Vainilla.
Now, for the months of November and December, Autumn Glory apple is teaming up with feedfeed for a partnership that includes a giveaway, recipe creation, and Autumn Glory Apple Pie Workshop. According to a press release, feedfeed is the largest global crowdsourced digital cooking publication, with a community that boasts over 2 million Instagram followers throughout their feeds. feedfeed's high engagement rate has garnered Autumn Glory apple content more than 5 million impressions so far.
With a focus on crafting delicious meals using the Autumn Glory apple, Erin Clarkson of Cloudy Kitchen led an Autumn Glory Apple Pie Workshop of over 15 influencers to make a herringbone lattice apple slab pie. The event was designed to encourage engagement on Instagram and Instagram Stories, the company shared, and included a photo studio for professional photos to be taken throughout the event.
Attendees mingled and created while noshing on Autumn Glory apple cheeseboards, Squash and Apple Soup, and the signature cocktail of the evening, Autumn Glory Apple Margaritas, created by Jessica Fiorillo of Feed Me Dearly. In total, influencers that attended hold a total Instagram audience of over two million followers.
“Autumn Glory apples taste like nature’s own caramel candy! I’m not even kidding my friends-these are hands down the best apples I have ever tried,” Luisa Hammet, MS RD LD, of Peaches to Pearls and host of the second annual Atlanta Autumn Glory Brunch Party said. “I like cutting mine up and dipping them in almond butter for a healthy snack. They also add a lot of flavor to any dish-especially fall dishes!”
This Harvest Brunch was attended by Atlanta Girl Gang, Darling Down South, Shelby Rae Photographs, and Elizabeth Spencer Davis Blog, with Hammet hosting a potluck style meal that featured dishes highlighting the caramel notes of Autumn Glory apples, including Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel Sauce, Puff Pastry Turkey Sliders with Apple Chutney, and Farro Apple Salad.
Lastly, in Boston, Lauren Pariseau of Hunger|Thirst|Play hosted her Autumn Glory-themed potluck with a New England touch, writing, “When you grow up with apple orchards in your backyard you tend to get a little snobby about the crisp, sweet, tart produce. Well, I’m sorry to break the news New England...the Pacific Northwest is here with Autumn Glory apples and they’re getting a front and center spot on our fall-inspired table. Firm texture, skin that snaps, and a noisy-in-a-good-way bite is a solid start to winning over New England apple lovers. But the smell and the taste, oh man you guys, pull up a chair and break out your scratch and sniff screens.”
At the potluck were Boston bloggers including Sweet & Masala, Where the Blue Boots Go, Life as a Maven, Prim and Propah, and Stress Baking, and dishes ranged from “sweet to savory, and baked to braised,” including Savory Baked Apples, Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash, Apple Hand Pies, and Lollipop Lamb Chops with Autumn Glory Chutney.
Following along with the rise of Superfresh Growers’ Autumn Glory apple? Continue the story with AndNowUKnow, and check out more online on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
FOWLER, CA – With holidays right around the corner, consumers can now add Bee Sweet Cirtus’s Heirloom Navels to the traditional spreads. The sales team is looking to relay the uniqueness of this variety to consumers during its limited availability through the cooler season.
“While mandarins make a fabulous snack for work or school, it’s hard not to encourage consumers to try our Heirloom Navels while they’re in season,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue. “Unlike other navel varieties, its taste is never compromised by acidity, and this variety is often sought out for its amazing flavor.”
Heirloom Navels, a selection of a parent Washington navel, use farming methods that stem back to those used to grow Washington navels over a century ago on older blocks of well-aged trees. While navels first made their way to America from Brazil in 1870 and have taken off from there, farming methods for navel oranges have changed within the past century, welcoming the development of new varieties. However, heirlooms have stayed true to their course, bucking the trend of year-round availability and, instead, opting for its winter months’ span.
“Heirloom Navels are unmatched in flavor and set a very high standard for other easy-peel varieties,” continued Bienvenue. “Its high brix levels make them perfect for numerous meals, snacks, and desserts, and we encourage everyone to try them out while they’re available.”
Just how will consumers react when they get their hands on this distinctive variety? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up-to-date with the latest.
BOISE, ID – One of the United States’ largest grocers, Albertsons Companies, has announced that it is partnering with Instacart to offer same-day delivery at more than 1,800 stores.
“Instacart’s extensive delivery network combined with Albertsons Companies existing home delivery services and established, robust e-commerce offering creates a fantastic customer proposition,” said Shane Sampson, Albertsons Companies Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer, in a press release. “Customers can shop how, when and where they choose, with the convenient option of quick delivery straight to their doorsteps.”
The partnership is reportedly intended to further Albertsons Companies’ mission to reinvent the way consumers discover, purchase, receive, and experience food. When the two companies’ platform is fully developed, Albertsons noted in its press release, Instacart customers will be able to choose from Albertsons Companies banner stores across a number of key market areas, for a speedy, convenient grocery delivery option.
“Families across the nation trust and rely on Albertsons Companies’ stores for their fresh groceries and everyday essentials,” said Apoorva Mehta, Founder and CEO of Instacart. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with the company’s legendary brands from coast-to-coast to offer customers a new convenient, time-saving option for shopping at their neighborhood store.”
Under the terms of their agreement, Instacart delivery services are expected to be available in more than 1,800 Albertsons stores by mid-2018.
Albertsons also noted its continuing commitment to innovation and meeting the changing needs of consumers. Earlier this year, Albertsons Companies began rolling out same day delivery and a Drive-up & Go grocery pick-up service. The retailer also recently acquired meal kit company Plated. In addition to its new Instacart services, Albertsons will continue to operate its existing home delivery network and digital programs.
For more important news in the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
VANCOUVER, CA – Adding to its list of accolades, Oppy’s Chairman, President, and CEO, John Anderson, has been named to the elite role of Canada’s Most Admired CEOs of 2017. Chosen by Waterstone Human Capital and MacKay CEO Forums from a field of company leaders working throughout Canada, Anderson has been recognized for fostering a culture at Oppy during his 43-year tenure that enhances performance and sustains a competitive advantage.
“It’s exciting and humbling to be recognized in this way,” Anderson said in a press release. “Good leadership takes strategy—and stamina! But both our culture and our bottom line are consistently strengthened by a committed team that knows how to execute on the brand promise and works diligently each day toward clear goals. Together we’ve transformed Oppy into a high-performing, successful enterprise.”
During Anderson’s nearly quarter century at the company’s helm, Oppy has grown to $1 billion and achieved, with very few exceptions, year-upon-year record earnings. Anderson credits the company’s success to the combination of its collaborative strategic planning process and Oppy’s “expect the world from us” promise, which he introduced 15 years ago.
“At Waterstone we believe corporate culture drives performance and that it’s your organization’s greatest asset,” said Marty Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Waterstone Human Capital and Chair of Canada’s Most Admired™ CEOs. “What’s remarkable about our honorees is their commitment to culture as a competitive advantage. They truly set the benchmark for cultivating, and sustaining, great cultures that ultimately drive their growth and power the performance of their teams. They are leaders to be admired for the diverse and impactful ways they make sure culture underpins all that makes them successful.”
Along with being recognized this year, Anderson also achieved the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chile America Chamber of Commerce; 2014 Business in Vancouver BC CEO Award; 2014 Acquisitions International Business Excellence Award; and 2015 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Canada’s Pacific Region, among others.
Oppy, recognized as one of Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures last year, celebrates its 160th anniversary in 2018.
Congratulations, John Anderson and Oppy!
For more produce industry achievements, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest.
TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND - In recognition of a growth plan that has the kiwifruit provider on track to more than double global sales to $4.5 billion by 2025, Zespri was honored with the 2degrees Best Growth Strategy award at this past week’s 2017 Deloitte Top 200 Awards. According to Chief Executive Dan Mathieson, the award comes as welcome recognition for the work done across the industry to grow a genuine global sales and marketing organization and drive demand for Zespri’s kiwifruit.
“This award is real testament to the great team we have at Zespri—passionate, dedicated people around the world who bring to life our global grower-to-consumer strategy day in and day out—and the long-term partnerships we have with our customers," Mathieson commented. “Kiwifruit is big business in New Zealand, but it only makes up 1.5 percent of the globally-traded fruitbowl, so we see huge potential to grow the overall category.”
So, how does Zespri plan to double its sales in just 7 year’s time?
“We’ll continue to grow market demand for our products by building our premium Zespri brand and kiwifruit products to best meet the needs of our growing consumer base with a relentless commitment to quality, taste, and safety,” said Mathieson, noting that innovation will also be key in driving the company’s growth. According to a press release, the kiwifruit industry invests around $35 million a year in innovation, with more than half of this invested in Zespri’s joint new varieties breeding program with Plant & Food Research, which allows the company to develop new products and attract new consumers.
“Ours is a collaborative industry and to hit this ambitious target, we’re working with growers, post-harvest and our other supply chain partners to invest and build capability and capacity to achieve the significant opportunity that lies ahead of us,” added Mathieson.
In its release, Zespri cites a recent report from the University of Waikato, showing the New Zealand kiwifruit industry in its entirety is on track to create another 29,000 jobs and triple GDP contribution to over $6 billion by 2030. This, the company says, is due largely to Zespri’s gold variety SunGold.
“Doubling sales in the next seven years would mean over $3 billion returned to communities around New Zealand—our export returns were $1.6 billion to New Zealand last season and this will double by 2025. This is a vital contributor to communities in kiwifruit growing regions across New Zealand,” Mathieson continued.
As this strategy unfolds before this industry in the coming years, keep following along with AndNowUKnow.com.
MILLEN, GA - John Mackey has been in a number of headlines throughout his retail career, most recently as Whole Foods shifts under its new acquisition by Amazon. The Co-Founder and CEO of the retailer helped raise the $14 billion Fortune 500 company from a single Austin, Texas, store in 1978. And you will get to hear his expertese at the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) 2018 Southern Exposure in Tampa, Florida, on March 3, 2018.
“We are honored this year to have John Mackey share his insights on how the landscape will change and remain the same with the Whole Foods and Amazon merger,” said President and CEO David Sherrod. “This exciting Keynote session should provide relevant information for all of our attendees, no matter what sector they represent.”
Now a top U.S. supermarket with more than 400 stores and 87,000 team members in three countries, Austin’s worst flood in history actually almost bankrupted the original store in 1981. According to a press release, community efforts to save it shaped Mackey’s leadership philosophy to “do right by your stakeholders, and they’ll do right by you.”
For 18 consecutive years, Fortune Magazine has included Whole Foods Market on its “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. Other accolades include:
- America’s Healthiest Grocery Store by Health Magazine
- Top retailer for seafood sustainability by Greenpeace
- One of “America’s 25 Most Inspiring Companies” by Forbes
- No. 20 overall for Fortune’s “Most Admired Companies” list, and first in the food and drug store industry
In addition to devoting his career to providing shoppers with high-quality natural and organic foods, Mackey has focused on building a more conscious way of doing business. He led the company through more than 20 acquisitions, the release noted, took Whole Foods Market public in 1992, and still plans to grow the company to 1,200 stores.
A staunch advocate of healthy eating education, he laid the foundation for health and wellness programs for team members and customers. Most recently, Mackey has focused on returning to the company’s healthy eating and lifestyle choices roots.
Out of his respect for equity among team members, Mackey implemented a salary cap for all executives, cutting his own salary to $1 annually in 2006 and forgoeing stock options and bonuses.
SEPC said that Mackey continues to work for Whole Foods Market out of a passion to see the business realize the potential for deeper purpose, for the joy of leading a great company, and to answer the call to service he feels in his heart.
Registration numbers for Southern Exposure 2018 are quickly climbing. To register, visit southernexposure.seproducecouncil.com.
NEW YORK CITY, NY – Actor Denzel Washington may have got more than he bargained for after agreeing to a squash- and cranberry-intensive “Random Object Shootout” with comedian Jimmy Fallon last week on the set of The Tonight Show.
The Tonight Show host challenged the iconic actor to a shootout that involved tossing fruit—a butternut squash and bowl of homemade cranberry sauce—and other items at a basketball hoop.
“Denzel, I know you played, back in the day…at Fordham University in New York City, so tonight, I want to challenge you to a Random Object Shootout…You brought your own squash; this is great,” quipped Fallon before the two commenced competition—with two airballs.
Neither star could hoist their squash even close to the rim—though Washington did attempt an impressive-looking sky hook.
The two played to a stalemate before Fallon “hurt his wrist” and brought in a ringer—two-time NBA MVP and Champion Stephen Curry—who effortlessly drained his squash.
“He did that like it was nothing!” said Fallon, and Washington likened Curry’s squash shooting abilities to the two-time Academy Award winner’s own acting abilities.
Watch the video in its entirety here.
Will more fruit-focused rivalries and veggie-geared games follow suit? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
DALLAS, TX – In today’s world, a marketing plan increasingly requires a social media presence and strategy to successfully reach and influence audiences. Seeking to help brands create informed and relevant social media and event marketing plans, DMA Solutions, Inc. announced the launch of its fourth annual, free popular industry resources, the Social Media and Produce Marketer’s Calendars.
“As social media evolves, so does our strategy for providing the best resources to help marketers elevate their brands,” said Dan’l Mackey Almy, CEO of DMA Solutions, Inc, in a press release. “This is exactly why we create tools like the Produce Marketer’s Calendar and have made the Social Media Calendar a biannual release—so marketers are using leading information to elevate their brand and sell more product.”
DMA knows equipping brands with the right information and tools is important, which is why the marketing and communications experts in the company have made it a priority to share these calendars with other marketers in the industry.
New this year, the 2018 Social Media Calendar will be released in two installments. Each installment includes six months’ worth of the most current industry trends, tips, and inspiration so that marketers can be assured they are using the most relevant information to elevate their brands. This year’s revamped Social Media Calendar includes:
- A comprehensive list of important industry related and food holidays for creating the most relevant and engaging content, released bi-annually
- Top trending hashtags featuring current trends to amplify reach of shared content
- Social media pro-tips and articles from DMA Solutions Inc.’s team of social media specialists
The 2018 Produce Marketer’s Calendar brings back one of the industry’s best lists of key information, specifically curated for the fresh produce marketer. With the most up-to-date information and research, the Produce Marketer’s Calendar is an essential tool for strategizing marketing plans for the coming year. This year’s Produce Marketer’s Calendar includes new:
- Conferences and tradeshows related to fresh produce, media, leadership development, influencers, and marketing
- Promotion opportunities, important events, and national/regional holidays to capitalize on year-round
- Helpful tips from the DMA Solutions, Inc. team addressing the specific needs of fresh produce marketers
- Monthly promotional suggestions and inspirational quotes to inspire continued growth and development
DMA Solutions, Inc.’s new 2018 Produce Marketer’s Calendar and 2018 Social Media Calendar are available for free download on the company’s website now. Free marketing consultations are also available to help fresh produce marketers navigate barriers and identify opportunities proactively for 2018. To schedule a consultation with the DMA team, visit www.dma-solutions.com.
For more of the latest produce industry news, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
TORANTO, CANADA – As the new year approaches, what trends are on the horizon? Loblaw foresees retro-inspired meals, freak shakes, cook-and-cut sheet meals, and other interesting foods becoming popular in the Canadian home-fronts. The company’s Taste the New Next details the retailer’s predictions for Canadian food trends in 2018.
“With the announcement of the Loblaw 2018 Canadian Food Trends, we hope to encourage Canadians to think differently about what they are eating and where their food comes from,” said Greg Ramier, Executive Vice President of the Market Division, in a recent press release. “We hope our food trends list will inspire Canadians to try new things and discover new family favorites.”
An eclectic group of Canadian experts make up the Loblaw Food Council, which includes professional chefs, registered dietitians, academics, and Loblaw food experts. In the summer of 2017, the group met to review internal and industry data to predict what consumers will be buying—and biting—into this coming year.
Loblaw’s trends are the following:
Closing the Food Loop
With a grow-it-yourself mindset blossoming, this trend is focused on lessening food waste. For those without a green thumb, the retailer expects consumers will be looking for ways to cater portion sizes to their needs and reuse leftovers in new ways.
“Many Canadians are having conversations about how to reduce food waste in their households. Using leftovers to make new and exciting meals throughout the week is one simple thing we can all do at home to help make this challenging issue delicious,” said Chef Ned Bell, a Loblaw Food Council member.
Occasional Indulgence
Nothing is off limits in the 2018 Canadian diet. Freak shakes with incredible treats for toppings, morning cakes for breakfast, and full fat options in items like yogurt will be top sellers, according to the retailer.
“In an increasingly virtual world, Canadians are seeking food experiences that are novel, sensory, and nostalgic. The faster the world changes, the more Canadians yearn for themes and variations of the familiar,” said Sanjay Khanna, Futurist and Loblaw Food Council member.
Rediscovering Traditions
Canadians are looking for ways to use everything they take home from their grocers. An aspect of this is the dual-purpose ingredient trend, which seeks to find new ways to use remaining products they purchased for another recipe. Consumers are also looking to the past for inspiration by rediscovering dishes of yesteryear and repurposing it with a 2018 twist.
“Canadians are looking to evoke a sense of nostalgia when it comes to their meals, but now benefit from unexpected ingredients and cooking tools that can help modernize these retro classics. For me, it’s about maintaining the great taste that you remember from when you were a kid, but reinventing it to make it a healthier and balanced meal,” said Kathy Jollimore, Chef, food stylist, food writer, and Loblaw Food Council member.
Rethinking Nutrition
Consumers will be looking for new ways to get nutritious meals. Canada’s Food Guide will spark consumers’ interest in finding proper guidance for their nutrition endeavors; the Food Council expects that consumers will be more likely to join discussions on what nutrition actually means, what they should actually be eating, and how they can gain credible insight into the nutrition world.
Another aspect of this is the focus on gut health. Pre- and Probiotics, fermented foods, and other items focused on the gut’s health will become increasingly popular. On top of the gut’s spotlight, consumers will also hone in on reduced sugar intake.
“Canadians have taken a vested interest in what we put in our bodies, including the food choices we make. Gut health is the biggest trend I’m seeing right now. Probiotics are here to stay,” said Sue Mah, Registered Dietician and Loblaw Food Council member.
Cooking on the Clock
Canadian consumers are looking for accessibility and something they can take with them on the time-crunch go. Morning cook-and-cut sheet meals, as well as protein items like chicken and seafood, will be all the rage this coming year, as consumers look to meal-prepping for an a.m. jumpstart. Meal kits are another outlet that Canadians are looking to for value and customization to make life easier in their day-to-day happenings.
“Canadians think they don’t have enough time to cook, but the fact is, every meal doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy. Breakfast, for example, can be as simple as scrambled eggs in a wrap, which takes less than five minutes. I want to challenge Canadians’ assumptions that they don’t have time to cook. Cooking can be fast AND really delicious,” said Claire Tansey, writer, chef, and Loblaw Food Council member.
As 2018 quickly approaches, these insider tips from Loblaw offer valuable insight into consumers’ mentalities and needs. The Food Council's ideas can be seen online, in-store, and in kitchens throughout 2018.
How will these trends take shape and settle in with New Year’s resolutions? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on their reflection in our industry.