FOWLER, CA - Just in time for those Thanksgiving promotions and boosted consumer demand, Bee Sweet announced the arrival of promotable volumes for two unique citrus varieties.
“This season, Bee Sweet has large volume of Pummelos and Satsuma mandarins,” said Sales Representative Jason Sadoian. “We have ample volume for Thanksgiving store promotions and are excited to market these varieties as household staples for the upcoming holiday.”
Satsumas will be available through November and Pummelos will be available through January, according to a press release. As for how you can push them, Citrus Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue gave some insight.
“With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s helpful for families to know that Pummelos and Satsumas can act as tasty additions to their holiday meals,” she said. “Pummelo segments are a delicious addition to any salad and Satsuma segments can be dipped in chocolate and sea salt for a delicious dessert. Both varieties can also be used in spreads to accompany pastries.”
Bee Sweet emphasized that Satsuma mandarins, known as one of the more popular citrus varieties, are easy-to-peel and incredibly sweet. Pummelos, on the other hand, offer tangy notes and a crisp texture.
To find out how both varieties can stand alone as a snack or as an ingredient in numerous meals, specific recipes are available at www.beesweetcitrus.com. To find out more about product availability, Bee Sweet Citrus offers sales representatives, which can be reached at (559) 834-200.
WENATCHEE, WA – The saying, “what a difference a year makes,” rings true as Stemilt compares the retail scan data results for the apple category in September 2016 and September 2017. While both apple volumes and dollars were down from 2016 due to a wide gap between harvest timing, Stemilt remains optimistic as the winter season approaches.
“In 2016, we had a record early start for apple harvest in Washington State, while this year has run about 10 days later than normal on average. This results in a lag for apples at retail, as varieties that were on display in 2016 were still waiting to be picked in 2017. Fortunately, harvest is just about wrapped up and retailers will have a bevy of promotions opportunities on apples as they head into the winter months,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt Communications Manager, in a press release.
According to Stemilt’s latest Fast Facts video, which analyzes Nielsen Fresh Facts data from September 2017, apples made up 5.9 percent of total produce department sales on average in the U.S., a figure that dipped from 6.5 percent in September 2016. Overall, apple categories were down regionally, with the central region dropping a percent year-over-year despite still coming in as the leading region with an apple category contribution of 7 percent.
The top 5 apple varieties in September 2017 were Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith. However, SweeTango® was the club variety that made it into the top 10 with volume up 9.3 percent and dollars up 13.3 percent from 2016, and offering an average retail price of $2.42 per pound.
“SweeTango® was a hit in September, not only because it was an apple that harvested in August, but also because it has moved beyond being a ‘new, hard-to-find apple’ and entered into being one that shoppers are now seeking out,” said Shales.
The average retail price of all apples in September 2016 was $1.66 per pound, and not surprisingly, Honeycrisp led retails for all apples at a whopping $2.72 per pound.
Approximately 64.3 percent of apples were sold bulk, while the remaining 35.7 percent were sold in bags. Two out of every three bags of apples sold in the U.S. in September were three-pound bags, a trend that will likely stay around given this year’s smaller fruit size on apples.
“Sizing is smaller on apples than in 2016, which presents plenty of promotion opportunities on bags. Stemilt’s popular line of 3lb. pouch bags, called Lil Snappers®, markets intent to shoppers and does so in their preferred purchase size. We expect a big year for this brand, which is available in a full line of both conventional and organic varieties,” Shales noted.
The five-pound pouch bags offer retailers another great opportunity, especially as the holidays loom closer and people begin using more apples for baking, Shales explained. Stemilt has an array of varieties available in its 5lb. Apple Lover pouch bags, as well as holiday candy cane themed bags for select varieties come December.
“September was only the very beginning of apple season,” said Shales optimistically. “As the months continue, we expect to see club apples, including our signature variety Piñata®, emerge into these category stats, and anticipate category share, volume, and dollars to align closer to last season now that crop has been harvested.”
Will the winter season bring in higher numbers for Stemilt’s apple varieties? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
NECKARSULM, GERMANY - In the constant progress of technology, sometimes new innovations can get lost within the bustling news. But, Lidl is making sure that its newest partnership with Stockholm-based start-up Einride makes waves and drives business practices into an easier way of operating.
Ladies and gents, allow us to introduce you to the T-Pod. Lidl’s new ride is a driverless and emission-free cargo truck. Following the launch of the T-Pod last summer, Lidl announced plans to pilot the new remotely controlled delivery system starting next autumn.
”The supermarket industry is very transport intensive and will continue to produce high emissions as long as it is dependent on fossil fuel technology. During the 2016/2017 fiscal year, Lidl completely switched to alternative fuels such as electricity, natural gas, biodiesel, or eco-labeled diesel, which reduced the environmental impact of transport by 25 percent. By switching to electric trucks, transport emissions can decrease by up to 100 percent. Einride’s self-driving T-pod is a big step forward in Lidl’s battle for fossil free transport,” said Johannes Fieber, CEO of Lidl Sweden, in an article published by Innovators Magazine.
According to Drive Sweden, the 2018 launch will begin in Halmstad, Sweden, and will showcase the driverless delivery truck’s capability to drive 4 kilometers with 15 loaded palettes at a time. The route will drop off the items at the Lidl supermarket located in the Andersberg district from Lidl’s central warehouse.
The journey doesn’t end there, though. The company is testing the waters before it begins trying to apply the same level of sophisticated, technological advances to other stores. With plans to turn in the application in November for the permittance of the driverless vehicles, the road ahead is looking smooth and steady for these companies.
For more up-to-date details on how businesses in the industry are advancing technologically, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – Ahold Delhaize is still reaping the rewards of its recent merger; the retailer announced its third quarter 2017 report, noting significant increases to sales and income.
“We reported a strong financial performance again this quarter as margins increased significantly, driven by synergies while savings from our ‘save for our customers’ programs are continuously being reinvested in the business,” noted CEO Dick Boer. “We continue to successfully implement our Better Together strategy and expect cumulative net synergies for the full year of 2017 to increase from €220 million to €250 million (from approximately $255 million to $290 million USD).”
Highlights from the report include:
- Sales growth increased to 2.1%, with strong synergy delivery resulting in margin expansion
- Net sales increased by 7.4% to €15.1 billion ($17.5 billion)—up 10.9% at constant exchange rates
- Net income increased by 54.0% to €362 million ($419 million)—up 59.5% at constant exchange rates
- Pro forma net sales decreased by 1.1% to €15.1 billion ($17.5 billion)—up 2.1% at constant exchange rates
- Strong sales performance in the U.S., gaining market share across our brands
- Online businesses growing total net consumer sales by more than 20%
- Pro forma underlying operating margin increased to 3.9%, up 40 basis points compared to Q3 2016
- Strong free cash flow of €426 million ($493 million), up €340 million ($394 million), with guidance of €1.6 billion ($1.85 billion) for FY 2017 reiterated
- Free cash flow for FY 2018 expected to increase, including capital expenditure to step up to €1.9 billion
- New €2 billion ($2.31 billion) share buyback program for 2018, following completion of the €1 billion ($1.16 billion) program in 2017
“As part of our omni-channel strategy, we continue to enhance the leading position of our online businesses both in the U.S. and Europe, which in total grew more than 20% this quarter,” said Boer. “We continue to invest in online warehouse capacity and are on track to realize almost €3 billion ($3.47 billion) in online consumer sales this year and nearly €5 billion ($5.79 billion) by 2020.”
Boer also noted that the company reaffirmed its fiscal guidance, said Ahold Delhaize would continue to invest in expanding “digital capabilities and expertise,” and noted the company’s confidence in its Better Together strategy.
“We reiterate our guidance of €1.6 billion ($1.85 billion) free cash flow for the full year 2017,” said Boer. “Looking forward to 2018, we will maintain our balanced approach between managing our debt, funding growth and returning excess liquidity to our shareholders. For 2018, we expect free cash flow to increase and we anticipate capital expenditure to step up to €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion), focused on improving our store network, expanding our omni-channel offering and further developing our digital capabilities.”
AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-date with more on this and other important retailers in fresh produce.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA – With the holidays upon us and this opportunity and ability to give to those less fortunate even more welcomed than ever, the Allen Lund Company is once again launching its support of Navidad en el Barrio, a program that the team has supported since 2004 and continues to support today.
“It's so wonderful to be able to provide fresh produce and meals to these families during the Christmas season," Nora Trueblood, Director of Marketing for the Allen Lund Company, stated. "The shippers and carriers we work with year-round are so generous."
To give you a little background on the incredible program, Navidad en el Barrio accepts and utilizes donations to assemble food baskets containing chicken, tortillas, cheese, canned goods, drinks, and various produce items to offer individuals a healthy holiday meal.
“The produce and perishable items have been a huge addition to these meals and one that is incredibly appreciated,” Nora added. Allen Lund Company provides logistical support as well as produce donated by customers. “We have watched the program grow and gain traction more and more every year, and we are honored to be a part of such an impactful initiative.”
Through the efforts of Navidad en el Barrio, which was established in 1972 by former NFL kicker Danny Villanueva, over 75,000 people are served annually.
"My mom and dad instilled in us the value and importance of giving back, and we as a company completely embrace that concept,” Kenny Lund, Vice President of ALC said. “Navidad en el Barrio is such an important effort and one that we are able to actually see the impact by participating in the distribution of the dinners and meeting the grateful families."
With long time supporters and new companies joining the cause, ALC has started the process of organizing donations of perishable products and food items from growers/shippers for the annual holiday food baskets.
"We are honored to be apart of this program again in 2017. For the fourth year in a row, Dayka & Hackett will be providing approximately 10,000 lbs. of grapes to the Navidad en el Barrio event," Mike Weaver, Table Grape Commodity Manager of Dayka & Hackett, shares with me. "It is a small gesture on our part to help spread holiday cheer."
Since 1972, Navidad en el Barrio has gathered and distributed food during the Christmas holiday to serve mostly Hispanic communities of Southern California, with the mission of providing a Christmas meal to families who very often feel marginalized and forgotten by our society, Nora adds. Navidad en el Barrio works with agencies throughout Southern California, from Ventura to San Diego, and including Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange County.
“Rainier Fruit Company is pleased to join the Allen Lund Company and other grower shippers within Washington State in supporting Navidad en el Barrio,” Michael Clayton, Director of Logistics for Rainier Fruit Company, shares. “We have actively participated in this great cause serving the communities of Southern California since 2006. We would like to thank all involved and wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season!”
With so many on board with the cause, Joe Esta, Vice President of Wada Farms shares in the sentiment that so many do at this time of year—the idea that when you have more than you need, build a longer table not a higher fence.
"Wada farms has many great partners in the produce industry, and with them we donate to several holiday food drives. We recognize our ability to give to those in need, and for us, it is a year-round commitment," Joe tells me. "Navidad en el Barrio and others like the 'No Hunger Holiday' in St. Charles, Missouri, which we donate to through Ole Tyme Produce, and the program Feeding America, are just a few of the ways our industry can address these causes."
The logistics and transportation of the donations made during the week of December 11-15, 2017, will be provided by the Allen Lund Company with meals being delivered on Saturday, December 16th. Donations are delivered via ALC to a warehouse location in Los Angeles and then delivered to agencies throughout Southern California for distribution to the most in-need families.
ALC is continuing to reach out to shippers in the Western U.S. that ship items which can be used to complete a meal for these families' Christmas dinner. Should your team choose to participate, your company logo will be featured in any promotional materials that are developed, as well as placed on the program’s website, so rally around this special initiative and join the Allen Lund Company in giving back this holiday season.
Allen Lund Company Dayka & Hackett Rainier Fruit Company Wada Farms
WASHINGTON, DC – Under regulations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), Carbonella Desarbo Inc., operating out of New Haven, Connecticut, posted a $100,000 surety bond.
The surety bond was posted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to employ David Makas, previously named in a PACA action.
According to a USDA press release, David Makas was an officer of M & M Produce Inc., Hartford, Connecticut, which was found to have committed repeated and flagrant violations of Section 2 of the PACA.
Any PACA licensee wishing to employ individuals who have failed to pay a reparation award, or have been subject to a USDA disciplinary action, must post a USDA-approved surety bond.
USDA will hold the $100,000 bond for four years, providing assurance to the industry that the company will be able to pay for produce purchased and to conduct its business according to PACA rules.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,400 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Its experts also assisted more than 8,500 callers with issues valued at approximately $151 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
VALENCIA, CA – Sunkist Growers and Fruit Growers Supply Company (FSG) announced an executive appointment this week; the two companies have promoted Rayne Thompson to the role of Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy. In her new capacity, Thompson will oversee both Sunkist and FSG interests as they relate to state, federal, and trade policies.
Thompson joined Sunkist as Director of Government Relations and Public Policy in January of 2015, bringing a wealth of experience advocating for agriculture at federal and state levels. Prior to joining Sunkist, Thompson oversaw the Agricultural Marketing Service at USDA, served as Deputy Secretary at CDFA, and handled government affairs at Ag Council of California and the California Farm Bureau.
“Rayne has been pivotal in helping Sunkist navigate the ever-changing statutory and regulatory requirements that our industry faces,” said Russell Hanlin, President and CEO of both Sunkist and FGS. “In this expanded role, Sunkist and now FGS will further leverage her extensive background and experience in this important area to best serve our membership.”
In her new role, Thompson will help both Sunkist, the thousands-strong cooperative and provider of more than 40 fresh citrus varieties, and its sister company FSG, the vertically-integrated services and shipping solutions company, navigate regulatory requirements.
We at AndNowUKnow congratulate Thompson on her new role and wish her our best!
WEST DES MOINES, IA - Online shopping is easier than ever for consumers, making it a great business plan option for many companies. Hy-Vee is just one of many businesses embracing the model, with plans to build three new fulfillment centers in Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and the Twin Cities. News of these new developments comes on the heels of delaying its first out-of-Iowa distribution center, instead focusing on growing its burgeoning online business.
“We want to continue to grow and improve our Aisles Online program,” said Tina Potthoff, Senior Communications Manager at Hy-Vee, in a recent article from The Des Moines Register. “It’s become very popular.”
The popular Aisles Online program enables customers to order online and either conveniently run into the store to pick their goods up or have them delivered. With this easy purchasing avenue and strong reception from consumers, the company is eager to expand upon this business concept after its first fulfillment center was created in Urbandale last year.
Also noted in the article is that the company is looking to expand its Fast & Fresh stores, and several formats are being considered, with groceries, prepared foods, and coffee shops all on the table. Des Moines and Altoona will both be home to Fast & Fresh stores in the near future, and a third store is planned near Jordan Creek Town Center, though plans have yet to be finalized.
With so much on the horizon, the retailer has proven to have its heart set on making the shopping experience easier, trendier, and more enjoyable than ever for its consumers.
SALINAS VALLEY, CA - As we transition from the month best known for its treats and into the one most known for its gratitude, the folks at the Labor of Love program were eager to usher in November with a surprise visit to Church Brothers Farms’ harvest crew of 40 in Soledad, California.
“Being able to surprise harvesting crews with random acts of kindness is a fun way of showing how much we, as a community, appreciate the long hours and hard work they do for the agriculture industry,” said Jenna Hanson Abramson of Labor of Love.
For this recent in-field event sponsored by Church Brothers, the Labor of Love crew came to Soledad with lunch and trick-or-treat goodie bags filled with candy in tow. Gift cards were given to all the workers, and there were even additional fun sweepstakes items like Halloween pumpkins for carving and another $100 Gift Card.
This 40 person harvesting crew, who usually starts their day around 4am, has been tapped to harvest topped and tailed romaine for the True Leaf Farms processing plant in San Juan Batista, according to a press release. On this day alone, the crew harvested 300 bins worth. "The quality and workmanship of product produced by this crew is top notch,” Pat Stafford, Harvest Manager at Church Brothers Farms, commented.
Founded in 2015 through a grassroots effort by the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association (YFVA), Labor of Love takes initiative to thank those who work in agriculture on behalf of the industry and the community. Now working in the Salinas Valley for two seasons, this coming winter also marks the third year the program will be active in Yuma.
Labor of Love is continuing to surprise crews around the Salinas Valley, so check out the group’s Facebook page, as well as the website www.LaborOfLoveSalinas.com to see where the Labor of Love team will share their gratitude next.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) against Forest City Weingart Produce Co.
According to a USDA press release, the company, operating from Ohio, allegedly failed to make payment to 23 produce sellers in the amount of $716,689 from October 2014 through May 2017.
Forest City Weingart Produce Co. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry for two years. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for one year and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
The PACA Division, which is part of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), 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 3,400 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Its experts also assisted more than 8,500 callers with issues valued at approximately $151 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.