MINNEAPOLIS & POMPANO BEACH, FL - In tandem with its Q2 2018 financial report, SuperValu has announced it will acquire wholesaler Associated Grocers of Florida, Inc. in a $180 million transaction, in what looks to be a wholesale-focused strategic push by the company.
"Associated Grocers represents a great opportunity for us to further expand our wholesale business into another important region," said Mark Gross, SuperValu’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe SuperValu is uniquely positioned to be the supplier of choice across the grocery industry and this acquisition is another example of how we're delivering on our growth strategy."
According to a press release, this transaction is one that will expand SuperValu’s operations into new territory in Florida, and will help bolster the diversity of its customer base in South Florida, the Caribbean, and other international markets. As part of the deal, SuperValu says it has reached a long-term supply agreement with Associated Grocers' largest customer that will go into effect upon the closing of the transaction. During Associated Grocers' last fiscal year, which ended on July 29, 2017, revenues were approximately $650 million, as estimated by SuperValu.
"I'm very excited about this announcement," said Associated Grocers' President Christopher Miller. "Being a part of SuperValu will provide us with access to resources, products, services, and overall capabilities that are essential to helping us continue to provide top-notch support to our customers. SuperValu and Associated Grocers share a common dedication and commitment to the independent retailer, and together, we'll be in a great position to provide opportunities, innovation, and increased value to our customers, both domestically and in foreign markets."
The transaction, which was approved by each company's board of directors, is currently expected to close by the end of calendar year 2017, subject to approval by Associated Grocers' shareholders and other customary closing conditions.
The acquisition was announced alongside SuperValu’s Q2 2018 financial report, which saw the company wholesale net sales increase by over $1 billion, or 58%, over last year’s second quarter. SuperValu has made several efforts to polish its wholesale business, now its most profitable, including spinning off and selling its Save-A-Lot business, as well as acquiring Unified Grocers in early April of this year. As we reported previously, this increased focus on wholesale has translated to much success on the company’s part, boosting SuperValu stock by nearly 10 percent over the summer.
“We continue to make tremendous strides in driving our strategy, evidenced by another quarter of strong growth from our core Wholesale business which now represents over seventy percent of net sales,” said Gross. “Additionally, our results now include the benefit of Unified Grocers, where I'm pleased that the transition is going well. We have a lot to be excited about as we turn our focus toward the back half of our fiscal year.”
Other highlight’s from SuperValu’s Q2 2018 financial report are as follows:
- Consolidated net sales increased by $995 million, or 35%, over last year’s second quarter
- Second quarter net loss from continuing operations of $25 million; Adjusted EBITDA of $111 million
- Second quarter net sales were $3.80 billion compared to $2.81 billion last year, an increase of $995 million or 35 percent
- Gross profit for the second quarter was $428 million, or 11.3 percent of net sales
- For fiscal 2018, Supervalu currently expects net earnings from continuing operations to be in the range of $31 million to $50 million
As SuperValu looks to carve out its niche in the U.S. wholesale market, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep our fingers on the pulse.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Pacific Trellis Fruit and Brazilian table grape grower Labrunier have officially entered a strategic partnership after a few years of continued investment.
“We have been investing in this relationship with Labrunier over the past three years,” explained Josh Leichter, General Manager. “We are excited to offer our customers an early import option with exclusive new varieties. Labrunier’s focus on innovation is a natural fit for Pacific Trellis Fruit.”
With over 900 hectares in production, Bahia-based Labrunier is one of the largest table grape producers in Brazil, according to a press release, and has one of the world’s largest areas for growing and testing new table grape varieties selected for flavor, crop yield, and adversity to disease.
With an entire production internationally certified by Rainforest Alliance, new varieties include:
- Francis
- Sweet Mayabelle
- Candy Snaps
- Timco
- Sweet Celebration
- Sugar Crisp
- Sweet Globe
“We are particularly excited about the Francis grape, developed by Embrapa–the Brazilian Ag Research Corporation–which is a black seedless grape with a Muscat flavor and hints of raspberry and mango,” said Leichter. “We are also hopeful to receive limited volumes of the Cotton Candy variety which has seen huge demand here in the U.S. market.”
Pacific Trellis said that the program from Brazil provides North American retailers the opportunity to continue offering new variety grapes to consumers as the California crop winds down.
“Fazendas Labrunier and Pacific Trellis Fruit have teamed up to provide the premium and new grape varieties with strong early season import volume,” said Aryan Schut, Commercial Manager. “This partnership promotes each company in new markets, supporting their growth in the business. We pay close attention in every detail during the production process to guarantee that the grapes will arrive at the consumer’s house always fresh and sweet.”
The partners anticipate a good supply of the premium-quality grapes from when they begin to arrive at the end of this month throughout the holiday selling season. To reach out, connect with [email protected].
BANCROFT, WI — What’s new in the fresh potato category? From RPE, Inc.—category leader and grower/shipper of year-round potatoes and onions—a new potato item, a unique approach for commodity product and fresh innovations that add value for both consumers and retailers alike.
New featured item— SteamPak Mini™, for the health conscious and on-the-go consumer, is a single-serve package of fresh potatoes. Microwaving in four minutes for a great snack or side dish, SteamPak Mini has no additives and addresses a trend toward smaller pack sizes and a desire from consumers to reduce food waste.
Unique approach for commodity product—Old Oak Farms® Party Potatoes, offered exclusively by RPE, are fingerling potatoes reimagined with precise size specifications. Whether roasted, grilled skewered or paired with a favorite dipping sauce, Party Potatoes are an unexpected crowd pleaser. Now available for retailers seeking in-and-out items to boost category sales, a value-added marketing is in place for themed events including tailgating, holidays and the Super Bowl.
Innovations — Tasteful Selections™ Take & Shake™ single serve cups, a 2016 PMA Impact Award Semifinalist, is new and improved in response to consumer demand. Black Pepper, Rosemary & Thyme and Cheddar Cheese flavors are now gluten-free. Coming soon, a new flavor: Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper.
RPE will also highlight Tasteful Selections Steam & Savor™ steamable bags featuring Organic Mini Sweet Potatoes, and White Russet® brand potatoes.
While RPE will feature commodity and bite-sized potato innovations in the New Product Showcase this year, Chef Joey Elenterio will prepare and distribute delectable potato recipes using Old Oak Farms fingerling Party Potatoes and Tasteful Selections Sunrise Medley bite-sized potatoes.
Chef Joey Elenterio received a Michelin star during his tenure as executive chef at Chez TJ in Mountain View, California, and most recently founded French Fries and Caviar Culinary and Beverage Consulting. He has also been honored in Zagat’s 30 under 30 and with the San Francisco Chronicle’s Rising Star Chef award.
Discover more about Tasteful Selections and all of RPE’s product lines on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22, at booth number 4669.
About Tasteful Selections
Tasteful Selections, LLC is a joint venture of RPE, CSS Farms and Plover River Farms Alliance, Inc. They are a vertically integrated grower, shipper, marketer of premium specialty potatoes with unique attributes for size and flavor.
About RPE
RPE, a second generation family farm, is a category leader and key grower/shipper of year-round potatoes and onions. RPE prides itself on maintaining a high level of business integrity that includes commitments to environmental sustainability, as well as category innovation and retail solutions.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - Sunkist is celebrating 125 years of citrus production at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit Convention and Expo—a remarkable feat the cooperative attributes to the relationships it has built with those in the produce industry.
To capitalize on this milestone, Sunkist will have a limited release of a “Year of the Dog” 10-pound carton of California-grown Navel oranges on display at this year’s Summit for retailers envision for sale in stores in 2018.
Sunkist’s achievement accompanies high demands for citrus products. “This milestone season begins as citrus demand soars. Sunkist offers customers the trusted quality, service and marketing support to continue building demand and sales for the category–We Are Citrus™,” said Director of Communications, Joan Wickham, in a recent press release.
Further, celebrations continue with the cooperative’s trade to Sunkist Delite™ mandarins in early November. With mandarin production doubling this year for the cooperative, Sunkist is offering a new consumer-focused approach to kick off the citrus season.
To ensure consumers walk away from stores understanding all of its citrus products, Sunkist offers educational material for retailers. “We offer a wide array of retail marketing materials to help retailers inspire consumers to try citrus varieties that they may not have tried before. Highly visual materials and programs that highlight flavor, usage, nutrition and recipe ideas engage consumers in-store and encourage them to explore the citrus category,” said Director of Retail Marketing, Julie DeWolf, in the release.
There will be marketing materials available at the Sunkist booth, as well as a virtual reality experience, where the cooperative hopes to educate retailers on how to maximize marketing for its primarily California-grown citrus products.
If you’re around at the Summit and are looking for more information on Sunkist’s 125th anniversary and its celebratory goods, visit booth #2217. You can also find information at www.sunkist.com.
COLIMA, MEXICO - Seeking to strengthen the category, Super Starr International is bringing it’s safe, flavorful papaya varieties to PMA Fresh Summit. As a first-time exhibitor, Super Starr International is excited to bring a little piece of its tropical fruit heaven to New Orleans.
“We’re very fortunate to have maintained a healthy supply of safe papayas this season which can be accredited to our nutrient-rich volcanic soil in Colima,” said Lance Peterson, third generation farmer in Mexico and the U.S. and President at Super Starr International. “Now, we look forward to working with our retail partners to continue to strengthen category sales for this nutritious fruit.”
Papaya, often overlooked in fruit selection, is ranked as one of the most nutritious fruits by the Center for Science in the Public Interest because of its high content of vitamins and minerals, according to a press release. The fruit is traditionally served plain or cubed in fruit salads, and as of late, it has become popular to top the fruit with Tajin seasoning. Super Starr will tap into this trend at Fresh Summit by sampling fresh papaya with Tajin seasoning in the booth.
Focused on providing high-quality fruit to the marketplace, Super Starr’s papayas remain untouched from the salmonella outbreak linked to other Maradol papaya varieties earlier this year. Super Starr is able to provide secure supplies to retailers looking to stock their shelves with the sweet fruit. The brand has a steady supply of both Maradol and signature Royal Star papaya variety and looks forward to getting in front of consumers to encourage consumption after the outbreak.
Super Starr grows, packs, and sells its own product, to include Royal Star papaya variety, Maradol papaya, and Super Starr honeydew melon throughout the year. The brand will be sampling fresh papaya at PMA Fresh Summit in booth #3620.
For information or to schedule a meeting, please contact Lance Peterson at [email protected].
PHARR, TX – As 2017 PMA Fresh Summit fast approaches, buyers and suppliers alike are turning their focus to new offerings, new packaging, and new and innovative ways to serve their customers. One such company is London Fruit; a premier provider of limes, avocados, and mangos from Mexico is taking to Fresh Summit with some trade secrets in tow.
I recently had the opportunity to pry Project Manager Kalani Jaime and Cindy Swanberg Schwing, Sr. Marketing / Business Development, for information.
“Presently, we do 1-lb and 2-lb bag limes, and we also do some multi-size count mesh bags for avocados, and this year we’re going to introduce a little something else. I’m not going to tell you what it is,” Kalani jokes. “I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag—we’re not telling our secrets just yet—but we want people to be aware, to come by and see us, and we want to show our new offerings to our customers, our prospects, and our friends.”
Try as I might, this cagey produce veteran would not give up the goods. So, I changed my tack, and asked what London Fruit’s focus will be at PMA Fresh Summit.
“One of the things we want to emphasize at this year’s PMA is our packaging—our value-added packaging and custom packaging. If we have customers that require or ask about different setups—clamshells or bags or specialty boxes, for example—we have that ability, and that is something that we’re going to be showcasing this year at PMA,” Kalani says.
London Fruit is seeking to provide even more options to its customers and offer retail solutions to meet any number of needs, Kalani and Cindy tell me. As a company that has always been on the cutting edge, providing its customers with whatever they need, London Fruit isn’t afraid of adapting and taking on new challenges and stepping outside the company’s comfort zone.
“We’re fearless,” Cindy tells me. “In keeping with the theme of PMA’s convention, ‘Let’s Grow Together,’ we wanted to jump on board with that and emphasize how we want to grow with our customers in the same way. I think that as things change with trends and preferences in the trade, it’s nice that we’re a smaller company that is nimble and able to accommodate our customers with options like custom packaging.”
With year-round supplies of limes and avocados, the former from Veracruz and Oaxaca and the latter from Michoacán, and mangos available in season from up and down the coast of Mexico, London Fruit is primed to meet demand for premium-quality value-added fruit.
The company encourages industry members to stop by and visit the team at booth #1753 at this years PMA Fresh Summit. The team will include Jerry Garcia Sr., VP and Sales Manager, who coined the phrase “at London we do things right.” The company certainly guards its secrets well, so stop by and see what’s new.
For more on all things produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
ORLANDO, FL – Produce for Kids was recently recognized by both Feeding America for philanthropic efforts and by popular blog ranking site, Feedspot, for providing online blog content that is helping create a healthier generation. Through in-store and online programs over the last 15 years, Produce for Kids has donated more than $6 million to charities like Feeding America that benefit families and children who struggle with hunger. In addition, the Produce for Kids website provides healthy recipes, tips and more to help busy families live healthier lives.
Feeding America’s recognition as a Mission Partner is based on the substantial philanthropic investments Produce for Kids made in 2016 and 2017. Produce for Kids’ programs have provided more than 7 million meals* to families in need through Feeding America and expects to provide 5.5 million meals over the next two years.
In addition to the Feeding America recognition, Feedspot, a website that houses and ranks blogs and websites in multiple categories, recognized the Produce for Kids blog as a Top 100 Kids Food Blog. Produce for Kids is listed along with Mom to Mom Nutrition, the blog owned by Katie Serbinski, the official registered dietitian at Produce for Kids.
“Produce for Kids was founded on the idea of giving back. Being recognized as a Mission Partner by Feeding America is truly a big deal for us,” said Trish James, vice president, Produce for Kids. “We strive to continue to give back with every program we develop, but also remain in tune with our family audience by providing relevant online content to encourage the consumption of produce. Seeing the Produce for Kids name in the Top 100 Kids Food Blogs confirms our efforts are working.”
With the success of the all-digital Power Your Lunchbox program over the first three years, Produce for Kids added a second activation in 2017 to re-inspire families heading back to school after the holiday season. This year, more than 533,000 meals* were donated to families in need from a record-breaking 2017 Power Your Lunchbox digital program. The 2017 back-to-school program, which ran Aug. 7 to Sept. 22, 2017, alone saw 200 million impressions with 66.5 million impressions from the #PowerYourLunchbox social media hashtag. Across the U.S. and Canada, 27,072 families took the pledge, including 67 classrooms.
Partner produce companies supporting the 2017 Power Your Lunchbox digital program included: Avocados From Mexico, Bee Sweet Citrus, Crispy Green®, Earthbound Farm®, Eat Smart®, Marie’s ®, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice, The World of Eric Carle®, GROW Bananas by Organics Unlimited, NatureFresh™ Farms, Pero Family Farms®, Sun World®, Vegy Vida® Dips ‘n More, Wish Farms Strawberries and Zespri® Kiwifruit.
“Our Power Your Lunchbox movement continues to grow year over year as we evolve the digital program along with our family audience,” continued James. “We are able to continue to provide relevant recipes and content for these busy time periods for families by recognizing that families are diverse and the bulk of time spent in the kitchen is not just on moms.”
Power Your Lunchbox will relaunch in January to re-inspire families to eat a healthier lunch in the New Year.
HOUSTON, TX - Broadening its market reach in what many might call paradise Sysco Corporation announced yesterday that it has agreed to acquire Hawaii-based broadline distributor HFM FoodService.
“HFM has been providing quality service to Hawaii and Guam for over 50 years, and we are excited to welcome them to the Sysco family of companies,” said Tom Bené, Sysco’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “A key pillar of Sysco’s strategy for continued growth and value creation is the continuous assessment of new market opportunities. Acquiring HFM provides Sysco with direct access to the growing Hawaiian market and is in clear alignment with our strategy for disciplined, profitable growth of the business.”
HFM FoodService was founded as a flour mill in 1964, according to a press release, and has since grown into one of the largest foodservice distributors in the state of Hawaii with approximately $290 million in annual sales.
“By leveraging the combined skills of Sysco and HFM, we are better positioned to serve our customers,” Bené continued. “This partnership provides an opportunity to broaden our vision to be our customers’ most valued and trusted business partner.”
Sysco said that it expects to retain the executive leadership team of HFM, as well as all current associates.
For the latest strides in growth for both foodservice and retail influencers, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
KINGSVILLE, ON - After success at last year’s PMA Fresh Summit and Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Convention & Trade Show, Mucci Farms announced full scale production of the Award-Winning Veggies To GoTM ‘on-the-go snacks for kids.’
“After several months of market research, in-store demos, as well as engaging with current and potential retail partners to develop the innovative EZ Snap packaging, we are ready for full production,” said Danny Mucci, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are confident that Veggies To Go will have a big impact on our industry as the snacking category continues to make big gains in the marketplace.”
Veggies To Go is a 9-ounce pack divided into 3-ounce compartments with “EZ Snap” packaging, allowing each compartment to be “snapped” off. This package is a mix of Mucci Farms Sun DropsTM or Sun BlissTM Grape Tomatoes, CuteCumbersTM and Sweet To The PointTM pointed mini peppers. A club pack version is also available as a 3-tier 27-ounce package.
“Not only is this a convenient package for the consumer, it’s also fully customizable for our retail partners based on their target demographics,” explains Joe Spano, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We’ve got 4 great commodities, and our retail partners have the option to choose any combination of them to create their own version of the Veggies To Go package.”
Mucci Farms Veggies To Go was a finalist for a PMA Impact Award at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Conference & Expo in 2016. In addition, Veggies to Go won the “Freggie Approved” Award at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Convention & Trade Show recognizing the best kid-centric product and package. This year, Mucci Farms is looking forward to working with their “Partners in Produce” to make Veggies To Go a household name across North America.
The Mucci Team will be handing out free samples of Veggies To Go at the PMA’s Fresh Summit Convention & Expo in New Orleans at the Registration Desk and the 5K Race for Talent. Committed to promoting healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle, Mucci Farms is giving attendees a chance to win a Fit Bit Charge 2! The ANUK team will definitely be stopping by booth #5229 for details, so see you there!
SANTA PAULA, CA – Everyone knows that lemons are a key recipe ingredient but….
Many people don’t know that each specialty lemon variety has a unique flavor profile that pairs with certain foods and beverages to create winning taste combinations.
Limoneira conducted a recent test market in a Southern California supermarket chain and learned that consumers were not familiar with specialty lemons. In the test, three lemon varieties – Meyers, Pinks, and Classics–were displayed side-by-side with signs highlighting flavor differences and recipe possibilities. The test was very successful and demonstrated that specialty lemons sales volumes increased from 20% to 40% of lemon sales, total lemon sales increased by 105% with no cannibalization, and cross promotional item sales increased by 150%.
With busy produce aisles full of shoppers looking for last-minute ingredients and party necessities, it’s easy to fall back on ho-hum holiday recipes. But this season, Limoneira is using learning from its test market to create something new. Limoneira plans to help retailers sweeten their lemon varieties and zest up produce category sales with its “Pairing Perfection for the Holidays” marketing campaign.
Difficult to grow and in limited supply, Meyer lemons are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin, and are a favorite amongst chefs for their slightly sweet, delicate flavor.
For the November, December, and January months, Limoneira is offering retailers special Meyer lemons stand-up pouches with on-bag merchandising and in-bag inserts, including delicious lemon-inspired recipes to try every month, celebrating each month’s unique holiday. Limoneira is also hosting monthly contest giveaways for shoppers to Pair-adise (Hawaii), Pair- ‘is (Paris), and Pair-a-Dice (Las Vegas).
“In-store merchandising and robust social media marketing to geo-targeted shoppers will help build awareness and sales of Limoneira Meyer Specialty Lemons,” said Healthy Grocery-Girl and Limoneira spokesperson Megan Roosevelt in a recent video. “Colorful graphics on the bags, in-bag recipes, lemon pairing information, and contest details will help inspire and excite your shoppers to eat healthier.”
Each month, Limoneira offers recipes starring the Meyer lemons sweetness that are sure to be a party for shoppers’ flavor palates.
In November, shoppers can try dishes perfect for any Thanksgiving table or autumn night in, like:
- Roasted Garlic & Meyer Lemon-Rubbed Turkey
- Celery Root Stuffing with Roasted Meyer Lemon
- Rosemary-Meyer Lemon Turkey with Wilted Escarole
- Meyer Lemon Cake
- Rustic Meyer Lemon Tarte
In December, shoppers can get new ideas for dishes to bring to holiday parties, trying their hand at recipes like:
- Lemon Ginger Tea Infused Madeleines
- Meyer Lemon Mincemeat Pie Filling
- Meyer Lemon Candied Lemon Peel
- Butternut Squash Rose Tart with Meyer Lemon Roast Potatoes
In January, shoppers can start off the new year right by getting a jump on their resolutions with healthy recipes like:
- Meyer Lemon Tuscan Kale New Year’s Potato Salad
- Lemon-Cured Sardine Crostini with Ricotta and Fennel
- Falafel Bites with Lemon Twist Hummus
- Lemon Grilled Chicken, burst Tomato and Artichoke Skewers with Goat cheese dip
Megan also notes that Limoneira is ready to work with retailers’ in-house graphic teams or agencies to create customizable graphics or webpages uniquely crafted just for your store.
Stay tuned for Limoneira’s Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter updates for more “Meyer Magic for the Holidays” information and contest details, and don’t forget to visit Limoneira at booth #1905 at PMA Fresh Summit this week.
And if you liked Meyer lemons, keep your eyes peeled for Limoneira’s Lemon Trifecta making a big splash nationwide as pink lemons sprout this spring.
For more produce industry news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.