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.
OCEAN BEACH, CA - We have seen McDonald’s dabbling in more produce offerings, and even a vegan burger or two, but what if this is just the beginning of an overall shift in fast food?
While we might be getting ahead of ourselves now, a burgeoning Southern California chain is dreaming of such a future.
“We’re really a plant-based, healthier version of McDonald’s, In & Out, Burger King, Wendy’s, or Jack in the Box,” Jeffrey Harris, Co-Founder of Plant Power Fast Food told Forbes contributor Katrina Fox in a recent report.
With Zach Vouga and Mitch Wallis, Harris started the fast food concept that offers foods with no animal ingredients, as well as being free from cholesterol, GMO, artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives.
“The fast-food industry has successfully answered a need by providing a convenient way to get our meals on the go while at the same time delivering a consistent taste experience. The downside is that, by and large, this type of food isn’t very good for you,” Harris told Fox. “Our goal has been to inspire people to begin to ask themselves some important questions about where our food comes from and perhaps to begin to think differently about their choices. But we’re not doing it in a way that’s preachy or confrontational.”
Though still a budding brand with two locations in Southern California, Plant Power is proving on paper to be offering something consumers want.
“Although we were only open for 11 months and six days in 2016, our San Diego location far exceeded our 12-month sales projections. That location is expected to finish the second year of operations with growth of over 63% from the first year,” Harris shared.
Before you think it’s a niche crowd spurring the trend, Harris added that it is “omnivores who want to try something new” making up the vast majority of the brand’s customers.
Details of just how wanted plant-based foods served via drive thru are include:
- A successful equity crowdfunding campaign that raised close to $400,000
- The premier location in Ocean Beach turning over $1.1 million in year one, with the second year tracking at $1.8 million by close of December 2017.
- Tracking $2.2 million for the Encinitas location’s first year
- The number of customers served by both restaurants by the end of the second year estimated at more than 1 million
For now, the company is taking care not to bite off more than it could chew. Despite requests to franchise and move to a nationwide availability, the founding team has hopes of two or three new restaurants developing in the next six to eight months, with several more locations opening over the next year or two.
“At the present time, our brand is apparently a bit bigger than our business and we regularly get requests to franchise our restaurants from all over the U.S. and the world. The extraordinary interest is reflective of a big change in our society; one that we hope to be part of,” says Harris.
So, next stop is a broader base of California, potentially the greater U.S., and then the world.
To read more about a number of chains contributing to the “rise of fast-casual vegan eateries” and how it could be the future, read Forbes’ full article here.
As for AndNowUKnow, we certainly can’t wait to see how far the seed of plant-based fast food spreads, and how it might propel the produce industry.
SALINAS, CA - Well, it looks like Mann Packing is making more than just the holiday season shine brightly with philanthropy-driven vigor. The company received the Philanthropic Corporation of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Monterey Bay Chapter. Mann’s award comes after its proven, continued, and generous support of nonprofit organizations throughout Monterey Bay. The award given for the company’s exemplary contributions to organizations within the communities was received by Lorri Koster, Mann’s Chairman and CEO, at a National Philanthropy Day® awards presentation in Pebble Beach.
“Commitment to community is a core value for Mann Packing,” said Koster, in a recent press release. “Along with the innovative and healthy products Mann’s offers, we are proud to give back through corporate philanthropy and company-wide volunteerism,” she added. “We collaborate with dozens of local nonprofit organizations to address vital issues and enhance the quality of life in the communities where we live and work.”
With 190 chapters throughout the world, the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ widely seen efforts are represented in its 28,000 dedicated members. AFP is focused on advocacy, research, education, and certification programs. While the organization has been around for 40 years, the Monterey Bay Chapter came into being in 1993. The well-established organization celebrated Mann’s commitment to supporting over 50 nonprofit agencies in Monterey County with its given award.
“Beyond innovation and products, Mann Packing believes in its community, and throughout its three generations of leadership, has developed a culture of philanthropy that reaches broadly in our county,” said Rob Lee, partner at Hayashi Wayland and 2016’s Philanthropic Corporation of the Year recipient. “The company encourages its employees to be part of the process by identifying projects and volunteer opportunities, board service, and by matching employees’ financial contributions for greater impact. This honor is well deserved.”
As stated in the press release, other award recipients include the following:
- Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year – Marsha McMahan Zelus
- Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation – Mann Packing
- Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation – Berkshire Foundation
- Outstanding Philanthropic Service Organization – Everett Alvarez High School Interact Club
- Outstanding Philanthropic Young Adult – Devin Ryan
- Outstanding Philanthropic Youth – Matt Gibbs
Congratulations to Mann Packing and all of the other winners at this year's awards ceremony! Thank you for your continued support of the communities in which you serve!
OTTAWA, ON – Everyone knows how much kids love to get their hands dirty. Tapping into this innate draw and into the broad spectrum that childhood curiosity covers is the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. The Association is welcoming its new program, "Chef for a Day,” which was created in conjunction with their Freggie™ Children’s Program and encourages students to develop healthy eating habits.
"Chef for a Day" teaches children food skills, such as how to make easy, healthy lunches from start to finish. And we all know the best part of cooking is the meal you get to enjoy after all is said and done, so students taking part in the program will get to eat their creations while learning healthy food skills to fuel their continually growing bodies.
“We know that the development of proper food skills is an essential foundation for healthy eating, and that the best way to learn is with a hands-on experience,” says Ron Lemaire, CPMA President, in a recent press release. “We’re hoping this event can provide awareness at the community level as to the benefits of teaching children to cook and sending them to school with more nutritious lunches.”
Teachers wanting to integrate this new program into their lesson plans are given a blueprint with step-by-step instructions for the event and encouraged to enlist the help of local chefs, dietitians, or keen parents as students gain insight. Running themes throughout the program’s event are health, food safety, and great taste. After Nova Scotia’s 2015 pilot, the program has been curated to address the nation’s children with minimal funds.
“It can be extremely challenging for teachers to execute one-off educational programs with limited funding and resources. With the easy to follow blueprints and gift cards to purchase ingredients, CPMA has developed a winning combination to get more kids engaged in healthy eating while respecting busy schedules,” added Kim Hickman, Community Dietitian, Health Promotion Unit, Government of Yukon. “This program is a wonderful way to get kids engaged and excited to make healthy meals.”
Media is allowing everyone in on the party, with outlets attending local events.
When children’s messy hands stem from them learning healthier eating habits, everyone wins! Welcome to the party, kiddos!