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!
MONTREAL, CANADA – Metro Inc. announced the results of its fourth quarter fiscal 2017; the retailer sited significant increases in sales and net earnings—as well as growth in same-store sales and earnings per share—following the company’s acquisition of The Jean Coutu Group and divestment from Alimentation Couche-Tard earlier this year.
“We delivered positive same-store sales and earnings per share growth in the fourth quarter in a very competitive market,” stated Eric R. La Flèche, President and Chief Executive Officer, in the company’s financial statement. “While our industry will be facing significant challenges in 2018, we are confident that we will continue to grow by executing our customer-first strategies and sustained investments in our network and supply chain.”
Highlights from Metro’s Q4 report include:
- Sales of $3,228.4 million, up 10.2%
- Same-store sales up 0.4%
- Fully diluted net earnings per share of $0.66, up 10.0%
- Net earnings of $154.9 million, up 6.8%
The company additionally noted 2017 fiscal highlights for the entire year, including:
- Sales of $13,175.3 million, up 3.0%
- Same-store sales up 0.3%
- Fully diluted net earnings per share of $2.57, up 7.5%
- Net earnings of $608.4 million, up 3.8%
Metro did note that both its fourth quarter 2017 and 2017 fiscal year contained an additional week when compared to 2016—but cited positive performance even when adjusting for the additional week. Excluding the additional 13th week in 2017, fourth quarter sales were up 1.4% from the previous year, and excluding the extra 53rd week in 2017, sales were up 1.0 % and same-store sales were up 0.3% for the company’s fiscal year.
The company also noted that, with the recent acquisition of The Jean Coutu Group and divestment from Alimentation Couche-Tard, the company hopes to further strengthen its position in the next several month.
“On October 2, 2017, we announced a business combination agreement with The Jean Coutu Group and then completed the sale of the majority of our Alimentation Couche-Tard holding to finance, in part, this acquisition,” noted La Flèche. “Over the next few months, our teams will be actively working on making this major acquisition a success that will strengthen our leadership position to better meet our customers' evolving needs in food, pharmacy, and health and beauty.”
For more information on Metro’s fourth quarter fiscal 2017, read the company’s financial report in its entirety here.
PASADENA, CA – With Sun Pacific’s Mighties and Cuties having just come into season, a massive consumer marketing campaign in the works, and plenty of innovative grape developments coming down the pipeline, the future looks bright for the California-based produce provider.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Howard Nager, Vice President of Business Development, to learn more about the company’s rapidly-growing grape program.
“Our grape program has changed significantly over the past year. We’re having many new varieties of black, red, and green...we’re also licensing three proprietary varieties from Sun World,” Howard explains. Additionally, the company has launched a new grape brand, capitalizing on the same strategy that saw Mighties and Cuties become household names. “We also have the Sunnies brand—available in black, red, and green—that we will be looking to bring to the marketplace in 2018.”
In addition to new varieties and a new grape brand in the spirit of Sun Pacific’s popular Mighties and Cuties brands, the company is launching a forward-thinking consumer campaign—in conjunction with iHeart Radio—featuring celebrities like Mario Lopez and Ryan Seacrest.
“Part of the media program involves outdoor and radio as well as promotions around the [iHeart Radio] Jingle Ball, which has some dynamic talent—Taylor Swift, Ariana Grand, Demi Lovato—terrific performers that will be in concert from a little after Thanksgiving to Christmas time,” notes Howard
Watch the entirety of my video interview on the floor of PMA Fresh Summit 2017 above.
SELAH, WA – Rainier Fruit is celebrating those who talk the talk and walk the “Wholesome to the Core®” walk. The healthy and wholesome fruit growing company’s new campaign, Wholesome Heroes, applauds those who best align themselves with its focus on health, wellness, and active living by partnering with organizations and initiatives that establish healthier lifestyle habits. Some of the organizations that the company has partnered with are the Boston Marathon, the Portland Marathon, the Charleston Marathon, and the Twin Cities Marathon.
“When we talk about 'Wholesome to the Core,' we’re talking about more than just our fruit,” said Mark Zirkle, President, in a recent press release. “The philosophy encompasses our sustainable growing practices, being of service to our employees, contributing to our community, and growing healthy fruit that is the fuel for positive actions.”
While the company has made its rounds with the running community, it is now opening new windows of opportunity to address those who embody the “Wholesome to the Core” philosophy, or community members who make health-conscious ripples within the social circles they are associated. The company is hoping to reward those who work hard every day, volunteer often, and shed light on health and wellness initiatives with a small recognition package.
“Rainier Fruit is not a food company, we are a lifestyle company. Healthy food fuels healthy living and we’re proud to not only grow some of the healthiest foods in the world, but help tell the stories of the people around the country that are making a difference,” said Andy Tudor, Vice President of Business Development.
Because of the campaign’s defining features for the company, it will be sharing Wholesome Heroes’ stories on a weekly basis to push healthier lifestyles and the Heroes’ hard work into the spotlight for others to hopefully emulate. Further, the company is celebrating employees within its own community, as well as trade partners throughout the industry, who go above and beyond in their projection of the Wholesome Heroes message.
Know someone you think embodies the epitome of a Wholesome Hero? Nominate them here!
SEATTLE, WA – The PSL season is officially over, but there’s no need to mourn, for Starbucks has released a new limited holiday drink, and hence, Juniper Latte season is born.
As the newest addition to Starbucks’ holiday menu, the Juniper Latte taps into aromas specific to the holidays as well as a winter fresh produce fave: citrus!
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We started with our Christmas Reserve. That earthy, aged Sumatra-inspired the woodiness, while the citrus flavor in the Hacienda Alsacia ties in that note of sweet orange,” said Lillian Ontiveros, Product Specialist, Global Product Innovation & Concept Development, in a Starbucks press release. “With the first sip, you’ll inhale that woodsy aroma and the savory woodiness of the juniper. On your second sip, you’ll get the mandarin. The sage follows on the backend. It’s a well-rounded experience.”
With a centerpiece of Starbucks Reserve® Christmas 2017—a holiday tradition that features Latin American and Indonesian beans, flavors of orange and mulled spices, and notes of cedar and black licorice—brewed as espresso, the beverage goes for true Christmas-in-a-cup authenticity. The holiday treat infuses steamed milk with a syrup made with dried juniper berries, sage, and mandarin oranges, before finishing off with latte art, a sparkle of juniper sugar, and a sprig of fresh sage. Yes, please!
And, if your identity as an Iced Coffee Drinker™ cannot be swayed, you can also request a cooler take on the holiday beverage with the Juniper Affogato—made with a scoop of Mora® juniper ice cream and a shot of Starbucks Reserve Christmas 2017 espresso.
The new holiday beverage is available for a limited time at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle and participating U.S. stores with Starbucks Reserve coffee bars (a complete list here).
With sleigh rides, snowfall, and evergreen fir trees on the horizon, skip the typical oranges in your stockings this year, and give the gift of Juniper Lattes!
For more produce industry holiday news you’ll want to check twice, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
WENATCHEE, CA - Stemilt Growers is seeking ways to make life much easier for those shoppers bombarded with choices while strolling through the produce department. Recent Nielsen research showed a spike in popularity for branded produce items, which fits perfectly with how Stemilt differentiates its products at retail in order to raise the bar on connecting with the consumer.
To speak about branding industry-wide, and also specific to Stemilt, is Communications Manager Brianna Shales, who gives us the latest and greatest on the evolution of consumer messaging.
“Branding a produce item for a specific audience creates a strong platform to connect with the shopper, and also shows people how a fruit can be used and tapped in different ways,” Brianna tells me. “The recent data that Nielsen published proves that selling fruit and produce, in general, through a brand is working. Consumers not only learn to recognize brands, but the brand becomes something they can find consistency and trust in.”
According to Brianna, branded items are becoming increasingly valuable, and can be seen in all shapes and sizes as they take over the produce departments. In fact, branded produce sales are up 8 percent over the past year and are now about one-third of the category sales, which is $68.8 billion, as Nielsen reports. These stats explore the sales growth from the beginning of October to the end of September for the years running 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.
“These branded produce items were up while unbranded sales, or generic packaging, was down 3.3 percent,” Brianna explains.
Stemilt has taken this concept and has run with it, marketing to consumers with a well-thought-out focus on the items they need. So, how is the company managing to use this marketing strategy with its own produce? If you are familiar with anything that Stemilt conceives and creates, you know that they are always looking to capture a share of the consumer’s basket—and they do it with high-graphic packaging, fun and engaging brand names, thoughtful targeted messaging, and a team to execute within the supply chain and in the produce department.
Here are a few of the items this season that are taking off at retailer and increasing the ring at the register. To begin, Lil Snappers®, which comes in conventional and Artisan Organics™ options, is a prime example of this business plan in action. The smaller item pairs well with customers wanting smaller portions of their favorite pears and apples in convenient ways. The catered-to-you approach works well for the company, with consumers seeking out the product because of its great serving size for themselves, or their children, while enjoying this year’s smaller-sizing on apples.
“As growers, we have always grown small apples, yet Lil Snappers® ability to market intent to a group of shoppers—parents and their kids—not only highlighted that fact, but has created demand for these petite-sized fruits,” Brianna expands.
Another item that the company is offering this season is its Piñata® proprietary apple, great for baking and is in season now through June. In addition to the conventional versions, the company is excited to offer a larger percentage of organic Piñata® apples this year.
The brand’s branded produce is a hallmark of its success and the source for consumer inspiration. In the competitive marketplace, Stemilt’s business model is based on making it stand out against competitors, as it aligns itself with those stocking the produce it has designed specifically for consumers’ needs.
“By stocking brands, you are able to tighten the relationship between your company, the store, and the consumer’s brand recognition. There is a sense of authenticity and familiarity that can be created with well-branded, quality produce items,” Brianna shares with me.
To enhance the grower-grocer-consumer relationship, Stemilt has created a plethora of exciting marketing tools, such as display bins, contests, POS materials, and well-developed digital access through social media and photography—all in an effort to promote sales and fresh produce consumption.
For more industry news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow!
RIVERSIDE, CA – Index Fresh has announced a major change to its sales and logistics team this month. Jorge Reyes—who spent the last four years working closely with the Index Fresh Sales team, ensuring timely deliveries and coordinating logistics, has transferred to the company’s Sales department, joining the team as Sales Account Manager.
“Jorge’s ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressure environment is just one of the many attributes that he brings to the Sales department,” said John Dmytriw, Director of Sales, in a press release. “Coming from Index’s Logistics department has prepared him for the new role.”
In his previous position, Jorge’s responsibilities included freight negotiation, contracting frequently traveled lanes, new carrier recruitment, freight claims, and working with carrier insurance companies.
Index Fresh noted that Jorge is bilingual—speaking both English and Spanish. When Jorge isn’t calling on clients, the company noted, he can be found soaking up the sun on Catalina Island off the Southern California coast or working out at the gym.
We at the ANUK team congratulate Jorge on his new role.
BENTONVILLE, AR - What goes on in Walmart’s secret food lab? It turns out, a lot of experiments with fresh fruits and vegetables. In a new report from NPR’s Julia Dewitt, the journalist goes in depth with Victor Verlage, Senior Director of Sourcing, to find out what new produce inventions are in the pipeline and how they might give the retailer a competitive edge in the age of Amazon.
“Some of these seeds are for a new tomato that Walmart can ship long distances, but it still tastes really good,” said Dewitt about the retailer’s seed and technology trials in her report. “Some are for a brand-new kind of cantaloupe. They named it the Sweet Spark, which is sweet even in the winter—apparently, a big problem for cantaloupe. And the rest of the seeds were a new kind of watermelon.”
These experiments, including easily-shippable tomatoes, winter-sweet cantaloupes, fruit punch-flavored pickles, and a new watermelon that is yellow-skinned and striped with bright red flesh, are reportedly part of a strategy by Walmart to hold onto its place as one of the top retailers in the industry. As those in grocery have been mesmerized by the high profile moves made by Amazon over the past several months, Walmart has been working in its “Sensory Lab” to create memorable produce varieties that will help create a loyal customer base.
"When a piece of fruit or vegetable looks odd, at first, you know, people really have to try hard, you know, to taste it," Verlage told NPR. "But if we put demos in the stores, and they love it, then that becomes your best friend because your kid will tell you, mommy, bring me the yellow watermelon that I love."
This yellow watermelon, which will be sold exclusively in Walmart stores, could be the secret weapon Walmart will need to wield against Amazon, NPR reports. Exclusive varieties can help a retailer become a “destination” rather than just one of many places to buy your generic grocery purchases, the broadcast suggests.
“Imagine you could only buy something like the baby carrot at Walmart. Like, that would be a huge advantage,” NPR Host Kenny Malone commented during the report.
Dewitt added, “If you're a parent, and you have to go to Walmart to buy baby carrots, may as well buy your socks there, too, and toothpaste, and everything else you might need.”
Will Walmart be able to develop the next must-have produce item in this secret Sensory Lab? You can bet AndNowUKnow will be there to report if they do.