CIBOLO, TEXAS - H-E-B’s network of high-tech fulfillment centers continues to grow, with the retailer utilizing innovative solutions to accelerate its omnichannel growth. The latest addition to the chain’s footprint is a new e-commerce fulfillment center in Cibolo, Texas.

This is part of a broader expansion strategy as the new Cibolo facility marks H-E-B’s eighth e-commerce fulfillment center opened since 2018. According to a press release, the retailer plans to continue opening facilities across the state to support its ongoing expansion in Texas.

The 55,000-square-foot facility will stock goods found in stores, which are used to satisfy Curbside and Home Delivery orders, allowing for more capacity, greater efficiency, less aisle congestion for shoppers in stores, and better product availability.

The location will support Curbside and Home Delivery orders in Cibolo, New Braunfels, and surrounding cities around the San Antonio area. To help streamline the process and boost productivity, the facilities use various forms of technology to help partners throughout the order process, the release stated.

The Cibolo facility is expected to employ about 200 H-E-B Partners as part of the retailer’s e-commerce team.

As this move bolsters the grocer’s efficiency and capacity while reducing in-store congestion, H-E-B has the opportunity to enhance the produce shopping experience for its customers.

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BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart’s latest quarterly results were driven by strategy. The retailer recently detailed some of its latest moves in its first quarter fiscal year 2025 financial report. One of its most notable highlights was a net sales increase of $4.8 billion, growing from $103.9 billion in 2024 to $108.7 billion.

"Our team delivered a great quarter. Around the world, our goal is simple—we’re focused on saving our customers both money and time,” said Doug McMillon, President and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s inspiring to see how our associates are simultaneously executing the fundamentals and innovating to make shopping with us more enjoyable and convenient. We’re people-led and tech-powered, and that combination is propelling our business."

A report from Walmart emphasized that the retailer is building customer trust by designing convenient, enjoyable omnichannel experiences. The company is reportedly using automation and operating discipline to drive higher returns in future quarters.

Other highlights from the report include:

• Strong revenue growth of 6 percent with operating income growing faster at 9.6 percent; adjusted operating income up 13.7 percent
• E-commerce up 21 percent globally, led by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery and marketplace
• GAAP EPS of $0.63; Adjusted EPS of $0.601

“Our strong results this quarter clearly demonstrate the power of our global omni-retail capabilities and the team’s ability to execute with discipline,” said John David Rainey, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “As we continue to reshape our business model, we’re focused on strategically investing in areas that reinforce our purpose and growth strategy.”

For more from the report, click here.

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WASHINGTON, DC - The strength of our leadership is often a direct reflection of the strength of our company. Continuing its efforts to support our industry’s leaders, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has opened applications for the first four of nearly a dozen programs as part of The Produce & Floral Leadership Path.

“The industry relies on IFPA’s Produce & Floral Leadership Path as a one-stop shop that builds skills and networks to expand employees’ contributions,” said Doug Bohr, IFPA Chief Education and Programs Officer. “IFPA is committed to empowering people who can lead from wherever they are, in their current roles and the roles they aspire to.”

According to a press release, the benefits of these progressive leadership development programs include:

• Advances organizations by developing strong leaders
• Enhances employee contributions
• Showcases a company’s commitment to its employees and their career paths
• Rewards star performers with additional opportunities to grow
• Builds staff loyalty by investing in them
• Enriching a culture of ongoing learning that drives business success

Applications for the four programs opened on May 13. The programs combine online and in-person options to suit company needs, the release noted.

"Pacific Coast Fresh Company has benefited greatly from our participation in IFPA Events and Leadership programs, and we look to IFPA to provide industry-specific professional development to employees at all career levels,” said Kathleen Quandee, Vice President of Human Resources, Pacific Coast Fresh Company. “Over the past few years, we have had employees attend the Women's Fresh Perspectives Conference, the Washington Conference, and the Emerging Leaders and Executive Leadership Development Programs. All participants have returned to our company with new insights and an expanded industry network to call upon now and into the future."

Applications for the remaining programs will open later this year, while some are currently available on-demand online. To read more about the program and upcoming leadership development opportunities, click here.

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CANADA - Welcoming one of the largest retail forces in the country, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) shared Loblaw Companies will support Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct.

“We are delighted that Loblaw has committed to be part of this Code,” said Ron Lemaire, CPMA President. “As a founding member of the initial Working Group struck to develop the code and member of the new Interim Board, CPMA has been actively collaborating with all stakeholders in the Code’s development and will continue to do so to support its implementation across the supply chain.”

The Code was created to promote transparency and fair dealing as products move across the supply chain from suppliers to stores to Canadian homes. Its objectives include:

• Contributing to a thriving and competitive grocery industry
• Promoting reciprocal trust and collaboration amongst grocery value chain partners based on clear standards for fair dealing
• Allowing all parties governed by the Code to make informed business decisions in a context of commercial certainty, governed by clear agreements
• Providing an effective, equitable mechanism for resolving commercial disputes

"We welcome the news that Loblaw has agreed to participate in the Grocery Code of Conduct,” said Michael Graydon, Chair. “Within a very complex food system, the vision for the Code has always been based on a fully inclusive, voluntary Code, developed by the grocery industry and managed by its stakeholders across the supply chain. Today's announcement by Loblaw brings us one step closer to the implementation of the Code as we continue to work with all industry partners to ensure we have maximum participation.”

According to a press release, the Code’s development, initiated by the Federal-Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture, has been a collaborative effort involving retailers, processors, and manufacturers.

Recognizing the complexities of the Canadian grocery market, the association said this collaborative approach ensures the Code supports small stakeholders and the industry.

For more news and information about industry code of conducts in your area, stay tuned in to AndNowUKnow.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Industry members are looking back on what was an incredibly successful International Sustainability Summit held this past April in Vancouver. In partnership with the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) and the Global Coalition of Fresh Produce, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) brought together 100 participants from seven countries for an insightful one-day event.

"The harmonization of sustainability practices is integral to achieving the sustainability of the fresh produce sector both domestically and around the world,” said Ron Lemaire, CPMA President. “Parallel to the industry's experience with food safety, harmonization is integral to achieving the sustainability required to make the industry resilient and sustainable in the long term. The International Sustainability Summit panelists and those in attendance reinforced the importance of working together to achieve the level of sustainability so critical to the fresh produce industry."

Taking place on April 26, the event attracted produce leaders from around the world, who gathered to discuss sustainability challenges, barriers, and opportunities in the fresh produce arena. Garland Perkins, Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Oppy, kicked off the event with a keynote address, joined later by John Anderson, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Partner of Oppy for a fireside chat about what it takes to enable a globally sustainable fresh produce supply chain.

As a press release stated, the event also featured panel sessions where speakers from Canada, Netherlands, and New Zealand expanded on the challenges and opportunities facing global produce supply chain sustainability. This includes:

• An overview of the state of sustainability, efforts impacting global produce supply chains
• A fireside chat decoding environmental, social and governance reporting and investing trends
• A review of United Fresh New Zealand’s best practices for aligning global produce supply chain sustainability with UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Exploring sustainability in action—produce sector leaders taking a holistic approach to sustainability

Following the successful event, a draft Fresh Produce Sustainability Charter will be developed in Q2 2024 to promote the importance of sustainability within the fresh produce sector, advocate for support of sustainability efforts and initiatives, accelerate the adoption of sustainability actions, and help achieve the desired state of sustainability for the fresh produce industry, the release explained.

Video recordings and presentations from the event are now available on the CPMA website.

As our industry continues to push forward on the sustainability front, ANUK will be here with the latest insights.