WASHINGTON, DC - That’s a wrap on the 2024 Consumer Connection Conference! The Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP) recently took to Phoenix, Arizona, to celebrate consumers and the fifth anniversary of the impactful Have A Plant® movement.

“We must continue to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health,” Foundation for Fresh Produce Chair Alex DiNovo, President and Chief Operating Officer at DNO Produce, said as he kicked off the anticipated event. “We must continue to speak to the versatility, flavor, and variety that produce possesses. We must continue to advocate for policies that promote access to fruits and vegetables in under-served communities. And most importantly, we must lead by example and show the world what is possible when we prioritize our health and well-being.”

The conference amplified fresh produce with inspirational education sessions, receptions, and the event’s signature one-on-one meetings—which allow produce marketers and industry leaders to meet with the influencers, VIP retail dietitians, foodservice tastemakers, and nutrition, lifestyle, and agricultural communicators in attendance.

During the event, Lauren M. Scott, Executive Director of the Foundation for Fresh Produce, also led attendees on a deep dive on leveraging consumer behaviors gleaned from a combination of census and sales data with regional data.

“This event is amazing at bringing all the people together talking about business and really putting the consumer at the heart, which is what we need to do if we want to change the trajectory of human health and increase consumption of fruits and vegetables," said Scott.

According to a press release, keynote speaker Jimmy Yeary, a Grammy-award-winning singer/songwriter, took a moment to take attendees on a storytelling journey. He discussed how each person’s life experiences and details can be used to craft impactful stories to drive connection.

“This event is unique because it lends an opportunity to not only discuss consumer trends and behaviors with each other, but also to reach them in real-time with hacks and ideas coming straight from the attendee experience,” added Katie Calligaro, Director of Marketing and Communications for The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “It is designed to unify messaging and is the place to be for any marketer or anyone talking directly to consumers across various points of influence.”

If you missed this produce extravaganza, there are more insights to be gleaned from International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference in Monterey, California, and Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia.

As always, keep clicking on ANUK for more event updates!

EMERYVILLE, CA - ‘Tis the season of gaining an inside look at retailers’ operations as they share the results of the first quarter of fiscal 2024. The latest to pull back the curtain is Grocery Outlet, which unveiled net sales of $1.04 billion for the quarter, an increase of 7.4 percent.

"Our sales momentum remained strong during the first quarter as we continue to deliver unbeatable value with an exciting treasure hunt experience, driving continued growth in traffic and sales," said RJ Sheedy, President and Chief Executive Officer.

For the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2024, Grocery Outlet also reported that its comparable store sales increased by 3.9 percent, driven by a 7 percent increase in the number of transactions. As a press release noted, this was partially offset by a 2.9 percent decrease in average transaction size.

In addition, the chain opened six new locations, ending the quarter with 474 stores across nine states.

"Despite progress with our systems transition and ending the operator commission support program, as planned, we are disappointed that additional systems conversion issues resulted in a higher-than-expected adverse profit impact,” Sheedy added. “Our long-term growth potential remains intact and we look forward to returning to more normalized business results as we near the end of our systems transition."

More details from the report can be found here.

Stay on the pages of ANUK for more of the latest retail news.

FOLSOM, CA - Over a dozen retailers nationwide tapped into a comprehensive shopper marketing and consumer campaign to drive incremental sales of fresh and frozen blueberries. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) launched an innovative new consumer activation, targeting increased blueberry consumption throughout the summer.

"In the dynamic world of retail, a well-crafted shopper marketing plan isn't just a strategy, it's the compass guiding inventory from shelves to shopping carts, seamlessly connecting products with the pulse of consumer demand,” said Kevin Hamilton, Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications. “While we remain focused on providing the valuable, great-tasting experience that our core consumers love from this healthy berry, we are excited to share that same deliciousness of blueberries with new consumers and get occasional users more involved in the category."

Employed by well-known retailers like Sam's Club, Smart & Final, Albertsons Portland, IGA USA, Schnucks, United Supermarkets, Demoulas Market Basket, Giant Martins, Target, and more, the campaign will run in over 4,000 stores across several major U.S. markets.

With an integrated approach tailored to each retailer, the USHBC’s marketing efforts target consumers during their path to purchase, both inside and out of the store. This includes in-store demos, on-shelf and point-of-sale signage, in-store radio, retail media, couponing and targeted emails, as well as Grab a Boost of Blue-branded items for produce personnel, a press release explained.

The campaign is primed to elevate an already strong produce category, as blueberry retail sales rose by 11.1 percent from 2021 to 2023. As the release went on to note, the industry is adapting to this new landscape with a focus on efficiency, quality improvements, and new varieties with better flavor and a longer shelf-life.

With a host of retail names channeling a rise in the blueberry category, ANUK will continue to report on the sector’s growth.

BREWSTER, WA - A-P-P-L-E! Not a difficult word to spell, but it's a word synonymous with teaching and schooling—how many times were you given the suggestion to leave an apple on your teacher's desk? Keeping with this tradition, the beloved SugarBee® Apple brand is sponsoring the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee for the third year in a row.

“We are honored to present the Scripps Educator of the Year award to Dr. Carr,” said Julie DeJarnatt, Marketing Director of SugarBee Apple. “Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of our children, and we want to recognize and celebrate their exceptional efforts in creating a positive learning environment. SugarBee Apple growers proudly support the Bee’s educators and their devotion to inspiring every child to discover their potential to innovate and create something magical.”

The week-long, televised event showcases both students and their educators, a press release explained. This year’s event shines a spotlight on Dr. Alexander Carr, a teacher who laid the groundwork for the Orlando Gifted Academy’s maiden spelling bee program, aiming for inclusivity among all students regardless of their abilities or language challenges.

Carr is the recipient of the 2024 Educator of the Year award, presented by SugarBee. The award honors educators who exhibit exceptional commitment to their students, leaving a lasting impact on their education and personal growth.

SugarBee Apple growers wholeheartedly support The Bee’s mission to empower every child to unleash their potential while recognizing the dedication of over 70,000 educators who steadfastly support the Scripps National Spelling Bee program annually, a release stated.

“To all of the families and students who work hard each year to compete in local, state, and national competitions, we are proud of your continued drive to excel,” says orchardist Cass Gebbers, one of the proud growers of the SugarBee apple. “We are thrilled to be sponsoring the Scripps Spelling Bee, in addition to regional Spelling Bee competitions. We believe in the power of words and the importance of literacy. We are proud to support the Bee’s educators and their devotion to inspiring every child to unlock their potential and strive to reach incredible goals.”

Read more about the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Dr. Alexander Carr, and the famed SugarBee apple here.

And for more news from the apple world and beyond, keep reading ANUK.