BAKERSFIELD, CA - If you’ve been around the organic scene a while, you likely know or know of Greg McAlister. From bringing a grocer introduction to an infant “health store” Whole Foods Market to introducing trailblazing supply changes to the California organic scene, Greg has had a storied career in organic produce.

“In February of 2020, Rod Braga and I got to go back to Austin, Texas, and attend the Whole Foods Supplier Awards. Braga Fresh was awarded as a Supplier of the Year, which felt like a full-circle moment. To go back to where I started and be given that award with Rod [Braga] and Braga Fresh was something I’m very proud of,” Greg reflected as we discussed his professional timeline. It turned out to be the beginning of a perfect bookend—Greg took a step back as Vice President of Sales for Braga Fresh just one year later and began a transition into retirement that concluded on April 25.

“Greg has been a cornerstone of our company's growth since joining us nine years ago. Both his experience and organic expertise have been invaluable, and our family will always be grateful for him,” Rod Braga, Chief Executive Officer of Braga Fresh, shared with me.

Greg’s professional timeline closely parallels the trajectory of organized organic growing. While it begins with his sophomore year of high school in 1975 working at a Tom Thumb Supermarkets in Dallas, Texas, it’s a random compulsion to check out an unfamiliar store that set him on his path.

“It was early 1983. I just happened to drive by the first Whole Foods Market and was curious. So, I went in to see what it was and ran into somebody I knew working there. They grabbed the Produce Team Leader and said they should hire me,” Greg recalls.

It was, amazingly, a pattern that would map out Greg’s career. In nearly 50 years, he never submitted a resume or even filled out a job application. His work ethic and reputation preceded him from Texas to California, where he brought his organic foundation to a shaping organic standard by helping start a couple of produce companies.

“I found a picture of the first hydrocooler we had built—we only put organic lettuce and the like in it. Just looking at that picture, I thought that was a kind of landmark moment,” Greg reflects.

While leading Ocean Organic Produce, Greg and his partner took steps to ensure organic items stayed separated from conventional throughout the process. These steps, common knowledge now, had never been taken before.

Amid blazing new trails and setting early examples of current standards, Greg came to know Rod Braga.

“Rod offered me an opportunity to come help him build out the Josie's Organic label. Since 2015, I’ve worked on improving quality and cooling techniques, changing boxes, and bringing over customer contacts to build up the sales. I got to help Braga establish itself in the market as a good quality shipper, until I felt it was time to retire,” Greg shares.

It was the perfect close to such a career, one that is impossible to fit within the parameters of this article.

Congratulations, Greg, on such a produce legacy. May what is next be just as inspiring!

LOS ANGELES, CA - A shift in business strategy is taking place at Bolthouse Farms. Butterfly has announced the separation of its portfolio company into two standalone entities: Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands. Bolthouse Fresh Foods will carry on the century-old legacy as a leading supplier of fresh carrots. Generous Brands will encompass the market-leading premium fresh beverage and salad dressing businesses.

"We’re incredibly excited to announce the separation of Bolthouse Farms into two distinct industry-leading platforms, which will further propel the growth of these businesses and their ability to outperform for customers throughout the world," said Adam Waglay, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Butterfly. "This separation was always part of our investment thesis, and we have recruited best-in-class leadership teams which are strategically aligned to each business so that Bolthouse Fresh Foods can focus on delivering high-quality fresh produce with excellent service, and Generous Brands can become a strong, consumer-centric business with superior fresh beverage brands."

Butterfly acquired Bolthouse Farms from Campbell Soup Company in a carveout transaction in 2019. Butterfly has implemented numerous strategic initiatives that have driven topline growth in excess of 30 percent while re-establishing the company as a partner of choice to produce departments across North America.

This separation is being facilitated by way of separate debt recapitalizations of each business, enabling Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands to continue onward as two separate companies with purpose-built strategies and leadership teams. Butterfly expects these transactions to enable increased flexibility for investment in capabilities as well as acquisitions, a press release stated.

"This separation is proof that the future of value creation within private equity is grounded in deep operational expertise and transformation through specialization, and we could not be more appreciative of the amount of work, creativity, and collaboration that went into this from all teams," said Jeff Dunn, who was promoted to Executive Chairman of Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands and Operating Partner of Butterfly. "It's been amazing to watch the two entities develop their own unique cultures during the transition, and we are proud of the robust teams we have built across the companies."

Timothy Escamilla has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bolthouse Fresh Foods, while Steve Cornell has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Generous Brands.

"Bolthouse Fresh Foods remains dedicated to nourishing people’s lives by providing high-quality, nutrient-dense products that continue to thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace," said Escamilla, who joined Bolthouse Fresh Foods as Chief Executive Officer in May 2023.

With 30 years in the produce industry, he brings experience across leading companies such as Dole, Tanimura & Antle, Ready Pac Foods, and more.

For more from the release, click here. And stick with ANUK for the industry’s latest.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - Recent news out of Scottsdale, Arizona, reports that Whole Foods Market continues to expand its reach in the Southwest. Although an opening date has yet to be confirmed, Whole Foods is expected to open a new store in downtown Scottsdale. This marks the company’s sixth metropolitan Phoenix location.

According to a report by the Arizona Republic, the store will replace an existing Fry’s Food Store. A Whole Foods spokesperson confirmed the store is in development, without providing details.

"We’ve certainly enjoyed and appreciated our time at this location," added Pam Giannonatti, Corporate Affairs Manager for Fry's and parent Kroger. “We would’ve loved to keep our doors open at this store, but sadly, both parties could not come to an agreement on new lease terms."

In the coming months, Whole Foods will renovate the space, which accounts for two-thirds of the roughly 50,000 square feet Fry’s leased.

Little footholds like this allow for the retailer to build shopper loyalty in lucrative markets such as Scottsdale.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest retail updates.

REIDSVILLE, GA - An industry ace with over a decade of experience is joining the Healthy Family Project’s leadership team. Aimee Smith has been named as the new Director of Partnerships and Account Development, bringing with her a wealth of business development, strategic partnerships, and project management knowledge.

"I am thrilled to be joining a legacy organization with a track record of making a difference,” Smith stated. “As a mom of two, wife of an avocado and citrus farmer, and having a lifelong passion for agriculture presents added passion for me in this role.”

As Director of Partnerships and Account Development, Smith will oversee Healthy Family Project brand partner relations, retailer partnerships, and lead the top-level strategy and execution of various campaigns throughout the year. According to a press release, she will report directly to Trish James, Vice President.

Smith holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus on international business and has demonstrated proficiency in leveraging analytical insights to drive business growth. Her previous roles include Senior Vice President of Business Development at Category Partners, Sales Manager at Highland Ag Solutions, and positions at Mission Produce™, the California Blueberry Committee, and the California Apple Commission.

“Aimee's extensive experience and proven track record in the produce industry makes her the perfect fit for this role," said James. "We are excited to welcome her to the team and look forward to leveraging her expertise to further our mission of creating a healthier generation through purposeful cause marketing campaigns.”

Congratulations to the new Director!

TORONTO, CANADA - New features are coming to Invafresh’s platform. The company recently announced the addition of new capabilities to the Recipe Manager product in its AI-enhanced Fresh Retail Platform.

“By providing clear and accurate information about their products, retailers can enhance transparency and build trust with their customers. Overall, strict ingredient and labeling protocols are a strategic investment that helps retailers differentiate themselves, attract and retain customers, and protect their brand reputation,” said Joe Smirlies, Senior Vice President. “With Invafresh Recipe Manager, our customers can ensure recipe consistency across their store operations and streamline processes to enhance accuracy and transparency and improve their operating margins.”

Invafresh is marketed as a foundational technology for perimeter store operations, including produce and deli.

According to a press release, these features will help grocery retailers improve traceability of ingredients and products throughout the entire supply chain, implement robust quality control measures, and develop nutrition ingredient food labels that are compliant with industry regulations.

A few additional benefits to the platform include:

• Enhanced consumer trust and safety by having the ability to approve ingredients to ensure compliance with safety requirements and enhance customer loyalty
• Streamlined transparency and compliance by linking ingredients to manufacturers, ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to labeling requirements
• Efficient allergen management through the grouping of allergens to facilitate regulatory compliance and consumer safety by providing clear information, empowering consumers to make informed decisions and enhance a retailer’s brand trust
• Simplified and standardized labeling processes with pre-configured extra text capabilities to allow for consistency in labeling, saving valuable time and resources

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in retail news.

PHOENIX, AZ - The first quarter results for natural and organic supermarket chain Sprouts Farmers Market are in. In the grocer’s latest financial update, Sprouts revealed that its net sales for the quarter rose to $1.9 billion, seeing a 9 percent increase from the same period in 2023.

"We were pleased with our impressive financial results this quarter, with strength in comparable store sales, traffic, and e-commerce," said Jack Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of Sprouts Farmers Market. "These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of our strategy and the exceptional execution by our team members across the country. We are reinforcing our position as a leading specialty food retailer as we build new stores in line with our growth plans.”

The financial report covers the 13-week first quarter ended March 31, 2024, according to a press release. Other highlights demonstrating the chain’s Q1 growth include:

• Comparable store sales growth of 4 percent
• Diluted earnings per share of $1.12; compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.73 and Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.98 in the same period in 2023
• Opened seven new stores, resulting in 414 stores in 23 states as of March 31, 2024

Click here for more details.

As the retailer grows its physical footprint and retail prowess, AndNowUKnow will fill you in on the latest strategies and more.