ISELIN, NJ - Tops Friendly Markets, a retail banner under the Northeast Grocery (NGI) operation, is tackling growth from several angles. We recently reported on the retailer’s latest acquisition play, and now the company is back with news of a strategic partnership. Tops has tapped customer intelligence and engagement ecosystem Birdzi to enhance customer connection across its 148-store footprint.

“While searching for the right partner, Birdzi presented Tops with the best combination to both replace existing functionality and deepen customer personalization efforts,” said Diane Colgan, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Northeast Shared Services (NSS), NGI’s shared services group. “We’re excited to work with the Birdzi team to provide our loyal shoppers with an even better experience, complete with increased relevancy and savings on their most important products.”

According to a press release, NSS selected Birdzi due to its unique breadth of capabilities and modern approach to customer intelligence and engagement.

Once the solution is fully implemented across its stores in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, shoppers will benefit from individualized emails and unique promotional offers, made possible by Birdzi’s bold approach to AI-driven personalization.

“Birdzi’s modern platform and reporting suite places advanced customer analytics at our fingertips,” added Sean Weiss, Vice President of Business Analytics and Loyalty Marketing at NSS. “It allows us to truly connect with Tops BonusPlus members through personalization at scale. We look forward to our burgeoning partnership with the Birdzi team and the opportunities for future enhancements.”

Through the implementation of Birdzi’s customer intelligence and engagement platform, Tops will be able to leverage its entire store catalog and customer insights to generate unique offers and discounts to be delivered through personalized communications to the regional grocer’s shoppers.

“Birdzi believes customers are at the heart of the grocery business, and we have tremendous respect for the way Tops has immersed itself into the local community and established a loyal following,” said Shekar Raman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Birdzi. “As more grocers move toward data-centric personalization, we’re proud to help regional grocers like Tops and others harness the benefits of smart, personalized engagement.”

Read more about this dynamic retail alliance here.

With advanced customer analytics and increased capabilities at its fingertips, how will Tops direct this growth to fresh produce? ANUK will be here to report.

LONDON - New CEO alert! DECCO Worldwide (WW), a part of the UPL Group of Companies, has welcomed its newest Chief Executive Officer, Manish Sirohi, into the fold.

“I am honored to step into the role of CEO. I’ve had the privilege to grow with the company for many years, and I'm excited to lead DECCO WW in its mission to transform post-harvest practices, leverage our expertise to drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact across the agricultural landscape," Sirohi commented.

DECCO WW is a well-known provider of innovative post-harvest solutions. Strengthening the expertise of its leadership team, Sirohi wields a depth of experience in both pre- and post-harvest industries, as well as business operations, sales, and marketing. He also has experience delivering strategic projects at the national, regional, and international levels.

Most recently serving as DECCO WW’s Global Commercial Head, Sirohi has held various positions across different markets since joining UPL in 2004.

In this role, Manish was instrumental in unleashing new business value and driving double-digit top-line and bottom-line growth in 2023 despite the challenging industry environment, a press release explained.

“Post-harvest solutions are a core part of our business and a crucial component of our sustainable future,” stated Jai Shroff, Group CEO and Chairman of UPL. “These solutions are not just about preserving foods; they’re about sustaining livelihoods, ensuring food security, and minimizing waste in an increasingly demanding world with a rapidly growing population. Manish has an impressive 20-year history with UPL, and is the natural choice to lead DECCO WW into its new phase of growth to become the post-harvest global leader.”

Congratulations to Manish Sirohi on this new Chief role!

DEWITT, MI - I am a sucker for Michigan asparagus. The thick stocks and crunchy texture always have me excited for the season. To the delight of many, the Michigan Asparagus season is now upon us, arriving in stores about a week earlier than normal due to a warmer winter. Currently, volume is on track with thick and tender asparagus ready to take center stage on plates and in bowls nationwide.

“With Michigan Asparagus, consumers can enjoy the taste, without feeling guilty about helping themselves to seconds at the dinner table or enjoying it as a late-night snack,” said Jamie Clover Adams, Executive Director. “The decadent and colorful flavor palette paired with its long shelf-life makes mealtime that much easier.”

Consumers will have the option to incorporate this nutritional vegetable into their spring and summertime meals. As shoppers prioritize a healthier lifestyle, cooking at home has continued to trend, a press release stated. With ethical food choices becoming a stronger focus, more Americans are paying attention to where their food comes from as well.

When shopping in stores or at supermarkets, consumers can look for “Michigan Grown” labels. They can also keep a lookout for point-of-sale and promotional materials with more information including tips and recipes at their local grocery stores. There are nearly 100 Michigan farm families committed to providing premium, sustainable products.

“Supporting Michigan asparagus growers is the key to ensuring high-quality, premium products remain in the produce section for years to come,” says Sarah Greiner of Todd Greiner Farms and Chair of the MAAB. “As sustainable and local messaging continue to remain top-of-mind, featuring our product signifies a commitment to not only supporting local growers, but meeting consumers' demands—all who are looking for healthier foods that meet their health and dietary needs.”

As digital marketing continues to drive purchasing, a recent study reported that 44 percent of consumers prefer to learn about a new product via video content. Throughout the season, MAAB is set to incorporate different forms of digital marketing. Additionally, MAAB is supporting sales by making a significant investment in retail and in-store promotions, working with key partners to identify how to move the needle and encourage impulse purchasing.

Keep reading ANUK as the Michigan asparagus season gets underway.

SALINAS, CA - News of leadership appointments is the latest we’ve heard from GreenGate Fresh. The supplier has named Scott Bricker as its new Vice President of National Accounts and Christina Stitt as Director of Supply Chain. Additionally, Fresh Avenue and GreenGate Fresh’s seven-year business partnership is ending.

As Vice President of National Accounts, Bricker will oversee GreenGate’s corporate account growth and lead a team of Regional Sales Managers to align sales objectives, optimize distribution channels, and maximize revenue opportunities, while reporting to Chief Executive Officer Toby Jones.

Carrying over three decades of experience, Bricker’s valuable knowledge and expansive network will leverage GreenGate’s marketplace position and continue ongoing growth and success, according to a press release.

“I have known Scott Bricker for 12 years, and his industry knowledge, people skills, intensity, and character are exceptional. It will be great to have Scott on board 100 percent going forward,” said Jay Iverson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Stitt, on the other hand, is tasked with optimizing the supply chain and overseeing transportation services for the company's delivered program.

“I am excited to bring my expertise to the GreenGate Fresh family to provide exceptional service to our valued delivered customers,” said Stitt.

Possessing 27 years of extensive experience leading supply chain operations for major produce companies, Stitt brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Her leadership and skillset will provide exceptional service and maximize value for customers.

In 2017, GreenGate partnered with Fresh Avenue to oversee outside operations, allowing GreenGate to focus on growing and providing high-quality produce. After nearly a decade of this successful collaboration, GreenGate has made the strategic decision to internalize sales and logistics by leveraging its internal resources, systems, and expertise.

GreenGate's leaders expressed their gratitude to the team at Fresh Avenue for their instrumental role over the past several years. The team looks forward to this new chapter and continuing to deliver the freshest produce to customers nationwide.

Congratulations to the new leaders!

CORAL GABLES, FL - Pineapple lovers nationwide will soon be elated to see a brightly-colored, red-shelled offering alongside the traditional pineapple selection. After seeing impressive success for its Rubyglow™ pineapples in China, Fresh Del Monte Produce is bringing the coveted variety to the United States market by popular demand.

“As the global leader in fresh pineapples, Fresh Del Monte offers an extensive lineup of different varieties, from traditional to extra sweet versions, in various sizes from personal to sharable, giftables such as Pinkglow® pineapple—the world’s only pink pineapple—and now Rubyglow pineapple, the latest showcase of our innovation and leadership in this category,” said Melissa Mackay, Vice President of Marketing, North America. “With its distinctive bright red shell and extra sweet taste, Rubyglow is the ultimate exotic fruit—an exclusive, limited-availability pineapple that is sure to impress as a unique gift or served as a creative way to entertain guests.”

Rubyglow offers shoppers a new variety of the popular tropical fruit with an exotic, exclusive, and luxurious spin on the category consumers already know and love. The variety features a deep red outer shell with bright yellow flesh that packs a distinctly sweet flavor.

As a press release explained, the enticing variety will be available nationwide through select regional grocers and online from specialty produce retailers, expanding the brand’s impressive lineup of innovative pineapple varieties.

“From the intricate growing process to the distinct color, sweet taste, and elegant packaging—every detail of the Rubyglow pineapple is meticulously crafted to deliver a premium experience,” added Mackay. “This exquisite tropical fruit is another gem in the crown, and we are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking pineapple to North America.”

Grown in Costa Rica after a 15-year development period, the Rubyglow pineapple has a registered plant patent in the U.S. To read more about this unique variety, click here.

Stay tuned as ANUK brings more industry news to your inbox.