ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize is tackling brand growth with a tech-forward approach, announcing a new tech studio—AD/01—in Bucharest, Romania. As brands become a critical strategy for supply-side companies, this move is one to watch. 

“Our great local brands strive to create the leading local food shopping experience. As part of our tech ambitions, we focus on providing seamless digitally enabled experiences, whether in-store down the aisles, at the checkouts, or behind the scenes,” said Wouter Kolk, Chief Executive Officer of Ahold Delhaize Europe and Indonesia. “With the evolving needs of our customers come new challenges, which is why we are creating AD/01. This tech studio will bring together sharp minds to develop innovations that serve people today and tomorrow and serve all our European brands. In doing so, we are also investing in the Romanian market, where we already operate through our local brand Mega Image.”

As Ahold shared in a recent press release, the plan is to have roughly 250 top tech talents involved in the studio over the next few years. The company is currently in the process of solidifying its recruiting activities, with a primary focus on the Romanian market, which has a large pool of tech talent.

Aiming to foster a vibrant inclusive engineering culture, AD/01 will play a pivotal role in strengthening Ahold Delhaize’s capabilities as part of its digital, data, and tech ecosystem, the release explained. The dynamic teams of tech innovators will work on a wide range of topics, including web and app development and joining and initiating strategic projects in the areas of e-commerce, infra, data, loyalty, and core retail projects. The teams will collaborate on innovations to provide a top-tier customer experience at Ahold Delhaize’s European brands.

As the retailer continues to advance its tech capabilities and strengthen its digital strategies, what move is up next for Ahold Delhaize and its family of brands? ANUK will be here to report.

MEQUINENZA, SPAIN - Block your calendars and book your tickets for a cherry getaway. The Global BLOOM FRESH™ or BLOOM Cherry team announced it is hosting more than 100 growers, retailers, and marketers at an International Cherry Open Day in Mequinenza, Spain. As one of the main production areas for the sought-after fruit, the event will span May 9 and 10, when the major cherry varieties will be at their best.

“Instead of the majority of cherries being grown in just a handful of regions, we are essentially expanding the world’s cherry crops by allowing new locations to grow and harvest low-chill cherries,” said BLOOM FRESH’S International Cherry Commercial Manager, Alwyn van Jaarsveld. “If only a few places are growing cherries and inclement weather hits that region, it can adversely affect the entire cherry crop, affecting supply and quality and hurting the whole cherry category. However, by expanding the regions where cherries can grow, such as Mexico, Western Australia, and Peru—it creates more favorable conditions for growers, retailers, and ultimately benefits consumers who continue to adore this fruit.”

A premium fruit-breeding company specializing in table grapes, cherries, and raisins, BLOOM stated in a press release that its cherry program is ramping up R&D efforts and continued commercialization of early low-chill cherry varietals.

“BLOOM’s low-chill cherries all harvest early, meaning they are the first cherries that consumers will see, taste, and provide the make-or-break experience that will entice the public to return for future purchases,” said Antonia Sánchez-Labbé, International Technical Manager for Cherries. “We know we have amazing varieties, but we are very focused on making sure growers have all they need to create successful cherries. Our goal is to combine good growing sites, certified trees, clean wood, excellent rootstock, not to mention our good varieties before, adding different technologies to produce bigger and better fruit and higher yields whilst withstanding a more adversarial climate.” 

The two-day program will offer an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about BLOOM’s cherry program, which includes varieties such as Cheery Treat™, Cheery Nebula™, and Cheery Cupid™.

Gain insights into the innovative program that includes super low-chill varieties enabling new countries and regions around the world to successfully grow cherries, some for the first time. After years of research, the team shared that the global unveiling of its program is one of the most important and special events for BLOOM in recent years.

Learn more about the details here.

And for the latest in all research, innovation, and implementation across the produce sector, continue to check in with AndNowUKnow.

MIAMI, FL - Fresh produce will soon be used in creative new ways thanks to Fresh Del Monte Produce’s recently expanded partnership. The supplier is teaming up with the University of Granada (UGR) to research how bioactive compounds from residues of different fruits can be used for medical and non-medical applications. More than a year of initial research looked into the effectiveness of bioactive compounds from certain fruits within Fresh Del Monte’s portfolio, yielding promising results.

“As one of the world’s largest producers of fruits, we see tremendous untapped potential within the produce we grow, including their residues,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to partner with the University of Granada, true experts in scientific research, and believe that this expanded partnership has the potential to realize breakthroughs in several key areas that we hope will ultimately improve many lives.”

University of Granada research groups led by Professors Juan Antonio Marchal and Vito Verardo have developed a methodology for the extraction of bioactive compounds from fruit residue, based on emerging technologies, for medical and non-medical applications. The research partnership will research highly prevalent diseases, dermo-cosmetics, and nutraceuticals and foods, according to a press release. Global health organizations list cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arterial hypertension as some of the most highly prevalent diseases.

By joining forces, Fresh Del Monte and UGR's Research Transfer Office (OTRI) aim to enhance ongoing research and development initiatives focused on utilizing fruit residue to create valuable products that promote healthy lifestyles. Together, they seek to minimize the buildup of residual products, champion sustainable practices across diverse industries, and lessen environmental footprints.

“This collaboration with Fresh Del Monte is of great importance for biomedical research, as it will allow us to obtain bioactive compounds from residues of different fruits for the treatment of highly prevalent diseases, as well as nutraceuticals to prevent the appearance of these diseases, which we believe can have a great impact on the health of the population,” said Marchal.

The ongoing partnership is scheduled to span 18 months, with key milestones delineated at various stages of the program.

We will keep you updated as we learn more about this innovative partnership.