SELAH, WA - After spending the better part of 2015 working on revolutionizing its organic production, Rainier Fruit Company has added the new, “Green Line” to its repertoire. This new addition will be used solely for organic packing, the company says, and will allow for improved product handling with greater flexibility to manage both increased volume and package options.
“The demand for organic has grown across all sectors - from traditional retail and club stores to convenience stores and even foodservice,” explained Blake Belknap, Rainier’s Organic Sales Manager. “In order for us to get that crunchy apple to the consumer, we need to pack fresh in a variety of different packages daily. That’s the reason behind the new Green Line.”
Coinciding with what the company calls its forward-thinking philosophy and its commitment to sustainability, Rainier used only modern technologies and materials in its design and construction.
According to a press release, the new building boasts 336 solar panels that will feed back to the electrical grid. The company is estimating an annual energy reduction of nearly 700,000 kWh or annual power for about 6000 light bulbs. The installation of 405 LED fixtures contribute more light with less energy - a 40% savings compared to incandescent bulbs.
Due to the line’s achievements in food safety, Rainier Fruit Company is also referring to its Green Line as its “Pristine Line.” Suspended tile ceilings, epoxy floors, and a radiant heat dryer room are just a few of the improvements that support the company’s emphasis on food safety. The project broke ground in March of this year and was completed in October.
Looking forward to seeing what's to come for Rainier’s new organic Green Line!
VANCOUVER, BC – When SunSelect and Divemex’s Outrageously Fresh program was announced this past month, both companies began to embark on a premiere venture that will ultimately create “the largest capacity under glass of any privately owned greenhouse brand, with more than 900 acres in production between them,” exclusive marketing partner Oppy said in a press release.
Now, SunSelect and Divemex are undergoing a massive growth spurt and the new Outrageously Fresh program looks to be a bold step forward in the greenhouse category.
“To us, ‘Outrageously Fresh’ means a serious commitment to innovation from seed to table. Both Divemex and SunSelect go to extremes to produce and deliver great quality produce grown in ethical, sustainable ways,” Mike Reed, SunSelect’s Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, tells me.
As the name implies, being ‘outrageous’ gives SunSelect and Divemex the opportunity to be bold and take risks. You can already get a sense of that idea in the vibrant, innovative packaging that will carry some of the greenhouse-grown products these two companies will provide.
Outrageously Fresh products include year-round organic and conventional red, yellow, and orange sweet bell peppers and mini peppers, long English and mini cucumbers. In addition, conventional tomatoes-on-the-vine, cocktail, and new snacking tomatoes including grape, cherry, and a gourmet medley mix will be packed into this exciting new brand.
Starting in January, consumers will be able to pick up Outrageously Fresh mini peppers, mini cucumbers, or snacking tomatoes in an innovative new style of packaging for fresh produce – a mason jar bag. When I ask Mike about the inspiration behind this unique idea, he tells me that they pictured the pack sitting on the kitchen counter, offering a great alternative to sweet or salty snacks with easy access.
“We felt it was ‘on trend’ with consumer interest in canning and DIY being so strong right now,” he said. “We also felt it provided an exciting opportunity to re-position the idea of healthy snacking. The bright graphics enhance its appeal while allowing both SunSelect and Divemex to maintain their brand equity alongside the Outrageously Fresh label. Packaging within the produce category has been relatively stagnant for several years and we think that the jar bag look, high graphics, and ease in merchandising will make it an instant hit with consumers.”
It’s already a massive enough undertaking to involve two growers producing on over 900 acres, but Mike tells me that there’s still room to grow. SunSelect recently opened the second phase of its facility in Tehachapi, CA. It entails 32 acres growing all three colors of peppers plus specialty tomatoes, as well as an expanded area of trials for potential new products in development, Mike notes. Currently, SunSelect’s total capacity between British Columbia and California is 185 acres of high-tech glass greenhouses. Divemex has also expanded its production by 80 hectares this season.
With the promise of more Outrageously Fresh products and packages on the way in 2016, this new endeavor looks to be a promising one. Stay tuned for more exciting new from SunSelect, Divemex, and Oppy.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Janel Haugarth, Executive Vice President and President, Independent Business and Supply Chain Services for SuperValu, announced yesterday that she is retiring the day after Christmas, 2015.
“I feel very fortunate to have spent my career working for SuperValu and so grateful to have worked with such amazing employees, suppliers and customers for nearly 40 years,” Haugarth said, according to a press release. “It will be hard to leave this great company and all these great people, but I’m looking forward to the next phase of my life and am confident that SuperValu is well-positioned going forward.”
In the almost four decades she has been with the company, Haugarth has overseen and directed the realignment and consolidation of SuperValu’s wholesale operations, introduced a National Sales Expo that the chain says attracted more than 4,000 attendees in the last two years, and achieved several other accomplishments to add to its growth and initiatives.
“Janel has been a tremendous advocate for this company throughout her SuperValu career,” SuperValu CEO and President Sam Duncan stated in the release. “It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with Janel for the past two and one-half years. Her knowledge of the industry and her passion for helping our independent retailers succeed is second to none.”
In her stead, current President of Cub Foods Mike Stigers has been appointed Executive Vice President, Independent Business and Supply Chain. With more than 40 years experience in grocery, four of which have been with SuperValu in a number of leadership roles, he will succeed Haugarth officially on December 27.
In his new position, Stigers will report to Bruce Besanko, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of SuperValu.
“Mike is a terrific and well respected leader with deep knowledge of the grocery industry and strong relationships across our entire retail and wholesale business,” Duncan said.
He concluded that he and the company are grateful to Haugarth for her many years of leadership and wish her all the best in this new chapter, expressing confidence that wholesale operations and consumers will be in capable hands as Stigers succeeds her.
MORRO BAY, CA - After two years of designing a first-of-its-kind machine to extract the pearls from finger limes, Shanley Farms has introduced the result—its new Citron Caviar. I spoke with Megan Shanley, Sales and Marketing Specialist at the company about just what makes Citron Caviar pearls such a unique offering in the industry.
“There is nothing of the sort pre-existing on the processed equipment market,” Megan explains to me about the new citrus pearl extraction machine. “This process takes the work out of squeezing finger limes by offering just the jarred pearls. We anticipate that this also helps to solve the two major questions in consumers minds regarding finger limes which are ‘What is a finger lime?’ and ‘How do I use it?’”
With a taste similar to, but stronger than a lemon or lime, the burst you get from biting into Citron Caviar is a treat on anything from a seared scallop, a slice of cheescake, or a salad. The citrus juice is self contained in the juice pearls, so you can even add these to cocktails, beer, and sparkling beverages for an added touch of flavor, and what Megan describes as an easy, elegant look.
“How many products are there that can bring instant elegance and at the same time complete simplicity in preparation? From the introduction of our first fresh finger limes, they have become wildly popular with chefs,” continues Megan. “Now foodies everywhere have heard of and use finger limes. With the introduction of our Citron Caviar and its inclusion into other products the general public will now come to know our product for what it is - simple elegance!”
Shanley Farms will be providing its retail partners with materials to sample the products in stores, including in the bakery and seafood departments for them to become familiar with the product. Megan shared with me that Shanley Farms is in talks with several recipe developers from internationally recognized companies that are interested in using Citron Caviar for mass production of everything from yogurts and salad dressings to chocolate bars and ice cream.
“Citron Caviar offers a great opportunity to cross merchandise with liquor, bakery, and seafood departments. Shanley Farms is currently designing a display shipper that will catch shoppers eyes and work well with existing merchandising needs,” Megan adds. “We anticipate that consumers will soon find out if they can 'handle the burst' of Citron Caviar in products outside of the produce department.”
Bakery treats such as fruit tarts, key lime pie, cheesecake, and many other dishes benefit from a surprise burst of lemon-lime flavor, and virtually any fish fillet or shellfish can become a simply elegant dish with butter sauce and Citron Caviar. For more information about finger limes and to see recipes on how to use the versatile product, check out ShanleyFarms.com.
BELLINGHAM, WA – A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved the sale of 36 Haggen stores late last week, and a hearing to approve the sale of another 55 will be held later this month on Tuesday, November 24.
Combined, the 91 stores will sell for a total of $139 million.
Among the approved sales, Haggen said Friday that Gelson’s Markets will acquire eight stores across California for $36 million and Smart & Final will acquire 28 stores in California for $56 million.
As for the approval-pending locations, Albertsons was the biggest buyer of them all, interestingly enough. Albertsons submitted bids for 33 stores, including three in Arizona, three in Nevada, four in Oregon, twelve in Washington, and eleven in California.
Here’s the breakdown of some of the other big buyers, who, in total, bid for 55 stores for $47 million. Smart & Final submitted bids for four additional stores in California; Sprouts Farmers Market offered to buy four stores as well, three in California and one in Nevada; Tawa Supermarkets sent in three bids for stores, two in California and one in Oregon; Stater Bros. Markets submitted a bid for one store in California; and Carnival Supermarkets offered to buy two in California. The remaining locations went to other interested parties in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Haggen’s 32 ‘core’ stores may also be up for sale, as we previously reported. These are what Haggen calls its most valuable stores as they are profitable and carry strong brand reputation in their respective locations.
It’s been a tumultuous year for Haggen, having gone from 18 stores to 164 after buying more than a hundred locations from Safeway and Albertsons and ultimately having to put those stores back on the market. We will have to see how these continuing sales will change up the dynamic retail market, but in the meantime, stick to AndNowUKnow for the latest developments on Haggen.
MCALLEN, TX - Since unveiling the NEWTEC 10-head weigher, 4010XXB1 “Conweigher,” at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, GA, Fox Solutions has seen positivity both in feedback and results as this exciting new development hits the industry.
“The response to the NEWTEC 4010XXB1 has been tremendous since its unveiling at Fresh Summit,” Aaron Fox, President of Fox Solutions, said in a press release. “This weigher has the dependability and performance that defines a NEWTEC machine, combined with the speed that will revolutionize fresh produce packing for the industry as a whole.”
This cutting edge, high performance weigher brings a number of new advantages to the table.
As we reported recently, Fox Solutions debuted the “first of its kind for whole produce” technology last month, using conveyors to move product instead of the traditional vibrators that can be difficult for moving oddly shaped objects.
Additionally, the company added that the NEWTEC 4010XXB1 can proficiently handle heavier items than its predecessors, capable of packing 50 lb. weighments at 20 per minute as opposed to increase productivity while cutting time.
Other highlights include:
- Full stainless steel construction
- Color touch-screen
- 10 head weigher capacity for medium to large sized products
Maintenance is also an advantage. Fox Solutions added that this technology adds even more food safety benefits, with its food grade belting and plastics being removed quickly without tools for easy cleaning and sanitation.
NEWTEC is designed to be ideal for heavyweight boxes of produce, promising to set the bar for weighing and packing technologies to come.
POMPANO BEACH, FL – Ayco Farms is jumping into another hotly anticipated season with an exciting crop on the way. John McGuigan, Ayco’s Vice President, took the time to discuss what’s new with the company and what retailers can expect from the new season.
“As a vertically integrated grower and shipper we are investing heavily every year to provide value to our customers,” he said. “This year we entered into our own shipping line in Central America under the AFCO Shipping Line name to allow us to provide our own control over arrivals, departures, and cost control in our supply chain.”
The new season is just getting started, but John tells me that quality and supply look to be in line with expectations. Ayco Farms will have promotable volumes on most of its items from now until late April, or even early May from its two crop cycles in Guatemala.
“Quality so far looks promising and we have not had any adverse weather on the crop to date that should negatively affect us in any way,” he said. “Early brix and color look good, and sizing looks to be expected; so far, so good.”
Ayco Farms offers any kind of retail support its retail partners need to communicate with their consumers, whether that is POS, special packaging to highlight new and innovative products like Orangecello™, YellowMe™, which is a new personal watermelon that’s red on the inside and yellow on the outside, and Galias; all can be packed in a one count sleeve to help educate the consumer about these differentiated products.
“Of course, the most important retail support is great quality,” John continued, “and we are always focused on that.”
Ayco Farms has also received certification from the Rainforest Alliance, ensuring that its melon farms are well-managed and are growing food responsibly. Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farm and forest operations meet comprehensive standards that protect the environment and promote the rights and well-being of workers, their families, and communities.
“We think that supporting the communities that grow with and for us is vitally important as well, and we are proud to have that certification from this organization,” John said.
With what looks to be an fantastic season ahead, look forward to seeing more from Ayco Farms soon.
SANTA PAULA, CA – Limoneira and The Lewis Group of Companies have formed a multi-million dollar partnership to kick off their new development project, “Harvest at Limoneira,” formerly known as the Santa Paula Gateway Project and East Area 1.
Harvest at Limoneira includes the development of a 500-acre master planned community with approximately 1,500 residential units, according to a press release. Home prices are estimated to range from $300,000 to $750,000.
The development project is expected to provide a significant source of cash flow for Limoneira, bringing the company approximately $100 million over the seven to ten year life of the project, with an additional $20 million to $30 million with each $50,000 increase in the median home price. The median home price in Ventura County currently sits at $516,400.
Limoneira Lewis Community Builders, LLC is a 50%/50% partnership between Limoneira and The Lewis Group. Upon establishment of the partnership, Limoneira will receive $18 million in addition to the $2 million it previously received from The Lewis Group in September 2015.
Limoneira’s President and CEO Harold Edwards is confident that both companies have the real estate development experience necessary to make this project come to fruition.
“We expect strong demand for Harvest at Limoneira’s new homes to be driven by the development’s highly desirable location that is fourteen miles from the Pacific Ocean and accessible to several major highways and the greater Los Angeles area, as well as the limited supply of new homes throughout Ventura County,” he said.
In a press release, Limoneira stated that it expects to receive 25% to 80% of the net cash flow of the project, based on cash flow milestones provided in the partnership agreement, which is estimated to aggregate approximately 70% of total net cash flows to Limoneira, including the initial $20 million distribution, and the balance of net cash flows to the Lewis Group over the estimated seven to ten year life of the project.
Limoneira Lewis Community Builders anticipates receiving security deposits from homebuilders for lots sales in mid-2017. The sale of lots is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Other than the residential development, Limoneira is also focusing on developing over 40 acres of commercial properties in the area.
“We look forward to strategically reinvesting proceeds from our real estate development projects into our global agribusiness, enabling us to progress on our goal to become one of the leading citrus agribusinesses in the world,” Edwards concluded.
For more on this exciting project from Limoneira Lewis Community Builders, stick to AndNowUKnow.
ZAANDEM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold and Delhaize, which successfully merged last summer, have just announced a new executive team to lead the new joint retail chain.
According to a press release, the following members will report directly to the Ahold Delhaize CEO and will supplement the future Executive Committee:
- Marc Croonen, Chief Sustainability, Transformation & Communications Officer
- Hanneke Faber, Chief E-Commerce & Innovation Officer
- Jan Ernst de Groot, Chief Legal Officer
- Abbe Luersman, Chief Human Resources Officer
The Ahold Delhaize Management Board already consists of CEO Dick Boer, Deputy CEO and Chief Integration Officer Frans Muller, CFO Jeff Carr, COO Europe Pierre Bouchut, COO USA Kevin Holt, and COO USA James McCann, with these newest appointments to go into effect when the merger is complete.
This future Executive Committee is expected to take charge of the company’s day-to-day management, and the chain relayed confidence in the combination of leaders from both former companies to push it to new heights.
“[The Executive Committee] exhibits the right combination of functional capabilities and retail experience to steer a company that will greatly expand its reach to deliver even more for the customers and communities it serves. The team will be well-positioned to drive and support integration, while managing the businesses for continued customer service and commercial success,” it stated in the release.
Ahold Delhaize also created two new roles, Chief Sustainability, Transformation & Communications Officer and Chief E-Commerce & Innovation Officer, which it said will be put in place to both shape and drive ambitions as “a responsible and innovative retailer.” These areas will also be overseen by a Sustainability and Innovation Committee at the Supervisory Board level, though who will fill them was not yet announced.
Though the future for the deal continues to remain strong, all announcements are still subject to shareholder approval, regulatory clearance, and other customary conditions. The two continue to report that they are on track to complete the merger by mid-2016, however, sealing a deal valued at $28 billion and creating a portfolio of over 375,000 associates in the U.S. and Europe alone.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - It’s that time of the year again—when sweet potatoes reign over fall produce departments. With these three tips from Frieda’s Specialty Produce, take your Stokes Purple® Sweet Potatoes sales up a notch just in time for that holiday season rush.
1.) Follow the Foodies
Foodies are always looking to make new culinary discoveries around the holidays, and put a fresh twist on the usual, traditional recipes. Stokes Purple® Sweet Potatoes make any home cook look skilled at dinner parties and potluck feasts, with everything from updated recipes for roasted sweet potatoes to purple sweet potato pies. Then, the foodies will be back for more after the holidays.
2.) Attract Athletes
Stokes Purple® Sweet Potatoes can be the perfect #powerfuel for runners and other fitness enthusiasts. The anthocyanin antioxidants in the purple-pigmented Stokes Purple® add extra appeal to sweet potatoes, which are already considered a “super starch,” a nutrient-rich source of energy packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, Frieda’s explains in a press release.
3.) Put Purple in the Mix
The purple-hued skin of Stokes Purple® Sweet Potatoes looks lovely against the usually orange and brown retail potato displays, not just during the holidays, but throughout the spring as well. These tubers add both color and interest to your shoppers’ meals—from breakfast to dinner, any time of year.
Available in conventional and organic, Stokes Purple® Sweet Potatoes are available exclusively from Frieda’s. Interested retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice distributors can contact Frieda’s at Friedas.com for product information and high resolution images to assist with any marketing needs.