PLANT CITY, FL - The blueberry season in Argentina is underway and with the addition of a 75 hectare grower, Wish Farms is looking at an approximate 50 percent increase in volume over the previous few years.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in volume,” Director of Blueberry Operations Teddy Koukoulis tells me, estimating that, at this point, Wish is looking to ship nearly 1.2 million pounds from the region.
Wish Farms is flying blueberries in as promptly as it can to meet the need in the market. Amber Maloney, Director of Marketing, says, “The market is tight, so there is an immediacy in transporting the supplies."
The season was set back a couple of weeks due to the cold weather slowing the growth of the berries, but this hasn’t compromised their quality, Amber notes.
“We started on time, but weather slowed incoming volume,” Teddy said. “We anticipate going right through Thanksgiving with blueberries.”
Typically, Argentina's peak season would hit around this time for Wish Farms' blueberries, but instead it will probably be in two to three more weeks. So, while the window for Argentina’s peak blueberry season has been pushed back, the delay suggests there will most likely be good volumes for the upcoming holiday promotions.
“On the sales side we do our best to provide volume projections and share as much info as possible with retailers to help them plan for their promotions,” Amber tells me, saying that Wish Farms provides weekly projections to help keep their customers as informed as possible.
And with blueberry demand strengthening for year-round product, Argentina is only the beginning.
“The Argentina program is the start to our blueberry season and leads nicely into the Chilean season,” Amber tells me, saying that the company is on track for strategic growth, establishing relationships with new growers and partners.
“We have four growers in Argentina and year after year we want to continue to grow,” Teddy added.
Aside from letting retailers know that they can count on continued blueberry supplies throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, Wish Farms has a few new things in the works to be announced in coming weeks.
Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we continue to bring you the latest news on this company and the rest of the produce industry.
MONROVIA, CA - Trader Joe’s is entering the Minneapolis area with its first store in the downtown area.
The new 10,700 square foot store, expected to open in the first half of 2017, comes as a blessing for residents in the area after a rumor suggested the grocery chain would finally make its appearance in Minneapolis.
Trader Joe’s new store will occupy a ground-floor space below a new 180-apartment development at Washington Avenue S. and Chicago Avenue S.
“This is a very big deal,” said Dan Collison, Executive Director of the East Downtown Council, according to the Star Tribune. “East Downtown [which includes Elliot Park and the Mill District] has been a grocery desert for decades with only a few convenience stores nearby.”
Trader Joe’s has seven other locations in the metro area and one in Rochester, the Star Tribune reports. The retailer previously attempted to enter the Minneapolis area, but failed to get city approval because of zoning issues.
Collison is hopeful for the success of the new store, saying that this particular location offers “diverse housing demographics…that range from temporary homeless housing to high-rent, market-rate condominiums and rentals.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest updates in retail and produce industry news.
CASTROVILLE, CA – Ocean Mist Farms was recognized by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) today as a produce packaging innovator.
Ocean Mist’s value-added Season & Steam™ product line, Kalettes™, received the 2015 PMA Impact Award: Excellence in Packaging.
The award celebrates companies that go above and beyond with produce packaging.
Innovative for its unique Steamfast microwaveable package, Ocean Mist’s cleaned and ready to cook Season & Steam line allows consumers to pre-season the contents in the bag, reseal with the zip lock, and steam by microwave all within the same bag, according to a press release.
Ocean Mist was a previous recipient of the award in 2011 and 2012 with its microwaveable artichokes and SuperShreds SuperFood™, Quick Cook Sprouts™, Baby Sprouts, and whole Brussels sprouts products, respectively.
This year, PMA received more than 71 entries from 57 countries to compete for the coveted PMA Fresh Impact award. Only five out of twenty finalists will be recognized for achieving top marks in marketing, sustainability, food safety, convenience, and supply chain efficiency/functionality.
For all the latest news out of PMA Fresh Summit, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Despite seeing strong performances in its fresh departments, Supervalu failed to meet analyst expectations in its second quarter fiscal 2016 earnings report.
Shortly after trading opened on Wednesday, Supervalu shares decreased approximately 5 percent following the release of the report.
The retailer has been seeking ways to revitalize its business after facing strong competition in an intense market. In July, Supervalu announced it would explore the possibility of separating its Save-A-Lot business so that the banner could pursue strategies specific to its business characteristics and growth potentials.
“The fresh departments, meat and produce, continued to perform well for Save-A-Lot. In spite of the deflationary impact on sales, units shipped on an identical store basis to licensees were up in both categories and combined ID sales in our corporate stores for these categories were positive,” said CEO Sam Duncan on a conference call with investors. “We continue to work on both categories and believe they are key differentiators of the Save-A-Lot brand.”
Supervalu reported net sales for the quarter to be $4.06 billion and net earnings from continuing operations at $37 million, adjusted for after-tax costs related to the potential separation of Save-A-Lot and severance costs. Gross profit for the second quarter was $583 million, or 14.4 percent of net sales, compared to $574 million during the same time last year.
Highlights from this quarter include:
- Consolidated operating earnings of $94 million for Q2 fiscal 2016
- Adjusted EBITDA of $166 million for Q2 fiscal 2016
- Save-A-Lot sales, operating earnings and Adjusted EBITDA increase over last year’s quarter
- Ninth consecutive quarter of positive Save-A-Lot corporate sales ID sales
“I’m pleased that we increased adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter compared to last year in spite of several operating headwinds,” Duncan said in a press release. “Our focus remains on driving sales across all three segments and finishing the year strong.”
Second quarter Save-A-Lot sales were $1.09 billion, compared to $1.06 billion last year, an increase of 3.2 percent, thanks to new store openings. Operating earnings in the second quarter for the banner were $32 million.
Retail Food net sales were $1.09 billion for the quarter, compared to $1.11 billion last year, a decrease of 1.2 percent. Operating net earnings in the second quarter were $10 million.
Duncan, who announced his retirement this month, said that the company expects to open approximately 50 new corporate stores this year, in addition to approximately 40 new licensee locations for a total of about 90 gross new store openings by the end of fiscal 2016.
For the latest financial news from the industry, stick to AndNowUKnow.
EDMONTON, AB - Keep an eye out Atlanta, Georgia, The Little Potato Company is introducing its newest proprietary Creamer variety at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit Convention and Expo, along with further innovation within the company’s Microwave and Oven|Grill Ready packs.
The newest variety to The Little Potato Company’s portfolio, Chilean Splash, will be launched as a limited release specialty item in late 2015 in the U.S. and Canada in a new, 1.5 lb gusset bag., according to a press release. It took five years of carefully scaled planting, harvesting and tasting to bring the new Chilean Splash to the stage, which the company promises will delight consumers with its unique and bold attributes.
“Bred in the rugged and fertile steppes of the Chilean Andes comes our boldest creamer yet. This rich, lively, and complex potato embodies the culture and history of its native lands,” said Angela Santiago, CEO and Co-founder of The Little Potato Company. “With a silky cream skin, luscious texture and unique ’splash’ of bright purple, Chilean Splash is sure to brighten your senses."
The Little Potato Company’s team of passionate potato professionals pride themselves on knowing how to choose a new variety for its taste, visual appeal, amenability to local climates and soils, and its ability to stay consistently delicious from the field to the dinner table throughout the year.
The Little Potato Company is also introducing refinements to its Microwave and Oven|Grill Ready packs recently launched just a year ago. These packs combine Creamers with convenient, delicious seasoning mixes. All spice packs are now gluten-free, with no artificial color, flavor or preservatives and reduced sodium and sugar levels.
The Microwave and Oven|Grill Ready packs are showcasing a new package design which features a faux-window to better highlight the fresh Creamer potatoes inside. The company has also added a new “Three Cheese” flavor, combining the creaminess of Cheddar, the sharpness of Romano, and the nutty richness of Parmesan.
The existing flavor line-up of Onion Medley, Garlic Herb and Barbecue Blend will complete the Oven|Grill Ready pack; and Garlic Parsley, and Savory Herb will continue to delight Microwave Ready fans.
“Our focus and passion at The Little Potato Company is creating more and more delightfully innovative ways for potato lovers to enjoy our Creamers while ensuring we support our customers with excellent quality products and service twelve months of the year,” said Santiago. “We are the experts in Creamers. They’re all we sell and all we plan to sell.”
Come to the show hungry! See you all in Atlanta!
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Twang Partners, Ltd. is adding a twist to produce items and culinary creations this year with ZAS! Super-Seasoning.
With the goal of introducing spice blends that add global flavor to any dish, these premium-flavored seasonings inspire creativity in the produce department. ZAS! Super-Seasoning is being debuted at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Global flavors are in high demand, and ZAS! Super-Seasoning offers a unique and convenient way to add one-of-a-kind flavor. Simply shake on ZAS! as a last step to meals and experience new flavorful moments at the family table,” said Marketing Director Ernst Van Eeghen.
ZAS! Super-Seasoning is available in 4 oz. jars. Flavors include Chili Lime, Tamarind, Hath Chile and Mango Chili. ZAS! is made with no artificial ingredients, gluten free, Kosher and low sodium, according to a press release. These exciting new flavors are not only flavorful but also versatile.
“We created ZAS! Super-Seasoning to help busy cooks add unique flavors from around the world. Created with the highest quality ingredients, this line allows home cooks and professionals to easily add authentic and vibrant flavors that will impress guests,” said Managing Partner Elysia Gonzales. “I use ZAS! in some of my favorite family recipes to introduce my daughter to flavors that I loved growing up and flavors that I’ve grown to love.”
Trends tell us that today’s millennial shopper is demanding more complex flavors and healthy, fresh ingredients.
With ZAS! Super-Seasoning in the produce department, there are even more opportunities to boost sales. Twang Partners also produces premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and has done so for over 29 years.
Visit PMA booth 5280 in Atlanta to try some of these new items from Twang Partners.
WATSONVILLE, CA - How is Driscoll’s helping retailers sell more berries this Fall? Dessert.
From October through December 2015, Driscoll’s is inspiring consumers to enjoy the flavor and health benefits of raspberries through its dedicated #raspberrydessert campaign. The Taste a New Tradition campaign will focus on all the delightful variations possible with the traditional favorite - raspberry pie.
“We understand that families relish in the sharing of food, and pies are often the star of the holiday meal,” said Driscoll’s Marketing Manager Jenet DeCosta. “We are encouraging home cooks and bakers to see food as an expression of love and utilize Driscoll’s as a creative resource to help them put their own personal spin on a classic dessert by incorporating delicious and beautiful Driscoll’s raspberries.”
For this new program, consumers will have access to tips, recipes, videos and live Q&As to assist them in making their own unique take on raspberry pie. The campaign also features a sweepstakes where three monthly winners will be chosen to receive a Le Creuset Heritage Pie Gift Set and berries for a year, according to a press release.
In addition, Kate Lebo, an esteemed cookbook author and pie-lover, has partnered with Driscoll’s to help update “tried-and-true” pie recipes.
“In working with Driscoll’s, I hope to help families create new traditions in the form of delicious raspberry pies that get passed down for generations,” said Lebo. "Baking with raspberries at the holidays inspires new takes on traditional pie making that will delight both young and old, encouraging the whole family to get in on the fun.”
Lebo will utilize Driscoll’s berries to inspire consumers to add new twists to holiday favorites. Tools will be available not only on driscolls.com, but through live streaming events via Periscope and Twitter chats.
UPDATE (10/23/2015, 10:07 AM PST): Hurricane Patricia has now upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane, the largest ever recorded. Winds have the potential to reach up to 200 mph with torrential rains.
OFF THE COAST OF MEXICO - Since we last covered Patricia, the storm has rapidly strengthened from a tropical storm into a Category 4 hurricane with 130 mph winds. Forecasters are now predicting Patricia will make landfall in Mexico Friday night, with the potential to bring even more powerful winds and intense amounts of rain.
“Confidence is increasing that Patricia will make landfall in the hurricane warning area as an extremely dangerous major hurricane Friday afternoon or evening,” said the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in an advisory issued at 2 p.m. EDT Thursday.
Hurricane warnings have been updated as follows:
- A hurricane warning now includes the Pacific coast of Mexico from San Blas to Punta San Telmo—including Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo
- Hurricane watches are in effect east of Punta San Telmo to Lazaro Cardenas
- A tropical storm warning is in effect from east of Punta San Telmo to Lazaro Cardenas
As of 4 p.m. CDT on Thursday, Patricia was located about 250 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico, or about 355 miles south-southeast of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NHC believes Patricia may still be strengthening, too, with the potential to reach near 150 mph (nearly Category 5 hurricane intensity) by Friday morning.
The worst conditions are expected Friday afternoon and evening, however, when destructive winds hit the Mexican Coast. According to the Weather Channel, Patricia is expected to dump 6 to 12 inches of rain over the Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan and Guerrero. Flash flooding and mudslides are possible, and localized amounts of rain may reach as high as 20 inches.
The storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding, and Mexico's national water commission, CONAGUA, warned Thursday that there may be waves of up to 39 feet near the point of Patricia’s landfall.
The storm will weaken rapidly after hitting shore, forecasters say, but rain may be heading towards central and east Texas as well. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for continued updates.
FAIRFIELD, CT – bfresh™, Ahold’s “new grocery shopping experience,” is on the uprise.
The millennial, fresh-focused format recently opened in Fairfield, Connecticut on Wednesday, bringing a wide selection of fresh organic produce, meat, seafood, and deli options to a flock of consumers eagerly awaiting the new store.
Coming in at 8,600 square feet, bfresh proclaims that it offers more natural and organic options than a typical market and a robust selection of vegan, gluten-free, and international items. The stores are described as “visually appealing, inviting, and fun” to attract millennial shoppers.
The concept was developed by Fresh Formats, an Ahold company established in 2014 to explore and develop new format opportunities.
“We sought to provide a one-stop, easy-to-shop solution for the Fairfield community,” said Suzi Robinson, Marketing Magus for Fresh Formats and a developer of bfresh. “bfresh is designed for anyone who loves food and wants healthy, affordable, locally-sourced options in their neighborhood.”
bfresh offers consumers freshly prepared foods in its Little Kitchen™, which is based on La Place, a fresh food restaurant business in the Netherlands and Europe. Little Kitchen™ brings scratch-made, always fresh, seasonal meals into the store with new menus everyday. Shoppers can choose from fresh smoothies, salads, pizza, Asian stir fry, breads, desserts, coffee, and more, all prepared in front of customers.
According to a press release, bfresh is targeting “neighborhood foodies who value fresh, healthy food options and pricing that doesn’t break the bank.” Its first location opened earlier this year in Allston, Massachusetts.
The grand opening for the store will be held on Friday, November 6.
NEW YORK, NY - If you ask D’Arrigo Brothers (founder of Andy Boy Broccoli Rabe), it is pretty easy being green.
On Wednesday, October 7, 2015, the company hosted a Broccoli Rabe media event in New York City with Celebrity Chef Candice Kumai to bring the bold flavor and versatility of this growing vegetable category to culinary creators, media editors, fitness gurus, and vegetable lovers.
“The Andy Boy Broccoli Rabe Campaign aims to educate and create awareness around this nutritious and delicious food. We had a great turnout with more than 80 attendees, including retailers, industry influencers, cookbook authors, media editors and food bloggers from a range of food, lifestyle and wellness categories,” Claudia Pizarro-Villalobos, Marketing and Culinary Manager at D'Arrigo Bros. Co., of California, tells me.
Candice Kumai, noted by Elle Magazine as, “The golden girl of the wellness world,” is a professionally trained chef, wellness journalist and 4x best-selling author who received her professional culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu California School of Culinary Arts and has cooked on the line in several California-based restaurants. Candice was also the youngest chef to compete on Bravo’s inaugural season of Top Chef at the age of 23. She has also been regular judge on Iron Chef America in addition to contributing regularly on E! News, Today Show and Access Hollywood Live. Visit her and her clean recipes at candicekumai.com.
In addition, Candice has been featured on CBS Early Show, GMA, The Doctors, Dr. Oz, The Talk, Extra, Cooking Channel, PBS Simply Ming, Food Network, and Beat Bobby Flay.
Publications including SELF, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Cosmopolitan, Food Republic, VOGUE, The Oprah Magazine, Skinnytaste, and many more attended the event, offering much praise for the culinary opportunities within the Broccoli Rabe category such as smoothies, pressed juices, soups, salads and more.
Celebrity Chef Candice Kumai appeared on The Wendy William’s Show on October 7th as well, showcasing three Broccoli Rabe recipes to a national viewership of more than 1,343,057 viewers.
To check out the segment, see the video at the link here: http://1drv.ms/1VDNHsk
Guests were treated to broccoli rabe recipes, as well as the engaging activities from Celebrity Chef Candice Kumai’s cooking demonstration. D’Arrigo also provided nutrition stations and a tasting table where many guests enjoyed learning about the Andy Boy brand and Broccoli Rabe.