GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Less than one week after the announcement that J.K. Symancyk will be stepping down as President, Meijer has revealed that 26-year company veteran Rick Keyes will be his successor.
“I am truly humbled and honored to accept the role as president of Meijer,” Keyes said. “I joined this company as a front-line team member more than 25 years ago, and Meijer has provided me the opportunity to learn, grow and develop experiences across a variety of disciplines. I’m very much looking forward to working with our team members at all levels to ensure Meijer continues to grow and thrive.”
Keyes, began his career with the company as a pharmacist in Columbus, Ohio, but has been Executive Vice President of Supply Chain and Manufacturing since 2006. In that capacity he oversaw the retailer’s expansion into manufacturing with the acquisition of one dairy and construction of another, according to a press release, and pioneered initiatives ranging from the launch of a near-zero emission truck fleet to significant investments in lean distribution technologies.
“We are pleased to introduce Rick as our new President,” said Hank Meijer, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer. “Rick’s proven leadership has been an inspiration to our team. He has grown up with Meijer, excelling in positions in both pharmacy and store operations, and, most recently, building industry-leading supply chain and manufacturing operations.”
In the company’s release, Meijer commented on both Keyes’ positive affect on the sophistication of Meijer supply chain, and his place as a strong advocate for team members—especially increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Since 2012, Keyes has led an initiative at several Meijer distribution facilities to create job opportunities for persons with various levels of disability, partnering with several local non-profit agencies.
“A company can only be great if its team members feel valued and engaged, regardless of their role or level,” Keyes said. “Together with a strong senior leadership team, I’m looking forward to charting a course for our company where everyone can feel ownership for our success, while delivering the excellent customer service Meijer is known for.”
Keyes will be the 7th President in the company’s 81-year history. He is a native of Columbus, Ohio and a graduate of Ohio Northern University’s College of Pharmacy.
NORTH & SOUTH CAROLINA - Heavy storms have hit the East Coast over the past couple of days, especially in North and South Carolina where more than 20,000 people went without power and local weather records were broken, to say the least.
The states both saw historic rains, according to AccuWeather and 6abc reports, with some areas seeing upwards of 20 inches of rainfall in the short time that the pattern has been in the area.
According to AccuWeather, the torrential storms developed due to a combination of tropical moisture from Hurricane Joaquin and a non-tropical system that has brought life-threatening floods.
"The flooding is unprecedented and historical," Dr. Marshall Shepherd, Meteorologist and Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program, University of Georgia, wrote in an email to The Associated Press, according to 6abc.
It is a situation that the state’s Governor Nikki Haley says is still vulnerable in a news conference. The latest reports are that the record shattering storms have left about 26,000 people without power, 40,000 without running water, and ten weather-related fatalities in South Carolina, plus two in North Carolina, 6abc reports.
Noted areas of impact were Charleston, which saw 24.23 inches, half of what the area usually would see for the entire year, Columbia, which experienced 10.28 inches, the heaviest rainfall on record for both areas. Columbia Metropolitan Airport saw 6.87 inches of water, as well as several hundred roads and bridges. On Monday, Governor Haley said 381 roads and 127 bridges were closed across the state, according to 6abc, with 1,000 law enforcement officers and 1,000 transportation department personnel working to make the areas safe.
She also added that the structural integrity of all roads and bridges will have to be checked, which could take several weeks or more.
AndNowUKnow will continue to follow the situation as it develops.
RIO RICO, AZ - SunFed is tapping into tropical produce with a new addition to its growing portfolio – limes.
Grown on family-owned farms in the fertile growing areas in Mexico, SunFed is looking to introduce limes year-round as its inaugural entry into tropical produce.
In an effort to continuing to meet customer demands, SunFed saw the tropical program as a natural extension to its traditional line of products, which include squash, bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes, and more.
“Limes are a natural progression for SunFed,” said COO Matt Mandel. “It’s an item that continues to increase in demand and it fits in nicely with the items we’re currently carrying.”
SunFed’s limes will be offered in a 10 pound and 40 pound box, designed with the company’s signature vibrant 60’s pop art-inspired packaging.
“We want to deliver a farm-fresh product that also catches consumers’ eyes so the retailer gets more exposure for the everyday item,” said Brett Burdsal, SunFed's Director of Marketing. “The high-graphic, pop art-inspired packaging helps the item jump off the shelf.”
The season is just starting to ramp up for the item, and so far, the lime quality is looking like it’s going to be outstanding with great sizing and brilliant dark green color.
Limes are just the beginning. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow to learn more about SunFed’s developing tropical program.
BANCROFT, WI - In just over two weeks, RPE will be in attendance with all aspects of the industry in Atlanta, Georgia, as it attends the PMA Fresh Summit. So what is the company bringing in that will make its booth stand out?
The company will be featuring Tasteful Selections, Old Oak Farms potatoes, with Chef Joey Elenterio showcasing their flavor in two signature dishes.
“We are extremely thrilled to continue our partnership with the talented Chef Joey,” Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE, said in a press release. “His creativity with each mouthwatering creation, using Tasteful Selections potatoes, meshes perfectly with our goal to provide innovative solutions and recipe inspirations for our customers and consumers alike.”
Chef Elenterio is opening his own restaraunt, Cadence, in San Francisco, and during his tenure as Executive Chef at Chez TJ in Mountain View, California, he received 1 Michelin Star in both 2011 and 2012. Zagat named him in its 30 under 30, and he is also a recipient of the San Francisco Chronicle’s Rising Star Chef award.
“Tasteful Selections potatoes are so versatile, colorful and cook quickly and evenly, so I never run out of new ways to prepare them,” Chef Elenterio said, according to the release. “It is always a delight to work with a product you believe in.”
Chef Elenterio will create his signature Tomato and Chili Braised Sweet Surprise potatoes on Saturday, Oct. 24th, and on Sunday, Oct. 25th he’ll create what is described as a Midwest based treat with Leinenkugel braised Sunrise Medley potatoes complimented with Parsley Fennel Salad and Cheese Curds.
Both can be enjoyed at Booth 239 during PMA Fresh Summit, where several Tasteful Selections products will be on display, including:
- Conventional and Organic lines
- Specialty varieties from Old Oak Farms®
- White Russet® brand potatoes
Find out about these varieties and more at booth 239 in just 19 days.
CASTROVILLE, CA - After 25 years of serving Ocean Mist Farms as its President and CEO, Ed Boutonnet is passing the torch to a new leader.
Joe Pezzini, the current Chief Operating Officer, has been named as the company’s next President and CEO. Boutonnet will remain as Chairman of the Board and will participate in special assignments, projects, and other operations of the corporation. The transition in leadership will occur over the next 12 months, according to a press release.
“I’ve been privileged to lead one of the greatest produce companies in the country. I am confident in [Joe’s] abilities and excited for the future of Ocean Mist Farms,” said Boutonnet. “I look forward to working with Joe and the board during the transition period, and to being an advisor to management in the years ahead.”
Hugo Tottino, Owner/Partner of Ocean Mist Farms, gave Ed his sincere gratitude for his strong, dedicated, and honest leadership throughout his many years at the company.
“[Ed] was instrumental in working with management to position our company for long-term success,” said Tottino. “We are grateful for his innumerable contributions to the company and we thank him for his distinguished tenure as President and CEO over the last 25 years.”
Pezzini, Boutonnet’s successor, has been with the company since June of 1983. Prior to being named Chief Operating Officer in February 2009, he was appointed as Ocean Mist’s Vice President of Operations, where he was responsible for cooling operations, food safety, research and development, quality assurance, human resources, and strategic planning.
“I’m honored by the confidence expressed in me by the Ocean Mist Farms board,” said Pezzini. “I will work hard as we embark upon the next chapter in the company’s history. Working with the talented professionals on the board, the senior management team, and our dedicated employees, I anticipate an exciting and successful future.”
AndNowUKnow wishes Mr. Boutonnet the best of luck in this transitional period, and congratulates Pezzini on being named to this executive post.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - As we welcome in the month of October, companies across the industry are launching their pink promotions to support the many organizations that are on the front lines in the fight against breast cancer.
For the fourth year in a row, NatureSweet is partnering with Susan G. Komen, to offer their support of the non-profit’s breast cancer awareness initiatives. With a mission simply put “to save lives and end breast cancer forever,” Susan G. Komen has been the leading non-profit for the cause and a great partner as well as a resource for NatureSweet.
“Here in our office, we have a number of people that have dealt with breast cancer in their families so the cause is very close to our hearts. Susan G. Komen is the perfect partner for us. While we take on the impossible by growing a great tasting product year-round to promote healthy living, Komen is really taking on the impossible by trying to create a world where breast cancer no longer exists,” Michael Joergensen, VP of Marketing, tells me. “They not only welcome our support, but also bring NatureSweet and our 6,000-plus Associates, the resources and awareness we need to keep our company educated and engaged as well.”
This year, NatureSweet is featuring in-store pink packaging and materials for Glorys tomatoes. Glorys are a tomato variety perfect for cooking and can be used in pizzas, sauces, pastas, casseroles, kebabs…really any dish that calls for tomatoes or can be enhanced by them.
NatureSweet relaunched the packaging and a new variety under the Glorys name at the beginning of the year, and Michael tells me that these are the best Glorys the company has ever had.
To show its support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NatureSweet is also donating $100,000 to Susan G. Komen®.
UNITED STATES - The long-debated 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal has finally been reached, potentially strengthening trade relations between around 40 percent of the world’s economy.
According to the USDA, the TPP would eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs on American products and deter non-science based sanitary and phytosanitary barriers that have put American agriculture at a disadvantage in TPP countries in the past.
“An agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations provides a more level playing field in trade for American farmers,” explained U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a released statement. “Despite these past barriers, countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership currently account for up to 42 percent of all U.S. agricultural exports, totaling $63 billion. Thanks to this agreement and its removal of unfair trade barriers, American agricultural exports to the region will expand even further, particularly exports of meat, poultry, dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, oilseeds, cotton and processed products.”
The twelve countries that will be affected by the TPP are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the U.S., and Vietnam.
If ratified, the Trans-Pacific Partnership would be the largest pact governing international commerce in more than two decades, according to Bloomberg, encompassing 40 percent of the world’s economic output. President Obama released a statement saying the trade pact would eliminate more than 18,000 taxes on U.S. products and includes enforceable labor and environmental standards.
"Failing to grasp this opportunity would be a mistake: worse than just losing out on potential gains, our producers would fall behind other countries that are negotiating their own preferential arrangements in TPP countries,” continued Vilsack. “We are committed to working with Congress within the framework of the recently-passed Trade Promotion Authority to obtain a strong bipartisan understanding of and support for this historic trade deal that benefits farmers, ranchers, and all those who live, work and raise families in rural communities.
The deal has not been without opposition, however. Vermont Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, as well as Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren have been the most vocal in their opposition to the deal, saying it would favor corporations and will undercut U.S. wages.
Congress will now have at least 90 days to review and officially approve the deal.
BELLINGHAM, WA - While it has been a tumultuous several months for the Haggen chain, plans appear to be solidifying as the company steps back to center around the core stores it identified as continuing to be profitable.
The chain has been busy in court, filing motions for approval on two separate asset purchase agreements and looking for a court hearing to propose global bid procedures.
According to a press release, the company has deals for the sale of 36 stores in two stalking horse bidder agreements that it is looking to get approved. Smart & Final LLC has reportedly signed an agreement for 28 stores in both California and Nevada, while Gelson’s Markets has signed off an asset purchase agreement for an additional 8 California stores.
As for the auction, the chain reports it is looking for a hearing on October 19th, with parties interested in participating in the sale of its stores having to submit interest by October 26th. Though all dates are tentative and still subject to approval by bankruptcy court, the auction itself is slated for November 9th, with all bids having to be in by November 2nd. A hearing to consider the results of the auction on November 24th.
According to the release, a sale hearing will be held on November 13th if no auction takes place for a stalking horse package, or if one of the stalking horse bidders is the successful bidder for its package after the auction and the contracts identified in the original bid have not changed.
A complete updated list of the stores agreed to by Gelson’s and Smart & Final can be found below:
Any party interested in finding out more about the process, which the company said has been designed to be fair and transparent to maximize value, should contact Sagent Advisors, LLC at (212) 904-9400. Sagent has been retained to handle the sale process and will be able to provide more information.
PLEASANTON, CA - Welcome to What’s In Store.
Anyone who is evaluating updating their ERP solution knows first-hand that it can be intimidating, but did you know that it doesn’t have to be?
With exclusive focus on extending Microsoft Dynamics AX, an ERP software, as well as a key focus on all aspects of the produce industry, Junction Solutions has been providing leading produce companies with solutions right for them since its inception in 2002. And to help Junction focus on your unique business, they have developed their Rapid Optimized Implementation methodology to give you a streamlined, proven solution delivered with a shortened implementation cycle and allowing for value-added focus.
This gives them more time to focus on ensuring you are positioned to reach your company goals.
Supported by the industry’s most experienced consultants, Junction Solutions KNOWS produce. Their top priority is to deliver solutions that help companies innovate, manage and grow their business.
Thank you for watching What’s In Store.
BANCROFT, WI – Tasteful Selections is launching a new campaign with non-profit organization Katie’s Krops to take action in the fight against hunger.
The campaign, dubbed “Meet Your Grower,” highlights local Katie’s Krops growers and educates customers about local hunger relief efforts. In addition, for every specially marked bag of Tasteful Selections’ Ruby Sensation and Honey Gold potatoes sold from October through January, the company will donate a portion of the profits to Katie’s Krops as part of the campaign, according to a press release.
Tasteful Selections will provide select retailers with customized demonstrations, display contests and POS materials this fall to promote the campaign.
Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE Inc., and Co-Owner of Tasteful Selections, said that part of the aim this year is to help raise awareness about Katie’s Krops and end hunger.
“We want to make it easier for people to support those in need within their own communities, especially during the holiday season,” said Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE Inc., and Co-Owner of Tasteful Selections.
This is the third year Tasteful Selections has partnered with Katie’s Krops and Founder and Chief Executive Gardener Katie Stagliano.
“This year’s campaign provides a great opportunity to engage and educate the public about Katie’s Krops mission and how proceeds from the sale of the Katie’s Krops Tasteful Selections packages can really make a difference for those in need in their local communities.”
Katie’s Krops donates thousands of fresh produce to organizations helping people in need from Katie’s flagship garden in South Carolina and by awarding grants to youth-led gardens. There are currently over 80 Katie’s Krops gardens growing across the country in 30 states. The goal is to create and maintain 500 gardens nationwide.
RPE and Tasteful Selections will continue to donate proceeds from packages of Tasteful Selections potatoes to help fund Katie’s Krops gardens.