PLEASANTON, CA - Safeway has announced that it will be closing nine Denver-area locations by June 13.
"This was a very difficult decision made after long and careful deliberation," said Kris Staaf, Director of Public Affairs for Safeway's Denver Division. "Ultimately, our business analysis indicated that we needed to cease operations at these locations.”
Officials at the company reportedly have been evaluating operations at all 9 stores extensively while considering ways to improve performance for more than a year. The bottom line was that the stores were not profitable, Staaf added.
Safeway stores will be closed at the following locations, according to The Denver Post:
- 560 Castle Pines Parkway, Castle Rock.
- 3904 E. 120th Ave, Thornton.
- 12900 Zuni, Westminster.
- 16921 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora.
- 22675 E. Aurora Parkway, Aurora.
- 1955 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver.
- 7500 S. Pierce Street, Littleton.
- 1730 S. Buckley Road, Aurora.
- 8200 S. Quebec, Centennial.
The company says it will make every effort to place store employees affected by the closures at other area Safeway supermarkets.
As we’ve previously reported, Safeway, was acquired earlier this year by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP, parent of the Albertsons chain, for a $9.2 billion valued deal. When Cerberus took over, 168 stores were sold to four separate buyers to satisfy antitrust concerns. As of January, the combined Safeway-Albertsons had 2,230 stores and 250,000 employees across 34 states.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Grimmway Farms is promoting Bob Borda as the company’s newest Vice President of Organic Sales.
“Borda brings years of experience and knowledge to his new role. He has been active in the organic industry for over twenty years from his start at Pavich Family Farms in 1992, through developing the organic carrot program as Director of Organic Sales for Bolthouse Farms, that later evolved into the Director of Retail Sales prior to his departure,” says Jeff Huckaby, Executive Vice President of Grimmway Farms. “His most recent role, Vice President of Marketing at Grimmway Farms, has provided him with invaluable insights into our company culture as well as a solid understanding of our Cal-Organic operation.”
Borda succeeds Todd Linsky, who resigned this past month. While Borda begins his new role, Carl Williams, has been promoted to Director of Organic Sales.
“Bob and Carl will work closely together in supporting the Cal-Organic sales function. As Bob leads the outside sales, Carl, with over 33 years of produce experience, oversees the internal day-to-day sales activities of planning and executing the business as he has done for the past six years, ensuring overall customer support,” comments Jeff Meger, President of Grimmway Farms. “The two will report directly to Jeff Huckaby, Executive Vice President of Grimmway Farms. Jeff has been intricately involved with the Cal-Organic operation since our acquisition of the company in 2001. He served as the General Manager of the Cal-Organic division and later, in 2006, was promoted to Executive Vice President of Grimmway Farms. We are well poised to support the continued growth of the organic vegetable category.”
Borda says he’s excited to work with customers in assisting them with the growth of the organic vegetable category.
“I look forward to working with Carl Williams in my new role. Carl and I have worked closely together in past endeavors, and we both are excited to team up once again. This collaborative approach provides enhanced insights to support the planning and execution of our program. Continued development of customer relationships is most important to me,” continued Borda.
Mike Anspach will now be overseeing Grimmway Farms’ day-to-day marketing operation.
FRESNO, CA - Crown Jewels Produce President Rob Mathias and Company Partner Atomic Torosian have proudly announced the addition of industry veteran Bill Hammerstrom to its sales team.
“Bill lives everyday with his “motto,” ‘Quitters never win and winners never quit,’” Atomic tells me.
Bill, who officially starts with the company today, May 11, brings almost 20 years of industry experience with him. Having graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business and Management in 1991, he worked most recently as a Produce Sales/Broker with The Superior Sales Inc. group headquartered in Hudsonville, Michigan, during with which he worked at his home office based in Kingsburg, California. He also currently owns his own company, Hammertime Company, which he began in October of 2001.
“Bill lives produce everyday, as he lives and farms on his own home ranch growing peaches, sugar plums, and alfalfa,” Atomic commented, adding that his expertise lies in the grapes, citrus, and fruit crops of all kinds. He is also a family man and active in the outdoors like hunting and fishing, loving to spend quality time with his wife Karri and their son and daughter.
His passion away from work is the rodeo life. Bill reportedly team roped, calf roped, and steer wrestled for the Professional Rodeo Circuit for three years in the early 1990’s, still carrying that strength with him in his pursuits, as reflected in his motto.
Crown Jewels just celebrated its 25th anniversary, and Atomic and Rob Mathias both reportedly look forward to seeing how this “dynamic produce veteran” helps it towards achieving its goals moving forward.
“We know Bill will bring a fresh new perspective to the Crown Jewels Produce Team as the company continues its growth expansion in California, Mexico, Central, and South America,” Atomic said.
For all the latest industry news, be sure to keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
BANCROFT, WI - Dave Phillips, industry veteran of nearly two decades, is joining RPE Inc. as the company’s newest Director of Foodservice Sales, effective May 4.
While reporting to Vice President of Sales, Ross Verner, Phillips will be responsible for overseeing the foodservice sales division of the company, as well as serving as the sales manager for both of RPE-Idaho’s offices, and expanding RPE’s relationships with Idaho potato growers, according to a press release.
“As our business continues to grow, we gain a tremendous amount of value by adding talented people like Dave to our team,” said Russell Wysocki, President and CEO. “His experience and leadership will help us to continue to be one of the most progressive and innovative potato growers, shippers, and packers in the country.”
Phillips most recently served as Director of Sales and Marketing for fresh potatoes at Nonpareil Farms.
“RPE is really one big family,” said Phillips. “I am a family-first person and I really got that same feeling when I joined the team at RPE.”
Phillips concluded by saying he looks forward the challenges the new position will bring and hopes his experience in procurement, sales, and marketing will continue to strengthen RPE’s brands and relationships with growers and customers alike.
IRVINE, CA - Summer holidays are nearly upon us, and the California Avocado Commission is taking advantage of this prime opportunity to introduce some inventive recipes utilizing peak season ingredients, such as fresh California avocados.
Whether you’re searching for something spicy or mild, the Commission has featured three recipes that it says “customers won’t forget,” according to a press release.
Check out some of these appetizing recipes below, and be sure to browse the Commission’s recipe database by clicking here to find more concepts featuring fresh California avocados.
Chorizo Sliders with Cajun Guacamole
Click here for the recipe for Chorizo Sliders with Cajun Guacamole.
Hot and Crunchy California Avocado Cone
Click here for the recipe for Hot and Crunchy California Avocado Cone.
Veggie Lovers Crepes with California Avocado
Click here for the recipe for Veggie Lovers Crepes with California Avocado.
Each recipe is meant to complement the smooth and mild flavor of fresh California avocados. What better way to celebrate Memorial Day or Father’s Day by firing up the grill and complementing your dishes with avocados?
For all the latest on industry news and promotions, continue to follow AndNowUKnow.
ZAANDAM, NETHERLANDS & SINT-JANS-MOLENBEEK, BELGIUM - Sources in Europe have reported that Ahold and Delhaize have begun discussions on a possible merger, and the stock market has responded with a big jump.
Financial newspapers De Tijd and L'Echo quoted several unnamed sources, saying the talks were still in a preliminary phase. Speculation about a merger of the two supermarket chains dates back to at least 2006, but upon news of the reignited talks, shares in each companies soared again. Ahold shares jumped nearly 18 percent and Delhaize shares rose 15 percent.
While the financial world is all abuzz about the potential merger, analysts are not so convinced it will be the right move for the companies.
Bruno Monteyne, Senior Analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, said that savings from the merger would be limited, because the companies were “neighboring" chains and not direct and overlapping rivals.
"I think there's very little merit in the deal in the past and today. Large food retailers rarely ever do successful mergers. In this case of Delhaize and Ahold it is probably the worst kind of combination," Monteyne continued.
Analysts at Rabobank were more optimistic about the news, suggesting to The Financial Times that a deal could result in savings of €1 billion, while boosting the combined group’s pricing power in the United States. Currently, both companies have more than half their sales tied up in U.S. businesses.
While this merger was previously discussed in 2006, some believe management changes and an overhauled board at Delhaize makes a follow-through much more likely. Frans Muller was appointed Chief Executive of Delhaize in 2013, replacing Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant, a descendant of company Co-Founder Jules Vieujant.
The Charlotte Observer reports that Beckers-Vieujant will be leaving the board after 20 years, leaving only one director left with ties to the founding family. Members of the family still own about 20 percent of the shares, but their ties are mostly financial, not managerial.
“I think that management teams are different now,” Patrick Roquas, an analyst for Rabobank, told The Charlotte Observer. “Delhaize’s current board has a different approach than management in 2007.”
Stay tuned as AndNowUKnow continues to follow this potential merger.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Frieda’s Specialty Produce has set out to show consumers that the meat industry does not have dibs on backyard barbecues.
“We find a significant change in American barbecue habits,” Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce, said in a press release. “Shoppers are grilling more vegetables in the summer, and now they are starting to grill more fruits as well. One of the food trends this year is making vegetables the main course, and summer grilling season sets the perfect stage for that.”
This isn’t a small audience to target, either. According to the release, recent studies show that 87 percent of American households have outdoor barbecues, believing that the grill is a healthier way to prepare meals. The company reportedly wants to push these steps in bringing produce to a new audience into full on leaps by highlighting grill-friendly fruits and veggies. Some of the items Frieda’s recommends with grill lines seared into them are:
- Shishito Peppers
- Baby Bok Choy
- Belgian Endive
- Eggplant
- Fava Beans
- Fingerling
- Baby Potatoes
- Artichokes
- Colored Cauliflowers for cauliflower “steaks”
- Starfruit (caramelized)
- Zululand Queen Baby Pineapples (caramelized)
Caplan also added that the company has already started to see retailers promote grilling in different spots of the country. “Grilling Season” officially begins Memorial Day weekend, May 25, continuing throughout the summer with popular barbecuing holidays like Father’s Day (June 21), Fourth of July weekend, and ties off on September 7th with Labor Day weekend.
KANSAS CITY, KS - Associated Wholesale Grocers has announced Bob Pickerill as the company’s new SVP & Division Manager for the Kansas City Division.
Pickerill began his career with AWG in the Springfield Division as the Director of Bakery, but was quickly given responsibility for deli as well. Pickerill has had many roles at AWG, including Member Services Director, Vice President of Merchandising, and most recently SVP and Division Manager in Fort Worth, TX.
To fill Pickerill’s former position, the company has promoted Linda Lawson to SVP & Division Manager for the Fort Worth Division. Lawson has worked at AWG for 20 years, and began her career in the Oklahoma City Division, working her way up through the organization. Prior to joining AWG, Lawson held leadership roles for both SuperValu and Kroger in store operations, store management, and deli/bakery operations.
Tye Anthony was also recently promoted to VP Sales & Marketing for the Fort Worth Division. According to a press release, Anthony has been with AWG in Nashville since August of 2013 as VP of Sales & Merchandising. Anthony has worked in the food industry for over 25 years, holding leadership roles at retail for Randalls/Tom Thumb, Safeway, BI-LO, and Ahold USA. Anthony has also worked as an in-house consultant at Family Dollar.
And to fill Anthony’s position, Terry Roberts has been promoted to VP Sales & Merchandising for the Nashville Division. Roberts brings 40 years of grocery experience, and has been with AWG since 2003, holding a number of positions including Group Sales Manager, Senior Group Sales Manager, Grocery Merchandising Director, and most recently Director of Fresh Sales. Prior to joining AWG, Roberts worked with Malone & Hyde and Fleming in various leadership roles.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Aviation Administration has given the first ever go ahead for an aerial drone to spray crops.
According to the Tech Times, the Yamaha Motor Corporation’s 207-pound RMAX crop dusting drone has successfully obtained consent.
While drones were previously allowed to fly over to provide farmers with pictures of areas that would need to be sprayed, they were never previously allowed to carry and execute a load of pesticides or even fertilizer. Until now.
“The FAA finds that a grant of exemption is in the public interest,” the administration said in a 23 page report. “The enhanced safety achieved using a UA (Unmanned Aircraft) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public interest.”
To see Yamaha’s RMAX in action, you can view the video from Tech Times below.
The green light does come with stipulations, however. According to the Tech Times report, the news came with 28 conditions the FAA imposed, including that the RMAX cannot fly higher than 400 feet off the ground and cannot fly more than 45 miles per hour. It was also expressly declared that this approval is only for the RMAX, and no other drones at this time. But it is still a start to a new approach in crop dusting.
“I think this is a great advance for the drone industry and for people who have invested and worked with these, waiting for the day they would be approved for commercial use,” said experienced drone owner and flyer Gary Clevenger, Managing Member and Partner for Freska Produce International. “This will allow farmers to apply insecticides in hard-to-reach places effectively and cost efficiently. This is just the beginning of the possibilities of what drones can do for businesses across the world, both efficiently and effectively, [providing] low cost alternatives for a wide array of things from applying pest control, to mapping and monitoring farm watering activity, and more.”
Per the FAA’s restrictions, the drone will have to remain in the direct line of sight of whoever is operating it, as well as a secondary person, whenever it is in use.
AUSTIN, TX - As we reported last week, Whole Foods has announced a new store banner that is targeted towards millennial shoppers.
"Clearly this is where the customer is and we are trying to serve the customer," said Whole Foods Co-CEO Walter Robb. "The younger-generation customer continues to look for new choices. You see lots of new formats coming into the market."
This however, has many analysts and investors concerned.
"The new format has caused some investors concern that maybe this is a sign that we’re heading down the price and margins curve for the industry, and maybe there is some concern that this could be some distraction for management that should be focusing on improving the same store sales at existing stores," says Jeffries Analyst Mark Wiltamuth.
Whole Foods’ goal of expanding to 1,200 stores from the current 400, especially in competition with the new, smaller-format stores, "seems like a big stretch," said Barclays Capital Analyst Meredith Adler, according to Market Watch.
While investors have expressed concerns about the launch of this new chain that can be perceived as a decline in Whole Foods' faith in its business model, Robb describes the move as an offensive one, which will give the company "another growth vehicle to take Whole Foods into the future."
The new chain will complement Whole Foods' current one, Robb said.
"We will be able to leverage the common structure, but also be able to create new growth for the company in both directions," added Robb.
Adler said she has yet to see any food retailer successfully create an entirely new and different format. She believes that multiple formats only work if retailers acquire a new chain and its management team. Many retailers have tried discount formats, including Kroger, but she said that Kroger only found success in buying Food 4 Less and keeping its management in place, Market Watch reports. She also pointed to Supervalu’s purchase of Save-a-Lot stores.
"We see this as a capitulation," continued Adler. “Management has pointed out [that] the current concept can never offer consumers a true value experience.”
It’s not all bad news from investors, however, some believe there is room for cheaper organic formats.
"We have a broadening out of demand occurring, if you look at whats happening in the marketplace today, its looking like a democratization of organics,” Wiltamuth said. “As the price is coming down, we’re seeing the middle class and even lower income consumers start to come into this base, and Whole Foods can look across and see Sprouts and Trader Joe's and others playing this low price card and I think this is a way that they can get after that opportunity."
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for continued updates on Whole Foods Market’s new format.