LIVERMORE, CA – Can you use your smartphone to tell if the produce item you are about to eat is GMO or organic? The answer is maybe someday soon.
DNATrax, an odorless, tasteless, DNA-infused spray that can trace food and other objects back to their origins like an invisible, uncounterfeitable bar code, has been developed at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, according to the Contra Costa Times (CCT).
According to DNATrek, the material can be sprayed on produce items like apples, oranges, and spinach, either at the farm or on the food supply chain, that will create a biological market that contains information like where it was farmed, the date it was picked and where it was processed. The selling point is that the sequence cannot be removed, altered or reproduced.
It was initially created to expose gaps in biodefense, but has since been licensed to the Livermore startup DNATrek and is proving to have a wealth of unexpected applications.
“It’s shifting the paradigm,” Anthony Zografos, DNATrek’s Founder and CEO, tells the CCT. “It uses this diversity that exists in nature to now encode other information, whether this is traceability or something else in the future.”
The edible material is made from a mixture of powdered sugar and a small amount of DNA that has been ruled safe by the Food and Drug Administration as a food additive in 2014, according to the CCT. When released in powdered form, it travels like a dust clout, with each particle carrying a unique DNA sequence that can be traced back to its source like a fingerprint.
Zografos continued, “It doesn’t need to be visual anymore. It doesn’t need to be something that is scanned electronically…It’s like the invention of ink. This is another form of ink that now enables a whole new field of applications, some of them we haven’t even thought of.”
The CCT reports that lab tests using the spray on produce items transported from Oakland to Livermore proved successful in matching the food with its origins, even after several weeks.
This type of traceability is being heralded as a way to combat any foodborne illness. The machine could take about an hour to identify all of the date encoded in the spray, including the origin, which could take weeks or months to determine.
“It allows you to contain the economic impact,” Zografos said. “But you can also prevent occurrence and protect public health because you can zoom into the actual root cause quickly and address it whole the tracks are still there.
According to Zografos, consumer applications may arrive within a year. I will certainly be keeping my eye on this developing technology.
AUSTIN, TX – Whole Foods Market has announced 38 to 42 new stores, including five to six relocations, in its newly released financial report for Q1 2015.
Other notable FY 2015 targets include:
- Sales growth over 9%
- Comparable store sales growth in the low to middle single digits
- EBITDA margin of approximately 9%
- ROIC greater than 14%
Aside from these fiscal 2015 plans, the retailer is also focusing on the success of its lower produce pricing program. Walter Robb, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Whole Foods Market, spoke about the company’s pricing and its newest labeling initiatives in Whole Foods' investor conference call.
“We continue to see unit lift from the lower produce pricing we are testing in several markets, which included external marketing to support these investments,” said Robb. “It is too early for conclusive results, particularly given the holidays. However, we're looking at expanding the test to additional markets as we believe more competitive produce pricing will greatly benefit our overall value perception.”
These predictions come along with Whole Food’s record Q1 sales and EPS. The retailers reported record sales of $4.7 billion, a 10% increase over the prior year. It also saw comparable store sales growth of 4.5%.
“We are pleased with our first quarter results which reflect accelerating comparable store sales growth and healthy returns. We attribute our broad-based sales momentum to our customers’ positive response to our many strategic initiatives, along with improving consumer confidence,” added Robb.
Other Q1 2015 highlights included:
- Average weekly sales per store of $724,000, meaning sales per gross square foot of $990
- Nine new store openings, translating to 9.4% ending square footage growth
- EBITDA of $396 million, or 8.5% of sales
- Diluted earnings per share of $0.46, a 10% increase over the prior year
The company was able to end the quarter with total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and investments of approximately $1.0 billion.
Whole Foods currently has 408 stores totaling nearly 16 million square feet and expects to cross the 500-store mark in fiscal year 2017. Looking further into the future, the company sees demand for 1,200 Whole Foods Market stores in the United States.
To continue to drive sales growth over the long term, Whole Foods is planning to continue its value strategy and make additional investment in areas like technology, marketing, and new and existing stores.
With aggressive growth plans like these, we will continue to watch for what markets this retailer might enter next. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest updates.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Employers at West Coast ports said last night that they were suspending most operations for several days, excluding yard, gate and rail operations.
In a statement, the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) said that it will halt loading and unloading at 29 U.S. West Coast ports, including both Long Beach and Los Angeles, from Thursday (Today) until Monday.
“Last week, PMA made a comprehensive contract offer designed to bring these talks to conclusion,” said PMA Spokesman Wade Gates. “The ILWU responded with demands they knew we could not meet, and continued slowdowns that will soon bring West Coast ports to gridlock.”
Gates continued, “What they’re doing amounts to a strike with pay, and we will reduce the extent to which we pay premium rates for such a strike.”
In a counter statement from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), Robert McEllrath, ILWU President said, “This is an effort by the employers to put economic pressure on our members and to gain leverage in contract talks. The Union is standing by ready to negotiate, as we have been for the past several days.”
McEllrath went on to say that the employers are trying to sabotage negotiations, which is hurting not only workers and families but the industry and the U.S. economy as well.
According to USA Today, negotiations between the two sides were scheduled to resume yesterday but were canceled.
These slowdowns have had a ripple effect through the U.S. commercial supply chain, disrupting shipments of a wide range of goods across the agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and retail sectors.
As we previously reported, the California Citrus Mutual predicted that these port problems could cause up to $500 million in export losses to the citrus industry. Freska’s Gary Clevenger also told AndNowUKnow that the slowdowns were creating a vacuum in the West Coast market causing millions of dollars of damages to both importers and exporters alike.
Reuters is reporting that the National Retail Federation estimates that a full, extended shutdown of the ports could cost the U.S. economy $2 billion a day.
This shutdown is the latest in the seemingly endless back and forth between the PMA and the ILWU in the 9 months since the dockworkers began working without a contract.
It is currently unclear when negotiations will resume. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest news on this developing situation.
It is with a heavy heart that we report the sudden loss of 36-year-old Jason Lazor, Senior Regional Marketing Manager for Kroger Co. This beloved member of the retail community passed away in a tragic accident while camping with a large group in the Red River Gorge area this past weekend.
Jason grew up professionally within the Kroger family, having joined the company just before graduating from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Information Systems and Services. He worked his way up within the ranks of the company, beginning as the Team Lead for its enterprise email services to his current executive position throughout almost 15 years of diligent service. His dedication, passion, and commitment to the company will always be remembered.
"The entire Kroger family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jason Lazor," Keith Dailey, Kroger's Corporate Communications Director, said according to WCPO Cincinnati News. "He was a well-respected colleague and a friend to countless associates. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jason's family, friends and colleagues."
Jason is survived by his wife Anna Lazor, currently expecting their first child, as well as the loving son of Evelyn and the late Eugene Lazor, beloved brother of Emily Lazor, grandson of Bernard and Zenobia Williams and the late Michael and Margaret Lazor. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a memorial service at the Gwen Mooney Funeral Home, 4389 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223. Memorial contributions may be given to the Fisher House, a charity which supports veterans and their families.
AndNowUKnow would like to take this time to offer our heartfelt condolences to the Lazor family and friends in this difficult time.
KINGSBURG, CA - Kingsburg Orchards has filled its Vice President of Sales and Marketing position by promoting 15-year-long employee Chad Allred.
“I hope you will join us in welcoming Chad to this new position,” Kingsburg Orchards Owner Mike Jackson said. “He has been a key member of our team for many years and we are confident that he will be an integral part of our continued success as we look to the future.”
The fifth generation family-owned and operated company is an atmosphere Allred says he has been proud to work for and eager to continue with.
“I am extremely excited about this new opportunity,” he said in a press release. “I have been truly blessed this past 15 years to work for the Jackson and Diepersloot families and I look forward to leading their company for many years to come. With the sales team we have in place and the wonderful fruit we have to sell the future is certainly bright or Kingsburg Orchards. I am so honored to be a part of it.”
Allred has worked in many positions throughout his time at the company, most recently as Director of Sales and Head of Retail Sales, bringing a background of sales knowledge and different company levels of experience to the promotion.
BELLINGHAM, WA – Haggen has made the official announcement that it has begun the process of acquiring 146 stores as part of the Federal Trade Commission’s approval of the Albertons LLC and Safeway Merger.
As of 12:01 am this morning, Haggen took ownership of the first Albertsons store in Monroe, Washington. When the acquisition is completed, Haggen will expand from 18 stores with 16 pharmacies to 164 stores in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona.
“This momentous acquisition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rapidly expand the Haggen brand across the West Coast,” said John Caple, Chairman of the Haggen Board of Directors and Partner at Comvest Partners, a private investment firm that owns the majority share of Haggen. “Now that the deal has closed, our team is focused on seamlessly converting these 146 stores to the Haggen brand over the next five months.”
The Haggen team, which is led by John Clougher, CEO, Haggen Pacific Northwest, and Bill Shaner, CEO, Haggen Pacific Southwest, has outlined the retailer's plan to convert the stores. According to a press release, the divestitures to Haggen must be completed within 120 days from the purchase of the first store.
The retailer will convert the stores moving from north to south, with just a few exceptions, with the first conversion beginning today at the former Albertsons in Monroe. The team outlined the conversions as follows:
- 18 stores in Washington between February and March
- 83 stores in California from March to May
- 20 stores in Oregon throughout March, April and May
- 7 stores in Washington in June
- Nevada and Arizona stores converted last
The stores will all be transformed into the Haggen brand from the Albertsons, Safeway, Pavilions or Vons brand. Additionally, each store’s employees will be invited to stay.
“Retaining the existing store employees was an essential part of the acquisition and we hope they all accept our invitation to join the Haggen family. These are great teams and these new employees will be an incredible asset to our growing company. Plus, these familiar faces will help ease the brand transition for long-time customers,” said Bill Shaner.
Haggen says that conversion time will vary store by store, with some converted within two days and others taking longer. Interior and Exterior signs will change at all locations.
John Clougher added, “We’re excited about the changes we’re making to enhance these stores, and we’re confident customers will like the new look, the new offerings, and their new full service grocery destination.”
In terms of the new store offerings, Shaner noted, “Haggen has built its 81-year old business on providing excellent, locally sourced, fresh produce and high quality meats and seafood. That focus will definitely be reflected in the new stores.”
As we previously reported, the acquisition of the 146 stores by Haggen has been well supported by grocery industry partners. “We are incredibly grateful for key partners that have helped to make this acquisition a reality, including Unified Grocers, SUPERVALU and Charlie’s Produce,” noted Clougher.
Unified Grocers will be the primary supplier in the Pacific Southwest and a secondary supplier in the Pacific Northwest. SUPERVALU will be the primary supplier in the Pacific Northwest. Charlie’s Produce will be the primary and preferred supplier for produce for all Haggen stores. Haggen plans to announce many regional and local distributors in the coming months.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow this newly expanded chain.
REEDLEY, CA - Dayka & Hackett LLC will exclusively market all Slayman pomegranates for the 2015 season the two companies, announced in a joint statement. Slayman previously marketed its pomegranates in-house, but nominated Dayka & Hackett as its marketing representative after Sales Manager Jim Peirone retired from Slayman Marketing, Inc. this winter.
Slayman has farmed pomegranates in California since the 1920s, and prides itself on its brand recognition as well as an estimated 90% plus market share from late July through early September. Historically, Slayman provided the U.S. market with the first California pomegranates. Presently, the company farms more than 600 acres of both Granada and Early Foothill pomegranates.
“We believe Dayka & Hackett will be an excellent marketing partner for our special fruit,” owner Lisa Slayman stated. “Their marketing expertise and market penetration with many of the nation’s leading supermarkets, club stores and fruit receivers matches our goal in providing this special fruit to customers who wish to merchandise quality summer pomegranates.”
According to Dayka & Hackett Manager Mike Weaver, the company intends to support loyal Slayman pomegranate customers while expanding the brand and fruit to additional customers and markets.
“This is truly a special opportunity,” he said. “The Slayman brand, the exponential increased demand for pomegranates along with the health benefits they provide and the ability to satisfy customer volume needs are the basis for an exciting program. We are looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Dayka & Hackett is a year round marketer of fresh table grapes, tree fruit, pomegranates, kiwi, pears, apples, citrus and mangoes. The company is headquartered in Reedley, California, where it operates its own farming and packing operations. In addition to its California production, Dayka & Hackett imports fruit from Chile, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Spain.
WENATCHEE, WA - CMI Kanzi® brand apples are now available, and the company is unveiling them with new packaging meant to entice from a retailer and customer side.
The 2 pound, clear bag incorporates high graphics and also shows the customer the product itself with crystal clear packaging. The packages also come with a 2-box shipper display that the company promises to be the fastest construction on the market.
According to a press release, the company intentionally holds the Kanzi® brand apples to release in February in order to launch them on an apple market that is beginning to dwindle in variety, enticing a hungry reception.
“Retailers have come to appreciate the quick punch in sales with Kanzi® apples that jumps to an early peak by Valentine’s Day,” Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI, said. “Historically, Kanzi® sales build quickly on release and continue with strong performance well into March.”
Data showed the new packaging to be an ideal grab-and-go for consumers, according to Lutz, however he does caution retailers that supplies tend to sell out quickly. Nielsen Perishables Group reported that over 2,000 stores added Kanzi® last February, with an average shelf distribution of 5 weeks before supplies sold out.
PASADENA, CA - Sun Pacific is introducing a new Cuties campaign to tempt children to eat healthier by playing with their food. Or, in this case, curling it.
“We are asking Cuties lovers of all ages to show us their Cutie-peeling skills,” Victoria Nuevo-Celeste, Vice President of Marketing for Sun Pacific. “Cuties are so easy to peel and eat, that we are creating the ultimate challenge to get creative and have fun with Cuties.”
With its new "Do the Cutie Curl" contest, the company challenges participants to take that small, but significant, accomplishment of peeling a clementine in a single spiral and run with it all the way to the grand prize getaway of an all expenses paid trip to privately tour the Sun Pacific's Cutie orchards, according to a press release.
All children are eligible to enter, including children at heart.
The contest opened Feb 9 and will continue through March 1. The top ten entries selected by a panel of judges will be posted to a gallery. During the March 7 to March 15 week, the company invites the public to vote on the best Cutie curl. While the getaway only goes to the grand prize winner, a first and second prize winner will also be awarded.
UNITED STATES – Two more storms are bringing snow, ice and single digit temperatures to the Northeast this Valentine’s Day weekend.
According to Weather.com, the first storm is expected to last from late Wednesday to early Friday and will bring a powerful arctic cold front and light to moderate snow across the Northeastern United States.
Meteorologists forecast that the biggest impact of this system will be the strong winds behind the arctic front that could lead to drifting snow.
Once that system passes, another storm is coming right behind it just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend. This system will also bring another arctic cold front and another stripe of snow. Some forecasts predict a possible 6-12 hour period of moderate to heavy snow, which could blanket New York City metro area and some of New England Saturday night and Sunday morning.
That snow could cause a major problem for Boston, where heavy snowfall has already caused about 20 roof collapses. The Boston Globe reports that the continuing snow, which has totaled to 78 inches as of this morning, has vaulted winter 2014-2015 into the top 10 snowiest in Boston’s recorded history.
Behind the arctic front is bitterly cold air, driven by strong winds that could lead to dangerous wind chills and areas of blowing and drifting snow. Weather.com says that temperatures could remain stuck in single digits with lows possibly plunging below zero.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continuing to track this developing weather system.