FRIESLAND, WI – Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. is debuting its new Fast & Fresh! 24oz Microwave-Ready Gold and Red Potatoes this holiday season. This new product is expected to be a big hit in the produce aisle, offering on-the-go shoppers:
- Year-round availability
- Freshness and quality
- Triple-washed and ready-to-cook out of the bag convenience
- Quick 7 minute cook time
“Consumers are spending less time planning and preparing meals,” shared Heidi Alsum-Randall, National Sales and Marketing Manager of Alsum Farms & Produce. “Demanding lifestyles coupled with the desire for healthier meals make the Alsum 24 oz. Microwave-Ready Gold and Red Potatoes a convenient side dish for today’s busy consumers and millennial shoppers.”
The microwaveable/steamer segment for the fresh potato category has seen 30% dollar sales gains over the previous 52 week period ending September 27, 2014, according to Nielsen Perishables FreshFacts® data. Alsum is looking to capitalize on this growing trend with this new product.
Fast & Fresh! 24oz Microwave-Ready Gold and Red Potatoes also feature eye-catching steamer packaging intended to showcase the trust and expertise of the farmer, Larry Alsum, while protecting the potatoes from greening due to light exposure.
Currently available at select retail locations, Fast & Fresh! 24oz Microwave-Ready Gold and Red Potatoes will be marketed alongside Alsum Farms' full-line of conventional, organic and specialty potato offerings.
Great work, Alsum Farms & Produce!
SALINAS, CA - Tanimura & Antle is debuting “Family Farming,” a new blog that provides consumers valuable insights including weekly supply forecasts, guest bloggers, video tours, and more.
“Through social media, we are finding that now more than ever, shoppers want to engage and really know where their food comes from,” said Caitlin Antle Wilson, Sales and Marketing Director. “With a unique multi-generational family farming story, our website and photos only go so far. We want to have a place to share those stories! This blog site should really help bring in the old with the new and tie it all together.”
Tanimura & Antle is also teasing a new website launch coming in 2015. Until then, the company encourages followers and industry partners to engage in conversations on social media sites using #familyfarming and #taproduce, according to a press release.
Check out the new blog here: http://familyfarming.taproduce.com/
We’re looking forward to seeing the new and exciting content to come from Family Farming!
Gary Wishnatzki, Owner and Head Pixie at Wish Farms, joined ANUK to discuss the grower's latest. Business is booming this year with blueberry production out of Chile up. Wish Farms is also enjoying a healthy amount of success with its “How's My Picking” traceability system. In order to expand the amount of consumer feedback recieved from customers through this program, Wish Farms is launching a $100 giveaway promotion to give consumers added incentive to have their voices heard. Wish Farms will also be promoting this contest through on pack promotions.
For this and more great insights into Wish Farms, be sure to check out the video at the top of this page.
UNITED STATES – 2014 has been a year full of job transitions. With 2015 just around the corner, let’s take a look back at some of this year’s biggest switch ups.
Ernst Van Eeghen
In September, Ernst Van Eeghen announced that he would be leaving Church Brothers, where he served as Vice President of Marketing & Product Development, for a job at Twang Partners’ as that company’s new Director of Marketing and Product Development.
Kori Tuggle
In November, Kori Tuggle returned to Church Brothers, LLC, as the new Vice President of Marketing. Prior to this, she served as the Director of Marketing and Business Development for Ocean Mist Farms, where she had worked for 10 years.
Mike O’Brien
Also in November, industry veteran Mike O’Brien made the move to Monterey Mushrooms Inc. as its new Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Previously, he worked at Schnuck Markets for 42 years, the last 14 of which were spent as the retailer’s Vice President of Produce and Floral.
Don Patella
Keeping the November transitions going, Don Patella, a former Regional Merchandiser for Kroger, also announced that he was transitioning jobs by joining Columbia Marketing International (CMI) as the newest member of that company’s marketing team.
Diana McClean
Just this month, we reported that Diana McClean was joining Ocean Mist Farms as the company’s new Director of Marketing. Before making this move, Diana served as the Director of Marketing at Tanimura & Antle.
Chris Coffman
Also this month, Chris Coffman made the move to J&J Family of Farms as the company’s new President and Chief Operating Officer. Previous to this change, Chris served as Harvest Sensations President and also as the CEO of Made In Nature and Sunsweet Fresh, holdings of Delicous Foods.
Make sure to check out part 1 of our series, and stay tuned for part 3, where we will look back at some of our favorite new products of 2014.
MORGAN HILL, CA - Sakata Seed America is debuting three new varieties of Eastern Bell Peppers: Gridiron, Blitz, and Touchdown, all of which have been specifically bred to thrive in Eastern regions.
The company is confident that its latest line-up delivers outstanding yield, improved returns, adaptability, disease resistance, shelf life, flavor, and satisfied customers, according to a press release. Bryan Zingel, Senior Product Development Manager for peppers, commented, “From a development perspective, emphasis is placed on features and benefits for the complete customer chain, from growers to the final customer.”
The pepper trio comes with a number of tools to assist the grower with the cultivation of these exciting new varieties:
- The Bell Pepper Specifications “At-a-Glance” Chart is a great tool for use on and off of the field
- IFAS “Scorecard” provides year-round trial results for the peppers in Eastern regions
- Video: In the Field with Bryan Zingel – Bryan Zingel showcases the three heavy-hitting varieties
- Eastern Bell Pepper Bulletin – Pathology report and column by pepper-industry expert Kevin Ratchford
Sakata Ornamentals is also introducing its new varieties for 2015, including the Proud Mari series and new colors for its celebrated SunPatiens® Spreading and Compact series.
“We’re so excited to present our new Ornamentals for 2015,” said Ron Garofalo, Senior Sales Manager. “Here at Sakata, our passion is breeding high-performing and gorgeous flowers that are appealing all the way though the supply chain, and highly distinguished by their beauty and superior quality.”
To check out all the new items from Sakata Ornamentals, download the What’s NEW! Catalog Supplement and New Cyclamen Line-Up Brochure.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Supervalu has reached a new supply agreement with Haggen in the wake of the retailer's 146 store purchase from Safeway and Albertsons. Going forward, Supervalu will be providing distribution and transition services for Haggen in addition to acting as one of the growing retailer's primary suppliers.
“Haggen is an impressive grocer with great stores in Washington and Oregon,” said Sam Duncan, Supervalu's President and CEO. “We are thrilled at this opportunity to help an independent grocer significantly expand their business and we look forward to providing Haggen with transition services and working with them as one of their primary grocery suppliers.”
”We’re excited to be growing the Haggen brand and pleased to have both the knowledge and tremendous support of Supervalu as we expand our business,” agreed John Clougher, Haggen CEO, Pacific Northwest.
According to a press release, Supervalu will be supplying products and providing wholesale services to 64 Haggen stores in Oregon and Washington. It will also be providing transition services to all 164 Haggen locations, including IT support and certain back-office support functions.
As noted in a previous article, Supervalu was also directly involved in the Safeway/Albertsons store sale, purchasing two Washington locations.
Stay tuned to ANUK for more updates on the ramifications of the Safeway store sale as it continues to impact the decisions of our industry's leading companies.
BOISE, ID & PLEASANTON, CA - In order to gain FTC approval for their impending merger, Safeway and Albertsons have confirmed the divestiture of 168 stores throughout Montana, Wyoming, Texas, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, California and Oregon. The four bidders who will be purchasing these stores are:
- Associated Food Stores: 8 stores in Montana and Wyoming
- Associated Wholesale Grocers/Minyards: 12 stores in Texas
- SUPERVALU: 2 stores in Washington
- Haggen: 146 stores across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington
"We're pleased to have found strong buyers for these stores and to have completed this important step toward combining Albertsons and Safeway," said Safeway President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Edwards, who will serve as the combined company's President and CEO. "We look forward now to the transaction's close, so we can begin working together to enhance the loyalty of grocery shoppers by delivering high quality products, great service and lower prices to become the favorite local supermarket in every neighborhood we serve."
According to a press release, the buyers will acquire the stores, equipment and inventory of the purchased stores and are expected to retain the majority of the current employees.
By far, the biggest winner in this deal was Haggen. The 146 stores it gained through this purchase will increase its store count over nine times to 164.
“With this pivotal acquisition, we will have the opportunity to introduce many more customers to the Haggen experience. Our Pacific Northwest grocery store chain has been committed to local sourcing, investing in the communities we serve, and providing genuine service and homemade quality since it was founded in 1933,” said John Caple, Chairman of the Haggen Board of Directors and Partner at Comvest Partners, a private investment firm that owns the majority of shares of Haggen. “We will continue our focus on sourcing and investing locally even with this exciting expansion.”
“We committed to this acquisition because we knew we had the experience, talent and drive to get it done,” added Caple. “The strength of our management and store support teams, combined with the talent of the store teams at each of the new store locations, will enable Haggen to be a successful West Coast grocer.”
CEO John Clougher will be primarily responsible for the operations of the new stores in the northern division comprising Washington and Oregon. Fellow CEO Bill Shaner will guide the company's southern operations in California, Nevada and Arizona.
The two CEOs plan on converting all 146 Safeway and Albertsons stores to the Haggen banner in phases during the first half of 2015.
Congratulations on completing this deal, Safeway and Albertsons!
Joseph (Joe) Cerniglia Jr., a former United Fresh Chairman of the Board, has passed away.
Joe attended the Marist School and graduated in 1949. After graduation, he followed his father, Joseph A. Cerniglia Sr., into Cerniglia Produce Co., the family produce business. When his father passed away in 1964, he led Cerniglia Produce Co. to many years of success.
Throughout his career, Joe served the produce industry in several national leadership positions. He was named the Chairman of the Board of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and was tapped several times as a contributor for USDA panels and studies.
Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz appointed Joe to serve on his advisory committee. According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, he was also chosen to lead a U.S. delegation of industry leaders to visit the USSR and advise growers, dealers and merchants of agriculture in the best processes for growing, packing and distribution of perishables.
Throughout the years, Joe was a member of the Board for organizations including The Boys Club of Atlanta, YMCA, Atlanta Jewish Community Center and many others. He also served several terms as President of the Atlanta Produce Dealers Association.
Joe is survived by his sister Barbara Flowers, his 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cancer Home of Atlanta.
AndNowUKnow would like to offer its deepest condolences to Joe’s family and friends.
WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt is welcoming the return of Piñata® apple season in Washington State. So far, the season is shaping up to be a great one, as Stemilt has found itself in the enviable position of greeting the pent up demand on the market with the largest and highest quality Piñata® crop in the apple's history.
“We harvested just under half a million boxes, and will enjoy a vintage crop in Washington this season,” Stemilt's Marketing Director, Roger Pepperl, shared with me. “Pairing tremendous flavor with great color and crunch, our retail partners will have the luxury of stocking their produce aisles with some of the best apples in decades, and Piñata® ranks among the top of all apples in terms of flavor and crunch.”
“Over the years, our retail partners have come to appreciate the boost Stemilt's Fall offerings like Piñata® bring to the produce aisle,” he added. “We expect this year to be no different.”
Roger shared with me that Piñata® apples, a blend of Golden Delicious, Cox’s Orange Pippin and Duchess of Oldenburg heirloom varieties, will be available for purchase in bulk and bags, with both conventional and organic options.
Piñata® apples will be complimented by, and are even available in, Stemilt's innovative Lil Snappers product line. Packed with kid-sized fruit, Lil Snappers helps to bring more kids and families down produce aisles, working to expand the category for the industry.
Lil Snappers are sold in 3lb high-graphic pouch bags for easy grab-and-go displays. A new combo Lil Snappers pack is now available featuring two great winter fruits - Sunkist's Cara Cara oranges and Stemilt's Pink Lady apple varieties. The pink on the outside and pink on the inside combo makes an excellent addition for the upcoming Valentines Day season.
“Given the importance apples play for produce sales, we strongly believe now is the perfect time to promote both of these products,” Roger added. “Stemilt will be doing its part to complement our retail partners' efforts with display and merchandising support for all of our Fall offerings.”
Congratulations on a strong fall season, Stemilt!
SACRAMENTO, CA – General Produce has promoted Linda Luka to the newly created office of Director of Marketing and Communications.
“Linda has been intimately involved with our sales, marketing and merchandising programs through the years, and brings a high level of experience to this new position,” said Tom Chan, CEO of General Produce. “We realized we needed someone with her creativity, passion for produce and connection to General Produce to steward this effort.”
In her new role, Linda will help guide and maintain the company’s brand while managing internal and external communications.
“I believe General Produce has a unique and compelling story to tell about the company’s rich history, our valued customers, employees, vendors and this great community that we serve. I am thrilled to be the one to share that news,” said Linda Luka.
Linda has been affiliated with General Produce for 13 years where she held a variety of positions supporting merchandising and sales growth. Before joining General Produce, she was a retail produce specialist for Lucky Stores and Albertsons.
Congratulations on this new position, Linda!