MINNEAPOLIS, MN - A strategic executive appointment has taken place at Target. The big-box retailer recently named Jim Lee as its new Chief Financial Officer, who brings with him extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. The appointment is effective September 22.

Reuters reported that Lee boasts over 25 years of financial, strategy, and business expertise. Most recently, he served as the Deputy CFO for PepsiCo, a role in which he oversaw global tax, treasury, investor relations, and ESG reporting functions. He also has extensive experience running the company’s international financial teams.

In his new role at Target, Lee will also oversee financial planning and analysis, finance capabilities, internal audits, and corporate development.

The news source also noted that Lee succeeds Michael Fiddelke, who took over as CFO earlier this year after serving as Target’s Finance Chief since 2019.

We wish the best of luck to Jim Lee as he enters this new role!

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - If the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show is on your calendar next month, you’re getting the chance to explore an innovative transportation management system with Allen Lund Company and ALC Logistics' AlchemyTMS solution.

“Are you tired of software people or programmers coming in and telling you how to manage your transportation system?” Kenny Lund, Executive Vice President, teased in a recent video. “At ALC Logistics, our AlchemyTMS system is designed by you and for you, in a way that your business operates.”

As Kenny went on to explain, ALC Logistics’ unique AlchemyTMS service can be customized to the specific needs of each of the company’s partners, ensuring the solution provides the most benefit to each member of the produce supply chain.

The transportation and logistics provider will be showcasing the service during the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show, giving attendees a closer look at all it has to offer.

Be sure to stop by booth C1921 at the show in Atlanta, Georgia, this October 17–19. Because, as Allen Lund Company assures, “Any time, any place, and season—ALC has you covered.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month by launching a campaign to honor the vital contributions of Hispanic and Latino workers in agriculture, urging other agricultural companies to join the effort.

“Hispanic communities are essential to the success of our agricultural system, and their contributions often go unrecognized,” remarked LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing and Communications. “At EFI, we strive to recognize the contributions of workers every day, and Hispanic Heritage Month provides a special opportunity to shine a light on and share their hard work, dedication, and the need for fair, equitable treatment on farms. We hope that other farming operations and agricultural companies join us in celebrating the culture, history, and background of those contributing to our industry.”

Celebrated from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a time to reflect on these contributions and promote awareness of the rich cultural heritage within the agricultural sector.

According to the National Center for Farmworker Health, nearly 80 percent of the agricultural workforce identifies as Hispanic, highlighting their critical role in the industry. The Department of Labor also noted that the farming, fishing, and forestry sectors have the highest concentration of Hispanic workers.

EFI also launched new online resources to celebrate and inform about Hispanic contributions to food production. These resources include personal stories from Hispanic farmworkers, strategies for engaging Hispanic workers to enhance business success, and educational materials highlighting the impact of Hispanic communities on agriculture.

In a landscape where equitable treatment is vital, EFI aims to lead the charge. The organization’s campaign not only recognizes Hispanic workers but also invites other agricultural companies to reflect on their contributions and create inclusive environments. By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, EFI encourages a broader understanding of the diverse workforce that sustains the agricultural industry and the importance of fair treatment for all.

For more stories on celebrating the rich cultural heritage in the agricultural industry, keep reading ANUK.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - As dining habits have evolved, Side Delights® has unveiled new opportunities for retailers to promote its new Amazables! line, catering to consumers increasingly focused on healthy at-home dining solutions.

“With continued economic uncertainty, attitudes about eating at home and health are evolving, and consumers are seeking a balance between value, wellness, and convenience,” noted Kathleen Triou, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This shift allows retailers to promote solutions that help consumers source healthy, convenient, and cost-effective meals at home like Side Delights Amazables! which can be a quick snack full of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, or a starring role in a weeknight dinner for friends and family.”

Data highlighted in a recent Circana research report indicated that 86 percent of eating occasions now occur at home. Over the past year, consumers ate 116 more meals at home than before the pandemic. Snack consumption also surged, with many opting for quick bites over larger meals.

According to a press release, this trend is largely driven by ongoing economic challenges and rising food prices, with dining out estimated to be four times more expensive than eating at home.

Due to rising trends like these, the company is producing delicious, easy meals consumers can make right at home, like Amazables! The new products are oven-crisp-style microwavable potatoes that can be ready in just six minutes. They come with custom gluten-free sauces by Litehouse®: the Loaded Potato sauce and Buffalo Ranch sauce, both designed to enhance the flavor of Russet potatoes and align with popular foodservice trends.

Additionally, other quick-cook options from Side Delights like Bakeables and Steamables can be enjoyed straight from the package or transformed into creative recipes such as roasted russet dipping wedges. Even leftovers can be repurposed into quick steak and potato tacos with poblano chilies.

Exclusively available through Fresh Solutions Network's partners, Side Delights offers a wide range of nutritious and economical products, including bagged and bulk potatoes, potato kits, convenience potatoes, petite potatoes, fresh-cut potatoes, and organic potatoes, ensuring retailers can meet the evolving demands of today’s consumers.

Stay in the loop on the latest consumer trends and uncover game-changing insights by continuing your journey with AndNowUKnow. Exciting discoveries await!