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WATSONVILLE, CA – California Giant Berry Farms is continuing to enhance its tools and content while connecting with consumers every day through its new Buzz Blog.
The blog is a stand-alone tool that uses new methods of permission-based marketing to attract consumers and convert them into leads and ultimately build brand evangelists, according to a press release.
“Our Buzz Blog is a great place for sharing news, recipes, tips, videos and more. Consumers subscribe to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings at California Giant Berry Farms, and keep coming back for new content. Each time we learn more about their preferences and make sure we are on point to provide information they specifically want, which keeps them engaged and feeling a personal connection to our company,” says Cindy Jewell, VP of Marketing.
This new format of permission-based marketing is a tool that California Giant will ultimately convert all of its online tools to in 2015 to better focus on serving the consumer that is buying its berries.
The photography on the blog is meant to grab the consumer right away, and the content is meant to keep them there with things like promotions and prize-winning opportunities, freebies and giveaways, recipes and cooking ideas and nutritional information and health news.
The company also provides opportunities for consumers to learn about philanthropic opportunities, events the company and staff participates and what is happening on the farm. Readers will also have the opportunity to check out posts and recipes by guest authors and the company’s favorite food bloggers.
I can’t wait to see the great recipes and content that will be featured in the Buzz Blog!
BENTONVILLE, AR – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has released its financial results for its Q3 of FY 2015. After 6 quarters without growth, this retailer has broken the streak.
For the quarter, which included the negative impact of almost $396 million from currency exchange rate fluctuations, Wal-Mart saw consolidated net sales of $118.1 billion, an increase of 2.8% over last year. Without those fluctuations, the report says that net sales would have increased 3.1% to $118.5 billion.
"The highlights for the quarter include the positive comp in Wal-Mart U.S., including the strong performance from Neighborhood Markets, the 21 percent increase in e-commerce sales globally and the profit performances from Sam's Club and our International business," said Doug McMillon, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. President and CEO.
The retailer also saw membership and other income increase 13.9% over last year. Total revenue increased approximately $3.3 billion to $119.0 billion, a 2.9% increase.
"We're investing in key areas of our business, including wages in our U.S. stores and in e-commerce and mobile capabilities. We continue to see opportunities to improve our business," McMillon added. "Being the price leader is an ongoing priority for us and a commitment to customers. As with every year, that is even more important during the holiday season. We have some things in our favor this fourth quarter, including lower fuel prices in the U.S. and other key markets, and we're set to deliver for customers during this time."
Other highlights from this quarter include:
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. reported third quarter diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (EPS) of $1.15, within guidance of $1.10 to $1.20. This compared to last year's $1.14.
- Wal-Mart U.S. comp sales increased 0.5 percent for the 13-week period ended Oct. 31, 2014. Comp sales for the Neighborhood Market format increased approximately 5.5 percent. Wal-Mart U.S. net sales increased $2.3 billion, or 3.4 percent, to approximately $70.0 billion.
- Consolidated net sales increased $3.2 billion, or 2.8 percent, to $118.1 billion.
- Wal-Mart International grew net sales 1.7 percent to $33.7 billion. On a constant currency basis, net sales would have increased 2.9 percent to $34.1 billion.
- Sam's Club comp sales, without fuel, increased 0.4 percent for the 13-week period ended Oct. 31. Sam's Club increased membership income 10.1 percent for the quarter, and grew operating income more than twice the rate of sales growth.
As of 1:25 pm ET, Wal-Mart stock is up $3.28 to $82.46, a 4.14% increase.
Congratulations on your strong Q3 results, Wal-Mart!
OVIEDO, FL – Duda Farm Fresh Foods is ramping up its California citrus harvest in the state’s San Joaquin Valley, just in time for the holidays. The company kicked off harvest with lemons in mid-September, mandarins and navel oranges during the week of October 20th and Meyer lemons during the week of Oct. 27th. Minneola harvest will begin in early January.
As we move through November, Duda has begun promoting navel oranges with the company’s new ‘Citrus Celebrations’ high graphic 4 lb. retail bag.
“We will be running this promotion in various regions through the first of the year. We are also promoting Meyer lemons in our recently updated 1 lb. pouch bag,” Paul Huckabay, Western Citrus Sales Manager, tells me.
The company expects to see increased volumes of Mandarins, Lemons and Minneolas. Meyer lemons and Navel oranges should be slightly below last year, but quality and flavor have been fantastic since the first shipments began, creating great momentum to the season.
Paul also tells me that like many growers in California, drought conditions have resulted in slightly less volume in certain areas, but the most significant effect has been on fruit size on navel oranges. The entire industry is experiencing smaller than normal fruit size for this time of year but flavor has not been compromised.
Duda’s citrus ranches are spread out through Kern County, all the way up through Tulare County and Fresno County, providing a significant footprint for retailers looking to tap into California Citrus.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow Duda’s California Citrus program.
COMSTOCK, MI - Ed Klein, former Director of Sales for Fresh Express, has joined AllFresh GPS, a group of Michigan apple growers. He will work directly with retail and distribution partners to build consumer-focused apple programs, according to a press release.
“AllFresh needs our customers to realize the sales potential of our high quality, unique varieties,” said Scott Swindeman, AllFresh Vice President. “We are thrilled to have Ed Klein on board because he has the experience to do just that. He understands how to build promotional programs and execute merchandising opportunities together with retailers.”
Klein expressed his excitement joining AllFresh GPS, noting that the group is “committed to servicing their customers and making the necessary investments.”
He began his grocery career in 1989 with Stouffer Frozen Foods. He then transitioned to fresh produce with the Chicago company Acosta (PMI Eisenhart). At Fresh Express, he was heavily involved in the Defense Commissary Agency program.
Congrats on joining AllFresh GPS, Ed!
BOISE, ID - Samuel Zell has entered the Albertsons asset sale race. In order to gain FTC approval for its impending merger with Safeway, the retailer is expected to divest roughly a total of 160 stores. According to the New York Times, Zell, the Chicago real estate titan and Founder and Chairman of Equity Group Investments, is vying with two other major bidders for over 100 of these locations. Capital Management and Comvest Partners are also reported to be in on the race.
While Zell himself has little experience in retail, the group which he is backing also includes retail veteran Stuart Sloan, the former Chairman of Quality Food Centers. At this time, both Sloan and Zell have declined to comment officially on the matter.
While the FTC will have to approve whichever company wins this bidding war, Deborah L. Feinstein, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, revealed that retailers have the option of receiving feedback on multiple bidders throughout the process.
“We will try to give the parties some guidance on which bidders would or would not be acceptable,” Feinstein explained. “A full vetting occurs only when we are presented with a buyer and a specific proposal.”
So far, no official word has been released regarding the amounts of the bids being offered by Zell, Capital Management, or Comvest Partners, according to the New York Times. When further news does become available, however, you can count on AndNowUKnow to bring you the latest. Stay tuned.
DES MOINES, IA – Dahl’s Foods Inc. has filed a $41 million bankruptcy petition in federal court asking to be allowed to reorganize and sell its stores.
The Des Moines Register reports that Kansas City-based Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) plans to purchase Dahl’s assets and rebrand the stores. According to the court filings, AWG has offered to purchase the 10-store chain’s assets for $4.8 million, which could be adjusted based on the value of inventory.
AWG CEO Jerry Garland said in a statement, “Our intentions for entering into the agreement to purchase Dahl's Foods are to provide an opportunity for a member of our cooperative to successfully enter the Des Moines grocery market, with some good locations, and to gain a strong and experienced workforce.”
The Register reports that Dahl’s currently has over 950 employees and had $136.8 million in sales during the 12 months ending June 28. In the court documents, the retailer stated that its sales declined because of increased competition and the company was “slow to recognize the competitive threat and to make the operational changes necessary to remain viable.”
"Our board has approved the sale of the company, which will ensure that the stores come out of this stage successfully. Right now, our focus is on preserving our workforce and continuing to provide a competitive and connected store experience for customers," Craig Moore, Dahl's CEO, told KCCI News.
Dahl’s stores are expected to remain open and operate as normal through the process with no interruptions in service to customers.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow this bankruptcy and sale.
AVONDALE, PA - With Thanksgiving only weeks away, To-Jo Mushrooms is gearing up for one of the busiest times of year for the mushroom industry. Sales in the category are up about 3% year to date, and industry insiders see no reason why Thanksgiving should be any exception to this trend. To-Jo, along with many of other growers and shippers, have seen some nice lift in the brown and specialty categories this year with Baby Bella’s posting double digit growth in many of the major markets.
The increased demand for mushrooms is being aided by the adoption of “Blendability” in the foodservice sector. This concept replaces a portion of protein in a recipe with chopped mushrooms, allowing enterprising food lovers to lower the calories, fat, and cholesterol in their diets, while preserving the taste of traditional favorites. Mushrooms not only make meals healthier and more flavorful, they allow families to stretch their budget as beef prices continue to rise.
“To-Jo is excited about the growth of the mushroom category in the foodservice industry surrounding Blendability,” Kevin Delaney VP of Sales and Marketing told ANUK. “With the cost of beef rising, establishments are increasingly turning towards mushrooms in order to increase the variety of menu items while keeping food costs manageable.”
To-Jo is very proud of its crew of dedicated drivers and works closely with its customers' Receiving and QA Departments in order to guarantee that its products are being handled properly from start to finish along the supply chain.
“Ensuring quality in the mushroom category requires a close monitoring of the cold chain,” Kevin continued. “With that in mind, To-Jo aims to deliver its products within 24 hours of harvest, and utilizes a sophisticated temperature monitoring system on its fleet of vehicles to ensure the maximum freshness upon delivery to its customers.”
While today's focus remains on ensuring a successful Thanksgiving and Christmas season, To-Jo's looks toward 2015 with high hopes. The industry seems primed for growth as companies capitalize on Blendability as a potential impact player for the future and To-Jo Mushrooms is prepared to take full advantage of these future opportunities.
Congratulations on an excellent start to the Thanksgiving season, To-Jo Mushrooms!
CHICAGO, IL - Target will be building two new TargetExpress locations in Chicago, further expanding the smaller store concept which has been an important source of growth for the company. The two sites are currently expected to be built in Lakeview and Steeterville. According to Chicago Real Estate Daily, the Lakeview store is expected to span as much as 30,000 square feet, while the second, smaller Steeterville location will clock in at around 24,000 square feet. In contrast, the average Target full sized store covers 130,000 square feet.
As retailers further expand into more highly populated urban sectors, the small store concept has allowed companies like Wal-Mart and Target to make the most of the limited real estate available.
“I think retailers are doing this now because they have to,” said Neil Stern, Senior Partner at the Retail Consultancy Firm, McMillan/Doolittle LLP. “If you're going to figure out how to grow, you're going to have to figure out how to be opportunistic in scaled-down formats.”
To compensate for the scaled down selection in smaller stores, the company reveals that TargetExpress is positioned to cater to the needs of the on-the-go consumer.
“TargetExpress is designed so guests can get what they need and get out quickly,” Kathryn Tesija, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer at Target, told Chicago Real Estate Daily.
As AndNowUKnow earlier reported, Target will also be opening new TargetExpress stores in San Diego and the Bay Area in California.
As of this time, no word has been release as to when these new stores are expected to open. When Target does disclose this information, however, you can count on AndNowUKnow to bring you the news first. Stay tuned.
BRONX, NY – In April of 2013, E. Armata began an extensive renovation project at the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY. Completed by November of that year, the company had gutted the facility and rebuilt it from the ground up.
Last month, the company announced that it had passed the audit for Good Management Practices (GMP) and HACCP certification on its first attempt, boasting an impressive 98.4% Superior rating, corrected to a 100% rating that same day.
“We feel strongly that we need to supply our growers, shippers and customers with a facility that matches the quality of our produce and our high level of service. We believe in the future and our strong reputation, that is now enhanced by our newly rebuilt facility,” said Vice President Paul Armata.
Nick Lomax, Head of Operations for the company, lead the rigorous certification process, which began in January and ended October 2014.
“Not only are we proud of the changes that have been made at E. Armata in the past year, but I agree with Chris [Armata] — we did this because we feel strongly about supplying our growers, shippers and customers with the best quality and safest food possible. We look forward to a future that insures that we always have the highest level of technologies and food safety initiatives,” said Lomax.
From September 2013 through December, the company took courses in food safety, the GMP program and the HACCP program. Between finishing the courses and receiving the certification, E. Armata implemented the changes at the facility. The company followed Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) while putting together instructions for all of its divisions.
“I moved pretty fast because we wanted to obtain our certifications as quickly as possible to coincide with our renovation project,” Lomax added.
He credited the company’s 16 foremen for accomplishing the job in such a short amount of time. They were trained on proper cleaning procedures, employee safety habits and other requirements while working.
Foremen now conduct ongoing spot checks during the day, which are documented. Certification rules also state that the company has to check temperatures on the units twice a day, along with random daily checks. That too is documented.
“Our customers are assured of getting safe food from our shippers to us and to them. Our shippers are required to have third-party Primus audits, which are required by HACCP, and they provide us with a letter of guarantee. This entire process and certification boils down to self-policing and maintaining precise documentation,” said Lomax.
Congratulations on the certification, E. Armata!