MORRIS, MINNESOTA - Through its latest acquisition, Fresha is expanding its operational footprint. The carrot provider has acquired a facility in Sparks, Georgia, which will help ensure a year-round supply for its customers.

"With this expansion, we are investing in our ability to meet increasing retailer demand for premium carrots while maintaining our dedication to exceptional quality,” said Dan Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Fresha. "This expansion not only enhances our ability to scale efficiently but also reduces transportation costs and time when shipping to the eastern half of the United States, ensuring that our customers receive the freshest carrots possible."

The acquisition of the new Georgia facility was a carefully considered decision that deeply aligned with the company’s sales strategy in the eastern U.S., a release explained.

In collaboration with the local community, Fresha has established strong partnerships with a number of growers in the region, supporting local agricultural endeavors and contributing to community development.

"Our investment in Georgia emphasizes our dedication to meeting the growing demand for Fresha carrots year-round," commented Matthew Wulf, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fresha. "With its prime location, this Georgia facility strengthens our supply chain and allows us to deliver the freshest, highest-quality carrots to our customers.”

Additionally, the supplier has joined Georgia Grown, a division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, contributing to the growing community of agricultural producers, manufacturers, and retailers in the state. Through Georgia Grown, Fresha supports local agribusinesses, ranging from large companies to small family farms, further strengthening the agricultural landscape in the region.

"Expanding into Georgia has not only allowed us to tap into the rich agricultural and water resources of the region but also to develop meaningful partnerships with local growers and employees," added Wulf. "Working with about eight local growers and engaging with dedicated employees has been truly inspiring. We're thrilled about the enthusiasm and passion the community shares for our mission, and we're excited to continue fostering these relationships as we grow together."

Well-positioned for further growth in the sector, see what Fresha’s next move is by reading AndNowUKnow.

CHARLOTTE, NC - With 125 years of experience in the category, Dole Food Company knows how to harness momentum when it comes to the staple produce item that is the banana. The produce brand recently commissioned a national survey by OnePoll to gauge consumers’ shopping habits ahead of this year’s National Banana Day tomorrow, April 17.

“Since bananas reign supreme as one of the most-purchased items in not only the produce department but the entire supermarket, a study of banana buying and consumption habits can reveal a lot about Americans’ thoughts on grocery shopping, health and nutrition overall,” said William Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications for Dole. “As the most knowledgeable experts and brand behind the world’s most-requested banana, we need to keep up with the habits and desires of banana lovers both on National Banana Day and throughout the year.”

Exploring Americans' grocery-, produce- and banana-shopping habits; food needs; and nutrition priorities, the study surveyed 2,000 Americans from March 14–16 as part of Dole 125^thBanana-versary, a press release explained.

Some key highlights from the report include:

• 35 percent of respondents ranked bananas as a must-have grocery staple, which was more than any other produce and sixth on the list of all supermarket items; bananas also ranked as the top impulse produce purchase
• 29 percent said they like eating bananas that are at least partially green, including 6 percent that prefer the fruit mostly green, while 50 percent of banana lovers want perfectly yellow fruit with no green or brown spots
• Bananas ranked third as a sugar replacement in recipes and cooking
• Almost four in 10 (39 percent) are willing to pay more for brands that commit to sourcing transparency and supply chain and environmental sustainability

“There’s a unique opportunity here for Dole to work with retailers to put some of these survey findings in produce variety and ripeness, nutrition, and shopping preferences to work for them to generate even better results across the entire produce department,” Goldfield added. “Retailers who partner with Dole for a banana program can expect our 25 years of sustainable banana growing, unsurpassed account servicing, and merchandising experience right at their stores.”

Dole has a variety of celebrations planned for its 125^thBanana-versary. To read about this exciting milestone, as well as more insights from the survey, click here.

Stay tuned as ANUK continues to cover all things bananas.

AUSTIN, TX - Whole Foods Market is showing some recognition to Rainier Fruit Company, along with several other brands, for its Supplier All-Star Awards for 2023. The fruit provider was among the 16 brands recognized by the retailer for exemplifying excellence through quality, innovation, value, and sustainability.

“We are proud to shine a spotlight on this committed group of suppliers and the remarkable contributions they've made to enriching our customer’s shopping experiences, advancing our purpose, and pushing the boundaries of excellence within the industry,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Whole Foods Market. “These suppliers embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that Whole Foods Market was built upon more than 40 years ago. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s Supplier All-Stars for their well-deserved recognition.”

The recipients of the Supplier All-Star Awards are handpicked by a dedicated team of Whole Foods Market leaders, category experts, and merchants, spanning all departments and product categories, including Produce, Grocery, Culinary, Specialty, Private Label, Seafood, Meat, and more, a press release explained.

This is the 12^th anniversary of Whole Foods Market’s supplier awards program, which represents the company’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating its supply-side allies.

For more information, and to see the full list of winners, click here.

Congrats to Rainier Fruit Company on this well-deserved achievement!

IDAHO FALLS, ID - Julie Wolf has cut her teeth at some of the biggest names in the business and she’s ready to tackle her latest challenge. Joining Category Partners as its Director of Business Development, DeWolf will report to Aimee Smith, Senior Vice President of Business Development.

She brings over 20 years of experience in the produce industry to the role and has a background as a CPA and Marketing Director. According to a press release, DeWolf is excited to drive sales for Category Partners’ clients and create value for its stakeholders along the supply chain.

Tom Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Category Partners, commented on DeWolf's appointment.

“We are so pleased that Julie has agreed to join the Category Partners team," he said. Her industry knowledge, connections, and commitment to excellence will bring tangible benefits to our clients in their quest to build business and master efficiencies.”

One of DeWolf’s passions is working on collaborative, high-performing teams and fostering internal and external relationships that create value. DeWolf is a graduate of UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Business/Economics.

In her spare time, she loves spending time with her college-age twins and taking kickboxing classes. She is an active industry volunteer, something she has done for the past 15 years and which has provided deep industry connections and lasting friendships.

Congratulations to Julie on this new position!

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - Every mom deserves to have a treat that is as wow-worthy as she is. With the limited-edition WOW® MOM Strawberry pack from Mastronardi Produce®, this Mother’s Day is sure to be a success. The offering will be packed with the WOW brand’s famous ruby red Dreamberry strawberries, taking the well-known “WOW” wordmark and flipping it upside down to read “MOM” with the call-out “You’re the sweetest.”

“We’re so excited to celebrate moms with the WOW MOM campaign,” said Andrea Meloche, Innovation Manager at Mastronardi Produce Ltd. “We produced an eye-catching label that will make these exceptionally sweet strawberries a special gift for the sweetest woman in your life.”

To help differentiate from its traditional branding and capture consumers’ attention, Mastronardi Produce swapped the traditional black WOW label for a bright purple and a spring-inspired icon. According to a press release, the special pack is well-suited for creative merchandising opportunities in retail stores around Mother’s Day.

“We expect that the branding differentiation, combined with a fun suggestion to surprise mom, will encourage impulse purchases and increase berry consumption,” added Meloche. “Not to mention, offering a fan-favorite product for everyone’s favorite person seemed like a perfect match.”

The limited-edition WOW MOM strawberries will be in-store as of April 29, providing ample time for consumers to take note of the new offering ahead of Mother’s Day on May 12. Mastronardi Produce will also be executing local marketing activities in its headquarters region of Windsor-Essex County as well as encouraging social media activation among its @sunsetgrown followers.

Plus, WOW MOM strawberry packs will be on display ahead of their retail launch at booth #1130 during the upcoming CPMA Convention and Trade Show.

Help your shoppers wow mom this Mother’s Day with this special offering from Mastronardi Produce.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A retail hat-trick of sorts is being carried out by SpartanNash. The grocer has announced its acquisition of Metcalfe’s Market, a three-store grocery chain in Wisconsin. The locations will be continuing employment for all employees, and their storefront, branding, and core shopper experience will remain in place.

“Metcalfe’s Market has been a successful family-owned and operated business for four generations, and we are honored that the Metcalfe family is entrusting SpartanNash to build upon their legacy and bring new offerings to its team members and grocery shoppers,” said SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam. “As a People First company, we welcome Tim, Kevin, and the entire Metcalfe’s Market team into the SpartanNash family, and we look forward to earning the loyalty of our newest store guests. As a food solutions company, we provide the ingredients for family meals and traditions—just like Metcalfe’s Market has for more than 100 years.”

Metcalfe’s Market is a community staple, specializing in premium quality foods, sustainability practices, and an extensive focus on local products featuring Metcalfe’s Food Miles program. Former Owners Tim and Kevin Metcalfe will join the SpartanNash family of associates.

A press release stated that the acquisition expands SpartanNash’s footprint in Wisconsin to seven stores. Shoppers can look forward to the same great products they enjoyed at Metcalfe’s Market in addition to a wide assortment of SpartanNash private label offerings.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our communities for more than a century, and we are confident that with SpartanNash, guests at Metcalfe’s Market will continue to enjoy the same high level of service, quality, and variety of products they have come to expect here at Metcalfe’s,” said Tim Metcalfe, Co-Owner. “We are thrilled to join the SpartanNash family, and we can’t wait to contribute to their People First culture. SpartanNash has the same commitment to quality and community that Metcalfe’s has been known for over the past four generations.”

The transaction is expected to be completed in spring 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Keep reading ANUK for more retail news like this.

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Nostalgia and modernity are melding with Walmart’s latest opening. Thirty years after its initial opening, the retail behemoth’s Square One Walmart Supercentre in Mississauga, Ontario, is re-opening as the big-box chain’s flagship location.

“As Walmart Canada celebrates its 30^th year in Canada, we continue to evolve to better serve our customers. With this milestone, it’s fitting that one of our first stores in Canada is becoming our flagship location, reimagined to best suit the needs of the transforming Mississauga community,” said John Bayliss, Chief Operations Officer, Walmart Canada. “The investment we’ve made in our Square One Walmart Supercentre will help us to provide a more seamless omnichannel shopping experience for our existing and new customers and explore the future of retail as we look to the next 30 years.”

The 223,000-square-foot location is Walmart Canada’s largest store by square foot and reflects one of the retailer's largest capital investments in a single store. According to a release, the updated location will enable continued growth and exploration in omnichannel retail innovation for Walmart Canada as it tests new technologies and concepts.

This location will feature new ways to shop, including updated lighting, new signage, and digital wayfinding to enhance the in-store experience. There will also be an in-store pickup kiosk catering to consumers without a vehicle.

Additionally, Walmart has introduced a larger fresh produce area and increased grocery assortment. This includes a wider selection of global foods and a new hot table with convenient meals to go.

At the Mississauga location, Walmart will also be beta testing its first SmartShelf. The patent-pending, Walmart-created hardware and software is part of the retailer’s efforts to innovate the space. The 28-foot fixture features an LCD screen at each shelf, connecting the world of physical and digital shopping by allowing customers to see ratings and reviews for products and experience greater visibility for promotions and discounts. Plus, it allows automation and streamlining for associate tasks like price changes, modular changes, and stocking.

While SmartShelf is currently being used for the cracker aisle only, its unveiling invites us to imagine the possibilities that lie in its application to fresh produce.

Click here to read more.

To see how the concept evolves, keep reading AndNowUKnow.