WASHINGTON, DC - Building relationships is one of the most critical aspects of our business. Without relationships, there is no trust, and without trust, there is no sale. Ensuring that top buyers and suppliers are able to connect and build networking connections is the main goal of the International Fresh Produce Association’s Retail Conference. Held May 1–2, in Phoenix, Arizona, The Retail Conference features the latest consumer insights, table-top exhibits, and a golf tournament.

“You can’t make the best decisions without the latest information, and you can’t strengthen sales without the right connections,” said IFPA Vice President Joe Watson. “That’s why The Retail Conference exists—to bring the right intel to our industry as well as the best buyer-seller networking. And we have some fun at the golf tournament.”

According to a press release, the annual retail event features essential information for the year ahead, thought-provoking speakers, and networking that unites retailers with the full supply chain.

Buyers in attendance will come from dozens of banners, including Costco Wholesale, Hannaford, Spartan Nash, Sam’s Club, Dollar General, Jewel Osco, Longo’s, Grocery Outlet, and more.

Some of these attending retailers had several thoughts to share on the upcoming conference:

Davis Mochizuki, Director of Produce, Albertsons/Safeway

“IFPA’s Retail Conference is the best event for strategic relationship building and relaxed networking in an intimate setting. We’ve made invaluable strategic connections at this event over the years.”

Mike Roberts, Vice President of Produce Operations, Harps Food Stores

“We gain key business connections and profound consumer insights each year that we attend the Retail Conference. I highly encourage fellow buyers, suppliers, and the rest of the supply chain to register for the event before it sells out again.”

Bill Pollard, Senior Director of Produce and Meat, Dollar General

“Golf, networking, and practical ideas to take home and implement—IFPA's Retail Conference has got it all. You don’t want to miss out on this event—these are two of the most impactful days of the year for our business.”

Sessions include the latest on:

• New organics rules
• Artificial intelligence
• The evolution of supplier relationships in today’s marketplace
• IFPA’s global perspective and the state of retail in 2024
• Measuring produce sales by Congressional district

“This is an intimate event where buyers and sellers can easily connect and do business,” Watson said. “FOMO alert: The conference and the golf tournament do sell out, so I encourage anyone who wants to be a part of this conference to register right away.”

As Mike mentioned above, last year’s event sold out, so you might want to register ASAP.

MONTEREY, PARK, CA - As the demand for Asian grocery stores rises, Maison Solutions, a California-based grocer offering traditional Asian food, has announced its acquisition of Lee Lee Oriental Supermart. The retailer agreed to buy the Arizona three-store chain, which operates under the name Lee Lee International Supermarkets, for $22.2 million.

"This transaction demonstrates our strategy of expanding by acquisition in geographic locations with large and growing Asian and ethnic populations," said John Xu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maison Solutions. "Lee Lee International Supermarkets has an established brand presence in Arizona and is a perfect fit for Maison, giving us a base for further growth in the region.”

This deal will effectively double Maison Solutions’ size as the retailer expects annual revenue to jump to $70 million, according to a release. The acquisition will also expand Maison Solutions—which has six Southern California stores—into new markets.

Lee Lee International Supermarkets is one of the largest international markets in Arizona. It operates in the greater Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. The three-store chain offers products from more than 30 countries and regions.

The chain’s Chandler, Arizona, location spans over 52,000 square feet and includes a bakery, while its Peoria store is more than 60,000 square feet and features a boba tea store and clothing shop. The grocer’s Tucson, Arizona, store is over 51,000 square feet and includes a Vietnamese restaurant and BBQ restaurant.

The purchase price of $22.2 million will be paid over a 10-month period and includes $7 million in cash paid immediately at closing on April 8, 2024, with the rest paid through a secured note agreement.

To read more about this transaction, click here.

For the latest retail news, stick with AndNowUKnow.

NOVI, MI - Lineage is expanding its services to up its North American presence. The temperature-controlled warehouse REITs and integrated solutions provider has announced a new Canada cross-border program that offers added transportation benefits for customers seeking end-to-end cold chain solutions.

“Lineage is known for its world-class storage facilities, but we also understand and serve the complex transportation needs our customers face,” said Chris Skraba, Vice President of Global Business Development for Integrated Solutions. “This cross-border network bolsters our ability to provide a true end-to-end solution for our warehousing and transportation customers, backed by our industry-leading focus on food safety.”

The company is leveraging the strategic positioning of its facilities and transportation network to increase value for its partners, a release stated. This includes access to multiple delivery points in the Canadian market and advantageously positioned terminals in Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Red Deer, and Montreal, in addition to a new terminal in Moncton that will be operation later in the spring.

Cross-border points in Hobart, Indiana, and Burien, Washington, will connect the Canadian and United States networks. Lineage’s North and Southbound cross-border program enables both TL (truckload) and LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments between the U.S. and Canada while connecting shippers to the company’s strategically located warehouses that comprise its North American LTL multi-vendor consolidation network.

This connectivity provides customers with competitive pricing, a fast and reliable transit schedule, and access to warehousing and transportation capacity on both sides of the border.

To read more about this service, click here.

AndNowUKnow is your place for more industry updates as they hit the wires.

WENATCHEE, WA - Anticipating a high-velocity summer sales season, CMI Orchards is making sure its retail partners are well-equipped to handle the rush. As the upcoming Memorial Day weekend looms, the supplier notes that is has ample supply to support holiday promotions.

“CMI’s American Dream® program offers an in-store merchandising opportunity that delivers a way to give back to military charities, with a portion of proceeds from the sale of each box donated to the charity of each retailer’s choosing,” Rochelle Bohm, Vice President of Marketing, outlines. “As Memorial Day approaches, we invite retailers to join us in honoring our heroes and celebrating the American Spirit. Our high-impact patriotic packaging not only enhances shelf-appeal, but resonates with consumers looking to show their patriotism during this important holiday.”

Loren Foss, Vice President of Business Strategy, recommends this winning strategy to ensure successful Memorial Day promotions.

“This year, we’re featuring two high-flavor apples: JUICI® and Ambrosia Gold®. These two superstars are experiencing a banner season amplified by high quality and flavor—two premium varieties to boost Memorial Day promotions so we can give back more,” Foss notes.

As a press release explains, the JUICI apple was discovered in Wenatchee, Washington, by the Thomas family. It delivers a balanced, sweet, and tangy bite attributed to its Honeycrisp parentage.

“Up 26 percent in volume and 57 percent in sales over the last 52 weeks, JUICI is showing solid performance, per Nielsen IQ through 3/23/24. Retailers can continues to capitalize on that success through the summer months, while supplies last,” Foss adds.

That’s not to say that Ambrosia Gold is any less popular.

“With their sweet, honey flavor, crisp bite, and slow-to-brown flesh, paired with the McDougall’s legacy perfection in growing, CMI’s Ambrosia Gold set the gold standard for Ambrosia apples,” Bohm notes. “Introduced to the U.S.A. almost two decades ago and continuing to hold one of the top three spots in overall branded apple sales, Ambrosias find favor with sweet, mild apple lovers—Gala fans, for example, often upgrade to Ambrosia Gold.”

For more insights on merchandising programs like this, stick with ANUK.

BRONX, NY - As the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for D’Arrigo New York, Gabriela D’Arrigo is on a mission to change how the produce industry views the wholesale segment, and she’s utilizing something she knows best: marketing. In a recent internally released interview, the leader discussed the importance of marketing in the sector and how it can change people’s perception of wholesale while benefitting its customers.

“Wholesale is sort of the ‘dark underbelly’ of the business that doesn't get talked about enough. We tend to be viewed as a necessary outlet for most of the major players in the produce industry but not the top choice. We need to market ourselves as not only a necessary outlet, but as trusted partners that can expand one's business in a region,” D’Arrigo said in an interview that AndNowUKnow received in our inboxes. “We are the key middle-men who can reach end users who wouldn't otherwise be reached—and offer additional services that are beneficial to our suppliers and customers.”

As D’Arrigo New York explores ways to reach end users, some of its most effective methods emerged. These include ad sales and POS materials, strategic social media campaigns, hosting networking events, donations, facility tours, and more. According to D’Arrigo, some of the least effective methods have been participating in events with unclear messaging and sponsorships or donations where there has not been any visibility.

Throughout this process, D’Arrigo New York remains committed to helping all of its suppliers, including local growers. The wholesaler providers POS materials and strategies to help them market their products, as many of the smaller growers do not have their own internal marketing team.

Another great tool that D’Arrigo mentions is LinkedIn, which has proven fruitful for the company and its goals.

“LinkedIn has been great in getting relevant company and wholesale information out to the rest of the industry and other professions,” D’Arrigo adds. “We are able to instantaneously share impactful information with other companies and professionals. It has also been a new avenue for us to source talent for our company.”

Click here to see what else Gabriela D’Arrigo had to say about marketing and the wholesale segment.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we shine a light on the marketing and sales teams that ensure fresh produce makes its way from the farm to the table.

SANDPOINT, ID - We reported in December 2023 that Litehouse was collaborating with Guy Fieri to launch an exclusive line of Flavortown sauces. In support of this launch, Litehouse is kicking off a national media campaign to spread the word.

“With worldwide success and a massive following from his years as a celebrity chef and Emmy award-winning TV host and restaurateur, Guy Fieri is now paving the way into other ventures as part of his Flavortown legacy,” said Paul Hemingway, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Just in time to start firing up the grill, a national launch campaign will feature an integrated marketing plan to target and engage with Flavortown enthusiasts across connected TV, programmatic ads, social media, and shopper marketing tactics that paves the road to Flavortown to life both online and in-store. The rise of premium condiments and barbecue sauces, which are outpacing traditional brands with double the unit sales growth, underscores the market’s appetite for the new Flavortown line.”

The dynamite line of nine top-notch condiments and BBQ sauces includes:

• Famous Donkey Sauce: A creamy, garlicky, flavor-bombed aioli
• Top Secret Sauce: A creamy aioli with dynamite sparks of chili powder, subtle mustard, and garlic
• Honey Mustard Sauce: Tangy mustard and sweet honey creaminess
• Poppin’ Jalapeno Sauce: A combination of spicy jalapenos, creamy aioli, and a garlicky punch
• Kickin’ Chipotle Sauce: A combination of smokey chipotle, a side-kick of chili, and a roundhouse of spices
• Smokin’ Hickory BBQ Sauce: The just-right balance of sticky, sweet, smoky, and tangy
• Mop Sauce BBQ Sauce: Chile, spices, molasses, and mustard tang
• Carolina Style BBQ Sauce: Tangy mustard, a little sweetness, and savory spice
• Money Honey BBQ Sauce: Sweet, sticky honey pulls together brown sugar, a hint of tomato, and spices

“Each bottle has been masterfully crafted by the Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri, to keep the mouthwatering flavor alive, bite after bite,” Paul continued. “It was an extremely collaborative process with Litehouse and Guy to make sure each sauce was near perfection.”

This punch-you-in-the-mouth lineup of Flavortown BBQ sauces and condiments became available nationwide in grocery and mass retail stores beginning in March 2024.

If you don’t already have this lineup on your shelves, I would suggest you get moving.

PHARR, TX - With a recent acquisition under its belt, Urapa Produce is ramping up its capabilities. As it takes to the Viva Fresh show floor to spotlight its differentiation, I turned to Chief Executive Officer Tony Godinez to learn more about the company’s current offerings.

“With the acquisition of BDS Cold Storage in Donna, Texas, we are now fully integrated,” Tony told me. “This allows us to focus on the service side of our business. We control all aspects and the handling of our fruits from harvesting at our farms in Mexico to the delivery at our customer’s door.”

Currently in season with Mexican mangos and avocados, Urapa Produce also started a new program in Persian limes.

“In tropical fruits, we are the perfect partner for retailers, foodservice operators, and other wholesalers and distributors,” Tony added. “With our in-house repacking and ripening capabilities, we are able to meet any of our customers’ demands or requests very quickly.”

Not only does Urapa offer its partners excellent customer service but there’s also the hint of an expansion on the horizon.

“We look to offer additional products in the tropicals category in the very near future,” Tony noted, before adding, “We are not stopping with the acquisition of BDS Cold Storage. Urapa is actively planning an expansion of our facilities and our product lines that we hope to begin later this year.”

To learn more, be sure to stop by booth #711 at the show.