CENTENNIAL, CO - Sobeys’ broccoli supply chain is about to get even more sustainable and efficient. The retailer teamed up with Verdant Technologies to implement its HarvestHold Fresh® product—an in-box sheet that uses an industry-standard ingredient to extend freshness and shelf-life.

"Stemming from a hugely successful pilot in Ontario and Quebec, we are now working with growers across North America to expand the learnings to the entire broccoli supply chain—and what we learned was that we can realize the benefits of reduced water use, less spoilage, and fewer trucks needed for transporting produce, while improving freshness in the customer's produce grocery basket," said Myriam Tremblay, Vice President of Produce Merchandise, Sourcing, and Replenishment, Sobeys. "Working with Verdant and partnering in this initiative has enabled us to implement a truly unique farm-to-plate innovation that provides advantages at each stage of the supply chain."

Empire Company Limited, the parent company of Sobeys, was the first major grocery retailer in North America to adopt the technology, according to a press release. Since 2022, Empire's growing partners have been using the ice-less HarvestHold technology in bunch broccoli packing in Quebec and Ontario at its banner stores. In 2024, the partners plan to expand nationally.

The active ingredient in HarvestHold Fresh blocks ethylene, delaying ripening and allowing fruits and vegetables to maintain their natural flavor and nutrients for a longer period. This also results in less food spoilage and waste, reduced energy and carbon emissions involved in preparing and transporting, and in the case of ice-less broccoli, offers enhanced workplace safety.

"Our pilot studies have demonstrated HarvestHold Fresh's transformative impact on the broccoli supply chain," said Matthew Aronson, Chief Revenue Officer of Verdant Technologies. "Through our collaborative approach with Sobeys and its grower partners, we've shown that broccoli transported without ice using HarvestHold Fresh retains its fresh, vibrant green hue and firmness up to a week longer than its ice-shipped counterparts. These findings not only confirm the effectiveness of HarvestHold Fresh but also set a new benchmark in produce logistics and environmental stewardship."

Sobeys is collaborating with its strategic grower partners to integrate HarvestHold Fresh into other commodities and geographies later this year.

Stay tuned as ANUK reports on this impactful partnership.

LAKELAND, FL - The team at Publix is celebrating another exciting accomplishment. For the 27^th year in a row, the retailer landed on Fortune’s list of 100 Best Companies to Work For.

“Our associates are the key to perpetuating the Publix culture and helping create an environment that makes Publix a great place to work,” commented Chief Executive Officer Kevin Murphy on the recent recognition. “We are proud our associates continue to consider us an employer of choice year after year.”

Publix is among only four companies to appear on the prestigious list every year since its inception.

Through the chain’s focus on promoting from within and stock-ownership programs, Publix associates are given opportunities to grow and advance in their careers while becoming owners of the largest employee-owned company in the United States, a press release detailed. Publix also encourages its associates to be involved in their communities, providing opportunities throughout the year to volunteer.

Each year, the Great Place To Work organization surveys employees working for companies that have a Great Place To Work Certification and at least 1,000 people working for them in the United States. The survey gathers employee feedback about company culture, measuring processes that build trust in leadership, bring co-workers together, and develop company loyalty. Based on this survey and an essay submission, the organization partners with Fortune to share the rankings.

Cheers to Publix for this 27-year achievement!

WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), under the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Food Logos (ASPF), recently issued a statement on the new packaging rules agreed in principle by EU Member State governments last month. ASPF states that the ruling will raise serious trade and food safety concerns, negatively impacting global supply chains and food security. Secondary impacts of these new rules will include fewer healthy food choices available to consumers.

“The proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) prohibits even those single-use packaging options that were scientifically designed to maintain quality, safety, and freshness of perishable commodities, as fresh and ready-to-eat foods risk being spoiled, damaged, or contaminated if not packaged appropriately,” ASPF said in a release. “It would lead to an increase in food waste and, based on studies carried out in other jurisdictions, is likely to result in greater use of more durable types of plastics.”

The current text of the PPWR favors recyclability over composting, and therefore limits options for fresh food manufacturers, the release continued. Exemptions to the ban would be left to individual EU Member States leading to a patchwork of national regulations on food safety and allowable types of packaging for many perishable commodities. This will reportedly undermine the EU Single Market by creating obstacles to trade within, as well as with, the EU.

As EU regulators finalize these new rules over the coming months, ASPF will continue to urge and engage with EU regulators and Member State governments to address these serious food safety and trade concerns. To successfully increase the sustainability of the food supply chain, it is essential that evidence-based approaches are adopted that do not compromise on food safety, food quality, food availability, and public health.

ANUK will report as we learn more.

NOGALES, AZ - Lots of exciting advancements are taking place for the Oppy operation as the provider hits a key milestone in its commitment to expanding its 365 program. Alongside a redesigned supply chain and its expanded reach in Asian markets, the producer is set to double its Mexican grape volume for the 2024 season.

“We are thrilled to be increasing our volume twofold, sourcing from four key regions,” Executive Director of Category Development Piers Hanbury shared. “Starting in Obregon and progressing through Hermosillo, Aleman, and Carborca, we are poised to offer an even wider array of top-quality grapes to our customers."

The enhanced lineup will now include sought-after Sun World varieties, such as AUTUMNCRISP® and RUBY RUSH®, a press release explained. Initial assessments of the grape crop indicate a promising season ahead, with estimates suggesting industry volumes will fall within the 22–24 million box range.

Seeking to optimize efficiency and freshness, Oppy has also redesigned its supply chain by using its cold storage facilities in Los Angeles, California, for 20 percent of its volume, thus reducing mileage and enhancing truck availability.

In addition, the produce maven has also sharpened its focus on exports, particularly into Asian markets, through Delica North America, in which Oppy owns a 50 percent share.

“We will explore markets in Asia and Oceania for the Mexican grape season,” added Carlos Alcazar, Delica’s Supplier Relationship Manager. “Our partnership with Oppy enables us to deliver the right fruit to each market, with Japan expected to be a key destination. Additionally, we are eyeing opportunities in South Korea and Australia.”

The Mexican grape season is set to kick off in mid-May with a seamless transition from Chile, where Oppy has a significant late-season presence.

This news comes after Oppy’s strategic joint venture was announced with Sun Grape USA earlier this year, forming Sun Grape California, an Oppy Company. This collaboration ensures a consistent supply of year-round high-quality grapes, complementing Oppy’s global reach from Peru, Brazil, Chile, South Africa, and Mexico, alongside its extensive acreage in California.

Executive Director of Grapes and Stonefruit Bill Poulos heads up the category, with Director of Foodservice and Southwest Sales Jim Leach serving as its deal manager and Sales Representative Garrett Souza as its West Coast lead.

Stay tuned as ANUK continues to provide updates on the grape category and beyond.

ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - A strategic retail collaboration has come to a head. Ahold Delhaize is part of a group of five of the world’s leading grocers establishing a pioneering collaborative venture capital (VC) fund: W23 Global. The fund will seek to invest in innovative start-ups and scale-ups that deploy technology to enhance customer experiences, transform the value chain, and address sustainability challenges. Each retailer is an equal funder and partner in W23 Global, while their CEOs will sit on the investment committee.

“As pioneers in retail innovation for more than 150 years, Ahold Delhaize has consistently led the way in investing in the customer value proposition,” Ahold Delhaize Chief Executive Officer Frans Muller said. “We look forward to enhancing our efforts by partnering with other industry leaders and maximizing our collective impact. Together with best-in-class start-ups and scale-ups, we strongly believe we can further drive retail innovation, foster sustainability, and deliver greater value to communities worldwide.”

W23 Global complements its partners’ continuing direct innovation and investment strategies, according to a press release. The fund’s portfolio companies will be free to contract with any customer, whether a W23 Global partner or otherwise, on whatever terms they decide.

W23 Global CEO and Chief Investment Officer Ingrid Maes commented on the news.

"W23 is a potentially game-changing international VC fund with a powerful proposition for both our investors and portfolio companies. We aim to offer our investors incomparable access to transformative innovation in grocery and sustainability worldwide. W23 Global will work with its investors to identify common unaddressed challenges and support entrepreneurs to develop solutions, offering faster pathways to global scale for portfolio companies,” Maes said. “With leading grocery CEOs on our investment committee, founders can rapidly develop ideas based on an accelerated understanding of retailers’ needs.”

For more on this exciting collaboration, keep reading ANUK.

REEDLEY, CA - That’s right folks—it’s officially time to start gearing up for a promising stonefruit season. Fruit World is kicking off this prime window with an abundant supply of organic stonefruit, bringing retailers and wholesalers substantial volumes nationwide as the early season kicks off.

“This season, our organic apricots and sweet cherries take center stage, showcasing their most abundant volumes yet, arriving three weeks ahead of last year," shared Cindy Richter, Director of Sales at Fruit World.

As the company reported in a press release, the season will start with apricots from Blossom Hill, a multi-generational, pollinator-friendly family farm. Organic and conventional apricots will be available in multiple pack styles, including 100 percent recyclable packaging. Promising strong volumes are expected to ship through the end of June.

Early organic sweet cherry varieties such as Tioga, Lynn, Hazel, and Coral have experienced a full fruit set, and some have already started to color up, the release explained. While recent rain is expected to have had a minor effect on the supply, Fruit World expects not to have a substantial impact.

"With California's famed 'banana belt' microclimate, our stonefruit experienced perfect weather for pollination and ideal growing conditions, resulting in a robust supply,” Richter added. “All of these factors have aligned to create a strong apricot and cherry program that will be on schedule to meet the needs of spring promotions, notably the Memorial Day surge in demand.”

Ready to harness the abundant opportunities provided by the stonefruit category? Fruit World is here to help.

For more industry news, stick with us here at ANUK.