PORTLAND, OR - April is Earth Month, and in celebration, New Seasons Market is launching Building Better Soil for a Healthier Future. Through this effort, the retailer and 25 select vendor partners are contributing to the planet's vitality by donating one percent of their sales to Zero Foodprint, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers implement regenerative agriculture practices.

“As a steward of sustainability, we are acutely aware that our decisions today shape the world we pass on to future generations. Building Better Soil for a Healthier Future is more than a campaign; it is a manifestation of New Seasons Market’s core belief that every small action contributes to a larger, positive impact on the environment,” said New Seasons Market Chief Executive Officer Nancy Lebold. “Together, with our valued partners, we are proud to support Zero Foodprint’s regenerative agriculture initiatives, making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change while also elevating the quality and sustainability of the food we bring to our customers’ tables.”

In addition to donations from select vendor partners, New Seasons Market will also contribute one percent of its Partner Brand private label product sales, a release relayed.

This Earth Month program highlights a direct approach to funding transformative farming and ranching practices, one that focuses on rebuilding soil health, rejuvenating ecosystems, and recreating a more balanced agricultural landscape. The effort embodies New Seasons Market’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental restoration.

Read more about this initiative by clicking here.

Happy Earth Month!

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Celebrations are in order, as the Canadian Produce Marketing Association announced the recipient of its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. The prestigious award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to the fresh produce industry and will be presented to Murray Driediger, President and Chief Executive Officer of BC Fresh Vegetables.

Driediger’s achievements span over a 40-year career, which started at his family’s business, Driediger Bros. Farms, in 1979. As Managing Partner, Driediger transitioned the company from focusing on growing fruit for processors to one focused on growing for the fresh market. Over time, he developed a supply network of over 40 growers and a distribution network for six fruit commodities throughout North America.

Since then, Driediger has held various senior roles within the industry. Serving as BC Vegetable Marketing Commission’s General Manager, he helped guide significant expansion in the root crop and greenhouse sectors. In 2005, he moved into the role of President of the Golden Eagle Group, one of the largest agriculture operations in Canada covering 4,800 acres.

He then joined BC Fresh in 2007 as President and CEO where he has remained for the past 17 years. During his tenure, he transitioned the company from an on-farm distribution model to a central distribution network resulting in two warehouse expansions in the last 14 years. The company has grown sales exponentially under his leadership and now markets and distributes an expanded produce offering from 60 farms, consisting of 8,000 acres and 95,000 tons in annual produce sales.

“Murray has been a prominent figure in the produce industry from his time working on the family farm to leading BC Fresh. His dedication to advancing the sector has truly left a lasting impact,” says Ron Lemaire, CPMA President. “As a CPMA Board member for 10 years and past Chair of the Leadership Committee, Murray actively supported various initiatives. Notably, he championed the Freggie children’s program and advocated for enhanced financing tools for the industry, including the establishment of a financial protection mechanism for produce growers and sellers, now recognized as Bill C-280. His commitment to the industry’s growth, governance, and well-being has been commendable.”

Driediger has served on several boards, including CPMA, the North American Tomato Trade Working Group, the Canada-US Potato Committee, the BC Strawberry Growers Association, and many more. To read more about his decorated career, click here.

Murray will be presented with this award alongside other industry members and businesses at the CPMA Convention and Trade Show’s Awards Brunch on Thursday, April 25.

Congratulations to Murray Driediger on this well-deserved recognition!

MONTEREY, CA - PRO*ACT is fortifying its prowess in the distribution space with the appointment of a new executive. Brandishing a wealth of expertise in financial management and executive leadership, Kevin Vogt has taken the reins as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer.

Before working with PRO*ACT, Vogt oversaw the Family Office as the Managing Director at the Swanson Family of Companies. During his time with the company, he played a key role in succession and estate planning for the family and supported multiple acquisitions to expand its portfolio of companies.

Prior to his tenure with the Swanson Family, Vogt spent 17 years at Hilmar Cheese Company, where he held various leadership positions including Vice President/General Manager of Cheese and Vice President/General Manager of Hilmar Ingredients, a press release explained. He eventually served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at the company.

The industry ace’s impressive career includes a 12-year tenure as Chief Financial Officer at Emanuel Medical Center.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Vogt to the PRO*ACT team as our new Chief Financial Officer," commented Chip Walker, Chief Executive Officer of PRO*ACT. "His extensive experience and proven track record of success make him the perfect fit for our organization as we continue to grow and expand our market presence."

Vogt holds a degree in Business/Economics from Westmont College and a Master's in Business Administration from California State University Stanislaus.

Congratulations to Kevin Vogt on this new Chief role!

ORANGE COUNTY, CA - One of my favorite New Zealand produce items will be landing on United States store shelves in mid-May. Zespri™ announced that the first two shipping vessels for its highly coveted kiwifruit are expected to arrive at the Port of Philadelphia and the Port of Los Angeles at the end of April. Zespri account managers are continuing to develop customized programs with retailers, complete with refreshed merchandising displays and exciting new promotional programs.

“We are heading into the new season as the No. 1 selling kiwi brand for the fourth consecutive year,” explains Darren LaMothe, General Manager, North America. “Our success is based on several factors, but one of our main points of differentiation is that our kiwifruit is grown for taste. Consumers love the taste of our refreshingly sweet SunGold™ Kiwifruit, which has helped solidify our top brand positioning. Consumers also love the tangy-sweet taste profile of our Green Kiwifruit. We’ve had great weather and growing conditions and are expecting an exceptional-tasting crop this year.”

To capitalize on the strong consumer demand for Zespri kiwifruit, retailers are encouraged to build large, prominent displays. According to a press release, Zespri’s SunGold Kiwifruit continues to drive sales with 49 percent of total category dollar gains. When both varieties of SunGold and Green kiwis are merchandised together, sales increased 32 percent compared to another green kiwi brand. Additionally, when SunGold and Green kiwi organic varieties are also included in a display, there is an automatic halo effect of favorable consumer perception.

New for the 2024 season, Zespri updated its iconic yellow merchandising display to include new creative that ties into its successful Taste the Obsession consumer campaign. The extensive digital campaign will include social, email, online video, display advertising, Ibotta, sampling, and event activations.

“We are excited to continue our campaign because consumers are resonating with the messaging and are interested to learn about the passion and care that goes into delivering the world’s best kiwifruit. It’s a delicious and nutritious fruit that aligns with consumers’ growing health and wellness needs. To enhance our Taste the Obsession campaign, we will be introducing our Zespri KiwiBrothers™ to America. The dynamic duo of SunGold and Green brand characters will start their journey through social media, connected TV, audio streaming, and events,” explains Jeanne Wilson, Head of Marketing, North America.

Retailers can track the shipments here to start preparing for another successful Zespri kiwifruit season. I know I will be loading up my basket when the time comes!

BOISE, ID - Thirty-eight million shoppers are in for a treat after Albertsons launched a new, simplified loyalty program, for U™. The now available program features a single points-based system, the time to earn points, and a new automatic cash-off option for more convenient savings.

“Our loyal for U members are at the heart of our business, and we are continuously working to help them bring more to the table and foster lifelong customer relationships,” said Sean Barrett, Chief Marketing Officer for Albertsons. “The updated for U loyalty program delivers tremendous savings and value through a simple points-based system, ensuring that it is easier and more convenient than ever for our valued members to get rewarded for shopping with us.”

The for U loyalty program is free and available to all customers who shop at the banners underneath Albertsons, which include Safeway, Albertsons, Shaw’s, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Randalls, and Vons.

As a release detailed, several updates to the for U loyalty program include:

• A single points currency to earn and use
• Double the time to earn and build points total
• Automatic cash off

In addition to the award-winning for U loyalty program, the retailer also offers consumers a personalized shopping experience through its optional paid subscription program, FreshPass®.

To read more about for U and FreshPass, click here.

How will Albertsons work to capture more shoppers’ loyalty? AndNowUKnow will keep you in the loop.