STELLARTON, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA - Empire Company Limited, the parent company of Sobeys, has reported an optimistic outlook for its next fiscal year. The company has released its financial results for the first quarter ended August 3, 2024, reporting net earnings of $207.8 million ($0.86 per share) compared to $261 million ($1.03 per share) last year.

"We enter fiscal 2025 with confidence due to strengthening same-store sales growth and strong control of our margins and costs," said Michael Medline, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are increasingly optimistic as market conditions are gradually improving, contributing to a more predictable operating environment. Our team remains focused on strong execution and operational discipline, and we are starting to see the benefits as our strategic initiatives gain traction and deliver results."

For the quarter, the company recorded adjusted net earnings of $218.7 million ($0.90 per share) compared to $196.2 million ($0.78 per share) last year, according to a press release.

Sobeys has strategically accelerated investments in renovations, conversions, and new stores over recent years, along with elevating its store processes, communications, training, technology, and tools. As the company shared in its release, investing in its store network will remain a priority, demonstrated by a sustained emphasis on renovations and continued store expansion in discount.

Other highlights from the report include:

• Earnings per share ("EPS") of $0.86 and adjusted EPS of $0.90
• Prior year EPS of $1.03 and adjusted EPS of $0.78
• Same-store sales, excluding fuel, increased by 1 percent
• Gross margin, excluding fuel, increased by 46 bps

For more from the report, click here.

ANUK will continue bringing you the industry’s latest news, so stay tuned.

UNITED STATES - We might disagree when the holiday season officially starts, but for businesses, the preparations have already begun. Target has announced it will employ about 100,000 seasonal workers this holiday season. This is in line with the last three years even as inflation-weary shoppers are expected to stay frugal during the key shopping period, according to a report from Reuters.

With customers expected to begin their holiday shopping early and looking for additional discounts in all categories ranging from groceries to home goods, retailers like Target have been launching discounts and beefing up promotions.

The company’s deal program, Target Circle, will start on October 6 to lure these value-seeking, early shoppers. Additionally, Target said it would introduce more affordable holiday items.

The Reuters report also shared how earlier this year, Target reduced prices on over 5,000 popular items, including bread, soda, paper towels, and pet food, helping the company raise its full-year profit forecast after reporting upbeat quarterly comparable sales.

Overall, retailers plan to do similar levels of seasonal hiring as last year. Walmart has said its holiday hiring plans would be consistent with the past few years, where the company first offered more hours to existing employees and hired additional workers if needed.

The holiday shopping season typically accounts for more than half of U.S. retailers' annual revenue. With a holiday hiring strategy now underway, will we see the retailer fortifying its produce department staff as well?

ANUK will continue to provide updates in retail, so check back daily.

WATSONVILLE, CA - If you caught the latest insights from Gordon Food Service’s Steven Halliday or Sodexo’s Chef Sam Blackburn, then you know the California Giant Chef Invitational Academy continues to push the boundaries of how blueberries can be utilized on restaurant menus. Noting that it’s time to rethink the category, Sysco Culinary Specialist Luis Reyes explored how the antioxidant-rich fruit can blend seamlessly into modern fusion cuisine.

“Blueberries are a powerful addition to any fusion menu,” said Reyes. “Their versatility and unique flavor profile can elevate dishes to new heights, offering consumers a truly unforgettable dining experience. By incorporating blueberries into their creations, chefs can showcase their culinary innovation and provide added value to their customers.”

The 2018 Chef Invitational winner demonstrated how blueberries can integrate well into diverse culinary traditions with his Blueberry Mojo Pulled Pork Stack. As a press release described, the enticing fusion dish featured Blueberry Jalapeño Corn Pancakes, Blueberry Corn Chow Chow, and Cilantro Lime Slaw. With the combination of Latin and BBQ influences, Reyes created a truly unique and flavorful experience that highlighted the potential of blueberries to elevate any menu, the release noted.

Reyes also aimed to create an approachable menu item that could be easily replicated by both home cooks and foodservice professionals alike. Utilizing readily available ingredients like pulled pork, Reyes demonstrated how blueberries can be incorporated into familiar dishes, making them accessible to a wider audience.

While providing a platform to connect with other chefs, share ideas, and learn from others’ experiences, the California Giant Chef Invitational Academy offers valuable opportunities for professional growth and showcasing culinary skills. The academy also provides attending chefs with an enhanced understanding of the blueberry supply chain and the importance of sustainable berry sourcing.

To read more about the Chef Invitational Academy, click here.

Keep reading as ANUK brings you more industry updates like this.

LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - As soon as I saw Highline Mushrooms’ Sizzlin’ Hot New Stuffed Mushrooms, I knew they would be a hit with consumers. Meeting growing demand, these new oven-ready products are designed to bring convenience and elevated flavor to tables nationwide and revolutionize the way consumers enjoy mushrooms.

“We are delighted to introduce our new Sizzlin’ Hot Stuffed Mushrooms as part of our commitment to meeting the evolving demands of both consumers and retailers for ready-to-eat value-added products,” said Jose Cambon, Chief Executive Officer. “This innovative offering reflects our dedication to delivering convenience, exceptional quality, and consistent innovation to the mushroom category.”

Crafted with mushroom lovers in mind, these new Stuffed Mushrooms are designed to make consumers’ lives easier and tastier. The three new flavors include:

• Roasted Goodness Red Pepper & Feta: A savory blend of roasted red peppers and creamy feta cheese
• Sup-HerB Basil Pesto Mozza: A mouthwatering combination of basil pesto and mozzarella
• Mmm Mmm Spinach & Artichoke: A rich and creamy mix of spinach and artichoke

The Sizzlin’ Hot New Stuffed Mushrooms come in an oven-ready PETE tray and can be enjoyed in just 15 minutes, a press release noted. Consumers simply pop them in the oven in their ready-to-heat tray and end up with a mouthwatering appetizer or side dish with minimal effort.

The new stuffed mushrooms are now available at select retailers across the United States in the fresh mushroom section.

Highline Mushrooms is also gearing up for a major announcement at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, so stay tuned for more reports from ANUK!

DENVER, CO - United States potato exports achieved a record value of $2.3 billion for the period from July 2023 to June 2024, despite a slight decrease in volume.

The data revealed a 4 percent rise in export value, while overall volume dipped by 1.6 percent to 3.3 million metric tons (fresh weight equivalent).

According to a press release, export values rose across all categories: fresh potatoes increased by 4.9 percent, frozen by 4.2 percent, chips by 2.7 percent, dehydrated by 2.2 percent, and seed potatoes by 19 percent.

While fresh, dehydrated, and seed exports experienced volume increases of 7.5 percent, 0.7 percent, and 12.4 percent respectively, frozen and chip volumes saw declines of 6.1 percent and 3.3 percent.

Mexico retained its position as the largest export market for U.S. potatoes for the second consecutive year, followed by Canada and Japan. The value of frozen potato exports reached $1.5 billion, although the volume fell to 1.5 million metric tons. Notably, export values increased for both Japan (5.8 percent) and Mexico (14.4 percent), while South Korea's values decreased by 2.9 percent.

Furthermore, the value of exported dehydrated potatoes rose to $263.1 million, with volume increasing to 899,032 metric tons. Canada emerged as a significant market, with both value and volume rising significantly.

Despite slight volume decreases, the robust growth in U.S. potato export values highlights strong global demand and the importance of innovative marketing strategies to further engage international markets.

For further information on produce trade figures in the fast-paced agricultural sector, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

ORONDA, WA - A leading grower of Washington apples and cherries, and the only producer of the Hunnyz™ apple variety, Gee Whiz® expects its apple volume to extend into late spring 2025. The company reports its Hunnyz apple volume will double this season.

“We are so pleased to be able to meet more of the demand that has culminated since we first introduced Hunnyz in 2022,” said Brian Traum, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We have reached a production level in terms of tree maturity and consistent fruit quality that will help us extend the Hunnyz season well into May 2025. We are proud of this achievement and cannot wait for those first boxes to hit store shelves!”

Several national retailers have conducted blind taste testing of leading apple varieties with internal focus groups, and Hunnyz has repeatedly ranked No. 1 in flavor, according to a press release. This bi-color apple is a cross between CrimsonCrisp® and Honeycrisp, providing a perfectly balanced flavor.

“Because Gee Whiz is the only apple producer to grow this particular variety, we are able to control the growing practices of this fruit to an exacting degree that ensures every Hunnyz apple tree is delivering the same sweet, crunchy eating experience with every bite,” added Traum.

Hunnyz will also be available in more pack styles this season, including tray packs, pouch bags, and Euro-style bags. Thanks to its apples' uniquely exceptional crunch and mouth-watering sweet tang, these apples are quickly gaining retail appeal.

The first harvest of Hunnyz apples will ship in early October 2024, and supply is expected to carry into May 2025.

To read about this season’s harvest, click back to ANUK.