GOLETA, CA - Quality in the produce department is what directly connects a consumer to a retailer. The sense of trust and shared values can be communicated in the fresh sector like no other, and how we choose to achieve this makes all the difference. Enter Apeel Sciences, a produce partner tackling fresh innovation with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and industry development.

“With the increasing pressure on our food system, it’s important to come together and leverage innovation as a way to address pressing challenges,” shares Jenny Du, Apeel’s Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Operations. “Innovation is needed in this sector to ensure continued or better access to fresh produce for more people.”

Even those outside our industry understand produce is a particularly perishable category. As Jenny illustrates, “roughly 45 percent of fresh produce is thrown away before it has had a chance to be eaten.”

“When there's pressure to feed a growing population, there's also quite a bit of sustainability stress on the planet. When you think about the energy, water, labor, and other resources that go into growing, packing, and shipping produce, it’s crazy to realize that same produce can be thrown away without having the chance to deliver its benefits,” Jenny explains. “This is why it’s important for us to develop technology in the postharvest space. While we have the benefit of reliance on refrigeration and extended cold supply chains from the field to retailer and into consumers’ homes, that is not true for a lot of markets around the world. At Apeel, we are also thinking about emerging markets where that infrastructure is either nonexistent or not as reliable.”

The functionality of Apeel’s postharvest coating stems from an exploration of the way plants naturally protect themselves. Through cutting-edge research and development, the company set out to answer the question: How do you use the materials found in the natural structures of plants we eat to reinforce the produce itself?

The result is a unique, edible peel that protects produce and helps it retain moisture, contributing to a longer shelf-life and enhanced quality.

“Today’s shopper wants to be able to have produce that's going to last from one shopping visit to the next. From a pure consumption perspective, it’s more appealing to purchase produce that is guaranteed to maintain its quality and freshness,” Jenny points out. “Then, you layer in the more practical benefits like cost savings, which ups the appeal even further.”

Apeel’s edible coating is currently used to protect a variety of produce categories, including avocados, citrus, and vine vegetables. The company is also exploring the solution’s ability to support the tropical fruit sector, which consists of several high-value, high-spoilage categories.

The ability to appeal to consumers’ demand for eco-friendly offerings is also provided by this postharvest innovation, as Apeel also has the ability to help mitigate several areas of high plastic use.

“We are extending shelf-life by retaining a product’s moisture, which led us to explore how we could offset the footprint of single-use plastic products also used to retain moisture,” Jenny adds. “In 2022, we saved 44 million pieces of produce from going to waste. That is a huge impact when you consider how that minimizes the greenhouse gasses that would otherwise be emitted (saving 7,000 mT CO₂ equivalents or like planting 115,000 trees), or how much water is saved (1.7 billion liters of water, or 680 Olympic-sized swimming pools) by not having those products thrown away.”

Overall, the extended shelf-life, optimized quality, and promise of sustainability are a surefire way to ensure loyalty from consumers in the produce department.

“Retailers investing in better supply chains and technology are able to offer better produce, and consumers will shop based on the knowledge that every time they go to a certain store, they get the best, most reliable, or longest-lasting produce,” Jenny concludes. “In a way, it becomes a reflection of the retailer's produce aisle.”

With Apeel's latest advancements, it has become easier than ever for produce suppliers to collaborate. Apeel’s new application process seamlessly integrates into existing operations without the need for facility modifications, and technology enhancements have minimized the operational impact, making the partnership not just beneficial but also effortless.

Apeel continues to harness innovation as a method for tackling industry challenges. Another example of this is the provider’s new digital and software platform, RipeTrack, which measures a product’s ripeness without damaging the fruit, addressing the food waste caused by more destructive techniques used to measure produce quality.

As the company continues to push the needle forward on postharvest innovation, ANUK will be here with the latest updates.

OXNARD, CA - If updates on the California avocado season are what you seek, look no further. AndNowUKnow recently took a dive into the staple category, tapping Freska Produce International’s Gary Clevenger for some exclusive insights.

“The quality should be very good this year due to recent rains, but volume will be on the lower side as this crop is smaller than last year. The projection is for somewhere around 208 million lbs,” Gary, Managing Partner at Freska, tells me. “Sizing should be on the larger side, with less fruit in the trees competing for nutrients.”

As Gary shares, both pricing and demand remain strong for the overall avocado category.

“Demand seems to be good as we approach the springtime,” he notes. “In general, we are seeing higher-than-average pricing, and I would expect pricing to get even higher come May–June, as Mexico will be at the end of its season and we are hearing Peru may be under last year's crop size as well.”

To ensure California avocados perform well at retail during this time, retailers should keep product well-stocked to meet consumer demand. One variety certain to capture consumer attention this season is the beloved GEM avocado.

“We will be harvesting more GEM avocados this year. We call it the gourmet avocado due to its texture, nutty flavor profile, and skin, which resembles a gem from the shiny yellow dots,” Gary adds. “A lot of growers are planting more of this variety that grows a much larger and healthier avocado than regular Hass avocados. This year, we will be marketing this variety as there will be more and more available as the crops grow larger over the next few years.”

With a commitment to offering high-quality avocados and a diverse range of varieties to consumers who prioritize taste and texture, Freska’s impressive brand reputation and supply chain efficiency make the company a standout partner in the avocado space.

For more category opportunities and insights, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.

WEST DES MOINES, IA - A new leader swells the ranks of Hy-Vee’s leadership ring. Jessica Hendrix joins the retailer as its Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, and President of RedMedia, its retail media network.

“I’ve known members of the Hy-Vee marketing team professionally for some time and had the chance several years ago to come alongside them through their work with [digital marketing agency] Razorfish,” Hendrix said. “When the conversation started about bringing my experience in retail media, merchandising, advertising, and marketing to Hy-Vee, I knew my background would be a great fit with the growing organization.”

A press release stated that Hendrix brings nearly 25 years of experience in retail, shopper marketing, and business development to the position. She’s worked with brands that run the gamut from Wendy’s to Samsung.

She will oversee Hy-Vee’s marketing efforts and serve as the driving force behind RedMedia’s growth and strategic operations. Hendrix will report to Donna Tweeten, President.

“I truly believe bringing a leader of Jessica’s caliber on board at Hy-Vee is going to take our integrated marketing strategies to the next level,” said Jeremy Gosch, Chief Executive Officer. “The talent and experience we have in this area is second to none, and with Jessica at the helm, I’m confident this team will bring even more value to our brand marketing efforts, the positioning of our image, and the advanced development of our retail media network.”

Upon Hendrix’s hiring, Anna Stoermer, Executive Vice President, will transition from the Chief Marketing Officer position into leading Hy-Vee’s merchandising efforts as Chief Merchandising Officer.

Interested in knowing more? Click here.

AndNowUKnow keeps a finger on the pulse of all things retail so keep coming back.

ORLANDO, FL - Listen up, readers! Fresh Express® is bringing top quality and global flavor inspiration to the packaged salad sector by launching two delicious and creative new varieties. Say hello to the Asian Apple Salad Kit and the Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit.

“It’s an exciting time at Fresh Express as we continue to help consumers eat better, expanding our current kit segments with innovative products that not only taste great, but we give consumers what they love based on the consumer work we do—concept and product testing,” said Fabian Pereira, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation. “These new products are an example of our ongoing commitment to bring consistently, deliciously fresh products to the market, and we look forward to continuing to invest in and support category growth through product innovations.”

According to a press release, the new products support the brand’s ongoing quest to bring new, restaurant-inspired, unique salad flavors and ingredients to the category. The newest Fresh Express varieties are inspired by global flavors, joining an already robust lineup of more than 100 healthy salad kits and blend offerings.

Driving inspiration for the Asian Apple Salad Kit, apples are found on approximately 55 percent of restaurant menus and paired with salads nearly a quarter of the time, according to Datassential. The innovative salad kit—which features fresh green leaf lettuces, carrots, and radicchio paired with crispy wonton strips, chili verde cashews, diced apples, and a lightly seasoned Asian apple vinaigrette—aims to take consumers on an unforgettable adventure through the vibrant flavors of Asia.

The Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit, on the other hand, is inspired by the opulence of high-end dining, harnessing that flavorful and fragrant truffle to bring the experience of the finest international restaurants to consumers’ homes. This mouthwatering variety includes crisp Romaine lettuce, crunchy garlic brioche croutons, truffle Parmesan cheese shreds, and a creamy truffle Caesar dressing.

The new Fresh Express products can be enjoyed in dishes like an Asian Apple Salad Kit with Miso Marinated Salmon and an Open-Faced Creamy Truffle Caesar Chicken Appetizer, which have recently joined the brand’s library of more than 330 recipes.

ANUK will continue to report on the latest launches shaking up our industry, so stick around.

WASHINGTON, DC - The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) recently held its annual election, which resulted in the appointment of four new Board Directors. IFCO’s Vice President of Retail Sales in North America Jon Brooks, was among the newly elected members joining this dynamic team.

"I have a passion for advancing reusables within the North American marketplace. It’s not just a commitment to sustainability. It’s a recognition of the urgent need for change. Engaging with other organizations offers a unique opportunity to collectively address the obstacles hindering our progress toward a more circular economy and identify innovative solutions," said Brooks.

At its core, the RPA works to accelerate supply chain adoption and optimization of reusable packaging systems through education and advocacy, IFCO explained in a press release.

Brooks and his new RPA Board of Directors colleagues aim to accelerate the widespread adoption of reusable packaging solutions in supply chains, aligning perfectly with IFCO’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.

“IFCO is a global leader in RPC pooling and a longstanding member of the association, and Jon Brooks brings to the Board valued talents and perspectives that will enhance our leadership team,” said Tim Debus, RPA President. “We are excited for Jon’s contributions and appreciate his and IFCO’s support of RPA’s impact to accelerate the adoption of reusable transport packaging systems in supply chains.”

With Jon Brooks leveraging his extensive experience in retail sales and passion for sustainability, the RPA stands to benefit from a fresh and informed perspective, the release noted.

"The staggering statistic that 56 percent of North America’s paper and cardboard waste still ends up in landfills underscores the imperative for action,” Brooks added. "While I take pride in contributing to a company dedicated to making the fresh grocery supply chain sustainable, this endeavor represents a broader initiative to amplify our efforts across industries and government sectors. It’s about seizing the chance to make a tangible difference on a larger scale and effectively pave the way for a more sustainable future."

For more updates from across our industry, leave a tab open to ANUK.

TUCSON, AZ - To the loyal fans of The Fresh CrEd podcast, keep reading. Alongside their team, Co-Hosts Craig Slate and Ed Bertaud are expanding the program to keep up with the needs of our ever-evolving industry.

“It’s been an exciting ride over the last three years. We have grown The Fresh CrEd from two friends with a passion project to share our experiences in fresh produce into a real platform exploring fresh produce leaders while pushing relevant industry information to the masses. It’s a journey that has exceeded both my and Ed’s expectations,” Craig Slate, The Fresh CrEd, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SunFed, stated.

As it expands the platform, the Fresh CrEd show is also expanding the conversation. Paul Manfre of The Credible Vegetable report will launch on Friday, March 29, 2024, and then post weekly on Friday thereafter.

“[…] I want to share my love of this business and open a window to all the players it takes to bring you that delicious produce you should be enjoying every day. You are invited to stroll down memory lane with me—and take a few side trips as well—as we help increase your understanding and consumption for all of us,” Manfre, General Manager of TOP KATZ noted.

Slate elaborated on the contents of the show.

“Weekly, Paul will discuss current and produce industry-relevant topics and close with a dry veg market report looking at the previous and current week, as well as future pricing and trends. Our goal with Paul’s report is to reach past the front office of the produce world and connect with produce sales teams, produce managers, and passionate consumers looking for insight into our world of fresh produce. In the end, our intention is to help contribute to increasing fresh produce consumption and understanding,” Slate elaborated.

Ed Bertaud, Director of Retail Sales for IFCO, and Co-Founder of the podcast, shared his thoughts on the platform’s expansion.

“I’m also thrilled to see how we continue to grow and expand from what began as online conversations between myself and Craig. Interviewing and learning from top leaders in fresh produce, as well as leaders in other fields, has been very rewarding,” he said. “These days, most of our conversations are taking place live at the largest fresh produce shows in the industry.”

For example, Slate and Bertaud will be at the upcoming Viva Fresh Expo.

Closing with thanks to their supporters, The Fresh CrEd team would like to single out industry friends and trade associations that have been supporters since the inception. These groups include, but are not limited to Texas International Produce Association, International Fresh Produce Association, Organic Produce Network, and Southeast Produce Council.

To know more, click here.

ANUK will bring you the latest in all things related to industry networking.