MUNICH, GERMANY - Yes, you read that right—IFCO Systems recently completed a strategic acquisition. The materials provider recently announced its acquisition of BEPCO, a reusable packaging pooling company based in Estonia.

"This strategic partnership allows us to deliver even greater value to our customers by leveraging the strengths of both organizations. IFCO and BEPCO share a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. Together, we will continue to innovate, promote sustainability, and provide the high-quality packaging solutions our customers expect," explains Michael Pooley, Chief Executive Officer of IFCO.

According to a press release, BEPCO operates a thriving meat and dairy crate pool in the Baltics. This acquisition of BEPCO enables IFCO to expand its market presence and diversify its product portfolio in the region.

"With BEPCO becoming part of the IFCO family, we are strategically well-positioned for the future. I am confident that this collaboration will bring about significant benefits for our customers, employees, and stakeholders,” says Margus Ärm, BEPCO’s Chief Executive Officer. “By combining our expertise, we look forward to contributing to a more sustainable future and customer-centric approach. And together, we will advance the technological development of the pooling solutions, broaden our geographical footprint, and elevate the supply chain to the next level.”

With BEPCO at its side, IFCO aims to leverage the combined expertise, resources, and technological capabilities of both organizations to deliver enhanced value to customers. Together, the two companies will be positioned to address the evolving needs of customers in the Baltics.

BEPCO will continue to operate under its own brand in the region but now its customers will benefit from IFCO´s long-standing global expertise in providing reusable packaging in a sustainable circular economy model.

ANUK has you covered on the latest industry news, so don’t go anywhere.

BATAVIA, IL - A total of 800 stores will be popping up nationwide as Aldi unveils an aggressive geographical expansion plan. Through a combination of new openings and store conversions, the chain plans to add 800 stores across the United States by the end of 2028.

"Our growth is fueled by our customers, and they are asking for more Aldi stores in their neighborhoods nationwide," commented Aldi Chief Executive Officer Jason Hart. "With up to 40 percent savings on groceries, new customers are inspired to try us out, and existing customers keep coming back. While price is important, we earn their loyalty by stocking our shelves with only the best products and offering a quicker, easier, and more enjoyable shopping experience. With this commitment to add 800 stores in the next five years, we'll be where our shoppers need us while positively impacting the communities we serve."

As part of this five-year expansion plan, Aldi will invest more than $9 billion in its national expansion, adding new locations across the country. The company will also strengthen its already strong presence in the Northeast and Midwest, according to a press release, adding nearly 330 stores across both regions by the end of 2028. The chain plans to bolster its presence in the West as well with the addition of more stores in Southern California and Phoenix and by entering new cities, like Las Vegas.

These ambitious plans also include the successful completion of Aldi’s acquisition of Southeastern Grocers (SEG) and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners, which will drive significant growth in the Southeast region over the next few years.

"With the acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets, Aldi will serve even more communities in the Southeast, bringing us closer to our customers in a region where we've already experienced significant demand for affordable, quality groceries," said Hart. "As we look ahead to this next chapter in our company history, both the Aldi and SEG teams will play a critical role in driving the business forward for our future collective success."

To read more about this 800-store plan, click here.

Leave a tab open to ANUK for the latest retail news.

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - When Mastronardi Produce® introduced its Backyard Farms® lettuce line, it spurred category creativity overnight. As it continues to deliver on this value for customers, the greenhouse grower will be spotlighting the lineup at the upcoming Southern Exposure.

“Grown in the U.S. in state-of-the-art lettuce greenhouses, our cut leafy greens and whole heads are within a 12-hour drive of our valued customers,” Peppe Bonfiglio, Vice President of Sales, shares. “Our leafy greens are guaranteed to exceed your expectations of fresh.”

Backyard Farms lettuce includes six SKUs of cut leafy greens and four whole-head offerings.

The six leafy green SKUs are as follows:

• Arugula Leaf
• Green Leaf
• Green & Red Leaf
• Bold Mix
• Spring Mix
• Romaine Blend

The four whole-head SKUs are:

• Green Butterhead
• Red Butterhead
• Trio
• Romaine

“With a wide variety of colors, textures, and flavors, our cut leafy greens make a hearty salad or healthy topping for sandwiches and burgers,” Peppe adds. “Our cut blends are washed and ready-to-eat and our whole head lettuce is offered with either root on or off—living and nonliving.”

The benefits of this line should not be understated. The lettuce is hydroponically grown in a protected environment without GMOs, pesticides, or herbicides. Available in a variety of clamshell formats, Backyard Farms Leafy Greens bring a consistently fresh supply year-round.

To learn more about the packaging, differentiation, and more, be sure to stop by booth #631.

WASHINGTON, DC - Another sanction from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been passed down. The agency recently imposed sanctions on Pharr, Texas-based Heyvel Produce for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) by allegedly failing to pay $405,558 to a produce seller.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

Heyvel Produce failed to pay $405,558 to one seller for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from June 2022 to July 2022. This is in violation of the PACA. Heyvel Produce cannot operate in the produce industry until January 18, 2026, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA.

The company’s principal, Noe de Jesus Hernandez Villafuerte, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until January 18, 2025, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA, as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For contact information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

GLENNVILLE, GA - Delbert Bland received an industry honor upon his induction into the prestigious Vidalia® Onion Hall of Fame. The Vidalia Onion Committee hosted the induction ceremony, honoring Bland’s contributions to the Vidalia® onion industry.

In his acceptance speech, Delbert Bland, Owner of Bland Farms®, expressed gratitude to his family, noting that "At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how many onions you sell or how much land you own...it's who you love and who loves you. I am blessed by the ones that love me."

Delbert Bland’s contributions to the Vidalia onion industry are numerous. This includes his role in establishing a federal marketing order and legislation for the Vidalia onion district, a press release explained.

He was also the first to introduce Vidalia onions in a 40 lb bag and pioneered a successful mail-order business that helped popularize Vidalia onions across the country.

"Delbert Bland has been a pioneer and advocate for the Vidalia Onion," said Troy Bland, Chief Executive Officer of Bland Farms and son of Delbert Bland. "His father, Raymond Bland, started a small 50-acre farm over 75 years ago. In 1974, when my dad graduated from high school, they formed the company—Bland Farms. My dad planted the first five acres of Vidalia onions in 1982 and has since transformed Bland Farms into a household name known for quality Vidalia Onions."

Cliff Riner, Chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee, also praised Delbert Bland’s induction.

“There is no higher honor we can bestow on an individual than inducting someone into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame,” he noted. As such, Delbert Bland's legacy will forever be enshrined in the history of the Vidalia onion.

Established in 1991, the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the growth and success of the Vidalia onion.

We know that Delbert Bland embodies all of these characteristics and more.

OXNARD, CA - Even more appointments rain down upon us with the latest announcement coming out of Mission Produce™. The avocado supplier named John Pawlowski to the role of President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 1, 2024.

“I am thrilled to join Mission Produce as a global leader with a strategic vision to drive avocado consumption across the globe,” said Pawlowski. “With Mission’s unparalleled positioning, advanced global infrastructure, and world-class team, there are endless opportunities to leverage the company’s assets for accelerated growth. I look forward to applying my expertise in market access and operational design to help optimize Mission’s operations and deliver value for its customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders.”

Steve Barnard will continue to serve as Mission Produce’s Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors.

“John is an exceptional leader who brings a passion for innovation that strongly aligns with the long-term goals of Mission Produce as a market leader,” Barnard adds. “With his comprehensive background in the international food industry and impressive track record of driving businesses to new heights, I believe his skill set will greatly contribute to our continued growth as we work to enhance our operating strategies to maximize shareholder value.”

As a press release outlined, Pawlowski is an accomplished executive leader with over 25 years' worth of experience in business development, system optimization, and executive team management. He has a proven track record of leading international market growth strategies in large global organizations such as J.M. Smucker, where he progressed over more than 16 years in a variety of leadership positions. This culminated with a post as Vice President of International.

Most recently, Pawlowski served as the President and COO of Lipari Foods, where he was responsible for leading M&A and organic growth, expanding the company’s national distribution, and designing operational strategy. In this new role, he will leverage his international expertise in process improvement, logistics, and organizational design to build results-driven teams that demonstrate growth.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Miami University.

Congratulations to John Pawlowski on this incredible new appointment!