PAARL, SOUTH AFRICA - Hortgro, an organization that supports and represents South African deciduous fruit producers, is tapping into the power of social media to launch its first “Plum Possibilities” consumer promotion in the United States.

“We are ecstatic to share South African plums with U.S. shoppers and bring awareness about the special climate and weather patterns that enable us to have such sweet fruit,” said Wilechia Van Der Westhuizen, Trade Development Manager at Hortgro. “We have only just begun establishing our place in the domestic market and look forward to continuing to grow and spread all possibilities with our plums.”

Hortgro is utilizing Facebook and Instagram to organically gather contacts and promotion participants while also sharing information about South African plums with new audiences, a release explained. Additionally, the company will be sampling at select Costco locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, with in-store signage to promote the sweetness of the product and the promotion.

Now through April 12, participants are encouraged to enter the promotion via social media platforms for a chance to win one of two $500 gift cards. Hortgro will connect with target audiences in the areas where the product will be available via online advertising to drive demand for plums and encourage shoppers to participate in the sweepstakes.

“It’s truly amazing to see the reaction and support we’ve received from those who have entered the promotion already after one week,” added Van Der Westhuizen. “The information we are gathering about shoppers will not only help us to better market our product, but also work with retailers who are looking to increase category sales during the winter months.”

To see how Hortgro continues to grow its reach Stateside, keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Readers, rejoice! For I come bearing news of several recent retail partnerships. Harps Food Stores, Price Chopper, and Canseco's Market are among the latest retailers to use the Instacart Storefront to power their e-commerce websites.

“Instacart is the only end-to-end omnichannel technology provider focused specifically on grocery, and Instacart Storefront makes it easy for grocers to build e-commerce storefronts for web and mobile that reflect their unique catalog and brand,” said Alice Luong, Director of Market Strategy and Planning, E-Commerce at Instacart. “With fulfillment baked in, Instacart Storefront is the fastest way for grocers to get their e-commerce up and running while providing customers with a top-notch experience. We’re proud to partner with grocers of all sizes to help them serve their communities and accelerate digital growth.”

Instacart Storefront features built-in catalog services for rich browsing experiences, automated marketing campaigns to boost customer conversion, and rapid deployment of the latest consumer-centric features and sales tactics for driving growth.

According to a press release, Instacart’s flexible fulfillment solutions allow retailers to choose a model that works for their stores. Instacart Storefront includes access to an app for store associates that helps them pick and pack orders, or retailers can tap into the Instacart Shopper network to fulfill e-commerce orders without increasing the burden on staff.

“Instacart Storefront offers our team the opportunity to easily configure and deploy a custom-branded website, particularly as we continue to grow the number of banners we own and operate,” said David Ganoung, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer for Harps Food Stores. “With our business consistently expanding each year, Instacart’s end-to-end solution is easy to develop and quickly deploy – all while continuing to give our customers consistent access to our aisles for same-day delivery and pickup.”

Retailers can upgrade to the Pro tier to access premium features such as fully customizable merchandising, robust self-serve marketing tools to run lifestyle campaigns, the ability to add a retail media network using Carrot Ads, a dedicated Instacart support team, and support for third-party integrations such as coupons, loyalty, and point-of-sale technologies.

For comments from the other retailers, click here. And keep reading ANUK to stay in the loop on industry news.

IRWINDALE, CA - A changing of the guard is taking place at Groupe Bonduelle Fresh Americas. The company recently named Bobby Chacko as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He will also become a member of Groupe Bonduelle’s global leadership team, reporting to Xavier Unkovic, Groupe CEO of France-based Bonduelle. Chacko succeeds Andrea Montagna, who has stepped down after serving as CEO since 2021.

“I see Bonduelle Fresh Americas as an innovative company with a relevant mission to inspire the transition to plant-rich foods and deliver only the highest quality products,” Chacko said. “This mission and focus are strong differentiators to build upon, to drive category growth and consumer delight. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to drive growth for the company and the brand.”

According to a press release, Chacko has held senior leadership roles with category-leading global companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, Mars, ABInbev, and Ocean Spray. Most recently, Chacko was Managing Partner of Ageya Management and has held CEO and board positions with The TruRoots Company and Ocean Spray Cranberries.

Unkovic commented on the leadership transition.

“During his time as CEO of Bonduelle Fresh Americas, Andrea led the company to become a Certified B Corp, while driving branded Bistro bowl growth and efficiencies. I appreciate Andrea’s many contributions to the company and wish him continued success,” said Unkovic. “Bobby brings a dynamic expertise in consumer goods powered by an impressive track record in new product innovation, marketing and growing market share to Bonduelle Fresh Americas. I am confident that his background and acumen position him well to lean into the mission of Bonduelle and accelerate the growth of fresh plant-rich meal solutions in the U.S.”

Congratulations to the new CEO!

NEW YORK - A larger trophy case is in order for the New York Apple Association (NYAA) as the organization has not won just one, but two new awards. Recently, the company earned Best of Show from the Greater Rochester American Advertising Federation for it’s The Big Flavor campaign in addition to a Cap Creal Communicator Award.

"I am so honored to receive an award like this. This is right up there with working side-by-side the New York apple growers in telling their story and spreading the word about The Big Flavor of New York apples," said Bob for Apples from New York, NYAA’s spokespuppet.

The Big Flavor includes a series of videos featuring Bob for Apples from New York, a news anchor for NYAA NEWS, a virtual news station, and field reporter (orchard reporter) Fiona. Using plenty of puns, he won the hearts and attention of the judges, a release explained.

NYAA featured Bob throughout this year's season to promote New York State apples in fun and knowledgeable ways. The organization reports that Bob has been busy working alongside the NYAA team to capture a library of recipe assets to share with apple lovers through social media, traditional media, and NYAA's website. It has over 300 recipes on its website and features some of Bob's favorites through social media and the website.

"The Big Flavor campaign is in full swing as we promote New York apples this season. New York has promotable volume and has several resources to assist retailers in moving New York apples," said Cynthia Haskins, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYAA.

The company also took home the Cap Creal Communicator Award.

The New York State Agricultural Society named Haskins and Tony Mikiciuk, NYAA's Social Media and Trade Advertising Director, as this year's Digital & Social Media Champions.

"We are honored to receive this award," Haskins said. "I am proud of the work that we accomplished. Telling the grower story is important as consumers want to know where their food comes from and who grows it and to learn why New York apples are all about The Big Flavor. And being able to tell The Big Flavor story through Bob for Apples from New York is a new way of capturing the attention of the trade and consumers of all ages."

Mikiciuk also commented on the win's significance for the company.

"Winning this award would not have been possible without the dedication of New York apple growers, who involved themselves and the apples they grow by being the focus of creative assets that we posted through social media and the trade," he said.

Cheers to NYAA on these awards!

OXNARD, CA - Get ready to talk mangos and avocados at the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure. During the March transition season, Mission Produce™ is featuring its Peruvian Organics, its upcoming Mexican mango program, and its Emeralds in the Rough avocado bags.

“With our expansive product portfolio and our deep-rooted sourcing connections, we aim to maximize our customers’ profitability by expertly merchandising the supply available no matter the season,” said Brooke Becker, Vice President of Sales. “While our diversified sourcing capabilities give us the highest-quality selection of available fruit, our consumer-driven merchandising is designed to promote pull-through at retail. We aim to connect our customers to the world’s finest avocados and mangos year-round with elite customer service.”

Mission Produce’s sales team plans to connect with customers to review how their categories can benefit from the following seasonal programs.

For instance, Mission Produce is gearing up for a strong Mexican mango season with its unmatched sourcing capabilities and on-the-ground field representation for Mexico’s top mango varieties: Kent, Keitt, Tommy Atkins, Haden, and Ataulfo (Honey). The company continues to leverage its grower network and advanced global infrastructure to bring more value to the mango supply chain, a press release explained.

In anticipation of Peru’s avocado season, Mission is getting started with Peruvian organics to complement Mexican supply. The company continues to pursue innovative solutions to growing demand for the premium product.

Due to above average rainfall, both California and Mexico expect to see a higher percentage of Grade 2 avocados, which it retails as Emeralds in the Rough. This mixed-size, value-pack bag of beautifully blemished avocados aims to combat food waste by finding a home for less-than-perfect fruit, appealing to the 95 percent of consumers that feel it important to do their part to reduce food waste.

Mission Produce will be showcasing several items from its product portfolio at booth #939, including its limited edition California GEM avocado bags, Mission Jumbos, Colombian avocados, and Mexican Honey and Tommy Atkins mangos.

As Southern Exposure gets underway, keep checking back with ANUK.