FLORIDA - Warmer weather is right around the corner here in the Northern Hemisphere, and to get consumers excited for sweet corn season, Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida (SSCFF) has launched a merchandising display contest. Aiming to boost sales by volume and awareness for the category, the promotional opportunity runs alongside the sweet corn season from April 8 to May 31.

“Each year, we seek new ways to excite consumers and showcase the versatility of Florida-grown sweet corn,” said Eric Hopkins, SSCFF President. “Complimenting the sweetness of Florida-grown sweet corn with the heat of trending spices and recipes, the merchandising display contest will encourage consumers to try creative and engaging new ways of enjoying sweet corn.”

The theme of the 2024 contest is Comin’ In Hot, a nod to the excitement of the season’s first large-volume shipments of sweet corn from Florida while also celebrating trending flavors that consumers are gravitating toward, spicing up traditional sweet corn recipes. According to a release, the contest is open to retailers and merchandisers who are carrying Sunshine Sweet Corn, and they will be judged based on their use of the product.

Retailers are encouraged to spice up their produce department, using the point-of-sales materials provided with the contest and relying on additional resources from SSCFF, found on the website.

“We’re excited for the creativity that we anticipate this display contest will deliver,” said Hopkins. “Comin’ In Hot is a clever way to introduce consumers to new ways of enjoying sweet corn, coupled with their favorite new trending flavors of heat and spice.”

The Sunshine Sweet Corn Merchandising Display Contest will award as much as $4,500 in cash prizes to one Platinum ($2,500), one Gold ($1,000), and one Silver ($500) level winner, as well as five $100 Honorable Mentions. Submissions will be accepted digitally and must be submitted no later than June 1, 2024.

Click here to learn more about this contest.

Do you have what it takes to win? It’s time to show your stuff!

PROVIDENCE, RI - The leadership appointments just keep coming, as we recently learned that United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has an announcement of its own. Giorgio “Matteo” Tarditi has been named UNFI’s new President and Chief Financial Officer, effective April 15. He succeeds John W. Howard, who will leave the company following a transition period.

“I am thrilled to join UNFI’s talented team, renowned for its customer-centric and collaborative culture,” said Tarditi. “I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to the mission of feeding families across North America and to support the customer- and supplier-driven strategy and transformation plan for the company. I look forward to leading the finance organization and partnering with the people who make UNFI the market leader and a company that delivers profitable growth and value creation for shareholders.”

In his new role, Tarditi will oversee corporate finance, treasury, strategy, financial planning and analysis, tax, accounting, investor relations, risk management, and shared services, a press release stated.

Tarditi began his career with GE in 1997 and held positions of increasing responsibility in Healthcare, where he served as CFO of GE Healthcare Japan; in GE Aerospace as CFO of Avio Aero—GE Aviation; in GE Renewable Energies as CFO; in GE Corporate as Group Financial Planning and Analysis Leader; and more.

A frequent speaker on global leadership, turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, and talent motivation, Tarditi holds a Master of Science degree in Finance and Business Administration from Universita Bocconi in Milan, Italy.

“Matteo is a proven executive who, over the course of his more than 26 years at GE, served as CFO for seven business units […],” said Sandy Douglas, Chief Executive Officer and President. “His deep financial expertise and knowledge of these businesses enabled him to successfully drive operational excellence, efficiency, and increased productivity in complex transformations and M&A integrations.”

Douglas continued, stating, “We also want to thank John Howard for his years of dedicated service and leadership. John played an instrumental role in the integration efforts following the 2018 SUPERVALU acquisition and in helping UNFI navigate the challenges of the global pandemic. I have greatly appreciated his counsel since I joined UNFI.”

For more from the press release, click here.

And keep reading ANUK for the industry’s latest.

IMMOKALEE, FL - Lipman Family Farms’ fresh-cut business is gaining a significant operational boost. The company recently announced that it has opened a new fresh-cut operation in Florida. Lipman’s full lineup of fresh-cut offerings will be on display during the Southern Exposure show this weekend.

“We enjoy exhibiting in Florida, where our roots run deep,” shared Elyse Lipman, Chief Executive Officer of Lipman Family Farms. “SEPC is a well attended show, which allows us to showcase how we continue to invest in Florida and the Southeast—which is where this company began over 75 years ago. Today we have full control of our supply chain, including our fresh-cut line, which provides cost efficient solutions to retail and foodservice decision makers.”

With the opening of its seventh fresh-cut facility in North America, Lipman’s investments in value-added offerings continue to evolve and expand, a press release noted. The product offerings include an assortment of pico de gallo blends, a fajita blend, and custom diced and sliced tomatoes, peppers, and onions in various pack types for retail and deli. Lipman’s club pack also features sliced tomatoes and onions with the convenience of ready-to-serve trays.

Building on the anticipation, Lipman recently announced its acquisition of Northeast Produce, contributing to servicing customers across an expanded geographical area.

Lipman will be present at booth #222 during Southern Exposure, where attendees can experience firsthand the cutting-edge offerings that have made it a pioneer in the tomato and fresh-cut produce sector.

We hope to see you at the show!