UNITED STATES - The gap between shopping and dining will soon be bridged a bit more thanks to a new strategy implemented by Walmart. Reports state the grocer is establishing a brand-new dining experience for its guests, testing the concept first in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

As AOL unveiled, the grocery chain is setting up mini food halls which will offer shoppers the choice between eight different restaurants. Walmart’s new Quakertown location food hall comes complete with Mediterranean food from Yasas by Michael Symon, pizza made by chef Michele D’Amelio’s Alanza Pizza, and sweets from Magnolia Bakery and Milk Bar.

The source also noted that the new foodservice venture was created by Walmart’s former U.S. E-Commerce Chief Marc Lore, by way of his food delivery company Wonder Group. With the help of celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Wonder Group has made a name for itself as a way to introduce gourmet foods to those who may not be familiar. Wonder’s use of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, as well as its dedication to reducing waste by donating unused food to organizations like New York City’s City Harvest and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, has also bolstered its standing with consumers.

As it continues its foray into the food court game, joining the likes of retailers like Costco, Walmart plans to open 25 more mini food hall locations by the end of the year.

And ANUK will be here to report as this strategy takes root.

WOODLAND, CA - The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) has funded two vital studies digging into diverse foodborne outbreak causal agents with the goal of helping fresh producers reduce risk.

The first, “Optimizing methods for the detection and quantification of infectious human norovirus from fresh berries using human intestinal enteroids,” is led by the University of Georgia’s Malak Esseili, Ph.D. with co-investigator Issmat Kassem, Ph.D. As a press release explained, the CPS-funded study hopes to enlist new technology to optimize the FDA’s detection method and then use it to determine infectious norovirus persistence in stored berries. The study aims to provide suppliers with better testing tools as well as shed light on the potential risk of infectious norovirus in stored berries. Esseili and her team will examine different methods to dislodge more pathogens from berry samples and different buffers to more efficiently recover them, in addition to exploring different ways to concentrate viruses from berry samples.

In addition, the team will inoculate berries with known quantities of human norovirus and hepatitis A virus and incubate them at 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) in the laboratory, mimicking post-harvest storage, the release noted.

“In our case, we’ll actually put the viruses on the berries, knowing how many we put, and we want to recover as much as we can,” Esseili stated. “Because the enteroids are very expensive to maintain, we’ll optimize our method using surrogate viruses. Once we’re happy with that, then we’ll couple the method with the enteroids. We want to answer if you detect this much virus genetic material on berries, does it mean you’re detecting this much infectious virus.”

The second study is led by Channah Rock, Ph.D., with the University of Arizona, and is focused on filling in data gaps and helping the industry better understand the potential added benefits of irrigation water treatment. Overall, “Microbiological risk assessment using QMRA in preharvest agriculture water treatment systems for leafy greens” aims to guide the development of a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QRMA) the industry could use to gauge potential pathogen risk reduction from treated water applied preharvest.

“We’re really trying to capture new data that hasn’t been shared,” explained Rock. “What we’re seeing is water treatment does, in fact, reduce bacteria on plant tissue, leaf surfaces, and the soil. But it seems to be very dependent on how that contamination entered the field.”

Learn more about these game-changing studies during the 2024 CPS Research Symposium.

And for more industry insights, stay on the pages of ANUK.

SALINAS, CA - The team at D’Arrigo California is welcoming a new sales leader with open arms. The supplier recently named Henry Dill, a produce veteran of 18 years, as its new Director of Sales.

"I am honored to be a part of such a dynamic and innovative company," Dill said. "I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at D’Arrigo California to capitalize on new opportunities and deliver exceptional value to our customers."

As Director of Sales, Dill will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily sales operations, enhancing strategic partnerships, and implementing initiatives to strengthen customer satisfaction and loyalty, a press release stated.

As the former Multi-Unit Accounts Director at Markon Cooperative, Dill has demonstrated a deep understanding of the dynamics of the fresh produce market. His extensive background in purchasing, sales, and business development positions him as a key asset in driving D’Arrigo California's growth and market expansion initiatives.

"We are thrilled to welcome Henry to our team," said Chad Amaral, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development. "His established history of success and passion for the fresh produce industry make him the ideal candidate to lead our sales efforts. With his leadership, we are confident he will continue to strengthen our market presence and drive sustainable growth."

Congratulations to Henry Dill!

WASHINGTON, DC - Government reps are urging Agriculture Committee leaders to prioritize federal support and financial resources for specialty crop mechanization research and development in the 2024 Farm Bill. Salud Carbajal (D-CA) joined House Agriculture Committee leaders Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Max Miller (R-OH), and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) to lead 30 members of Congress to author a bipartisan letter sent to Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA).

"Farmworkers in California are using some of the same hand-picking and labor-intensive methods that my dad used when he worked as a farmworker a half-century ago," said Rep. Carbajal. "As someone who worked in the fields in the summers with him, I know the critical difference that investments in agricultural mechanization research and development through this year’s Farm Bill would make. Undertaken in the right way, with guardrails like those included in the bill we introduced last year, breakthroughs in this space will improve the quality of life for our farmworkers, and ensure we have a workforce that is prepared to cultivate the farms of tomorrow."

According to a press release, the same four lawmakers introduced legislation last year to establish a $20 million-a-year research and development grant program exclusively dedicated to specialty crop mechanization and automation projects within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Congressman LaMalfa also commented.

“California is the nation’s sole producer of many types of specialty crops and grows half of the U.S.-produced fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Our specialty crop industry is a significant part of our total ag economy, food security, and global export. However, the specialty crop industry finds itself at increasing disadvantages from increased input costs, labor shortages, and barriers in utilizing certain Federal programs. Bolstering specialty crop mechanization and automation development is essential to the competitiveness and durability of the industry,” said Congressman LaMalfa.

More information on the Advancing Automation Research and Development in Agriculture Act and comments from other representatives can be found here. And to view the letter in full, click here.

ANUK will continue to report as we learn more about the 2024 Farm Bill.

WATSONVILLE, CA - The beginning of March is in our sights, and with the dawn of a new month comes the beginning of trade show prep. With many of us deep in the thick of Southern Exposure planning, lists are being drawn up of which companies to visit at the show. You’ll want to mark down California Giant Berry Farms’ booth, at which the team will be eager to talk all things strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

“Year after year, California Giant Berry Farms is thrilled to return to SEPC,” said Vice President of Sales Alan Ediger. “Our sales team looks forward to the valuable networking opportunities at the event and connecting with new and existing customers.”

California Giant plans to focus on its year-round supply of fresh berries that represent the highest standards for quality, a press release noted.

The berry provider will also be speaking on sustainability in its growing methods, conventional and organic offerings, and promotable volume marketing opportunities.

As a long-time exhibitor of the annual event, the company’s global family of people passionate about delivering the best berries is enlivened at the prospect of gathering at SEPC once again.

“We’re excited to be back at SEPC and look forward to sharing our dedication to stellar service and exceptional berries,” added Ediger.

To see the team, stop by booth #933.

As we get closer to the event, keep your eyes on AndNowUKnow!

GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - Cue the confetti and giant scissors, because Dollar General Corporation (DG) has officially opened its 20,000^th store in Alice, Texas. The DG Market location and this major milestone mark the retailer’s commitment to providing convenient and affordable offerings to consumers across the country.

“Today marks an incredible milestone in Dollar General’s history,” said Steve Deckard, Dollar General’s Executive Vice President of Store Operations and Development. “From our first general store to today’s 20,000^th store opening, our mission to serve others and help customers stretch their budget remains strong. We believe each store provides a positive impact in our hometowns through convenient access to affordable essentials, career growth opportunities for employees, and the ability for local nonprofits, schools, and libraries to advance through Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants. On behalf of the DG leadership team, I would like to share my gratitude to the entire DG family for its ongoing commitment to our customers and communities in helping us reach this milestone.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured senior leaders and vendors, as well as the opportunity for shoppers to try samples from numerous suppliers, a release explained.

Dollar General also awarded $20,000 to support educational and tutoring programs through a $10,000 donation each to Alicia Salinas Public Library and to the Boys & Girls Club of Alice. The company also provided new books to Saenz Elementary School in Alice to help instill a love of reading in students.

The retailer now employs more than 17,500 Texas employees through its store, distribution center, and private fleet presence in the state.

Backed by this growing portfolio of stores and its dedication to providing affordable options to shoppers, we can’t help but wonder how Dollar General will expand its reach in the fresh food space.

Keep reading ANUK to learn the latest updates.