GRAND RAPIDS, MI - SpartanNash has acquired Fresh Encounter Inc. (FEI), a 49-store supermarket chain serving Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. FEI has been a food distribution customer of SpartanNash for 58 years, and SpartanNash will continue employment for FEI’s 2,500 team members. The supermarkets are owned by third-generation grocers Michael Needler Jr. and Julie Anderson.

“Fresh Encounter has been a successful family-owned and operated business for decades, and we are proud to continue this legacy,” said Tony Sarsam, Chief Executive Officer, SpartanNash. “This acquisition is an exciting milestone in our company’s strategic growth plans. Not only will we welcome 2,500 new associates to the SpartanNash family, we will also begin serving shoppers in Kentucky and grow our existing footprint across Ohio and Indiana. Retail is a critical component of our business model and long-term strategic plan, as we meet consumer needs and leverage insights from our stores to continuously innovate our products and operations across our wholesale business.”

This is the second retail acquisition for SpartanNash in 2024, following the addition of Metcalfe’s Market in April.

With FEI’s acquisition, SpartanNash’s retail footprint expands to 33 percent, and contributes to the company’s growth and earnings goals shared in its 2025 long-term plan, a press release explained.

“We are proud of the business our family has built and look forward to advancing our relationship with SpartanNash,” said Michael Needler Jr., Chief Executive Officer, FEI. “As their customer, we have seen firsthand the People First culture at SpartanNash, and we appreciate the career opportunities and growth this will unlock for Fresh Encounter team members.”

FEI operates under the retail store banners Community Markets, Remke Markets, Chief Markets, and Needler’s Fresh Market. The transaction is expected to close in late November, though the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

When you want to read about big industry moves, click back to AndNowUKnow.

ATLANTA, GA - Always the ones to keep a tab on the latest happenings in fresh produce, Craig Slate and Ed Bertaud are bringing The Fresh CrEd podcast to the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show. During the event, the two industry experts and advocates will engage in candid conversations with the industry’s top innovators and visionaries.

Many distinguished guests will join the podcast on Saturday, October 19, Including

• Cathy Burns - IFPA President and CEO
• Karen Caplan - Leadership coach and former Chief Executive Officer of Frieda’s Branded Produce
• Yan Branco - Produce sourcing and CEA innovator
• Ira Natel - Veteran produce expert and industry entrepreneur
• Jennie Coleman - Ethical banana importer and sustainability advocate

As the podcast shared in its most recent update, The Fresh CrEd’s Global Produce & Floral Show spotlight allows attendees to experience the show through the voices of industry members who are currently driving change.

Those who cannot attend the show this year won’t miss out on the insights, stories, and perspectives, as they will get a front-row seat to these exclusive conversations via livestream.

ANUK will continue to bring you more trade show updates as we race toward this anticipated event!

FRESNO, CA - Businesses across our industry need software solutions from folks who know the world of fresh produce. Enter Famous Software, which consistently brings streamlined ERP/WMS innovations to market. At the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show, Famous Software will focus on its core message: delivering top-tier technology built and designed for the produce industry.

“Over the past several years, we have invested millions of dollars in new functionality specifically for produce distributors. We have long been known as the solution for grower/packer/shippers, and while that continues to be an important customer base for us, we know we have the right technology for any fresh produce enterprise,” Heather Hammack, President, explained to me. “Some of our latest releases have specific functionality for those distributor customer profiles. In addition, we are hearing from our customers the need for more directed work. With the tight labor market and the risk of turnover, it’s more important than ever for enterprises to avoid relying on native knowledge.”

For example, Famous Software has invested heavily in developing features like Directed Putaway, which allows users to define inventory criteria in advance.

“Our WMS system tells the forklift driver exactly where to place inventory. This can be a huge benefit to ensure that inventory is exactly where it needs to be and avoid losing product and/or risking that product ages out,” Heather added. “Another feature we released recently is our Assign Loader module. This eliminates manual paperwork and facilitates more efficient forklift traffic. Drivers no longer need to get off their forklifts to figure out what they need to pick up/load next. The Famous WMS App automatically assigns the next task. Trucks get loaded faster and on the road quicker, thereby increasing efficiency and boosting customer service. Customers who use this feature see a 26 percent efficiency gain.”

Famous ERP is fully integrated, which means that users can be confident that their data is 100 percent reliable across modules. It is built on powerful Oracle products and utilizes Online Transaction Processing; due to this functionality, Famous ERP executes a number of transactions concurrently so that every module and application is updated in real-time.

In our industry, where speed to market can often make the difference between success and failure, knowing that your data is reliable and accurate can be a game changer.

“We invest millions of dollars each year in developing functionality and new features to meet the changing needs of our customer base, and these latest releases are no different,” Heather emphasized. “We listen to our customers, analyze their needs, and execute updates quickly. We have some of the best and brightest developers in the industry working to ensure we have functionality that fits the unique demands of the fresh produce industry.”

With a team of industry experts based in the United States, Famous ensures that transitioning to its platform is easy and free of unnecessary challenges.

Heather also noted how FSMA 204 is top of mind as we edge closer to the compliance deadline. Shortly after the rule was released, Famous Software initiated a steering committee to build FSMA 204 features that meet the needs of its growing customer base. For more information about this, click here for our previous coverage. What’s important for you to note is that most of the FSMA 204 needs already exist in Famous ERP and Famous customers will have the tools they need to be compliant well in advance of the deadline.

For live demos and more, you won’t want to miss stopping by the Famous Software booth at BC935!

IRWINDALE, CA - We have some news to share with you this morning that has only just hit the wires. It was announced that Bonduelle has launched its new Bistro® Loaded Bowls, made with the freshest greens, more than 12 g of protein, crunchy toppings, and creamy dips, all without compromising on convenience.

“As bowl culture continues to explode across fast-casual restaurants, consumers are increasingly seeking convenient, fresh, and nutritious meals packed with flavorful, quality ingredients and proteins,” said Bobby Chacko, Chief Executive Officer. “With our new Bistro Loaded Bowls, we’re bringing bowl enthusiasts into the ready-to-eat salad aisle to enjoy a heartier, chef-crafted, topping-forward salad that doesn’t compromise on size, taste, or convenience.”

From creamy, fresh guacamole made with real Hass avocados to the briny kick of Kalamata olives, every bowl offers a unique flavor profile designed to excite the palate. Crunchy elements like seeds, nuts, and aromatic croutons add crunchy texture, while zesty dressings tie everything together.

According to a press release, the new Bonduelle Bistro Loaded Bowl lineup includes:

• Avocado Crunch with Grilled Chicken Bowl: A crisp bed of lettuce is topped with grilled chicken, sunflower seeds, almonds, zesty lemon pepper sourdough croutons, and fresh guacamole
• Lemon Mediterranean Style with Grilled Chicken Bowl: A duo of Mediterranean classics—rich Kalamata olives and creamy Feta cheese—are at the heart of this bowl. Crumbled croutons seasoned with an aromatic blend of cumin, coriander, and garlic falafel spice add a savory crunch alongside crisp lettuce greens, while the lemon tahini hummus-style dressing adds a bright, zesty note
• Grilled Chicken and Guacamole Bowl: Fresh guacamole and sweet roasted corn pair with grilled chicken to create a protein-packed salad that's both satisfying and flavorful. Crispy peppers, Jalapeños, and tortilla strips add a spicy kick and satisfying crunch to every bite

Known for its Ready-Pac Bistro® salads, Bonduelle is now bringing its namesake brand into the United States for the first time with its new Bonduelle Bistro Loaded Bowls.

“Bonduelle has a long history of bringing exciting innovations to the produce aisle under the Ready Pac brand, and our Bonduelle Bistro Loaded Bowls are no exception,” Chacko added. “We’re excited to continue building on this heritage with new craveable, plant-rich offerings that delight consumers in every section of the grocery store.”

Bonduelle Bistro Loaded Bowls will be available at grocery stores nationwide starting this week. I’m sure shoppers will be adding them to their baskets in no time!

ATLANTA, GA - As the industry prepares for a whirlwind of activity at the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show, retailers are gearing up for an exclusive immersion into the show. I’m speaking of course of The Foundation for Fresh Produce’s Retail Dietitian Immersion Event, which will put 20 retail dietitians (RD) face-to-face with industry members.

“Our aim is to equip professionals and influencers who can best reach their communities and encourage consumers to make the healthiest food choices,” shared Katie Calligaro, Director of Marketing and Communications for The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “We work with a vast network of dietitians, health and wellness professionals, as well as lifestyle, nutrition, ag, and culinary leaders who have an impact on consumers at various points of influence. For point of sale, we have our retail dietitians.”

Throughout the show, attendees can build meaningful connections with the people driving trends at the retail level. While The Foundation provides offsite culinary experiences and customized education, the RDs will be immersed in the Global Show, beginning with the State of the Industry on Thursday morning. A chance to connect with them also awaits during Thursday night's opening reception at the Aquarium. Pre-scheduled booth visits kick off Friday and Saturday but look for them walking the show floor both afternoons.

Hailing from Big Y Foods to Weis Markets, each RD is eager to learn how to promote fresh more collaboratively and effectively.

“The show is the largest I have ever attended,” April Sins, Retail Dietitian, Rouses Markets, MS, RDN, and LDN, told me. “It is a retail dietitian’s dream come true to be immersed in the conversation around fruit and vegetable consumption. The event is so timely because it showcases new and innovative ways to help make it easy for consumers to eat more produce. The most exciting part is looking at the trends in produce for the coming year in innovation, convenience, snacking, pairings, and lots more. Spending time with vendors discussing ideas, partnerships, and retail information tools is the perfect way to make the connection to promote produce on the plate for consumers.”

Mac Riggan, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Chelan Fresh, reflected on the success of this activation and how it helps promote fresh produce at the retail level.

“The RDs are very professional, genuine, and pure of intention; they don’t have an agenda and are just as interested in pushing the product as we are. You don’t need to sell them on the products—they know they’re healthy! But they’re hungry for information to help support whichever category you’re there to talk about. As retailers are working toward becoming wellness centers, dietitians represent a key part of that journey,” Mac shared with me.

Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation for Duda Farm Fresh Foods, shared her experience with me.

“We look forward to the opportunity to connect with and support the registered dietitians who will be in attendance. We work hard every day to educate and inspire shoppers with content that encourages them to explore the flavors and vast uses of fresh vegetables, but we can’t do it alone. Dietitians play a critical role in supporting that mission, and we want to come alongside them with the information and resources they need to reach their audience and encourage more fresh produce consumption,” she remarked.

To further emphasize the importance of education in engaging consumers, The Foundation for Fresh Produce will host two sessions during the Education Festival at the show on October 17.

The schedule is as follows:

• 11:25—11:55 a.m. EST: Feeding Those in Need: Innovative Partnerships in Global Food Distribution
• 12:00—12:30 p.m. EST: Growing Healthy Habits: Transforming Children's Diets Through Early Education

We’ll continue to keep you connected to the latest news in fresh produce, especially as it pertains to the Global Produce & Floral Show.