CHARLOTTE, NC - Which generation are you in? Dole Food Company has identified Gen Y (aka Millennials), Gen Z, and Baby Boomer consumers in more than a dozen United States markets indexing above-average organic consumption. With this data, Dole has begun to expand its marketing efforts to specifically target these groups.

“We successfully predicted the initial demand of organic consumers almost 25 years ago and are anticipating another season of growth from a new generation of shoppers attracted to not only the health advantages but also the distinct environmental benefits associated with organic including soil fertility, enhanced biodiversity, and sustainable land management,” said William Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications.

A digital, social, and public relations program launches this week in honor of September’s National Organic Month and continues through mid-October. The produce leader is working with key national and regional retailers to launch a series of social and digital trade and consumer programs touting Dole’s 25 years of leadership growing organic produce and developing retail programs that communicate the health, sustainability, and fair trade benefits of organic bananas and pineapples, a release explained.

“More than ever, today’s shoppers possess a growing interest in natural foods. They want the brands they buy to align with their values on everything from climate mitigation and social issues to health and wellness, and food security and safety,” added Goldfield. “Expanding our organic and fair trade messaging has become essential to engaging the now-sizable percentage of socially and environmentally conscious shoppers who continue to fuel growth in fresh produce—not just in emerging organic markets but nationally and even globally.”

Dole’s category development team recently documented that a properly merchandised in-store Dole Organic Banana program can generate up to 15 percent more in dollar sales than conventional banana programs.

Dole is focusing its efforts on current and emerging organic shoppers in cities that have shown the highest propensity to purchase, as well as recent demographic changes leading to shifting organic fresh fruit and vegetable buying and consumption habits across the country.

When you want the latest in produce trends and market strategy, you know where to click!

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA - We are deeply saddened to report the recent passing of a dedicated industry leader. Allen (Al) James Vangelos passed away on Thursday September 5, just four weeks after his 92nd birthday, after sharing his love with the produce industry for more than 50 years.

After serving in the U.S. Marines, Vangelos lived in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was set up on a blind date with Mary Panos. It was literally love at first sight, as he proposed just four months later on Christmas. They married in April, 1954, and had six children during the next 13 years.

The Vangelos moved from St. Louis to Northern California in 1959, as Al started work in the food/produce business for Birdseye. Soon after, he moved to Dole Foods Corporation in its processing division and was then transferred to the fresh pineapple and vegetable side of the business.

After over 25 years with Dole, where as company President, he helped facilitate the sale of Bud Antle Lettuce to Dole Veg in the late 1970s, he then had the opportunity to become the Chief Executive Officer and President of Calavo Growers in 1987. He spent 11 years with Calavo, where he built its avocado business to become one of the largest avocado suppliers in California. He pioneered avocados being packed and shipped from Mexico by opening the first packing shed there.

In 2000, after leaving Calavo, he and partners opened the Novelle Consulting group. Vangelos loved to share stories of working with the Russian Government, opening the first branded co-op for potatoes and meeting with all the leaders in Russia, including Mikhail Gorbachev. This was all during the time Russia was considering becoming a democracy. He was rightfully proud of his work in Russia as the brands he developed still exist today.

In 2002, he was the President and CEO of US Harvest Green. Then, in 2008, he accepted the offer to become the CEO and President of Sun World International. He transitioned the company to become solely a developer and grower of grape varieties and proprietary grapes, and successfully led it through a company sale.

Vangelos served on many private company boards, including BC Hothouse (as Chairman), Sun World International, Key and Company, Naturipe Growers, and the Russian Farm Project. He proudly served the produce industry when he was elected Chairman of United Fresh Produce Association in the mid-1990s.

A little-known fact about Vangelos is that he worked with an entrepreneur who developed the flak jacket for the NFL and improved helmets that today most quarterback’s wear. The first adopters were Dan Pastorini and Joe Montana. Both were using the jacket to protect broken ribs and injuries.

Vangelos was most proud of his Greek heritage and his family, we learned from his obituary. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 70 years, six children (Jim, Mary Kaye, Chris, Vasi, Dan, and Steve), 14 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. His sons, Jim and Chris are active in the produce industry and Al was able to work alongside them on many projects during the past 30 years.

A memorial funeral and celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 17, at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California.

Below are some industry members' thoughts on Allen Vangelos:

Karen Caplan, Founder and Executive Coach, Karen Caplan Growth Catalyst

“When I first joined the United Fresh Produce Board in 1995, Al Vangelos was the Board Chair. I respected that he approached everything with a sense of humor coupled with deep passion for our industry. He was definitely a role model for me, when I became Chair. Four years ago, I learned that we lived 10 minutes from each other and I was fortunate to have had many dinners, walks and conversations with Al and Mary. His quick wit and strategic thinking will be missed by me, and so many others in our industry.”

Tom Stenzel, Principal, The Stenzel Group

“When I joined United Fresh in 1993 as a newbie in produce, Al reached out immediately and brought me under his wing. His professional leadership was unparalleled, matched only by his personal charisma and grace. He was a true mentor to me, and my wife Kathy and I valued our friendship with Al and Mary as a highlight of our lives in the produce industry.”

Dawn Gray, President, Dawn Gray Global Consulting

"What to say about Al Vangelos…he was, of course, a legend in our industry. I suspect that anyone who had the great gift of spending time in his company would have wonderful stories of just how special Al was—at making you feel special. He was a friend, a role model, and someone in whose company you were always inspired to be just a bit better. Truly one of the greats."

David Marguleas, Chief Executive Officer, Sun World International

“Al Vangelos touched countless people throughout his life. His energy, curiosity and sense of humor were legendary at the many produce businesses he led. To me, and undoubtedly to many others, he was an inspiration, a character in the best sense of the word, a teacher and, importantly, a wonderful friend.”

Dick Spezzano, Retired Industry Veteran

“I have known Al for over 30 years. He was a constant professional, always ready to listen, and family was most important to him.”

We share our deepest condolences to those who experienced this great loss.

AYER, MA - Steve Wright stepped into the Vice President of Sales role at the century-old, New England apple packer, JP Sullivan & Co. Wright will be tasked with acquiring new business and reinvigorating the brand.

“From my days working on the retail side of the business, I know what good quality and customer service looks like,” said Wright. “JP Sullivan has a rich history as the iconic brand of the Northeast. We are big enough to provide the full array of quality NE apples, and small enough to be nimble and provide that personal hands-on service every retailer deserves. I’m excited to be part of an organization that obsesses on the customer and is a good partner in growing the apple category for the retailers we service.”

Most recently the Chief Customer Officer at Soli Organic, Wright has worked both sides of the sales desk.

The industry vet years carved out years of experience at Tops Friendly Market and SpartanNash stores, so he knows the challenges retailers face. His expertise, a release added, also provides an innovative and insightful perspective to capture the consumer purchase.

“With his industry experience and knowledge, Steve is the ideal person to lead sales for JP Sullivan as we eagerly take our company into the next 100 years,” said John Russell, President. “He will be a natural conduit between sales, packing, and our growers, giving us the ability to anticipate customers' needs and allowing us to maintain peak flexibility while servicing their accounts. More importantly, I am excited to have Steve join our team to help build our program to meet our ultimate goal, providing our growers sustainable returns for their apples that will allow them to continue investing into their family farms.”

Wright will be based on-site at the packing facility in Ayer, Massachusetts.

A big congrats from AndNowUKnow to this industry great who is sure to continue pushing the limits.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - The Inland Empire was under a severe thunderstorm watch until Sunday evening, as a storm with quarter-sized hail and 60 MPH wind gusts slowly moved through the area. According to NBC Los Angeles, the ongoing heat advisory has allowed storms like this to intensify even further.

The report also discussed the dichotomy of weather in the area, such as the Line Fire, which also created its own storm system. The nearby fires, intense wind gusts, and flooring rain were responsible for burning rain, as well as uprooted trees and fallen trees in the area.

These are the specific locations impacted:

• Moreno Valley
• Perris
• Sun City
• March AFB
• Menifee
• Homeland
• Lakeview
• Nuevo
• Romoland
• Lake Perris Recreation Area
• Winchester
• Quail Valley

Keep clicking back to AndNowUKnow as we continue to bring updates on the weather affecting the country.