TORONTO, CANADA - Flashfood is taking the necessary steps to achieve financial maturity. The company recently announced that Chris Taylor has been named as its new Chief Financial Officer. Joining from ShopThing, where he was the Vice President of Finance and Operations, Taylor brings experience in revenue-building and consumer-centric and logistics-focused industries.

“Over the past decade, I’ve helped food and e-commerce companies navigate challenging markets and optimize their platforms,” said Taylor. “It’s an exciting time to join Flashfood, which is addressing two crucial needs for consumers: sustainability and affordability. I’m eager to contribute to Flashfood’s growth and help reshape the way people buy groceries.”

Prior to ShopThing, Taylor served as Head of Operations at GoBolt, a press release stated. He also led logistics, successfully scaled operations, and secured significant investments for meal kit service GoodFood.

Taylor also served on the pre-launch team at Aryeh Capital Management, a global credit and equity hedge fund. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Queen's University.

“As our new CFO, Chris completes our leadership team refresh,” said Nicholas Bertram, Chief Executive Officer. “He’s the right hire for us, bringing a unique mix of deep financial experience and leadership in food operations and technology. Most importantly, he has already led companies in the growth stage Flashfood is now entering. Chris has a passion to build teams and brings a stakeholder success mindset, which I see crucial in achieving our mission to transform the food system.”

Congratulations to Chris Taylor on the new role!

LOS ANGELES, CA - Despite our official entry into the cooler days of September, a powerful heat wave spreads across Southern California, leaving many regions seeing temperatures in the 90s or higher. As a result, an excessive heat watch has been issued across most of the area from today through Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to increase a few degrees each day, with hazardous heat developing across most non-coastline areas in the middle of the week. ABC 7 reported that the days will also be hotter in the valleys, where the Antelope Valley is already seeing triple-digit highs. Beginning Tuesday, the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys will also exceed 100 degrees, with the San Gabriel Valley seeing similar temps by Thursday. Nighttime temperatures will be in the 70s in the valleys in the latter part of the week and into next weekend.

States like Nevada and Arizona are also seeing the effects of the heat wave, as the source also reported that 28 million Americans are currently under heat alerts in the Southwest for Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Western Arizona.

An excessive heat watch is in effect for cities including Las Vegas, Phoenix, Fresno, and Bakersfield from Wednesday through Friday, noting that temperatures could climb to 95 to 110 degrees.

ANUK will continue to monitor for more weather updates like this, so keep reading.

TAMPA, FL - IFCO is giving us an exclusive look into the future of the industry. As part of the Reuters Vision 2045 campaign, IFCO collaborated with REWE Group and Gemüsebau Steiner to release a short documentary titled The Cycle of Tomorrow.

“We are thrilled to be selected as a sustainability innovator for the Reuters Vision 2045 campaign!” IFCO said in its announcement to the industry. “The Cycle of Tomorrow is the resulting documentary, which takes you inside the successful partnership between IFCO, the REWE Group, and Gemüsebau Steiner.”

The campaign aims to showcase organizations making significant progress on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On September 12, IFCO will also host an exclusive webinar, “Unpack how experts are decarbonizing the fresh grocery supply chain.” The Oppenheimer Group will reveal insights into CO₂ emissions tracking and reporting, showing how Measure to Improve helps growers, packers, and shippers prioritize and communicate their sustainability efforts.

“Be sure to snag a spot in our exclusive online webinar where we'll reveal the secrets to decarbonizing the fresh grocery supply chain,” IFCO stated in its announcement. “And don’t miss our hit article on the magic of the IFCO SmartCycle.”

ANUK will continue bringing you the industry’s latest, so stick with us!

WISCONSIN - If you’re not already spotlighting the potato category as a premium destination for back-to-school shopping, now is the time to do so! The Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association recently shared some insights from registered dietitian Jenny Heap, revealing multiple benefits of potatoes.

“For most families, back-to-school sales forecast the end of summer break and the beginning of a new academic year,” Jenny Heap, MS, RDN, shared. “As students return to the classroom, they can face the demanding challenge of balancing schedules, staying alert, and focusing on their studies. Wisconsin-grown potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals—like potassium, vitamin C, and fiber—for the sustained energy and mental sharpness students need. Incorporating the potato—a nutrient powerhouse—in meals and/or snacks can set students up for success in and out of the classroom!”

Heap highlighted several nutritional benefits of potatoes, noting their ability to support students’ energy and mental agility during the school day. As Heap shared in a release, one serving of potatoes a day supplies:

• 26 g of complex carbohydrates
• 2 g of fiber
• 3 g of plant protein
• 1.1 mg of iron
• 620 mg of potassium
• 20 mg of vitamin C
• 0.2 mg of vitamin B6

“Potatoes, proudly grown in Wisconsin, are a nutrient-rich source of energy for active brains and bodies,” Heap added. “Potatoes provide several nutrients essential for early-life development that fuel kids’ academic and physical performance. The combination of quality complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein in potatoes helps sustain fullness to help kids stay focused and energized throughout the day.”

With the back-to-school season officially underway, retailers can further elevate the potato sector as a prime category for younger consumers gearing up for class.

“Whether baked, grilled, or mashed—Wisconsin-grown potatoes can be a powerhouse of nutrition for fueling kids’ minds and bodies as they hit the books, lace up their sneakers, and head back to school,” Heap concluded. “Families can be assured that their student is fueled with the nutrients they need—all thanks to the potato!”

To learn more about potato nutrition and Wisconsin-grown potatoes, click here.

AndNowUKnow will continue our coverage of the latest across the industry, so stay tuned.