FRESNO, CA - We’ve kept a close eye on the lettuce market recently, and have been touching base with those who work in the category. I turned to Jay Angulo of Baloian Farms to learn more about the state of the lettuce market on the West Coast.
“It has seen a big spike over the past week to 10 days,” the Wet Veg Commodity Manager told me. “We’re seeing the biggest increases in demand and pricing on Romaine and Romaine Hearts. We don’t grow Iceberg lettuce, but we follow that market given its similarities to our other leaf lettuces.”
Noting that Iceberg spiked up very quickly, Jay explained that red leaf, green leaf, and butter lettuces followed along at a slighter lower spike than Romaine and Iceberg.
“The biggest issue driving these markets is the lack of supply. Demand seems to be average/steady, but the lack of availability throughout the desert in the Southwest growing regions seems to have caused this spike in the market,” Jay commented. “We’ve also heard issues with yields not being what they should and quality issues in some regions. We’ve been blessed to not have those issues—it’s the weather that has been holding us back.”
Diving into particulars on pricing, Jay outlined what he’s seeing in comparison to last year.
“In 2021, during the month of March, pricing on Romaine and Iceberg was generally $10–14, with red leaf, green leaf, and butter around $8–10. The week of March 8 saw mid-high $40 quotes on Romaine, Romaine Hearts, and Iceberg. We’ve seen the leaf markets in the low to mid $20’s,” he outlined.
In order to mitigate these issues, Jay expressed that Baloian Farms is paying close attention to the forecasts and watching how they might affect production moving forward.
“There are some warm temperatures forecasted for the week of March 14 , which might help the supply situation. However, as we keep approaching April, supplies will lighten up as the industry transitions to coastal California growing regions. Markets could remain high until volume kicks in out of the new growing regions,” he stated. “For buyers, please keep communicating your needs and when you need to load. That will help us push production to fill your orders as best we can.”
Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest.
BAYTOWN, TX - Walmart is taking its expansion plans up a notch, significantly bolstering its footprint in Texas with a strategic new facility. This time around, the retail chain has introduced a new 1,000,000-square-foot distribution center to its supply chain campus in Baytown, Texas.
“Walmart is excited to expand our Baytown campus and another step in Walmart’s continued investment in the state,” said Mike Gray, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Operations. “The Baytown campus and our other regional facilities continue to bring exciting new career opportunities within Walmart’s modern supply chain to hundreds of residents of the Houston area—all while helping us provide our local customers their everyday necessities with more variety and efficiency than ever before.”
The new facility marks the fourth in Baytown and is set to open in the fall of 2022. With the introduction of this cutting-edge distribution center, the retailer brings the overall square footage of its Baytown campus to over 5,000,000 square feet and will create an additional 300 full-time jobs.
The Baytown campus is currently hiring full-time positions, including specialized roles and leadership positions, according to a press release.
“A highly skilled labor pool in the Houston area, and Texas more broadly, makes Baytown a prime destination for Walmart to continue expanding our supply chain network,” said Karisa Sprague, Senior Vice President, U.S. Supply Chain People. “We’re excited to continue to work with the community and government officials to bring new career opportunities to Southeast Texas.”
Walmart currently operates 593 retail stores and 19 distribution centers and employs over 185,000 associates in Texas.
To read more about this recent expansion, click here.
For the latest strategic plays in the retail space, you know where to find us.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - Oppy is bringing fresh apple and pear supplies straight from the Southern Hemisphere. As the provider prepares for a smooth transition from its winter program, it will support the fresh produce market with new availability from some of the most sought-after growing regions.
“Our key priority is transitioning at precisely the right moment. We’re honored to be the fresh apple provider with year-round availability that our customers can depend on when they need it, and know they’re receiving the best the market has to offer,” said Senior Vice President of Categories and Marketing James Milne. “This season is setting up to be an absolute stunner with a magical-eating crop.”
A wide range of pears will arrive from Argentina in the coming weeks, followed by Asian pears from Chile. Taylor’s Gold grown in New Zealand will follow, joined by Ambrosia, Braeburn, Smitten, Royal Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Envy™, JAZZ™, and Pacific Rose™ apples through the spring. A press release stated that Oppy expects a seamless transition between domestic and import growing seasons.
Oppy is working closely with Auckland, New Zealand-based grower partner T&G Global on shipping programs that shield against supply chain issues by employing charter vessels and strategically selecting East and West Coast shipping points of entry.
“There are so many opportunities, in this year even more than others,” shared Sales Representative Stephen Sanders, an apple lead in Oppy’s Eastern United States region. “We’re excited to further amplify Oppy’s already diverse category and help retailers drive sales with the best in flavor, crunch, and eating experience through the months ahead.”
Shipper units, posters, recipe cards, tote bags, digital and social content, and more are available to support your programs.
Be prepared to wow shoppers with the quality and abundance that comes with this upcoming season.
MISSION, TX - A new area of agriculture is being tapped with the Texas International Produce Association’s (TIPA) recent announcement. For the first time, the organization will be adding a Winery Tour to take place during the Viva Fresh Expo on April 21. Held in Grapevine, Texas, the tasting is sponsored by SunFed and Lakeway, providing a new networking opportunity in addition to the Viva Fresh Golf Tournament.
“We are extremely proud of what we’ve built through Viva Fresh since 2015, but we understand we need to continuously be pushing ourselves to look at the show with a fresh perspective,” said Dante Galeazzi, Chief Executive Officer and President of TIPA. “We know there is demand for networking opportunities aside from golf on Thursday, and a wine tasting felt like the perfect addition to our Viva Fresh lineup. We are incredibly excited to kick that off this year in Grapevine.”
Early bird sign-ups have already shown a strong buyer turnout. According to a press release, buses will depart from the Gaylord Texan Resort at 12 pm and will return participants by 6 p.m.
Grapevine serves as an industry leader with award-winning wineries and winemakers. The city itself is named after the wild mustang grapes that grew on the Grape Vine Prairie. Grapevine is also home to the premier Urban Wine Trail in Texas as well as the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association and Grape Fest®.
The tour will consist of four wine tasting room stops in downtown Grapevine:
- Messina Hof Grapevine Winery: Opened in late 2014 and featuring more than 50 wines from 28 different varietals
- Delaney Vineyards: This winery channels a simple elegance that allows visitors the chance to smell the roses while enjoying a refreshing glass of wine
- Cross Timbers Winery: This winery offers a unique wine tasting experience, featuring 11 varietals grown in the High Plains
- Landon Winery: Its use of stainless-steel tanks and American and French oak barrels are examples of the ingenuity and complexity of the Landon winemaking process
Viva Fresh attendees can sign up for the winery tour during online registration, and participation is limited to small groups. Don’t miss out on your chance to attend this inaugural event!
PROVIDENCE, RI - In spite of the inflation, shipping backlogs, and shortages facing the supply chain, companies like United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) are using their industry prowess and strategic capabilities to continue coming out ahead. Recently, the company showed proof of this as it released its second quarter fiscal 2022 report detailing a more than $500 million boost in sales from the year prior.
“Our second quarter sales were the highest in UNFI’s history as our customers provided the products consumers sought for their winter holiday occasions. Despite accelerating inflation and supply chain concerns, UNFI continues to remain agile to provide the best possible service to our customers,” said Sandy Douglas, Chief Executive Officer. “We are optimistic toward the second half of the fiscal year as our Fuel the Future strategy continues to deliver real value and best positions our customers for success in today’s unpredictable environment.”
As revealed in the report for the 13 weeks ending January 29, 2022, net sales for the distributor totaled $7.4 billion, an increase of 7.5 percent from the $6.9 billion recorded during the same period last year. In addition to this rise in sales, UNFI also noted other highlights including:
- Net income of $66 million, an increase of 11.9 percent
- Earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $1.08, an increase of 8.0 percent
- Earned Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index
- Raised outlook for net sales
To share these results, UNFI held a conference call and audio webcast on March 9. To listen, click here.
With the strategic plan already making headway, how will UNFI continue to grow throughout the rest of 2022? Stay tuned to find out.
SANDPOINT, ID - Litehouse is knocking on the doors of its retail neighbors, as several new dip and spread flavors are hitting the cold case. These products not only have bolder flavors, better taste, and cleaner ingredient panels, but the packaging has also been updated to 12 oz tubs with more impactful graphics that pop on-shelf and convey their versatility.
“With flavors like Homestyle Ranch, Avocado Ranch, Spinach Parmesan, Dilly Dip, and Southwest Ranch, there is a flavor for every dip-worthy occasion,” said Kate Nees, Brand Manager. “These delicious dips aren't just for snacking on veggies anymore—dip your pitas, wings, and pizzas or spread on crackers, wraps, and sandwiches to elevate your everyday meals.”
These new dips complement Litehouse's diverse lineup by bringing the delicious taste consumers expect from its dressings into dips and spreads, with increased versatility for a number of eating occasions.
“While it is no surprise these dips are packed with flavor, their versatility is part of what makes them such a great addition to our product lineup. They are perfect with traditional vegetables but also ideal for many different dipping and spreading occasions, not just big celebrations,” Kate noted. “Plus, the new 12 oz container makes it even easier to have dip on hand.”
Litehouse’s research and development team created these mouthwatering, flavor-packed dips based on strong sales and consumer response to its 13 oz dressing flavors, such as Avocado Ranch and Southwest Ranch, and flavor trends in the market.
“According to a 2021 Ibotta Insights survey, consumers want sour cream and creamy-based dips to be very flavorful, and 69 percent of consumers use sour cream-based and creamy-based dips as snacks,” Kate added. “Combining these insights with our dressing sales data led us to develop thick and flavor-forward, creamy-based dips in several popular flavors.”
Litehouse-brand Veggie Dips continue to drive demand in the category, as Kate explained. Sales increased 28 percent over the last six months, compared to a growth rate of just two percent for the rest of the creamy veggie dips category. Litehouse has also seen an increase in velocity, total points of distribution, and household penetration.
“Dips with a focus on entertaining and special events took a hit in 2020/2021 due to the emergence of the pandemic. However, the dip category is building back and is expected to see continued growth in consumer usage over the course of 2022,” Kate told me.
With these new dip flavors, Litehouse aims to continue driving demand in the category. The company is focused on developing products with quality ingredients and flavors that range from classics shoppers know and love, like Homestyle Ranch, to bold and new trending flavors, like Southwest Ranch.
“When it comes to innovation, we always start with consumer insights; the information we gather drives our development roadmap. Based on recent insights, our innovations have shifted toward products that have nutritional density, are inclusive of the whole family experience, and provide versatility. From tasty ways to get more veggies, vitamins, and minerals into people’s diets, to healthy snacks the entire family can enjoy, we are excited to provide our consumers with more fun and exciting innovations.”
Retailers, Litehouse dips are at your doorstep. All you must do is merchandise to your delight and the sales will come flowing.
WESTBOROUGH, MA - In a landscape where retailers are constantly battling for shopper loyalty, expansion is essential. BJ's Wholesale Club has set out on a mission to further fortify its footprint, officially rolling out the first phase of its 2022 development plans. The retailer has opened four new club locations in Warwick, Rhode Island; Lady Lake, Florida; Canton, Michigan; and Greenburgh, New York.
“We continue to accelerate our expansion, and we’re excited to open these new locations,” said Bill Werner, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Development. “We’re always looking for ways to bring the value and convenience of a BJ’s membership to more shoppers, and extending our reach is a major way of achieving that.”
The Florida, Michigan, and New York locations will reportedly feature an extensive selection of fresh foods as well as a selection of local products. The Rhode Island club will serve as an innovation lab for the brand, according to a press release. Named BJ’s Market, the club will allow for testing out new assortments, displays, product demonstrations, and convenience initiatives.
BJ’s vast array of convenient shopping options include its website, app, in-club and curbside pickup, same-day delivery, and ExpressPay. On top of this, BJ’s membership plan offers up to 25 percent off prices and a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
Each new BJ’s Wholesale Club is expected to create approximately 150 jobs, and BJ’s Market will create around 50 jobs.
As BJ’s continues expanding its footprint in 2022, AndNowUKnow will be here bringing you the latest.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - An all-new collaboration is bringing vibrant art to the produce aisle as Chiquita links up with Italian artist Michela Picchi. The newfound partnership has resulted in the makeover of the brand’s iconic blue sticker, bringing new designs as a celebration of growth, rebirth, rejuvenation, and sunshine.
“We know that fans often crave the warmth and sunshine that the spring season brings,” said Jamie Postell, Vice President of Sales for Chiquita North America. “By embodying Chiquita’s bold and fun spirit, we hope that Picchi’s artwork on our stickers can help consumers to feel refreshed as we head into spring.”
A unique twist on the original design, the springtime stickers feature vibrant colors, mesmerizing patterns, and eye-catching spring visuals to complement the company’s bright yellow bananas.
According to a press release, these limited-edition stickers can be found on 200 million Chiquita bananas worldwide from now through mid-April.
Picchi is a cross-disciplinary artist who is known for her use of vibrant color palettes and an experimental approach, the release noted. With her refreshing take on the classic blue sticker, the new design visually depicts the feelings of spring that consumers long for during the winter.
“I was thrilled to work with Chiquita because the brand’s bright and energetic identity lends itself perfectly to my style,” said Michela Picchi. “The spring season signals the coming of warmer days and new beginnings, so incorporating those visuals into the stickers was essential to the design to ensure that each sticker exudes the excitement of the new season.”
This sales-driving strategy is a sure-fire way to draw even more attention to the banana category. For more tactical plays, keep a tab on the produce industry with ANUK.
MARINA, CA - Growth in our industry is always good to hear, both from the earth and within companies. Sakata Seed America is plowing the way toward a brighter future as it revealed a new, permanent Lettuce Distribution Facility, located in Marina, California. To spearhead its efforts, the seed company appointed Jonny McIntier as the new Lettuce Product Manager to manage the lettuce program.
With a resume of growth widely known within the vegetable seed industry, McIntier was appointed to the position within the past few weeks. He boasts over 20 years of experience in the field. During that time, McIntier served at Bayer, where he specialized in technical development and sales for crops including lettuce, broccoli, melon, carrot, peppers, cauliflower, and watermelon.
Justin Davis, Director of Sales and Marketing, commented on this recent appointment.
“McIntier is a fantastic addition to the team; his knowledge is vast in product development and management, and he has a thorough understanding of breeding techniques, product launches, and life cycles. He will be based out of our Yuma, Arizona, facility, keeping him close to another major lettuce growing region,” Davis said.
According to a release, Sakata acquired Vanguard Seed, a prominent lettuce company, in 2020. Sakata quickly scaled its lettuce seed program, all while leveraging existing R&D, pathology, sales and marketing, supply chain, and production teams to streamline future breeding efforts and efficiently meet market demand.
The new Lettuce Distribution Facility will be located in Marina. It is central to the Salinas Valley, which allows for easy seed pick up for customers. The facility will be fully operational beginning March 21, and offers over 20,000 square feet, providing ample warehouse space, temperature-controlled storage, and an office area—all to accommodate a growing team and promising crop venture.
“We’re dedicated to success in the lettuce category; success for the grower/shipper and success for the end consumer. As a known leader in broccoli and brassicas, we saw obvious synergy with the lettuce segment, which is only strengthened by our prominence in the Salinas Valley,” said Davis. “The next phase is to continue investment in the lettuce product development team and infrastructure expansion.”
Cheers to Jonny McIntier for his latest appointment, and we cannot wait to see what’s in store for the industry as these developments continue.
ONTARIO, CANADA - Getting a new look is the perfect excuse to strut your stuff—my latest wardrobe refresh can tell you why. Nature Fresh Farms recently hit the trade show floor with a fresh face, showcasing its recent rebrand at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure.
“We were excited to return this year in person to give attendees an exclusive look at our new branding and packaging and reveal the transformation Nature Fresh Farms has undergone over these last couple of years,” said Director of Marketing Stephanie Swatkow. “The new branding is intended to truly express who Nature Fresh Farms is by differentiating the brand and resonating with our customers and consumers. It was an excellent opportunity to introduce ourselves to attendees through a new branding that reflects who we are.”
Nature Fresh Farms’ recent rebrand came along with a new packaging transformation as well. With a refreshed look and a message that brings consistency, boldness, and a memorable experience, the company has now positioned itself for its next phase of growth by linking up with partners new and old at Southern Exposure.
“At any show, we look forward to forging new relationships with our current and prospective retail buyers. Our participation gave us the opportunity to meet up with customers and attendees and introduce them to our new branding and our outstanding products!” Stephanie told me. “Our purpose, culture, people, products, innovation, and of course, our story are what set us apart, and we are eager to show how we’re doing our part in making change happen and growing for a kinder future.”
As the produce industry is a large network of friendships and relationships between suppliers and buyers, Stephanie shared that Southern Exposure was a great place to meet and gather.
“We always look forward to attending this show, with amazing attendance and a lot of retailers from all over the country! The culture at Southern Exposure is unique to other industry events, with a heavy focus on creating valuable connections and bolstering existing relationships in an engaging and intimate atmosphere,” Stephanie concluded.
We at ANUK will continue bringing you the latest event insights as they come across our desks, so stay tuned.