NOGALES, AZ - The warmth of the spring and summer seasons is just around the bend here in the Northern Hemisphere, and to add to the excitement, Divine Flavor has announced that volumes are ramping up for its grapes imported from Peru, Chile, and South Africa.
“The next 6–8 weeks should bring plenty of opportunities to promote premium red seedless varieties at very attractive prices delivering great value for consumers,” said Antonio Escobar, Grapes Category Manager. “White seedless grape supplies will also continue steadily, and we’re expecting decent volumes of Sweet Globe and AUTUMNCRISP® coming from Peru, Chile, and South Africa.”
As the grower prepares for peak production, it anticipates a strong second half of the season for its red and white seedless grapes from those regions, strategically lining up with its new vineyards in Jalisco, Mexico, at Grupo Alta.
For the past five years, Divine Flavor has been involved with the import deal, and the company has established strong roots with growers, a press release stated. Some of those suppliers include Ecosac out of Piura, Peru, as well as Santa Elena and Unifrutti, who grow throughout regions of Chile.
“Our partners in Chile and Peru are really top-notch and not only have the ability to meet industry requirements, but they also have the passion for growing grapes just like we do in Mexico,” continued Escobar. “We’ve been able to complement each other to build a great partnership that delivers excellent grapes from November through July.”
March will see more shipments of specialty varieties for Divine Flavor, such as its Jellyberries and Candy Hearts, followed by the Chilean Muscat Beauty.
Starting the first weeks of April, Divine Flavor will transition to its Jalisco season at Grupo Alta, starting with Timpson, then followed by Sweet Globe and AUTUMNCRISP®. All premium white seedless grapes will be grown, in addition to Cotton Candy.
“Whether it’s our continued development with our partners in South America or internally at our farms in Mexico, we are always looking for ways to improve flavor and the eating experience because, in the end, we all agree that’s what matters the most,” Escobar added.
As Divine Flavor continues to develop its import grape program, keep reading AndNowUKnow for updates.
WATSONVILLE, CA - It’s official—Brown mushrooms are the next big thing. The true power of the mighty Brown mushroom is due in part to its superior nutrition and flavor profile, and it’s no wonder that the variety is taking retailers by storm.
Here’s What’s in Store.
Stocking up on Brown mushrooms is in your best interest as a buyer for a variety of reasons. To start, Brown mushrooms are up in sales, with most retailers reporting a higher increase in both conventional and organic Baby Bellas and Portabellas. Volume sales of Brown mushrooms increased 25.4 percent in 2021 as compared to 2019.
Brown mushrooms are considered a premium option in terms of flavor, texture, and level of umami.
Consumers who like White mushrooms will love Brown mushrooms. They also have a longer shelf-life, meaning retailers have extra days to merchandise and sell through the product. Their water density is lower, so they’ll stay fresh longer, reducing both waste and restock time. You might be spending more upfront, but you’ll be reaping the benefits in higher dollars, lower shrink, and happier consumers.
Brown mushrooms also carry a more robust umami flavor profile than white mushrooms. That savory depth of flavor will satisfy even the hungriest of shoppers.
We offer Portabellas in both 8 oz and 16 oz formats and Baby Bellas, both whole and sliced, in 8 oz and 16 oz formats. Both options are perfect for burger sliders, stuffing, or kabobing.
With only two months month into 2022, mushrooms have already found themselves on two Top Trends lists for flavor and versatility. Your sales share of Brown mushrooms will surpass White mushrooms if you give them the space on the shelf and the attention in your advertising. Be best in class by offering more Brown mushrooms. Here’s to 2022!
Thank you for watching What’s in Store.
ISSAQUAH, WA - Staying up to date on the growth of the retail sector is what we here at AndNowUKnow do best, and Costco recently revealed the details of its second quarter and year-to-date operating results for fiscal 2022.
As outlined by the report, despite the ongoing challenges facing the supply chain, the retailer's net sales for the quarter increased 16.1 percent, to $50.94 billion, from $43.89 billion last year. Net sales for the first 24 weeks increased 16.4 percent, to $100.35 billion, from $86.23 billion last year, demonstrating a boost of over $14 billion.
Other key highlights from the report include:
- Net income for the quarter was $1,299 million compared to last year’s second quarter net income of $951 million
- Net income for the first 24 weeks was $2.62 billion
- For the four-week reporting month of February, net sales of $16.29 billion, an increase of 15.9 percent from $14.05 billion last year
Costco currently operates 828 warehouses within the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Australia, Spain, China, France, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The company also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.
To read the full report, click here. Stay tuned for more retail updates from ANUK.
BOSTON, MA - Some of the most useful medicines can be found right there in the produce department. To prove this notion, Ocean Spray Cranberries has formed an innovative partnership, leveraging food and beverage technology expert Canomiks’ AI-based technology platform to test and certify the biological efficacy of cranberries.
“This is an exciting initiative from our Emerging Science team intended to accelerate discovery research and study the benefits of bioactive compounds in the cranberries, supporting our belief that food is medicine and consuming a diet rich in plant bioactives, such as those found in cranberries, can help support health including benefitting heart health,” said Katy Galle, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
Canomiks utilized its genomics, bioinformatics, and technology to test cranberry bioactive components called polyphenols to demonstrate that these bioactives can positively influence genomic pathways responsible for modulating blood pressure and blood flow, according to a recent press release.
Ocean Spray provided concentrate and fruit extracts containing naturally occurring cranberry bioactives, and Canomiks applied its exclusive IP and groundbreaking technology to test and validate the efficacy of these components, discovering that the cranberry's support of heart health and overall blood pressure maintenance pathways align with previous clinical trial results.
“The ar
ea of food as medicine has been explored for many years and this research is principal in taking a step forward to making it a reality and inform future innovation from Ocean Spray,” said Dr. Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Canomiks. “We are thrilled to further this research with Ocean Spray and our work with Plug and Play.”
Canomiks’ trials demonstrated the way in which cranberry juice consumption aided in the improvement of blood pressure. This partnership, through Ocean Spray’s existing partnership with the incubator Plug and Play, allows the company to further validate the superfruit nature of cranberries.
These results also build upon Ocean Spray’s recent collaboration with Brightseed, a relationship that leveraged Brightseed’s AI platform, Forager, in order to analyze and profile the phytochemical structure of cranberries.
As consumers place health and immunity-boosting offerings top of mind, these findings could be a sure-fire way to boost the cranberry category.
OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce is expanding its partnership network, inviting buyers to uncover the benefits it has to offer for themselves. The produce provider has launched its Experience the Difference campaign, demonstrating the numerous advantages that customers can expect from the company.
“The Mission Advantage is about the benefit to the customer,” commented Denise Junqueiro, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The campaign will highlight Mission’s unique approach to providing value from field to fork.”
The year-long initiative highlights key attributes of Mission’s business model, showcasing the advantage of partnering with the experienced purveyor. Throughout the year, as noted in a press release, the campaign will spotlight The Mission Advantages, which include:
- Ripening and Distribution
- Vertical Integration and Sourcing
- Value-Added Services
- Sustainability
The launch was announced just ahead of the kickoff of the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure in Orlando, Florida.
“Ahead of SEPC, our goal is to continue the discussion of how we can best support our customers. At Mission, we constantly seek to innovate—the more we understand our customers’ needs, the better the service we can provide them,” Junqueiro commented ahead of the event.
For those looking to Experience the Difference themselves, follow along with the campaign using the hashtag #ExperiencetheDifference.
AndNowUKnow will continue reporting on the latest launches in our industry, so keep an eye out for our next update.
DALLAS, TX - Avocados From Mexico (AFM) recently continued its collaboration with Mission® Foods for a consecutive year to spotlight avocados and tacos as a key game day option for shoppers as the college basketball bracket season begins. With the return of "Taco Tip Off," the brands are helping retailers score big in the produce department and beyond.
"Avocados From Mexico bring good taste and good times, and that's especially true when it comes to college basketball season," said Stephanie Bazan, Vice President of Trade and Market Development at Avocados From Mexico. "Mexican handhelds—including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas—are a top core usage for avocados, and our partnership with Mission Foods for Taco Tip Off creates a great opportunity to reinforce this and motivate shoppers to add avocados to their Mexican handheld dishes."
The program will be in-store beginning today and runs through April 5, 2022. According to a press release, the promotional program includes engaging in-store displays, consumer savings, sweepstakes, and recipe inspiration designed to drive avocado sales and basket size during the height of college basketball season.
"College basketball is the perfect occasion to leverage in-store merchandising and online engagement to inspire shoppers to make their own taco creations at home," said Sathish Mohanraju, Vice President of Marketing and Trade Marketing at Mission Foods. "Pairing Mission brand tortillas with Avocados From Mexico creates a powerhouse that will drive even more purchases and make every game day even better."
The Taco Tip off program utilizes a multitude of strategies to drive sales, including sweepstakes, savings with on-pack coupon, and digital engagement.
To read more about the partnership, click here.
For more unique strategies to boost produce sales, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.
CINCINNATI, OH - With one facility already up and running in Monroe, Ohio, The Kroger Co. is now further bolstering its market presence with the addition of a new Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) in Cleveland. The facility, powered by the Ocado Group, will expand Kroger’s delivery capabilities throughout the area.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rodney McMullen said Kroger Delivery “underpins the permanent shift in grocery consumer behavior and elevates our position as one of America’s leading e-commerce companies.”
The CFC will measure 270,000 square feet and is expected to create up to 400 new jobs, according to a press release. It is anticipated that the facility will be operational 24 months after the site breaks ground and will service areas in northeastern Ohio and Pennsylvania. The retailer also formed partnerships with JobsOhio and Team NEO to deliver this project.
Gabriel Arreaga, Kroger’s Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, also commented.
“Kroger is incredibly excited to expand our delivery business in our home state and provide northeast Ohioans access to thousands of fresh and popular products, including our industry-leading Private Selection™ and Simple Truth™ brands, through our Customer Fulfillment Center,” said Arreaga. “The Cleveland region facility is an accelerant to our strategy to achieve the doubling of our digital sales and profitability rate by the end of 2023, and we’re eager to provide a rewarding experience for our new customers in northeastern Ohio and Pennsylvania and create new jobs for individuals passionate about technology, engineering, operations, logistics and transportation, inventory and quality management, and customer service and engagement.”
The expansion in the Cleveland region represents an extension of a partnership between Kroger and Ocado. In 2018, the companies announced a collaboration to establish a delivery network that combines artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, and automation in a bold new way, bringing first-of-its-kind technology to America.
“We are excited to bring Kroger and Ocado’s second automated warehouse to Ohio. As this site develops and goes live, it will be instrumental in delivering fantastic grocery experiences and exciting job opportunities to households across Cleveland, Pennsylvania, and beyond,” said Luke Jensen, Chief Executive Officer of Ocado Solutions. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone to developing Kroger’s seamless fulfillment ecosystem across the United States. Ocado’s proven technology will allow Kroger to achieve the lowest cost-to-serve in the market, combined with the best freshness, accuracy, and service in grocery delivery.”
For more information on the expansion and Kroger’s delivery service, please check out the press release here.
Stick with ANUK to stay up to date on the latest.
CHARLOTTE, NC - Hundreds of team members representing Dole Food Company converged across four different countries for a 21K fundraising run on February 21. The fourth annual 21K La Ceiba fundraising run brought together Dole subsidiary Standard Fruit de Honduras and Dole teammates in Honduras, Guatemala, United States, and Italy in support of residents in La Ceiba, Honduras.
“When we first began in 2018, the objective was simply to encourage a healthy lifestyle among Dole employees,” said Hector Ferrera, General Manager, Honduras and Guatemala. “We quickly saw a greater opportunity for participation among the broader community to raise funds and awareness that could support non-profit organizations that benefit local residents of La Ceiba. Now it has gone international at Dole.”
The event this year included more than 800 runners, ultimately raising more than $10,000 for social, therapeutic, and educational programs for residents of the Honduran city. For more than 122 years, La Ceiba, Honduras’ fourth largest city, has headquartered Standard Fruit de Honduras, a press release noted. Over the past four years, the event has evolved from an internal health initiative to a national event.
Funds raised this year benefit the Centro de Rehabilitación Integral del Litoral Atlántico, an organization focused on the comprehensive rehabilitation of people living with disability through physical therapy, psychological support, hydrotherapy, and special education. Additionally, the Cancer Foundation of La Ceiba works toward early detection and treatment of cancer in the Atlantic Coast area of the country.
“As a company, Dole appreciates organizing, sponsoring, and supporting these types of activities that are improving the quality of life for many people in need,” added Ferrera. “We look forward to seeing more runners here every year."
The event also contributes to the city’s economic benefit by bringing together large groups of people from across the country, all utilizing La Ceiba’s local services such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
We tip our hats to the more than 800 runners who made this possible!
REEDLEY, CA - With the spring season sending citrus demand soaring, retailers can count on Fruit World to back its robust displays. The supplier is reporting a strong season for its premium specialty citrus, including organic Minneola tangelos, Blood oranges, and Cara Cara oranges, as it anticipates a smooth and strong transition to Valencia season.
“Between last year’s heavy crop and early summer heat, the state has lower production volumes of Navels and Mandarins, but we’re maintaining good quantities to ship through an early season end of late-March to early-April,” said Bianca Kaprielian, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Ending the season early ensures high quality and exceptional color throughout. And since citrus is an alternate bearing crop, we predict a return to steady volumes next season.”
As noted in a release, Fruit World is anticipating a seamless transition from Navels to Valencias by mid-April, with consistent volumes of the summer variety as the season ramps up in May, with availability through the beginning of October.
“We’re also seeing impressive volumes of quality fruit for our specialty citrus varieties, and expect to be shipping into April,” Kaprielian added. “The overall quality is top-notch, and supply is strong for our Minneolas, Blood oranges, and Cara Caras, with peak flavor expected from now through the end of the season.”
Some retailers have already seen a boost from Fruit World’s portfolio, as the supplier commemorated the Lunar New Year in February with ½ bushel, 10 lb cartons, and 4 lb clamshells of stem-and-leaf Mandarins in its new Lucky Tiger label.
“Beyond Lunar New Year in early February, the stem-and-leaf mandarins are maintaining appeal,” noted CJ Buxman, Co-Founder and organic citrus grower. “Our stem-and-leaf production increases every year as consumers have confidence the fresh leaves are indicative of recent harvest and the freshest fruit. We’re one of the few companies offering organic stem-and-leaf mandarins as well, which are available to our partners upon request.”
The company has also announced that this will be a banner year for organic lemons, as Fruit World will have load volumes available weekly and excellent ad opportunities into the month of May.
“Our emphasis on flavor and fun, bold packaging is paying off for our customers, and consumers are asking for the Fruit World brand,” concluded Kaprielian. “Our statewide growing regions provide us with a year-round supply of lemons and orange varieties. In addition to coolers in the desert and Fillmore, we offer consolidated pickup—including desert production—at our cooler in Reedley. This gives our retail and wholesale partners the benefit of a convenient and consistent loading location for all products throughout the year.”
For the latest market updates and insights, leave a tab open for ANUK.
CULIACÁN, MEXICO - A monumental purchase has been made by Sakata Seed America in recent weeks. The seed breeder revealed its acquisition of 14 hectares (35.6 acres) of land in Culiacán, Mexico, as it continues its impressive infrastructure expansion in the region.
“The Culiacán Innovation Center is the logical next step in Sakata’s strategic expansion in Mexico,” states Dave Armstrong, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Sakata Mexico has been conducting business for over 34 years and, as we adapt and increase our breeding efforts to support expanding crop production in Mexico, we are proud to invest in the Mexican economy and solidify our leading role in genetic innovation with established infrastructure in Mexico and Central America. The new facility will act as a central R&D hub for Sakata in Mexico and Central America and allow for further exciting collaboration with Sakata Seed America’s four other R&D stations spanning North America.”
The land and facilities have been leased by Sakata Seed for the past three years, a press release explained. Significant growth in the region led to the decision to secure a permanent location in Culiacán, which is home to many global seed breeding companies.
This acquisition and newly expanded infrastructure will further enable Sakata to operate breeding, sales, marketing, and production efforts in Mexico. The site will officially be named the Culiacán Innovation Center, mirroring the Woodland Innovation Center in Woodland, California. Within Mexico, the facility will be known as CIEN, or Centro de Innovación y Excelencia Nacional (National Center of Innovation and Excellence).
“In order to continue to grow our leadership and market share in Mexico, we need the proper environment to accommodate our growth. The Culiacán Innovation Center will supply the necessary space and resources for Sakata to breed, innovate, and support the Mexico market,” says Mauricio Pineda, General Manager of Sakata Seed de Mexico.
As Sakata continues to build out its footprint in Mexico, we here at ANUK will keep an eye out for the latest news.