SAN FRANCISCO, CA - E-commerce has come a long way—remember when we couldn’t imagine ordering fruit online, and now it’s a regular occurrence for American consumers? No stranger to this space is DoorDash, which has linked arms with foodservice operators and retailers alike to deliver fresh products. Entering the floral category, the grocery ally is making itself even more of a viable partner for the buy-side.
Officially launching flower delivery on the DoorDash platform today, the company is partnering with more than 3,000 local and national florists across the country. This news marks a partnership expansion with many of DoorDash’s grocery and convenience store merchants, delivering flowers from Florals & Gifts by Albertsons and Bloom Cart by Safeway.
According to a release, this partnership better allows for consumers to access the floral department at their favorite retailers. As many of the Produce Buyers we know extend their expertise to floral, we’ll be intrigued to see how this extended partnership works out!
As DoorDash continues to expand, it will be interesting to see the multiple avenues in which it behooves itself to the buy-side. For many of us, e-commerce continues to be an active space that will make watching the market interesting for years to come.
THIBODAUX, LA & BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI - Whether before the pandemic or during, consumers have gotten a taste of e-commerce, and now the sector is growing like wildfire. As retailers navigate the space, Rouses Markets is one of the latest to introduce a new grocery ordering solution as it has partnered with eGrowcery. Through the alliance, the grocer will have its own Rouses Markets Shopping App, giving consumers access to curbside pickup and more.
“We continue to invest in new partnerships and technologies like eGrowcery to give our customers the very best shopping experience, both in store and online,” said Donny Rouse, Chief Executive Officer, Rouses Markets. “With eGrowcery, our own team members, the people who know our stores and selection better than anyone else, hand-select every product ordered for curbside pickup. It’s like having your favorite Rouses team member as your own personal shopper.”
Through eGrowcery’s technology, consumers are able to shop, place an order, and schedule their curbside grocery pickup via an app or the Rouses Market website, a press release stated.
Rouses’ new partners eGrowcery operates in both the United States and internationally, experiencing a growing number of retailers looking to create their own branded e-commerce experiences.
CEO of eGrowcery, Patrick Hughes shared his excitement about the recent partnership with Rouses Markets.
“It’s always great when we can work with a quality brand like Rouses Markets. It’s even better watching them bring their years of retail expertise to the table,” he said. “We are ecstatic to do our part by empowering their personal shoppers with our technology, ensuring the highest quality of product selection in the process all while helping them become more connected to their shoppers.”
Backed by this impactful new partner, how will Rouses Markets further develop its e-commerce operations? Keep clicking on AndNowUKnow for updates.
WATSONVILLE, CA - On the heels of the release of its new retail connection platform, Procurant, a cloud-based software company, is also unveiling mobile perishable inspection process Procurant Inspect.
“Procurant Inspect is a game changer for retailers, essentially linking the produce receiving docks to the buyers and sellers of fresh produce,” Kevin Brooks, Chief Marketing Officer, explained in a released statement. “It helps produce inspectors be more effective and enables all supply chain participants to have up-to-the-minute information and long-term trend data about the quality of inbound products.”
Running on any standard tablet device, the program looks to accelerate this quality control process at retail grocery distribution centers. Features include:
- Commodity-specific USDA standard defect lists
- Instant visibility into inspection status and scores for buyers using Procurant One
- Advanced search capability for inspectors to quickly identify orders
- On-demand load rejection reports with details, images, and comments
- Inspection analytics with summaries of inspections and supplier scores
The software is available as an annual subscription, eliminating the need for paper, clipboards, and other pricey and tough-to-track pen-and-paper documentation. And Procurant Inspect works with the new Procurant One platform, which the company said supports advanced analytics into supplier performance and quality and provides instant visibility to all parties if rejections occur via an integrated approach.
How else will technology, specifically produce-focused technology, further our industry? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
MISSION, TX- Show season is hitting its stride, and the industry is already planning out its social calendar. Those penciling in the highly anticipated 2022 Viva Fresh Expo will make note that the show has announced its first keynote speaker: Dave McGillivray.
“Inspiration comes in many forms, including that of cautionary tales and Dave’s story is just that,” remarked Dante Galeazzi, Chief Executive Officer and President of Texas International Produce Association, the association which is responsible for hosting Viva Fresh. “To hear firsthand from a dedicated athlete how he found his way to health eating and had to change his lifestyle to include more fruits and vegetables is a reminder to us all that no one is immune, and we all need to find the clean eating balance in a stressful life.”
Although McGillivray might not be a household name to the average American, your knowledge of the Boston Marathon means you may know his work even if you don’t know his name. According to a press release, he served since 1988 as the Technical and Race Director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, and is an athlete, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and author. He’s also a survivor of triple bypass heart surgery.
“Dave will share his triumphs and defeats and there is no doubt his stories, sage advice, and the motivation that he bestows as he recounts his journey through terrorism, COVID, and a life-saving surgery is something that will ring clear and be a highlight of our keynote luncheon while inspiring everyone to dream big and finish strong,” Galeazzi continued.
From the beginning, the Viva Fresh steering committee committed to sharing the message of healthy eating and the power of fresh fruits and vegetables. There is no better person to champion those messages than this world class athlete, who by his own account did not commit to eating healthy until he was faced with a major health crisis and recovery that was a product of both his genetics and poor eating habits.
As an athlete, McGillivray has logged more than 150,000 miles, completed 164 marathons, is a nine-time competitor in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship and has been inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame, not to mention has completed a coast-to-coast run for charity. As the release noted, his proudest accomplishment is the fact that he and his company, DMSE, have raised more than $200 million for various charities over the past 40 years.
McGillivray’s experience extends far beyond his athletic achievements, with unique skills in business, logistics, and problem solving that he shares in stories about the moments, hours, and days in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing the challenges of pivoting to new business models during a pandemic.
Book your tickets now to see Dave McGillivray at Viva Fresh, held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, on April 21–23, 2022.
WASHINGTON, DC - Wilson, North Carolina-based Lancaster Farms LLC has posted a $50,000 surety bond with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to employ John Fowler, as required by the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
Direct From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
John Fowler was an officer of First Fruits Holdings LLC, in Wake Forest, North Carolina, which was found to have committed repeated and flagrant violations of Section 2 of the PACA.
Any PACA licensee wishing to employ individuals who have failed to pay a reparation award, or have been subject to a USDA disciplinary action, must post a USDA approved surety bond. USDA will hold the $50,000 surety bond for four years, effective December 29, 2021, providing assurance to the industry that the firm will be able to pay for produce purchased and to conduct its business according to PACA rules.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $165 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 6,600 callers with issues valued at approximately $169 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For contact information and to read the release in its entirety, click here.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - In the month of February, the world around us becomes a beautiful montage of red and pink hues. Oppy has played a key part in this, bringing red kiwifruit to North America for nearly a decade. In recent seasons, the purveyor has made moves to build the market with a fresh crop from Italy and Greece.
“This is a really exciting extension to the kiwifruit category,” said Steve Woodyear-Smith, Vice President of Categories for Tropicals. “By bringing something different to retail that delivers health, flavor, and color choices, it attracts those produce-conscious consumers looking to try a new item and expand their horizons.”
Oppy currently offers the fruit in 1 lb clamshells, with plans to expand its trials of red kiwifruit varieties in the future, employing new ways to optimize the expanding shelf space dedicated to the nutrient-dense fruit, as explained in a press release.
“We’re hearing lots of excitement from our retail partners. Customers are already very excited about the fruit, noting its appealing exterior, beautifully colorful interior, and delicious, berry-like taste,” added Woodyear-Smith.
The provider’s internal testing of the red kiwifruit uncovered very high brix levels and an enticing sweetness characterized by notes of strawberry. In 2020, as explained in the release, Oppy supplied over 30 percent of all kiwifruit available in the North American market according to U.S. Census Bureau Trade Data and Statistics Canada.
As the fresh supplier continues to put efforts in place to expand this rising category, AndNowUKnow will be here to report on the new buy-side opportunities that arise.
ISSAQUAH, WA - A carefully planned succession strategy was carried out by Costco last week. The company announced in an 8-K filing that Ron Vachris stepped up as President and Chief Operating Officer and will additionally serve in a newly created role on the company’s Board of Directors. He succeeds Craig Jelinek, who will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer and Board Member.
Vachris is a veteran of the retail industry, having joined Costco in 1993 when the company merged with Price Club, and holding the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Merchandising since 2016. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Real Estate Development, beginning in August 2015, after occupying the position of Senior Vice President, General Manager, Northwest Region since 2010, the 8-K filing stated. He began his time with Price Club in 1982, according to Crunchbase.
The news comes as Craig Jelinek carries out the company’s succession plan by focusing on the role of CEO.
As reported by Bloomberg, this announcement poses Vachris to succeed Jelinek as CEO once he enters retirement.
The news source stated that Jelinek has held the role of CEO for 10 years and has driven incredible growth for the company. Prior to his current role, he served as President and COO, and according to his LinkedIn, he also previously held the role of Executive Vice President.
Further details of Costco’s succession plan were not disclosed in the 8-K filing.
We at ANUK will keep an eye out for new reports surrounding Costco’s executive leadership.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Some days, I wish I had the near-impossible ability to see into the future. As a trade news writer, however, I am sometimes awarded this luxury, as I get to sit down with industry trailblazers while they map out their plans for future growth. Looking at the remaining 11 months of 2022, I recently spoke with Josh Leichter, Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Trellis, who outlined the strategies set to drive success for the company all year long.
“In 2022, we will continue to expand and diversify our supply base across the entire product line,” Josh explains. “We are building out robust marketing campaigns and promotions to further educate consumers on our exclusive, high flavor varieties.”
Pacific Trellis is putting multiple plans in place to continue its upward trajectory, as the supplier has recently seen impressive operational advancements that are laying the groundwork for further growth. With expanded grape programs in California and Mexico, growth in the imported citrus set, as well as a bolstered cherry program, the company is well-positioned to see higher sales across several fresh produce categories.
In addition to these expanded programs, the company is also expanding its Central America melon operations with full-size watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews.
“This year, we plan to further utilize the Dulcinea brand on products outside of melons as we are currently doing with the imported cherries, in addition to building out our transportation and logistics department,” notes Josh. “We are aware of the challenges across the industry—supply chain, rising costs, labor shortages, etc.—and are working closely with supplier partners and customers to manage this to continue to bring superior eating fruit to the consumer.”
As the category marketer puts these advantageous new strategies into play, AndNowUKnow will keep a close watch and report on the growth that is sure to come throughout 2022.
ORLAND, FL & HOUSTON, TX - Proving that there is truly strength in numbers, Kalera entered a definitive merger agreement recently. The vertical grower is joining forces with special purpose acquisition company Agrico Acquisition Corp. and will transition to a publicly listed company with its common shares traded on the NASDAQ stock market.
“Kalera and Agrico together form a team with the expertise to bring Kalera’s fresh, clean, and sustainable Local Living Lettuce™ to consumers across the globe,” Curtis McWilliams, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Kalera, said. “A tremendous need exists for healthy, sustainable, and surprisingly affordable food. At Kalera, we believe we have a business model that can bring nourishment across the globe while reducing environmental impact.”
Kalera’s current management team, including McWilliams, will continue to oversee the business, including the plan to further expand Kalera’s global network of vertical farms. Four operational facilities with an additional six under construction position the company and its team to achieve this vision.
According to a press release, the share exchange ratio implies a pro forma equity valuation of the combined company of $375 million on a fully diluted basis, assuming no redemptions by shareholders of Agrico. The transaction, which has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both Kalera and Agrico, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022 and remains subject to approval by both companies’ shareholders, as well as other customary closing conditions.
Additional information about the proposed transaction, including a copy of the business combination agreement, will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by Agrico with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Kalera is already positioned as a leader in the vertical farming industry with its 10 facilities operating or construction nearly complete and Vindara, its seed business dedicated to controlled environments,” Brent De Jong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Agrico, said. “The proposed merger with Agrico positions Kalera to be the first leafy green vertical farm company to have a national footprint in the U.S. and be able to reliably supply a national off-take contract while still being local. The Agrico team and its scaling experience will supplement an already strong Kalera management team and Board of Directors.”
More fresh produce news is just around the corner, so don’t go anywhere.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Ahead of one of the largest marketing opportunities of the year, Sam’s Club has tapped a new chief marketer. As Tony Rogers departs his position as Chief Member Officer, Ciara Anfield has been tapped to take over the role, earning the title of Senior Vice President and Chief Membership and Marketing Officer.
In her new position, Anfield will report to Kieran Shanahan, the newly appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer who will be joining Sam’s Club in mid-March from Walmart Canada, according to reporting from news source AdAge.
Anfield has served Walmart and Sam’s Club for the past 13 years, most recently as Vice President of Marketing for Sam’s Club, according to her LinkedIn. Prior to that, she served in a variety of leadership roles at Walmart, including Vice President of Retail Marketing; Senior Director, Experiential Marketing; and Market Manager.
This transition will occur as Rogers steps down from his position. He has not yet announced what his next moves will be. Before joining Walmart, he was an executive with PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay, and then was part of the Walmart team for 13 years before joining Sam’s Club in 2018. During his time at Walmart, he held roles such as Chief Marketing Officer of Walmart China and Walmart U.S.
Rogers expressed his belief in Anfield and her ability to lead the team forward in a statement obtained by AdAge.
“For the last few years, we’ve been building a team of all-stars, including Ciara, to move the Sam’s Club brand forward,” he said. “Ciara is a smart, strategic leader with a passion for our members, and with her in place, I feel great handing over the reins and beginning a new professional chapter of my own.”
Kath McLay, Chief Executive Officer, was also quoted in the same memo expressing her optimism about future company development.
“Over the past three years, Sam’s Club has experienced unprecedented growth,” she explained. “I am extremely proud of our results and more impressed by our unyielding obsession with serving our members. We are winning. But our members, the retail environment, and our competitors are relentless and ever-changing, and we can’t afford to become content or stagnant. We must continue to review, refine, and accelerate our strategy to achieve our ambitious goals.”
Cheers to Ciara Anfield and Tony Rogers as they make these next career moves!