WAYNE, PA - Tekni-Plex is making strategic plays to strengthen its brand and further establish its presence in the fresh food space. Revealing its latest tactic, the packaging innovator announced it has acquired assets and licensed technologies of Fibro Corporation, a Tacoma, Washington-based company that develops and manufactures innovative molded-fiber packaging.
“With these acquisitions, we are building a material agnostic platform from which Tekni-Plex will provide materials-science based solutions that meet our customers’ performance and sustainability needs across a variety of substrates,” said Eldon Schaffer, Chief Executive Officer, Tekni-Plex Consumer Products. “We believe these solutions will be extremely attractive to the high-growth fresh foods markets, especially on the perimeter of the store.”
According to a press release, the transaction strategically expands Tekni-Plex’s solutions in the fresh food marketplace to include a broader range of sustainable, pulp-based packaging solutions.
The new assets and technology became a part of Tekni-Plex’s Dolco Packaging business on January 18. This move positions the packaging provider as one of the only United States suppliers of egg cartons manufactured in foam polystyrene, PET, and pulp-based materials. With the acquisition of these resources, Dolco will expand its product offerings beyond its primary focus on egg cartons and meat trays, concentrating on growth within the fresh food sector.
“The Fibro transaction aligns well with Tekni-Plex’s existing Dolco Packaging business, and will enable us to create a range of best-in-class, sustainable solutions while delivering added customer value,” said Jay Arnold, Tekni-Plex Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dolco Packaging. “Our intention is to invest further in this innovative technology platform as we scale up, increase capacity, and expand our product lines to bring superior solutions to the broader fresh foods landscape.”
Fibro’s advanced pulp technologies create revolutionary packaging that allows for easier and more precise printing, improved product protection, and more streamlined packaging line operation.
This recent acquisition rapidly advances Tekni-Plex’s ambitious goal of achieving sustainability-minded, material agnosticism across a broad spectrum of packaging solutions. This deal, in addition to the company’s recent acquisitions of Keyes Packaging Group and Grupo Phoenix, Tekni-Plex has significantly strengthened its fiber and paper capabilities, thus increasing its ability to provide new innovations to better protect products, strengthen brands, and increase sustainably.
Curious to see how this key acquisition will bring more packaging innovations to the fresh produce sector? Stay tuned to ANUK to find out.
BRENTWOOD, MO - A leader well known to us here at AndNowUKnow is expanding her influence, wielding her industry prowess to advance a key organization. The leader I’m speaking of is CarrieAnn Arias, Vice President of Marketing for Naturipe Farms, who was recently appointed as 2022 Chairman of the Board for the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH).
“I want to thank the PBH Board of Trustees, as well as extend my sincere appreciation to my predecessor, Matt Middleton of Ventura Foods, for his tremendous leadership of PBH during yet another challenging year,” said Arias. “I’m thrilled to work with the PBH team to advance the mission, grow the organization, and ultimately rally the industry around consumption. I am both humbled and honored by the opportunity to lead.”
Arias was recently approved by the PBH Board of Trustees and will be taking over the position from Matt Middleton, Vice President of Retail Sales for Ventura Foods. Over the last year, Middelton has helped to guide PBH through unprecedented challenges to continue to drive forward is goals.
“The past year has definitely had its challenges, yet the great PBH staff under Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak’s leadership were true champions and steered us through the rocks,” said Middleton. “I am thankful for the opportunity to have served as Chairman of such a great organization. We have so much more to do to increase consumption, and I know that under CarrieAnn’s leadership, we will make great strides forward!”
According to PBH’s governance, the organiztion is a 501c(3) organization led by the decisions of its Executive Officers, as well as the commitment, leadership, and support of the Board of Trustees. The 2022 PBH Executive Committee will include other well-respected industry names, including:
2022 PBH Executive Committee Officers
- Matt Middleton, Ventura Foods – Immediate Past Chairman of the Board
- Desiree Olivero, Wakefern Food Corporation – Vice Chairman of the Board
- Jason Osborn, The Wonderful Company – Secretary and Treasurer
2022 PBH At-Large Executive Committee Members
- Steven Jennings – Ahold Delhaize | USA
- Andrew Burchett – Bayer
- Bil Goldfield – Dole Food Company
- Nichole Towell – Duda Farm Fresh Foods
- Jeff Scramlin – HZPC
- Leona Neill – Red Sun Farms
- Kimberely Challoner - Seneca Foods Corporation
- Brianna Shales – Stemilt Growers
- Fernando Herrera – Sun-Maid Growers of California
Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President and Chief Executive Officer of PBH commented on Arias’ new role as Chairman of the Board.
“CarrieAnn has served as a trusted advisor to me over the last few years given her tenure on the Executive Committee, and I am thrilled to work more closely with her as Chairman of the Board,” she stated. “Her passion is contagious, and it shines through in everything she embraces. CarrieAnn is committed to growing PBH and the Have A Plant® Movement, while also advancing the industry’s collective commitment to overall fruit and vegetable consumption.”
During the recent January meeting, the PBH Board of Trustees also revisited the 2020–23 PBH Strategic Plan in addition to discussing details for the 2022 PBH Business Plan and Budget. The organization will continue its commitment to growth and increasing consumption based on its six pillars: Research and Behavioral Expertise, Consumer and Influencer Engagement, Convening Thought Leadership, Industry and Partner Engagement; Philanthropic Distinction, and Operational Excellence.
“PBH’s Strategic Plan is spot on for what the industry needs to change consumer consumption behaviors. The moment is now to rally around consumption and get people excited about eating and enjoying more fruits and vegetables every day,” added Arias. “PBH is also providing the industry with valuable platforms to help Americans choose fruits and vegetables first, and I strongly encourage the industry to get on board with supporting PBH and the Have A Plant Movement.”
Congratulations to CarrieAnn Arias on this exciting new role!
COACHELLA, CA - Listen closely—can you hear the bells? If not, it’s probably because only metaphorical bells are ringing throughout my home office as I spark up a conversation with Prime Time International's Eric Meyer, Sales Manager of the company’s Nogales office, to get a break down of the current bell pepper market.
“Our bell pepper season at Prime Time is year-round, along with sweet mini peppers and asparagus,” Eric begins. “In regards to our current west Mexico season, we are about halfway into our Nogales deal. Quality to date has been exceptional, and crop yields have been significant as we have enjoyed fine pepper growing conditions.”
The colorful category has continued to see steady demand overall, with some spikes sending surges to the produce department.
“Demand has remained steady on the pepper front, typical for this time in the winter season. Terrific crop yields and production coupled with truck shortages have led to some gluts in the market, but any interruption on the supply-side has led to some spikes in demand,” Eric notes.
To maximize this steady demand in terms of shopper dollars, Prime Time is reporting promotable volumes, wielding a vast lineup of pepper products to help buyers boost category success.
“At this time, we have steady, promotable volumes on quality-colored greenhouse peppers, red and green field-grown peppers, as well as sweet mini peppers,” Eric states. “Aside from our standard packs on greenhouse and field-grown peppers, we offer an array of specialty packs, display-ready packs, bagged and sleeved peppers, all retail-ready in the Prime Time brand.”
Buyers, you can easily turn those metaphorical bells into real-life register rings with a high-quality lineup like that of Prime Time International.
CORVALLIS, OR - While space exploration may seem like a task reserved for astronauts and Elon Musk, Cosmic Crisp® is elevating its partnership with 2 Towns Ciderhouse to the galaxy level. The specialty beverage supplier recently announced a new imperial series featuring two bold, new flavor frontiers, Tropical Cosmic Crisp® and Blueberry Cosmic Crisp®.
“Undoubtedly, the partnership with 2 Towns Ciderhouse and Cosmic Crisp will live long and prosper,” said Kathryn Grandy, Chief Marketing Officer, Cosmic Crisp. “We are delighted to build upon this natural alliance and excited to be collaborating on such incredible flavor innovations with 2 Towns.”
The inventive lineup includes three high-gravity ciders: Tropical Cosmic Crisp®, Blueberry Cosmic Crisp®, and the original Cosmic Crisp®. All three of the dazzling drinks are crafted with Cosmic Crisp apples, introducing our fellow Earthlings to a taste that is out of this world—literally.
“We are thrilled to launch these new varieties of the Cosmic Explorer Series,” said Dave Takush, Head Cider Maker at 2 Towns. “The spectacular flavor of the Cosmic Crisp apple really supports the tangy and tropical vibes of the passionfruit and hibiscus. I also love how the character of the NW blueberries really shines through in the Blueberry Cosmic. Both of these new Cosmic ciders are out of this world.”
Tropical Cosmic Crisp embodies purple passion fruit, hibiscus flowers, and Cosmic Crisp apples, while Blueberry Cosmic Crisp blends Northwest blueberries with Cosmic Crisp apples to create the ultimate space-age cider.
Tropical Cosmic Crisp and Blueberry Cosmic Crisp will hit store shelves in early February, joining the original Cosmic Crisp flavor launched in 2021, to round out the alluring Cosmic Explorer Series, a new, high ABV, imperial cider line from 2 Towns. The Cosmic Explorer Series will be available through distributors in the Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska, Idaho, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, and Arizona markets.
Buyers, take to the stars with these specialty, apple-infused beverages, and you’ll find more than just evidence of life in the store aisles.
MONTEREY, CA - With its latest release, the Organic Produce Network (OPN) alongside Category Partners revealed that 2021 was a monumental year for organic fresh produce. In its 2021 Organic Produce Performance Report, it was announced that the category grew sales by 5.5 percent, hitting $9 billion for the first time.
“It is very apparent that consumer supermarket food purchases the past year reflected more traditional buying trends as compared to the COVID-inspired purchasing changes we saw in 2020,” said Matt Seeley, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Organic Produce Network. “At the same time, we saw many organic fresh produce categories continue to show solid growth as part of the longer-term trend of consumers moving to organic produce and, in turn, growing organic’s share of market.”
Although foodservice began to pick up again in 2021, organic produce sales and volume at retail still showed year-over-year growth in all four quarters, according to a release. Overall, organics outpaced conventionally grown produce in year-over-year gains in both sales and volume. In total, organic fresh produce sales for the year topped out at $9.2 billion, an increase of $477 million compared to 2020.
Among organic categories, fresh berries were a star performer in terms of year-over-year growth, showing a 14 percent gain in sales and 10 percent rise in volume. Packaged salads, berries, and apples, meanwhile, accounted for two-thirds of all organic fresh dollar growth in 2021. Although organic berries saw a large year-over-year dollar increase, packaged salads were again the top organic fresh produce category by total sales, rounding out at $1.5 billion.
Throughout 2021, packaged salads had one of the highest organic price premiums over conventional at $3.11/lb. Organic berries also showed significant price premiums with blackberries at $3.01/lb, blueberries at $2.18/lb, and raspberries sitting at $2.52/lb.
“While a gap remains in the average retail price per pound between organic and conventional, the price increases in both categories last year were remarkably similar,” said Steve Lutz, Senior Vice President of Insights and Innovation at Category Partners. “The average retail for conventional increased by $0.08/lb to $1.57/lb, while organic increased from $0.094/lb to $2.97/lb. Granted, the percentage increase in organic [was] smaller, but the aggregate change was very close.”
As noted in the report, overall organic produce volume rose by 2 percent. Organic bananas continued to move the most volume, with 547 lbs sold in 2021, a 3.4 percent increase from 2020. Three categories—berries, watermelons, and citrus—drove total organic volume increases in 2021.
“Sales of organic produce in 2021, while up a bit less than expected, remain on par with the historical long-term growth trends we have come to expect for organic produce,” continued Lutz. “As the foodservice sector reopened, consumers began to shift some meals back to foodservice channels. The net result in 2021 is many produce categories—especially vegetables—had weaker growth when matched against 2020.”
To read more details from the report, click here.
With a pattern of growth emerging over the past year, what will 2022 hold for organic fresh produce? Only time and AndNowUKnow will tell, so keep clicking.
TAMPA, FL - Shortly after evolving its sustainability strategies to optimize the operations of its industry allies, IFCO Systems has announced it has awarded its annual Sustainability Certificate for the fifth consecutive year, acknowledging its retail and grower partners’ sustainability efforts using IFCO RPCs.
“As the company that makes sustainability its purpose, striving for a sustainable fresh grocery supply chain, IFCO is very proud to acknowledge its clients’ commitment to a sustainable future,” explains Michael Pooley, Chief Executive Officer. “We realize that the majority of our customers have committed to ambitious sustainability targets, and we are delighted to contribute to their progress and provide reliable evidence of their savings.”
IFCO first launched its sustainability certification initiative in September 2018. As part of the initiative, each of the company’s retailer and grower customers will receive a certificate highlighting the amount of carbon emissions, water, energy, solid waste, and food waste avoided by utilizing IFCO RPCs in their supply chain.
IFCO has been a pioneer in the reusable packaging space for decades. As explained in a press release, the innovator has been operating its business model based on the circular economy, where crates are reused up to 120 times and, when no longer repairable, are 100 percent recycled into new IFCO RPCs. With this method, IFCO enabled more than 616,699 metric tons of CO2e emission savings in 2021 for customers using IFCO RPCs.
Utilizing its unique business model, the IFCO SmartCycle™, based on the principles of “share and reuse,” the company reduces the environmental footprint of its partners’ supply chains.
Companies harnessing IFCO solutions generated the following environmental savings in 2021:
- 616,699 metric tons of CO2e—equivalent to 333,190 fewer cars on the road in a year
- 10.8 million cubic meters of water—equivalent to over 244 million five-minute showers
- 38,688 terajoules of electricity—enough to power over 20.4 million light bulbs for a year
- 310,795 metric tons of solid waste—equivalent to the trash produced by 229 million individuals per day
The use of IFCO RPCs saves food waste equivalent to 92 million average meals. These benefits carry through to IFCO customers’ supply chains and represent a significant achievement for companies wanting to protect their fresh products while still being committed to improving their sustainability performance.
Expanding its sustainability commitment in a move to drive the circular economy, IFCO recently released its ESG (Environmental Social Governance) 2025 strategy, outlining the tactics it plans to implement to combat climate change and food waste for a sustainable fresh grocery supply chain.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we report on all the latest innovations and strategies revolutionizing the fresh produce industry.
NEW YORK - Big-box retailer Walmart seems to have an aggressive growth strategy in motion as the company has recently announced new executives, a leadership shakeup, and an investment in fresh produce. Building on this development, Hazel, the retailer’s independent fintech arm launched in partnership with Ribbit Capital, has revealed that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Even and ONE fintech platforms.
“Walmart is constantly looking for new ways to deliver on our core mission of helping our customers save money and live better,” said John Furner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart U.S. and Board Member of the combined business. “Customers have made it clear that they want more from us in the financial services arena. Creating a simple, personalized app that allows users to manage their money in one place is the natural next step toward fulfilling that. We couldn’t be more excited about what this will mean for Walmart customers, associates, and consumers everywhere as we try to help empower millions to improve their financial lives.”
The transactions are currently expected to close in the first half of 2022, pending approvals, as noted in a release. Through these acquisitions, Hazel will be able to deliver a single financial services app that allows consumers to get paid, spend, save, borrow, and grow their money.
Following the acquisition, the new combined business will operate under the brand name ONE, and will provide users with the chance to holistically manage their finances in one place. The company’s services and products will be made available directly to consumers through employers and merchants, including access given to Walmart’s 1.6 million U.S. associates and 100 million-plus weekly shoppers.
"Consumers are always seeking better services, and in financial services, this means transparency, access, and simplicity,” added Micky Malka, Managing Partner, Ribbit Capital and Board Member of the combined business. “The combination of these world-class teams and products will give ONE a unique opportunity to bring a new level of service and access to millions of Americans.”
As the combined business comes to fruition, Omer Ismail will lead ONE as Chief Executive Officer. Other leaders, David Baga, CEO of Even, and Brian Hamilton, Co-Founder of ONE, will remain in key leadership positions. Upon closing of the transactions, the combined business will have more than 200 employees and more than $250 million in cash on the balance sheet to fund future growth.
“Consumers everywhere are being left behind by the world of financial services,” commented Ismail. “Our vision is clear: build on Even and ONE’s success to offer a product that offers consumers the best way to spend, the best way to access their wages, and helps millions save and grow their money. I’m looking forward to partnering with two stellar leaders in Brian and David to improve the financial lives of tens of millions of consumers.”
Over time, as the ONE app grows, Walmart announced that it will become integrated inside its physical and digital channels, offering solutions to its associates and shoppers.
To read the release in full and understand more of the company’s goals, click here.
With this ambitious growth strategy at work, what will come next for the big-box retailer? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for answers.
ONTARIO, CANADA - It’s berry time all the time, especially with amazing supply-side partners like the kind you find in Mucci Farms. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, consumers are already looking to the produce department to bring that fresh message to the special day. So, retailers, time to give those grocery baskets what they long for: a strawberry strategy that delivers.
“At Mucci Farms, our production window is 365 days a year thanks to the largest controlled environment berry farm on the continent that allows us to harvest fresh strawberries in the middle of February in a cold climate,” Joe Spano, Vice President of Sales and Marketing shares. “This is made possible by innovative growing techniques, ongoing research and development, and a massive 72 acres of scale to deliver on our quality and commitment.”
Mucci Farms prioritizes local production in cold regions and is currently servicing Eastern Canada and the Midwest United States.
So, how does one make the best of the strawberry category partners? Dan Branson, Senior Director of Business and Product Development, tells me that—particularly with greenhouse growers—the team highly recommends that retailers enter long-term partnerships to ensure consistent quality and supply throughout the year.
“In the winter, it’s always a bit tougher to find product in general. And, in cold regions, finding locally or regionally grown product is even tougher. With finite farming real estate, planning in advance is imperative as it ensures that consistent quantity and supply will be available specifically for the retailer,” Dan reveals. “Our experienced team of experts is well-versed in putting together comprehensive strategies specific to our retail partners that include consideration for higher traffic seasons.”
Along with solid recommendations to fuel sales and long-term consumer loyalty, Mucci Farms is also a leading source for merchandising tips and strategies to create destinations that speak to the consumer as well as the bottom line. A big part of that starts by dedicating effort in high-traffic areas rather than inline when it comes to holiday promotions.
“Do as much cross-merchandising as you can with complimentary items throughout the store, including floral if it’s available,” Dan tells me. “Specifically for Valentine’s Day, merchandising strawberries with floral or chocolate could be a big hit. Reinforce these efforts on social media to market these complementary combinations and have them all accessible at arm’s length in the store.”
For those focused on a relationship beyond a business transaction, Mucci Farms has your ticket. The company maintains a vision of working with its partners for the long haul and building plans that bring items to market, expand production on key items, improve sales, and offer a wide range of support through its in-house marketing capabilities.
“The biggest advantage of working with us begins with our emphasis on quality, consistency, and flavor of all our fruits and veggies. That’s first and foremost. With that nucleus, we utilize our team of nearly 2,000 to innovate and execute for our partners across the continent,” Joe says. “In terms of strawberries, growth and innovation are our lifeblood. Nobody on the continent has grown strawberries indoors at this scale because it’s a very difficult product to master from end to end. In partnership with a large retailer, we worked together through numerous stages of trial and error to get to the production and efficiency levels we have today.”
It is impressive to write about such a well-rounded company as Mucci Farms. And, the team is taking their dedication one step further—into the community. For the local Windsor/Essex, Ontario, community, the company is putting its own spin on candygrams by doing SmuccieGrams in partnership with The Flowershop at Thiessen’s in Kingsville, Ontario. For $20, locals can send a red rose, a pack of award-winning Smuccies™ Sweet Strawberries with a special custom label, and a mini jar of Nutella. Even better, delivery is free and 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to The Welcome Center, Shelter for Women and Families in Windsor.
I would say it is a happy Valentine’s Day on multiple fronts, from retail shelves to the community plate.
CASTROVILLE, CA - It’s the time of the season where the love runs high—Peace Love & Artichokes, that is. Kicking off its Coachella, California, artichoke production season, Ocean Mist® Farms has been growing in the region for more than two decades. This year also marks the fourth consecutive year of the supplier’s successful Peace Love & Artichokes campaign.
“Every year is different, with Mother Nature being in charge,” said Jeff Percy, Vice President of Production in Coachella. “Artichoke harvest is in full swing a bit earlier than last year, and we are pleased with the demand for our Frost Kissed® chokes. Looking at production volumes, we have good quality and supply for the balance of the Coachella artichoke season.”
As the season gets underway, promotable volumes of Ocean Mist artichokes have been revealed and are expected to be available for the majority of the Coachella season, according to a release. Buyers interested in Ocean Mist artichokes are encouraged to get in on the action now by connecting with one of the company’s salespeople to discuss opportunities.
Because artichokes generally grow in Mediterranean-like climates, Ocean Mist has worked to hone a desert-grown proprietary seed variety made especially for the Coachella Valley. By utilizing the region’s optimal growing conditions from the winter to the spring, the supplier is able to maintain high quality standards year-round.
To showcase the progress during the season, Ocean Mist will be issuing a bi-weekly video field report as part of its Trade Email campaign to show off Coachella artichoke production during February. This is just one of several trade activations being used to elevate Ocean Mist artichokes with the buy-side.
Appealing to shoppers, Ocean Mist is launching a multifaceted campaign that will be launching at the start of February and lasting through April 8. The campaign will feature email marketing to a large community of consumers and produce buyers, social media and Google advertising, and sweepstakes prizes.
As this highly anticipated season continues forward, Ocean Mist Farms will continue to share the artichoke love.
For more category updates from across the industry, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.
BATAVIA, OH - Growth is defined by those who take risks—those who lean into challenges and remain curious. With the right leaders at the helm, there is no telling what can be accomplished, and GoldenSun Insights (GSI) is poised for exponential success with its most recent promotion. As the company projects further growth in 2022, Naba Bakar has been named its new Vice President of Marketing.
“I am excited to take on this new role in 2022,” said Bakar. “It is a privilege to work for Randy [Riley] and Jason [Fuller] and to work with the outstanding members of my team. Together, I am confident we can accomplish our clients’ strategic goals.”
Bakar combines over 10 years of marketing experience, an MBA focused in marketing strategy, and a background in the sciences as she steps up as VP. According to a press release, she started with the company in 2016 and has held the titles of Director of Marketing and Senior Marketing Manager over the past several years.
As GoldenSun added new positions and grew its business size throughout 2021, it became necessary for someone to step in and manage the expanded team. For Co-Owners Jason Fuller and Randy Riley, Bakar was the clear choice to fill this need. With Bakar at the helm, GoldenSun anticipates a year of growth that outpaces 2021.
“What we’re seeing in recent years is retailers consolidating their fulfillment needs,” said Fuller. “For growers and shippers to continue to compete on a national level, they need to place investment in marketing and program business to keep their product at shelf. Naba brings years of experience in marketing and will be invaluable to helping our clients meet their goals.”
Riley also commented on the appointment.
“Last year offered many opportunities for GSI’s expansion,” he said. “Our goal in growing is to be an even better solution for our client’s strategy, business development, and marketing needs. Naba is going to be integral in taking GSI to the next level.”
Congratulations to Naba Bakar on this well-deserved promotion!