SANTA PAULA, CA - The colors pink and yellow together immediately evoke memories of the vibrant and dreamlike sunsets that mark the end of each day. That, and Pink lemons, of course.
Limoneira is bringing the extraordinary, exclusive variety to produce departments, luring in shoppers with an inviting new fruit to cater to their citrus cravings.
“We are forecasting excellent quality this season for Pink lemons with their typically strong shelf-life,” Susan Jones-Ng, Limoneira’s Director of International Business Development, explains. “As for volume, our young trees in California continue to produce more and more fruit each year.”
The premium lemon variety boasts uniqueness as it features a pink-hued flesh, enticing shoppers with a naturally novel take on a consumer-favorite category.
“Retailers globally are looking for a new, exciting fruit to showcase to their shoppers. Pink lemons by nature are unique!” Susan exclaims. “Individually, Pinks can be full yellow in color with a slightly pink blush, or they can have various degrees of green stripes on their rind. With their many outward facets, they all have a lovely slightly pink- to significantly pink-colored flesh. Pink lemons are an exclusive variety, and they are not a hybrid. It’s nature’s way of creating a stunning, healthy new variety for consumers to enjoy.”
As if this alluring and distinctive citrus offering doesn’t practically merchandise itself, Limoneira has a multitude of tools up its sleeve to ensure retailers can maximize the potential of the premium variety. To draw shoppers in, the supplier has incredible, eye-catching images of Pinks to share, in addition to various packaging and display options. The company also offers soft and hard communication materials to utilize across online platforms and in stores.
“There are many ways to maintain the momentum for Pinks. Utilize numerous platforms to keep the energy going,” Susan advises. “Online meal kit services, grocery platforms, social media networks, and more have supported awareness of the variety.”
Limoneira also has a host of strategies for inspiring consumers and boosting not only this unique variety but the citrus category as a whole.
“We have numerous tools to drive sales—such as health tips, Nature’s Pharmacy™, recipes, and more—online. Just give us a call so we can chat about building a captivating program with you,” concludes Susan.
With this tempting citrus offering gracing your produce department, you’ll be floating on puffy pink clouds, soothed by the sound of recurring register rings.
PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is calling a host of retailers into the spotlight, highlighting the ambitious marketing plays that have uplifted the sector all 2021. Recognizing best-in-class marketing efforts by independent grocery retailers served by UNFI’s wholesale distribution business, the company has named the 22 category winners of its annual Master Marketer awards.
“While the grocery industry continues to fulfill its essential purpose of providing food and services to communities across North America, we at UNFI believe it’s important to recognize the dedication and innovation throughout,” said Steve Dietz, Chief Customer Officer. “We’re proud to work with each of the nominees and winners from this year’s Master Marketer program. Congratulations to all, and to Elmer’s for their achievement as this year’s Grand Master Marketer recipient.”
This year, 155 marketing programs were submitted for the 2021 Master Marketer awards, which are judged based on the creativity, clarity, and effectiveness of the stores’ marketing efforts. Entries were assessed by professors and marketing students from St. Joe’s University, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Michigan.
Babbs Supermarket and Graceway Supermarkets tied for Tier 1 Master Marketer, according to a press release. Dorothy Lane Market took home the Tier 2 Master Marketer while Pay-Less Market took home Tier 3.
In addition to the category winners, Elmer’s County Market, a family-owned, full-service grocery operator based in Escanaba, Michigan, since 1956, was named the 2021 Grand Master Marketer for overall consistent performance over the years.
To view the full list of store winners by category, click here.
Congratulations to all 22 winners for earning a spot on this prestigious list!
KEASBEY, NJ - Another key grocery acquisition is taking place as Saker ShopRites, which is owned and operated by the Saker family, has announced the acquisition of the assets of Perlmart, owned and operated by Michael Perlmutter.
“Perlmart has been dedicated to customer and community service since they first opened their doors, and we are proud to continue those traditions as we welcome their stores and associates into our family of supermarkets,” Richard Saker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saker ShopRites, said. “Both the Saker and Perlmutter families share a love of the supermarket business, and we think this is a great way to pass the baton from one local, family-owned business to another.”
Both the Saker and Perlmutter families have been committed to providing fresh, affordable foods in their stores and giving back to the communities where their stores operate, as noted in a press release, and both were early members of the retailer-owned cooperative, Wakefern Food Corp., which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
The Sakers have been in the grocery industry for over 100 years and currently operate 32 ShopRite stores in Ocean County, New Jersey, and employ more than 8,000 associates. Perlmart has grown to a chain of seven ShopRite stores in New Jersey, including pharmacies in Manahawkin, Lacey, Fischer Bay (Toms River), Manchester, Jackson, Bayville, and Waretown.
“We are proud to have been part of the Ocean County community for more than seven decades, and we are so grateful for the loyalty we’ve experienced from our customers and the dedication and friendship from our associates through the years,” said Michael Perlmutter. “As a family-operated business, we have viewed our associates as extended family members, and our relationship with some go back 35, 40, and more years."
To read more about the legacy of each of these companies, as well as the recent acquisition, click here.
To stay up to date on the latest moves in the grocery space, keep a tab open for ANUK.
DAVIS, CA - The leadership team at Engage3 has grown larger this week, as the company made a recent announcement. The provider appointed several new members to its team, all of whom have extensive expertise in the solutions sector.
Stephen Edelman, MBA has been named as the company’s General Manager of International. Edelman previously served as Chief Commercial Officer / Commercial Director for Quick Commerce delivery giant Gorillas US, as Vice President of Purchasing with Lidl US, and in merchandising and analytics roles with Target and Johnson & Johnson.
His significant retail, merchandising, procurement, pricing, and international experience will be leveraged to help the company launch across over 30 new countries in 2022, a press release explained.
Bringing over 15 years of expertise to the role of Vice President of Customer Success, Candace Simpson, MBA holds relevant experience across analytics, product, and operations with NielsenIQ and Nielsen.
Her expertise will support Engage3 since it more than doubled its customer count in 2021. Simpson’s team at NielsenIQ achieved high double-digit growth while achieving more than 99 percent on-time delivery, 95 percent quality rating, and 100 percent client retention during her tenure. Her responsibilities included leading operations in North America, operating the Nielsen Store Observations business, and serving as the delivery leader for the US Analytics Practice Area.
Dennis Smith brings over 20 years of SaaS experience to his role as General Manager of Non-FMCG Retail.
Smith’s prior experience includes leading Consulting Services at DemandTec, supporting Brands in his role as Vice President of New Business with Adstra Data, and serving as Senior Vice President of Client Services with Wiland and SpotRight, the press release noted. Smith’s expertise working with retailers and brands on pricing and marketing will allow him to accelerate the expansion of the company’s Non-FMCG business.
Ana Quintana was also appointed to a key leadership position.
The Managing Partner of Black Diamond Ventures and Co-Founder of SHE Ventures in Tech joins Engage3’s Board of Directors as part of the company’s recent Series D financing. She brings over 20 years of experience in venture capital and operations and has led the company’s investments in Engage3 across its Series B, C, and D financings.
Black Diamond Ventures was also an early investor in Engage3’s Founders’ first company, KhiMetrics, which was credited with inventing retail price optimization.
“2021 was an incredible growth year for our company, and we look forward to capitalizing on that traction by aggressively investing in our team, our products, and our customers,” said Edris Bemanian, Chief Executive Officer. “Each of these world-class executive hires brings new depth to our team. We look forward to the impact Stephen, Candace, and Dennis will bring across our strategic initiatives, as well as the growth-focused mentality Ana will bring to our Board meetings.”
Congratulations to these leaders on their new roles!
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - There’s plenty of love to go around this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re cuddling up to your partner and friends or indulging in some delicious and healthy food, this is one holiday worth celebrating. Frieda’s is ensuring its shoppers feel the love with a creative seasonal strategy, highlighting the versatility of crepes through in-store merchandising.
To help make your store a Valentine’s Day destination, Frieda’s suggests you encourage shoppers to make a delicious holiday breakfast by cross-merchandising crepes by the egg case, near sliced apples and cheddar cheese, or many other exciting places throughout the store.
Frieda’s French-style crepes can also be displayed alongside tropical fruits such as bananas and pineapples, a press release noted. Think Bananas Foster or Pineapple Upside-Down crepes—the imagery alone will make your shoppers drool. Or, expand your berry patch by showcasing crepes, whipped cream, Nutella, and hazelnuts with signage showing Frieda’s Strawberry & Chocolate hazelnut crepe cake.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to this delicious treat! So, get on board with Frieda’s, and make your store a Valentine’s Day oasis.
ITALY - At least one criminal was recently arrested in connection to a drug smuggling attempt made under the guise of fresh produce. Over three tons (6,000 pounds) of cocaine was uncovered hidden within shipments of goods, which included fresh bananas, and is estimated to be worth roughly $1.13 billion (€1 billion).
The bust took place in Italy and involved a shipment sent from South Africa. News source DW reported that Italian police officers and customs officials raided the port of Gioia Tauro, in Calabria, southern Italy. There, they uncovered 2.3 tons (4,600 pounds) of cocaine hidden amongst goods including bananas.
The remaining 850 kilograms (1,870 pounds) were seized when officials noticed a suspicious truck exiting the port, which was discovered to be transporting cocaine amongst bananas and other items. The driver of the truck has been arrested.
While further details of the incident were not released, we are incredibly thankful for the acts carried out to bust this criminal activity. Once again, our precious fresh produce has been saved from the dastardly deeds of drug smugglers.
MISSION, TX - There’s nothing like seeing a strategically positioned brand bring greater visibility to industry players. Such is the case with Lone Star Citrus’ Winter Sweetz brand, which the company is leveraging in its latest launch. Lone Star rolled out its second annual “Sweeter in Texas” sweepstakes, taking place through January 28 and shining a spotlight on Texas’ red grapefruit season.
“The Texas winter storm that hit us in February posed many obstacles as it knocked the blooms off the trees and destroyed their canopies,” said April Flowers, Director of Marketing. “Despite those challenges, the trees are recovering very nicely, and we’re especially thankful to be harvesting and shipping our delicious, sweet red grapefruit this season, even if they appear less than perfect. We look forward to engaging with our shoppers and helping them understand that it’s truly what's on the inside that counts!”
The sweepstakes offers shoppers a chance to win one $500 gift card and a shipment of about 20 Texas red grapefruits, valued at $35. A press release explained that consumers can enter via the official sweepstakes entry form on the Winter Sweetz website.
Wielding the Winter Sweetz name, Lone Star is utilizing its website, product Kwik Lok messaging, social media, influencer support, and email marketing to encourage entries and increase brand awareness.
The Winter Sweetz platform will also engage and educate consumers on how weather can affect the appearance of produce without compromising the quality and flavor, an important effort when it comes to reducing food waste. According to a recent study from Ohio State University, consumers are open to purchasing irregular produce with the right marketing and messaging in place.
Those interested in keeping up with the sweepstakes can visit the campaign link above.
May the biggest citrus fan win!
CHARLOTTE, NC - Packing up its products and hitting the road, Dole Food Company took a creative approach to get consumers interested in its lineup of DOLE® Salad Kits. Over the course of two months this past fall, the supplier carried out the Ahold Delhaize Dole Street Team Tour, visiting 99 Stop & Shop®, The Giant Company®, Giant Foods®, and Food Lion® supermarkets with a bright green food truck to promote its offerings.
“It was a privilege to partner with Stop & Shop, The Giant Company, Giant Foods, and Food Lion to showcase our expanded Chopped! salad kits and directly support our shared vision of healthy living through nutrition, especially a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Chuck Sardo, Director of Sales-East, Dole Fresh Vegetables. “Each stop incentivized local shoppers to explore their produce department as their go-to source for healthy and easy meal planning and preparation this fall and winter.”
The Ahold Delhaize Dole Street Team Tour took place over 64 days, with the team traveling nearly 6,000 miles to showcase the new, easy-to-prepare Dole Salad Kits in order to forge lasting impressions with East Coast shoppers. According to a release, the Tour also worked to promote the Ahold produce department as a go-to destination for all things health and wellness.
In total, the specially equipped green food truck stopped at 99 Ahold banner locations across nine states on the East Coast through November 7, 2021. At each of the stops, representatives from the Dole Salads Street Team gave out free branded premiums, recipes, and coupons for free and discounted DOLE Fresh Takes salad bowls as well as Chopped! and Premium salad kits.
Throughout the Tour, more than 9,380 reusable tote bags, bag clips, and tumblers were distributed, in addition to 19,700 DOLE Salad coupons. This is brand penetration at a new level!
As part of the event, Store and Produce Managers also greeted the Tour team and consumer at each stop. Over 250 hours of shopper and store associate interactions occurred with product sampling of more than 2,000 individual bags of Dole’s new Peppercorn and Buffalo Ranch Chopped! Kits.
Dole currently offers 68 packaged salad varieties including its popular Chopped! And Premium salad kit lines, mixes, and slaws. The company also has 15 ready-to-eat bowl salads, bringing its total salad offerings to 83.
Will Dole continue this unique marketing strategy, and if so, where will the Tour continue? Keep reading AndNowUKnow to find out.
CALIFORNIA - When I tell you my life changed when I put Tajín on a mango, I mean it. The seasoning has a significant following among shoppers, and many say they must have their fruit and veggies with it. Don’t only take our word for it, though, as Tajín partnered with an independent research firm, DLG Research, and conducted a two-day test.
For eight straight hours of sales in California and Texas at three different store locations, Tajín was either placed next to a bin of watermelons or it was absent from the display. The research was done alternating a day with Tajín next to full size watermelons in a bin and a day without Tajín next to the watermelons. Upon completion of the research, it was found that the sales of watermelon were boosted by 48 percent on average when placed next to a Tajín display.
“For years, we have been told by produce departments that when Tajín seasonings are placed in the produce department near particular items, that an increase in sales occurs,” stated Juan Carlos Limon, Marketing Manager, Tajín USA. “We know our own Tajín sales greatly increase when we are displayed in produce versus general grocery, but we wanted concrete facts to show our customers the increase in produce item sales, which is why we had this research conducted for us. We were very excited by the results; they tell a great story.”
According to a release, the hypothesis of the research was simple: If Tajín is placed next to produce items, the sales of fruits and vegetables increases. As we can see, it certainly worked for watermelons!
Other popular items include mango, pineapple, oranges, avocado, corn on the cob, pears, kiwifruit, berries, carrots, celery, cucumber, potatoes, and jicama. How about it, retailers? Ready to take a wager and put Tajín next to these offerings?
THE HOLIDAY UNIVERSE - There are so many ways to celebrate the holidays, and here at AndNowUKnow, we like to see how our friends do it with sweaters. This month, we received a host of submissions from those who reimagined the rules (wink wink) to others who came with designs fit to fuel laughter the whole month through.
This morning, we shared a selection of Yearbook holiday pics and sweaters galore, and now we are announcing the winners, selected by our editorial team!
Sweater or not you like your holiday attire silly or traditional, we found these knitted wonders put the bow on December cheer.
To our foodservice delight, Julie Olivarria, Vice President, Produce, Sysco, played along with our contest and took home the winning buy-side title with her love of llamas—and their love of Christmas.
And for our supply-side most stylish and savvy, the winning sweater encouraged us all to start Googling the silliest of Christmas sweaters for next year’s contest. Please help us congratulate Julie Criswell, Ocean Mist® Farms’ new Internal Communications Manager, on her holiday best this year!
Congrats to these two amazing Julies on their winning sweaters and the inspiration to raise the bar even higher next year! Keep an eye out for that late Christmas present from AndNowUKnow, Julie and Julie!
Thank you for all of your holiday cheer, continued support, and passion for the fresh produce industry, its people, and its vision!
By the way, sweater lovers, it is never too early to start shopping for (or creating) next year’s contest-competing candidates. We look forward to your 2022 submissions and all your fun and fancy digs!