BAKERSFIELD, CA - Like the roots, vines, and clusters that make for delicious California table grapes, those that provide them are deeply intertwined with their community. It is no wonder that investing in this beautifully interwoven system has powerful and lasting effects—and one in particular maps the generations those effects are spanning.

“Investment is a core concept of the California table grape industry. While California table grape growers invest in the future by constantly seeking more efficient ways to provide a beautiful, healthy product to consumers, they also look for ways to invest in the lives of farm workers, their families, and the rural communities in which they all live,” Kathleen Nave, President of the California Table Grape Commission, recently shared. “One way growers hope to invest in workers' lives is through the Field Worker Scholarship.”

This investment is a domino effect, meaning that those who invest in California table grapes also take part in these actions which propel the future of so many, and then our industry.

“Willingness to invest is often inspired by an innovative, novel idea, and when the scholarship program was established in 1985, it was novel—it was the first program of its kind in the country,” Kathleen tells me.

The program is designed to help field workers’ children access higher education, having grown as the needs of the community have changed since its launch 40 years ago. Today, these grower scholarships include the four-year Field Worker Scholarships, a two-year $14,500 Field Worker Bridge Scholarship for students beginning their higher education journeys at community college, and a four-year $25,000 Agriculture Scholarship for students interested in pursuing a career in the table grape industry. In 2024, seven scholarships were awarded.

“Choosing Grapes from California is an investment in the betterment of the lives of the California table grape community,” Kathleen concludes, proving that the simplicity of a move does not indicate its power.

To date, more than 200 students from small towns like Arvin, Delano, and McFarland, California, have done just that. Over the next few weeks, we want to share the stories of a few of them—we look forward to helping highlight the impact such investments have on the industry and beyond.

ISSAQUAH, WA - How is Costco’s new trade-in program, which lets people exchange old electronics for Shop Cards usable on groceries, impacting traffic to its grocery section?

Costco’s new trade-in program is drawing both members and non-members to its doors. Participants can trade in old electronics for Costco Shop Cards, which can be used to offset grocery expenses—a creative strategy for the member-focused retailer.

According to Yahoo! Finance, participants can visit Costco’s website, where users select their device model, answer questions about its condition, and receive a trade-in value quote without having to visit a Costco location.

This innovative initiative not only offers a practical solution for reducing food expenses but also fosters community engagement, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the benefits of shopping at Costco.

For regular Costco shoppers, the trade-in program is a convenient way to promote its groceries through their savings. For those who aren't Costco members, it's a fantastic opportunity to engage with the Costco community and enjoy its benefits—potentially expanding its membership pool.

Costco has established itself as a go-to destination for high-quality, premium fresh produce at competitive prices. With its focus on bulk buying, Costco also provides members with the convenience of stocking up on everyday essentials and specialty items alike, making it a one-stop shop for both everyday needs and special occasions.

As we recently reported, Costco’s steadfast business nature means that any update to its operations is big news. The retailer also recently announced plans to roll out membership card scanners at the doors.

For the latest updates and promotions from international grocery chains, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

JACKSONVILLE, FL - With hurricane season upon us, Southeastern Grocers (SEG) is reviving its annual in-store community donation program to provide impactful disaster relief efforts through the American Red Cross. Rolling out the program at its Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie banners, the retailer is welcoming customers to round up their purchases at checkout to donate to neighbors affected by current and future national disasters.

“We have nearly 100 years of experience serving the Southeast, and we’ve witnessed too many times the devastation hurricanes can bring,” Anthony Hucker, SEG President and Chief Executive Officer, said. “Our longtime partner, the American Red Cross, provides vital aid when disaster strikes, but we encourage all our Southeast neighbors to prepare now as we enter peak hurricane season. Time and again, our communities have bravely risen to face natural disasters, but the takeaway is always the same: preparation makes a difference.”

The in-store donation program runs now through September 17. Throughout SEG’s lifetime partnership with the American Red Cross, the grocer has donated more than $12 million and provided relief for countless storms impacting local communities across the Southeast, a press release explained.

Together with the SEG Gives Foundation, the company kicked off hurricane season with the donation of shelf-stable items, water, and $250,000 to help the American Red Cross prepare for the season. Each dollar donated through the program will go toward the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts, offering essential aid to those across the country affected by natural disasters. This includes supplying food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning, and other assistance.

As peak hurricane season nears, the retailer is also encouraging its customers to create or restock their hurricane kits. Customers are encouraged to review the Red Cross’ Survival Kit Supplies checklist for essential items needed during and after a disaster, ensuring their homes are prepared with the appropriate amount of water, nonperishable food, batteries, and first aid kits, as well as any necessary baby supplies and pet food.

More information about SEG’s efforts to support its community during hurricane season can be found here.

Keep reading ANUK for more of the latest retail news.

WASHINGTON, DC - An impressive speaker will be taking the stage at the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show. Looking to highlight the challenges faced by women in the industry, Reshma Saujani, leading activist and Founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, will address the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast on October 19.

“Not only is Reshma a great speaker for those at the Global Show, her session is also a key component of IFPA’s efforts to foster education and growth for women in the produce and floral industries,” said Megan Nash, IFPA Education and Talent Director. “It’s part of IFPA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. Women—and men—benefit from our suite of women’s activities, including speakers and networking opportunities at IFPA events and the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference.”

The women’s breakfast caps the keynote suite at the event, a press release stated. This session is now included for all attendees with an all-access pass, no additional ticket required.

IFPA Co-Chair Kristin Wells, Director of Business Development for Food Lion, also commented on the opportunity.

“Reshma will lift the burden we place on individual women to be primary caregivers and to work around a system built for and by men,” said Wells. “Through powerful data and personal narrative, she will lay out four key steps for creating lasting change: empower working women, educate corporate leaders, revise our narratives about what it means to be successful, and advocate for policy reform.”

Registration for the show is now open and only attendees with the all-access pass can attend this important session.

“We are thrilled to have Reshma speak to our global audience as women are increasingly recognized in leadership roles at every level across the produce and floral industries,” said Co-Chair Angela Rowland, Vice President of Commercial Growth for Generous Brands. “She is passionately dedicated to spearheading movements that champion economic empowerment for women and girls, advocating tirelessly for their rights and opportunities.”

As we approach the kickoff of the event, keep following along with ANUK.

MOSES LAKE, WA - Okanagan Specialty Fruits® (OSF) latest expansion is complete! The grower recently announced the completion of its new cutting-edge controlled atmosphere (CA) facility at its Moses Lake Campus in Washington. The facility is already operational and spans an impressive 107,000 square feet.

"Our CA facility marks our continued commitment to deliver the highest quality sliced apples to our customers," explained Don Westcott, President. "With construction now complete, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for our products as our orchard production continues to increase yearly."

Situated just 35 minutes from OSF's orchards, the controlled atmosphere facility is strategically located adjacent to the company's Moses Lake processing plant. According to a press release, this close proximity minimizes transportation costs and emissions while optimizing fruit quality. It also enables just-in-time production, ensuring that Arctic® apple slices are delivered to customers at peak freshness.

The facility is exclusively dedicated to storing Arctic apples, a key component of the company's vertically integrated business model. As the 2024 fall harvest approaches, the facility is fully equipped and prepared to handle Arctic Goldens, Arctic Grannys, and Arctic Fujis, ensuring the season's demands are met with unmatched precision and care.

"The CA facility utilizes advanced refrigeration and controlled atmosphere technology to create an optimal environment for apple storage," explains Ray Moody, Facility Operations Manager. "This technology helps maintain the freshness, flavor, texture, and nutritional value of Arctic apples, extending their shelf-life and ensuring the unparalleled quality our apples are known for."

As the grower continues to expand, stick with us at ANUK.