MONTEREY, CA - Giddings Berries USA is fortifying its leadership team as it rapidly grows its presence in the U.S. market and prepares for future expansion opportunities. The Monterey, California-based supplier recently appointed Neftaly Vargas as Senior Sales Manager and Adolfo Bucio as the new Operations Manager.
Vargas has an established career in the production side of the industry and has held multiple customer support management roles with the grower. As Senior Sales Manager, she will be focused on expanding the supplier’s major retailer program and building out its sales and customer service teams.
Bolstering her expertise in the sector is a B.S. in Agriculture Business from California State University, Fresno, according to a press release.
“Having supported producers and built successful programs for some of the nation’s leading retailers, Neftaly brings nearly two decades of sales leadership and category management experience to Giddings,” said Helena Beckett, Director of Sales. “Giddings has a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction, and we’re very excited to have Neftaly spearheading these efforts.”
Giddings Berries is implementing strategies to widen its distribution footprint, including the addition of strategic facilities in California, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas.
As it puts these strategies in place, the company is also strengthening its team with new leader Bucio.
Bucio will take on the role of Operations Manager to expand Giddings Berries’ capacity for logistics, food safety, and quality control. Bucio earned his B.S. in Agricultural Business at California State University and has held multiple critical food safety, compliance, and quality assurance positions at conventional and organic produce companies for nearly a decade.
Chief Operating Officer Ian Grigg commented on the recent appointments.
“Adolfo adds a layer of validation of service to our customers, and will document and ensure every load meets our exceptional quality and food safety standards,” said Grigg. “Giddings Berries USA is developing the scale, capacity, and resources to be the leading berry supplier to any retailer. With Neftaly and Adolfo now on our team, we offer our customers an increased level of service and support.”
Cheers to the new leaders on their recent appointments and the critical role they will play in this supplier’s expansion strategy.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - I imagine a sense of accomplishment and motivation for growth are felt throughout the Instacart headquarters as the grocery innovator celebrates another acquisitions. Just over a week ago, the company announced it acquired FoodStorm, and now it is pulling back the curtain on yet another pivotal agreement. This time, Instacart has revealed the acquisition of shopping cart and checkout technology platform Caper AI to expand its retailer enablement services.
"Over the years, Instacart has continued to expand its retailer enablement services, helping brick-and-mortar grocers across North America move their businesses online, grow, and meet the evolving needs of their customers. As we look ahead, we're focused on creating even more ways for retailers to develop unified commerce offerings that help address consumer needs across both online and in-store shopping," said Fidji Simo, Instacart's Chief Executive Officer. "That's why we're thrilled to welcome the Caper AI team to Instacart. We share the same goal of equipping retailers with new and innovative technologies that help them succeed in an increasingly competitive industry, while also providing customers with the best possible experience. We're excited to bring Caper's leading smart carts and smart checkout platform to more retailers around the world as we all reimagine the future of grocery together."
Instacart's retailer enablement services currently include its marketplace, e-commerce enterprise services, fulfillment technology, last-mile delivery, and more. Caper is an industry innovator that specializes in developing AI-powered shopping carts and automated checkout counters that bring together online and offline shopping. According to a press release, Caper's object recognition system allows customers to place items into their cart without having to scan or weigh them, and then check out at the counter. Smart checkout counters use cameras and a weight sensor to auto-detect items placed on its counter.
The carts are currently deployed at some of the leading North American retailers, including Instacart partners Kroger and Wakefern, as well as Sobeys in Canada. Caper's carts gained U.S. approval by the federal government's National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP), which certifies that it can accurately sell items that are priced by weight and measures.
"At Kroger, our goal is to connect customers to food—no matter how they want to shop or when they need it," said Stephanie Jenkins, Kroger's Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. "Kroger is proud to be leading the industry in the adoption of new innovative technologies, including Caper AI smart carts, as well as partnering with Instacart on other industry-leading innovations like Kroger Delivery Now. These offerings are advancing Kroger's thriving seamless ecosystem and providing our customers with more ways to shop with us through strategic collaborations."
Also benefiting from this powerful partnership is Schnuck Markets.
"We're excited for Instacart to join forces with Caper AI to help scale their technology and make it more accessible," said Bob Hardester, Chief Information and Supply Chain Officer. "Caper AI's smart carts are the most technologically advanced carts out there. We believe the ability to place items in the cart naturally—without having to scan barcodes or weigh items—will be a game-changer, especially for Instacart shoppers who shop on behalf of customers. We're proud to continue working with Caper AI and Instacart to unlock even more innovative solutions that reimagine the in-store grocery shopping experience at Schnucks stores."
Caper's carts feature touch-enabled screens that make product suggestions based on what a consumer has chosen. Instacart expects to integrate Caper's technology into the Instacart app and retailer’s e-commerce websites and apps over time.
"We'll continue to deepen our investment in our suite of enterprise technology services, unlocking new solutions that help power the comprehensive e-commerce platforms of retailers across North America. Today's acquisition of Caper comes on the heels of our recent FoodStorm acquisition, which offers order-ahead and catering technology for retailers so they can increase their sales and ensure more customers are turning to them for everyday meals," Simo continued.
Caper AI enables brick-and-mortar retailers to quickly and easily deploy this technology, creating compelling experiences for customers and driving meaningful growth by increasing average basket sizes.
"I'm incredibly proud of the business we've built and the technological leap forward our products represent for the entire grocery industry. The powerful technology we've created is intuitive for customers, easy to deploy for retailers of all sizes, and creates a physical retail ecosystem that never existed before," said Lindon Gao, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caper AI. "We share Instacart's vision of enabling grocery retailers with new innovations that create step changes for their businesses, and we're proud to now be joining forces with Instacart to develop even more solutions that help bring the online and offline together for retailers."
Instacart's enterprise technology powers national grocers across North America, including ALDI, Costco Canada, Heinen's, Kroger, Publix, Sprouts, The Fresh Market, Walmart Canada, and Wegmans.
With the next box of its growth strategy ticked off, how will Instacart expand its operations next? Stick with AndNowUKnow to find out.
SALINAS, CA - Bringing a new product to market, Naturipe Snacks delivers on the convenience and innovation that shoppers continue to demand. With the introduction of the Naturipe Berry Parfait, the team has crafted both a product and package that stand out on the shelf.
I spoke with Steve Ware, General Manager of Value Added Fresh, to learn more.
“We spent a considerable amount of time thoughtfully designing all aspects of the Berry Parfait package to stand out from a standard parfait cup,” he shared with me. “We wanted the fresh blueberries to be front and center, so we utilized clear packaging to ensure consumers could see the fresh berries. We are proud to have partnered with yogurt category leader Chobani and prominently feature the Chobani yogurt in the packaging to attract their loyal followers.”
Alongside this strategic utilization of brand loyalty, Naturipe notes that the packaging features key nutritional information, a feature often missing on other parfait cups.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in consumer focus on healthy snacking over recent years, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” Steve added. “Incorporating healthy and fresh foods into daily diets is an easy way to boost overall health and immunity! As we shift back toward the normalcy of busy lives, we’re seeing a need for convenient and nutritious on-the-go snacks. Consumers are relying more heavily on healthy snacking to meet their dietary and nutritional needs and want easy and healthy options as they return to busy schedules.”
For retailers looking to merchandise these parfaits, Steve shared a few tips.
“We designed our Berry Parfaits with the versatility to be displayed at multiple levels, but we recommend displaying them stacked at eye level. The base of the parfait cup is wider than standard parfait cups to ensure stability when placed on store shelves,” he noted.
We’ll continue to keep you abreast of the latest news on the product innovation front, so stay tuned.
PHOENIX, AZ - For those of us born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Sprouts Farmers Market is a community staple—a go-to destination for high-quality fruits and vegetables any day of the week. However, the retailer goes far beyond providing fresh produce to shoppers to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the people in its communities. The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation recently presented $3 million in grants to bolster local food systems.
“Sprouts is committed to strengthening local food systems by providing our communities with access to fresh, nutritious food and empowering children with the knowledge and resources to live a healthier life,” said Sprouts Chief Executive Officer Jack Sinclair. “Our Foundation’s work with local partners in this effort is just one of the many ways Sprouts is growing goodness in our communities.”
The recent investment will go toward improving school garden learning, nutrition education, and expanding equitable access to food, according to a press release. The Foundation has granted $15 million to over 300 nonprofit partners since its inception in 2015, bringing hands-on, garden-based learning to 1.5 million children and offering nutrition education programs to an estimated 900,000 K-12 students. Sprouts Farmers Market covers all of the Foundation’s operational expenses to ensure every dollar raised goes directly to programming.
This year, 115 nonprofit organizations received grants from Sprouts, nearly a quarter of which are first-time grant recipients. Of the $3 million granted, $2.2 million will go toward capacity and infrastructure development for school garden support organizations and strengthening community-based food systems. Fifteen of the nonprofit organizations will provide apprenticeship programs to industrious teens through hands-on agriculture and business career experience, 70 run gardening programs in schools or in the community, and 42 provide family programming to bring children and their parents together to learn about nutrition and gardening.
“Our partner organizations are led by incredible changemakers working at the neighborhood level to build healthy, vibrant communities and to make healthy habits rewarding and enjoyable for children and families,” said Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation Executive Director Lyndsey Waugh. “With this in mind, we value the importance of working with our partners for the long haul, and have invested in organizational capacity, program infrastructure, and multi-year funding to empower these leaders to be as effective in their work as possible.”
Not only does this recent move benefit the community, but the Foundation's investment is also yielding a better future for fresh produce by promoting a further interest in buying fresh.
A list of the 2021 grant recipients can be found here.
A round of applause goes out to Sprouts Farmers Market and the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation for their dedicated efforts to bolster the produce industry and the local communities it serves.
WASHINGTON, DC - As we inch closer to the two-year mark of the pandemic, shoppers are continuing to adjust to what has been deemed “the new normal,” spurring an increase in retail spending as consumers feel more comfortable hitting the aisles rather than investing in services like dining, entertainment, or travel. Back in July, the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Chief Economist Jack Kleinheinz shared evidence of economic recovery, which has progressed as retail sales rose in September despite supply chain challenges and inflation.
“Today’s retail sales data confirms the sheer power of the consumer to spend, and we expect this to continue,” NRF President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Shay said. “Despite persistent challenges related to the global pandemic, supply chain, and labor shortages, retailers and their partners have shown resilience and ingenuity in getting the workforce, goods, and systems in place to serve their customers and the communities where they operate. We welcomed the chance to collaborate with the Biden administration and industry partners this week to address supply chain and labor force issues. We have seen record imports this year and are confident that collectively we can work through these challenges to ensure a healthy and happy holiday season.”
Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau said overall retail sales in September were up 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted from August and up 13.9 percent year-over-year. That compares with increases of 0.9 percent month-over-month and 15.4 percent year-over-year in August.
Despite occasional month-over-month declines, sales have grown year-over-year every month since June 2020, according to Census data.
“The reopening of the economy was interrupted by COVID-19, and consumer spending, other than retail, hit a speed bump toward the end of summer,” Chief Economist Kleinhenz said. “Consumers remained active, but retail sales didn’t reflect as much of a shift away from goods to services as expected. That was a plus for retail because consumers still have a hyper-ability to spend thanks to wage and job gains and the household savings built up during the pandemic. In addition, some back-to-school spending may have spilled over from August into September because of school districts that delayed opening until after Labor Day. Overall, the September report is very promising for a strong finish for the year. Nonetheless, rising inflation and slower supply chains remain a concern. Spending might have been higher if not for shortages of items consumers are eager to purchase.”
NRF’s calculation of retail sales—which excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants to focus on core retail—also showed September was up 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted from August and that September was up 11 percent unadjusted year-over-year. That compared with increases of 2.4 percent month-over-month and 12.2 percent year-over-year increase in August. NRF’s numbers were up 10.7 percent unadjusted year-over-year on a three-month moving average.
Seeking Alpha also reported an increase in grocery store sales for the month of September. Higher pricing has shown to be a major factor in the month, but the source shows grocery stores sales were up 0.7 percent month-over-month. As many were still in lock-down restrictions in September 2020, sales were 7.5 percent higher this year in the same month.
For the first nine months of the year, sales as calculated by NRF were up 14.5 percent over the same period in 2020. That is consistent with NRF’s revised forecast that 2021 retail sales should grow between 10.5 and 13.5 percent over 2020 to between $4.44 trillion and $4.56 trillion.
September sales were up in all but two categories on a monthly basis and up across the board year-over-year, led by increases at clothing, electronics, and general merchandise stores. Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.7 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 7.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
To read the full report, click here.
As the retail market continues to shift, AndNowUKnow will be here to bring you the latest information and updates.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sun World International is once again working to build its prowess on the supply-side, this time with the promotion of a new leader. The company recently revealed the appointment of Michele Melillo to Vice President of Grower Support Services, where he will oversee all technical assistance and applied research programs and staff, as well as assist with variety evaluations and management of the supplier’s global test site.
“We consider providing support to licensed growers as vital to our global programs; for the consumer to buy exceptional table grapes and stone fruits, the variety must have great genetics and must be successfully grown,” said Melillo. “If we don’t get the farming part right, it’s a tough track for our fruit to travel down the rest of the supply chain. It is this importance we place on making sure our growers are informed and equipped with the best research and assistance, which for the last two years have spurred the company to invest in building our agronomic talent in leading grape-growing countries.”
According to a press release, Melillo recently managed Sun World’s agronomic support activities. A passionate viticulturist since 2004, Melillo is extremely committed to utilizing his extensive experience garnered in Europe, Australia, and North and South America to improve cultural practices and sustainability. Further contributing to his expertise in the space, Melillo received a B.Sc. in Agronomy at the University of Bari, Italy, and an M.Sc. in Horticulture and Agronomy at UC Davis, California.
“It’s a pleasure to announce Michele’s promotion,” said Jeffrey Jackson, Sun World’s Executive Vice President. “This decision is an important move for our company as we bolster the agronomic support we provide to licensed growers and further improve the performance of our varieties globally.”
As Vice President of Grower Support Services, Melillo will be tasked with overseeing Sun World’s Grower Support Services team, which supports its network of 1,800+ growers in 15 countries, including regions such as the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Israel, North Africa, and South Africa.
We here at AndNowUKnow cannot wait to see where Michele Melillo takes the Sun World team next as the supplier continues to wield these longstanding relationships to forge a path to success in the produce industry.
LYMAN, SC - Having recently unveiled a new supply chain strategy to mitigate ongoing distribution challenges, Walmart has revealed another key piece of its plan in the form of a new high-tech distribution center (DC) for fresh and frozen groceries. The new 720,000-square-foot DC is slated to open in 2024 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, and will create more than 400 full-time regional jobs.
“Walmart’s high-tech grocery distribution center will include game-changing innovations that are radically disrupting the supply chain, getting products onto shelves for our customers even faster, while saving time for our associates,” said David Guggina, Senior Vice President, Automation and Innovation. “We’re proud to be opening Walmart’s largest automated grocery distribution center in Spartanburg County and look forward to bringing new STEM job opportunities to the region.”
This new high-tech facility, which the retailer invested more than $450 million in, will be Walmart’s largest grocery distribution center to date, set to move two times more product than a traditional grocery DC, according to a press release. Through the use of automation technology, robotics, and machine learning to process groceries, the center will also be a new source of technology-focused job opportunities in the region.
Walmart’s high-tech DC is part of a larger investment from the retailer which was announced earlier and stated the company’s intent to double down on the use of automation technology in its supply chain. The big-box chain rolled out its first automated grocery distribution center in 2018 and has since continued to introduce innovative new supply chain solutions that reduce handling costs and improve service to stores and consumers. This includes investments in drones and autonomous vehicles to support last-mile deliveries.
“We’re thrilled to bring our high-tech grocery distribution center to the thriving logistics hub of Spartanburg County,” added Tim Cooper, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Operations. “The new distribution center will be critical to ensuring our stores are stocked with the freshest grocery items to provide convenience and quality at everyday low prices to customers and communities in the state of South Carolina.”
Although it is not yet clear how the new DC will play into Walmart's fresh plans, the technology is essential to keeping the retailer at the top of its game—which we know is critical for produce programs.
How will this new distribution center change Walmart’s position in the competitive grocery market? Stick with AndNowUKnow to find out.
WASHINGTON, DC - Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Vernon, California-based company Espirit Trading satisfied a reparation order totaling $26,990. The order was issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) involving unpaid produce transactions. This is an update to the previous sanction imposed last November.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
The Vernon, California, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Lin Calin was listed as the officer, director, and/or major stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it, as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.
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 3,625 PACA claims involving more than $104 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,600 callers with issues valued at approximately $166 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 full, click here.
ATLANTA, GA - Continuing to inspire and encourage the next generation of fresh produce industry members, Kroger’s Atlanta Division teamed up with G&R Farms throughout May and June to raise money for Future Farmers of America (FFA) students in Georgia. Together, the dynamic team used their reach and prowess to raise $9,000 for scholarship and grant funds through the Growing America’s Farmers (GAF) promotional program.
“Kroger’s partnership with Growing America’s Farmers directly aligns with the mission of Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, our bold social impact plan to create communities free of hunger and waste in the places we call home. Growing America’s Farmers enables Kroger to support regional agriculture while providing opportunities for FFA students to continue their agricultural studies and attain their goals,” Felix B. Turner, Corporate Affairs Manager for Kroger's Atlanta Division, remarked. “These students are the future farmers, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers who will help improve food security and end food waste. We would like to thank Walt Dasher and G&R Farms for their dedication and commitment to funding FFA scholarships by creating innovative partnerships and opportunities.”
The Growing America’s Farmers program was created by Walt Dasher, third-generation family farmer and Vice President of G&R Farms. According to a press release, a portion of sales of designated products are donated to the National FFA Foundation through the program. This foundation delegates those funds to local FFA programs of the retailer’s choice.
Over the last five years, the GAF program has raised over $230,000 for FFA member scholarships throughout the U.S. This is Kroger’s fifth year of supporting the program, and alone the retailer has raised more than $36,000 for students in the state of Georgia.
“As a third-generation family farm, this is about more than marketing and promotions, this is a personal mission that hits at the heart of who I am and what I stand for,” said Dasher. “The current American farmer’s average age is 58 years old, and they are part of multi-generation family farms that are facing more and more pressure. We need to attract, support, and train young agriculture leaders who will become the torchbearers and next generation of producers. The FFA is truly one of our greatest resources and partners in doing this well.”
The mission of the GAF program is now more important than ever as the supply chain needs to be engaged and support future ag leaders who will help feed the growing population. Estimates state that the United States will need 70 percent more food by 2050, according to the release, and FFA students supported by the program might be the ones to help make this possible.
FFA membership is at a record high with over 760,000 members in 8,739 chapters across all 50 states, including chapters in 24 of the 25 largest U.S. cities and setting records in member diversity. In Georgia, FFA has nearly 400 FFA chapters and more than 71,000 FFA members participating in agriculture, food, and natural resources programming.
Cheers to G&R Farms and Kroger for their success in driving this important program forward!
MONTEREY, CA - The domestic market is growing, and organics is one category driving sales and volume growth in the United States. The promotion of Mexican-grown produce is a top contributor to this category, and operators are learning to best navigate import relationships. The Organic Produce Network (OPN) and Western Growers are backing their members with a new education session at the 2021 Organic Grower Summit (OGS), named “Growing and Selling in the Mexican Organic Market.”
"In partnership with Western Growers, this year’s OGS will provide up-to-date resources and information to support the continued success of organic producers, with an emphasis on the role of ag technology," said Tonya Antle, OPN Co-Founder. "From seed to soil to harvest, our goal is to present the most relevant information on the most important subjects and issues facing organic production."
The session will explore key differences between the U.S. and Mexico’s organic markets, from various laws, rules, and regulations to production and supply chain challenges, and what future opportunities exist. Moderated by Maria Barajas of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Certification Services, panelists include leaders from both Mexico and the United States.
The panelists for the session include Joshua Tamayo, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager for Taylor Farms; Daniela Robles, Agricultural Engineer, Viñedos Alta/Grupo Alta; and Ed Morales, Food Safety and Organic Certification Director, JV Smith Companies/Promotora Agricola El Toro.
“The unique agricultural relationship between the U.S. and Mexico continues to evolve and adapt with strong organic expertise on both sides of the border,” said Kelly Damewood, President of CCOF. “Mexico’s promotion of organic agriculture has bolstered organic production and continues to entice more U.S.-based growers into entering the Mexican organic market.”
The fourth annual OGS will provide information vital to organic growers and producers, as well as an overview of the opportunities and challenges that exist. According to a press release, the newly announced session is part of an extensive educational program to inform and engage organic producers, their service providers, and supply chain partners. Other sessions highlight agricultural technology breakthroughs, Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), soil health, innovative ag inputs, and successfully scaling a company to meet the growing demand for organics.
OGS general registration is currently open. The trade show floor is sold out, with exhibitors including operators in soil amendment, ag technology, food safety, packaging, and equipment connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest control advisors, and food safety experts.
The event will be held December 1-2, 2021, at the Monterey Hyatt Conference Center in Monterey, California. More details on the educational program will be released in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned as ANUK continues to keep you up to date on the latest.