IRVINE, CA - A meeting of the berry minds has been solidified, as Red Blossom Sales and GEM-Pack Berries have united to join forces in a strategic alliance. The two are capitalizing on a shared vision and operational parallels in order to support their growers and drive market success.
“The synergies on all commodities and growing regions were obvious,” according to Chief Operating Officer of Red Blossom, David Lawrence. “The shared corporate values and level of mutual trust, as well as the continued success of our grower base and unwavering commitment to customer service, inspired us to join forces.”
This alliance builds on more than 150 years of berry farming experience and collective acreage of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries in nine berry growing regions throughout California, Mexico, Florida, and South America.
After four years of collaborating on cultivation and sales partnerships, the two realized their common philosophies and shared production priorities, which created a productive and powerful team.
“After working quietly together for four years, we have seen how well we work as a team. It’s time for us to be ONE amazing company that customers can rely on 365/24/7!” said Chief Marketing Officer of Red Blossom, Craig Casca.
The agreement will combine GEM-Pack’s partnership with Healthy Harvest in Watsonville, California, and GEM-Pack’s continued operations in Oxnard and Irvine, California, as well as Baja and Central Mexico, with Red Blossom Farm’s acreage in Santa Maria, California. Included in the consolidation will be Red Blossom’s production from the Parkesdale Group in Florida, as well as Red Blossom’s long-term, exclusive partnership with Mainland Farms in Central Mexico, according to a press release. Mainland Farms offers a full-spectrum berry program with blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
“As the overall produce industry continues to consolidate, we wanted to stay proactive and flexible. The merger facilitates continued growth and allows us to not only meet, but exceed customer expectations,” stated Mike Etchandy, Chief Executive Officer of GEM-Pack.
GEM-Pack’s blueberry and bushberry programs in Mexico and South America will round out the company’s now year-round berry production. As Red Blossom and GEM-Pack complement each other’s strengths, the two add deeper access to services in all departments.
“We believe the industry is changing, and proactive consolidation will benefit our customers with consistency of supply, balanced production curves, improved quality, and increased order fill rates for the entire spectrum of berries and seasons,” added Director of Sales at GEM-Pack, Paul Kawamura.
This alliance is led by a shared commitment to innovation, stewardship, and sustainability.
We can’t wait to hear about the innovations to come!
ISSAQUAH, WA - With a new shipping strategy recently announced to lower costs and increase product availability, Costco is well on track to raising profitability. In its recently released September Sales Results, the retailer revealed a $2.6 billion boost in net sales during the five weeks ending October 3, 2021, from the same period last year.
Overall, Costco saw a 15.8 percent rise in net sales from $16.84 billion last year to $19.5 billion this September, according to a press release.
Comparable sales for the company during the five-week period were:
- U.S. - 14.6 percent
- Canada - 14.9 percent
- Total company - 14.3 percent
- E-commerce - 10.6 percent
Costco currently operates 817 warehouses, including 565 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 105 in Canada, 39 in Mexico, 30 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 16 in Korea, 14 in Taiwan, 13 in Australia, three in Spain, and one each in Iceland, France, and China. The retailer also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.
To read the results in their entirety, click here.
How will Costco wield its new strategy to further bolster is net sales and other aspects of its operations? Stick with AndNowUKnow for the answers.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Frieda Rapoport Caplan, a name well-known in our industry, has left us, but her legacy is never to be forgotten thanks to the tireless efforts of her family and fresh produce organizations like the Produce Marketing Association (PMA). In partnership with Frieda’s Owners Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins, PMA’s Center for Growing Talent awarded the winner of the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Fresh Perspective Scholarship to Melanny Gomez Cruz of Four Seasons Produce, who was selected out of more than 20 applicants.
“I don’t have words on how amazing this was for me,” Cruz said. “This conference has helped me see things from a different perspective. I met such amazing women at this conference. I loved seeing that the first-timers came in shy and had no glow to them. Then on the last day, I saw them interacting—so alive and glowing. I feel like this scholarship is an amazing opportunity for many women. It opens up delicate situations happening in the workplace and lets women know that they are not alone.”
The scholarship award allows women to attend the the Women’s Fresh Perspective’s Conference hosted by the Center for Growing Talent, which empowers women by hosting events and sessions focused on development both personally and professionally. According to a press release, the goal of the conference is to maximize women’s impact in the predominantly male produce industry, while also providing a sense of community and camaraderie.
Cruz was awarded with the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Fresh Perspectives Scholarship for her impact within many parts of the Four Seasons Produce organization, where she has most recently been serving as a Recruiting Specialist.
This scholarship is granted to those who embody Frieda’s beloved spirit of action, excellence, and dedication to personal and professional development. Each recipient receives an all-expenses-paid trip and admittance to the conference, which will help them to further their development.
Starting next spring, the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Fresh Perspectives Scholarship will begin accepting applications for 2022. Those interested in applying must be a first-time attendee to the conference (once awarded) and employed in any segment of the produce or floral supply chain, both at the time of the application and the time of the conference.
Who will be the next woman to carry on Frieda’s lasting legacy? Keep reading AndNowUKnow to find out.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart recently revealed a strategic executive shakeup in its U.S. operations. Dacona Smith, former Chief Operating Officer, has entered the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Walmart U.S. stores. Succeeding Smith is Chris Nicholas, who was previously the Chief Financial Officer. Steve Schmitt will take over the CFO role, and Seth Dallaire has been named as Chief Revenue Officer.
According to Bloomberg, Smith has been with Walmart for roughly 30 years and entered the role of COO last year following his time spent in several different management roles. In this new role, the executive will be reporting to Nicholas and a number of other senior leadership members.
While the news source did not disclose Smith or Nicholas’ new duties, we are positive that they will be working to drive growth across all operations.
Furthermore, it will be interesting to see if this shakeup constitutes a new executive strategy entirely.
Prior to his time with Walmart, Nicholas worked in the financial departments for United Kingdom-based Tesco and Australia-based Coles Group. The retail leader joined Walmart as Deputy Finance Chief of its international unit in 2018.
Schmitt is another retail vet stepping up for Walmart.
His LinkedIn page shows that Schmitt previously worked as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of banner Sam’s Club before being named SVP and CFO of Walmart’s e-commerce business in 2019. Prior to his time with Sam’s Club, Schmitt worked at the executive level for Yum! Brands for over 10 years.
Dallaire comes to Walmart with expertise from his previous role at Instacart.
He spent two years as Instacart’s Chief Revenue Officer, according to his LinkedIn page. Formerly, he served in the role of Vice President, North American Advertising Sales for over seven years at Amazon before being promoted to Vice President, Global Advertising Sales in 2014.
John Furner weighed in on the recent shakeup.
“Our goal is to do a better job of connecting the dots and flow our inventory in new and more productive ways,” Furner, the Chief Executive Officer of Walmart U.S., stated to the news source on the executive changes.
With Walmart making these extensive switches right before the holidays, could a larger market strategy be at play?
Stay tuned as ANUK reports.
ROSEMONT, IL - When you hear Frank Swanson’s name, it’s nearly always followed by a procession of warm responses, smiles, and great memories. From my early days here at AndNowUKnow, Frank has always had that effect on me as well, sharing an openness and ease that is rare these days and an asset in fresh produce.
This past September brought us many exciting moments in fresh produce, from Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations and the Organic Produce Summit to the Produce Marketing Association’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference and the kick-off of the fall season. But nothing quite had the same gravity as Frank announcing his official retirement on September 10. With such an amazing tenure and so many passionate friendships, I spoke with some of his nearest and dearest industry friends who had a few words of their own to share.
Denis Jennisch, Senior Manager Produce Operations, US Foods
“When it comes to Frank, he is the Energizer Bunny and never slows down. When I would introduce Frank in meetings, I would say he was the cornerstone of US Foods’ produce program. He laid the foundation in the start-up of our produce operations. Frank would always say, ‘At the end of the day, all you have in our business is your reputation.’ Frank’s reputation in the industry and whoever he touched never changed, and was highly respected by all. Frank retired with an outstanding reputation that he held throughout his career. Frank is irreplaceable and has led a full life with many experiences. Too many for the article!”
Brian Burchak, Senior Manager Produce Sourcing, US Foods
“I had the privilege to learn so much about produce by spending many long hours with Frank in several of our distribution centers throughout the country doing assessments, not to mention the numerous phone calls and emails seeking his opinion, advice, and guidance on so many things I encountered with both produce and non-produce related.”
David M. Wilson, Senior Manager of Produce Sourcing, US Foods
“I have known Frank Swanson for 30 years. He has always been there for me if I ever had a question about produce. No matter what time of day it is, Frank will always answer the phone. He has always had a huge heart for people. If you ever were sick, Frank would make it a point to call you and ask how you were feeling. He made it a point to tell you that he was praying for you. He would always ask how the family was and always check in on my wife Tammy. I want people to remember me like they have remembered Frank after his retirement. Frank is a true gentleman, and I have had the privilege over the last 30 years to call him my friend.”
Mishelle Ceccon, Senior Category Manager, US Foods
“For many of us at USF, when we thought of the produce department, we thought of Frank. Not only is Frank knowledgeable in all things produce and US Foods, he was always willing to share that knowledge. I will miss having him as a colleague and the energy that he brought to our department.”
Rob West, Senior Category Manager Produce, US Foods
“Over the years, anyone who has worked with Frank Swanson knows that his passion for the produce industry is unparalleled. Not only is he a wealth of knowledge and a great resource and teammate, but he’s also a great man. Frank always adapted to change and connect with all generations. I feel lucky to have been able to work with Frank and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
A huge thank you to the folks at US Foods for sharing your words and memories about industry mentor and trailblazer, Frank Swanson!
LOCKPORT, NY - The fall apple harvest is quickly approaching, and in a play to expand its market reach, Crunch Time Apple Growers, the collective behind SnapDragon™ and RubyFrost™, has revealed two new partners. The company recently granted two Michigan-based apple packaging, shipping, and marketing facilities, Applewood Fresh Growers and Riveridge Produce Marketing, the license to market both varieties.
“Crunch Time is excited about the addition of new sales partners this season with Applewood Fresh Growers and Riveridge Produce Marketing being the most recent additions to our team,” said Jessica Wells, Executive Director, Crunch Time Apple Growers. “The real winners as a result of these partnerships are our consumers, as the result will be SnapDragon and RubyFrost apples being in retailers where they weren’t before.”
As SnapDragon and RubyFrost have gained popularity, retailers outside of the Northwest region have requested the chance to offer the varieties to their shoppers, and, according to a press release, these new partnerships will help Crunch Time meet this demand. In teaming up with Applewood and Riveridge, the company will be able to expand its geographic reach among new and existing buy-side allies, especially in the Midwest. This will give more consumers the opportunity to indulge in the tasty apples on a more consistent basis.
Applewood Fresh Growers is a grower, packer, shipper, and marketer based in Sparta, Michigan, with company roots going back to 1935.
“We are excited for the opportunity to be a part of Crunch Time Apple Growers,” said Brian Coates, Vice President Sales and Business Development, Applewood Fresh Growers. “SnapDragon and RubyFrost are both valuable contributors to the emerging varieties of apples that are focused on delivering outstanding flavor and quality to drive sales growth in the apple category. We are thrilled to be included in this group of apple marketers and to make these flavorful apples available to our customers.”
Riveridge is a vertically integrated apple grower, packer, shipper, and marketer that was established over three decades ago in an apple-growing area referred to as “The Ridge” in West Michigan. The company continues to evolve across food safety, new orchard technology, and innovation in sales and marketing.
“The opportunity to market SnapDragon and RubyFrost expands the Riveridge portfolio of apples, giving our buyers another great tasting apple for their lineup,” commented Kari Soldaat, Director of Sales, Riveridge Produce Marketing. “It’s easy to recognize Crunch Time Apple Growers is investing in strategies to grow and market these varieties, and we’re looking forward to sharing our experience and knowledge to help build upon its success.”
As Crunch Time looks to further extend its market reach, what will be the company’s next move? Only time and AndNowUKnow will tell, so keep clicking back.
WOODRIDGE, IL - Toronto-based distributor Canadian Fruit & Produce Company is experiencing significant industry growth, and is therefore looking to sharpen its competitive edge. As such, the operator selected Produce Pro Software to implement new ERP software. With a new processing plant and food safety initiatives as top priorities, this technological advancement was inevitable.
“Typically, implementation always takes place in person, but under the circumstances and with so many limitations, our team adapted and shifted our approach, adding extra strategy meetings to ensure Canadian Fruit was well-supported and prepared. This was the first-ever completely remote live week in Produce Pro Software history, and we could not be prouder of both teams and their extra efforts to make this happen,” said Len Moskowitz, Senior Manager, Central Project Management, Produce Pro Software.
Canadian Fruit has been running the Produce Pro Software system since February of this year, and the pandemic only proved this was the right decision made at the right time.
“Produce Pro Software seemed incredibly flexible, and we knew that was exactly what we needed as our business has been growing quickly. It was important that we implement software the next generation could rely on and would adapt to Canadian Fruit’s needs as they move the company forward,” said Tammy Cunningham, I.T. and Special Projects Manager at Canadian Fruit & Produce Company. “Hands down, the demo proved what we already suspected: flexibility, ease of use, efficient, reliable, and consistent.”
According to a press release, these two partners overcame many obstacles when it came to implementation.
“The U.S. and Canadian border closed less than 48 hours before the Produce Pro Software team was boarding a plane for our second training. With only three weeks until our go-live date, the Produce Pro Software team worked with us as we were all forced to pause the project. As travel remained impossible, both teams doubled their commitment to successfully transition using 100 percent remote training and support, including a remote live week, so we could be on track for our 2021 season,” said Cunningham. “It was an amazing experience given the highly irregular circumstances. As the project leader, I am personally grateful for everyone’s efforts.”
Cunningham continued, adding that implementation was still a resounding success.
“Implementation went much smoother than we anticipated. The Produce Pro Software staff were encouraging, enlightening, and gave us focus,” she said. “Change is hard for most people, and working within technology is a huge part of our day. Our entire staff stepped up and accepted the changes. Now, I often hear comments that the software makes things so much easier and better. They really understand how the technology can work for them and our company.”
The increased use of advanced technology has seen positive effects for the company, staff, and customers alike. With easier access to information and the ability to communicate information across departments, visibility into all aspects of operations has never been better.
“We were looking for software that would adapt to our continued growth and could take care of our technology needs into the future. This was an easy choice, and I would not change a thing,” concluded Cunningham. “The Produce Pro Software team was incredibly helpful and supportive and still continues to be there for us. They are not just a software company, but our partner. This is just the beginning.”
Technology certainly isn’t going anywhere, so follow along with ANUK as we bring you the latest.
LATVIA - Our retail industry is continuing to show signs of growth, this time as Lidl has announced it will start operating in Latvia, a new market for the grocer, within the next few days. Starting on October 7, Lidl will simultaneously open 15 new stores throughout the country and has already revealed plans to open more locations in other areas.
“The Lidl Latvija team is very happy that today we can announce the launch of our stores in Latvia. We have already created more than 2,000 new, stable, and well-paid jobs in the country,” said Jākobs Jozefsons, Chairman of the Board of Lidl Latvija. “The opening of Lidl stores will mark an important stage in our mission to provide the highest quality products at the lowest possible price to our customers in Latvia, thus making them happy to afford more. We look forward to seeing everyone in Lidl stores.”
In preparation for its entry into Latvia, Lidl has already invested over €200 million (~$232 million) into the construction of the stores and a logistics center in the country, according to a press release. To accommodate for the new locations, Lidl also created new streets, traffic circles, intersections, and provided various other improvements to surrounding infrastructure.
These new locations will feature a wide range of product offerings and have spacious halls, high ceilings, and conveniently located shelves. To increase sustainability, the stores are energy-efficient and use only local “green electricity” supplied by Latvenergo. All of the buildings are environmentally friendly and have EDGE building certificates.
Planning and preparation for the opening of these stores took several years and will benefit Lidl’s active growth strategy in Latvia, which has already resulted in the opening of a logistics center worth €55 million (~$63 million) in January 2021.
As Lidl drives forward its global expansion, where will it make its next move? Stick with AndNowUKnow to find out.
OXNARD, CA - While this industry is always on the go, some days the stars align and we ride the same wavelength. Such was the case when I reached out to Cindy Jewell, who heads up marketing for Bobalu.
“Perfect timing!” greeted my inbox, with photos direct from the field as she explored the current fall crop with Vice President of Sales, Anthony Gallino. “I had a great day on location with the guys, visiting fields and tasting fruit along the way.”
Providing beautiful strawberries for the fall and winter is the current focus for the rapidly growing company, which was disappointed not to be able to have a Fresh Summit to showcase all that is currently underway—and there is plenty to share.
“We are excited about the fact that, in 2022, our acreage and volume in our Northern California region will easily transition from Oxnard, California, winter and spring volume into summer and fall with comparable supply, and are looking forward to growing and shipping organic strawberries in next year,” Cindy commented as we look ahead to the pieces the grower is strategically putting in place.
Currently getting into the fall 2021 peak season in Santa Maria, California, Cindy tells me the plant health is looking strong, along with tons of flower and green fruit pushing through. Mother Nature, for the moment, has delivered great weather conditions, and buyers should hope to see a successful fall season taking us into Thanksgiving—a welcome reprieve for climbing demand.
At the same time, Bobalu is planting its 2022 crop in Oxnard with eyes on next year’s growth.
“We are focused on our continued expansion in 2022, on food safety and sustainability, and our success in connecting with shoppers to build brand loyalty. We have been actively building supply and year-round availability, being diligent about structuring other regions to match the volume we ship from Oxnard—which has served as our largest growing region for the past several years—so our year-round program has consistent supply for our key customers,” Cindy shared.
Bobalu has also been expanding its connection with consumers, building a library of exclusive recipes developed by its influencer partners.
“Our partnership has expanded our resources and dialogue with shoppers as more and more people learn about Bobalu berries and the family story,” Cindy explained, adding it is unfortunate the team couldn’t do the same on the industry side in New Orleans this October. “We are disappointed that PMA Fresh Summit was cancelled, and hope to be able to attend an in-person show soon!”
As we hunker down for the upcoming holiday season, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest in fresh produce news.
TACOMA, WA & SAN ANTONIA, TX - There is no doubt that this school year is looking a little different, especially after a year and a half of social distancing. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is students’ need for healthy, high-quality meals. With more than 13 million students in the U.S. lacking access to nutritious food on a regular basis, Chelan Fresh has joined forces with Fuel Up to Play 60 to donate school meal carts to be used in schools across Washington and Texas.
“As one of the original supporters of the Fuel Up to Play 60 team, Chelan Fresh has been a leader in the produce industry ensuring kids try and continue to choose nutritious food items at school and at home,” said Mac Riggan, Director of Marketing at Chelan Fresh.
According to a press release, Chelan Fresh has donated twelve Grab and Goal school meal carts to participating schools, which will serve an estimated 1.6 million meals a year, in addition to an estimated 2.7 million meals served as a result of carts donated during previous collaborations in prior school years. This donation marks the 10th consecutive year that Chelan Fresh has supported Fuel Up to Play 60. The company began its support of the program in 2011, and has provided over $755,000 in funding and resources for students since.
According to a study by Feeding America, the effects of COVID-19 have heightened the impacts of food insecurity, as 1 in 6 children do not have access to nutritious foods. The donation of these carts are a way to deliver healthy food while ensuring safety and meeting school guidelines.
“Thirty million students rely on school meals every day,” said Jean Ragalie-Carr, RDN, LDN, FAND, President, National Dairy Council, “and with childhood food insecurity rates rising, access to nutritious school meals is one way to help students meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for dairy foods, produce, whole grains, and lean sources of protein, which are all important for growth and development.”
The rolling carts provided by Chelan Fresh offer an easy solution to school nutrition and meal service teams, and allows them to repurpose the carts to deliver meals to classrooms or parking lots and other areas to provide students easy access to nutritious foods. The carts will be provided to recipient schools in Washington and Texas in time for the 2021-2022 school year.
“On behalf of National Dairy Council, dairy farmers, and the dairy community, we’re thankful to continue our longstanding relationship with Chelan Fresh and their growers, and to collaborate in nourishing schools and communities through the Fuel Up to Play 60 program,” Ragalie-Carr added. “The joint effort from Chelan Fresh and Fuel Up to Play 60 will provide more students across the country with access to nutritious meals that include under-consumed dairy foods and produce in a convenient, on-the-go setting, providing them the nourishment they need to help fuel greatness in their learning, growth, and development and play.”
How else will companies across our industry continue to come together to tackle pressing challenges such as food insecurity? AndNowUKnow will report as soon as we find out.