WEST DES MOINES, IA - It seems that for the past few weeks, everyday brings talk of new leaders across our desks here at AndNowUKnow. Today, it is Hy-Vee that announced it has appointed Jason Farver to President of Perishable Distributors of Iowa (PDI), one of the grocer’s subsidiaries. He will officially step into his new role on October 4, where he will oversee the operations, strategies, and growth of PDI along with Hy-Vee’s other manufacturing facilities.
Farver joins Hy-Vee after leading VT Industries as President, according to a press release. Over the course of 13 years, he held various other management positions as the company following his tenure at Pella Corporation.
In addition to his supply chain experience, Farver holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Iowa State University and also graduated from Harvard Business School’s General Management program.
He currently serves as President of United Christians International, a nonprofit that helps underprivileged families in Haiti.
“We are proud to welcome Jason to the Hy-Vee and PDI family, and trust that his knowledge and expertise in the supply chain and manufacturing industries will help guide us in our future growth strategies,” said Randy Edeker, Chairman, CEO, and President of Hy-Vee.
Congratulations to Jason Farver as he steps into this exciting new role!
MONTEREY, CA - Looking ahead can also be an opportunity to look back at your success. That is exactly what the team at Awe Sum Organics is doing as they gear up to hit the show floor at Organic Produce Summit (OPS) 2021. As the supplier looks back at its history, it prepares to meet face-to-face with industry friends once again.
“We missed OPS last year, as it was canceled due to COVID. We are excited for this year’s show because this year’s OPS will be Awe Sum’s first public event or trade show since before COVID. It will be wonderful to see all our friends and colleagues in the organic produce trade again. OPS is our favorite show because it is 100 percent focused on organic produce, just like Awe Sum Organics is and has been since our inception over 36 years ago. And we love it because we are so passionate about what we do, organic farming, getting the fruits of our labor to our customers and to consumers across the country, sustainability, awe sum tasting organic fruit, and the organic food movement,” said David Posner, President, CEO, and Founder.
As noted in a press release, Awe Sum Organics has evolved over the years to specialize in seven organic commodities: grapes, kiwi, apples, pears, blueberries, citrus, and avocados.
“I started the company in 1985 with the vision to help create a year-round supply of a wide range of organic produce so that retail shelves and consumers could have healthy, nutrient packed, high quality, beautiful, and awe sum tasting, authentic organically grown produce options year-round. We began with a group of organic growers in California and then went south of the border to develop organic farms and growers to produce organic crops that could not be grown domestically, such as tropical fruits, and items for winter months such as melons, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and peppers,” Posner continued. “Then, we evolved into growing and importing organic fruit from the southern hemisphere to complement the domestic supply in the off season and keep the shelves full of fresh organic fruit year-round. I have always enjoyed helping our growers to learn how to grow their fruit organically and have supported them with constantly evolving cutting edge organic growing methods. That part of the work really excites me and is my true passion!”
Awe Sum Organics worked to grow grapes organically where there is no natural dormancy, or very limited dormancy, so the company could supply in the U.S. during winter. It perfected and patented its method and its Peruvian organic table grape growers now use its method for improving budbreak in table grapes as well as its cutting-edge organic fertilization and pest/disease control program.
Awe Sum is showcasing this project, highlighting its Sweet Celebration, Sweet Globe, and Red Globe varieties, in the Organic Innovations Showcase at OPS. The company's first arrivals will be hitting both coasts just after California finishes its organic grapes in December and are available in two consumer packs: catch weight pouch bags and fixed weight one-pound clamshells with UPC.
Awe Sum also has a year-round supply of organic kiwi, offering green kiwi 52 weeks per year and gold kiwi for nine weeks out of the year. The company also has limited volumes of organic Red kiwi during the winter. Its supplies are brought in for its customers during fall, winter, and spring and will be certified by Fair Trade USA for the first time this season in bulk, clamshells, and bags.
Organic pears will reportedly arrive fresh when domestic varieties are out of season. These pears have been Fair Trade Certified for many years and so far, Awe Sum has collected and contributed over $400,000 to the community through its sales of this Fair Trade certified fruit. The company packs bulk and 2 lb pouch bags of its pears. Its organic apples from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, are also Fair Trade certified and include five varieties in pack bulk and bags. A full supply of Awe Sum Organics blueberries is available from growers in South America for the fall and winter months as well. Year-round organic citrus from California is supported by orchards in all three citrus districts, with year-round availability of lemons and oranges in pack bulk and bags. Soon, Awe Sum will be introducing its organic avocados grown high in the mountains of Colombia with 100 percent natural irrigation from rainfall.
In the press release, Posner outlined how its success in the organic category has been driven by these pioneering programs and an increased consumer interest in the sector.
For more details of Awe Sum’s programs and organic data, please click here.
We hope to see you all later this week!
ST PAUL, MN - There are certain milestones in the history of a company that stand out as key markers of growth, and Verdant Technologies has reached one of those indicators. After recently receiving Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration, the innovator has announced that its HarvestHold™ Fresh product shelf-life extender solution will be available to the produce industry in the U.S.
“We are thrilled to achieve this major milestone with HarvestHold,” said Gordon Robertson, Chief Executive Officer. “This product has been in development for some time and trialed extensively as a solution to decrease environmental losses and increase financial performance for customers in perishable supply chains. Our initial conversations and commercial trials with potential customers have been incredibly promising. The market is ripe for innovation, and HarvestHold offers a revolutionary change in ease of use, flexibility, consistency and targeted delivery of 1-MCP with significant efficacy proven on a variety of fruits and vegetables.”
HarvestHold is a 1-MCP-based post-harvest solution that works to extend the shelf-life of fruits, vegetables, and flowers by an average of 40–50 percent, according to a press release. The solution will also help to reduce waste in the perishable supply chain.
Currently, Verdant is planning to offer HarvestHold in all fifty states across the U.S. and in many countries globally, with product availability following individual state and country approvals. The company’s HarvestHold Bloom, made to extend the life of flowers, was made available in global markets in late 2020.
“Customers have been eager to trial our product in their own packing operations. HarvestHold is an enticing offer: Protect your investment, provide superior product and easily incorporate into existing packing operations,” added Robertson. “Time is money, and HarvestHold adds days to the clock while also simplifying the application method and improving the reliability and efficacy of this proven shelf-life stabilization technology.”
The HarvestHold solution contains the active ingredient 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene), which has been used long-term to block ethylene, the plant hormone that stimulates ripening of produce. 1-MCP is approved by the EPA and regarded as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union, and more than 30 other countries worldwide.
Verdant’s innovative solution uses a proprietary, patented 1-MCP delivery and activation system that can be printed on a variety of packing materials including plastic sheets, paper stock, and labels. As fresh produce is harvested, growers and packers can insert the sheet of HarvestHold into the box and it is activated by plant respiration and humidity, requiring no water, special handling, or complicated application. HarvestHold can then be reapplied if desired at any point in the supply chain.
“Our team has been focused on freshness for decades and the launch of HarvestHold in the produce market has substantial implications for the industry. Improved freshness provides more value and supports a more sustainable future,” said Jon Fobes, Chief Scientific and Technology Officer. “At a time when supply chains are especially stressed, HarvestHold offers a solution to alleviate some of the pressure. Everyone is working as hard as they can to put high quality products on the table and make what they have last longer. From growers to retailers to consumers, HarvestHold can help make the most of everyone’s efforts.”
HarvestHold offers a key solution to the growing effects of food waste on the environment and the supply chain. By providing protection and maximizing freshness, growers, distributors, and retailers are given a reliable tool to ensure their products reach consumers as intended. Overall, HarvestHold extends product life, reduces shrink, and improves profitability for buy- and supply-sides.
Helping Verdant’s expansion, the company was acquired by Gulftech in June 2021, and has since rapidly scaled growth across the United States, Mexico, and Colombia.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for us. We are ramping up activity in all areas, working to hire top talent as quickly as we can to support our expansion and provide excellent products and service to our customers,” Robertson continued.
With its foot in the U.S. market, what will be the next move for Verdant Technolgies? Stick with AndNowUKnow for the answers to that and more.
WATSONVILLE, CA - The color green’s symbolism is vast, as it represents life, nature, prosperity, progress—the list goes on. As a trade news writer, a mere glimpse of the color leaves me with the image of the bountiful lettuce displays that bring life to the produce department. Exploring what is currently a tight lettuce market, I got in touch with Lakeside Organic Gardens Sales Manager Brian Peixoto, who discusses how to harness the category to bring in even more green this season.
“Our quality is great, and we are seeing higher demand due to other grower/shippers being out,” Brian says, giving me an exclusive look at the grower’s lettuce production. “We are currently seeing the standard issues with weather, as it is now getting cooler and the crops aren't growing as quickly, but overall it hasn't affected us as much as others."
Lakeside Organic Gardens is now in the thick of its leaf program and is harvesting red and green leaf, Romaine, red and green butter lettuce, as well as Escarole and Frisee. In addition to these consumer-favorite varieties, the supplier is also reporting a steady supply of Iceberg lettuce.
Heightened demand for high-quality lettuce in the retail sector, in addition to supply chain challenges hindering some growers, has led to a tight lettuce market. As demand continues to rise, the Lakeside Organic Gardens team is doing all they can to keep their loyal leaf customers supplied with several beloved varieties to maximize sales in the produce department.
“Retailers can help drive foot traffic by merchandising full lines, such as ours, to showcase color, freshness, and texture,” Brian explains. “The more visually appealing a display is, the more likely consumers are to purchase those products. Building an eye-catching display that features each of our varieties is a great way to boost sales. When your current supplier falls down, we're there to pick you up.”
Demand is only continuing to rise, and Lakeside Organic Gardens may be just the partner you need to continue capturing shopper dollars in the lettuce category.
PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has made it clear it is on a mission to transform the future of food, and that transformation begins with the success of its customers. To accelerate this long-term strategy, the company has announced it has promoted Steve Dietz to the newly created role of Chief Customer Officer (CCO). Effective October 1, Dietz will be responsible for overseeing the distributor’s sales efforts throughout the United States and Canada.
Dietz first joined UNFI in 2014, when the distributor acquired Tony’s Fine Foods, where he had previously spent 15 years overseeing sales, customer service, procurement, marketing, and pricing. He currently serves as UNFI’s President, Pacific Region. According to a press release, Dietz has served in his current role since the SUPERVALU acquisition and has helped bring together multiple sales teams under one cohesive Pacific Region organization. In addition to his work at UNFI, he also currently serves as a member of the executive board for the California Grocers Association.
Dietz also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.
“Steve is a terrific selection for this role, and I’m confident his leadership will help us further unlock the customer experience, delivering greater value and innovation to grocery retailers of all sizes and formats,” said UNFI President Chris Testa. “We have a tremendous responsibility to our customers and communities and Steve’s experience, sales acumen, and strong understanding of the ever-changing grocery landscape will help us continue to deliver on our customer promise.”
As he takes on the role of CCO, Dietz will support UNFI’s National, Atlantic, South, Central, Pacific, and Canadian region teams in driving business growth and executing the company’s long-term vision to transform the future of food. He will also work with the region President to implement a local go-to-market strategy, leveraging data, learning, and outcomes to drive new best practices and programs to benefit the distributor’s customers.
As Dietz makes this exciting transition, a new Pacific Region President is expected to be named later this fall.
We here at ANUK congratulate Steve Dietz on this monumental achievement as we anxiously await more growth updates in the distribution sector.
SAVANNAH, GA - Understanding what consumers really want is the key to capturing more sales and building brand loyalty. To give suppliers an inside look at shoppers’ evolving demands, The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) has recently released What’s New: The Consumer Take on Produce Innovation and Technology 2021 in conjunction with 210 Analytics in one of two educations sessions at Southern Innovations.
“Southern Innovations has always been focused on the latest and greatest in fresh produce retailing and foodservice,” explained David Sherrod, President and Chief Executive Officer of SEPC. “This year, we wanted to highlight innovations throughout the supply chain from farm to menu through the eyes of the consumer. After all, it is the shopper who drives change in produce purchases and consumption. Together with 210 Analytics, we conducted in-depth consumer research to understand sentiments about anything from farm-direct sales to drones and self-checkout to air fryers. Having a solid understanding of where consumers weigh in will help the fresh produce industry with vital innovation and technology decisions in months and years to come.”
The Southern Innovations show has four areas of focus, according to a press release. Those focus areas are for the planet, at the farm, in the store, and on the menu, and exhibitors are encouraged to highlight innovations in each of these categories.
“When comparing the consumer input on innovation we have seen throughout the supply chain to sales growth trends, it is clear that fresh produce sales patterns are closely interwoven with technology and innovation,” added Anne-Marie Roerink, President of 210 Analytics. “Technology has enabled easier engagement and better communication with consumers who are increasingly looking for the how, what, where, and why behind the produce they buy. At the same time, product innovation is driving operational efficiencies, labor solutions, and sales gains for the category.”
Some of the findings in SEPC’s study include:
- For the Planet: Consumers have a wide definition of sustainability to include planet, people, and community, and the package label is the preferred learning platform
- At the Farm: New varieties drive category engagement and grow sales, with 83 percent of consumers liking to see new varieties, underscoring the importance of assortment innovation
- In the Store: E-commerce remains a growth opportunity for fresh produce, with consistent quality being key to repurchases, as 81 percent of online buyers are willing to purchase fresh produce online
- On the Menu: Routine is out. Inspiration from friends, family, and digital sources are in, as 50 percent of shoppers are intrigued in being able to add items from a recipe onto a grocery list or shopping cart and are obsessed with food videos and taste challenges
To explore the study’s other findings, click here.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on all of the latest news here in the produce industry, so keep an eye out for our next update.
SANTA PAULA, CA - In spite of ongoing hurdles created by the pandemic, Limoneira has announced that the company is still on the path to growth in it’s Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2021 report. Wielding strong fresh lemon utilization and an ongoing digital transformation, the citrus grower has announced plans to increase yields and operational efficiencies while also reducing its water consumption.
“Lemon pricing and fresh utilization were strong for the third quarter, and we are well positioned for solid lemon growth in fiscal year 2022,” Harold Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated. "Our results were partially offset by the reduced sizing of our avocado fruit due to lack of rainfall. Driven primarily by fresh lemon utilization, we increased operating income by 86 percent during the third quarter even with the widely publicized global logistical delays that are affecting the entire agriculture industry and reduced exports to Asia due to COVID-19. We do believe these logistical challenges will improve in fiscal year 2022, and with the expectation of reduced exports, we are very confident in domestic pricing improvements in fiscal year 2022.”
The report, which recorded financial results for the third fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2021, also showed that the company’s total costs and expenses decreased to $45.8 million, compared to $51.7 million in the third quarter of last fiscal year. According to a press release, its operating income increased from $3.4 million from $1.8 million in the third quarter last fiscal year.
Other highlights include:
- Adjusted EBITDA was $7.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, compared to $6.0 million in the same period of fiscal year 2020
- Adjusted net income of $3.7 million or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2020 of $2.4 million or $0.13 per diluted share
To foster further evolution, Limoneira revealed that it will also be implementing a digital transformation plan that will help increase yields and operational efficiencies. Additionally, it will continue to focus on its real estate projects to create further revenue.
“We are implementing a digital information system we call our ‘Farm to Table via Tablet’ initiative. This innovative program will monitor daily tree health and fruit growth along with tying together the entire distribution chain from tree to customer. This real time information system will combine the entire One World of Fresh Citrus™ worldwide team together on one accessible platform to raise yields and quality while increasing the efficiencies of farming, harvest, packing, and sales,” continued Edwards. “Lastly, our real estate development project, Harvest at Limoneira, continues to perform very well and has now closed 556 lots since inception, including 92 new lot closings in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021. We are confident in the timing of the expected $80 million of cash distributions from Harvest at Limoneira over the next six years beginning in fiscal year 2022. In addition, we believe there is potential upside to our stated cash distributions due to increased number of sellable lots entitled in Harvest at Limoneira as well as the potential opportunity of the recently announced medical campus in our East Area 2 development.”
To read the report in full, click here.
For more financial updates from across the fresh produce industry, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - Wheels are up in the air as industry members touch down in Savannah, Georgia, for Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Innovations. While you’re perusing the show floor, you won’t want to miss what Braga Fresh has to offer. I checked in with Heather Fuller, Vice President of Sales, to learn more.
“We will be showcasing our organic baby Iceberg and three new salads under our Josie’s Organics brand—the Organic Spring Blush, Lemon Herb, and Rustic Tomato,” Heather shared with me. “Although these items launched earlier this year, this is the first time we are able to talk about their benefits to our customers in person.”
Heather noted that, while the Southern Innovation’s theme of “What’s New” aligns with the company’s current strategies in some ways, Braga Fresh is also taking a unique approach to strategic growth plans.
“We are definitely focused on what’s new in the marketplace, like new items, new technology, and e-commerce options, as well as changes to the industry and the new market climate. We are just as focused on what is constant. This means we look to the importance of our partnerships, stability in the supply chain, along with quality product and great service,” Heather explained. “Disruption provides opportunity, and we are laser-focused on helping our customers succeed in this business environment.”
With its growing line of organic, value-added salads and convenience vegetables on offer, Braga Fresh and its Josie’s Organics line are ready to provide retail customers with on-demand products.
“Innovation will be our focus in 2022,” Heather said, sending me off wanting more. “Expect more on the horizon in our value-added categories!”
To check in with the team, be sure to stop by booth #306!
FOWLER, CA - When I went to elementary school, Mandarins were the must-have lunchbox treat. If you don’t believe me, kids in my grade used them as bartering chips! Perhaps all of us were aspiring produce buyers and knew the value of a strong citrus program.
As citrus continues to drive sales at retail, I caught up with Bee Sweet Citrus’ Jason Sadoian to see how the grower is holding up under this demand.
“The current citrus crop estimates are starting to trickle in, and we’re double checking things from a farming perspective to be as accurate as possible for our crop this season. Certain items look to be about the same as last year in terms of volume and some look to be less. Weather wise, we’re hoping the temperatures will cool off in September to position our fruit harvest to start on time,” the Sales Representative explained.
The market itself differs from coast to coast, Jason noted, before diving into the differences.
“It all depends on what coast you’re referring to on imported citrus,” he commented. “The lemon market is steady on the West Coast, but in flux on the East Coast. Navel orange and mandarin markets are both strong—the port delays are driving that at the moment. We have plenty of supplies coming or on board vessels; we just need help at the port getting off-loaded in a timely manner.”
The port situation ties into an overarching issue for the industry, as many producers are seeing challenges tied to pricing and freight.
“Some pricing is up and some is down depending on the commodity, but the biggest difference this season as opposed to other years is the cost for freight,” Jason expressed. “With rising gas prices and a labor shortage in the trucking world, the cost for transportation is through the roof.”
However, as Jason assured me, Bee Sweet Citrus is a solutions-driven company ready to help its customers in any way it can, no matter the challenges it faces.
“For buyers, it’s helpful for us to have lead time when ordering, which allows us to better coordinate harvest all the way down to the packing line,” Jason concluded.
Stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest insights from the supply-side!
CINCINNATI, OH - Back in 2019, Kroger unveiled an ambitious brand transformation campaign with fresh at the forefront. In continuation of this strategy, the retailer has once again updated its identity to include a new brand icon called The Fresh Cart, which will be rolled out across its banners in the coming months.
“The cart speaks to the history and heritage of grocery. The side section of the fruit speaks to the fresh component, which is a huge area of passion for customers and for us,” Mandy Rassi, Vice President of Marketing, said, according to news source Adweek. “We wanted to have an element of our heritage but with an eye on the future.”
Kroger worked with DDB New York, its creative agency of record, to transform Kroger’s brand promise into a physical icon. The development process reportedly took about a year, resulting in a new logo that mirrors the swooping lines of Kroger’s time-tested brand identity.
The news source stated that Kroger intended for this logo to be more literal than abstract, which aligns with the Krojis (Kroger+emojis) that now appear across its branding efforts. Rassi explains the icon as “another tool in the tool box” of Kroger’s brand strategy, meaning clear communication through the imagery was essential.
I cannot think of a greater way to communicate its message than through the image of fresh produce sitting comfortably in a shopping cart.
Check out Kroger’s recent Twitter post for more on how this new icon aligns with its long-term vision. And, as always, keep clicking back to ANUK for the industry’s latest.