GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A new format will be supporting SpartanNash’s operations, as the retailer is looking to optimize the supply chain with its first-ever Micro-Fulfillment Center (MFC) in Caledonia, Michigan. The facility will stand at 55,000 square feet with capacity for 16,000 products, supporting SpartanNash’s pick and pack Fast Lane program to fulfill orders for 24 Ada Fresh Market, D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, and Forest Hills Foods stores in West Michigan.
“Fast Lane has been a tremendous value-add for our store guests as the pandemic heightened the importance of safe, efficient grocery shopping, pickup, and delivery,” President and CEO Tony Sarsam said. “The Micro-Fulfillment Center is an exciting investment designed to further elevate the Fast Lane shopping experience as we strive to continuously improve our fulfillment speed and product availability.”
Fast Lane is the company’s proprietary, intuitive online grocery shopping solution, a press release explained. Fast Lane orders are fulfilled by personal shoppers who focus on selecting fresh, high-quality items and who can communicate with guests via text messaging to determine preferences such as ripeness of fruit.
The grand opening for the Micro-Fulfillment Center is scheduled for July 26, which coincides with Fast Lane’s four-year anniversary. The facility will support more than 1,000 Fast Lane orders daily once fully operational, more than doubling current capabilities by increasing efficiency, freeing up space and stock in stores, and giving customers a larger product assortment.
“We look forward to delivering an even higher level of quality and convenience to our store guests than they already enjoy with Fast Lane,” said Tom Swanson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Corporate Retail. “The technology and design of the MFC will allow us to be three to four times more efficient than fulfilling orders in-store. The new process increases our already great service effectiveness and gives our Fast Lane customers even more variety and assortment—all benefits we’re excited to introduce as a result of the MFC.”
Will this strategy lead to even further expansion for this program? Keep reading ANUK to find out.
KINGSBURG, CA - I think it’s fitting that my first show post-pandemic is also the site of the first trade show I ever attended—a memory that is now almost three years old! As the industry continues to gear up for accelerated foodservice demand, PMA Foodservice is the event to help connect buy with supply. One of the companies prepping for the show is HMC Farms, who is bringing value-added grape solutions to market.
“We will be showcasing our Grape Escape® ready-to-eat grapes, our Lunch Bunch® portioned grape clusters, as well a brand new item: Fresh grape slices!” explained Jakob Smith, Director of Value-Added Sales. “These revolutionary ready-to-serve sliced grapes make it simple to add the fresh flavor of sweet grapes to any meal or snack.”
HMC Farms prides itself on making it easier for foodservice operators to add grapes to any menu or application, and in any way you want to serve them.
“Grapes are under-utilized as an ingredient because of the extensive prep labor required to include them in dishes, which is a shame because they can really transform ordinary recipes into something spectacular,” Jakob noted. “Our goal is to make it easy for operators to serve delicious grapes, fresh from the farm.”
As a grower and shipper of value-added grape solutions, HMC Farms differentiates itself by having control of every step in the process, from the varieties it plants to the pack sizes and configurations.
“PMA Foodservice is always a great opportunity to engage with buyers and attendees, menu developers, and other innovators, as well as learn from our fellow exhibitors and industry members,” Jakob remarked. “We are constantly looking for new ways to provide fresh grapes. One thing we are acutely aware of is how important packaging options, more specifically sustainable packaging options, are in today's world. We are working diligently on including these options in our product offerings.”
For those interested in seeing these innovations for yourself, be sure to stop by booth #702!
IRVINE, CA - With water resources waning amidst the current drought, industry advocates such as Western Growers are pushing for government-level solutions to ensure the sustainability of the fresh produce industry. As such, a national coalition of thousands of farmers, ranchers, water providers, businesses, and communities in the western U.S. applauded passage of the Energy Infrastructure Act by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR). Additionally, the group pressed the full Senate to expeditiously take up the bill on the floor.
“On behalf of Western farmers, ranchers, businesses, and residents, we commend Chairman Manchin and the Senate ENR Committee for their commitment to drafting and passing a balanced infrastructure package that includes resources for critical Western water supply needs,” Family Farm Alliance Executive Director Dan Keppen said.
The coalition represents more than 220 organizations from 15 states that collectively represent $120 billion in agricultural production, a press release stated, which is nearly one-third of all agricultural production in the country. It also includes many of the local and regional public water agencies that supply water to more than 75 million urban, suburban, and rural residents.
Prior to the Senate ENR Committee consideration of the Energy Infrastructure Act, the coalition sent a letter to Chairman Joe Manchin and Ranking Member John Barrasso expressing support for the Western water elements included in Title VIII and IX of the bill. In the letter, the coalition notes that changing Western hydrological conditions and expanding populations require immediate federal investments in repairing aging water infrastructure and developing new sources of water supply.
“We support the all-of-above approach taken in the Energy Infrastructure Act, which includes more than $8 billion for Western water projects that expand conservation and recycling efforts, improve ecosystems, fix crumbling dams and canals, and build new storage and conveyance facilities,” Association of California Water Agencies Executive Director Dave Eggerton said.
In addition to stabilizing the West’s water outlook, the coalition letter states that the infrastructure package represents a historic opportunity to aid in the nation’s economic recovery. Both workers and the economy will benefit from the increased demand for equipment and materials these water projects will require from American companies.
“As drought conditions move from bad to worse across the West, action is needed,” National Water Resources Association President Christine Arbogast said. “To minimize the fallout from this historic drought and to ensure future generations have access to a safe, reliable, and affordable water supply, we call on the Senate to bring the Energy Infrastructure Act to the floor as quickly as possible.”
Below is a summary of the Western water provisions in Title IX:
- Aging Infrastructure: $3.2 billion, includes $100 million for certain Reclamation projects suffering a critical failure and $100 million for repairs to certain Carey Act dams
- Water Storage, Groundwater Storage, and Conveyance: $1.15 billion, includes $100 million for new 25 percent grants for small surface/groundwater storage projects
- Water Recycling: $1 billion, includes $450 million for new authorized large water recycling project grant program
- Desalination: $250 million
- Rural Water: $1 billion
- Dam Safety: $500 million
- Drought Contingency Plan: $300 million, includes $50 million for Upper Basin States
- WaterSMART: $400 million, includes $100 million for natural infrastructure projects
- Cooperative Watershed Management: $100 million
- Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program: $250 million
- Watershed Enhancement Projects: $100 million
- Colorado River Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation Programs: $50 million
Please click here for the latest coalition letter sent to Chairman Joe Manchin and Ranking Member John Barrasso.
As we continue to monitor the drought, keep clicking back to ANUK.
SANTA MARIA, CA - The unique and tantalizing flavor of a fresh avocado can elevate virtually any dish if used correctly, which is exactly why so many consumers gravitate toward this culinary mainstay. To help both consumers and foodservice operators optimize the avocado category to create unique and drool-worthy dishes, Fresh Avenue has teamed up with GoVerden as it launches a new line of guacamole and avocado pulp for foodservice and retail.
“Combining GoVerden Fresh’s excellent quality product, large production capacity, and Fresh Avenue’s distribution capabilities, our customers can expect a great tasting product, reliable supply, and efficient delivery. Additionally, with our shipping facilities located in the major produce regions, this product can be added to any fresh produce order through consolidation,” stated Mark Vaughan, Managing Partner of Fresh Avenue.
Fresh Avenue has partnered with GoVerden Fresh—a U.S.-owned subsidiary of Guacamole de la Sierra, a family company of third generation avocado growers—to provide sales, marketing, and distribution support for the guacamole product. The new offering, which is always in stock at the company’s consolidation facilities, offers customers and consumers an easy way to incorporate high-quality guacamole and avocado pulp into dishes with no hassle.
“Distribution of fresh guacamole is and has been the most difficult part of getting product to the users,” said Rick Joyal, Vice President of Sales for GoVerden. “With this partnership, we have created the perfect delivery system for all fresh produce users in the nation to enjoy our market-leading quality and consistency. Being able to stock all of our refrigerated products in Fresh Avenue’s forwarding warehouses and using their consolidation routes will be a game changer.”
GoVerden Fresh has 6,000 acres of avocado groves, allowing it to bring consistent, plentiful supply all year, in addition to a new facility with ample capacity for growth.
Keep reading ANUK as we continue to bring you the latest news in the world of fresh produce.
IMMOKALEE, FL - The foodservice sector continues to boom with business as consumers begin to return to their pre-pandemic routines, and with this long-awaited return to restaurants and eateries comes a steady increase in demand. Lipman Family Farms is well-positioned to help its allies in the sector meet this demand, and it will be showcasing exactly how at the upcoming Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Foodservice Conference and Expo.
“With consumers eager to get back out and experience restaurants and dining again, we are seeing equally eager menu developers ready to innovate again,” said Wil Wilbur, Corporate Chef at Lipman Family Farms. “We are energized by the desire to incorporate new, fresh ingredients into menus and are continuously developing our food-safe, ready-to-eat, fresh-cut product line, blends, and mixes.”
Lipman’s fresh-cut line is harvested, packed, clipped, and cleaned through Lipman’s supply chain network to provide a high-quality, ready-to-serve product that eliminates prep time and reduces back-of-house labor, according to a press release.
One of the products the fresh produce purveyor will be showcasing is its ready-to-eat green beans, which are offered in a variety of sizes ranging from 12-ounces to 32-ounces and bulk sizing, packaged in a high-graphic microwavable bag, and ready to ship to customers within 24 hours.
Lipman has guaranteed product availability for its green beans, as they are grown on exclusive acreage in Guasave and Baja California, Mexico, and distributed by its advanced West Coast distribution network. The supplier also has delicious organic green beans available under the Grown-True line of products, which also includes cucumber, pepper, tomato, and squash varieties.
Take a stroll by Lipman’s booth, #219, at PMA Foodservice to explore its unique fresh-cut capabilities; try some mouthwatering samples provided by Chef Wil; and share insights on Lipman Culinary, a free new resource that helps customers reduce gaps in the farm to table connection and improve the consumer experience.
To continue keeping tabs on the highly anticipated PMA Foodservice event, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
BERLIN & SYDNEY - With the boom in at-home cooking spurred by the pandemic continuing to inspire consumers to take their meals at their dining room tables instead of going out, prepared meal companies are implementing new strategies to fortify their place in the industry. HelloFresh SE is one such name, as it recently announced it has entered in to a Scheme Implementation Deed under which it will acquire 100 percent of the share capital in Youfoodz Holdings Limited, one of Australia’s leading ready-to-eat meal services offering fresh, healthy chef-prepared meals as well as drinks and snacks through delivery and retail, for approximately $93 million USD.
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We are very excited to welcome Youfoodz and its CEO Lance Giles to our group. We are impressed by Youfoodz’ strong product and manufacturing capabilities and are looking forward to jointly delight Australians with delicious, healthy, and convenient meals. Youfoodz's complementary products and capabilities backed by a well-known brand and highly capable team will allow us to serve more meal occasions to more people. We look forward to being able to contribute our expertise to jointly capitalise on a strong growth opportunity,” said Tom Rutledge, CEO of HelloFresh Australia and New Zealand.
This intended acquisition of Youfoodz is another step in HelloFresh’s strategy to evolve into the leading global D2C food solutions company, according to a press release. Through this deal, HelloFresh’s ready-to-eat capabilities will be increased and its total addressable market will expand.
Across Australia, ready-to-eat meal delivery services have seen rapid growth, especially due to convenience and quality. HelloFresh recently launched its value brand EveryPlate in the country, making the intended acquisition of Youfoodz a logical step as it looks to grow its Australian brand portfolio and product offerings.
“Following the successful acquisition of Factor in the U.S., we consider the intended acquisition of Youfoodz and the expansion of our ready-to-eat offering an important component of our growth strategy. The popularity of ready-to-eat services in Australia in a well-established and growing sector offers us a good opportunity to further strengthen our position by offering further choice of meal solutions and price points to our customers,” added Dominik Richter, CEO of HelloFresh in the United States.
The total purchase price for the acquisition sits at approximately $125 million AUD ($93 million USD) and will be paid from cash on balance sheet.
This intended acquisiton of Youfoodz will bring together HelloFresh’s expertise in a in direct-to-consumer marketing, supply chain management, and technology with the Austalia-based company’s strength in developing, manufacturing and distributing delicious ready-to-eat meals, operations and strong brand recognition across the country.
Youfoodz is one of Australia’s fastest growing consumer food brands and specializes in ready-to-eat fresh meals with a focus on health, local sourced ingredients, and next day delivery. As part of the deal, the company will continue to operate under its own brand and will become more available to consumers through a subscription-oriented online platform.
“Our mission has always been to provide Aussies with access to fresh and healthy ready-made meals, snacks and drinks that easily adapt to their lifestyles. Since our inception in 2012, we are proud to say that we have delivered over 60 million ready-made meals to our home delivery, retail, and corporate customers,” commented Youfoodz CEO Lance Giles. “We are excited about the prospect of joining the HelloFresh group. This is a significant endorsement of our brand and the success we have enjoyed as a business in the ready-made meal sector. Partnering with a global leader like HelloFresh will help us accelerate growth of our business and enhance our customer offering through new menu offerings, customer initiatives and enriched service levels.”
The scheme is subject to customary conditions including shareholder approval, Federal Court of Australia approval, no prescribed occurrences becoming effective, and no occurrence of a material adverse change. Subject to the conditions being satisfied, the deal and the acquisition of Youfoodz is expected to be finalized in October 2021.
What will be HelloFresh’s next play in its global growth strategy? Stick with AndNowUKnow for the answers.
YUMA, AZ - As it continues to build out its operational prowess, Bard Valley has made several moves to expand its team and support the ongoing growth of the Natural Delights® brand and the Medjool date category as a whole.
The supplier recently revealed that it has brought on two new team members: Mamud Dako as Director of Innovation, and Nancy Roser as Regional Business Manager of the Southeast region. In addition, Alex Aguilera has been promoted from Production Scheduler to International Sales and Marketing Coordinator, and Alan Asbury was promoted from Regional Business Manager of the Midwest to Senior Business Manager of the Midwest and East Coast regions.
Dako brings a wealth of experience in consumer packaged goods, according to a press release, having spent time developing new products and packaging for Heinz and Smirnoff. During his tenure, he received multiple packaging and innovation awards, including the Shelf Impact Award, Food and Beverage Product Innovation Award by the National Restaurant Association, and DuPont Award for Packaging Innovation.
David Anderson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, commented on this exciting appointment.
“Mamud comes to us with the type of experience and proven track record we were seeking for this new and important role,” said Anderson. “We are looking forward to his expertise as we move the brand forward to meet the growing demand from our consumers.”
Also joining the team is Nancy Roser.
She brings an impressive resume with her extensive background in business development, sales, and marketing with Sysco and Handmade Real Foods. She will support the brand with new business development, convenience store expertise, and customer relations in the Southeast region as the Regional Business Manager.
Alan Asbury, newly appointed Senior Business Manager of the Midwest and East Coast regions, discussed this appointment as well.
“Nancy is already proving to be an excellent addition to our sales team,” said Asbury. “She is committed to finding new opportunities for the brand and providing the best experience for our customers.”
Asbury, who excelled in his position in the Midwest, has been a natural mentor in his previous role, leading to the promotion to overseeing the East Coast as Senior Business Manager of the Midwest and East Coast regions.
Aguilera, who was also recently promoted, brings vast production knowledge into his new role. As International Sales and Marketing Coordinator, he will assist the sales and marketing teams to better service customers and consumers as the category continues to expand.
As noted in the release, Aguilera will also help the company effectively manage the links in the international supply chain for maximum efficiencies.
Congratulations to these distinguished leaders on the next step in their succesful careers. Keep reading ANUK as we bring you the latest news in the fresh produce industry.
MISSION, TX - It was recently announced that The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has formed a new networking group called Y-TIPA specifically for industry members under the age of 35. The focus of the group is to network, build connections, and provide useful education to the newest generation of fresh produce luminaries. The new group will be hosting various events throughout the year to build and train the younger community of TIPA members, starting with its first at Top Golf in Pharr, Texas, this month.
“One of our members, Kristen Davis of TexMex Sales, was the brain-child of Y-TIPA,” said Dante Galeazzi, President and Chief Executive Officer. “There’s a desire from young fresh produce professionals in our industry to learn from their peers and grow stronger together. TIPA is proud to have such a committee among its ranks.”
The first event will kick off on July 29 at 7pm, according to a press release, and is free and open to all TIPA members under the age of 35.
Y-TIPA will be hosting additional events throughout the year in Texas to bolster the younger generation from all aspects of the industry, including farming, production, operations, sales, accounting, marketing, and more.
“As a new member in the produce business, I saw that most of the people I knew were from the older generation, and sometimes that can be intimidating coming into the industry,” said Kristen Davis. “We wanted to create Y-TIPA for the opportunity for my generation and future generations to be able to engage in networking and educating each other within the business. We want to have future events that will encourage young professionals to get involved and learn from one another to grow in this industry, which is constantly changing.”
Those interested in attending can register and RSVP their attendance with [email protected].
Perfect your golf swing while mingling with a talented group of industry pros? Sign me up!
BENGALURU, INDIA - As Walmart built out its retail network in India, one of its primary partners was The Flipkart Group, the e-commerce and private technology company. Backed by multiple global investors, Flipkart is further enacting a crucial strategy to bolster businesses and help it harness technology to spur growth. The group recently announced it has raised $3.6 billion USD in funding to advance the digital commerce ecosystem in India, bringing its total valuation to $37.6 billion USD.
“At Flipkart, we are committed to transforming the consumer internet ecosystem in India and providing consumers access and value,” said Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Chief Executive Officer of Flipkart Group. “This investment by leading global investors reflects the promise of digital commerce in India and their belief in Flipkart’s capabilities to maximize this potential for all stakeholders. As we serve our consumers, we will focus on accelerating growth for millions of small and medium Indian businesses, including kiranas. We will continue to invest in new categories and leverage made-in-India technology to transform consumer experiences and develop a world-class supply chain.”
The round of funding was led by financial investors GIC, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), SoftBank Vision Fund 2, and Walmart. Additional investments came from sovereign funds DisruptAD; Qatar Investment Authority; Khazanah Nasional Berhad; and marquee investors Tencent, Willoughby Capital, Antara Capital, Franklin Templeton, and Tiger Global.
“Flipkart is a great business whose growth and potential mirrors that of India as a whole—that’s why we invested in 2018 and why we continue to invest today,” said Judith McKenna, President and CEO, Walmart International. “Kalyan and the team have put the Indian customer at the center of everything and they have continued to innovate in the categories and services Indian customers want most, creating new jobs and growth opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs and small businesses alongside them. The quality of the investor group and valuation announced today is further confirmation of global confidence in Flipkart and its mission to transform commerce in India.”
Flipkart will use these investments to further bolster its technology, supply chain, and infrastructure to address the requirements of a rapidly growing consumer base in India, according to a press release. One of Flipkart’s key focuses is to help informal commerce segments leverage the power of technology. By expanding grocery and last-mile delivery programs, the group will also help companies digitize and accelerate growth.
In December of last year, Walmart also announced that it hopes to announce Flipkart's public listing in the U.S. Will this new investment bring it closer?
Keep reading ANUK as we continue to bring you the latest news in retail and e-commerce.
CHARLOTTE, NC - The connection between consumers and Disney is a strong one, and the same can be said about their relationship to Dole Food Company, which is exactly what makes this ongoing partnership so influential. Building on its alliance, Dole is continuing its total-wellness tribute to Disney’s Ultimate Princess Celebration with the unveiling of four exclusive recipes inspired by Disney’s Belle and Tiana. The recipes will honor not only the princesses, but will also celebrate Bastille Day (National Day of France) on July 14, and National Personal Chef Day on July 16.
Lasting through January 3, 2022, Dole’s “A Recipe for Courage and Kindness” initiative includes original recipes, DIY activities, contests, collectibles, and virtual cooking classes and gatherings. According to a press release, each aspect will showcase the courage and kindness themes of Disney’s 12 well-known princess characters, including the idea of being kind to the Earth as well.
The exclusive Belle and Tiana Recipes will be debuted July 14, and will join other offerings created by Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole Nutrition and Health Communications Manager. The new recipes include:
Belle
- Le Gris Stuff a la Lumiere (Vegetarian, Low-Fat and Low-Sodium): DOLE® Bananas, Strawberries, and Blueberries are whisked together with chocolate graham crackers and light coconut whipped topping into a legitimately gray-hued vegetarian, low-fat, and low-sodium treat that would make Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast proud
- Enchanted Red Rose Smoothie (Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Fat and Low-Sodium): A magical antioxidant blend of DOLE® Bananas, Strawberries, Raspberries, Cherries, and apple juice
Tiana
- French Quarter Quiche (Vegetarian and Gluten-Free): Dole combines DOLE® Baby Spinach, Sweet Potato, Red Onion, bell pepper, egg whites, and oat milk into vegetarian, gluten-free mini quiches named for Tiana’s culinary home
- Big Easy Summer Quinoa Salad Vegetarian and Gluten-Free): DOLE® Arugula and Avocado are tossed with quinoa, roasted garbanzo beans, and cherry bananas and topped with a blend of Cajun mustard, honey, and seasoning
In addition to its exciting recipes, consumers can find images of Disney’s 12 princesses—Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merinda, and Moana—on millions of DOLE bananas across retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Shoppers will be able to collect forty-seven unique sticker designs featuring the princesses and their sidekicks.
Dole will offer a reimagined Dole Banana sticker storybook that will allow Disney fans to collect and post the commemorative Disney Princess stickers and tell their stories of courage and kindness. The program also includes digital downloads, a dedicated social media campaign, blogger partnerships, an interactive Princess quiz, a virtual cooking event, and a royal banquet to be announced in coming weeks.
As Dole continues to build on its popular partnership with Disney, what will come next for the value-added maven? Stick with AndNowUKnow for the answers.