LANDOVER, MD - Giant Food has revealed its latest move to place fresh produce center stage. The retailer recently announced the launch of its new Local Produce Boxes, which feature locally sourced, in-season produce available online through Giant Delivers. Each of the boxes are available throughout the summer without a subscription, and offer six or more unique produce items from local farms in Delaware, Maryland, and Virgina.
"At Giant, we know our customers appreciate fresh and seasonal produce when they are in-store or ordering online just as much as we do," said Gregg Dorazio, Director of E-Commerce. "We look forward to bringing these specially curated Local Produce Boxes featuring summer's tastiest produce to our customers."
Over 20 farms are participating in the new program, including Fifer Orchards and Vincent Farms of Delaware; Miller Farms, Houser Produce Farm, Calloway Bros, and Shlagel Farms of Maryland; and Kirby Farms of Virginia. According to a press release, items will vary depending on the farm harvests and what is in season, and shoppers can view local produce seasonality in a calendar online.
The launch of these local produce boxes is a step toward the retailer’s goal to work with 20 new farms in Maryland and 70 new farms in Virginia in 2021, and increases the company’s commitment to increasing food traceability and transparency and making healthy, locally sourced foods accessible to more consumers.
As we see more unique strategies within the retail sector, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest news.
TAMPA, FL - The pathways of two industry veterans are about to intertwine as IFCO announced a transition within its executive team. The packaging purveyor revealed that Craig Kelly will be retiring from the company after 7 years of service, and supply chain veteran Rick Overholt will be succeeding him in the role of Vice President, Grower Sales, for North America.
“I am thrilled to join IFCO,” said Overholt. “I have worked collaboratively with IFCO to develop efficient and sustainable packaging and supply chain solutions for growers and retailers for many years, and now it is exciting to do that directly as a member of the IFCO team.”
In his new role, Overholt will report directly to IFCO North America President, Candice Herndon, and will be based in Morro Bay, California, according to a press release.
Stepping in as Vice President of Grower Sales for the North American market, he will focus on building and growing collaborative, long-term relationships with IFCO’s grower customers throughout the region. Overholt will also lead the Grower Sales Team to deliver value creation, sustainable growth, and improved customer service and loyalty.
Prior to joining IFCO, Overholt served in many sales leadership roles throughout his 22-year career at CHEP, most recently serving as National Sales Director - Produce. In that position, he led all grower and shipper accounts in the U.S. and Central America, helping to deliver a consistent supply of fresh produce to the nation’s retail and foodservice customers and consumers.
Herndon commented on the Overholt’s recent appointment and the role he will play at IFCO.
“I am pleased to welcome Rick Overholt to the IFCO team,” she said. “He has worked closely with the grower community for many years and is an expert in shared and reusable assets and supply chain efficiency. We will benefit greatly from his experience and extensive relationships with the growers and retailers that trust IFCO RPCs to pack, ship, store, and display fresh food.”
As Overholt steps into this new role, Craig Kelly will be retiring after 7 years with IFCO SYSTEMS organization. He will remain with the company until July 2, 2021.
During his time at IFCO, Kelly was considers the face of the company with the grower community, and he contributed greatly to various committees including PMA and United Fresh. Throughout his time, Kelly has also mentored a number of students interested in agriculture and the industry during his involvemtn in the PMA Center for Grower Talent.
Although retiring, Kelly intends to stay involved in the produce industry where he has developed many friendships over his more than two-decade career.
Herndon continued her statement by thanking Kelly for his contributions to the company.
“I would like to congratulate Craig Kelly for a stellar career at IFCO and wish him well in his retirement,” she added. “We at the company, along with our customers, have benefitted greatly from his leadership and knowledge, and he will greatly be missed by his colleagues.”
Cheers to both Craig Kelly and Rick Overholt as they take their first steps down these new pathways!
WASHINGTON, DC - After the past year and a half of children learning from home, many kids are preparing to return to in-classroom learning following summer vacation. To prepare suppliers, the United Fresh Start Foundation will be hosting a “Back to School with Fruits and Veggies" Discussion Series from July 26–30. The program will be held virtually and will bring together produce suppliers and school customers to collaborate on innovative programs and opportunities to increase children’s access to fresh produce.
“This year’s program continues the United Fresh Start Foundation’s commitment to support K-12 school nutrition operators with knowledge and connections in the produce industry while also creating opportunities for fruit and vegetable suppliers to learn from this important, large volume foodservice customer,” said Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales, Grimmway Farms and Chair of the United Fresh Start Foundation.
The program will include daily online presentations as well as virtual discussion groups that connect suppliers and distributors with K-12 school foodservice menu planners. According to a press release, the session will elevate best practices to source, serve, and promote fresh produce to children while in school, while also addressing current school foodservice challenges to help industry suppliers better understand school sales opportunities.
Program sessions include:
- Highlighting Community Collaborations and Innovative Approaches to Promoting Fresh Produce to Kids
- Understanding School Requests for Local Produce
- Produce Supply Chain Insights and Collaborating with School Partners
- Prioritizing Fresh Produce in the Year Ahead: Understanding the “Seamless Summer/SSO” Meal Patterns
- The Future of Fresh Produce in Schools: What’s Expected in SY2021-22 and Beyond
- K-12 Connections Networking Reception
“The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions have significantly impacted the ways in which schools are making meals available to children, and how the industry is able to service this unique customer,” said Andrew Marshall, United Fresh’s Director of Foodservice and Foundation Partnerships. “The Back to School sessions will be an opportunity to understand each other’s challenges and priorities going forward, as well as spark new ideas for collaboration.”
In addition to education sessions, the foundation will also host a School Foodservice Partner X-Change the week of August 2. The program will organize a limited number of private virtual meetings between produce suppliers and school foodservice decision-makers where produce companies can highlight kid-friendly products and packaging applicable for school customers. School operators will then be able to share feedback and information about the types of products that would be helpful for various meal distribution situations.
Registration for the sessions is free for K-12 school nutrition professionals thanks to support from this year’s title sponsors: Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Grimmway Farms, Healthy Family Project, and Taylor Farms.
The produce industry and school foodservice professionals can register for the series by clicking here.
As post-pandemic life starts to open up, how will other industry organizations help bolster the success of its fresh produce partners? Stick with AndNowUKnow for answers.
WASHINGTON, DC - As more companies look to bolster their operations and their recruitment processes, a key investment has been made into the workforce. Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) announced it has received a new one-year grant of $700,000 from the Walmart Foundation as it looks to promote responsible recruitment and the adoption of the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices amongst produce growers in Mexico.
“EFI deeply appreciates this support from the Walmart Foundation to expand implementation of the principles of the Ethical Charter, and not just because it’s the right thing to do,” said EFI Executive Director Peter O’Driscoll. “We believe that workers who are recruited ethically onto farms with safe and dignified working conditions, and who are given the opportunity to gain skills and credentials, can better meet customer demands and improve supplier performance.”
According to a company release, the new investment supports development of a “continuous improvement ramp” program for growers selling to EFI-certified suppliers; a certification program for labor providers to promote responsible recruitment and contracting; and a pilot initiative to measure quality improvements achieved when ethically recruited workers receive skill-building and credentialing services through their EFI-certified employers.
In addition, the new funding also supports a program to help growers develop the management systems and communication structures needed to implement the principles of the Ethical Charter, and invests in piloting a new certification for labor providers to demonstrate that their workers have not been subjected to recruitment violations.
The grant will measure improvements in produce quality indicators that can be traced to the inclusion of worker voice and competencies in harvesting and production processes, as the release noted.
“We are excited to support EFI's work to scale implementation of the Ethical Charter, strengthen the industry, and improve conditions for agricultural workers," said Gavin Bailey, Senior Manager at Walmart Foundation.
EFI has been fortifying its social assurance program for the past 10 years, embracing the publication of the Ethical Charter in 2018 as a key commitment to bring labor concerns to the same level as food safety.
For more of the latest news in the fresh produce industry, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.
FRESNO, CA - Just as an outfit can influence someone’s first impression of a person, packaging helps shape consumers’ perception of a product—which is why it’s important for suppliers to put their best foot forward when it comes to choosing innovative, eye-catching designs. To get an idea about what goes into the perfect packaging, I got in touch with Angela Hernandez, Director of Marketing at Trinity Fruit Company, to see how the grower’s unique options drive shopper loyalty for the company and buyers.
“What makes Trinity Fruit different is our flexibility when it comes to working with retail customers—we are always up for their ideas and working together to make a great product presentation in the marketplace,” says Angela.
Trinity Fruit not only has “Fruit for Every Season,” but packaging for every season, too. Carrying VF, one- and two-layer cartons, pouch bags, consumer packages, and more, Trinity is ready to make any produce packaging a dream come true. Additionally, the grower’s marketing team provides access to immediate POS material, retail marketing plans, and packaging development, amongst other services.
Furthermore, Angela tells me that Trinity not only meets the needs of buyers, but caters to shoppers as well.
“When creating design concepts for packaging, I am always thinking of the consumer—who they are; what will attract them; and what I, as a consumer, look for when shopping. I think that’s key. It’s easy to continue the same old way of doing things, but making the investment to evolve with shopping trends and staying in the know with what attracts the ever-changing consumers is essential,” Angela explains.
With the goal to present the best products possible in the best way possible, Trinity has a wide variety of merchandising displays to help buyers boost produce aisle traffic as well. Offering pop-up display bins for its stonefruit, pomegranates, and dried pomegranate seeds, the colorful merchandising tools are sure to grab the attention of shoppers passing by, creating impulse buys.
In addition to traditional packaging concepts, as sustainability continues to take precedent for environmentally conscious consumers, it is important for buyers to appeal to these shoppers through innovation. And, when it comes to eco-friendly options, Trinity Fruit has retailers covered.
“Trinity Fruit is part of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, which allows us to have access to the How2Recycle® label on our packaging,” continues Angela. “This label communicates the recycling instructions of the package to the consumer and is a great way for Trinity to help the recycling stream by educating on proper disposal.”
Wielding versatility and a keen insight into the needs of consumers, Trinity Fruit is an optimal partner for buyers as they look to create register rings in the produce department, so reach out to a sales rep today.
ATLANTA, GA - In November of 2020, we reported that the traditionally center-store name Nestlé was making its foray into fresh as it acquired foodservice operator Freshly. Now the company is furthering its investment, recently announcing a $52 million expansion that resulted in Freshly’s new distribution center.
“Over the past year, Freshly has experienced substantial growth as consumer demand continues to grow for convenient and nutritious meal options,” said Mike Wystrach, Freshly Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re thrilled to expand Freshly’s footprint and operations in Georgia. Tapping into Clayton County’s tremendous pool of talent, this second facility will allow us to increase capacity for efficient assembly and distribution of our chef-prepared meals.”
This announcement comes quickly after Freshly’s announcement of opening its first Southeastern U.S. distribution facility in Cobb County in early 2021. Freshly’s additional Georgia distribution facility will help the company continue to meet increasing customer demand, a press release explained.
Freshly plans to begin hiring at the new 289,000-square-foot facility in 2022 for positions in warehousing, operations, and maintenance.
With Nestlé continuing its investment in the fresh-forward division, will we soon see the company’s name on produce shelves? Stay tuned as ANUK reports.
FRESNO, CA - The produce industry has taken “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” to a level that has consumers sure all staple fresh items are never out-of-season. Baloian Farms is one that has proven “vegetables are in season somewhere,” with multiple year-round programs, a strategy that took more than turning the clock to the hour we want it to be!
“Producing year-round supplies of fresh vegetables takes creative engineering and the cultivation of close family collaborations throughout California and Mexico. We have been working with some of our regional partners for over 35 years,” Marketing Coordinator Susan McLaughlin explains. “Baloian Farms works with the best farming families in California and Mexico—it’s important to align ourselves with people who have the same goals as we do.”
Those goals stem from one clear key focus: Consistently provide the highest quality product with exceptional customer service year-round year after year.
To realize this vision, Susan points out, takes the company’s entire team from start to finish.
“Baloian’s statewide production schedule is the result of a generation’s work to establish continuity of supply for our customers. Our customers have confidence in us as their provider because we provide quality, consistency, year-round reliability, and service that buyers have come to rely on from Baloian Farms,” she says. “If they ask for specifics, we make it happen. We have been creating customized value-added solutions for our customers and can tailor fit programs based on their individual needs.”
In addition to offering staples like bell peppers year-round, Baloian offers zucchini, yellow squash, and hard squash programs all 12 months. And that is hardly all.
“We are also in the final stages of bringing to market our year-round programs to supply eggplant, yams, sweet potatoes, chili peppers, and cucumbers,” Susan divulges.
Like clockwork, ensuring “it’s growing season somewhere” reaches the produce department takes all the perfect pieces working in synchronization. But it looks as though Baloian is on its way to stopping the clock entirely, ensuring any time is harvest time.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Fourth of July is right around the corner, and there is no better time to fire up retail displays with an enticing offering that shoppers are sure to love. Lucky for retailers, Frieda’s non-irradiated Fire Dragons™ red dragonfruit is officially in season, and ready to bring an exciting new element to the produce department.
“We recommend merchandising Fire Dragons™ alongside young coconuts (on ice) and blueberries to create a seasonally relevant color break for the July 4th holiday,” explained Alex Berkley, Director of Sales. “I plan to use Fire Dragons, Rambas™ Rambutan, and blueberries to make these deliciously fun red, white, and blue kabobs for my holiday weekend BBQ.”
Straight from the volcanic hills of Nicaragua, the striking appearance of the unique and delicious fruit make it perfect for creating jaw-dropping displays throughout the produce aisle, as noted in a press release.
To optimize the fruit’s alluring appearance, Frieda’s has created a special ElastiTag® to help shoppers and buyers identify the variety. The new tag offers insight on how easy the fruit is to slice, scoop, and enjoy, while illustrating what the taste is like compared to Snow Dragons™ and Honey Dragons®.
Frieda’s Fire Dragons are available in 6, 9, 12, and 18 counts, and are expected to be available all summer and through October.
Are you ready to ignite the flame for summer sales? Frieda’s is here to light the match.
CHICAGO, IL - As it continues to expand and offer growers new solutions to optimize a multitude of categories across the fresh produce industry, Hazel Technologies has unveiled another crucial step in its plan. The solutions provider recently announced that Enrique Garcia Perez has joined the company’s research and development team as Apple Postharvest Scientist.
“I have been familiar with Hazel Technologies for many years, and I am tremendously enthusiastic to join a team of extremely talented individuals whose mission is to reduce global food waste,” Garcia commented. “I was fascinated to see how adding a simple sachet to a bin or a box could drastically extend the shelf-life and improve the quality of food.”
Garcia brings over 10 years of experience in agricultural research and biotechnology, where he garnered immense expertise surrounding food safety in the apple, pear, and cherry categories. According to a company release, Garcia most recently served as Research and Development Laboratory Manager at Stemilt, where he lead postharvest research project, managed the R&D lab technical operations team, and oversaw the food safety environmental monitoring program.
He also spent multiple years as a Food Science Graduate Researcher at Washington State University, and holds a PhD of Food Science from Washington State and Masters and Undergraduate Biotechnology degrees from Tecnologico de Monterrey.
In his newly appointed position, Garcia’s expertise will complement the tech savant's portfolio of products to bolster the apple category, including Hazel 100™ box and bin sachets that provide slow release 1-MCP treatment, quick-release treatment Hazel CA™ and Hazel Datica™ hardware that monitors 1-MCP, ethylene production levels, temperature, and humidity in cold storage rooms.
Garcia will also support PNW-based growers with Hazel Technology deployment and program management and oversee regional R&D initiatives in apples, cherries, and pears.
“In order to serve our customers at the highest level, Hazel has invested in building a team of technical produce experts” explained Adam Preslar, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Hazel Technologies. “Enrique is a key addition to our fast-growing apple, cherry, and pear postharvest science units.”
Congratulations to Enrique Garcia Perez on his recent appointment, and to Hazel Tech on the next step in building an incredible team of produce experts!
ISSAQUAH, WA - An innovative expansion is underway in the retail sector. Providing its shoppers with a convenient new offering, Costco recently announced it is rolling out its self-service format across its warehouses in multiple regions.
"We have implemented the use of self-service lanes at select locations and may expand to more warehouses in the future," the retailer said on its website. “The self-checkout registers have been tested in a number of warehouses nationwide, and have proven to be successful and well-received by members. As always, our goal is to make the member shopping experience as pleasant and efficient as possible."
In 2013, Costco removed its self-service stations, and as of 2019, only 100 of the retailer’s nearly 600 warehouses in the U.S. had them, according to Eat This, Not That. However, in the last few years, these self-service stations have been popping up at select Costco stores all across the nation, including recently at the warehouse in Waltham, Massachusetts.
The expansion of the innovative service follows multiple other exciting announcements from the retailer, as it recently unveiled a critical expansion in several markets, as well as the long-awaited return of free samples at multiple warehouses.
What will be the next step in this retailer’s ambitious growth plan? Only time—and AndNowUKnow—will tell.