DEWITT, MI - There is no clear map when it comes to driving fresh produce sales. Often, the road is filled with twists and turns as retailers determine the best way to highlight the many unique categories that call the produce department home. The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board (MAAB) is helping grocers to eliminate some of these unforeseen detours and take sales into their own hands this season by divulging a few of the secrets to success in the asparagus category.
“Marketing continues to be the key to increasing sales. Consumers are eager for spring asparagus, and they need the drive to make impulse purchases at retail,” explains John Bakker, Executive Director. “Don’t let sales lag—continue to keep the promotional pressure on through June to achieve maximum sales.”
To help retailers capitalize on the superb quality of Michigan-grown asparagus, the MAAB offers POS materials to draw attention to the unique category, in addition to its retail dietitian and social media toolkits, which will become available to retailers this month. With promotional volumes building up by Memorial Day weekend and beyond, these tools are sure-fire ways to bolster the category and collect shopper dollars as more consumers opt for a healthy and sustainable offering.
“Consumers are eating healthier, leaning into plant-based food, and demanding to know more about where their food is grown and if it's sustainable,” John continues. “Michigan-grown asparagus has the benefit of being watered by nature, so it doesn’t use excess irrigation water, and its overall eco footprint is lower—all of which appeal to shoppers searching for a product. In a strong asparagus market where freight has been high, Michigan asparagus is a good buy.”
The Michigan asparagus season is set to run from Mother’s Day through the end of June, and optimal soil and weather conditions have positioned Michigan asparagus growers with an excellent quality crop.
“Michigan has a wonderful sandy loam soil that aids in growing great-tasting asparagus season after season,” continues John. “Asparagus is one of the most difficult crops when it comes to predicting harvest, but we are optimistic about the coming season as we have had adequate moisture at this point. We also have sufficient help in place as we ready to kick off the season—an issue we know some producers have struggled with.”
As volume for the category ramps up, promotional pushes from May 16 through the end of the month are imperative to boosting sales across the category, but retailers should continue to highlight asparagus after Memorial Day to further maximize ROI.
Buyers, the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board has given you the compass. It’s up to you to use it.
PHOENIX, AZ - With the past year presenting numerous opportunities for companies to take a stance on sustainability and corporate responsibility, many across the supply chain have pivoted their strategies to meet new goals. Sprouts Farmers Market is revealing aggressive plans for its next stage of growth, recently outlining some of its investments in a 2020 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, one of which included $100 million in COVID-19 related support.
“This report demonstrates the ‘doing well by doing good’ philosophy in which our long-term strategy is rooted and highlights some of the ways we’re improving our business while caring for our customers, team members, local communities, and the planet,” said Jack Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer. “I’m happy to share the progress we’ve made in building a business that is committed to improving the world we live in. I want to thank not only our dedicated team members, but also our supply chain partners, vendors, and growers who worked collectively to make healthy food accessible to our customers in what was truly an extraordinary year.”
Sprouts’ ESG initiatives overlap with and complement its long-term growth strategies, including creating an advantaged fresh supply chain. To accomplish this, Sprouts is working to position all stores within 250 miles of a distribution center, which will reduce food waste, lower its transportation-related carbon footprint, increase access to local farmers, and provide fresher produce to customers, all of which will strengthen the fresh, local, and organic produce assortment Sprouts is known for.
One central focus in the ESG report was Sprouts’ commitment to the environment. Between reducing refrigeration-related and carbon emissions; diverting landfill material and recovering food waste; and sourcing products responsibly, the retailer set forth ambitious goals for the future of its operations.
In terms of its social responsibility, perhaps one of Sprouts' most significant investments was in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its efforts included:
- Covering 100 percent of the costs for team member COVID testing and paying up to 4 hours of paid sick time off to receive the vaccine
- Paying more than $100 million in team member bonuses
- Creating 2,500 new jobs and promoted 7,200 team members of which 55 percent are female and 49 percent are ethnically diverse
- Delivering 475,000 hours of in-store training
- The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation awarding $1.6 million in grants and donations to programs supporting youth nutrition education and academic support, and food system equity
- Supporting an estimated 350,000 students with nutrition programs, taught virtually, during school closures
Last, but certainly not least, Sprouts outlined investments as they relate to company governance in the release. These included a focus on diversity across its Board, as well as a new risk management program with a focus on environmental and social matters, a press release stated.
In addition to its ESG, Sprouts has also published a table summary that aligns with the Food Retailers & Distributors industry standards of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). The retailer will continue to engage with stakeholders to refine the ESG issues that are most material to Sprouts and determine appropriate goals, metrics, and strategies to implement in response.
Be sure to read Sprouts’ report in full by clicking here, and keep reading ANUK for the industry’s latest and greatest.
SANTA PAULA, CA - In support of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), Gill’s Onions will match all donations up to $10,000 for every dollar donated during the month of May. As part of SEEAG’s second annual “Double Your Impact Challenge,” these efforts will help the association continue its agricultural education programming.
“SEEAG provides an important service to the public,” noted Steve Gill, Gill’s Onions President and SEEAG Board Member. “Its education programs teach young students about where their food comes from, much of which is grown right here locally. Middle and high school students learn about career opportunities in agriculture. SEEAG gets kids excited about eating healthy, which will hopefully impact their eating habits for life.”
Gills has been a long-time supporter of SEEAG’s ag education, which thus far has reached over 60,000 elementary school students in central and southern California, according to a press release. All SEEAG programs are 100 percent cost-free to schools and students.
“Gill’s Onions is one of SEEAG’s biggest supporters,” said Mary Maranville, SEEAG Founder and CEO. “After a year of being out of the classroom and our farm field trips put on hold because of COVID-19, we’re beginning to schedule in-person instruction for this year and next. The $20,000 total donation will help us fulfill SEEAG’s educational mission.”
All of the Gill’s Onions “Double Your Impact Challenge” matching donations go toward student learning.
“This school year we had to adopt our programs to live online distance learning presentations, which also included distributing thousands of bags filled with fresh produce and soil and seed giveaways,” added Maranville. “Even during this difficult year, local teachers in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties registered over 2,200 students for our online distance learning programs.”
In addition to this support, Gill’s Onion also participates in SEEAG’s annual Ventura County Farm Day, which is scheduled for November 6, where farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations open their doors to the community for an inside look at how food is grown in the county.
To learn more about how our industry supports ag literacy, keep reading us at AndNowUKnow.
VANCOUVER, CANADA - It is with a heavy heart that AndNowUKnow learned of the recent passing of Calvin “Cal” Tribiano. A veteran Oppy Sales Executive, Tribiano carved out an impressive career within the produce industry and became a trusted mentor to many.
“Cal loved the produce life and lived it to its fullest,” said John Anderson, Oppy Chairman, CEO, and Managing Partner. “He will be greatly missed for his professionalism, incredible passion for the business, and especially, his investment in the development of others.”
Tribiano was born on December 25, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York. He studied business administration at Wagner College, graduating in 1972 before embarking on his career in produce.
In 1988, Tribiano joined Oppy’s East Coast sales. In the following decades, he helped build the market for Oppy products. He will be remembered as a profoundly talented sales person who understood the intricacies of the fresh produce business like few others do.
According to a release, he preferred to stay behind the scenes and elevate others. His legacy lives on in the members of the sales team to whom he taught his craft. While always mentoring others, Tribiano also thrived on the daily interactions with customers.
“Cal loved his customers and moved mountains to do what was best for them,” said Oppy Sales Manager and Category Director Bill Poulos, who worked alongside Tribiano for more than 30 years. “He set a great example for all of us. That Cal often led the company in annual sales results was really no surprise considering his skill and his hard work, but mostly because he cared so much about the people he was selling to.”
Even on the last day of his life, Tribiano reached out to an Oppy colleague to make sure a customer’s upcoming ad was covered.
While serious about business, his friends and colleagues will remember him for his positive energy and sense of fun.
“Cal had a way of making the day a little better for everyone around him—be that customers on the phone or someone sitting at the desk next to him,” said Brett Libke, Senior Vice President of Sales. “He knew how to lighten the mood with humor or a little mischief, or just in the way he said hello like he was really happy to see you. We relied on him to stir the pot from time to time when there was an opportunity, and he was great at it. He had a really infectious laugh, and it was hard not to laugh with him. Cal was a legend at Oppy. We will miss him terribly and send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
AndNowUKnow also extends our condolences to Cal Tribiano’s family, colleagues, and friends, as they mourn the loss of this industry spirit.
SALINAS, CA - Offering a plethora of different usages and countless health benefits, there is no wrong time to promote celery in the produce aisle. To get the latest look at the celery market, I got in touch with Duda Farm Fresh Foods to see what the spring and summer seasons hold for the popular category.
“The celery we are harvesting now was grown through the coldest months of the year—the middle of January through the middle of March,” explains Greg Lewis, Senior Director, Western Operations. “The crop is a little behind schedule, but quality still remains very good. While some other shippers are having to navigate seeder issues, our customers and consumers can remain confident that our quality will not suffer.”
Rick Alococer, Senior Vice President of Sales, also jumps in to explain that upcoming months are known for seeders to appear in celery crops, but Duda has taken steps to ensure it doesn’t face these issues.
“Although late April and May are notorious months for seeders to appear in celery, Duda proprietary celery varieties are seeder resistant during this time frame and provide retailers with the same consistent quality they prefer year-round,” describes Rick.
Right now, Duda is experiencing heavy supplies and good quality available in all of its growing districts on the East and West Coasts.
The grower anticipates a steadying of the market as Richard Uchida, Western Sales Manager, explains to me.
“At this time last year, there was a tremendous amount of panic buying due to the pandemic,” says Richard. “As more of us get vaccinated, we should see buying patterns normalize with both foodservice and retail business.”
With promotional volumes and pricing available, now is a great time for buyers to stock up on celery as food-centric holidays like Memorial Day and Fourth of July are right around the bend. So, reach out to your Duda sales reps to get ready for the rush!
WASHINGTON, DC - A changing landscape means the need for new insights and adjustments for any industry. To help bolster the success of the foodservice industry, especially after the changes created by the pandemic, the United Fresh Produce Association has released its Spring 2021 issue of its Fresh Insights for Foodservice report. Sponsored by Produce Alliance, the quarterly report spotlights trending foodservice applications for fresh produce in restaurants, at retail, in meal kits, and across a variety of other impactful operations.
“Spring is always an exciting time in foodservice, and this year is no exception,” said Andrew Marshall, Director of Foodservice and Foundation Partnerships, United Fresh. “Whether it’s first-of-the-season produce appearing on menus, dining al fresco with a produce-inspired cocktail, or getting a freshly prepared meal to-go or delivered to your door, the warmer months provide ample opportunities to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables.”
This season’s quarterly report highlights spring trends, featuring creative menu ideas for artichokes and strawberries, in addition to yogurt and ice cream-based parfaits that can be enjoyed with a plethora of delicious fresh fruit. According to a press release, United Fresh’s “On the Horizon” section of the report also covers trends likely to make an impact this fall, giving foodservice operators time to get ahead of their plans for future menu offerings.
The Fresh Insights for Foodservice spring 2021 report also features the quarterly “Chain Report” which explores the latest national account introductions this season with blueberries, jalapeños, and pineapple. Additionally, the “Kids’ Table” section spotlights carrots and how globally inspired ingredients are being utilized on kids’ menus.
“The restaurant landscape is certainly evolving, but we know consumers still want fresh, flavorful and innovative dishes when looking to dine outside the home or bring-in delivery,” said Katie O’Connor, Marketing Manager, Produce Alliance. “Fresh produce is an essential component of any chef-designed menu, and with the creativity of this industry there are plenty of opportunities for fruits and vegetables to shine.”
Last, but not least, the “View from Above” section showcases the latest research on ghost kitchens, delivery-only concepts, and virtual brands, which have skyrocketed in popularity over the past year, giving foodservice operators the chance to explore the potential outlook of these new formats. To garner more insights, the section also features an interview with Josh Kern, Chief Marketing Officer, SPB Hospitality, to discuss the company’s new ghost kitchen concepts and how fresh produce is being used.
To read more from the Spring report, the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board is hosting an interactive webinar on Tuesday, May 11, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Registration for the webinar is free for United Fresh Members and can be done on the association’s website. The Fresh Insights for Foodservice spring issue can also be downloaded for free by members on the United Fresh page.
For more industry launches and new insights, keep a tab open for AndnowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - A new face has moved into the Gonzales Agricultural Industrial Park neighborhood as Healthy Trailer, a solutions company known for its interior trailer cleaning and disinfection process, has moved in. With its first year-round site officially opened, the company will be able to offer its science- and evidence-based trailer sanitation service to food companies shipping out of this popular California growing region.
As Healthy Trailer sets up shop, the company will be surrounded by well-known fresh produce industry names such as Taylor Farms Retail, Braga Fresh Family Farms, Del Monte Fresh, Dole, and Missionero Vegetables. According to a press release, because so many industry companies call Gonzales home, it is crucial that the company's large processing and shipping have support services to fund an efficient operation.
Since Healthy Trailer is now neighbors with these popular companies, driver customers of the innovator that load at these facilities can avoid congestion and inconvenience by stopping at the Healthy Trailer Salinas facility for washouts.
The new facility has easy access from Highway 101 into Gonzales, making it easy for drivers travelling through the Salinas Valley to north or south loading locations to stop at Healthy Trailer. Already, the company has seen a shift toward its services as companies’ preferred sanitation method.
Gonzales’ city management has invested time and energy supporting the ag community, and participating in food safety initiatives like Healthy Trailer is another step in demonstrating the city’s commitment to developing a comprehensive ag community.
As Healthy Trailer continues to establish its roots in Gonzales, the city will be the home for the soon to be announced Healthy Trailer Gen 4 cleaning machine engineered and made by Heinzen Manufacturing International.
How will Healthy Trailer continue to widen its base in the Salinas Valley? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated with the latest information.
THE PRODUCE UNIVERSE - Any chance we have to celebrate the amazing members of our industry, we take it. With Mother’s Day comes such an opportunity to rally those who would also like to share a few words with the bravest and most passionate people we know: You! Thank you, to all the mothers out there past and present, and those that fill those mama-level shoes that take such strength and compassion. We honor you all today—women, fur baby parents, and mothers alike!
Joining us are some of our industry friends who jumped on the opportunity to speak to you all!
Julie Olivarria, Vice President of Produce, Sysco
“How lucky are we? We, the women who get to work in an industry that truly impacts the lives of so many in such a positive way, while simultaneously getting to experience all of the joys of being a mom. Being a mom is the single most important job I will ever have. Cherish every moment you have with your children, never taking lightly that we are their role models. Take pride in the meaningful work we do. Done well, we can truly say we had it all!”
Anthony Innocenti, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, LIV Organic Produce
“Mother’s Day is definitely the best time of year to really take a pause in our ever-fast everyday lives and reflect on how special our moms are. My mom has always been a huge advocate in supporting my journey in life—no matter what steps I took to get where I am today. I will continue to grow as an individual and be the best person I can be, mom. Thank you, and happy Mother’s Day!”
Alex Berkley, Director of Sales, Frieda’s Specialty Produce
“Being a new mom, I often think of all the amazing women I know in the produce industry who have imparted words of wisdom about motherhood over the years…I wish all of you a Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for being such an inspiration to me, and so many other women in this industry.”
Tate Mathison, Director of Sales, Stemilt
“I want to wish my mom, Jan Mathison, a very happy Mother’s Day! She raised three kids, and has been married to a World Famous Cherry farmer (my dad, Kyle) all along the way. I guess you could say that she’s not afraid of challenges or adventures! Thanks for everything you did and still do for us, Mom/Grandma!”
Matt Reeves, Vice President of Produce, Grocery Outlet
"Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the mothers out there, today and every day. Wishing a sincere thank you to all those mothers for everything that you do to make the world a better place each day through your love and support! We would be lost without you, Happy Mother’s Day!"
Angela Hernandez, Director of Marketing, Trinity Fruit Company
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms, especially mine! Moms are just like farmers—they plant a seed in their belly, take good care of it, and in due time, harvesting season comes! Mamas never stop—like most farmers, they rise before the sun and no matter how old their trees may get, they never stop looking after them. They water, nurture, prune, and if you’re like my mom you better ‘thin’ your tree! Happiest of Mother’s Day to all the mamas—you do such an incredible job, your FRUITS can’t thank you enough!”
Kristin Yerecic Scott, Marketing Director, Yerecic Label
“Moms make the world go round! To my grandmother at almost 85 years old who still comes to work, my incredible mom that raised seven children, my beautiful sisters who are moms to little ones in the world’s next generation, the amazing moms at Yerecic Label who manage to juggle kids and give their all at work, and of course, to all the moms in the produce industry who help to put food on the table around the world and at home: Thank you for going above and beyond every day to provide, support, and nurture the world!”
Lori Taylor, Founder, The Produce Moms
“Motherhood was the purpose and inspiration for starting The Produce Moms. There is no force in this world that is stronger than a curious and passionate mom. My hat is off to all moms, we carried this nation over the last 15 months. My heart is with everyone who is missing their mom, longs to be a mom, or has a child in heaven.”
Along with this feature, we are also putting together a Mother’s Day Yearbook early next week and would love your photo submissions. You can read more about that process and celebration here.
Happy Mother’s Day, every day!
PROVIDENCE, RI - With boots on the ground and tires on the pavement, the process of getting produce from field to shelf relies on esteemed distribution partners. United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is one such partner, and it recently announced that it is adding 53 all-electric transport refrigerated trailer units (TRU) to its fleet located at a Riverside, California, distribution center. This effort supports UNFI’s Better for All 2030 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda. The company is reportedly one of the first wholesalers to utilize the innovative technology, and it comes as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced plans in January to impose zero-emission requirements on TRUs sold or operated in California by December 31, 2029.
“Nearly 50 percent of UNFI’s direct greenhouse gas emissions are from our fleet of trucks and trailers. These 53 all-electric TRUs will help us get a head start on the proposed CARB zero-emission requirements, and are expected to allow us to decrease our emissions as we make progress on our climate action commitments under Better For All,” said Jeff Wismans, National Director of Fleet Operations. “Adding these TRUs comes after an exhaustive 4-month pilot testing the equipment through a variety of conditions with the intention to replace diesel-powered TRUs. When we look at it from an operational standpoint, we’re not changing anything, but it gives us a fresh look at running our operations and finding additional efficiencies.”
The all-electric TRU achieves zero-emission results by using a high efficiency refrigeration system powered by roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels, a wheel-momentum generator, lithium-ion batteries, and a unique auxiliary power unit to eliminate the requirement for diesel fuel to power the refrigeration system. Through this process, the refrigeration system provides multi-zone temperature settings with the capability of maintaining a full load of frozen product from minus 10 to minus 20 degrees F throughout the distribution route.
To accomplish this work, UNFI is removing 53 of its diesel-powered TRUs from operation and utilizing Advanced Energy Machines (AEM), a leader in the electrification of refrigerated trailers, to rebuild the units to all-electric specifications. UNFI will lease the TRUs through PLM Trailer Leasing for five years while the company continues to explore how the trucks will integrate into its operations. By operating the all-electric TRUs, UNFI anticipates it will save approximately 135,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year while reducing particulate matter pollutant emissions and greenhouse gas emissions.
To help reduce the cost of retrofitting the diesel powered TRU, PLM applied for and received vouchers on UNFI’s behalf through CARB’s Clean Off Road Equipment (CORE) Voucher Incentive Project, a press release stated. CARB launched CORE in 2017 to accelerate the purchase of zero-emission freight handling equipment in California by providing a streamlined voucher process to offset the higher cost of such technologies.
Keep an eye out for these innovative vehicles as more and more operators adopt sustainable practices.
WENATCHEE, WA - Now is the time to lay the groundwork for driving cherry sales at retail. With the season traditionally driven by impulse buys, it is integral that buyers take an aggressive approach to cherry merchandising. Stemilt’s World Famous cherry season kicks off this week in California, and the crop’s upcoming promotional window and the Memorial Day holiday are approaching quickly. The 2021 crop projects more promotable volume compared to last year’s smaller crop, with good sizing and flavors predicted between now and mid-June.
“Cherry season moves quickly, and as a high-ring item, retailers want to take advantage of every opportunity to promote them,” explains Marketing Director Brianna Shales. “Cherries are a big driver for the produce department, and this year’s larger California crop is a great way to build momentum for the long season ahead.”
Stemilt suggests retailers look to its World Famous cherries for the ultimate kickoff to summer by planning a promotion leading up to Memorial Day on May 31. Setting a high cherry quality standard and delighting consumers during the initial push will encourage repeat purchases all season long, the company’s press release stated.
Stemilt’s World Famous cherry season started off with strong qualities, classic ruby colors, and medium-sized fruits. The company will move into harvesting varieties like Tulares, Hazels, and Corals in the coming weeks to load for Memorial Day promos. Stemilt’s California cherries are packed in catch-weight bags and clamshells.
“Depending on location, retailers should start loading as early as May 14,” says Shales. “However, the heaviest loading period will begin on May 18 through May 22. With the way that things are currently going, the supply and demand almost lines up perfectly with Memorial Day availability.”
Volumes are projected to continue past Memorial Day for Stemilt in California, with the latest orchards that deliver 5 River Islands® hand-picked cherries coming off the tree around June 8. This will coincide with Stemilt’s cherry harvest start in Washington State, making the weeks following Memorial Day a big time for cherries at retail.
“It’s important to set a great tone with quality cherries from California because nearly 75 percent of cherry purchases are driven by impulse,” states Shales. “Delight consumers with that first purchase of World Famous Cherries and they will continue to seek out that quality from you post-holiday, giving the category great momentum heading into the first weeks of June.”
Let’s see those cherry displays, folks!