BRONX, NY - As consumers stretch their legs from a long winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, retailers are gearing up for some key categories that ramp up across fresh produce shopping lists. D’Arrigo New York is one company helping to ensure retailers are covered this spring, with insights into the high-traffic fruit and veg destinations that will keep produce departments bustling.
With May just around the corner, Gabriela D’Arrigo, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, joins me to talk shop, best practices, and crucial to-dos.
“Consistently, you will see the leafy greens, tomato, berry, and melon categories start to move once springtime finds its legs,” Gabriela shares with me. “We are starting to see a little bit of that now, and by May more categories will follow as the weather gets warmer.”
As seasons change, so do the new frontrunners across traditional spring drivers. One of those key items heating up as we speak is citrus. As Gabriela adds, citrus is definitely having its moment right now as consumers look to pump their bodies full of vitamin C and other nutrients that different citrus varieties contain to help boost their immune systems.
Gabriela pauses, then shares that, while keeping their eye on the prize is essential, it is also critical that retailers build the best foundation and strategy for their capabilities and geographic advantages.
“There are two things that are crucial: first, know what your store's storage capabilities are, and this includes not only refrigerated spaces but the shelf space as well. If you have products that can sit out in the ambient temperature utilize them!” she expresses. “New York City, for example, doesn't have the luxury of space, so every ounce of space counts. Second, understand the demographics and psychographics of your area. This is key in being able to anticipate what your specific customers will be looking for.”
At the heart of all of D’Arrigo New York’s wisdom and go-to-market strategies is one element that keeps the company connected, headstrong, and out front.
“We are a family of growers, that is our foundation. We understand arguably better than anyone in this market what happens at the farming level. That knowledge and that expertise allows us to better form relationships with other growers like ourselves which is huge a leverage point to have when it comes to sourcing capabilities. If you can source for the demand, you are sitting pretty.”
Spring has sprung my friends. Cheers to fresh produce sales doing the same!
BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart is expanding a partnership it announced last November, in which the retailer declared it was partnering with General Motors’ electric self-driving cars from Cruise. Walmart is furthering its investment in the company in the hopes of building out its last-mile delivery strategy—a high-stakes game in grocery and retail alike.
“As delivery has become a staple in our customers’ lives, we’re focused on growing our last mile ecosystem in a way that’s beneficial for everyone: customers, business, and the planet,” said John Furner, President and CEO. “With their all-electric fleet powered by 100 percent renewable energy, Cruise is a natural partner as we work to take collective action on climate change.”
According to a press release, Cruise’s differentiated business model, unique technology, and competitive driverless testing were key factors that prompted Walmart to make this investment. When the two formed this partnership, they were working to develop a delivery pilot in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“This investment is a marker for us, it shows our commitment to bringing the benefit of self-driving cars to our customers and business,” Furner added. “We’re excited to join Cruise’s already impressive partner and investor ecosystem with the likes of GM, Honda, and Microsoft as we work toward pioneering this emerging technology.”
To read about this investment in full, please click here.
We will continue to report on how this investment bolsters Walmart’s ability to hold onto its market share in the grocery delivery sector, so stay tuned.
IDAHO FALLS, ID - As trade news writers, mapping out the layers of company growth is one of our greatest honors. Charting one of the latest moves in Eagle Eye Produce’s growth trajectory, the company announced today that it has expanded its year-round onion programs with the addition of Central Produce Distribution of Payette, Idaho. With this expansion, Austin Wagstaff, formerly of Central Produce, will step into a new role as Eagle Eye’s new Sales and Grower Relations leader.
“We have been impressed by the reputation Eagle Eye Produce maintains with its growers, employees, and partners. We share the same vision and strong values, and I look forward to expanding this program even further,” said Wagstaff.
Wagstaff earned his degree in Agriculture Business at Utah State University. After earning his degree, he took a position at Central Produce and WBH Farms, where he remained for four years. He grew up working for his family’s multigeneration farm and has held several positions from food safety, transportation, and grower relations to sales and marketing.
Central Produce Distribution is comprised of family farms, including WBH Farms of Nyssa, Oregon, and Starr Island Farms of Ontario, Oregon. The company has a strong heritage with decades of experience growing and shipping onions in Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon, a press release noted.
“This expansion will allow us to strengthen our onion growing, packing, and shipping capabilities immensely. This move aligns with our overall mission to be the Partner of Choice to our customers with smart, controlled growth by diversifying to key geographical locations, bolstering our supply, and growing our overall year-round onion programs,” said Lance Poole, Executive Vice President of Eagle Eye.
Ray Burzota, President and General Manager of Central Produce, also commented on this monumental expansion effort.
“Eagle Eye Produce has built a great name and reputation within the potato and onion market, and they bring the sales and marketing expertise, which meshes nicely with our decades of experience packing, growing, and shipping high-quality onions and potatoes. We’re optimistic about what the future will bring, and we’re looking forward to a great first season,” Burzota said.
Further outlining the strategic partnership between these growing operations, Randy Bowns of WBH Farms chimed in.
“As a family business, we have been impressed to see that Eagle Eye Produce runs like a family business. They work hard and are willing to help wherever needed to ensure we can both see the fruits of our labor. We are happy to be working with Eagle Eye Produce, and we feel it will further propel our businesses forward,” said Bowns.
Congratulations to Austin Wagstaff on his appointment, and to Eagle Eye Produce on this exciting expansion!
SALINAS, CA - As we recently reported, Ippolito International’s broccoli crop transition is underway. Joining the cruciferous veg is the grower’s cauliflower, which is also transitioning to California’s Salinas Valley. With these two categories forming the perfect dynamic duo, I got in touch with John Landa, International Cauliflower Commodity Manager, to see what lies ahead for the category.
“Ippolito International is just beginning the move back to Salinas with cauliflower. We’re typically one or two weeks later than most growers and shippers, as it aligns better with our program and customer base,” explains John. “For a few shippers, their transition north began in early to mid-March, when rain and cool weather were present in the region, while the desert remained mild in temperature.”
The grower’s move began the week of April 5, with one-third of its program kicking off in Salinas, while the majority continues to ship from Yuma, Arizona. The transition will ensue in the coming weeks, wrapping up no later than the weekend of April 17 if weather permits.
Ippolito’s cauliflower transition follows the same pattern as that of its broccoli, moving crops from desert growing regions like Yuma to Salinas. And the move could not come at a better time as John tells me the hot days are ramping up in the desert, hitting consistent 90-degree weather, even close to 100 degrees in some cases, which will bring the region’s growing season to a close sooner rather than later.
Although the heat remains strong in the desert, John reports good quality from the region, but a slight decrease in supplies due to weather.
“The month of March kicked off with strong demand, but higher markets ensued due to shorter supplies based around weather fluctuations,” John says. “Desert quality has been good, although a heat wave in the desert may produce more cream-to-yellow color if the canopy of leaves protecting the cauliflower begins to drop off. Reports from Salinas on quality are good with no issues. So, expect nice, white, compact heads.”
Anticipating a strong supply of its cauliflower as well as its broccoli, Ippolito is prepared to meet the needs of its buy-side partners just in time for spring and summer. Prepare the perfect seasonal displays for your produce aisles by featuring Ippolito’s eye-catching broccoli and cauliflower pair.
ATLANTA, GA - As this year’s CPMA Fresh Week Virtual Trade Show and Conference draws to a close, EarthFresh received a Best in Organic Product Award in the New Product Showcase at the event.
“We have expanded our Organic product line up to include our Organic Red, Russet, and Golden potatoes in new eye-catching 10 lb compostable paper bags,” said Stephanie Cutaia, Marketing Director. “We know that the demand for organic produce continues to grow and are excited to offer our organic potato varieties in paper packaging.”
EarthFresh currently offers varieties that are grown in organic conditions, and offer the quality look and delicious taste of traditional potato varieties. According to a press release, the company’s organic potatoes are available in all pack sizes including its mini potatoes in 1 lb and 1.5 lb bags as well as it’s A and B size potatoes available in 3 lb, 5 lb, and 10 lb paper bags.
The grower has transitioned its organic packaging to include paper bags as consumer demand for earth-friendly paper packaging has continued to increase. Including this new format also widens EarthFresh’s consumer base, drawing in new generations of shoppers.
“Paper packaging is becoming the consumer’s choice. Nielsen research shows that 73 percent of global consumers say they would or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environmental,” continued Cutaia. “We know that shoppers—especially millennials, will try new products based on sustainable packaging. Offering organic potatoes in compostable paper packaging is win for the organic consumer.”
Congratulations to EarthFresh on its recent achievement!
CINCINNATI, OH - Oh, I’m never tiring of grocery tech. I didn’t think I’d say those words in my life, but here we are, a trade news writer hungry for all things retail innovation. Kroger must have known I was sniffing out news, for the recent unveiling of its Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC), a first of its kind Stateside, combines vertical integration, machine learning, and robotics to up the grocery stakes.
“2020 was a pivotal year for grocery e-commerce, with Kroger’s digital business scaling to over $10 billion—and achieving a record digital sales increase of 116 percent,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s Chairman and CEO. “We’re incredibly proud to achieve this milestone that advances our position as one of America’s leading e-commerce companies.”
The CFC, noted the press release, will transform and support the grocer’s thriving digital business. Located in Monroe, Ohio, the new facility is powered by Ocado Group, Kroger’s long-time partner in the grocery e-commerce sector.
“The momentum we’re experiencing is well-timed with the evolution of Kroger Delivery, underpinning the permanent shift in grocery consumer behavior and need for enterprising and modern e-commerce and last-mile solutions—today's true competitive horsepower,” McMullen continued. “It’s truly uplifting to reach this moment in Kroger’s history—better yet grocery industry's history—with our partners at Ocado. We’re appreciative of Tim Steiner and Luke Jensen’s collaboration to accomplish the next step in the expansion of our seamless ecosystem.”
Kroger and Ocado have long been working on technology solutions focused on artificial intelligence, advanced robotics and automation, and creative solutions. All of these components culminate in creating more seamless and efficient fulfillment, picking, and delivery capabilities to provide for customers and expand Kroger’s reach and products to new geographies.
“The introduction of the first Customer Fulfillment Center marks a historic milestone for grocery retail in the U.S.,” said Tim Steiner, Co-Founder and CEO of Ocado Group. “Since signing our partnership in 2018, Ocado and Kroger teams have worked in tight-knit collaboration to lay the foundation to advance their state-of-the-art fulfillment ecosystem across the country, supporting Kroger to reach customers anywhere with anything, at any time.”
Kroger Delivery is a vertically integrated network, enabling coverage of up to 90 miles from the hub location and significantly more territory when spoke locations are integrated. In these highly automated Customer Fulfillment Centers, over 1,000 bots whizz around giant 3D grids, orchestrated by proprietary air-traffic control systems in the unlicensed spectrum. The grid, known as The Hive, contains totes with products and ready-to-deliver customer orders.
“This moment marks the next phase of our partnership, and it comes against the backdrop of soaring demand for online grocery options in the U.S. and worldwide,” Steiner explained. “In the coming years, we will open more automated CFCs across a range of sizes with Kroger. We will also roll out components of our software solutions to stores in collaboration with Kroger’s existing seamless platform to support fulfillment of curbside pickup orders. The breadth of this fulfillment ecosystem will be crucial in helping Kroger to continue to win in e-commerce across the U.S.”
According to the release, the Groveland, Florida, CFC is scheduled for opening this spring. Kroger has also announced plans to open CFCs in Dallas, Texas; Forest Park, Georgia; Frederick, Maryland; Phoenix, Arizona; Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; Romulus, Michigan; and Pacific Northwest and West regions. As the network expands, Kroger will announce additional locations.
“We’re excited to be building a distribution network that creates a more equitable food system by providing greater accessibility to fresh food through the power of innovation,” said Gabriel Arreaga, Kroger’s Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer. “Kroger Delivery’s network of Customer Fulfillment Centers will accelerate our e-commerce capabilities, focusing on more cost-effective supply chain and last-mile delivery solutions, seamless customer experiences, and new career opportunities.”
To learn more about this innovation, click here.
You know where to find the latest in retail news, so keep a tab open for ANUK.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - A supply chain without tools to grease its wheels is a supply chain left in dire straits. Enter AgroFresh, a provider delivering customized AgTech solutions for the produce industry to keep produce fresh and reduce food waste, to name only but a few. In order to find out more about this company, I spoke to Amber Foster, NAR Marketing Manager and Corporate Brand Manager.
“In agriculture and supply chain management, experience matters,” Amber began. “For more than 40 years, AgroFresh has provided revolutionary and proven solutions to the produce industry that have maximized produce freshness, reduced food loss, and conserved resources throughout the supply chain. AgroFresh has become an industry leader and trusted partner during the past 40 years, offering a comprehensive portfolio, one-to-one problem-solving guidance and diagnostics, a high-touch service model that best meets customer needs and created the highest level of client confidence and trust in the industry. This is a differentiating benefit for AgroFresh, especially in comparison to those marketing generic produce freshness solutions.”
Amber went on to note that one category that this AgTech innovator offers experience in is stonefruit, which is especially pertinent as we make our way into summer stonefruit promotions. Each of AgroFresh’s solutions, including SmartFresh™ and FreshCloud™, are designed to minimize food loss and get fresh and delicious produce into the hands of customers worldwide. As Amber pointed out to me, though, these solutions can be applied to a number of crops across various categories.
“We grow confidence for our customers and the planet—no matter the challenge. Developed in close collaboration with customers—and between our diverse teams of service professionals, technologists, marketers, scientists, and post-harvest physiologists—Smarter Freshness solutions extend and build on our unique 1-MCP knowledge, insights, and experience to serve a growing range of produce industry markets and applications, including apples, avocados, citrus, berries, and more,” she explained.
Backed by 40 years of post-harvest experience across a broad range of crops, AgroFresh also introduced its SmartFresh Quality System over 20 years ago. SmartFresh puts ripening “on hold” to boost its customers' storage and transit potential.
AgroFresh is powered by a comprehensive portfolio that includes plant-based coatings, equipment, and proprietary solutions that help improve the freshness supply chain from harvest to retailer. Further, as a global AgTech innovator, AgroFresh can support our partners’ global expansion and offer the post-harvest expertise and in-depth technical and R&D support that they need to attain their business objectives.
As we continue to cover the latest in supply-side partners and innovative solutions, keep turning to AndNowUKnow.
DELANO, CA - We have gone from zero to sixty in terms of temperature in Sacramento. Despite my dread surrounding the inevitable 100-degree weather, I find solace in knowing that warmer days mean California grapes will be hitting shelves before we know it. Jasmine Vineyards is one supplier preparing for the push, and I recently got the scoop on some of its market insights.
“Between now and June, we'll start to see imports waning while California grapes start to become available,” said Jon Zaninovich, President. “The California Table Grape Commission will be promoting California-grown table grapes across a variety of media channels, and Jasmine Vineyards will continue our outreach to consumers via social media, and to trade buyers through Fresh Alerts™.”
Jasmine Vineyards is in the spring shoot development cycle of its grape operation right now, and the team is seeing clusters already beginning to develop on early varieties. Jon assured me that at this stage in the season, Jasmine Vineyards is seeing excellent progress that is on par with previous seasons.
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“We're enjoying typical Central Valley, California, weather patterns, with bud break happening right on schedule. We expect to see promotional volumes in July once California grape season is in full swing,” Jon added.
He went on to note that current market pricing for table grapes is also in line with prior years. Jasmine Vineyards anticipates a busy California grape season ahead and continues to follow enhanced safety procedures throughout its facilities.
Beautiful California grapes are in our sights, folks! For more market updates in all categories, keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow.
KINGSVILLE, CANADA - The Canadian Produce Marketing Association's (CPMA) 95th annual Fresh Week has brought together some of the best in the fresh produce industry to network, innovate, and have an all-around great time. Mucci Farms is one supplier strutting its stuff this week, and has officially earned one of the event's top honors. Highlighting its recently launched Naked Leaf Living Basil Sleeve, Mucci Farms nabbed the Packaging Innovation Award.
“Not only is the package sustainable, but the product is unique as it’s living basil that comes with the root intact which allows you to water it as you would a plant, and pick leaves as you go,” said Emily Murracas, Director of Marketing. “Our talented design team did a great job of bringing the aesthetic to the sleeve, which certainly stands out on store shelves, and the virtual format helped us expand our creativity to offer attendees more information through digital video content.”
The Naked Leaf Living Basil Sleeve joins Simple Snack, Cutecumber Poppers, and Paper Top Seal to become the fourth package in three years to be recognized by the industry for sustainability. The latest innovation reduces plastic by 50 percent by converting half of the package to paper, a press release explained.
The Packaging Innovation Award was one of five New Produce Showcase Award categories that also included Best New Product, New Technology, Snackable Product, and Organic Product. 56 products from 42 companies were featured this year, and winners were chosen by a panel of judges from across the industry. The company additionally introduced its brand-new Cultivo Mushroom Collection and a new re-design of its Cherto Gourmet Cherry tomatoes, which is now offered in a loose snacking format. The 2020 Packaging Innovation Award winning Paper Top Seal has also expanded its offering to a 1 pint size for multiple Mucci Farms snacking tomatoes.
“There’s a worldwide effort to be more environmentally friendly, and we knew this package checked all of the boxes,” said Fernanda Albuquerque, Packaging Development Manager. The press release explained that this sleeve can be taken apart and recycled in the respective bins. Additionally, the exterior pot is reusable or recyclable, and the interior growing pot is 100 percent compostable. “We’re very grateful to be recognized once again by the CPMA for our commitment to become a more sustainable company and industry.”
Congratulations to Mucci Farms on this exciting honor!
ROSEMONT, IL - US Foods has once again proven its dedication to supporting the people and companies across the supply chain. The industry partner recently announced the launch of its 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, which details admirable progress toward its ongoing commitment to caring for people, protecting the environment, and providing responsibly sourced and sustainable products.
“I am proud of how our associates worked together to serve customers, communities, and each other during the many challenges of 2020,” said Chairman and CEO Pietro Satriano. “Despite the unprecedented year, we were able to make meaningful progress against our corporate social responsibility commitments. We look forward to continuing to advance our three pillars of people, planet, and products in the year ahead and beyond.”
With these efforts, US Foods is setting forth a new vision for the supply chain. According to a press release, the company’s 2020 highlights for its key CSR focus areas included:
People
- Instituted policies and procedures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among associates; launched playbooks dedicated to helping restaurants reopen and recover safely
- Donated nearly $43 million in food and supplies to food banks and charitable organizations across the country as they experienced increased demand due to the impacts of COVID-19
- Continued the commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion efforts by expanding Employee Resource Groups into the field and training 200 leaders to facilitate their own Allyship and Anti-Racism workshops for corporate and frontline associates
Planet
- 6.9 percent reduction since 2015 in gallons of fuel used per case delivered
- 7.3 percent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions since 2015
- 13 million kWh of electricity generated from six solar installations each year
Products
- More than 900 products are now part of the Serve Good® and Progress Check™ portfolio
- More than 270 products are now part of the Responsible Disposables portfolio
To read the report in full, click here.
As US Foods continues to set the stage for supply chain advancements, don’t forget to keep reading AndNowUKnow.