ONTARIO, CA - Strategic leadership changes are once again taking place in the fresh produce sector as FiveStar Gourmet Foods, the company behind the Simply Fresh™ brand, has appointed an esteemed executive to its team. The value-added supplier recently announced Michael Solomon will be serving as President, effective immediately. As President, Solomon will report to Tal Shoshan, Chief Executive Officer.
“Tal and I have a long history as both competitors and friends. I admire his drive and commitment to growth and innovation in the category,” said Solomon. “I’ve been impressed with FiveStar’s market position and have a strong vision for how we’ll collaborate to take the company to the next level. FiveStar has a modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure, an unparalleled food safety record, and the strongest innovation pipeline in the industry. It’s easy to see that FiveStar has a clear path for major growth, and I am really excited to join as President.”
As president, Solomon will be responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations out of the company’s headquarters in Ontario, California. He will also spearhead the supplier’s innovations and growth strategies, according to a press release. He joins FiveStar Gourmet Foods from DOLE, where he also held the position of President.
Prior to holding the position at DOLE, the trailblazer served as President at POM Wonderful and President and CEO of Ready Pac Foods, leading the company to several years of record-breaking achievement. In addition to this, Solomon has run a successful business consultancy for over three decades.
“Growth and innovation in the fresh prepared foods landscape have only intensified through the pandemic. We are expecting continued strong performance and Michael’s specific expertise is a driving factor in our future success as a premium producer of smart and delicious fresh-prepared foods,” said Shoshan. “Michael will be working closely with us to streamline operations, identify new strategic partners, and help continue to strengthen our position as the fastest-growing brand within fresh value-added.”
Solomon also earned a degree in Business and Managerial Economics from Union College and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Wharton School of Business.
Congratulations to this decorated leader on his new role!
HACKENSACK, NJ - The further I delve into this undeniably complex industry, the more I learn about what it takes to succeed within it. I recently sparked a conversation with Vision Import Group’s Vice President of Sales, Ronnie Cohen, about the current mango market, which resulted in the addition of two new valuable produce industry “keys to success” to my mental keyring—constant adaptation and communication.
“The season began a little earlier this year, and we had good volume considering the first bloom fruit,” says Ronnie, as he provides me a lens into the current mango market. “The first couple of weeks were good, but when the cold front hit and went down into Mexico, demand was affected. An earlier glut of fruit in the marketplace has since cleaned up, and now with Peru out of the market, prices have firmed up and left the market much more active with good demand.”
Because the company is in between its first and second blooms, production volume is lower, causing a tight market for the category. However, higher volume is expected in the weeks to come, priming retailers with the opportunity to fortify their spring displays with the supplier’s vibrant mangos.
“We are expecting a few more weeks with more volume coming online, and I foresee good promotional volumes,” adds Ronnie.
Quality for the fruit has been exceptional, and with volume building over the coming weeks, Vision Import Group will be ready to arm retailers with a delicious advantage when it comes to setting themselves apart and driving traffic to the produce department. The key to marketing the company’s enticing mango varieties? That's right, communication.
“We like to have clear communications with our partners, so all of us involved—including the consumer, ourselves, and our growers—all benefit from marketing mangos at the correct moments within the season,” Ronnie explains. “I like to consider us a boutique marketer. We focus on quality and branding ourselves, and the most important element is constantly communicating in as much real-time as possible, so all parties can benefit regardless of the market conditions.”
Continuously pivoting to meet Mother Nature’s demands and keeping open communication with its partners are only two of the pillars that support this grower’s expanding legacy—and I’m willing to bet there are quite a few more.
For the most recent market updates in the fresh produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
CHICAGO, IL - Retailers left and right are capitalizing on the immense growth surrounding the avocado category. As more consumers flock to the unique flavor of the delicious fruit, Hazel Technologies’ partnership with WP Produce has resulted in significant growth during the peak season of the grower’s Dominican Republic tropical avocados.
“Hazel’s mission is to increase the efficiency of the supply chain through innovative, easy-to-use solutions,” said Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies. “The Hazel™ O technology utilized in Desbry® Tropical Avocados is proven to protect the internal and external quality of both organic and conventional programs. Less food wasted means higher retail sales and a smaller environmental footprint.”
The tropical season saw exceptionally strong sales, according to a press release, with outstanding quality and program growth. Hazel Tech began this partnership with WP Produce in 2020 with 2-count consumer bags. Since then, WP Produce has expanded its distribution of shipments protected by Hazel™ by over 35 percent, and the grower now serves customers throughout Canada and North America.
“We’ve always had strong distribution along the East Coast, but over the past few years we’ve worked hard to introduce Desbry® Tropical Avocados in California, Nevada, Texas, and other western states where the research and data show great potential for growing the avocado category,” said Chris Gonzalez, VP of Sales at WP Produce. “Hazel Tech has been an important part of our expansion, assuring our premium-quality fruit stays fresh all the way to the Pacific coast from Florida and the Dominican Republic. Our customers tell us we are the only supplier that can do so.”
Many major retailers have become motivated by the increased demand for the flavor and diverse cooking uses for tropical avocados, leading them to implement new merchandising programs dedicated to the category’s growth. In addition, popular restaurant chains have also incorporated the Hazel-protected Desbry Tropical Avocados into their menus.
“Investing in new technology that ensures premium quality and extended shelf life is vital to our business,” added Gonzalez. “Consumers expect freshness and flavor, and by protecting our Desbry® Tropical Avocados with Hazel™ O, we are delivering the highest possible quality and shelf life to our retail and foodservice partners.”
As more exciting innovations lead to success in the fresh produce industry, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
UNITED STATES - If you’ve been following along with us here at AndNowUKnow, you’ll have noticed the influx of stories regarding retailers hunting for new suppliers in the recent weeks. This drive from the buy-side for supplier diversity has captured our attention, leading us to consider multiple questions. What does this mean for smaller operations looking to gain a foothold in big-box stores? Where does the onus for product and supplier diversity lie?
Although it’s far too early to assess such questions, I think it’s telling that we’re asking them at all.
In the span of five weeks, Harris Teeter, H-E-B, Schnuck Markets, and Meijer have announced commitments to diversify their product offerings. Many of these announcements came with the promise of “supplier summits,” as buyers invite companies to submit applications for vendor relationships.
Harris Teeter, for example, is hosting its Supplier Diversity Summit in May—and fresh produce is a category included in the search. Less in focus is the search for local products, but the retailer is ramping up its commitment to foster new relationships with suppliers underrepresented in the food world: those who are minority-owned, military veterans, or LGBTQ+, to name a few. This speaks to another one of Harris Teeter’s value propositions—that it is making inclusion and diversity a top priority for its product range.
Giant Food also took a similar step in December of last year, implementing new shelf labels to laser in on minority-owned businesses.
H-E-B is running with the local approach, and for a retailer heavily entrenched in Texas culture, I’d say this strategy is a sound one. H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best has been around since 2014, but has allowed the retailer to create unique vendor relationships spotlighting the very region in which its shoppers come from.
Both Schnuck Markets and Meijer are taking similar approaches to local fare.
Seeing local suppliers as a way to further connect with its clientele, Schnucks emphasizes local in a way that tugs on shoppers’ emotions. Playing word association with local would probably conjure up phrases like “found in my backyard” or “a neighborhood gem.” It evokes interrelation and attachment—and I think it’s a smart marketing move.
For Meijer, it is doubling down on this by calling for “hyperlocal” products, all at one of its small-format stores. Helping local businesses succeed is top of the list, but the retailer also wants to showcase what the city itself has to offer.
All of these efforts are geared toward diversifying vendor relationships. Will this help smaller scale companies snag a bit of market share?
These major moves to increase supplier diversity are exciting to watch, and you know we here at ANUK will be ready to report on what comes next.
HOUSTON, TX - The versatility of a delicious potato is what keeps consumers coming back. Whether they enjoy them fried, baked, mashed, or loaded, potatoes are one item nearly every shopper has on their grocery list. Drawing well-deserved attention to this flavorful variety, MountainKing announced it has launched new marketing support for its versatile Butter Red potatoes.
“The Butter Reds are particularly popular with younger, health-conscious shoppers,” said Andreas Trettin, Director of Marketing. “Plus they perform very well when promoted with our regular reds. Feedback from consumers continues to be overwhelmingly positive, and we’ve also heard from several restaurant chefs who love the product.”
The new marketing strategy surrounding the delicious, buttery variety includes eye-catching displays, point-of-sale posters and display bins, trial coupons, in-store demos, as well as quarter-pallet display boxes, according to a company release. The company has also developed engaging social media content to call attention to the multifaceted variety, showing how it can be used in salads or for baking and grilling.
The enticing variety, which blends the cooking qualities of red potato with the buttery flavor of a gold potato, comes in 3, 5, and 10 lb poly bags. According to Trettin, retailers can see an average net increase of 18 percent sales growth when promoting these Butter Reds alongside MountainKing’s 5 lb bags of regular reds.
Originating in the Netherlands, this variety is high in vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. Its dense, waxy texture allows them to hold up to higher cooking temperatures while maintaining the creamy and delicious flavor of a gold potato.
To stay up to date on the newest strategies hitting the retail sector, keep an eye out for ANUK.
PALM DESERT, CA - A deal of epic proportions was finalized today as Sun World Internationl announced an agreement to be acquired by Bridgepoint, an international private equity group. Succeeding a transformative period of ownership from Renewable Resources Group and Vision Ridge Partners, Bridgepoint will serve as a controlling shareholder alongside Sun World’s management.
“Our connection with the Bridgepoint team was undeniable from the first conversation,” CEO David Marguleas, who will serve on the company’s new Board and hold an equity position in the company, said. “They understand and appreciate the extraordinary head start we enjoy in the sector after 30 years of breeding superior produce. And they share our vision of the many ways we can grow. To say we’re ‘excited’ undersells what this new partnership means for Sun World.”
A press release stated that the Bridgepoint investment will support Sun World’s plans to accelerate its growth strategy by building a broad-based genetics and technology platform for specialty fruit growers.
In addition to enhancing its intellectual property portfolio and core grape and stonefruit breeding operations, Sun World has honed in on a number of under-served crops and technology solutions that have strong global appeal. Investments and acquisitions in new genetics and emerging technologies will have the potential to add meaningful value for Sun World growers worldwide.
“In partnering with Sun World, our ambition is for it to become a broader based platform investment in fruit genetics with a considerable runway for long term growth,” said Andrew Sweet, a Partner at Bridgepoint who leads the firm’s investment activities across North America. “Sun World was part of the first wave of genetic innovation for produce, establishing a recurring royalty business model that has enabled it to prioritize its R&D innovation. Today it enjoys a market-leading reputation with the largest growers, distribution partners, and retailers globally, thanks to its cutting-edge molecular techniques and breeding processes. We expect to continue to invest in new technologies that benefit growers and consumers alike.”
To facilitate the company’s expansion, last year Sun World opened its new Center for Innovation in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The facility features a sophisticated fruit breeding and variety development operation, including specialized facilities for tissue culture and molecular breeding and a 160-acre experimental research farm. The solutions provider currently holds 300+ plant patents and views the Center for Innovation as an important advantage in advancing its pipeline of fruit genetics.
Back in 2019, Sun World also divested its substantial farming, packing, and marketing operation to concentrate more fully on its breeding and licensing business. For this most recent transaction, J.P. Morgan Securities served as the exclusive financial advisor. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary conditions.
As wait to see how this acquisition will accelerate growth for Sun World, keep reading the latest reports from ANUK.
FOWLER, CA - Shoppers look to retail to provide them with immunity-boosting produce, and Bee Sweet Citrus is here to help those buyers deliver. The grower has a strong supply of specialty citrus varieties to meet this continuing demand.
“Adding nutrient-rich foods, such as citrus, into your diet can help keep your body functioning at its best,” stated Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue. “From vitamin C to fiber, citrus fruits are a great source of immunity-boosting nutrients.”
Currently, buyers can count on Bee Sweet to bring citrus varieties such as Blood oranges, Cara Cara Navels, Minneola Tangelos, Meyer lemons, and grapefruit. According to a press release, each variety comes with its own set of unique characteristics that are appealing to a wide range of consumers.
“Food has always played a major role in keeping people healthy, and if consumers are interested in supplementing their diet with fruits and vegetables—citrus is a great place to start,” stated Bienvenue. “Not only is our seasonal line a great source of immunity-boosting nutrients, each variety has its own unique flavor.”
Blood oranges, Cara Cara Navels, and Meyer lemons compliment baked goods, while grapefruit and Minneola Tangelos can act as a sweet, yet tart addition to seasonal recipes. All of its specialty varieties are available in high-graphic bags and cartons.
Be sure to check back in with AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest in fresh produce.
YUMA, AZ - As an entry point for consumers and buyers alike, a website is a handy tool to have in your back pocket. Luckily for Bard Valley Natural Delights®, the company recently launched its newly designed website to better communicate its products and message to a more diverse demographic.
“As the largest provider of Medjool dates in the country, we want to be the best resource for people when learning about growing practices, product usage, and how to find Natural Delights,” said David Baxter, Director of Marketing. “Our website refresh gives us the opportunity to use insights that will not only help us deliver better content, but also work more closely with retail partners to ensure that shoppers are able to find the products they want at their local stores.”
According to a press release, the updated website now focuses on grower stories, the health benefits of Medjool dates, and product usage for every lifestyle. Not only does the website look new, it boasts of effective analytics tools to understand who is visiting the site and what is drawing them in. The insights from these robust analytics will allow the brand to optimize content, targeting, and communication for the most effective marketing across all platforms.
Additionally, an updated store locator helps shoppers find products at retail locations—a tool that will further help Natural Delights drive shoppers to retail.
“We want people to see themselves in the stories that are shared on our new website,” added Baxter. “We want the young mom to feel empowered, the athlete to feel confident, and the college student to feel connected when they reach for our products, and this website is an extension of that vision.”
The company’s new Sweet Sunshine blog will also act as a resource to deliver relevant and helpful content to readers. Natural Delights will make these posts accessible through an e-newsletter as well, allowing for even more brand penetration.
We’ll continue to track the latest news across the industry, so stay tuned to us here at AndNowUKnow.
VIDALIA, GA - Vidalia® Onion season is off to the races—quite literally. The Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC) has announced that America’s “favorite sweet onion” will now be served at “America’s Greatest Race,” making their way onto the official menu for the 2021 Kentucky Derby®.
“After a year that has been challenging for all of us, we hope our first-ever partnership with the Kentucky Derby will serve as a tiny beacon of normal life by bringing together two of the country’s beloved ‘rites of spring,’” said VOC Chairman Aries Haygood. “We are honored to be part of the official menu of this year’s Derby.”
Vidalia onions will take the spotlight in several dishes of the official Derby menu, according to a press release. Some of the featured dishes include Chicken with Vidalia Onion and Mushroom Sauce as well as Vidalia Onion, Bourbon Sorghum Vinaigrette on a Black-Eyed Pea Salad. To explore them, click here.
“Like chefs and home cooks across the country, I know there is nothing else to compare to the sweet, mild flavor of Vidalia onions,” said Churchill Down’s Executive Chef David Danielson, the culinary artist behind the annual Kentucky Derby official menu. “We think this year’s Derby fans are going to love the items on the menu that feature Vidalia onions.”
Just like the Kentucky Derby, Vidalia onions have become an American favorite after first being discovered in the 1930s. In 1989, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided federal protection to the onion and created the VOC to support marketing and research.
In 1992, Georgia became the official owner of the Vidalia onion trademark, and today the celebrated onion has made its way to one of the most famous sporting events in the nation. What a rich history for such a delicious onion.
For more exciting news from across industry, stick with AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, DC, & NEWARK, DE - A landmark decision to unite the expertise of Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association rocked the industry a mere few minutes ago. Announcing their intention to merge the two operations, the trade associations are ramping up for a new era. Both of the association’s Boards of Directors reached an Agreement in Principle to create a new global trade association. The two associations will continue to operate as independent organizations through 2021, with the new association to be launched January 1, 2022.
Board Chairs Michael Muzyk of United Fresh and Dwight Ferguson of PMA released the following statement regarding the announcement.
“This Agreement reflects the ongoing commitment of both associations to deliver the highest level of value to members,” the statement reads. “Looking ahead, we believe we can accomplish that goal better together building on the synergies and experience of our expert staffs, complementary education programs and member services, and a stronger voice in advocating for our industries.”
The new association will combine the resources and expertise of both PMA and United Fresh to enhance member services, increase advocacy before government and the public, help members grow their businesses, and drive consumption of fresh produce and demand for floral products as a vital cornerstone of public health.
Over the past several months, PMA CEO Cathy Burns and United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel have worked with a group of Board leaders from each association to develop the strategic commitments for the new association that will serve as the core of the Agreement in Principle.
A press release outlines them as follows:
- Commitment to serve all sectors of the global fresh produce and floral supply chains, growing global membership and participation
- Commitment to government advocacy and leadership to build and maintain a positive business climate in the United States and the North American market so critical to members’ success
- Commitment to global engagement with international bodies and allied organizations to promote free and fair trade, international harmonization of standards, and worldwide growth in consumption
- Commitment to providing expertise and business solutions in food safety, new technology, supply chain management, sustainability, leadership and talent development, business operations, marketing, and more
- Commitment to bringing all sectors of the diverse supply chain together to better understand our interconnections and support efficiency and profitability throughout the chain
- Commitment to enhance business-to-business sales and marketing connections across the produce and floral supply chains
- Commitment to demand creation to inspire consumers to embrace produce and floral products as essential parts of their lives, while increasing profitable sales of members’ products
The new association will be led jointly by Burns and Stenzel as Co-CEOs throughout 2022. After that time, Burns will become the sole CEO.
“Through my 28 years of service to our industry, I have long recognized the potential synergies of our groups building something powerful together,” Stenzel said. “It is gratifying to me several years before my retirement to find a strong and committed partner in Cathy who also believes in this shared vision. I’m looking forward to launching this new organization together, setting the stage to enhance member value while driving greater produce consumption in the years ahead.”
Burns also had a statement prepared in regards to this move.
“By joining forces, we will continue to support our members with the services, insights, and connections they seek to grow their businesses while ensuring our role and voice as an industry has an even greater impact,” Burns stated. “Tom has been a great partner, and I truly appreciate his deep history, knowledge, and care for our industry. We, along with our talented teams, look forward to leveraging our strengths to serve our diverse and complex supply chain. I am so proud and honored to serve the produce and floral community at such a pivotal time in our history.”
Throughout the upcoming months, Burns and Stenzel will work with their staff teams and Board leaders to build out the new organization. Both associations will begin sharing their expertise and promoting participation in each other’s events and programs. It is anticipated that the volunteer leadership, governance and membership structure, and 2022 business plan for the new association will be in place and shared with the membership in the fall of 2021.
AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest breaking news, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for our newsletter blasts.
Produce Marketing Association United Fresh Produce Association