PLANT CITY, FL - The whimsical berry grower is spreading its wings in a brand new warehouse, and I, for one, couldn’t be more excited. Why, you might ask? Because there will be more berries of course! Amber Maloney, Director of Marketing, had more exciting news to tell me, and I couldn’t wait to hear what Wish Farms had in store.
“We are incredibly excited to be in this new facility!” Amber shares with me. “The operational and energy efficiency has actually exceeded our expectations. The facility has been a huge boost to our blueberry packing and strawberry cooling and processing.”
Wish Farms’ innovative and sustainable warehouse boasts 125,000 square feet on 36 acres of property and is situated off of Interstate 4, right on the main highway that runs East to West throughout central Florida, conveniently located next to the grower’s new headquarters.
“We have great exposure to all the drivers that use I-4 every day. Our new office is located next to the warehouse and features a 3-acre blueberry farm. Tours and visitors can come and pick fresh blueberries right on the property,” Amber says.
Complete with in-line labeling, Top Seal technology, and an Innovation Lab, Wish Farms’ new facility encompasses three blueberry packing lines as well as two strawberry processing lines with juice and slice capabilities. And with a 20,000-square-feet solar array, the berry grower anticipates 10,000 tons of CO2 will be saved over the lifespan of the system, equalling to 73 percent kWh per square feet energy reduction compared to previous facilities.
Keeping in line with Wish Farms’ sustainable practices, the company has used reclaimed wood from the site throughout the office, in addition to replanting replacement trees on the property.
For more information on this exciting new expansion, please watch the video included above.
Stay savvy in the produce world as ANUK brings more news in the industry.
NEW ZEALAND - Growers everywhere are changing the way consumers choose to snack. Pantries that were once filled with a bevy of chips and cookies have transformed to resemble personal produce departments. This year, T&G Global’s premium new season JAZZ™ apples are ready to take their place in shoppers’ homes, and are currently being shipped to global markets featuring a refreshed look and feel.
“First grown in New Zealand 25 years ago, today JAZZ™ apples are a Kiwi household favourite and loved by consumers around the world,” said Rebecca Chapman, Head of Marketing. “Grown under license in 10 countries, they’re exported to more than 45 countries and available all year round. Last year, we sold 5 million JAZZ™ cartons.”
The enticing apple variety is currently being picked and packed and will continue to be shipped to global markets over the next few weeks, with the first shipment already having left Napier Port bound for the United Kingdom, according to a press release. An additional shipment is currently being loaded for the European and UK markets, which is intended to depart with 2.8 million JAZZ™ apples on board.
This year, the brand is launching a new look and feel for the JAZZ™ variety, rolling out a crisper new look that features vibrant, refreshed colors and the ‘always refreshing’ JAZZ™ tag line. This new packaging is expected to roll out across global markets, beginning with the U.S. and Japan.
“The refreshed JAZZ™ look was co-developed with consumers to make our premium apples stand out from the pack,” explained Chapman. “The brand refresh is a key component of a much broader strategy to position JAZZ™ as the ideal snack on the go and reinforces its unique qualities.”
The premium JAZZ™ apple is popular worldwide, with consumers eagerly awaiting the New Zealand season as the warm, sunny weather provides a rich color and full flavor for the delicious on-the-go fruit.
“Extensive consumer research in Asia, the United States, and Europe identified that the balanced tangy-sweet flavor of JAZZ™ and its ideal size is what consumers are looking for between meals as a refreshing snack,” Chapman added.
With a fresh and exciting new look, and an even fresher product, shoppers won’t be able to wait to get their hands on this delicious variety.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest in the fresh produce industry, so keep a tab open.
MATTHEWS, NC - One thing that more and more shoppers are looking for when they enter a grocery store these days is a diverse assortment of offerings to choose from. On a mission to foster more diversity and inclusion within its stores, Harris Teeter has announced it is hosting a virtual Supplier Diversity Summit from May 3-5.
"This summit will help further Harris Teeter's overall Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts," said Senior Vice President of Marketing, Merchandising, and Operations, Tammy DeBoer. "Our goal is for Harris Teeter—our people and our products—to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Through the identification and support of minority-owned businesses, Harris Teeter will cultivate new vendor relationships to empower diverse suppliers and enhance economic growth."
During the virtual summit, the retailer will work to increase sourcing from suppliers that are at least 51 percent owned, operated, and managed by individuals who are disadvantaged, disabled, military veterans, LGBTQ+, minorities, and/or women, according to a company release. Perishable products such as fresh produce will be one of the categories included.
To make the Supplier Diversity Summit possible, the retailer is partnering with online product sourcing platform RangeMe to manage all submissions by qualifying suppliers. Harris Teeter will review the applications and select vendors to meet virtually through the company’s Connect meeting platform, and suppliers who are not chosen for the event will still be accessible and may be reviewed by the grocer again in the future.
Qualifying businesses can apply for the summit by Monday, March 29 online.
As always, keep reading ANUK for the latest news in the retail sector.
PARIS, FRANCE - Carrefour is one retailer that is making a name for itself around the globe. One major way it is doing so is through its acquisitions. From acquiring 172 stores under the Supersol banner in Spain to acquiring Bioazur in its home country, Carrefour is once again closing in on another acquisition—this time in Brazil. The French supermarket retailer has agreed to buy Grupo BIG, one of Brazil’s largest food retailers, in a deal valuing the firm at around $1.3 billion USD.
“Our Group is on the offensive: The acquisition of the BIG Group is a major transformation movement for Carrefour Brazil,” said Carrefour Chairman and CEO Alexandre Bompard. “In this continental country with immense development prospects, we have accentuated our leadership in the food distribution market over the past 3 years, and BIG will further strengthen it with very complementary formats and locations.”
According to its press release, Carrefour would be buying the company from Walmart and investment firm Advent International. This deal would boost Carrefour’s earnings as the transaction values Grupo BIG at an enterprise value of 7 billion BRL ($1.3 billion USD).
As noted in the release, this acquisition offers significant synergy potential from year one, rising gradually to represent a net additional contribution to EBITDA of $1.7 billion BRL ($306 million USD) on an annual basis three years after the closing of the transaction.
“The transaction fits perfectly into the Carrefour Brazil ecosystem and into the Group’s acquisition strategy, centered on the consolidation of our key markets,” continued Bompard. “The significant synergies generated by this transaction are a lever for creating additional value and a powerful addition to the profitable growth model that we have established across our Group.”
Combined, Carrefour Brazil and Grupo BIG have gross sales of about $100 billion BRL (about $18 billion USD), operate 876 stores, and employ around 137,000 people.
One can only wonder if Carrefour has the United States on its radar.
For the full details on the acquisition, click here.
Stick around with ANUK as we keep an eye on the retail sector.
SOUTH CAROLINA - Ahold-owned Food Lion is building out its footprint on the East Coast, this time by opening two new stores in South Carolina. The retailer recently opened its doors in both Chesnee and Inman, aiming to eat up a larger slice of the region’s retail pie.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with Food Lion,” said Tina Bennet, Store Manager of the new Chesnee location, according to Announce. “I’m also grateful to continue to serve the associates and the community as we open our new Food Lion. I look forward to seeing our neighbors and seeing them enjoy the new store.”
Local news source GoUpstate reported that these two stores opened on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Each of the stores are now housed in facilities which were formerly occupied by BI-LO.
The store will feature a myriad of bulk and value-added fresh produce offerings in addition to extensive grab-and-go options and an impressive organic selection. WP Rawl Farms is just one of the local produce suppliers who will be featured in these stores.
“I have called Inman home for 23 years and I am honored to be a part of the new Food Lion,” said Wade Dunagin, Store Manager of the new Inman location. “I am excited about serving the community in which I call home. I look forward to giving Inman a store and staff it can always count on.”
For more expansions across the retail sector, keep clicking back to ANUK.
IDAHO FALLS, ID - Another exciting group of new hires are hitting the industry as Wada Farms Marketing Group has announced the addition of Stephanie Bench, Susi Torigian, and Fran Torigian to its national sales and marketing team. Together, the three new members will help further diversify and develop Wada’s growing commodity portfolio.
“I am very excited to join the team at Wada Farms Marketing. I am looking forward to this new opportunity with Wada to learn new commodities along with the whole book of business that Wada has to offer the industry,” said Bench.
The new additions, including Bench, will be spearheading strategic growth in Wada’s newest commodity acquisitions, according to a press release. These commodities include sweet potatoes, watermelon, and other niche programs throughout the Wada organization.
“I am honored to become part of the Wada Farms team!” added Susi Torigian. “I had started as a customer and am now excited to be a team member. To be involved with the Wada Team allows me to help build a business that has vision, passion, and a commitment to both its growers and customers. The Wada Team was a Natural choice for me!”
Wada’s newest additions will help create new market share opportunities, diversify existing customer opportunities, and focus on new business development initiatives.
“Wada is a company driven by vision and a business acumen to see that vision through to fruition. Spending time with the Wada team gave me the opportunity to see how the cooperative team effort was present at all times,” said Fran Torigian, VP Sales and Business Development/ Eastern Division. “I look forward to being a part of that positive and synergistic environment.”
Combined, the new members bring over 70 years of produce industry experience.
This announcement comes as Wada Farms continues to drive forward its strategy of expanding its portfolio and service offerings in both domestic and international markets.
“We are excited with the talent and experience that Stephanie, Susi, and Fran bring to our team. Their combined insight and industry prowess will help bring Wada to the next level in customer service and portfolio diversification. Our customers will benefit with these new team additions by helping them achieve next level results,” commented Kevin Stanger, President.
Cheers to all three new members of the Wada Farms team!
NOGALES, AZ - Spring is approaching at the speed of light, and with it comes exciting industry events. Still coming down from the excitement of a successful Tomato Week 2021, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) has pivoted its focus and announced the lineup for its upcoming Spring Policy Summit 2021 (SPS21).
“After the success of FPAA’s virtual tomato week, which welcomed over 90 industry members each day, we are looking forward to Spring Policy Summit 2021,” said President Lance Jungmeyer. “We will take a hard look at some of the most pressing issues facing the industry.”
The annual summit will take place virtually from April 21–23, and will feature presentations on key topics in the fresh produce industry.
The first day of the event will be centered around the changing landscape and shifting policies in U.S. and Mexican Governments, according to a press release. Guest speakers Kenneth Smith, former lead NAFTA negotiator for Mexico and current partner with AGON, and Britton Mullen, President of the Border Trade Alliance and Principal of Clarke Consulting will provide valuable insight on the current relationship between the two countries.
The following day will feature esteemed speakers Ricardo Crisantes, FairTrade USA Chairman, and Jim Mullen, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer at TuSimple and a leading developer of autonomous trucks, who will shine a light on the latest information regarding fair trade and innovative new sustainability trends.
The event will wrap up with experts from the University of Arizona reviewing recent trade cases and evaluating the technical barriers to trade that impact the fresh produce industry, such as tomato inspections. This final session will provide a potential path to identifying and resolving those potential barriers.
The SPS21 event is open for all individuals in the produce industry, and registration information for each session will be available on the association’s website.
AndNowUKnow promises to keep bringing you the latest news in the fresh produce industry, so stay tuned.
WATSONVILLE, CA - New faces are making an appearance at Driscoll’s today as the berry maven has announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the team are Giannella Alvarez, former CEO and Director of the Board at Beanitos, and Graciela Monteagudo, former President and CEO of LALA U.S.
Alvarez will bring with her over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries and markets, including the US, Latin America, and Europe. According to a press release, Alvarez has led multi-billion-dollar brands for Fortune 100 companies including Procter & Gamble and The Coca-Cola Company in Senior Executive positions.
Alvarez previously served as Group President and CEO for Barilla America, as well as President and CEP of organic food start-ups including Harmless Harvest. She was also named one of 2019’s Most Influential Corporate Board Directors by Women’s Inc.
With vast experience as a public company Board Director, Alavarez has strong expertise to bring to Driscoll’s. She also has extensive experience in marketing, innovation, business scaling, and global expansion as well as a passion for food, health and wellness, and sustainability and equality. She also bring with her experience as an Advisory Board Member at New York University’s Stern School Center for Sustainable Business.
Joining Alvarez on the Board is Monteagudo, who has built her 30-year executive career at a variety of multinational Fortune 500 companies across consumer products, healthcare, and retail industries. She has significant experience serving in general management roles, having previously led multi-billion-dollar corporations such as SVP and Business Unit Head for Sam’s Club in Mexico, and President, Americas and Global Marketing for Mead Johnson Nutrition Americas
Most recently, Monteagudo served as CEO and President of LALA U.S. She also has an experienced background as a public company board director, and was spotlighted in the 2019 Latino Leaders Magazine Latinos on Board report, as well as the 2020 Best of the Boardroom feature of Hispanic Executive Magazine.
“Giannella is a highly creative and decisive leader who has a proven track record of talent building and energizing organizations across countries, customers and channels," said J. Miles Reiter, Chairman and CEO. “Her significant on-the-ground international experiences will serve as an invaluable asset as Driscoll’s continues to grow and adapt to the ever-changing marketplace.”
Monteagudo brings to the Board a diverse perspective regarding domestic and international markets, digital marketing/ecommerce, Hispanic and Latin American consumers, as well as a demonstrated capability in strategic planning, M&A, diversity/inclusion, and cultural transformation.
“Graciela’s expertise in addressing the Mexican consumer and retail environment will be invaluable to Driscoll’s as we navigate increasing consumer demand in this important growth market,” shared Reiter. “Her experience in consumer brands, especially in the health and nutrition sector, will bolster Driscoll’s capability and success in markets around the globe."
These new Board appointments will collectively bring strong brand growth expertise and a clear future-looking vision to help Driscoll’s accelerate its mission.
Congratulations to both women as they take on these new roles!
ORLANDO, FL - Few lights burn so brightly as those like Andres “Andy” Jose Garcia, who lived many lifetimes in his 93 years. Known professionally as Andrew J. Garcia, Jr., Esq., Andy passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Orlando, Florida, on March 6, 2021.
Born January 28, 1928, in Tampa, Florida, to Dora and Cuban-born Andres Jose Garcia—one of the Founders of the Tampa Wholesale Produce Market in 1934—Andy lived a full life of many hats. In addition to being a member and mentor of the produce industry for more than 60 years, he was an athlete, lawyer, judge, ambassador, employer, coach, philanthropist, and, above all, a husband and father.
Even before he purchased Ruskin Packaging Inc. (D/B/A Lowell Distributors) from Founder Paul Dickman in 1961, Andy had been a multi-faceted college athlete whose pursuit of a Law Degree from the University of Florida was cut short a year by being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge in 1954, Andy returned to work with his father in the produce import business. Much of this time was spent at their farms in Cuba and playing with the Cuban-Davis Cup Team.
Andy divided his time between Havana, his family hometown of Bejucal, and farms on the mainland of Cuba and on the Isle of Pines. It was after he was refused entry onto one of his farms that Andy returned to Tampa and completed law school at Stetson University in 1962, an experience that was instrumental in helping his entire family move to Tampa after Fidel Castro came into power.
As the produce business in Tampa grew, Andy moved to Miami to run Lowell Distributors, a branch of Crews and Garcia Produce. This business provided a gateway and first job for many of Andy’s family and friends, for whom he played an integral role in helping escape and emigrate from Cuba.
He continued his law practice with Barry Garber and Nick Buoniconti and, after serving as a legislative aide in Tallahassee, he focused his practice in Tampa. He served in private practice, as an arbitrator, and sat as a city judge.
All the while, he, along with his son, Andy III, steered Ruskin Packaging, expanding its reach and portfolio of categories, fueling a business culture that lived on service that propelled it to sell produce to the likes of Publix, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, and more.
Andy added to the brand’s history of trailblazing, which had been among those at the forefront of moves like pre-packed veggies and the development of processing machinery. He continued the family legacy his grandfather, José Garcia, began when he started a produce business in Cuba and began importing U.S. produce and exporting Cuban produce in 1916.
Today, that legacy continues on.
Andy’s son, Andy Garcia III, worked together with his father for over 19 years and is still in the industry, currently working with Altar Produce LLC as the East Coast Sales Manager.
“His legacy will live on and I will do my best to continue the tradition of having a Garcia in the produce industry,” Andy III shared, attributing his now 30-plus year career to his father’s mentorship.
Andy was a loving and generous patriarch to his family and is survived by his brother and partner in the business Ernest (“Cookie”) Garcia, two nieces and a nephew in Tampa, his wife Andrea Jo Garcia and their daughter Jennifer Hewett (Jeff), his children Mary Lou Ewing and Andy Garcia III (Cathy) and their mother Linda Valenti Christian, and his grandchildren Lauren Ewing, Allegra Garcia, Ashley Garcia, James Hewett, and Julia Hewett.
Andy also leaves behind numerous cousins, extended family, and many godchildren, most notably his namesake, actor Andy Garcia, whose parents, cousins Rene and Amelie, were like siblings to Andy during his time in Cuba. Andy was loved and will be missed by many: friends, family, and acquaintances alike.
In lieu of flowers, please make an offering of your time or treasure to a charity of your choice.
The family of Andy J. Garcia also invites those he touched to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.
To such a life, with so much impact, we pay our respects.
BRAMPTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - A transition is underway at Loblaw Companies Limited as the company has revealed a new leadership shakeup. The company, along with George Weston Limited (GWL), jointly announced the upcoming retirement of Loblaw President Sarah Davis on May 6. Davis will be succeeded by Executive Chairman Galen G. Weston, current Chairman and CEO of GWL. Additionally, the companies announced that Robert Sawyer will join Loblaw as Chief Operating Officer, and Richard Dufresne, President and Chief Financial Officer of GWL, will expand his duties to include becoming CFO of Loblaw effective May 6.
“The sale of Weston Foods will allow me to dedicate renewed time and energy at Loblaw as we increase our momentum in both our brick-and-mortar network, and our leadership in digital and data,” said Weston.
In succeeding Davis in her role, Weston will be returning to his former position of Chairman and President which he previously held from 2014 to 2017, according to a press release.
Sawyer will be joining Weston in stepping into a new role after being appointed Loblaw’s Chief Operating Officer. In his new position, Sawyer will be responsible for the company’s retail divisions, supply chain, and procurement.
“Loblaw is Canada’s leading retailer with some of the most exciting assets in the industry, including its loyalty and private label programs,” said Sawyer. “I am very much looking forward to joining the team.”
Sawyer brings to the company over 40 years of experience as an executive in the Canadian retail market. He has formerly served as COO of Metro and had a successful career as President and Chief Executive Officer at Rona. Sawyer currently serves as Director of the Board of GWL, a role he has held since 2016.
Weston also commented on Sawyer’s recent appointment.
“I am delighted that Robert has made the decision to join the team at Loblaw. He brings a keen understanding of our business and an extensive track record of success,” he explained. “I look forward to Robert’s contributions, including his commitment to developing the next generation of talent in the organization.”
Taking over the role of Chief Financial Officer, Dufresne will join Loblaw in addition to his current position as President and Chief Financial Officer at George Weston Limited.
“Richard is an exceptional executive with extensive experience as a CFO. With George Weston’s decision to divest the bakery business, he now has the capacity to return to the dual CFO role which he held between 2014 and 2017,” commented Weston. “I look forward to working with Richard as we accelerate Loblaw’s momentum in its core business and strategic growth areas while increasing speed and agility in both organizations."
These transitions come as Davis has announced her retirement from the company, for which she has worked since 2007.
“After 14 years at Loblaw, I am immensely proud of what the company has accomplished during my time here and look forward to the next chapter,” stated Davis in regards to her retirement.
Over the course of her career with Loblaw, Davis has worked in several leadership positions including CFO and CAO, during which time she played a vital role in transforming the company from a regional grocer to an omni-channel food, health, and wellness retailer with $52.7 billion in revenue.
As President, Davis led the company to reduce costs by over $1 billion through productivity improvements, the release noted. She also established leadership in data and analytics, including the creation of the loyalty program, PC Optimum.
During her tenure, Davis championed an approach to leadership and culture that put colleagues and customers first in pursuit of helping Canadians live life well.
“In light of George Weston’s strategic decision to focus on retail and real estate which was announced today, Sarah and I agreed that now is the right time for her to pursue her plans for an early retirement, which she first shared with me upon becoming President in 2017,” said Weston. “Sarah has made an invaluable contribution to the company and I appreciate her leadership over the last 14 years. Her authentic, understated style, and commitment to the potential of others, have been hallmarks of her time with Loblaw. She has been an advisor and friend to many, especially to me. We wish her well.”
In addition to Davis’ departure, Darren Myers will also be leaving Loblaw after its Annual General Meeting on May 6. He will be stepping out of his position as Loblaw’s Chief Financial Officer.
“During his tenure, Darren has been a financial steward of the organization, actively worked to improve capital discipline across the company, and contributed to Loblaw’s enormous progress against its process and efficiency agenda,” commented Weston. “He is a key member of the Management Board and his collaborative leadership style drove improvements to the finance function and the company's management system. I would like to thank Darren for his contributions to the company as CFO over the last three and a half years and to express appreciation for his support over the coming weeks.”
Cheers to all of these leaders as they begin their new journeys!