SOUTH BEND, IN - Differentiation is key in the produce aisle, and indoor growing methods have served as a unique tool for grocers looking to get ahead. Pure Green Farms is one indoor farming company aiming to capture a larger slice of the market, recently debuting four new products in addition to expanding to Kroger stores across the Midwest.
“We’re excited for our products to be in stores and for consumers to finally be able to try our leafy greens. We’ve got a great inaugural product lineup and look forward to adding more in the future,” said Joe McGuire, CEO. “It’s been a lot of hard work getting us ready for launch and I’m so delighted to be at this point in the process. We look forward to expanding our fan base for the days, weeks, months, and years to come.”
The four varieties that recently hit the shelves include Baby Spring Mix, Baby Green Leaf, Baby Red & Green Leaf, and Baby Romaine. The selected Kroger stores will be the first to carry these greens, with more retailers to follow in the coming months.
Pure Green Farms is located in South Bend, Indiana, and uses advanced methods to seed, grow, harvest, and pack its greens hands-free. Its greenhouse is equipped with some of the best technology in the industry, which makes growing fresh lettuces year-round a cleaner and safer endeavor. The company uses significantly less water and never uses any pesticides or herbicides, as stated in a press release.
Which retailer will be next? Keep reading ANUK to stay in the loop.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Shopper trends continue to be a vital source of information, as more of us within the fresh produce industry turn to this data to better understand what captures sales. Side Delights® and its network of family-owned farms, is taking this to heart, especially the movement of consumers looking for locally-grown produce.
“Given our attachment to the farms, ‘Grown Where it Matters’ is more than a marketing mantra. It embodies the core value of growing Side Delights potatoes, and who grows it is just as important. All of our potatoes are grown by our select group of family-owned growers and shippers who choose to work together to make the potato industry better for everyone,” noted Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “We work within our network of farmers, and with their families, to drive profitable category growth for our customers, brand awareness, and shopper excitement, while providing the highest quality, best-tasting potato products possible for consumers.”
According to a press release, Side Delights potatoes are exclusively sourced from the Fresh Solutions Network of independent, family-owned farms that grow, pack, sell, and deliver fresh potatoes across the U.S. and Canada. Collectively, these farms represent 17 generations of farming wisdom.
Some of this farming wisdom extends back centuries, as evidenced in the farming family of Sterman Masser, an eighth generation Pennsylvania farming family.
“Our ninth generation is already involved in the farm through our summer intern program. We are thrilled to have more sales and marketing talent coming up through the ranks,” remarked Dave Masser, President, Sterman Masser Farms.
The next generation of farmers can be found at an operation in Ohio, as well.
“We are currently integrating our fourth generation into the operation with the fifth generation in preschool,” said Kathy Michael Sponheim, Co-Owner of Michael Family Farms.
In Idaho, this dedication continues, with Jill Cox, Vice President of Sales at Sun-Glo Of Idaho, chimed in.
“We are fourth-generation farmers, and the fifth generation in our family is now involved in our operation across all disciplines of operations, sales, marketing, and seed,” commented Cox. “We encourage the next generation to get an education before coming back to the farm, so they have something to add to the business if they want to continue working on the family farm. We are very excited about the next generation; they are very eager to learn and contribute.”
Another operation dedicated to the next generation of farmers is NoKota Packers in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. The company has been growing potatoes for 40 years and is also expanding the family business.
“A couple of our growers have recently begun farming with their next-generation (third, fourth, and fifth generations),” noted Carissa Olsen, President and Chief Executive Officer of NoKota Packers.
In addition to all of these voices, Chandler Mack, Vice President of Mack Farms, can attest to the importance of pursuing ag education.
“It is still too early to know for sure, but my son drives a tractor like a race car driver!” he said, proudly describing the possibility of bringing his children into the business as third generation farmers. “Not bad for a six year old!”
Molly Connors, Sales Manager, of Basin Gold Co-Op in Pasco, Washington, also commented.
“Basin Gold is family-owned, and so are all of our member operations,” Connors said. “We are all multi-generational family companies, and we actively encourage the next generation(s) to take an interest in farming.”
As locally grown products continue to drive sales, AndNowUKnow will be here to report on how our industry is supporting this shopper drive.
BELGIUM - Greenyard, a global produce supplier, recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with a consortium of banks in order to refinance its outstanding debt and strengthen its capital structure through private investors by €50 million equity (nearly $60 million). In addition to this news, the company also announced the appointment of Marc Coucke to its Board of Directors.
“We are excited to see Greenyard taking this important step toward the execution of its long-term growth ambitions. The stability of our financing, but also the faith and confidence provided by our investors, creates a fertile basis for the organization to continue our improvements and live up to our expectations,” commented Hein Deprez, Co-Chief Executive Officer.
As emphasized by all who had a hand in this investment, the deal is set to open up new opportunities for Greenyard to build out its presence in the market.
The press release noted particulars of the financial agreement, which include the following:
- The new €467.5 million ($557.8 million) financing agreement is committed for a tenor of three years, with a one-year extension option, at market standard conditions, resulting in a stable financing structure for the coming years
- In addition, Alychlo NV (an investment company), as well as existing shareholder, Joris Ide, have committed to participate in a €50 million reserved capital increase
- The new bank financing, in combination with the equity contribution, provide for a stable foundation for the execution of long-term ambitions
“After the transformation, the refinancing was the single missing part of the puzzle for Greenyard to again be able to fully focus on its ambitions to deepen its customer and grower relationships, continue to gain market share, and become a true sustainability leader in the sector,” added Marc Zwaaneveld, Co-CEO. “We look forward to this new chapter with our new equity partners, our long-standing banking partners, and Gigarant.”
Marc Coucke, private investor and incoming Board Member, also commented on this newly formed partnership.
“Greenyard has shown great resilience, fighting spirit, and entrepreneurship to become a healthy company again. On top of that, Greenyard is working in an attractive sector, fruit and vegetables, that is set to become even more important in the coming years as consumers increasingly look for healthy consumption products," Coucke said. “We are looking forward to working together on the execution of the business plan and beyond.”
To learn more about the company’s financial strategy, click here.
As always, stick with AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest in the industry.
PHOENIX, AZ - Fresh produce is a key attraction in the produce aisle, continuing to promote physical expansion and brand visibility for retailers. Sprouts Farmers Market has capitalized on this with its latest expansion, recently opening a new produce distribution center in Aurora, its first center in Colorado. This addition will service 45 of Sprouts’ stores, including all locations in Colorado, five stores in Utah, and eight in New Mexico, and is ultimately expected to quadruple its local selection over time.
“As we grow our footprint, we will strategically place new stores and distribution centers closer together to maximize our owned fresh product network. This will better serve our customers who are looking to Sprouts for the best quality and value in fresh and organic produce,” said Chief Fresh Merchandising Officer Scott Neal. “The location of our Aurora facility, combined with features such as ripening rooms for bananas and avocados, two of our top-selling produce items, will immediately provide our stores with an expanded selection of affordable organics.”
Sprouts is partnering with Penske Logistics as its third-party logistics provider for the distribution center, which created 70 new full-time jobs in the market, a press release stated. Last year, the grocer announced it will seek to drive efficiencies across its network of fresh distribution centers by locating them within 250 miles of the stores they serve.
Additionally, Sprouts will open its seventh distribution center in Florida this summer to expand local produce offerings. Sprouts also operates distribution centers in Colton and Union City, California; Glendale, Arizona; Wilmer, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia.
A key factor in this expansion, Sprouts will be able to distribute local produce and floral from the new hub. Colorado stores will benefit immediately from expanded local and organic produce varieties, and an all-new local herb and mushroom selection.
“With a distribution center in Colorado, our truck routes are shorter and allow us to cross fewer state borders, enabling us to partner with our local and regional farmers with more synergy,” said Joe Hurley, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain. “We’re looking forward to engaging with our community of local vendors further to better serve our neighbors and customers.”
Stay tuned to see how this expansion contributes to the growth of Sprouts’ supplier partnerships.
WOODLAND, CA - They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But, in the case of Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, its leading varieties are met with abundant favor from both growers and consumers. Derived from over 150 years of seed breeding research and development (R&D), the company’s more than 350 different varieties of tomatoes are available to growers all over the world.
“Our dedicated specialist teams have brought their expertise in genetics, seed technology, and value chain relationships to deliver a world-leading portfolio,” says Jeroen Iprenburg, Technical Sales Representative for Active Greenhouse Crops—North America. “Our team drives new breakthroughs and ways of working to transform and improve the agricultural industry.”
Some of Syngenta’s hybrids include Sweetelle and Duelle, which are well-known for their taste, texture, and quality. Bamborange, Lemonade, and Ivorymoon varieties were developed specifically by using color experimentation. The variety Nebula, developed by combining native traits specifically linked to sugar accumulation, is known for its flavor, aroma, and crunchy bite. Another of Syngenta’s innovations is the Kumato®-branded varieties, which are on shelves across the country.
The YOOM® brand, Syngenta’s most recent development, is exemplary of Syngenta’s breakthrough in tomato breeding, providing an eating experience that awakens all of the senses.
“Featuring a curious purple exterior, this savory and sweet tomato can be enjoyed in just two bites, containing a higher level of anthocyanins compared to other tomatoes as well as vitamins and minerals,” explains Hans Van Haeff, Technical Sales Representative for Active Greenhouse. “This new brand of tomato offers our producer partners and their customers an opportunity to distinguish themselves in the market with an innovative and original product.”
By listening to the market and gathering insights from all links in the value chain, Syngenta steers its R&D efforts to combine the best in seed, trait, seedcare, and crop protection offerings. The company aims for constant improvement of quality and shelf-life on its varieties to help reduce in-store waste and allow products to remain visually appealing longer.
Innovation stops for no one, so keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - For as long as I’ve been with the industry, it’s become more clear that produce aligns itself with sport snacking. In order to double down on this association, Good Foods is promoting its line of guacamole dips throughout March Madness. This includes its Game Day is Guac Day campaign.
“Guacamole is the perfect snack to have on hand for any game day,” said Mandy Bottomlee, Director of Content Marketing, in a press release. “Our Game Day is Guac Day campaign is focused on promoting our guacamole line and driving shoppers in store to purchase our dips to [enjoy] during the games.”
As a plant-based dips provider, Good Foods is seeking to change the way consumers snack. For upcoming game days in this popular college basketball tournament, the value-added company is promoting its guacamole line as the go-to snack.
The line of guacamole includes flavors like Chunky and Spicy, which are available in sizes that range from single-serve to a 16 oz “party” size.
To double down on promotion for this campaign—and increase foot traffic for retailers—Good Foods is utilizing social media and influencer partnerships, as well as running a TV commercial in regional areas.
Guac and game day certainly make sense to me, and they’ll make sense to shoppers, too.
Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow as we continue to dive into all things fresh.
MCFARLAND, CA - A strong, experienced leadership team is one of the many keys to success in our industry. Opening a new door and revealing a catalyst for growth in the retail sector, Sunview Marketing International recently announced the appointment of Bryan Roberts as its new Director of Retail Development.
Roberts is well established within the retail community, having held several positions with Save-A-Lot, including Director of Produce. Most recently, Roberts also worked with the Pear Bureau NW, according to a company release.
In this newly created position, Roberts will spearhead retail success throughout the 2021 season, during which all of Sunview’s exclusive brands will be highlighted, including Stella Bella®, Sparkle™, Gem®, and Sweet Carnival™ alongside the company’s newest additions Sweet Bella™ and Blaze®.
Sunview has been supplying conventional and organic table grapes to consumers around the globe for over three generations and is looking to continue this success in 2021—with the help of Roberts' expertise.
“The creation of this new position is another example of Sunview’s deep commitment to our customers and is an additional step in demonstrating our grape category leadership,” said Mitch Wetzel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Brian will be working closely with customers across the country to provide them with insights, strategies, tactics, and service as we look toward the 2021 Central Valley grape season that will kick off in July. We are pleased to consistently be adding to our talented team, and Bryan is another example of the commitment to being the category and innovation leader in fresh table grapes.”
Congratulations to Bryan Roberts on his recent appointment!
MIAMI, FL - Water is a precious resource to not only us as humans, but to Earth as well. We need water in everything we do, from performing the simplest of tasks like making tea to larger operations such as growing nutritious produce. It is something that is easy to take for granted, but Continental Fresh is aiming to put a well-deserved spotlight on this necessity. In honor of World Water Day on March 22, BLUE Missions Group will be releasing the short film “BLUE is Not a Color” on March 21 to highlight the importance of clean drinking water in our lives.
“At Continental Fresh, we feel that empowering young people who want to go out and make a difference in the world is a great way to develop the leaders of tomorrow,” Albert Perez, CEO of Continental Fresh, tells me. “The film is meant to bring awareness to the world water crisis and the 780 million people globally who do not have access to clean water.”
The film covers the challenges and experiences the BLUE team had gone through during this past turbulent year of 2020. It also highlights the importance of clean water that is necessary for a healthy life, from drinking safely to watering crops.
BLUE Missions is a non-profit organization that Continental supports with its Water For All and Food For Humanity labels. This would be the second year the grower would be selling its Mexican Mangos under the Water For All label.
“All of us in the produce industry can truly relate to the importance of water in everything we do,” Albert stresses. “There is no produce without water. Water is life.”
To watch the virtual screening followed by a Q&A with the team, click here. The film premiers at 7:30 p.m. EST on March 21. For more information on how you can be part of The Source, click here.
Our planet is always changing, but water is one of the few constants that is vital to a healthy life. As our industry continues to give back to the environment and push sustainability further, ANUK will keep you apprised of our efforts.
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA - Leadership changes are happening everywhere we look in our industry, as companies prepare for the next generation of fresh produce trailblazers to step in and lead the way. After two decades of immense growth within the company, Peak of the Market CEO, Larry McIntosh, announced that he will be stepping down from his role in June.
“I am very proud of the entire team at Peak of the Market,” McIntosh said in a statement to ChrisD.ca. “Together, over the years, we have grown the company and have accomplished so many major milestones. The team’s dedication to growers, customers, suppliers, and each other says so much about the company. Peak of the Market will continue to be a leader in the produce industry and has a solid foundation to have strong growth well into the future.”
McIntosh has been with the company for 27 years, first joining in 1994, according to his LinkedIn page, during which Peak of the Market had its 26 best sales years in its 78-year existence, as mentioned in the article. Prior to joining Peak of the Market, McIntosh spent 16 years with Canadian retailer Dylex Ltd., holding several senior management positions including Manager of the Bi-Way Division, Vice President Operations of the Bi-Way Division, as well as Vice President of the Bi-Way and Drug World Divisions.
McIntosh has also been a member of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Board of Directors since 1997, currently serving on the Past Chairs Advisory Committee.
The distinguished leader plans to spend his time in retirement furthering his volunteer work as a Director on the Canadian Red Cross, a past Chair of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, and on his recently appointed position to the new Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council, according to the news source.
Congratulations to Larry McIntosh on his upcoming retirement and the start of a new journey!
TAMPA, FL - An innovative new announcement has come from IFCO Systems as the company has revealed a long-term initiative to add track and trace technology to its IFCO Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs). The project will act as the initial step in launching “IFCO Smart RPCs,” containers designed to bolster grower and retailer efficiencies across the fresh food supply chain.
“IFCO is committed to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation that will benefit our customers and the supply chain. The addition of this new technology is the next logical step in the evolution of IFCO RPCs,” said Candice Herndon, President of IFCO North America. “To obtain the best possible results, we have decided to partner with Real Time Intel, a proven leader in real time intelligence technology. IFCO, along with our grower and retail customers, will undoubtedly benefit from real time visibility and intelligence that can drive efficiency and sustainability benefits across the entire fresh food supply chain.”
For this new project, IFCO will be partnering with Real Time Intel (RTI) to implement its embedded RFID technology and barcodes. According to a press release, the technology will be leveraged on IFCO RPCs across North America allowing IFCO easier tracking abilities on its RPCs and their contents.
The tracking technology will offer actionable data on the path of the containers and assets throughout the supply chain. This innovation will allow customers to move food more quickly and efficiently, while reducing food waste, increasing sustainability, and allowing for faster collection and processing between trips.
“We are excited to partner with IFCO to bring real time visibility throughout their supply chain,” said Dave Horvat, CEO of RTI. “The combination of IFCO’s packaging and supply chain expertise coupled with RTI’s technology, data collection, and predictive analysis tools will result in immediate realization of significant operational efficiencies that will bring benefits to both IFCO and its customers.”
Additionally, the tracking technology will be programmed to sync with IFCO’s SmartCycle™ washing and sanitation process at the IFCO service centers, which will provide another tool to guarantee each RPC meets international food safety and sanitation standards.
Having already started being placed on IFCO RPCs across North America in January 2021, the new technology had already begun reducing the time and resource that growers and retailers use to track their shipments. This is the first step in converting all IFCO RPC assets in North America to Smart RPCs over the coming months and years.
How will IFCO continue to optimize its supply chain solutions? Keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow as we bring you the latest updates.