SAN FRANCISCO, CA - This week is a week of many new leaders joining the ranks of grocery partners. This time around, Instacart has announced it has found its new Chief Financial Officer in Nick Giovanni, who will oversee finance, accounting, and corporate development for the company.
"Our family has relied on Instacart for years and I'm thrilled to join the team during such a unique time for the company. Instacart is helping to bring the grocery industry online for consumers, retailers, advertisers, and shoppers," said Giovanni. "It's been particularly impressive to watch Instacart successfully scale its operations and technology over the last year during a period of unprecedented growth. Apoorva [Mehta] and the talented management team have built a lasting business in a massive market that's poised for continued online growth. I look forward to partnering with them as we focus on delivering long-term value for our customers, shoppers, and partners.”
Before he stepped into his new role with Instacart, Giovanni spent more than 20 years at Goldman Sachs. He has helped advise companies such as Airbnb, DoorDash, and Twitter, to name but a few. His most recent position at Goldman Sachs was Head of the Global Technology, Media, and Telecom Group.
He was also a member of Goldman Sachs' Investment Banking Division Executive Committee and its Investment Banking Division Growth Investing Committee. During his tenure at Goldman Sachs, Giovanni held a number of roles with the company across its offices in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and San Francisco.
"As we look ahead, Nick's finance experience, operational discipline, and deep understanding of complex marketplaces like ours will be instrumental to Instacart," Founder and Chief Executive Officer Apoorva Mehta remarked. "He's regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished technology and internet investment bankers, and he's played a pivotal role advising some of the world's most prolific companies, founders, and management teams as they've scaled from being private companies to global leaders. For years, Nick has served as a trusted advisor to Instacart, supporting our business as we've grown to become the North American leader in online grocery. We're excited to now welcome him as our new CFO, where he'll help steer Instacart's next chapter of growth and strengthen our position as an essential service for consumers, shoppers and partners."
In his new role, a press release explained, Giovanni will report directly to Mehta. He will succeed current CFO Sagar Sanghvi, and the two will be partnering together to ensure a seamless transition.
Mehta continued, adding that, "We want to thank Sagar for all of his contributions to Instacart over the last five years. During his time at the company, Sagar helped us navigate some of our biggest business milestones while significantly strengthening our financial profile. From building up our financial rigor to helping us successfully scale our business during a year of unprecedented growth, I'm proud of how Sagar and our talented teams effectively managed triple-digit surges in customer order volume, doubled the size of our shopper community and expanded our marketplace to welcome hundreds of new retailers."
Congratulations to Nick Giovanni on this new role. Please keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest appointments in the grocery sector.
FRESNO, CA - With the entire globe hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, exciting new research has emerged that shows how products from our own fresh produce industry could play an important role in recovery. As Kathleen Nave, President of the California Table Grape Commission, explains, vitamin K and flavonoid compounds found in fresh grapes could help treat those suffering from COVID-19.
“Anything that may help offset the negative impact of this devastating virus is worth knowing, so the findings that natural components found in grapes—vitamin K and certain flavonoids—may play a beneficial role in the fight is worth sharing,” said Nave. “These recent findings add to the substantial body of research built over 20 years indicating that eating fresh grapes can have significant positive effects on long-term health.”
The recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, a scientific journal, found that inadequate vitamin K levels were associated with poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients, according to a press release. As vitamin K sources in the body depleted during treatment, researchers discovered adverse consequences to patients’ lungs.
Giumarra Vineyards’ Director of East Coast Operations Mike Rodgers also commented on why this study is important to table grape suppliers.
“This is great news! As an industry, we should do anything we can to encourage all people to live healthy by incorporating meaningful amounts of fruits and vegetables into their daily diets,” commented Rodgers in a statement sent to ANUK. “We’ve known that grapes are a healthy, convenient snack, but in light of the severity of the COVID-19 virus, it is fantastic to learn of these additional benefits that come with eating table grapes. Hopefully this information gets to the general public so they can realize the upside to eating grapes every day.”
Vitamin K is found in abundance in fresh grapes and is critical in the bodily process of blood clotting. If levels of the nutrient are low, there is a greater chance for blood clots to form.
While COVID-19 starts as a respiratory infection, vitamin K also helps with inhibiting soft tissue calcification and elastic fiber degradation which could cause harm to the integrity of lung tissue. In addition, vitamin K has anti-inflammatory properties which benefit those fighting the illness.
Alongside vitamin K, other research has concluded that flavonoid compounds found in grapes as well as green tea, cacao, and dark chocolate can help in the fight against COVID-19 by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the infectivity of the virus and can inhibit its actions.
As research continues to emerge, AndNowUKnow will continue to explore fresh produce’s role in fighting the virus as well as other updates from across the industry.
BOISE, ID - Though 2020 may be officially over, the days of shoppers craving convenient and contact-free methods of getting groceries is not. With retailers everywhere looking to bring simplicity back to shopping, one company has announced a first-ever innovation that could do just that as Albertsons has piloted an automated and contactless grocery PickUp kiosk.
"We are supercharging our digital and omnichannel offerings to serve customers however they want, whenever they want," said Chris Rupp, EVP and Chief Customer and Digital Officer at Albertsons. "This innovative and contactless pickup kiosk makes it even easier for customers to shop with us in a way that is convenient for them."
The new kiosk comes as an expansion of the grocer’s growing e-commerce business, and the pilot can be found already fulfilling orders at the company’s Jewel-Osco location in Chicago, Illinois, according to its press release. Created by Cleveron and installed by Telaid, the kiosks are contactless, automated, and temperature-controlled, containing two temperature zones: regular and deep freeze.
Shoppers can choose the kiosk pickup option and are then offered two-hour time slots to pick up the groceries. Upon arrival at the kiosks, the shoppers scan a QR code on their phones, allowing their groceries to be robotically delivered to the front for pickup, and emphasizing the contact-free convenience so many consumers are looking for.
"Cleveron’s pickup solutions are created to save time and offer convenience for everyone. The customers can drive up to the PickUp Kiosk, scan the code, grab their groceries, and go. It is as quick and easy as that," said Cleveron CEO Arno Kütt. "We are honored that Albertsons has selected our technology in their drive to offer the best experience for their customers."
The grocer has plans to extend this innovation to a second location at a Safeway in the California Bay Area in the future.
How will constant innovation continue to tilt the scales within the grocery sector? We at ANUK promise to report when we find out.
NEW BETHLEHEM, PA - If the new year has you thinking about all things bigger and better, you’re not alone. Bowery Farming announced its expansion with a new farm in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the company’s largest commercial farm yet.
“Adding our newest, most sophisticated, smart indoor farm in Bethlehem to our network is a critical next chapter in our growth,” said Founder and CEO Irving Fain. “We’re proud to transform a former industrial site into productive, modern farmland, which will create year-round sustainable farming jobs for the community and expand access to a reliable source of traceable pesticide-free produce across the region.”
The farm, which is the most technologically advanced of Bowery’s farms, features industry-leading improvements like LED lighting that reduces energy consumption and a water transpiration system designed to recapture nearly all of the water from the plants, a press release revealed.
Bowery is working with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to transform the non-arable industrial site into useful, modern farmland. The grower is also partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Governor’s Action Team to bring the new farm to fruition. Because of its strategic location, the farm will bring local produce to the surrounding population of over 49 million consumers and provide year-round farming jobs.
“Pennsylvania welcomes Bowery Farming to our commonwealth’s rich and diverse agriculture industry and looks forward to supporting the company’s growth as it reimagines how farming can be more sustainable and impactful on our communities,” said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. “Bowery’s expansion will generate new opportunities by establishing this indoor vertical farm, and will create innovative farming practices, new jobs, and a chance to address food insecurity in the Bethlehem area.”
We at AndNowUKnow will keep our eye on the newswire as more and more growers continue to push for expansion in new markets.
NOVI, MI - Lineage Logistics is continuing its mission to diversify its portfolio of services while expanding its reach across the industry. This time, the cold storage maven has revealed new plans to acquire Cryo-Trans, a leading provider of refrigerated and insulated railcars and rail management solutions.
With this acquisition, Lineage Logistics would be slated to become one of the first temperature-controlled warehousing providers to offer refrigerated and insulated railcar solutions, giving its food and beverage customers a fully integrated supply chain solution.
“Lineage’s acquisition of Cryo-Trans signals our commitment to knowing no bounds when it comes to investing in creative and truly end-to-end solutions for our customers,” said Kevin Marchetti, Co-Founder of Lineage and Bay Grove. “We are proud to continuously lead innovation in our industry, and we look forward to uncovering new opportunities to further streamline our customers’ supply chains.”
Cryo-Trans currently manages over 40,000 rail shipments annually and owns over 2,200 refrigerated and insulated railcars, one of the largest private fleets in the U.S., according to a press release. In operation since 1985, the company has an expansive portfolio of customers garnered through Cryo-Trans’ ability to develop sustainable, cost-effective long-haul rail transportation solutions, which will now benefit Lineage’s expansion goals as it moves forward.
“Welcoming the dynamic team from Cryo-Trans further diversifies Lineage’s comprehensive suite of multi-modal services and creates a unique, under-one-roof solution for our customers in which warehousing and transportation are seamlessly integrated,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, Lineage’s President and CEO. “Combining our leading facility footprint, a railcar network and data-driven transportation management systems enables us to further optimize freight, create greater efficiencies, generate unprecedented supply chain visibility and provide a new ease of doing business for our customers.”
Lineage represents a network of more than 330 strategically located facilities, encompassing 2 billion cubic feet of capacity across 15 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. Along with its transportation solutions, the acquisition of Cryo-Trans will continue to boost the company’s ability to offer its customers a diversified set of offerings that span across the supply chain.
“We are honored to bring our rail experience and premium railcars to the world’s leading temperature-controlled logistics company,” said Herman Haksteen, Chief Executive Officer of Cryo-Trans. “Together, we will continue to execute on the Cryo-Trans mission of ‘protecting today’s perishables for tomorrow,’ and we are excited to join Lineage in living their purpose to transform the food supply chain by introducing a new, one-of-a-kind end-to-end supply chain solution to the industry.”
While financial details of the transaction have yet to be disclosed, J.P. Morgan will be acting as financial advisor to Lineage, and Latham & Watkins will be acting as legal advisor.
How will this acquisition benefit Lineage Logistics as it continues to expand? Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we keep you updated.
WASHINGTON, DC - I like to think of the United Fresh Produce Association as a forum for opportunity. The industry partner continuously opens new doors for fresh produce operators, and shows no signs of stopping in 2021. The association will host its 117th Congress Meet and Greet Series over the next three months, following the swearing in of new U.S. Congress members which took place on January 3. This new Congress, which includes 67 freshman members of the House and Senate, will drive the industry’s legislative agenda for the next two years.
“We hosted more than 60 congressional meetings last September during our Annual Washington Conference,” said Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President of Public Policy. “Both Members of Congress and United Fresh members found the interactions to be productive, so what better way to continue to engage and welcome the new class of the 117th Congress.”
Over the past year, members of the House and Senate have met with fresh produce industry leaders virtually to learn of their priority issues and understand the impact of our businesses in their communities. Through these invaluable conversations, we have managed to ensure a brighter future for fresh produce.
During the 117th Congress Meet and Greet Series, United Fresh will host virtual meetings with new members of Congress. Meetings will be open to all United Fresh members, allowing companies to gain a broader understanding of the makeup of the 117th Congress, regardless of geographic location.
This series is exclusive for United Fresh members only. To learn more and to register to attend meetings as they’re confirmed, visit www.unitedfresh.org. To stay up to date on all of the industry’s latest legislative developments, keep an eye out for reports from AndNowUKnow.
MURRIETA, CA - 2021 is off to a quick start, and has already proven to be a year of firsts. For West Pak Avocado, the company has unveiled its first-ever sustainability report covering both its domestic and international operations. Aptly named Growing a Legacy of Responsibility, the report communicates to its various stakeholders West Pak’s commitment to sustainability, its ongoing efforts, and its performance.
“We support responsible sourcing, sustainable agriculture, and a deeply rooted respect for people along the entire value chain and beyond,” stated CEO Mario Pacheco. “We have long recognized that sustainable environmental and social practices are not only the right things to do but are also good business practices. This idea shapes our decision-making and sustainability strategies across our business.”
The report contains information in regards to the 2019 calendar year, but also includes past efforts on behalf of the company, as well as context data to create a baseline for goal-setting and future assessment of its progress. According to a press release, West Pak used the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards to draft the document and prioritize relevant information. The company also utilized the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to help create its report.
In addition to its report, West Pak also created a cross-functional Sustainability Council to become stewards of the company’s values and help ensure that these values are visible in all aspects of West Pak’s business.
“Through our operations and our work with our customers, growers, suppliers, and other partners, we strive for eco-efficient operations, safe and fair working conditions, and business practices that benefit all of our stakeholders,” continued Pacheco. “As we look to the future, we feel confident in our positioning to prosper and grow along a sustainable and equally bright path. With a solid foundation that respects people and our environment, we look forward to pursuing the opportunities that the rapidly growing global avocado market presents.”
West Pak furthered its commitment to a more sustainable future with the inception of its first official carbon footprint analysis that represents data through the end of 2019. The report found that while avocado sales increased by more than 25 percent from 2017 to 2019, West Pak’s energy intensity and associated GHG emissions intensity decreased by more than 73 percent. With a positive start, West Pak is looking to further its improvements in coming years.
From 2017 to 2019, the company also increased the usage of reusable plastic containers and RPCS by more than 50 percent, and is projecting a tripling of RPCs in 2020. West Pak is also working to integrate Earthbag, an environmentally friendly, recyclable packaging solution.
As more companies across fresh produce launch new sustainability strategies and continue to evolve those already in place, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest information.
ESTERO, FL - As it looks to strengthen its financial department and maximize its operational performance, Naturipe has announced its new Vice President of Finance, Alvaro G. Alezard.
“I’m fascinated by the work that Naturipe and its family of growers do year-round,” Alezard said. “They produce high-quality fruits that provide nutrition to people all over the U.S. and globally. On top of that, Naturipe follows a family-oriented concept throughout its overall operations. I couldn’t be more excited to join such a tremendous team that is working daily to feed the world.”
In his new role, Alezard will oversee Naturipe’s finance department, implementing strategies to optimize the company’s financial and operational performance, according to the press release.
Alezard has spent over 20 years working as a global finance executive, holding executive roles in the food production industry including Vice President at Baldwin Richardson Foods and Chief Financial Officer at Hope’s Cookies. Before diving headfirst into the universe of food, Alezard worked for 17 years in the pharmaceutical industry.
“We are excited to welcome Alvaro to our team,” said Aribel Aguirre-Beck, Chief Administration Officer and Chief Financial Officer. “With his extensive experience in domestic and international finance, we believe he will bring a fresh perspective that will help flourish our financial operations and enable Naturipe to exceed its goals.”
Alezard obtained a Master of Business Administration and Finance from Xavier University, as well as a certificate of Public Accountant from Universidad de Carabobo and a certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Implications of Business Strategy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Alezard’s wide range of experience in finance will help the company to build the strength of its accounting and finance department, supply chain, and revenue generation and profit margins, the press release noted.
We at AndNowUKnow look forward to finding out what success will stem from this appointment, and wish Alvaro G. Alezard good luck in his new role!
PHOENIZ, AZ - Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (Arizona LGMA) recently welcomed Kevin Watson as its new LGMA Compliance Officer. As he fits into this new role, Watson will implement the program’s comprehensive and science-based food safety standards.
Throughout his career, Watson has established himself as a food safety advocate. He has held leadership roles in both the public and private sector, having worked for the Arizona Department of Agriculture and Fresh Express, Chiquita International, and AG Food Safety Solutions. He has developed procedures to maintain food safety for growers, harvesters, and packers as well as transportation programs. Watson also implemented third party audit programs for buyer requirements for companies like McDonald’s, Target, and Subway.
Watson joins Arizona LGMA in time for the winter harvest season and brings more than 20 years of experience to the position.
As a Compliance Officer, he will review all onsite farm audits conducted as part of the Arizona LGMA programs. Audits are used to ensure that handlers of leafy greens are using the safest possible farming practices and that its members remain in compliance. Upon reviewing the audits, Watson will assign violations and oversee corrective actions made by farms in order to achieve 100 percent compliance.
“The role of the Compliance Officer is critical. We were fortunate to find someone with the depth and breadth of Kevin’s experience. He is a great asset to Arizona LGMA,” said C.R. Waters, Chairman of Arizona Leafy Greens Food Safety Committee.
Watson is also an active member of Arizona Leafy Greens Food Safety Technical Committee. As part of the committee, he reviews and submits actions to the marketing committee for execution in the industry.
Congratulations to Kevin on this new role!
PHARR, TX - Big news is coming out of Pharr, Texas, as city officials have announced that President Trump issued a Presidential Permit for the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge. The President signed the permit on December 31, 2020, and amends the current permit, allowing for the addition of a new bridge at the international port.
“It is unprecedented that a sitting President of the United States grants a Presidential Permit Amendment with record time, and we thank him for doing so," said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. "This new year began on a positive note with the issuing of this permit for the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge. The City of Pharr is appreciative of the diligent efforts made possible by the government relations and bridge teams at the city level, in coordination with Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, which opened the doors of communication with our presidential administration and federal agencies to accomplish this goal with unprecedented speed due to the forthright and transparent communication regarding the need and urgency of this project. This permit amends the current permit to allow for the expansion of the Pharr International Bridge, and will further support the record numbers of international trade and commerce that transpires on our port of entry. It is a wonderful new year, indeed!”
On average, the permit process usually takes several years before being approved; however, Pharr’s application was fast-tracked due to the tireless efforts of city leaders and staff who worked alongside U.S. and Mexican officials to push for the permit to be signed, according to a release from Pharr.
Beginning in September 2019, Pharr worked with Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, as well as members of their staff, to kick off the project. Through the efforts of both representatives, Pharr officials were able to secure meetings with both the White House and U.S. Department of State, leading to the official announcement to the U.S. Department of State in April 2020 of Pharr's intent to expand the international bridge.
“Pharr’s ports of entry serve as a gateway for billions of dollars in cross-border trade that benefits our state’s economy,” said Senator Cornyn. “Expanding the Pharr International Bridge will enhance trade and travel and benefit all who use the facility.”
Between April and August 2020, Pharr leaders and representatives consulted with major U.S. and Mexican stakeholders, which led to more than 60 letters of support from elected officials at the local, state, federal, and international levels. The project also received support from major transportation and trade associations, border infrastructure groups, and private industry partners that use the bridge daily.
"Texas is home to some of the nation’s busiest border crossings and the Pharr International Bridge serves as an important port of entry to facilitate the United States’ trade and commerce with Mexico. I am grateful the Trump Administration recognized the importance of expanding the Pharr International Bridge to further enhance the U.S.-Mexico trade partnership and increase commerce between the two nations,” Senator Cruz said. “I’d like to commend the leadership of Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, City of Pharr City Council, the staff at the City of Pharr, and community leaders for their diligent work on this project and working with our office to help ensure this project was permitted in record time. I was proud to support the Pharr International Bridge expansion project as millions of jobs, in Texas and across the country, depend upon trade with Mexico. I will continue working to ensure future trade opportunities benefit Texas and put American jobs first.”
The new round of expansion will allow Pharr International Bridge to add new lanes to separate trucks and cars, as well as a specific lane for empty vehicles, full cargo, certified cargo, and passenger vehicles. Pharr will also have an official gate-to-gate FAST lane from Mexico to the United States, all of which will help reduce wait times.
The Presidential Permit can be found here.
Congratulations to Pharr as it works toward this momentous expansion!