ARLINGTON, VA - Expansion is the name of the game for retail giant Lidl as the company has rolled out massive strategic efforts in Great Britain, Italy, and France, just to name a few that have kicked off in 2020. Today, the grocer is honing in on U.S. markets, laying the groundwork for 50 new stores set to open next year.
With new locations in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia, Lidl will invest more than $500 million in the new stores and create roughly 2,000 new jobs across these communities.
This strategic expansion will be a boon for customers, too. Recent academic studies have documented Lidl's cost-cutting effect in new markets it enters, with a new study from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School stating Lidl's pricing is up to 45 percent lower than nearby national grocers.
This month, the National Retail Federation ranked Lidl as the top retailer in its Hot 100 Retailers list of fastest-growing companies. The grocery chain opened its third regional headquarters and distribution center in Cecil County, Maryland, earlier this year to support its store network. It also plans to open its fourth distribution center in Covington, Georgia, over the next two years.
As part of Lidl's ongoing effort to prioritize the most convenient locations, Lidl also will close two stores in Havelock and Shelby, North Carolina. According to a press release, all employees there will be given the opportunity to relocate to another store within Lidl's growing network. To view the complete list of new store locations, click here.
Which region will Lidl tackle next? Stick with us at ANUK to find out.
MANTECA, CA - As Oscar Wilde once said, “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” Already September is on our doorstep, and that means pumpkin season is almost upon us. For Van Groningen & Sons, the season is just about to start, and it looks like it’s going to be one for the record books.
Harvest is looking to be on the early side due to practically perfect growing conditions this season. Van Groningen expects a bumper crop on its medium carving and pie-sized pumpkins, as well as some of its heirloom varieties and gourds.
“Most of the reason for the bumper crop is the temperature. The heat did not cause many blossoms or young pumpkins to burn off. The bees were also working most of the day since it never got too hot,” stated Plant Health Manager, Tommy Van Groningen. “The cool nights allowed the plants to ‘breathe’ or properly respire so they weren’t sending all their energy to just survive. They were able to spend more of the inputs on producing a crop.”
The pumpkin provider is expecting this year to be strong for sales. With most children distance learning and many parents working from home, the company believes this will lead to more pumpkin home-based activities and increased decorating to give a sense of normalcy, according to the press release.
Stay with us as we bring in more seasonal updates and all of the industry’s latest on ANUK.
FORT COLLINS, CO - While the produce market is filled with uncertainties that often make this industry so exciting, having insights that can help predict the future are always intriguing. That is why Agronometrics has relaunched its platform that offers tools like market updates, price alerts, and easy navigation through USDA data to give operators across the industry a leg up.
"With these tools, many people use the site to stay abreast of what's going on in the markets for their commodity, or study historical trends to have a better idea of what the future might hold,” said CEO Colin Fain.
The company’s platform provides users with an easy-to-navigate dashboard that produce veterans and newcomers alike can use to decipher the data that drives the market. According to a press release, at the click of a mouse, users will have access to weekly summaries and market data for the sector they work in.
“What people most appreciate about the service is the ability to gain access to reliable market data when they need it. This way our clients are not stumbling around in the dark when looking to make an important commercial decision,” added Fain.
Agronometrics' relaunch comes as the company has restructured the platform after years of requests from customers, modifications to streamline the service, and the implementation of new tools that helped raise the bar on the company’s offerings. The new interface provides an updated ease of use that makes this platform comprehensive for all operators across the produce industry.
As Agronometrics continues to partner with a wide range of companies across the supply-chain and retail markets, the data that will become available and the services that the company will be able to offer will only grow. In an industry where change is inevitable, having concrete data makes it that much easier to roll up our sleeves and tackle the twists and turns ahead.
For more innovative reports like this, keep coming back to ANUK.
PARSIPPANY, NJ - The parent company of Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to facilitate a $75 million sale. The company interested in purchasing the grocery banners is TLI Bedrock.
"We are pleased to be moving forward with a sale so we can position Kings and Balducci's for even greater long-term success. During this COVID crisis, our Associates and communities have demonstrated not only the viability but absolute necessity of our markets in their communities. Our sales and service have never been stronger; we are confident we will emerge from this process without missing a beat, well-positioned for future stability and success," said Judith Spires, CEO of KB US Holdings.
According to a press release, KB has obtained a commitment for approximately $20 million in debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing from its existing secured lender. Upon court approval, the new financing, combined with cash generated from the company's ongoing operations, will be used to support the business throughout the sale process.
The parent company noted that it has sufficient liquidity to meet its go-forward business obligations and will operate with business as usual. This means that its business partners will be paid for goods and services provided on or after the Chapter 11 filing date.
As part of the filing, KB has filed a number of customary "first day" motions seeking authorization to maintain its operations during the court-supervised process, including authority to continue payment of employee wages and benefits, as well as post-petition obligations to its vendor community.
Part of the sale process is that higher and better bids will be solicited following the former approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
How does this sale better positions both banners for retail success? AndNowUKnow will continue to follow the news.
SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES - Active weather is occurring off the Gulf Coast, as many fear back-to-back hurricanes. Although Hurricane Marco was downgraded to a tropical storm late last night, Tropical Storm Laura continues to gain momentum off of the coast of Louisiana. It is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before touching land.
According to CNN Weather, both of these storms were predicted to hit land within 48 hours of each other—a weather event that has not yet been seen in modern meteorological history.
Meteorologists warn that Laura is getting stronger in the warm waters of the Caribbean and may assume full strength by Tuesday. By Wednesday, it could become a Category 2 storm.
Tropical Storm Marco was expected to sweep through Lousiana and into part of Southeast Texas. Tropical Storm Laura is expected to sweep straight through Lousiana.
Stay safe as AndNowUKnow continues to keep you abreast of any weather news that might cross fresh produce regions.
CASTROVILLE, CA - There’s a new Chief and VP in town over at Ocean Mist® Farms this week as the premier artichoke grower has announced its most recent strategic promotions. On this Monday August morning, Ocean Mist revealed that Chris Drew has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer and Gladys Valenzuela-Corzo was appointed to Vice President of Human Resources.
In his new role as COO, Drew will oversee both production and harvesting as part of his expanded operations role. For the past 16 years, Drew has enjoyed a career with Ocean Mist where he utilized and expanded on his background in production agriculture. Before assuming the role of COO, Drew was the Vice President of Operations for the past three years.
Prior to joining Ocean Mist, Drew earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop Science from California Polytechnic University–San Luis Obispo as well as an MBA. He maintains a strong relationship with the university and acts as Chairman of the Horticulture and Crop Science Advisory Council where he and industry colleagues help to provide insight into today’s trends and challenges in production agriculture.
“Chris’ depth of knowledge for all facets of our operation makes him ready for his expanded role as our new Chief Operations Officer,” said Joe Pezzini, Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Mist.
In her new role as Vice President of Human Resources, Valenzuela-Corzo will play an expanded role in strategic planning, according to a press release. Before assuming her new position, Valenzuela-Corzo joined Ocean Mist in May 2015 as Director of Human Resources. She has an extensive HR background, with 17 years of progressive human resources leadership experience in Ag and the Publishing/Media industry.
Before joining the team at Ocean Mist, Valenzuela-Corzo earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Economics and Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Chapman University.
“Gladys' passion for Human Resources and broad expertise are the right combination for her promotion as Vice President of Human Resources,” added Pezzini.
Congratulations to these two industry up-and-comers on their new and exciting roles!
CHICAGO, IL - Hazel Technology seems to be redefining the term “pilot.” Normally a word to indicate testing, it is recently more associated with a slew of successes for the technology developer, which recently announced another win for its Hazel™ line of products. Tropical fruit grower-shippers Seasons Farm Fresh and AMR Agro are touting triumph from their tests with their supply chains for mango, tropical avocado, rambutan, and soursop.
"Hazel Technologies was founded in 2015. That same year, the United States Department of Agriculture issued its first-ever mandate that we must reduce food waste by 50 percent by 2030 to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Accord," Aidan Mouat, Chief Executive Officer for Hazel Technologies, shared. "Given the high projected growth of tropical fruit production cultivated to feed a growing global population in the next decade, developing more waste-reducing technologies for the tropical fruit supply chain is a top priority."
A 2020 report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations strongly backs Mouat.
The report stated the tropical fruit category is the third most valuable category globally, trailing only apples and bananas.
"In testing, we have seen Hazel Tech extend the shelf-life of tropical fruits like soursop, an extremely perishable item, by 45 percent. Quality improvements like this directly impact our sales while maintaining a sustainable product as nature intended,” said Gabe Bernal, General Manager at Seasons Farm Fresh, a vertically integrated grower and packer of tropical fruit and one of the largest importers of soursop in the U.S.
According to a press release, the same report on tropical fruits shows the category is among the fastest in terms of average annual growth rate among all internationally traded food commodities.
"We observed that Hazel helps ensure consistent, quality arrivals for our growing tropical avocado freight programs, with 10 days of additional shelf-life," said Raul Reyes, Co-Owner of Dominican Republic-based AMR Agro, a global distributor founded in 2007.
Sustainability remains a key focus for tropical suppliers, with increasing importance as the category continues to climb on a national and global scale.
In turn, it seems Hazel Tech is finding a pattern to apply to the highly perishable that continues to turn pilots into successes. As it continues to venture into new territories, AndNowUKnow will report.
CHARLOTTE, NC - Sometimes a return to something you’ve come to know is just as exciting as a new endeavor. This may be what Emanuel Lazopoulos is thinking as he has reunited with Dole as its Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Dole Fresh Vegetables. With over 40 years in the industry and a familiarity with operations at Dole, he will be an asset to the leadership team for the produce giant.
"After leaving Dole thirty years ago, it is great being back,” said Lazopoulos. “I know I have more to accomplish and am very excited about applying the learnings of my decades of tenure in this industry to help propel an already dynamic organization."
While he may have originally left Dole 30 years ago, the time following his departure was spent gathering experience across the industry that will serve him in his newest role. According to a press release, Lazopoulos has held Sales and Marketing positions at many distinguished companies including Salyer American Fresh Foods, Banacol, Newstar Fresh Foods, and most recently Del Monte Fresh.
“We are thrilled to be able to make this announcement and welcome Emanuel back to Dole,” explained Michael Solomon, President. “In addition to being such a well-respected individual in the produce industry—having recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from United Fresh Association—Emanuel’s strong winning attitude and personality will complement and enhance Dole Fresh Vegetables' abilities to meet the needs of our customers and continue to provide quality, innovative products to the marketplace.”
In his newly appointed role, he will be responsible for the leadership of the Sales and Innovation team across the Dole division in charge of value-added salads and fresh packed vegetables.
Lazopoulos is known throughout the industry for strong leadership skills and the ability to create strong teams, strong partnerships, business growth, revenue generation, product portfolio development, and shareholder value. He is bringing all that he has gained over the years back to the place where his career started.
We here at AndNowUKnow wish Emanuel and Dole the best of luck in their reignited partnership, and look forward to seeing what the future has to hold for these two powerhouses.
WASHINGTON, DC - Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it has determined that Jesse Fernandez and Yosuan Fernandez were responsibly connected to Florida Cool Cargo Inc. (Florida Cool), Miami, Florida, and has released an update to its Press Release No: 072-20.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
Florida Cool violated the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) by failing to pay reparation awards totaling $112,877 in favor of four Florida sellers. As a result, USDA imposed sanctions on the business, including requiring that all principals may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
USDA made an initial determination that Jesse Fernandez and Yosuan Fernandez were responsibly connected to Florida Cool, and subject to sanction. Jesse Fernandez contested this initial determination and USDA has determined that Jesse Fernandez was responsibly connected to Florida Cool at the time of the violations. USDA has also affirmed that Yosuan Fernandez was responsibly connected to the company during the violation period.
As a result, both Jesse Fernandez and Yosuan Fernandez may not be employed or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
The PACA Division, which is a part of AMS’ Fair Trade Practices Program, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For further information, contacts, and to read the most recent press release in its entirety, please click the link here.
PORTLAND, OR - The 2020-21 fresh pear crop for Washington and Oregon is looking to be a promotional one, as Pear Bureau Northwest (PBNW) reports producers across the region are anticipating volumes slightly above last season.
“Growers throughout Washington and Oregon are reporting beautiful fruit and good sizing,” stated Kevin Moffitt, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are expecting a very promotable crop and with imports down by one third and a smaller California crop, the supply chain is open as Northwest pears enter the market. Shippers are reporting solid demand for pears while retailers are also showing strong interest in the category. We are excited to promote the delicious flavor and quality eating experience of fresh pears through innovative promotions.”
This year's estimates for fresh pear harvest are currently projected at 16.6 million standard box equivalents, or approximately 366,000 tons.
To help move product, the bureau released a breakdown of both variety outlooks and promotions for both national and international markets.
“The Northwest pear season is starting off in a great place this year, and we are prepared for retailers to switch to Northwest pears earlier than ever before,” said Regional Marketing Manager Bob Catinella. “We have a strong promotion plan in place this season, including an early push for Bartlett and Starkrimson, omnichannel collaborations with California Walnuts and Cabot Cheese, and more. As shoppers continue to prepare nutritious meals at home, we are in a solid position to have an excellent season at retail.”
Harvest highlights of the report included:
- Picking has begun for early varieties like Starkrimson and Bartlett in all regions
- Picking of Green and Red Anjou and Bosc over the next two weeks of August
- Picking of specialty pears like Comice, Seckel, Forelle, and Concorde pears near the end of August and into the first week of September
Numbers-wise, four leading varieties make up 96 percent of the Northwest crop, according to a press release, with unique and marketable varieties making up the remaining crop.
Growers expect:
- 8.6 million standard boxes of Green Anjou pears, more than 51 percent of the total crop
- 4.2 million boxes of Green Bartlett pears at 25 percent of the crop
- 2.3 million boxes of Bosc for 14 percent of the crop
- Just under 1 million Red Anjou pears at 5.5 percent of the total harvest
- 1.96 million standard boxes of organic pears estimated
- More than 43,000 tons in organic, or nearly 12 percent of the total Northwest crop
- Green Anjou and Bartlett combine for 74 percent of the organic crop
- Bosc and Red Anjou make up 14 percent and 6 percent of the organic crop, respectively
“It is hard to beat the flavor of a sweet ripe pear and the industry is passionate about providing consumers with the best possible eating experience,” stated Moffitt. “To enhance flavor and have consistently ripe fruit at retail, more packing houses are offering conditioned pears this season.”
Moffit added that, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and changing shopping habits of consumers, the bureau has shifted more resources to innovative digital programs. To dive into both national and international promotion strategies, click here.
And for all the latest as we work to predict Mother Nature, keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow.