NEWARK, DE - The Produce Marketing Association made a landmark announcement today in regards to its 2020 Fresh Summit Convention & Expo. Fresh Summit, one of the most anticipated events of the year, will now be a virtual experience!
“Out of our utmost concern for the personal health, safety, and wellbeing of our guests, event partners, and staff—as well as after thoroughly reviewing responses from Fresh Summit attendees, exhibitors, and buyers regarding their comfort, willingness, and ability to travel this fall, and analyzing trends from state, federal, and global health authorities, it became abundantly clear that we could not hold a conference in Dallas as planned,” stated CEO Cathy Burns in a press release.
For 71 years, PMA has worked tirelessly to bring together the global produce and floral industries at its Fresh Summit expo. Continuing this tradition, the connection of buyers and sellers will still be at the forefront of the experience as PMA looks to craft a healthier world.
“The world has correctly deemed our products and industry as essential,” said Burns. “Fresh Summit will continue, and like every year, provides an opportunity for our global members to grow their businesses, celebrate the industry, and look to the future.”
Exciting news awaits all who participate in fresh! Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest in all things produce.
ATLANTA, GA - After experiencing the first-ever United Fresh LIVE! in June, we here at AndNowUKnow can’t help but predict that the effects of this one-of-a-kind trade show will be revealed over the next couple of years. After sitting down with Alexis Peterson, Marketing Manager for Georgia-Pacific, I know that this prediction will soon be a reality, especially with Georgia-Pacific leading the pack.
“Georgia-Pacific had a very positive experience with the virtual United Fresh LIVE!. Visitors to our booth were highly engaged and open to learning about our products and services. Although we missed seeing people face-to-face, everyone seemed to embrace the new format, and it offered some advantages over a traditional trade show experience,” Alexis shared with me. “A lot of opportunities have been taken off of the table in 2020, so everyone seemed to have an extra level of enthusiasm to engage. Kudos to United Fresh on moving forward with the event.”
Alexis went on to note how the virtual format benefitted the Georgia-Pacific team. One of the most significant benefits was the ability to glean real-time insight into what information was of most interest to Georgia-Pacific visitors—a level of visibility that has proven tremendously valuable.
“One of our biggest takeaways from the event was taking a fresh look at the ways we do business. Adapting and learning from these new experiences can make us a better company in the long term,” Alexis emphasized. “Georgia-Pacific also benefitted from visiting our customers’ virtual booths to see how they are marketing their products. The virtual format allowed us to better understand our customers’ marketing message, making it easier to identify ways we can help create more value for their business.”
While the innovator's team explored other companies’ booths, the Georgia-Pacific booth was definitely a memorable one on this year’s trade show floor.
“We took full advantage of the virtual format by changing our booth each day to showcase a different aspect of our business,” Alexis added.
One day included a spotlight on the company’s bulk packaging and digital print, both of which are standout product offerings.
“We have two strategically located facilities that manufacture double-wall, triple-wall, and laminated bulk bins. When our bulk bin capabilities are paired with Georgia-Pacific Hummingbird, growers can showcase their produce in eye-catching, high-graphic packaging,” Alexis explained. “Georgia-Pacific is one of the only companies in North America operating a 110-inch digital web press, and our customers are taking advantage of this capability by showcasing copromotions, adding custom QR codes, and printing a design across multiple packages to create a billboard effect.”
Georgia-Pacific's innovation, mechanical packaging, produce yards, and sustainability also had their moment to shine at this year’s United Fresh LIVE!.
“It’s been a challenging year, but Georgia-Pacific is proud of the way we’ve been able to help our customers drive sales and navigate this volatile business environment. We’ve accomplished this by enabling them to focus on their core business and bringing them packaging solutions that are better suited for this new world,” Alexis concluded.
For more post-United Fresh LIVE! coverage, keep reading the latest news from AndNowUKnow.
LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - The great thing about a trade show—in-person or virtual—is that it provides a platform for conversations around innovation to take root and begin, inspiring a well-cultivated vision to be shared and carried on throughout the year and beyond. Such an advantageous event is tried and true for leading-edge companies like SUNSET®, whose program of excellence and ingenuity was flocked to by many at this year’s inaugural United Fresh LIVE!
“The virtual platform was a great way to connect with the industry and our customers and be inspired. We were able to engage with our customers through live chats and educate them on our company and product innovations through video and sell sheets,” Richie Keirouz, Senior Director – Sales Administration, shares with me as he looks back on an amazing event. “It was easy to navigate through the show and attend the many informative seminars, workshops, and networking events. It was refreshing to engage with the industry during this time.”
The SUNSET team came in force for the virtual convention and trade show, as did its coveted product portfolio of game-changing concepts and innovations.
“Our Honey Bombs™ golden-sweet cherry tomatoes on-the-vine have been getting a lot of buzz! They are the third addition to our uber-successful Bombs™ lineup of snacking tomatoes on-the-vine and although they only hit store shelves about a month ago, they are already getting explosive results from customers and consumers. These tomatoes are full of sweet flavor and pack a perfect crunch,” Richie expresses.
SUNSET also showcased its latest pepper innovation. Kaboom!® black jalapenos, a first in the North American market, are igniting excitement in the pepper category. Mellower and juicier than a traditional green jalapeño, these dark-colored jalapeños give the perfect amount of kick to your dishes and explode with flavor.
An industry leader in the burgeoning ‘variety pack’ category, SUNSET is also highlighting its Wild Wonders® snacking tomatoes this year and are thrilled to now offer this product as part of the company’s certified-organic lineup of greenhouse-grown produce.
“While nothing can replace the value of a traditional tradeshow, we were still excited to share our new products, packaging, and marketing trends through other mediums and generate a lot of interest around our latest offerings,” Richie tells me. “Aside from our products, we received great feedback on our virtual booth design and got a lot of engagement on our quiz that allowed visitors the opportunity to learn more about our company and products and win some awesome SUNSET® swag.”
Cheers to a successful United Fresh LIVE! for the SUNSET team and to a future ripe with innovation for the greenhouse category!
LUXEMBOURG - New formats these days have often taken the shape of smaller storefronts, as brands either chase after the convenience of Amazon Go or the curated feel of an organic banner. However, sometimes bigger truly is better, as Delhaize—Ahold Delhaize’s Belgian banner—recently debuted an entirely new format that is the banner’s biggest yet.
"Delhaize listens to its customers, more than ever before,” stated Store Manager Christophe Remacle to news source Retail Detail. "I think we managed to show that with this new concept, and I am sure our customers agree with me on this.”
Measuring at roughly 37,135 square feet, this store is closer to the size of an average American supermarket, but the marked differences can be seen in the pathway the shopper takes through the store. Usually, Delhaize stores have their consumers begin at the produce section, but this concept offers a choice to take a shortcut to the ready-made products. These obviously include deli products, but interestingly, the new format has also placed its value-added fruits and vegetables, alongside fresh fruit juices, here.
Given that this change was made after consulting shoppers directly, it stands to reason that value-added is reshaping the very foundation of grocery stores themselves. Will we see this trend hop across the pond? AndNowUKnow will continue to report the latest in retail news.
PROVIDENCE, RI - As one of United Natural Foods, Inc.’s (UNFI) largest customers, National Co+op Grocers (NCG) and the distributor have formed a unique industry alliance. Today, the two announced that this alliance has grown even stronger as they reached a long-term supply agreement extension for UNFI to continue as the primary grocery wholesaler and national distributor to NCG-affiliated retail food co-ops.
“NCG is one of the most distinguished purchasing co-ops in the nation, and our team has taken great pride in helping optimize operational efficiencies and purchasing power for NCG member co-ops while providing top quality customer service,” said Chris Testa, UNFI President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We have a strong history and relationship with NCG and are thrilled it is part of our UNFI customer family. We look forward to helping it be even better positioned for future growth.”
UNFI and NCG have worked together since NCG’s inception in 1999, with UNFI primarily supplying NCG member co-ops with a wide variety of natural products. With the signing of this new agreement, NCG and UNFI will focus on numerous business development initiatives resulting from UNFI’s expanded offering, providing NCG’s 147 member co-ops access to over 250,000 SKUs of natural, organic, conventional, specialty, bulk, and wellness products. According to a press release, this offering includes the addition of UNFI’s Brands+ portfolio and its more than 5,000 products across 200 store categories.
To support its members, NCG is working closely with UNFI to find the best program offerings within the over 150 customizable solutions designed to provide operational flexibility and financial savings through UNFI’s Professional Services division.
“UNFI’s scale and ability to service our 147 member co-ops across 38 states with a tremendous portfolio of natural, conventional, and private brand products helps ensure our members are successful and supports the continued growth of the cooperative grocery sector,” said C.E. Pugh, CEO of National Co+op Grocers. “UNFI has always had a strong leadership position in the natural channel and is now able to help us better position our stores with an expanded offering, new product categories, and more operational support. We’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with UNFI and leveraging its increased scale in the future.”
How will the expansion of this dynamic partnership further drive growth for the two companies? Only time will tell, so keep checking back for reports from AndNowUKnow.
MISSION, TX - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently published a letter to the entirety of the papaya industry. Growers, packers, distributors, importers, and retailers were alerted to a call to action to be mindful of the “latest best practices and proactively work to keep papayas free of contamination.”
The letter makes mention of the work undertaken by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) and the United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh) in the “Food Safety Best Practices Guide for the Growing and Handling of Mexican Papaya, First Edition,” which is available for free in English or Spanish on the webpages of either association.
“We are incredibly humbled that FDA saw fit to acknowledge the efforts our industry has taken to address the very concerns they outline in their letter,” stated Dante Galeazzi, President of TIPA. “Our members share the same concerns as FDA, and that is why we’ve been so aggressive in our work to address these concerns.”
As noted in a press release, the letter calls on “all sectors of the papaya industry to break the cycle of recurring outbreaks.”
FDA outlines the work that has been done over the last year within FDA, SENASICA, and COFIPRIS, the latter two being governmental agencies in Mexico with oversight of the food safety, agricultural goods, and enforcement of regulations over these sectors.
“Work began on the Best Practices manual in November 2019, and it was published by April 2020,” shared Dr. Jennifer McEntire, Vice President of Food Safety at United Fresh. “That effort was a true combination of the international papaya industry, academia, and government. Now, the key will be in implementing the practices developed in the guide and improving the baseline of best practices across that industry.”
Along that vein, TIPA has partnered with ProExport Papaya, a promotional organization for papayas in Mexico, to provide online education and training for the guide.
“The trainings are all virtual, which will allow us to have a wide reach and ideally get a large portion of the industry in Mexico trained on the protocols outlined in the guide,” shared Galeazzi. “This letter from the FDA is a reminder that as an industry, we have to remain vigilant in both being aware of potential risks while at the same time actively working to mitigate as many of those risks as possible. It is the hope of TIPA, and I believe the industry throughout North America, that these efforts by FDA, SENASICA, our association, and United Fresh will serve to bolster the safety of both the papayas and the consumers.”
A copy of the letter from FDA to the papaya industry can be found here. And registration for the Online Training Classes can be found here.
To stay up to date on the latest news in fresh produce, keep a tab open for ANUK.
VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA - With the Fourth of July only a few days away, and with July being National Blueberry Month, Oppy and Ocean Spray®’s blueberry update could not be better timed. The blueberries being brought to market will feature new packaging and merchandising options for retailers.
“Our Ocean Spray blueberries adhere to incredibly rigorous quality standards, and that means only the absolute best fruit makes it to the shelves,” said Oppy’s Vice President of Categories of Berries and Greenhouse Jason Fung. “By combining Oppy’s year-round growing with the highly-regarded Ocean Spray brand, we’ve been able to bring clarity and quality to consumers in a category that generally faces challenges with label pollution.”
Organic and conventional blueberries will be packaged in a new branded master carton, featuring both a 6 oz pint and an 18 oz pack alongside the 2 lb clamshell. The 2 lb clamshell is becoming increasingly popular with consumers as they start to gravitate toward pack sizes that are made for sharing with family and friends.
According to a press release, Oppy is also offering a bright and eye-catching point-of-sale (POS) to draw attention to the Ocean Spray blueberries on display at stores.
Since their debut in 2017, Oppy’s Ocean Spray blueberries continue to find traction every year, with sales volume increasing by 72 percent between then and 2019. The blueberries currently being brought to market are grown in Washington and British Columbia, where the growing seasons have been excellent and microclimates yield exceptional fruit.
Notably, the press release also expanded upon the Ocean Spray Advantage. 70 percent of survey participants recognize the Ocean Spray label in the produce aisle, which helps drive sales. Coupled with the brand’s strong presence across the store, with an average of 52 Ocean Spray products on display, this works to bolster brand awareness and helps influence purchases.
Certainly sounds like this July is shaping up to be mighty blue. Stick around with AndNowUKnow for more produce updates like this.
MONTEREY, CA - Albertsons is one of many grocers leading the organics charge, with Co-Chairman and CEO Jim Donald front-and-center on the itinerary for the upcoming Organic Produce Summit (OPS). On Thursday, July 9, Donald will be joining Kevin Coupe, Founder of Morning News Beat, for an exclusive, provocative, and engaging virtual conversation about organics and more, aptly dubbed “Real Talk with Jim Donald.”
“While we are disappointed we will not be able to hear Jim and Kevin live and in person this year, we are thrilled they both agreed to do this session for OPS,” said Susan Canales, OPS President. “Jim is looking to share his thoughts on some of the hottest topics facing our industry, from the pressure on growers and the supply chain, to the burgeoning growth of direct to consumer online ordering, and the role of leadership during these troubling times.”
The complimentary online session will replace the in-person OPS Keynote presentation, which has been cancelled due to the impact of COVID-19. In addition to the abovementioned wide-ranging topics, Donald will also touch on how the pandemic has altered consumer buying habits and the future of the food industry as a whole.
On top of these insights, Donald will also pull from his expertise as a buy-side champion. Prior to joining Albertsons in March of 2018 as its President and Chief Operating Officer, Donald served as CEO of Starbucks, Haggen, and Extended Stay Hotels and, according to a press release, has been named one of the “Top 25 CEOs in the World” by Best Practices Institute.
“Jim is one of the most dynamic and progressive leaders in the world of retail and can share how evolving customer behavior in light of the COVID pandemic is challenging retailers to remain relevant and resonant to them,” Coupe said. “The changing retail landscape from brick and mortar to omnichannel retailing—and the practical implications for organic fresh produce—is top of mind for everyone. To openly discuss the operational and cultural imperatives that retailers and suppliers need to embrace, and how they can be best communicated both internally and externally, will benefit all OPS attendees.”
Another perk of the event is that viewers can submit questions to Jim Donald in advance. To register for the “Real Talk with Jim Donald” and send questions his way, click here.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest happenings in the fresh produce industry.
UNITED STATES - Imagine it is June 2019. You’re surrounded by fresh produce faces both new and well-known. The Chicago air is filled with the smell of fruits and vegetables, and you’ve just bitten into a delicious SugarBee® apple. Can you picture us attending the first virtual trade show in history only a short year later? I doubt any of us can answer yes to that question, but here we are nonetheless.
United Fresh LIVE! was a total success, and nearly everyone I’ve talked to sings high praises of the association’s unprecedented innovation. Though we may not have imagined this future, teams like that of Chelan Fresh took the opportunity in stride.
“Our marketing staff tackled this challenge and did a phenomenal job of building content that was useful in the show and will be useful down the road,” said Mac Riggan, Director of Marketing. “We created compelling content that will drive both retailers and consumers to want to do business with Chelan Fresh. This whole exercise pushed us ahead, just like COVID pushed everybody into Zoom meetings. We're way ahead of where we used to be because oftentimes you don't do things until you have to.”
Though living through a pandemic is never ideal, we have managed to conquer the challenges as an industry and, in turn, accelerate our ability to innovate. As Mac put it, we may not have accomplished all we have in the first half of 2020 for another couple of years had we not encountered COVID-19.
No, we cannot ignore the lack of sensory experiences that our industry’s trade shows are famous for. Chelan Fresh, however, turned this idea on its head, elevating its marketing strategy to tap into an experience all its own.
“United did a great job of outlining how to access and explore the show beforehand so come Monday, it was easy to log in and access the show floor,” Mac added. “I am sure a lot of folks wish we could go back to a physical show. I can't imagine that that experience will go away entirely. Regardless, it is hats off to the United team for getting it done like they did.”
Now imagine it is June 2021. It’s the week before United Fresh’s annual show and your team has a bevy of new opportunities to present. That time-tested love for the industry is as strong as ever. Tell me, what does the show floor look like to you?
CLEVELAND, OH - Meijer continues to build out its brick-and-mortar footprint in the Ohio market with additional supercenters slated for opening in July. This week, the grocery operator announced two new supercenters will open in Brimfield and Lorain on July 9.
According to a report by Cleveland 19 News, the new 155,000-square-foot stores are the latest of five new locations Meijer has opened in Northeast Ohio since 2019. Like other Meijer supercenters, the Brimfield and Lorain locations will offer shoppers fresh grocery items and more.
In addition to its two new supercenters, Meijer also teamed up with a new fresh produce partner, Revolution Farms. According to the Grand Rapids Business Journal, Revolution Farms added 24 West Michigan Meijer stores to the list of retailers carrying its local lettuce.
This announcement arrived on the heels of an indoor greenhouse expansion, which is helping Revolution Farms integrate a fully automated system for the planting, tending, and harvesting process of growing lettuce and salad greens.
This expansion also increases its distribution of 500,000 pounds of lettuce and greens to about 1.5 million pounds each year.
“Michiganders want to eat better and literally eat greener,” said John Green, Co-Founder and CEO of Revolution Farms. “We can grow the highly nutritious, more sustainable salad greens that Michiganders want, all year-round. Adding 2 more acres gives us the ability to grow more of consumers’ favorite lettuces, such as romaine, but also create ideal indoor ecosystems to grow more varieties of leafy greens and herbs.”
Will Meijer’s new partnership with Revolution Farms expand beyond the Michigan market and into its burgeoning Ohio footprint? And what other suppliers will Meijer team up with as it continues to grow? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.