CORAL GABLES, FL - We are happy to bring you some exciting news on this fine Monday afternoon as Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. announced the promotion of one of its longtime employees, Ana Cristina Fonseca, to the newly created role of Vice President of Product Management.
Over the past 28 years, Fonseca has displayed a dedicated commitment to Del Monte Fresh Produce, and, in her new role, will lead the Product Management team and enhance supply-chain capabilities to help Del Monte Fresh Produce meet the future needs of the organization.
This change comes as Scott Owens, an industry veteran who previously worked for Wonderful Citrus, Chiquita Brands International, and General Mills before joining Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. to head the Banana, Pineapple, and Melon Programs, departed the company on June 10, as noted in a press release.
Due to her hard work and dedication to Del Monte, Fonseca receives nothing but high praises of the integral role she plays in the company from senior leadership.
“We appreciate all the hard work Scott contributed to our Banana, Pineapple, and Melon Programs and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” said Nucci Cerioli, Senior Vice President of North America. “Our team is very excited for Ana Cristina to assume her new role. She has been an integral part of the Del Monte Fresh Produce team for so many years that we are looking forward to seeing what she can do as Vice President of Product Management. I am confident that Ana Cristina will bring a unique perspective to this role and will do great things in her new position.”
Congratulations to Ana Cristina Fonseca on her new role!
KINGSVILLE, ON - Though this year’s trade shows might look a little different than they have in the past, events like United Fresh LIVE! are still serving as the produce industry’s cornerstone for innovation. Mucci Farms is seizing the opportunity United Fresh LIVE! presents by showcasing its newest products and packaging to virtual attendees.
“As a forward-thinking company, we are always trying to bring new products to market that aren’t typically grown in greenhouses. This year, we are introducing Greenhouse Grown 'Zukies' Mini Zucchinis, an Italian variety that can be used in traditional ways and enjoyed raw!" shared Emily Murracas, Director of Marketing. "Two additional items that separate us from our competition are Teeny-Tiny Smuccies™, a smaller, bite-sized version of our award-winning strawberries, and CuteCumber™ Poppers, which has gained lots of traction over the last several months as a new kid favorite."
Mucci Farms will also be highlighting its Paper Top Seal, which was a 2020 CPMA Award Winner for Packaging Innovation.
“With plastic reduction at the forefront of the sustainability conversation, we were able to take an existing sustainable package and increase its environmental benefit by replacing the plastic lidding film with paper,” Emily explained. “It’s an exciting breakthrough for us as we haven’t seen anything like it in North America.”
These two new items and two popular items will be on display at Mucci Farms’ virtual booth, which the greenhouse visionary will be displaying via 3D software. This software has reworked Mucci Farms’ original 3D booth rendering into something that fits into the virtual United Fresh environment.
“We tried to have the same look and feel as our physical booth and, if you look closely, you’ll notice that we also created avatars of some members of our teams as an added detail so the visitor truly feels like they’re actually at the show,” revealed Wayne St. Denis, Creative Design Manager. “In fact, with our in-house marketing team, we felt like the online setting for this year’s trade show was right in our wheelhouse. Now, we’re looking forward to seeing the response to the new digital format, as it has the potential to make a significant impact on the way our industry typically does business.”
Mucci Farms’ virtual booth will also feature must-see video content and even Quarantine Essential “Digital Door Prizes.”
“Half of the prizes are Apple AirPods, so we’re hoping it entices attendees to drop by our booth!” said Emily. “With registration being free, we hope that there will be increased attendance, particularly of unique visitors that may not typically attend shows. We hope to see you there!”
For more United Fresh LIVE! coverage ahead of, during, and after the inaugural event, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
LEAMINGTON, ON - Has anyone else been busting out into personal dance parties in the lead up to United Fresh LIVE!? The event has been highly anticipated by all in the industry, and fresh produce growers everywhere will be showing out with the most cutting-edge innovations yet. Nature Fresh Farms is one such company, taking the trade show to new heights by conducting a virtual taste testing on June 18.
“The virtual sampling is a great opportunity to showcase our Red Cherry on-the-Vine,” Matt Quiring, Director of Sales, shared in a press release. “Product sampling and the energetic atmosphere are some of the elements of a live show that help to create a memorable experience. We hope to bring a bit of that kind of energy to this tradeshow through this virtual sampling.”
Given the current COVID-19 challenges, United Fresh’s beloved trade show has gone virtual with a free opportunity for attendees to make connections with industry leaders. This new experience is a unique alternative to an in-person event, in which participants will be able to attend the show and network without having to leave their homes and workplaces. Similar to a conventional trade show, the virtual expo hall will allow attendees and exhibitors to explore new innovations, take part in sessions, and make various connections to grow sales and increase profitability.
Sampling products has always been a favorite at these events, with attendee’s looking forward to tasting and experiencing a new product. The Nature Fresh Farms team acknowledged this important component and found a way to incorporate this experience into its virtual booth. Embracing the digital theme with a new kind of product sampling, on Thursday, June 18, the company will be streaming its very first virtual tasting of its Red Cherry on-the-Vine Tomatoes. Featuring a group of panelists, it has organized a trial where participants will engage in a live sampling and share their flavor experience with the attendees through the webinar. Those that engage in the virtual sampling during the webinar will be entered for a chance to win a Nature Fresh Farms branded Sonosphear wireless speaker.
“When we heard United Fresh was going to take its show online, we were intrigued at the idea,” shared Ray Wowryk, Director of Business and Development. “We talked about how there are so many experiences that can’t be duplicated, but decided to challenge ourselves and figure out how to make the best of this new reality.”
Along with the virtual sampling, Nature Fresh Farms will have an array of resources available for virtual visitors at its booth including product information, company updates, and a live chat platform with its sales team. Be sure to visit the company’s booth at this year’s United Fresh LIVE! and register here if you haven't yet.
UNITED KINGDOM - Oh, what a time to be a Lidl loyalist in the U.K. right now. The German grocery giant recently announced a surge of store openings across the country, as well as possible sites for locations to come. This news comes after Lidl's aggressive market expansion in Surrey, England.
Set to open on June 25 is Lidl’s newest Devon location. Final touches are currently being added to the new store, stated DevonLive, and crowd control systems have been put in place to help upkeep current social distancing requirements. Lidl is also now testing a new click and collect system that the news source reported is familiar to shoppers at some of the major retail brands but completely new in the budget sector. A nearby Lidl in Torquay is also on track to open as well, reported DevonLive.
In Cornwall, Lidl UK revealed it wanted to open eight new supermarket stores. According to The Packet, the chain is looking to “double its portfolio” and has an option to convert existing buildings into a Lidl store. Although the sites aren’t confirmed, the grocer's recent market expansion makes this trade news writer think it’s just a matter of time before plans are decided.
in-cumbria also reported two Furness towns were also pinned as potential sites Lidl will touch down in. According to the news soruce, Lidl formerly had a presence in Barrow, but Ulverston is still a prospective site.
How soon will the dust settle on Lidl’s expansion plan? ANUK will continue to report.
VALENCIA, CA - As United Fresh LIVE! kicks off, companies across our industry have geared up to show their best innovations. Sunkist Growers is doing so in the form of another virtual world, Animal Crossing™: New Horizons, sharing with the industry ‘Sunkist Island.’ Since its release in March, Animal Crossing has garnered over 13 million registered users and has been one of the best-selling games so far in 2020. A fitting partnership, it would seem, especially when it comes to spreading the word about citrus.
"With everything going virtual these days, we are welcoming visitors to explore our sunny California groves in Animal Crossing from the comfort of their own homes,” said Christina Ward, Director of Global Brand Marketing. “The fun virtual space fosters a sense of sharing, which is fundamental to our brand and cooperative, and is a fun way to educate consumers on California-grown Valencia oranges.”
The interactive ‘Sunkist Island’ will debut in select export markets, a press release noted, simulating a California orange grove with educational touchpoints on in-season Sunkist Valencia oranges. In addition, the grower curated citrus-themed activities such as scavenger hunts for tools to “grow” virtual orange groves and a store filled with custom apparel.
With the summer citrus season upon us, this move reflects Sunkist’s continued celebration of its Valencia oranges, grapefruit, and lemons. The company recently launched its ready-to-go summer citrus programs featuring point-of-sale, merchandising, and marketing materials, as well as display bins.
“While we may all be physically apart, Sunkist is looking to bring people together virtually to share moments, share memories, and enjoy the sense of community that is fundamental to our brand and how we grow,” Ward remarked.
Visit the Sunkist booth at United Fresh LIVE! and soak in the citrus island vibes!
DALLAS, TX - Instead of attending a trade show from my couch, I like to imagine that United Fresh LIVE! will be an intimate event full of good friends surrounding a warm fire. While that may not be the case, our industry is doing what it does best this year: turning a challenge into an opportunity. We may not literally be surrounding a fire this week, but hosts such as DMA Solutions’ President and CEO Dan’l Mackey Almy will have attendees feeling the heat of this game-changing event.
Almy’s aptly named “Fireside Chat” will take place June 18 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time during United Fresh LIVE! to educate fresh produce professionals on marketing in sensitive times, as reported in a press release.
Navigating marketing activities and knowing what to say and when to say it can be difficult. During this “Fireside Chat,” one of our industry’s most empathetic and strategic minds will lead a conversation with marketers to discuss the challenges and communication strategies for approaching the sensitivities of our current environment.
To access the DMA Solutions booth at the show next week, search “DMA” in the United Fresh LIVE! virtual trade show platform or click here to tune in. Make sure to register first and we’ll see you there!
SALINAS, CA - At this year’s first-ever United Fresh LIVE! virtual trade show, the produce industy isn’t holding anything back. Duda Farm Fresh Foods is one of many on this list, with a week-long itinerary those on the supply- and buy-side won’t want to miss out on.
Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing, sat down to chat with me about this itinerary and why the Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ team is already anticipating that the unique format of this year’s show will bring extra value to attendees.
“Each day, we’ll be highlighting different parts of our business and giving viewers an inside look with virtual tours of our fresh-cut celery and harvesting facilities. We have a large portion of our team registered for United Fresh LIVE!, excited and ready to take advantage of all the educational opportunities at the show,” Nichole told me. “On Thursday, we’ll host a special school foodservice training session with our culinary ambassador, Chef Todd, and Lori Taylor from The Produce Moms®. All participants of the training will receive one hour of continuing education credit, authorized by USDA officials at the Department of Education and the School Nutrition Association.”
On top of these exciting opportunities, Nichole emphasized that the Duda Farm Fresh Foods booth itself is a must-attend destination. In addition to providing an excellent opportunity for buyers to virtually experience the grower’s fields, the booth will also serve as a launching pad for attendees to gain insight into how Duda has shifted to continue to move forward, even during the pandemic, with its “back to basics” products.
“Through the virtual trade show, we are able to convey this information as well as give buyers an exclusive experience with our team, facility, and field that they normally wouldn’t have access to. We can also use the virtual format to teach and educate the industry, especially those who usually aren’t able to experience the field first-hand,” Nichole continued. “The fact that we are able to come together online grants everyone the chance to learn what is going on out in the field and enhance the decisions made every day. Basically, this is giving everyone a front-row seat to the supply chain.”
This new format also allows product demonstrations to take place even when travel has been canceled and meeting in-person is off the table.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing how this virtual show will bring the industry together and move business forward through this unprecedented time in history. Ultimately, this has forced us to get closer to our customers, with this inaugural event further bringing the supply chain together and creating connections so there is more openness, candidness, learning, and answering of the hard questions,” Nichole concluded.
For more from the virtual floor of United Fresh LIVE!, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MCALLEN, TX - It's hard to believe that United Fresh LIVE! is only a few days away, but you best believe it, industry members! For those looking to fill their calendars, Fox Packaging™ recently announced its full schedule in the FreshTEC Hall.
“While we would love to be able to meet everyone in person this year, we are pleased that United Fresh is able to provide a platform for us to convene as an industry,” said Keith Fox, President of Fox Packaging. “We have a packed schedule and are looking forward to meeting everyone virtually and with the hope this leads to a much anticipated return to in-person meetings.”
According to a press release, the Fox Packaging schedule at United Fresh is as follows:
Monday, June 15
ASK US ANYTHING: A Conversation with Packaging Experts, with hosts Aaron Fox, Executive Vice President; Raul Acevedo, Packaging; Jacob Fox, Sales; and Victoria Lopez, Marketing.
- Meet your Fox Packaging and Fox Solutions team and learn more about how their expertise can impact your packaging program
- Hear about sustainable approaches, inventory tips, automation capabilities, and how the Fox team works to keep you ahead and your product standing out on the shelf
- JOIN ZOOM CALL (BEGINNING 12:00 PM CENTRAL)
Tuesday, June 16
Automation Solutions That Increase the Speed of Your Packaging Operations with hosts Aaron Fox and Jim Savigny
- Has the question of automating your packaging line come up? Join your hosts as they introduce equipment solutions and partner’s lines through pairings that support your production goals
- Discuss aspects of automation that increase your competitive positioning
- Review some of the factors involved when selecting an equipment partner
- JOIN ZOOM CALL (BEGINNING 12:30 PM CENTRAL)
Wednesday, June 17
Build a Retailer Approved, Sustainable Packaging Program, with host Victoria Lopez
- Walk through sustainable packaging considerations when building out a program for store shelves
- How does design, materials and carbon footprint, market cost and impression, food waste and shelf life, and recyclability influence your decision-making?
- Discuss the influence that consumers have through rational considerations, shared values, and emotional responses
- JOIN ZOOM CALL (BEGINNING 12:00 PM CENTRAL)
Thursday, June 18
Automatically Fresh Trends: Packaging Programs and Automation Pairings with host Craig Fox, Vice President
- The shift from traditional materials to flexible packaging in part of customer, retails, and technology trends
- Consumers preference to convenience and wellness issues
- Brand owners and retailers review of packaging to meet sustainability goals
- Equipment that supports a successful program
- JOIN ZOOM CALL (BEGINNING 1:00 PM CENTRAL)
If you have yet to register for the event, there's still time! Click here.
See you all on the virtual floor!
CHINA - Beyond Meat® is riding out its plant-based momentum on an international scale. The innovative brand is on the precipice of a significant expansion in China, after signing a distribution deal with Sinodis, a company that specializes in distributing imports in the country.
“Our goal is to increase availability of plant-based meat globally, providing consumers with more choice and access to the nutritional and environmental benefits of plant-based meat,” said Chuck Muth, Chief Growth Officer at Beyond Meat. “China is an important market given its large population and interest in plant-based proteins. We are committed to building infrastructure that will support our long-term growth in the region.”
The arrangement covers the expansion of Beyond Meat’s Beyond Beef and Beyond Burger products.
According to a press release, Beyond Meat also announced another deal in China with Yum China, which introduces some of the company’s products to KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.
How will Beyond Meat’s expansion impact the plant-based sector? And how will this market expansion grow the reach of fresh produce-based products?ANUK will continue to keep our finger on the pulse.
SALINAS, CA - Naturipe Farms is aiming to steal the virtual stage this year at United Fresh LIVE! with the recent rebranding of its snack product line, Naturipe Snacks™, and a couple of new products.
To better connect with the snacking category’s core consumers, Naturipe’s original Snacks product line will now be rebranded as Boost Bentos, featuring updated packaging and fresh ingredients that nourish and energize. In addition, the berry provider is introducing a new line of indulgent and nutritious sweet treats called Bliss Bentos, which will be available beginning July 13.
“At Naturipe, we’re constantly innovating and elevating our products based on consumer research and changing behaviors,” said Steven Ware, Vice President and General Manager of Naturipe Snacks. “Consumers are snacking more than ever and looking for balanced, nutrient-rich options, whether it be a hearty snack or a little indulgence. Our Naturipe Snacks Boost and Bliss Bentos are designed to meet those snacking preferences.”
According to a press release, Naturipe’s new Bliss Bentos perfectly pair fresh-picked fruit with delicious specialty ingredients, which are amazing for consumers craving a sweet indulgence.
“The Bliss Bentos are a great option for a snack or dessert. There’s no doubt that consumers are still looking for sweet treats, but now it’s much more important to them that they have options they can feel good about eating,” said CarrieAnn Arias, Vice President of Marketing at Naturipe. “And our new Bliss Bentos offer the perfect balance of tasty and healthy.”
Nourishing with flavor, fiber, and iron, the Bliss Bentos will be available in four flavor combinations:
- Chocolate Cheer™ with blueberries, dark chocolate chunk granola clusters, and dark chocolate covered chickpeas
- Vanilla Crunch™ with blueberries and grapes, mini vanilla formed granola, and honey roasted walnuts
- Salty Caramelicious™ with blueberries, salted caramel granola clusters, and salted cashews
- Berry Lemony™ with blueberries, lemon coconut granola clusters, and yogurt almonds
These trays expand the Naturipe Snacks line, which also includes Naturipe Bites™ and Naturipe Snacks Fruit Cups. Naturipe will be featuring the new Bliss Bentos via video in its booth at the upcoming United Fresh LIVE! virtual expo so that show attendees can get a closer look at these new Snacks before they are available in stores.
Secure your chance now to get a sneak peek at the new products as well as join in the industry’s first virtual trade show floor by registering here.
ANUK will continue to cover updates during the big event, so keep checking back for the latest.