BAKERSFIELD, CA - Potatoes continue to be a driving category in produce aisles. So much so, industry leaders like Mazzei-Franconi are doubling down to keep pace with demand. With production ramping up, I tapped John Clerou with Mazze-Franconi to gauge how the grower is preparing for the season.
“The market for colored potatoes is pretty strong right now. Most of the storage areas are winding down or finished with their colored potatoes due to the increased retail demand in March and April,” John tells me. “Currently, we are harvesting our new crop of red, yellow, and white potatoes with Johnston Farms in Edison, California.”
Typically, the California potato crop would overlap with storage region productions to start. However, the other growing regions will be finishing up with their colored potatoes earlier and it will provide a seamless transition for Mazzei-Franconi’s new crop potatoes. Thankfully, weather has produced favorable growing conditions, leading to great quality and increased volumes over last season.
“We’re excited to see consistent volume on all three colors this season, with peak volume coming around the first of June,” John continues. “California has some of the earliest new crops of colored potatoes, and there is a demand for fresh red and yellow varieties right now.”
Due to changing consumer habits, Mazzei-Franconi has seen increased demand for its 5- and 10-lb consumer bags. The grower also provides 50-lb cartons, totes, and consumer packs for retail.
With retailers soon to receive a critical category power boost, AndNowUKnow will continue reporting on the latest in our industry.
DENVER, CO - Gotham Greens, a Whole Foods partner, announced it will be moving into a new greenhouse in the mountain region of Colorado. The new 30,000-square-foot greenhouse in the Denver metro area will deliver a year-round supply of fresh, local produce to retailers, restaurants, and foodservice customers across seven states in the mountain region. The move comes at a pivotal time as the company rolls out two new lettuce varieties for its partners.
“Given the current pressures on our country's food system, one thing is clear: the importance of strengthening our national food supply through decentralized, regional supply chains,” said Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO. “Our business model has enabled us to remain nimble during these unprecedented times and continue to deliver fresh, locally-grown produce to customers and our communities. Now more than ever, we are committed to delivering high-quality, long-lasting, and nourishing produce to people when it's needed most.”
This new location will be the company’s eighth greenhouse. According to the press release, in addition to its rapid expansion of greenhouse openings across the country, Gotham Greens recently launched its line of fresh salad dressings at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide. The company sells four dressing varieties: Green Goddess, Vegan Goddess, Basil Caesar, and Lemon Basil Vinaigrette.
The greenhouse will deliver a year-round supply of fresh, local produce to grocery retailers across seven states, including Whole Foods Market, Choice Markets, Alfalfa's, and more. This includes two new lettuce varieties: Crispy Green Leaf and Rocky Mountain Crunch. Gotham Greens also will partner with restaurant and foodservice customers in the area as businesses begin to reopen. Gotham Greens' eighth greenhouse brings the Brooklyn, New York-based, privately held company's total annual production to nearly 35 million heads of lettuce and distribution to more than 30 states nationwide.
“Although we never envisioned our Denver greenhouse opening and national salad dressing rollout happening during a global pandemic, we’re proud to be providing people across the country with healthy, fresh food options they can get excited about,” Puri said. “With the rise of cooking at home, we’re seeing consumers get creative and enjoy our dressings in a variety of different ways—as a savory dip, tangy marinate, or freshly tossed with salad greens."
Gotham Greens is creating 30 green jobs in the Denver area. The company’s produce is grown close to its customers using hydroponic systems in 100 percent renewable electricity-powered greenhouses that use 95 percent less water and 97 percent less land than conventional farming. In the future, the greenhouse will serve as an educational resource on the benefits of sustainable indoor farming.
Exciting things are underway for the retail, dressings, and leafy green sectors! For more fresh produce and retail news, keep checking back on ANUK as we bring you the latest.
BATAVIA, IL - Curbside pickup has taken the grocery industry by storm, with Hy-Vee and Giant Eagle as just two of the retailers we’ve covered. Now Aldi is joining in on this expansion strategy, recently announcing it will grow its Curbside Grocery Pickup service to offer even more options to shoppers. After a successful pilot in select markets, Curbside Grocery Pickup will be available in nearly 600 Aldi stores across the country by the end of July.
"Our Curbside Grocery Pickup pilot was quickly embraced by our customers and demand for this service has continued to increase. We're pleased to be bringing this service to customers across 35 states over the next several weeks," said Jason Hart, CEO. "We are always looking for ways to make the Aldi shopping experience even more convenient and accessible for everyone. Whether shopping in-store, or online for delivery or pickup, we'll continue to be here to safely serve our customers."
According to a press release, consumers can now access the full selection of Aldi exclusive products and exciting Aldi Finds. Shoppers simply fill their online carts with fresh and affordable products and select a pickup time and location at checkout. Designated parking spots are clearly marked when they arrive at their Aldi and an employee will load groceries into their car.
Curbside Grocery Pickup is the latest addition to e-commerce offerings at Aldi. In 2017, Aldi successfully launched a grocery delivery pilot, which has continuously expanded and now includes the availability of alcohol and many Aldi Finds online. Aldi customers in more than 10,000 ZIP codes nationwide have access to online grocery delivery.
Who will be next to adopt the up-and-coming curbside pickup format? Keep coming back to reports from ANUK to find out.
CHARLOTTE, NC - An iconic brand is throwing down the gauntlet in its latest campaign. Dole, the creator of Dole Whip, is challenging the world over to get creative with its soft-serve dessert in a #DIYDoleWhip contest, leading to boundless cross-promotional opportunities at retail.
Dole’s #DIYDoleWhip Contest asks consumers to use the Dole DIY Dole Whip recipe for an original photo post on Dole’s Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter page between May 29 and June 8. As the frozen treat goes through the test kitchen of home chefs, retailers should take note of popular fresh produce categories consumers may be on the hunt for in produce aisles, such as DOLE® Pineapple or DOLE® Bananas.
First created by the Dole Food Company in 1986 to honor its sponsorship of Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland, the Dole Whip has achieved cult-like status with Disney, Dole, and pineapple fans ever since, according to the press release.
The fan submitting the photo of the most creative Dole Whip based on the Dole original, as decided by a panel of Dole judges, will be awarded the Grand Prize of a Vitamix A2500 Ascent Series Blender valued at more than $600. Four additional Whip artisans will receive a Dole Whip-inspired prize pack.
What new creation will be this summer’s go-to recipe to drive category sales? AndNowUKnow will report as the news unfolds.
NEW YORK, NY - Jim Allen, industry veteran and Vice President of Marketing for New York Apple Sales (NYAS), will be retiring on June 26, 2020. Jim has been with NYAS since February of 2017. His daughter, Tenley Allen Fitzgerald, will be taking over the position.
“For years, I have seen the pride and the joy in the eyes of so many farmers when their children decide to return to the farm and carry on the legacy that their families have built,” said Allen. “Although I do not own a farm, I have the same amount of pride seeing Tenley follow in the food, and now apple, industry, and I see the enormous amount of passion she has for her career path. If my passion and love for this industry have been an inspiration to Tenley, then that delights me to no end!”
Allen has been in the produce industry for 48 years, starting in 1972 in the fruit processing business. In 1980, he gained his marketing experience with Keystone Fruit Marketing, Greencastle, Pennsylvania. In 1996, he joined the New York Apple Association as Retail Promotions Director, and in 2000, he became President and CEO of the association until his retirement in 2017.
Jim then joined NYAS in April of 2017. He has been highly active over the years in the US Apple Export Council, US Apple, United Fresh Produce Association, and numerous New York State ag groups. Jim was named Apple Person of the Year in 2002, earned the first-ever Apple Champion Award from US Apple in 2016, and the New York State Agricultural Society Distinguished Service Citation in 2019, according to a press release.
“The apple does not fall far from the tree,” said Allen of his replacement and daughter.
Tenley Allen Fitzgerald graduated from Cornell in 2009 with a BS in Food Industry Management. She has held positions at Giant Food, a banner of Ahold Delhaize, as Customer Operations Manager; at Fresh Direct as Associate Merchant/Associate Marketing Manager/Marketing Manager; at Blue Apron as Senior Marketing Manager of Partnerships; and at Beyond Good Chocolate as Social Media and Partnerships Consultant. According to a press release, she participated in the London Produce and New York Produce Shows as an industry panelist.
Allen Fitzgerald started at NYAS as a Brand Marketing Consultant. As of June 1, she will take up the Vice President of Marketing position. While consulting at NYAS, Tenley orchestrated the launch of New York Apple Sales new consumer brand, Yes! Apples. She also helped launch a new consumer-based Yes! Apples website and launched Yes! Apples on social media platforms.
In her new role, Allen Fitzgerald will continue her efforts with the new consumer brand, including all brand touchpoints: website, social media, influencers, partnerships, public relations, both trade and consumer, packaging, and events. She will also coordinate all marketing and promotional activities with the managed variety groups for the Club Apples that NYAS markets.
Congratulations to Jim Allen and Tenley Allen Fitzgerald on the next exciting chapters of their lives!
ROCHESTER, NY - Grocery delivery and online ordering have been gaining momentum in the retail landscape for some time. Now, with most of the country slowly, but safely, reopening its doors in light of COVID-19, grocers are taking a refreshed approach to store openings. Wegmans, for instance, is rethinking its strategy in this regard and has announced a new plan for all three new stores set to open this year.
“As we keep the safety of our employees and customers a top priority, we’ve had to rethink how we open these stores,” the company stated. “We can’t wait to open our new stores and provide an essential service to our newest communities. We look forward to a time when we can all celebrate together. Until then, know that we are here for our customers, their families, and communities.”
According to a release, Wegmans announced it is rethinking how it’s opening its new stores with the health and safety of its employees and customers as top priorities. A few measures Wegmans will be rolling out include:
- Share a targeted timeframe that the store will open
- Limiting the number of customers in the store at any given time
- Maintain safe social distancing in line and in stores
- Initiate online ordering for curbside pickup and delivery
As the retail sector adapts safely and effectively to the new norms, how will the landscape change? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest in retail and fresh produce.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Progressive Produce is making big moves these days as the company looks to solidify its foothold in key produce categories. In an effort to align with that goal, the produce giant has welcomed Andrew Engles to the team as Sales Manager in the Asparagus and Wet Veg Division.
In Andrew’s new role, he will be working with Cory Stahl and the asparagus team to continue Progressive's ongoing strategy to expand, maintain, and solidify long-lasting sustainable partnerships. Bringing an impressive 14 years with the Markon Cooperative, most recently as Assistant Purchasing Director, Andrew will offer even more value as Progressive looks to grow.
"At Progressive, we are focused on pursuing excellence while providing our customers with quality products and superior customer service,” Scott Leimkuhler, Senior Vice President of Sales, said, adding that Progressive is excited about having someone of Engles' caliber and experience on the team. “I have no doubt that Andrew will succeed in this area and will help us get better every day with his strong work ethic, industry knowledge, and desire to be successful in everything he does."
Andrew’s position was effective as of May 18, 2020, according to a press release.
Engles wealth of expertise encompasses a variety of wet veg items that include asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens along with potatoes and onions.
A big congrats to Andrew on the new position and to the company on the inevitable excitement that lay ahead!
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Florida continues to be a dynamic ground for grocery, and it looks like the market is heating up. Southeastern Grocers has announced eight new Winn-Dixie locations planned for the state before the year is up.
The new stores follow the February opening of a Winn-Dixie in the Brentwood community in Jacksonville, Florida, in response to a local plea to combat an impending food desert in the area.
“At Southeastern Grocers, we are committed to supporting, enriching, and growing the communities we serve. Winn-Dixie is deeply rooted in Florida, and we are proud to expand our footprint and enhance our presence throughout the state,” Anthony Hucker, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said. “In addition to our new store that we opened earlier this year, we look forward to introducing eight more new appealing stores with fresh, quality products at the right price to deliver a shopping experience our associates, customers, and communities can always count on.”
Southeastern Grocers finalized agreements to purchase multiple Lucky’s Market locations and Earth Fare grocery stores throughout Florida, and is offering positions to Lucky’s Market and Earth Fare associates impacted by the acquisition, as well as anyone committed to providing customers with quality service.
These acquisitions continue recent momentum for the Winn-Dixie banner. According to a press release, each converted store will be remodeled with a specialized approach to provide a wide product selection and additional jobs and opportunities for local community members.
All eight locations are projected to have grand opening dates this year, with an opening celebration for customers to check out the fresh offerings and savings available.
For a detailed list of new store locations, as well as information to apply for positions, read the full release here.
In addition to Winn-Dixie, Southeastern Grocers, Inc. is the parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, and Harveys Supermarket.
LOS ANGELES, CA - If you once called yourself a Twi-hard, then you might find that the Giumarra Companies newest trio of premium nectarine offerings are exactly what we’ve always been longing to sink our fangs into, much like our favorite Cullen family. This week, the produce powerhouse introduced its latest stonefruit offerings under the DulceVida™ brand—Midnight Edition™, Twilight Edition™, and Sunrise Edition™—which are sure to lure shoppers in with their uniqueness.
“Our aim with the new DulceVida program is to generate consumer excitement in the nectarine category by offering enticing packaging and branding that mirrors the exceptional eating quality of these varieties,” said Jeannine Martin, Director of Sales for Giumarra Reedley. “Consumers will seek flavorful, unique items in the produce department this summer, as grocery stores continue to be the key food destination for people in many areas of the U.S.”
The DulceVida brand, which was established in 2015, consists of a line of proprietary stonefruit varieties originally bred in France that tout a superb eating experience with high flavor, aroma, and brix, according to a press release. The newest additions build on this legacy while also offering something new to the market.
Specifically, the new nectarines distinguish the appearance and eating characteristics of the different DulceVida varieties (currently in commercial production in California’s San Joaquin Valley) with the following attributes:
- Midnight Edition: yellow flesh nectarines with a dark, speckled exterior color. Available mid-June through August.
- Twilight Edition: white flesh nectarines with frosted fuchsia skin. Available mid-June through August.
- Sunrise Edition: yellow flesh nectarines with rose-red to deep berry skin. Available mid-July through August.
The latest brand additions will be available in high-graphic corrugated consumer boxes—in 2.5 lb and 4 lb options—and plastic handled bags—in a 2 lb option. Each packaging option will also come with customizable in-store and digital merchandising materials that include recipes, fresh inspiration, and more.
“The packaging for our new nectarine ‘editions’ captures the progression of a starry night from dusk to dawn, which correlates with the beautiful internal dense flesh and external skin coloration of the different DulceVida varieties, as each is unique but all are highly sweet and lush,” said Kellee Harris, Western Region Business Director for the Giumarra Companies. “We feel these new consumer packs and bags will speak to a shopper looking for a delightful addition to summer salads, desserts, and drinks!”
Midnight Edition and Twilight Edition will kick off the season, with first shipments beginning the week of June 15. Sunrise Edition will follow in July and begin shipping the week of July 15.
Retailers, it sounds like you will have quite the summer selection on your hands, with merchandising opportunities like never before!
SACRAMENTO, CA - Buying local and supporting the community are powerful influences in consumers’ shopping habits, especially as of late. To help capitalize on these influences, CA GROWN provides a multifaceted outreach and promotion program for California growers. I spoke with Chris Zanobini, Interim Executive Director, to get an inside scoop on how California's growers can get a boost in retail promotions with CA GROWN’s latest campaign.
“Farmers have stories to tell and want consumers to really understand where their food comes from—and how important California’s growers are to the process,” Chris stated. “CA GROWN is focused on connecting Californians with the people who grow and produce their food. We have promotional dollars available for customized retail promotions of California-grown products, and the relationships and tools to connect products and retailers in a meaningful way.”
One of the tools that will be implemented this season is CA GROWN’s latest campaign, 7 Reasons to Promote This Spring + Summer. The digital advertising platform targets consumers’ purchasing behaviors to bring more value to Californian-grown products, such as food, flowers, and wine. With over 400 different crops grown within California alone, the connection between the growers and consumers is key to increase presence at retail.
“Last month, we redirected our marketing efforts to an unprecedented California consumer campaign that includes robust print, digital, and retail activations,” Chris continued. “These focuses were intended to leverage our voice, create more sales for opportunities for all of California agriculture, and to generate renewed consumer focus on California-grown crops.”
CA GROWN was founded more than 18 years ago to build a platform that allowed California agriculture to collaborate like never before. Currently, the membership includes 29 commodity commission members plus more than 100 individual farmer/company member licensees. CA GROWN’s dedication to its members is especially important during challenging times, such as COVID-19, where the agricultural industry is still feeling the impact.
“It’s this strength-in-numbers and strong backing from our Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross that has allowed us to quickly pivot in response to the COVID-19 challenges facing the agriculture industry today,” Chris explained.
For more information on CA GROWN’s campaign, click here.
While the world keeps turning, ANUK will keep reporting on the latest from our fresh produce industry frontlines.