EASTERN U.S. - Looking to serve current and future needs, Lidl US has made itself the center of a couple of big announcements this week in both North Carolina and Maryland.
The retailer has sped up the planned opening for a store in Cary, North Carolina, which was planned for later this year. Now planned to open on Wednesday, April 29, Lidl stated it made the move to better serve the community during this time of need, according to news source WRAL.com.
“We know that access to high-quality, low priced food has never been more imperative than during this unprecedented period in our history,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “We very much appreciate Lidl’s moving forward with this new Cary location and doing so in such a responsible manner.”
That manor includes a soft opening with no ribbon-cutting, as well as a laid out plan for health and safety measures, daily enhanced cleanings, signage detailing social distancing parameters and customer limits, and special shopping hours for seniors and immunocompromised customers.
The 26,543-square-foot store will operate under Lidl’s current adjusted hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday, with protective barriers installed at all Lidl checkout lanes to protect customers and team members during the checkout process.
Almost simultaneously came the announcement that the retailer is continuing to grow its presence in Maryland, having just signed on as the anchor tenant of an existing shopping center.
This latest lease will span 31,000 square feet, according to the Baltimore Sun, with an anticipated open of mid-2021.
The move comes on the heels of having opened a new regional distribution center in the state, adding to the existing nine markets in Maryland Lidl has outlined on its company website. Similar to the North Carolina opening, this site also debuted earlier than expected to serve the community’s needs.
“As we work hard to meet the surging needs of our customers during this critical time, we are thrilled to open our newest regional distribution center in Cecil County, Maryland,” said Johannes Fieber, CEO of Lidl US, at the time of the opening. “The facility will allow us to efficiently deliver our award-winning products to thousands of customers from Maryland to New York and support our expansion across the region. We thank Governor Hogan and local leaders for their tireless support leading up to today.”
AndNowUKnow will bring you the latest as more news for the fresh produce industry on the buy-side and beyond continues to break.
AURORA, OR - As consumers take to purchasing more plant-based products, what’s more plant-based than the nut? Whether roasted, raw, or salted, hazelnuts are versatile and rising in popularity. I tapped Ryan Flaherty, Grower Relations Manager, to see what Hazelnut Growers of Oregon had in store for its large crop this year.
“Big company names like Planter’s, Ferrero, and M&M’s are major buyers of hazelnuts; they’ve really brought hazelnuts to the forefront,” Ryan tells me. “Not only that, but you’re starting to see a lot more companies develop different hazelnut usages, whether it’s in their ice cream, yogurt, or hazelnut non-dairy ice cream and other innovative ideas. Hazelnuts are starting to gain more traction.”
Foodservice and snacking usage take up a good portion of Hazelnut Growers of Oregon’s hazelnuts, and Ryan says that business has been steady. Hazelnut Growers of Oregon processes close to 25 percent of the entire U.S. hazelnut market, with about 40 percent of its crops exported in-shell and 60 percent dedicated for domestic use in the United States.
In March 2019, the co-op’s hazelnut processing facility achieved the Safe Quality Food Level 3 (SQF-3) certification, setting the cooperative ready to process the estimated 60,000 tons of hazelnuts incoming this year.
“Hazelnuts are an alternate bearing crop, and 2020 happens to be the year where we expect a large crop,” Ryan continues. “Around August, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) statistic service comes out to give a recommended estimate of what it thinks is the crop yield based on what it counts in trees. The ODA selects the same trees every year prior to harvest for continuity purposes. Early estimates by growers and other hazelnut processors are 60,000 tons. By 2025, the industry is expecting almost 100,000 tons of hazelnuts in the state of Oregon.”
Hazelnut’s rising popularity makes it a steady contender in the plant-based arena. With more alternatives and substitutes rolling out on retail shelves, the versatile nut packs a mighty punch from snacking to various cooking applications.
As I watch trends come and go, I have a feeling these tree nuts will only continue to permeate more throughout the food industry. AndNowUKnow will continue to bring more nutty news and pertinent produce updates to your inbox.
LONG ISLAND, NY - Fresh produce is still hard to come by for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Hardy vegetables such as potatoes are convenient during these times, and Bushwick Potato Commission recognizes the need. The commission recently donated approximately 30,000 pounds of New York State-grown potatoes to Island Harvest Food Bank to help provide food to Long Islanders affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“As a family-owned and operated company for four generations, we are proud to be able to give back when Long Islanders need it most,” said Ken Gray, VP of Sales and Marketing, Bushwick Potato Commission. “Our entire Bushwick family understands the importance of lending a helping hand during this difficult time. We will all get through this by working together!”
Since the beginning of March, Island Harvest Food Bank has distributed more than one million pounds of food at more than 330 sites across Nassau and Suffolk counties to address the increasing problem of food insecurity caused by the unprecedented public health crisis.
Bushwick Potato has been working with local growers to supply its supermarket and foodservice customers for more than 85 years.
“We are grateful to the Bushwick Potato Commission for their incredibly generous donation, which will help people across Long Island struggling to feed their families because of the economic havoc created by the pandemic,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, President and CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank. “It’s good to know we have such a valued partner working with us to make sure that no one on Long Island goes hungry.”
New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern was on hand, along with representatives from Bushwick Potato Commission, to help offload the potatoes at Island Harvest Food Bank’s Hauppauge Distribution Center on Friday, April 17, 2020.
“During this time of unprecedented challenge and urgent need in our community, I was pleased to join with Bushwick Potato Commission to donate thousands of pounds of produce to Island Harvest Food Bank,” Assemblyman Stern said. “I encourage all who need assistance to contact Island Harvest and also ask our neighbors for donations to ensure that no families go hungry during this COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to a press release, the food bank is also providing Long Island residents with additional resources, including applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other benefits and referrals.
For more produce news to inform and inspire, keep checking back to AndNowUKnow as we bring you the latest.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry. Recently, the USDA imposed sanctions on Cruisin’ On Inc., doing business as The Produce Network (Cruisin’) and Diamond Produce Wholesalers & Packers Inc. (Diamond) in Miami, Florida, for failing to pay $1,135,650 to the sellers of produce it purchased.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from the USDA. By issuing these penalties, the USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.
Cruisin’ and Diamond failed to pay $1,135,650 to four sellers for produce that was purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from May 2016 to September 2017. This is in violation of the PACA. Cruisin’ and Diamond cannot operate in the produce industry until March 4, 2022, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by the USDA.
The company’s principal, Joseph Thornton, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until March 4, 2021, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
The USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by 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, the 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 the USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please visit the link here.
CHARLOTTE, NC - As we move into a more sustainable future, industry leaders are stepping up their game. Recently, Dole Food Company announced the release of its 2020 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report. The report unveils the organization’s new sustainability framework, “The Dole Way,” along with the company’s first-ever, enterprise-wide sustainability goals.
“Since our founding, Dole has strived to deliver the best of which we are capable—in both our products and how we produce them,” stated Johan Linden, CEO. “The need for healthy food choices has never been more evident than during these past weeks as we adapt under this global pandemic. The journey and dedication to be a responsible citizen of our communities, as well as a good steward of our land, will continue into our future, and Dole will remain steadfast in being honest and transparent about our efforts and our impacts in supplying wholesome food across the globe.”
According to a press release, Dole’s sustainability report outlines an ambitious slate of initiatives under The Dole Way framework focused on tangible action directed toward five key goals:
- Positively impacting underserved communities and promise to donate no less than 2,500 tons of fresh fruit and produce by 2025
- Declaring a social premium for Dole branded bananas and pineapple and investing in the communities according to local needs
- Committing to reduce water usage while improving water quality in its operations
- Continuing to take action to promote healthy eating and nutrition education, with a special focus on youth
- Focusing on decreasing its carbon footprint by ensuring new vessels include efficiency upgrades and working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions at farm level by 2030
Other important sustainability targets include ensuring all packaging materials used in Dole’s banana and pineapple businesses are either recyclable or compostable by 2025 and introducing blockchain or similar technology in all operations to bring about a step-change in food safety and transparency.
“Of course,” Linden continued, “our stakeholders expect this of us, but even more we expect this of ourselves; to engage in open dialogue, including critical voices; to make a measurable and meaningful difference for people and the planet; and to constantly evaluate and improve. It’s what we believe is the right way to do business.”
Reporting on the impacts of Dole’s responsibility and sustainability goals is also of critical importance.
“This report and our goals are a new milestone in our sustainability pursuit, and farming is at the heart of that transformation. As farmers, we are facing the reality of climate change and are joining all other concerned people and businesses willing to tackle this challenge in our supply chain,” said Xavier Roussel, Vice President of Sustainability. “We will build on our learning—both in precision farming and organic agriculture—to deliver on our commitments in alliance with our business partners and other stakeholders. As an employer, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of our employees and local communities and make a positive impact both within our farm borders and beyond.”
Roussel added, “Dole is absolutely committed to being part of the community of concerned citizens taking on the sustainability challenge.”
To view all of Dole’s achievements and goals in the 2020 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report, click here.
As we look to the mid-point of the new year, ANUK is anxious to see who will step up to the plate next in the sustainability arena.
UNITED STATES - Driscoll’s and other produce companies have partnered with PRO*ACT to donate more than $1 million to support healthcare responders working tirelessly on the frontlines. The initiative, titled Feeding Our Frontlines, distributed more than 35,000 boxes of fruit and veggies to healthcare establishments, with Driscoll’s already committing more than $350,000 in berry donations.
“We’re pleased that members of the produce industry have been committing resources during this time of need,” stated J. Miles Reiter, Chairman and CEO of Driscoll’s. “We are all working together to ensure communities are supported, and we’d like to recognize the extraordinary healthcare efforts by giving back where we can.”
PRO*ACT established an information hub for those looking to donate, and has already been joined by—alongside Driscoll’s—companies such as Sunkist, Taylor Farms, Dole, Mission, Rainier, Wada Farms, Mann Packing, and Grimmway Farms.
The produce will be distributed by priority to the hospitals at the epcienter of the COVID-19 crisis, a press release noted, including Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan, New York; Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland; Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts; and hospitals in 16 other states.
“Our industry is built on successful partnerships,” remarked PRO*ACT COO Brian Kane. "In a time when our communities are coming together to make sacrifices to protect the vulnerable, we are proud to stand with partners committed to providing for the brave. Our distributors, suppliers, and employees are thankful for this tangible way to support healthcare employees at the end of a long, stressful shift. The last thing we want is for them to worry about providing for their families during their daily battles on the frontline.”
The press release went on to note that now more than ever is the time for produce companies to rally together to support feeding the needs of the public. The first donation of 300 boxes was delivered to Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) in Manhattan, New York, and distribution of the boxes will continue rolling out across the country.
Thank you to Driscoll’s, PRO*ACT, and other fresh fruit and vegetable companies working to support those on the frontlines! Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest.
TORONTO, CANADA - Any retailer knows that keeping up with today's tech is the secret to success. In the modern grocery climate, tech has become the linchpin to keeping shoppers coming back, as more consumers rely on digital services to get the groceries they need. In order to keep up with this demand, Loblaw has invested in a new automated facility to pack and fill online orders faster.
"The demand for Loblaw's PC Express pick up and delivery has grown significantly in recent weeks as the number of customers shopping from home continues to spike," said Lana Gogas, Senior Communications Manager, Retail Technology, Lobaw Digital, to news outlet blogTO. "The Automated Picking Facility is a new technology that will significantly increase the current picking rate. The speed of picking and the ability to leverage our store network, which are near to where our customers live, opens up additional availability for orders, and offers added convenience to our customers."
This facility was part of Loblaw's previous announcement late last year, as the retailer partnered with Takeoff Technologies to better fulfill customers’ orders. Utilizing this new technology, Loblaw is ready to help shoppers during a time they need it most.
Gogas went on to note that the facility will be able to fill pick rates at up to 500 units per hour. In the coming months, she added, Loblaw may expand the Automated Picking Facility to support other stores.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we cover what's happening across the retail and digital landscape.
WASHINGTON, DC - The United Fresh Produce Association has announced the honorees of its 2020 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. Sponsored by Dole Food Company, United Fresh is once again recognizing exceptional retail produce managers representing supermarket banners, commissaries, and independent retail stores from 16 different states and Canada.
“As the face of our industry in-store, retail produce managers play a significant role in influencing a consumer’s decision to shop for fresh produce,” said Tom Stenzel, President and CEO, United Fresh Produce Association. “More so than ever before, we are extremely fortunate to have these outstanding produce managers representing our industry and working each day to deliver a positive customer experience in the produce department during the coronavirus pandemic. We’re especially grateful for their resolve in the face of this public health crisis.”
According to a press release, these winners were selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by retailers and produce suppliers across the industry. Nominations were evaluated on several criteria, including efforts to increase produce consumption through excellence in merchandising, special displays and promotions, community service, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
“This is Dole’s sixth year as title sponsor of the United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards, and we could not be more proud to be a part of this important recognition program,” said Johan Linden, CEO, Dole Food Company. “These essential workers are most valuable to our industry as consumers trust in their knowledge of the healthy benefits and safety of fresh produce. They do so much to promote the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and this program gives us a platform to express our sincere thanks on behalf of our company and our industry.”
The 2020 Retail Produce Manager Award Winners are:
- Michael Foint, Big Y Foods, Inc, Amherst, MA
- Freddie Dowell, Brookshire Grocery Company, Malakoff, TX
- Dave Baxter, Daniels Sentry Foods, Walworth, WI
- Jaleisha Freeman, Oceana Naval Air Station Commissary, Virginia Beach, VA
- Steve Kaluahine, Gelson's Market, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
- John Hollenden, Giant Food Stores, Warrington, PA
- Paul Rosen, Good Foods Store, Missoula, MT
- Gabriel Cabrera, Grocery Outlet, Visalia, CA
- Clay Williams, Harps Food Stores, Fayetteville, AR
- Ricky Morrison, Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Charlotte/Harrisburg, NC
- Ronnie Minteer, Hy-Vee, Inc., Springfield, IL
- Brian Lowery, Jewel-Osco, Chicago, IL
- Christine Burton, Kroger Company, Shelbyville, IN
- Randy Davis, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City), Gatlinburg, TN
- Maynard Miller, Martin's Super Markets, Nappanee, IN
- Tammy Joseph, Meijer, Cedar Springs, MI
- Kevin MacLeod, Metro Ontario Inc., Orleans, ON, Canada
- Bill Ryder, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Tullahoma, TN
- Michael Thomas, Raley's Family of Fine Stores, Carson City, NV
- Josh Smith, Rouses Supermarkets, New Orleans, LA
- Ken Marske, Schmitz's Economart, Spooner, WI
- Jose Garcia, Sprouts Farmers Market, Santee, CA
- Eduardo Queirolo, The Fresh Market, Aventura, FL
- Brad Franklin, Tops Friendly Markets, Towanda, PA
- Robert Fowler, Whole Foods Market, Chicago, IL
While many in the industry are impacted by the effects of COVID-19, these 25 produce managers have worked every day on the front lines to increase the sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Since the program’s inception in 2005, over 325 retail produce managers, representing more than 110 different retail banners, have been honored for their contributions to the industry.
All winners will be honored during the Retail-Foodservice Celebration at United Fresh LIVE!, a virtual event platform where the Retail-Foodservice Celebration will be hosted in real-time, the week of June 15.
In addition to their awards, five Grand Prize recipients will each receive a $1,000 cash prize. Registration is free and available at www.unitedfreshlive.org.
We at ANUK would like to say thanks to all retail produce managers for their hard work and a big congratulations to all the winners this year!
BENTONVILLE, AR - With supplies in near-constant demand, much-needed items fly off the shelves at retail. In a bid to help more consumers have access to the grocery goods they need, Walmart tapped a new partner, Nextdoor, and launched its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program.
“I’ve seen firsthand the countless ways our Walmart team is working together during this challenging time, leading with humanity, compassion, and understanding to serve our customers,” said Janey Whiteside, Walmart’s Chief Customer Officer. “We’re continuing to do that through our new program with Nextdoor. We’re connecting neighbors to each other so that more members of our communities have access to essential items, while limiting contact and the number of people shopping in our stores.”
The first-ever program is a new move for both companies, a press release noted. Nextdoor members can coordinate the pickup and delivery of their groceries with a neighbor already planning a trip to Walmart, making the program a contact-free solution for vulnerable consumers.
This is not the company's first effort to encourage social distancing since the pandemic began. It follows recent moves made by Walmart to make its other shopping services contact-free.
“We’re inspired every day by the kindness of people around the world who are stepping up and helping out. In recent weeks, we’ve been blown away by the number of members who have raised their hands to run an errand, go to the grocery store, or pick up a prescription for a neighbor,” said Sarah Friar, Nextdoor CEO. “We’re grateful for Walmart's partnership to make this important connection between neighbors around vital services, and we’re proud to come together to ensure everyone has a neighborhood to rely on.”
Will other retailers partner with similar apps? Is Walmart going to continue to lead the retail charge in its response to consumer needs? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
WASHINGTON, DC - Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Super HK HG LLC—which also goes by the trade name of Hong Kong Supermarket—satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $4,774 issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) involving unpaid produce transactions.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
The Hawaiian Gardens, California, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Myint J. Kyaw was listed as a member of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in the USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. The USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, the USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. The USDA will only reinstate the license of a business to an active status if all reparation awards are satisfied and if the license is not terminated.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, 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, the 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 the USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For further information, contracts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please visit the link here.