SALINAS, CA - Church Brothers Farms is strengthening its leadership and C-suite team with new, strategic promotions. This week, the grower behemoth announced Jeff Church is taking on the role of Chief Operations Officer, in which he will collaborate with all departments to identify, communicate, and support Church Brothers’ company objectives. In addition, Rick Russo has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Jeff Church, formerly Church Brothers’ Vice President of Sales, will be building upon the requirements of his past role by continuing to work with the company’s customers to meet their needs and further develop existing relationships. According to a press release, he is also charged with reviewing the Church Brothers Farms product portfolio and exploring new business channel opportunities.
Rick Russo, in his new role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, will take on responsibility for developing and implementing strategic sales plans, directing new product development objectives, and reviewing and approving an annual marketing plan that includes trade shows, advertising campaigns, and other supplemental activities.
“We look forward to Jeff and Rick’s continued strategic support of the company as we move forward during these challenging times,” said Brian Church, CEO, whom both Jeff Church and Rick Russo will report to in their new roles.
Congratulations to both Jeff Church and Rick Russo on these exceptional promotions!
CASTROVILLE, CA - For Ocean Mist® Farms, providing quality produce is always top of mind. With the company’s broccoli and cauliflower programs just beginning, I tapped Joe Angelo, Sales Manager, to gauge how these category defenders are faring as we head into harvest.
“Quality is excellent on both broccoli and cauliflower,” Joe says. “We recently finished our spring transition from Coachella to Castroville, California, so our spring to summer season is just getting started.”
Fortunately for retail partners—and all of us broccoli and cauliflower lovers—the weather didn’t impede volume for Ocean Mist. The cooler temperatures held some volume back for only a few days, but Joe assures me the grower had good growing conditions this season, leading to great conventional and organic opportunities for Ocean Mist’s partners.
“There will be promotional volume available for the next several weeks,” continues Joe. “We are well-positioned for promotional pricing right now, and look forward to working with our partners to drive sales.”
Ocean Mist offers a variety of pack sizes and styles for both its conventional and organic broccoli and cauliflower including wrapped 9, 12, and 16 counts. The grower also has a 3-lb Washed and Ready to Eat Broccoli Floret pack, organic size 14s and crowns, conventional crowns with or without a tag, and naked or wrapped size 14s.
With excellent quality and optimal volumes, Ocean Mist Farms is shaping up to be a top retail partner. For more fresh produce news to power you through the day, keep checking back on ANUK as we bring you the latest in the industry.
ORLANDO, FL - To date, Produce for Kids® has provided more than 12 million meals to families in need through Feeding America®. Now, the organization is looking to rally the produce industry and beyond to support Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund through its new Stock the Food Pantries fundraising initiative.
“Produce for Kids was founded on the idea of giving back, and at this time, we knew we needed to rally our industry as a way to funnel available funding to people in need. Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund is offering a direct line for us to do that,” said Trish James, Vice President of Produce for Kids. “We are working hard to develop relevant content daily and plan to promote the Stock the Food Pantries website regularly so families and the industry can easily access information and content they need and make direct donations.”
According to a press release, Feeding America announced on April 1 an estimated $1.4 billion in additional resources will be needed over the next six months to provide enough food for people facing hunger—a 30 percent increase to the baseline operating cost of its 200 member food banks nationwide.
As a Guiding Partner of Feeding America, Produce for Kids’ Stock the Food Pantries will serve as a source to funnel monetary donations directly to the COVID-19 Response Fund. The fund will ensure the most affected areas in the U.S. will receive funding as it is received. Feeding America is working with government leaders to ensure the emergency response includes strong supports in food, funds, and flexibility for federal nutrition programs.
“Our first priority is the millions of individuals, families, and seniors who rely on food banks for help,” said Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot. “Our member food banks are always there to help throughout the year and in times of disaster. This fund will advance their ability to respond efficiently and effectively in their communities so that food is not added to the list of worries for families during this pandemic. We cannot do it alone.”
Produce for Kids will be adding resources for produce companies looking for assistance in getting food to food banks and other ways they can help outside of a monetary donation. As donations are made direct through Stock the Food Pantries, donor logos will be highlighted on the Stock the Food Pantries website and included in all social media messaging around the initiative in an effort to cohesively spotlight the impact of the produce industry. 100 percent of all donations will go directly to the COVID-19 Response Fund.
In addition, visitors to the Stock the Food Pantries website will also find links out to resources from the Feeding America network as well as content around helping families cope with these trying times through healthy family kitchen and home activities, Healthy Family Project podcast episodes, Food Rx videos, and content from contributing Produce for Kids psychologist, Dr. Stephanie Smith, and registered dietitian, Sally Kuzemchak.
We at AndNowUKnow would like to thank all those that have stepped up during these trying times.
NEWARK, DE - A recent announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) noted a temporary final rule change to certain H-2A requirements. The change notably will ease labor concerns during a critical time.
In a letter signed by Richard Owen, Vice President of Global Membership and Engagement, PMA issued the following statement:
“On April 15, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security, with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a temporary final rule that eases certain H-2A requirements,” the letter begins. “The change will help U.S. agricultural employers avoid disruptions in labor and protect the nation's food supply chain during this COVID-19 pandemic. PMA is pleased to see the rule change, emphasizing that maintaining a lawful, agricultural labor force during the COVID-19 public health emergency is critical to ensuring our industry has the capacity to continue to safely provide healthy, fresh produce to U.S. consumers."
Key points in the announcement include the following:
- An H-2A petitioner, such as a grower, with a valid temporary labor certification, can begin employing certain foreign workers who are in H-2A status in the U.S. once United States Citizenship and Immigration Services receives the petition. H-2A workers looking to change employers must be in the U.S. already. The net result is more immediate access to a pool of H-2A farm labor
- H-2A workers are temporarily allowed to stay in the United States beyond the three-year maximum time limit
- The temporary rule is effective immediately once published in the Federal Register
The letter went on to say, “The changes reflect the commitment from DHS and USDA to help U.S. agricultural employers have continued access to the essential labor force that will allow the fresh produce supply chain to continue to meet consumer demand. We commend DHS and USDA for showing agility in creating this temporary change. PMA will continue to provide up to date information for the industry and our partners as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For the latest in news that directly affects our fresh produce family, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
STELLARTON, NS - Last we heard of Empire-owned Sobeys' game-changing e-commerce format Voilà, the company had recently announced a brand-new partnership with Ocado. Empire then announced that it planned to utilize the new Voilà e-commerce solution to build automated warehouses. In a recent company update, however, Empire teased the acceleration of this Voilà technology amidst a growing need for online grocery resources.
Empire management anticipates that online grocery needs will likely remain elevated in the long-term as customers become more comfortable with online grocery delivery, according to a press release. As a result, the consumer launch of Voilà, the online grocery home delivery service, has been accelerated to meet the increasing demand from shoppers for delivery.
Voilà management expects to begin testing the service the week of April 26, 2020. The technology’s phased rollout to customers will begin when testing is successfully completed. This innovative automated warehouse is completely powered by Ocado’s industry-leading grocery technology.
Will this new delivery division help to change the wider online grocery landscape? Stay tuned to reports from ANUK as we investigate.
SEATTLE, WA - Amazon has been rolling out strategy after strategy these past few weeks, honing its focus to keep up with the market’s demands. In an announcement made earlier this week, the e-tailer revealed an interesting strategy that pulls from the brick-and-mortar prowess of its organic grocery banner: transforming some Whole Foods Market locations into “dark stores,” or fulfillment centers.
NASDAQ confirmed this morning that grocery giant Amazon is closing off some of its Whole Foods stores to customers and converting them into fulfillment centers. This is yet another way for both Amazon and Whole Foods to stay on top of online grocery orders and other delivery and pickup needs.
Stephenie Landry, Vice President of Grocery Delivery, reported that a Whole Foods store in Woodland Hills, California, that was originally slated to open in February, has already been completely transformed into a “temporary online-only store, focused exclusively on fulfilling grocery delivery orders.”
Amazon’s latest move follows on the heels of its Monday announcement that it would be hiring an additional 75,000 workers, on top of its original 100,000 hiring spree. In this same announcement, the e-tail behemoth also teased that it would be adjusting store hours at select Whole Foods Market locations to focus exclusively on fulfilling online grocery orders.
As more grocery giants implement innovative strategies like this, AndNowUKnow will continue to follow along with the latest news.
CHICAGO, IL - Feeding America® has long been a champion of fresh food distribution, but the organization has significantly ramped up its efforts since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Through new partnerships in the retail, foodservice, and fresh produce sectors, Feeding America is at the forefront of ensuring accessibility of fresh produce. The organization is now teaming up with Walmart and its Sam’s Club division to launch the seventh year of its Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign.
"'Fight Hunger. Spark Change.' has been a way for Walmart and Sam's Club to partner with our suppliers and customers to help bring food to the people who need it most," said Julie Gehrki, Vice President of Philanthropy for Walmart.org. "It's been an important effort every year, but this one is especially critical given the current demand on food banks. With millions of Americans worrying about how they will feed their families right now, 'Fight Hunger. Spark Change.' is a powerful way for all of us to help."
According to a press release, one in nine people face hunger in America, including more than 11 million children. As one of the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organizations, Feeding America estimates that an additional 17.1 million people could face hunger in the next six months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. School closures, rising unemployment, and rising poverty due to quarantine and stay-at-home orders have impacted everyone, especially people already at risk of hunger.
With Feeding America estimating $1.4 billion in additional resources needed over the next six months to provide enough food for its neighbors facing hunger, food banks need community support now more than ever. The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign provides everyone with an opportunity to help.
"Every day, the Feeding America nationwide network of 200 food banks is on the ground helping children, families, and seniors who face hunger. During this pandemic, food banks will continue to distribute food to our neighbors in need," said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. "Walmart and Sam's Club have been unwavering partners in the fight to end hunger. We are deeply thankful for their ongoing support during this unprecedented time."
Walmart kickstarted the campaign with a $3 million donation to Feeding America and member food banks. Each Walmart and Sam's Club will partner with at least one local Feeding America food bank, and the 22 participating suppliers include: Bush Brothers & Company, Campbell Soup Company, Clif Bar & Company, Conagra Brands, Crazy Richard's, Ferrara Candy Company, General Mills, Great Value, J.M. Smucker, Kellogg's, Kraft Heinz, Materne North America, Monster Energy, Mott's, Nestle Waters, Ocean's Halo, PepsiCo, Post Consumer Brands, Soylent, The Coca-Cola Company, The Clorox Company, and Unilever. The Walmart Foundation recently gave an additional $5 million to Feeding America to help support communities and individuals facing hunger during the COVID-19 outbreak.
In its seventh year, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign will run online and in-store through May 11, 2020. As suppliers, follow the link here to learn how you can get more involved in this crucial fight.
As more companies step up to aid in the distribution of fresh food, AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date on the latest news.
HOUSTON, TX - Leadership is not a trait that is easily gained. It is often something that requires an immense amount of dedication, and it’s something that is not lost on Sysco, a company breathing new life into the term “leadership” as of late. Donating over 13.5 million meals over the last four weeks, Sysco is among the fierce leaders aiding our industry during this unprecedented time.
“We’re pleased to be able to contribute so significantly at a time of unprecedented need. Once our team activated its product donation strategy, they worked to quickly refine and implement the broad-based approach allowing us to provide millions of meals to vulnerable citizens across the communities we serve,” said Neil Russell, Vice President of Corporate Affairs.
Working closely with suppliers, customers, and government entities, along with key partners like Feeding America in the U.S., Second Harvest in Canada, and FareShare in the U.K. and Ireland among others in Europe, the company continues to find new ways to address increasing food insecurity and the added constraints on the supply chain and food systems.
As stated in a press release, Sysco’s four-pronged community response strategy supports food redistribution efforts across the global supply chain, including product donations, direct delivery to food banks, and other hunger relief organizations, the loaning of refrigerated trucks and facility storage space to increase capacity for local food distribution, and volunteer and staffing support for mobile distribution efforts.
“I am incredibly proud and inspired every day by the partnership, innovation, agility, and compassion our associates around the world continue to demonstrate during this time of crisis,” Russell concluded. “Our ability to think creatively and act quickly has enabled us to support and respond to our customers and communities in the most dynamic and helpful ways.”
In the coming days and weeks, the company will continue to assess product inventory system-wide that will be identified for donation, coordinate transportation and logistics support to address capacity constraints, and support mobile pantry and drive-through distribution models.
ANUK will continue bringing you our industry’s latest news as it pertains to the fresh produce, retail, and foodservice sectors.
WASHINGTON, DC - The entire industry is working as fast as possible to ensure that families have access to fresh produce. United Fresh announced last week its COVID-19 Rapid Response FRESH Grants, all provided by the United Fresh Start Foundation, would soon go out to 25 produce companies and foodservice distributors who would provide fresh fruits and vegetables to schools, community groups, and other emergency feeding sites for those in need.
In a letter to the industry, Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales at Grimmway and Chair of the United Fresh Start Foundation, issued the following statement:
“During this time of crisis, I’m pleased to share a ray of sunshine telling you about the 25 recipients of our new United Fresh Start Foundation grants. Due to the generosity of those who were willing to donate their early registrations for this year’s convention to the Foundation, we’ve been able to support 25 produce companies in getting fresh produce to their communities in 18 states and one Canadian province! The 25 grant recipients are providing fresh fruits and vegetables to children and families in need, reaching them in school curbside distribution sites, community centers, and other emergency feeding sites. Thank you to these produce heroes working to broaden access to fresh produce in their communities, despite their own economic hardships.”
Several of the grant recipients have already shared their responses to United Fresh’s generosity.
“When you know what the right thing to do is, it is important that you move forward and do it wholeheartedly—that’s what DNO Produce always strives to do,” remarked Alex DiNovo, President and COO of DNO Produce, which is donating fresh produce to Communities in Schools and working with the Southwest City Schools in Grove City, Ohio.
Jose Monreal, Finance and Human Resources Director of Brothers Produce of Dallas, added his own appreciation.
“We are so glad to be able to provide our underserved community with access to fresh fruits and vegetables to help ease their burden of bringing food to the table,” Monreal said.
His company is donating fresh produce to hundreds of families that are part of the local community served by Range Elementary School in Mesquite, Texas.
Zafar Produce is using its grant funds to help serve hundreds through its local food bank.
“The Food Bank of Hudson Valley was ecstatic to receive our bananas, lettuce, broccoli, strawberries, and avocados,” said Tom Brandt, Director of Real Estate. “We’re thrilled that we took advantage of this opportunity to give back to our local community and we will be looking for additional opportunities to serve them in the future.”
To see the list of all grant recipients, click here.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things fresh.
UNITED KINGDOM - It is with a heavy heart that AndNowUKnow learned of the recent passing of Costco U.K.’s Trading Director Steve Barnett. The retailer’s team expressed extreme sadness over the the death of a retail leader who was crucial to the launch of Costco’s U.K. division in 1993.
“With deep sadness, we want to let everyone know of the passing of Steve Barnett. Steve was a businessman, a tremendous leader, and a very good friend to many at Costco,” a statement from the retailer reads. “His presence and personality will be missed at every level within the company here in the U.K. and across the international Costco team. The impact that Steve has had on Costco U.K. cannot be measured. The buying team’s ethics, drive, and success are as a result of Steve’s leadership. Steve’s fundamental belief in Costco’s ethics and the impact on the welfare of Costco employees and vendors was the focus of his every instruction and continuing development of a sustainable buying program was his passion. It is all about the people, and Costco’s ethics is how he started many presentations to employees, vendors, and conferences, and his actions showed this was true every day.”
Barnett held the Trading Director position for 15 years and also served on the Federation of Wholesale Distributor’s (FWD) council.
“Steve made a massive contribution to both Costco and the wholesale sector’s development over many years and was one of the original Costco team in the U.K. His pride at working for Costco was evident to all who encountered him,” commented FWD Chief Executive Officer James Bielby in a statement. “Suppliers who dealt with Steve knew him as the toughest of negotiators but one who was held in the highest respect, with his dry sense of humor and sense of decency apparent to all. Steve was a great supporter of FWD as the Costco Council representative, and a regular speaker at our conferences and seminars. His insightful contributions and unfailing support were hugely valued by all his fellow FWD members. Steve had a great sense of fun and loved a wind-up, but he was one of the nicest and kindest people in our industry, as well as someone who took a huge interest in the world around him, with some strongly argued but sincerely held opinions on a whole range of issues. Thank you for everything you did for our trade, Steve. You will be missed by us all.”
Barnett leaves behind his wife, Annette, and two children, Jessica and Izzie.
Our condolences go out to Steve Barnett's family and loved ones at this time. We, at AndNowUKnow, are holding a space for you all in our hearts.