STELLARTON, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA - There has been much movement in executives over the banners and brands of our industry, the latest marking a new rung in a successful ladder for a leader on the rise at Sobeys.

Maxime Lamontagne, an 11-year veteran of the retailer, stepped into the role of Director of Operations this month. His career with the company has been an organically successful one, according to his LinkedIn, rising from organizational development and internal communications to heading store communications and mobilization before achieving his most recent title.

Sobeys, its franchisees, and affiliates employ approximately 134,000 people. According to its history, the chain is one of only two national grocery retailers in Canada, with approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawtons Drugs, as well as more than 350 retail fuel locations.

Our congratulations to Mr. Maxime Lamontagne and the Sobeys team on this latest strategic move.

Sobeys

CALIFORNIA - Would we even be AndNowUKnow if we didn’t bring you the latest and greatest crop insights? Bobalu's in-field expertise landed in our inbox with another in-depth crop update, sharing insights on its production in Oxnard and Santa Maria, California.

“We made it! This has been quite a roller-coaster season here in Oxnard as we battled significant weather disruptions all season long,” the company said in its latest release. “We spent the last several months behind the normal production curve, which allowed us to stay fresh all the way through May. This is thanks to all of you and your support as we worked through the many challenges.”

According to the report, Bobalu’s fruit is looking great, with great taste and good sizing. As the company noted, overall volume throughout the state is finally catching up, so Bobalu will begin the transition into processing next week before shifting its focus to Santa Maria.

Bobalu has also reported that its Santa Maria volume is increasing as we approach the month of June. As the grower explained, the weather is still mild, keeping its daily numbers on track and building into peak volume next month.

“The plants are extremely healthy with fruit showing great flavor, firmness, and full color,” the release continued. “Since we are on the west side of town, we expect a nice long season taking us all the way through summer into fall. We also want to thank some of you for sending us these great photos of our berries on display. It’s great to see the consumer view!”

More crop updates are sure to come from this beloved strawberry grower, so stick around with us at ANUK!

Bobalu

CHELAN, WA - Through a shared vision and opportunity, Chelan Fresh^™ has announced an inaugural partnership for its exclusively North American-grown and marketed snack-sized Rockit™ apple.

“We are honored to partner with Special Olympics and support their mission of inclusivity and empowerment,” said Julie DeJarnatt, Director of Brand Strategy at Chelan Fresh. “Our shared values of courage, resilience, and wellness make this collaboration a perfect fit, and we are eager to work together to raise awareness about the incredible achievements of athletes and individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

The Special Olympics mission of connecting the world around inclusion, the company noted in a press release, aligns perfectly with Rockit™ apple’s commitment to nutrition and wellness being accessible to everyone.

“Health is one of our major pillars, and giving the opportunity to live a healthy life to everyone is our commitment,” Zehra Sayin, Chief Marketing, Communications, and Development Officer for Special Olympics International, said. “Partnering with Rockit Apple, a company that shares our values and commitment to nutrition and wellness, is an exciting step forward in our mission to promote inclusion and empower individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

Special Olympics supports 6 million athletes in 210 countries, allowing the Rockit-Special Olympics partnership to not only reach a global stage, but to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes about athletes and individuals with intellectual disabilities by inspiring both individuals and communities.

We cannot wait to see what is to come from this latest dynamic duo in fresh!

Rockit^™ Apple Special Olympics

BOSTON, MA - Our industry is a perishable one, where time and quality is of the essence to ensure satisfaction along the chain. That’s why Tive is a valuable partner for us in the fresh produce industry. To help partners understand the benefits, the company is bringing a live webinar to help industry brands measure return on investment (ROI) and present real-time visibility.

Tive’s real-time shipment tracking helps solve some of the key challenges that the rapidly-growing supply chain and logistics industry is facing—and provides improved efficiency, visibility, and reliability. Because ROI means different things to different people, noted the release, FreightWaves and Tive have united to produce a webinar.

To help organizations understand the ROI potential, the webinar will share insights on:

• The benefits of real-time shipment tracking technology, including improved efficiency, reduced costs, and better customer satisfaction
• The factors that can impact ROI and best practices for making a business case to decision makers
• Examples of how companies have successfully implemented real-time tracking technology and achieved significant ROI

The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, May 4, at 2:00 p.m. ET, and will include the following industry experts: Adam Robinson, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Robinson Agency; Syed Aman, Co-Founder and CEO of Hwy Haul; and Krenar Komoni, CEO and Founder of Tive.

This webinar event will be held live, so register here to nab your spot. If you can’t make it, Tive will provide a replay of the video, so you’ll stay informed.

Keep an eye out for more updates across our industry with ANUK.

Tive

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - One category that seems to know no bounds is the plant-based beverage sector, which is constantly optimizing the rising consumer demand for both fresh and flavorful drink products. Greenhouse Juice Company’s portfolio is tapping into the opportunities of this booming sector while delivering on nutrition and sustainability.

“First and foremost, our products represent functional, healthy habits that consumers can fit into their day-to-day. Our products address several prevailing trends,” says Anthony Green, Co-Founder. “In terms of sugar-savviness, our products are lower in sugar than the competition, while still formulated for great taste. All our beverages are USDA-certified organic, with a focus on being free of chemical residuals like glyphosate while having a long-term outlook on the health of soil and water systems. We also address plastic and micro-plastic pollution, as we will have eradicated all plastic from our primary packaging by this summer as we move to aluminum caps and recycled-paper labels on our glass bottles.”

Greenhouse is now manufacturing across eight functional, plant-based categories, including:

• Wellness shots
• Cold-pressed juices
• Protein shakes
• Plant milks
• Probiotic lemonades
• Kombuchas
• Sparkling waters
• Functional coffee lattes

All of these products are produced in-house at the company’s state-of-the-art plant in Toronto, Canada, which is organic-, SQF- and B Corp-certified.

Marking its entry into the United States market, the supplier recently launched juices and probiotic lemonades with The Fresh Market in April, with Central Market up next to carry its products. While the details are still undisclosed, Greenhouse also has a number of further commitments planned for the rest of the year.

“Typically, we are merchandised in the produce or functional beverages section. Our wellness shots are our fastest-growing category, and we are the dominant market leader in Canada for the category, with millions of units sold over the last year alone,” explains Anthony. “Our organic formulations, bottled in glass, are unique in the sector, and our natural formulation has the longest shelf-life in the category, along with the versatility of being merchandised both in and out of the fridge. We’ve seen tremendous success in merchandising accompanying four packs of these shots alongside the single units as customers seek to incorporate the shots into more of a daily routine.”

Greenhouse’s fresh portfolio is produced in Toronto, so its distribution focus remains on the East Coast of the U.S. for products with a shorter shelf-life; with the wellness shots having some of the longest natural shelf-lives in the category, they are suitable for retailers nationwide.

Keep reading ANUK as we continue to explore the portfolios driving demand in the fresh sector.

Greenhouse Juice Company

GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - A new role has been created by Dollar General Corporation (DG), and along with it a new leader. Recently, the retailer appointed Steve Deckard as the new Executive Vice President, Growth, and Emerging Markets, effective June 1, 2023.

Deckard most recently served as the retailer’s Senior Vice President of Emerging Markets. As noted in the release, Deckard also led the company’s international expansion into Mexico. He began his Dollar General career in 2006 as a Regional Director.

During his tenure at DG, Deckard has held roles of increasing responsibility in store operations, asset protection, corporate process improvement, strategy, and financial planning. Prior to joining Dollar General, Deckard spent more than 10 years at Walmart in various leadership roles. He earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

As Executive Vice President, Growth and Emerging Markets, Deckard will provide leadership over initiatives including Mi Súper Dollar General in Mexico, pOpshelf, and DG Well Being, along with the company’s Real Estate and Decision Science and Analytics teams.

“Over the past 17 years, Steve has played an important role in the expansion of our business, helping to further our mission of Serving Others both in the United States and now Mexico,” said Jeff Owen, Dollar General’s Chief Executive Officer. “His proficiency in data science, retail operations, and strategic implementation has been critical, and we look forward to extending our reach and progressing key strategic initiatives under Steve’s leadership.”

Congratulations, Steve Deckard, on your new position!

Dollar General

WASHINGTON, DC - Four fresh produce violators in California and Texas have recently been sanctioned by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), the USDA imposed said sanctions for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards amounting to $99,653.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Soltierra Inc., operating out of Villa Park, California, for failing to pay a $17,798 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Scott Castanon was listed as the sole officer, director, and stockholder of the business

• Monarca Natural Foods Inc., operating out of Los Angeles, California, for failing to pay a $54,745 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Carolina Reynoso was listed as the sole officer, director, and stockholder of the business

• Produce and More Enterprise LLC, operating out of Houston, Texas, for failing to pay a $7,477 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Anatana Capital Sapi DE CV and Miguel Pedraza Villareal were listed as the managers and members of the business

• Florencio Torres, doing business as Torres Fresh Herbs, operating out of Houston, Texas, for failing to pay a $19,633 award in favor of a Pennsylvania seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Florencio Torres was listed as the sole proprietor of the business

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions. This may result in 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. 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.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For contact information and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

WATSONVILLE, CA - The sun is shining here in California as retailers and shoppers prepare for Memorial Day weekend, and luckily, they will have access to a plethora of quality California Giant Berry Farms strawberries to get the summer started right. The grower recently forecasted strong volumes of the product, with high yields anticipated despite a later-than-average start for some of its growing regions.

“2023 was a challenging year for some of our growing regions,” said Andy Rice, Vice President of Field Operations and Product Supply. “Ultimately, weather impacted crops early on—from above average amounts of rain, flooding, or uncharacteristically cold weather. Like most California production, our production curve was shifted, and peak promotable volumes are arriving, albeit later than average.”

In spite of these challenges, California Giant is on track to deliver peak promotable volumes of California strawberries, a release stated. Out of its Santa Maria region, the supplier is reporting sizeable, high-quality fruit and is in its peak volume window, which is expected to maintain through mid-June.

The Watsonville and Salinas growing regions are seeing week-over-week increases in volumes, with estimates projecting substantial harvested volumes beginning mid-June and spanning to early August. Due to the area’s late start, California Giant is forecasting fruit will be available late into summer. The region's ranches are reporting excellent quality and flavor, alongside sizeable fruit.

To support the expected influx of strawberries, the grower is utilizing Instacart advertising and Ibotta consumer promotions to drive purchase intent. The brand will also launch consumer engagement sweepstakes to further drive brand awareness and demand.

California Giant’s peak promotable volumes come at an optimal time, as recent USDA data reports that gains in retail per capita consumption for berries have been very strong compared with many other fresh fruits. Strawberry consumption specifically has grown from 4.6 pounds in 2011 to 6.7 pounds in 2021, an overall gain of 45 percent.

Are you ready for summer berry demand? If not, reach out to a California Giant rep soon!

California Giant Berry Farms

OVIEDO, FL - If you have social media, it’s highly likely that you saw videos of the catchy—and adorable—corn song, “It’s Corn,” that went viral. With corn still fresh in everyone’s mind, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has launched the Sizzling Sweet Summer Sweepstakes, encouraging consumers to add Dandy® sweet corn to their baskets while positioning the company as a premier brand this season.

“We’ve seen corn become synonymous with the summer season, especially on the grill and in fresh salads or dips,” said Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing and Packaging Procurement at Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “Though we are known for our celery products, we are excited to showcase our Dandy sweet corn throughout this promotion and to offer our shoppers more insight on cooking and enjoying the vegetable!”

Duda and its Dandy brand are seeking to elevate consumption of fresh, United States-grown sweet corn among shoppers through corn-inspired recipes, cooking tips, super corny facts, and the opportunity to win the ultimate summer prize pack.

According to a release, now through July 7, consumers can enter the sweepstakes to take home a brand-name, 20-piece stainless steel grill set; a seasoned cast iron grill pan; a denim cooking apron, spiral corn holders; heavy-duty oven mitt; and a $500 gift card. Duda will also be choosing one winner every week during the promotion to take home Dandy sweet corn and a $100 gift card as well.

To support the sweepstakes, Duda will utilize a 360-degree marketing strategy that includes a regional TV segment, public relations efforts, influencer support, corn use and application inspiration, online advertising, social media and email campaigns, and more to drive in-store demand.

Dandy sweet corn is available in bulk as well as pre-shucked and pre-cut tray pack options to help reduce meal prep time and offer a bit more convenience to cater to shoppers’ busy lifestyles. The brand grows and harvests its sweet corn from farms in Florida, Georgia, and Michigan.

Let the corn song be your muse as you help your shoppers get corny this summer!

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

TAMPA, FL - From the field to the stage, the radio waves to the written word, if it connects and potentially advocates for our industry, chances are you have seen Patrick Kelly at it. So I was thrilled when an opportunity recently opened up to get to know the Founder of The Produce Industry Podcast a little better. What I found is that while his passion for the business started early on in the orchards, it has—pun totally intended—only grown from there on.

“Although I grew up in the citrus industry, and continue to work with citrus companies, I’m driven to foster a community of like-minded produce professionals across our supply chain who work passionately to advance the industry,” Patrick recently shared with me.

That pursuit has led him through a number of channels, from several weekly shows on the podcast, a YouTube channel, and LinkedIn events, to speaking engagements and the co-authorship of a book, Millennial Boom, with Hans Finzel.

“The fresh produce supply chain is experiencing a renaissance; an awakening. Through my generational work co-authoring Millennial Boom I explored how Millennials and Boomers could build mutually-beneficial working relationships, each bringing unique and valuable experiences to the table,” Patrick said of the changes in our industry that compelled the book. “If you look at the community of produce professionals who support The Produce Industry Podcast, you’ll see that I’ve created a space for exploration and understanding where professionals from all generations interact and learn from one another. I believe we will advance as an industry when we accept our differences and begin to appreciate the value in all perspectives.”

This topic reminded me of how, whenever I see Patrick, it is usually at the head of an invitation of some kind.

“I host monthly networking calls which are open for anyone in the industry to join,” he agreed. “I’ve found that in-person events also have afforded me the opportunity to bring people together who have only met online. My career has taken me to where I am today because the people in my network have been willing to support my endeavors. This is a cultural behavior that I want to foster through The Produce Industry Podcast.”

Not only does Patrick see opportunity in learning from folks outside of produce as well as leaders in companies across our own chain, but he shared how bringing people together regularly through networking Zooms is one way to maintain an open industry dialogue.

“The intangible benefits of the networking events I host all depend on the participants’ efforts after the calls. On each call, people are quick to drop an introduction and contact information into the chat. I hear regularly that new relationships made on my networking calls result in new business for the participants. As I learn about these relationships, the more driven I am to create additional opportunities for this to happen,” Patrick said.

In fact, he plans to organize more in-person events, so that a larger group of produce professionals might experience the culture of The Produce Industry Podcast community.

“Grower, Entrepreneur, Author, and Podcaster are all hats that I wear, but the most important is as a produce and supply chain advocate. My passion for creating The Produce Industry Podcast came from the desire to connect the supply chain, specifically during the start of the pandemic,” he explained.

Since its April 2020 launch, Patrick’s listenership has grown to reach a global audience, averaging 4,000 weekly downloads of podcast episodes and has become an overarching brand to house a number of others. Fresh From the Field Fridays partners Patrick with retail veteran Dan Avakian to continue to voice his merchandising expertise in promoting produce, and recent addition of Juanita Gaglio hosts global perspectives from produce leaders around the world on Wednesdays. Meanwhile, Patrick complements these offerings with visual content through the Produce Industry Show on YouTube.

“Wearing so many hats afforded me the perspective to create new content channels, and I’ve had the privilege of speaking at both the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure and the Fresh Produce and Floral Council’s Luncheon, engaging the industry from the stage. There are no limits to when and where I advocate for the industry; I am here and ready to serve the produce supply chain,” he said with enthusiasm. An enthusiasm that is already impacting the next generation close to home. “I’ve introduced my son to my passion, and he often joins me in sampling produce and giving product reactions from his tween perspective. It fills my cup to nurture the next generation of produce advocates as he learns about our industry and the supply chain.”

It all comes back to a purpose we see as kindred at AndNowUKnow: advancing the fresh produce industry in every possible way.

Patrick Kelly