BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - Living Organic Basil from Windset Farms® is back and better than ever! The summer staple is making its return to Windset’s product line for the fifth year, boasting vibrant green leaves and strong aromatics and flavor that is 100 percent organically grown.

“The return of Living Organic Basil really signifies the start of summer for us here at Windset,” Vice President of Sales and Operations Jeff Madu shares. “This really is a premium product. It’s organically grown in British Columbia and is larger than the basil plants you typically see in stores. The packaging really stands out on the shelves, and it has a long shelf-life for consumers.”

According to a press release, Living Organic Basil is potted and packed in a clear sleeve with a convenient handle for shoppers. The basil plant serves as a vibrant, colorful décor when kept in a sunny windowsill.

A staple in pesto and caprese salad, the herb is celebrated for the sweet, peppery flavor it brings to classic Italian and Thai recipes. This herb can be grown in a consumer’s home for lasting enjoyment with proper care and plenty of sunlight.

Cook up some flavor in the produce aisle and watch as sales soar!

Windset Farms®

MONTREAL, CANADA - A new face will be heading the senior leadership team at Courchesne Larose Group. Recently, the importer and distributor announced that Michael Aucoin will take over the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, succeeding Michel Routhier, who will become Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.

“I am honored by the confidence the Courchesne Larose Groupe has shown in me, and extremely happy to be joining an organization whose exemplary performance has set the standard in its sector for over 100 years. I’m delighted to be able to contribute my experience to the growth of Eastern Canada’s largest importer and distributor of fresh fruit and vegetables,” stated Aucoin.

Following a rigorous selection process, Aucoin comes to Courchesne Larose as a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the agri-food sector. According to a release, he has vast knowledge of distribution channel development, which has enabled him to contribute to the success of companies like Smuckers and Hershey.

Additionally, Aucoin presided over Agropur’s Canadian operations from 2017–2019, managing nearly 5,000 people and ensuring the operational success of its Eat & Beyond investment firm.

Routhier commented on Aucoin’s recent appointment.

“It is important to be able to count on a leader who, in addition to knowing our industry, can effectively mobilize our teams to foster collaboration between the various entities of the Courchesne Larose Group. These ingredients are essential if we are to realize our growth ambitions and become a pan-Canadian leader in the distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. This is a second significant step in that direction, following the recent arrival of a group of investors led by Sagard,” said Routhier.

Cheers to both Aucoin and Routhier as they step into their new roles!

Courchesne Larose Group

ORLANDO, FL - How can you amplify your impact as you enter a new management role? That is the question Connect 2 Potential aims to answer with its latest series of workshops. Led by Founder and Chief Executive Officer Wendy McManus, the “Amplify Your Impact” series will equip participants with essential skills to overcome common challenges faced in early management roles.

"I’ve worked with hundreds of leaders, and many of them battle these same challenges," said McManus. "When you move into leadership, it’s hard to let go of control and shift into the role of motivator. They struggle to delegate effectively, both because delegation is its own challenge, and because they’ve been rewarded for being good at doing all the things through their entire career. And they get hung up on how to gently break through another person’s defenses so they can provide meaningful feedback."

In the produce industry, and especially in smaller companies, support for new leaders may be difficult to come by, a press release stated. Connect 2 Potential seeks to bridge that gap for new leaders by offering guidance and practical solutions.

The series will tackle three top challenges, providing participants with actionable strategies and techniques:

• From Micro-Manager to Motivator Workshop: Wednesday, June 14
• The Art of Delegation Workshop: Wednesday, June 21
• The Fearless Feedback Workshop: Wednesday, June 28

Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with McManus, learning from her experience in coaching leaders. They will also get to connect with and learn from other leaders.

"The Amplify Your Impact workshops are free. And unlike so many other free workshops, they are not an hour-long sales pitch disguised as a workshop!” McManus continues. “I hate it when marketers do that, and I refuse to do it to the people who trust me to honor their time and provide tremendous value from what I teach."

To register for the live workshops and access the replays, click here.

Stay on the pages of ANUK for more leadership insights.

Connect 2 Potential

VERO BEACH, FL - A fresh lemonade stand is a beacon of kindness in our ever-challenging world—especially when it is linked to a good cause. Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet is tapping into the powerful initiative by partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), dedicated to support the fight against childhood cancer.

“At Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet, we firmly believe in the power of sharing and making a positive impact in the lives of others. We are honored to stand alongside Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization that embodies resilience, hope, and determination in the battle against childhood cancer,” said Mayda Sotomayor, Chief Executive Officer.

Seald Sweet will be making a donation to ALSF to fund innovative research projects, supporting families and children battling cancer. June marks the beginning of Seald Sweet’s lemon season and the time when ALSF supporters across the country hold lemonade stands to raise funds and awareness.

Seald Sweet will actively promote this partnership through the creation of a limited-edition packaging, as each label will feature the foundation logo from June to October, a press release stated. Seald Sweet will also donate a variety of fresh fruits to a special culinary event organized by ALSF in Philadelphia tomorrow, June 10.

“Seald Sweet invites everyone to get involved and help create a brighter future for children battling cancer. Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and make a significant difference in the lives of these courageous little heroes and their families,” stated G.T. Parris, Lemon Commodity Manager.

We applaud Seald Sweet on this impactful partnership!

Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet

OXNARD, CA - Amid strong headwinds, Mission Produce™ has put its industry prowess to the test, showing growth across its operations. With the recent release of its fiscal second quarter results for the period ended April 30, 2023, the supplier reported a 19 percent increase in avocado volume sold compared to the same period last year, among other developments.

“Our fiscal second quarter performance was driven by improved sales volumes resulting from a more normal pricing environment versus last year’s record high pricing,” commented Steve Barnard, Chief Executive Officer. “We delivered a 19 percent increase in sales volumes year over year, and we continued to see sequential improvement in both volumes and per-unit margins relative to fiscal first quarter. We are well positioned as we enter the Peruvian season, and our owned production comes online in the second half of the fiscal year. We are optimistic that per unit margins will continue to improve on a sequential basis and support the normal seasonal step-up in adjusted EBITDA in the second half of the fiscal year. Despite the impact of lower prices on per unit margins in the short-term, a more rational pricing environment is advantageous for long-term consumption growth and allows Mission to leverage our global distribution footprint to penetrate new growth markets.”

In addition to an increase in avocado volume sold, other highlights from the report include:

• Year over year market share gains among core U.S. retail customer base
• Sequential improvement in per-unit margins from fiscal first quarter 2023
• Commenced operations at new forward distribution center in the United Kingdom
• Owned production in Peru begins seasonal harvest; expect total exportable production from 125 million to 135 million pounds

Moving forward, Mission will continue to focus on driving global development and growth, utilizing its proven strategy for success.

“As we celebrate our 40^th anniversary, we continue to demonstrate how our world-class vertically integrated model of sourcing, producing, and distributing Hass avocados and other produce differentiates us from our competitors,” Barnard continued. “Our focus remains on driving consumption growth globally by bringing consistent, year-round diversified sourcing capabilities to new growth markets. On that note, we are excited about the opening of our forward distribution center in the UK in April. Although still early, we are pleased with the progress we are making in the UK and are committed to further developing our capabilities in this important long-term growth region.”

To read the release in its entirety, click here.

What will the third quarter hold for Mission? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for updates.

Mission Produce

RICHMOND, BC - The United States is waving hello to Canadian retailer and Loblaw Companies Limited banner T&T Supermarkets as it has announced its entry into the greater Seattle, Washington, area. The Asian grocery store revealed that it will open a location in Bellevue, Washington, in the summer of 2024, becoming one of the largest Asian supermarkets in the state.

"We know the love for T&T transcends borders. It's not unusual to see U.S. license plates in the parking lots of our British Columbia stores, with hundreds of customers regularly making the drive for our food," said Tina Lee, Chief Executive Officer, T&T Supermarkets. "After 30 successful years in Canada, we couldn't be more excited to bring our unique offering closer to home for customers in the U.S."

The flagship store will sit at 76,000 square feet and will be filled with the Asian cuisine that the chain has become famous for, a release stated. This new location will feature a sushi counter, hot food bar, noodle station and in-store kitchen, and a bakery.

With the opening of the Washington store, T&T Supermarkets will create over 300 jobs for the local community. Additionally, T&T will be establishing a regional office in the greater Los Angeles area and is immediately hiring for office positions like buyers and category managers.

Where will T&T Supermarkets make its mark next? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow to find out.

T&T Supermarkets

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - Get ready, because its about to be #GuacGirlSummer thanks to Good Foods and the return of its Dip Into Summer campaign. This year, the company will host a nationwide experiential tour featuring its tasty dips and guacamole as well as a weekly social sweepstakes and coast-to-coast community walks.

“Summer is a time for community, so we’re excited to have even more opportunities to engage with consumers online and on the road all season long,” said Briana Voss, Senior Director of Omni-Channel Marketing. “Each of these touchpoints allows us to further our mission to bring good food to everyone.”

Good Foods officially kicked off the 2023 tour on June 4 in Los Angeles, California, at Hot Girl Walk, an event uniting women to promote mental and physical wellness. According to a release, the brand collaborated with Founder and Creator Mia Lind to share its Chunky Guacamole with participants, and it will continue to bring its products to other community walks nationwide.

To complement these partnerships, Good Foods has launched a weekly #GuacGirlSummer sweepstakes that will take place through July 31. Consumers can respond to weekly prompts on Instagram and TikTok for a chance to win a variety of prizes, encouraging them to stock up on the brand’s offerings.

For its second year in a row, Good Foods will also hit the road in its Airstream to engage with shoppers at summertime events, farmers markets, and retail locations. At each stop, the brand will sample products and give away swag and other prizes.

Click here to see where Good Foods will be popping up.

Keep summer tasty with Good Foods dips and guac on your shelves.

Good Foods

DALLAS, TX - H-E-B is continuing to expand its innovative price format with two new locations. The retailer announced plans to open two Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B stores in Dallas, Texas.

“With the introduction of Joe V’s Smart Shop to Dallas, we are excited to build on our longstanding presence in the area and commitment to serve more customers in this dynamic and growing part of Texas,” said Roxanne Orsak, H-E-B Chief Operating Officer. “As a multi-format retailer, we have developed a variety of brands and formats to best serve our customers across the state.”

Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B is an innovative price format the company launched in 2010. It delivers a uniquely curated assortment of community-focused products and the most relevant high-quality, fresh products H-E-B is known for at even lower prices.

As the retailer continues its expansion in the DFW Metroplex, H-E-B plans to build a Joe V’s Smart Shop at the corner of W. Wheatland Rd. and Highway 67 at 4101 W. Wheatland Road. It is expected to open in late summer 2024. The other location is planned at 5204 S. Buckner Blvd. at the corner of Buckner Blvd. and Samuell St., and it will open in spring 2025. Each store is typically 55,000 square feet in size and employs about 150 Partners.

Joe V’s Smart Shop is a proud H-E-B brand that offers a price-conscious shopping experience and provides customers with the best H-E-B has to offer, such as Meal Simple chef-inspired meals, fresh-cut fruit, organic selection, and more.

“With each store we open, our goal is to provide the best shopping experience, offer fresh, top-quality products, and create jobs and career opportunities that help build a stronger community,” continued Orsak.

Continue following the retail map with us as we keep an eye on the wire.

H-E-B

BAKERSFIELD, CA - The impact of technology and the internet is undeniable; therefore, making a company’s presence known online is vital to success. Bako Sweet® knows this well, which is why the brand has launched a new website with an enhanced user experience for shoppers.

"We very intentionally designed the website to be a place where people could better understand different sweet potato varieties and their benefits, and ultimately drive people to their local retailer to find Bako Sweet products," said Alexandra Rae Molumby, Director of Marketing at Bako Sweet. "By creating a user-friendly platform that not only showcases our exceptional sweet potatoes but also serves as a resource for learning and inspiration, we aim to exceed our consumers' expectations and establish Bako Sweet as the go-to brand."

The website was designed to inspire curiosity about sweet potatoes from California’s Sweet Spot®, a release explained. It was carefully and meticulously crafted, keeping mobile users at the forefront of its design, as Bako Sweet recognizes the importance of mobile devices.

Bako Sweet’s new website features a visually captivating representation of the brand. Through the use of bright colors and beautiful graphics, the essence of the brand is brought to life, creating an immersive environment that embodies the Bako Sweet spirit.

Some of the other key features of the site include a store locator, sweet potato facts, detailed product descriptions, an expanded recipe library, and enhanced SEO and Pinterest integration.

The company plans to analyze user data and feedback to further enhance the website and deliver an exceptional experience that meets the evolving needs of its consumers. Moving forward, Bako Sweet remains committed to growing the website and further developing it to meet consumer needs.

"We will continue to evolve the website based on where users are spending the most time, what they find most valuable, and the feedback we receive,” added Molumby.

How will Bako Sweet utilize this resource to grow its presence at retail? AndNowUKnow is the place for answers.

Bako Sweet®

REIDSVILLE, GA - A new partnership has been born between Shuman Farms and Feed the Boro. In addition, the onion grower has expanded its Feeding America retail programs to include its Mr. Buck’s Farm Fresh® brand.

“Giving back to our local community, as well as those where our products are sold, has always been a key part of who we are. To be this close to home, see this kind of need, and all the people coming together to help is very powerful,” said John Shuman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very grateful for all that Feed the Boro is doing for our local community and look forward to continuing to support their efforts in any way we can.”

Shuman Farms’ Healthy Family Project® was founded in 2002 by John Shuman and has donated more than 18 million meals to Feeding America and raised more than $7.5 million for charities that support children and families. The grower has also donated meals and raised awareness of food insecurity in the U.S. through its own Feeding America retail programs.

On May 20, Shuman Farms celebrated the beginning of a new partnership with local nonprofit, Feed the Boro. Shuman Farms was the presenting sponsor of Feed the Boro’s monthly food drop, and the Shuman family and team were also on-site to lend a hand. In just a few hours’ time, the entire volunteer-driven event provided a week’s worth of meals and fresh ingredients, including RealSweet® Vidalia® onions, to 1,000 families in Statesboro, Georgia, and surrounding communities.

Since 2019, Shuman Farms has shipped its RealSweet Vidalia onions in specially marked Feeding America bags during the month of June. This year, the company is excited to expand its June Feeding America retail programs to include its Mr. Buck’s brand Vidalia onions. The new packaging, as well as accompanying point-of-sale materials and social media support, will aid participating retailers in shedding light on food insecurity in the U.S., especially as children who rely on school-provided meals are home for the summer.

To celebrate the kickoff of its June Feeding America promotions, the Shuman Farms team volunteered at their local Feeding America food bank, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, and packed nearly 1,500 breakfast bags for children in local summer programs.

Shout out to Shuman Farms for continuing to provide fresh produce to those in need!

Shuman Farms