BOISE, ID - Backed by a successful company-wide transformation strategy, Albertsons Companies has reported strong results for the fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2022, which ended February 25, 2023. Among the highlights is a $900 million boost in net sales, due in part to an increase in identical sales.

“These results, and our results for fiscal 2022 overall, were fueled by the rollout of our Customers for Life transformation strategy, which places the customer at the center of everything we do, with the ultimate goal of supporting them every day, every week, and for a lifetime,” said Vivek Sankaran, Chief Executive Officer. “Against this backdrop, throughout the year, we invested in the following initiatives: digitally connecting and engaging our customers through a frictionless omnichannel experience, differentiating our store experience, enhancing what we offer and where we offer it, modernizing our operational capabilities, and further embedding ESG throughout our operations.”

Overall, net sales and other revenue was $18.3 billion during the 12 weeks ended February 25, 2023, compared to $17.4 billion during the 12 weeks ended February 26, 2022, a release stated. Other fourth quarter highlights include:

• Identical sales increased by 5.6 percent
• Digital sales increased by 16 percent
• Loyalty members increased 15 percent to over 34 million

“We are pleased with our fourth quarter financial results and the suite of capabilities we continue to build in our business,” added Sankaran. “We want to thank all our teams for their commitment to bringing people together around the joys of food and inspiring well-being, and for serving our customers and communities.”

Looking toward the future, the retailer is strategizing to face challenges like inflation and labor, and is planning to do so with ongoing investments in the company.

To read the report in its entirety, click here.

What will fiscal 2023 have in store for Albertsons? Stay tuned to ANUK to find out.

Albertsons

GLENNVILLE, GA - Vidalia® onions are getting a fresh new look this season thanks to G&R Farms. Harnessing the beloved variety to stand out in the onion sector, the grower has pulled back the curtain on its newly launched Vidalia packaging.

“At G&R, we might be a traditional company, but we also are dedicated to innovation in all areas of our business, including marketing. We want to stay relevant and meet our customers where they are,” remarked Blake Dasher, Chief Executive Officer of G&R Farms. “We know our packaging is a break from the industry norm, but we also believe it strikes a softer visual brand look that appeals to a broad range of shoppers. As the Vidalia season gets underway and consumers get ready for their first bite of the onions they ask for by name, it’s only fitting that our new brand is there to greet them.”

The new brand look will be available on all package sizes for both conventional and organic Vidalia onions and will also be available year-round on Peruvian onions starting in the fall, a press release explained. The refreshing redesign presents an illustrated, fresh feel with a striking new color palate matched with a striking aesthetic. Also featured on the new packaging is information on the company’s rich history, as well as valuable consumer insights.

As the company noted in the release, this strategic move aims to highlight the premium essence of G&R Farms’ Vidalia onions and support retailers with increased sales. The exciting new look sets out to meet the supplier’s goal of standing out amongst the many new brands and products in the produce department, generating increased impulse purchases for the traditional sweet onion variety.

As suppliers implement more creative brand strategies, ANUK will be here to report.

G&R Farms

BRAMPTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - More Loblaw news has come to light, proving even more growth for the ever-evolving retailer. Most recently, the grocer announced the appointment of Per Bank as its newest President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Loblaw is admired worldwide for its sound values, long history of innovation, and the strong execution that has made the company what it is today,” said Bank. “I am truly excited to join the team and build on the ongoing success of my future colleagues.”

Bank has upheld a 30-year retail career, gaining deep expertise in retail operations and the supply chain. As noted in a press release, he is also the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Salling Group A/S, which has 1,700 multi-banner supermarkets across three countries.

Upon stepping into the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, Bank will be responsible for Loblaw’s day-to-day operations, reporting to Loblaw’s Board of Directors. Galen G. Weston will remain Chair of the Loblaw Board of Directors, as well as Chair of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the parent company George Weston Limited.

“Over the past two years, we have strengthened the foundations of the company. Our management team is exceptional, and our 220,000 colleagues continue to deliver for our customers every day,” said Galen G. Weston. “In Per, we have found a world-class retail executive to help us build from that position of leadership and strength, and to continue on that journey.”

The recent appointment follows a global talent search in anticipation of Robert Sawyer’s planned retirement as Chief Operating Officer at the end of 2023. Robert Sawyer will remain as Chief Operating Officer until the end of the year. In addition, Richard Dufresne will continue as Loblaw’s Chief Financial Officer and President and Chief Financial Officer of George Weston Limited.

“Robert, Richard, and I have worked side by side with our management teams to improve Loblaw’s performance. Per is an exceptional executive with a decades-long track record of delivering retail excellence and successful growth—enabling a smooth transition for our teams,” said Weston.

Click here to read more about the appointment and stick with AndNowUKnow for more fresh industry updates.

Loblaw

OXNARD, CA - Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires may not be the kind of gems that Westfalia Fruit is dealing in, but the company’s GEM® avocados are just as brilliant. The supplier announced that its 2023 GEM avocado season is underway, with a strong supply of fruit expected from mid-April through mid-July.

“The GEM avocado has an exceptional flavor profile and is the darling of chefs, home cooks, and foodie fanatics alike,” said Raina Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Westfalia Fruit has successfully and exclusively marketed the GEM in key markets across the globe to create a best-in-category avocado that drives consumers to a new avocado destination. We are excited to launch similar programs here in the U.S. and build upon the global GEM successes we’ve designed with world-class retailers.”

Westfalia Fruit US is excited to offer the GEM avocado to the United States market, according to a release. The supplier holds exclusive marketing rights to the variety in Africa, the EU, and other regions around the world.

With gold-flecked skin and a creamy, buttery texture, GEM is a unique avocado that elevates the category. It is larger than other varieties in the category and has a slightly nutty flavor that speaks to gourmet eating occasions.

The company’s U.S. GEM program will be supplied with California fruit, but the variety is grown in other global areas like South Africa. It is a sustainable cultivar with a high yield of fruit on compact trees that are protected from harsh environments due to the plush tree canopy. Each GEM avocado is hand-picked at peak ripeness to deliver the best tasting fruit to consumers.

“We anticipate a healthy season for the GEM variety this year. We are enthusiastic to build dazzling customer programs to drive GEM awareness with consumers through innovative and proven methodologies that make avocado programs shine,” shared Nelson.

If you want GEMs in your produce department, reach out to Westfalia.

To learn more about exciting varieties to appeal to your consumers, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Westfalia Fruit

LONGWOOD, FL - Everyone has heard the expression “Life is not a destination, it is a journey.”

As I approach the more senior aspects of new journeys in my business career and personal activities, I have done a lot of thinking on where I came from, where I have been, and where I am going. Many of us have focused on jobs, industry, family, and political issues over the last few decades. It can be difficult at times to separate who we are as individuals from who we are as executives, managers, or leaders.

A priority initiative for me is sharing my experiential equity in net value growth from the CPG, confectionery, dairy, juice, beverage, and produce industries. In these I have been involved at various levels with regard to management development, leadership, and decision making.

Given the mission of building for the future, I have transitioned into consulting, board memberships, and lecturing to share moments and experiences that will hopefully add value and new perspectives to the next generation of executives and global leaders.

Regardless of level or position, three aspects of self-growth continue to be prevalent: Lead to learn, network to grow, and share to build.

Leading a team can and should always be a learning experience for the leader as well as the team members. The most common driver, according to Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, is belonging. One learns a great deal about leadership from understanding the individual needs of the team and their perspectives as there is a drive for common priorities and goals.

Networking by its very nature is growing from a pure sales standpoint. However, many managers and senior-level executives miss the opportunity to dive into the subsets of networking. It is not just about what can be built for a client, but what you can learn from other perspectives for self-growth and self-awareness. Or, to quote Maslow, “self-actualization in driving stronger abilities to listen, share, and communicate.”

Sharing key priorities, strengths, weaknesses, and concerns allows management teams and organizations to build stronger initiatives and net value through a realized common ground. In many organizations, individual goals can at times overshadow a team’s purpose. By clearly sharing a common ground or purpose, responsibility is not only implied but expected. In many organizations, an individual or department’s purpose can conflict with a company’s larger objective. Sharing to grow by being transparent with all teams at the outset of a project or quarterly objective, regardless of conflicting arguments, has always allowed upper management to right the ship in stormy waters.

As leaders over time have said: Carpe Diem—seize the day!

Doug Kling, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner, Kling Strategic Partners LLC

Mr. Kling is an experienced executive leader who has been involved both on a board and senior management level with Cadbury Schweppes, Johanna Foods, Life Savers Inc., and other fortune 500 consumer products companies, institutional associations, and government agencies on a national and global level for over 35 years. He just completed four years on the Board of Directors of the United Fresh Produce Association and served on the Fresh Summit Advisory Board of the Produce Marketing Association. He is currently on the Board of Directors of Black Gold Farms, one of the largest potato farming operations in North America, and is President and Chief Executive Officer of Kling Strategic Partners LLC., a global strategic development partnership working primarily with companies in the food, CPG, and agricultural industries.

Mr. Kling holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida; completed MBA studies in marketing management at Pace University in New York City; post-graduate work in Strategic Marketing at the Harvard Graduate School of Business; and post-graduate work in negotiation at Harvard Law School.

Kling Strategic Partners LLC

ILLINOIS - With its sights set on Illinois, Corborn's has announced its acquisition of Sullivan's Foods. The retailer currently operates 11 locations, a convenience store and gas station, three ACE Hardware stores, a warehouse, and a central office in the state, helping Corborn's establish its footprint in the state.

“This is our first entry into the state of Illinois, so we have some things to learn, some added distance to figure out, and to onboard their team into our organization,” commented President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Coborn.

According to KNSI, the purchase is expected to close in May and will extend Coborn’s portfolio to 77 locations from the Great Lakes west to the Dakotas. This growing footprint will require the company to make some adjustments to its business.

The newly added locations will still operate under the Sullivan’s Foods name going forward. Following the deal, each of Sullivan’s Foods’ 800 employees will be hired on by Coborn’s and will make the transition.

Sullivan’s Foods was created in 1967 in Savanna, Illinois, before expanding to the central and northern parts of the state.

For more retail growth and expansion strategies, keep clicking on that little apple logo.

Coborn's

CALIFORNIA - I visited my sister in South Lake Tahoe, California, last weekend, and while the snow still piled high above her mailbox, the sun was shining and water began to run down the streets. It was my first sign that California’s snowpack is melting. The latest outlooks expect that the snowmelt and resulting runoff will last through much of 2023.

According to the Los Angeles Times, runoff from the record-breaking snowpack in the Sierra Nevada will be most impactful in the Tulare Lake basin and the San Joaquin River basin. Officials warn that residents of the areas may be impacted by the influx of water coming down the hill.

“Be aware of your flood risks,” said Jeremy Arrich, Manager of Flood Management with the Department of Water Resources. “Know where your house or your business sits within or around the potential for flooding. Be prepared by planning out evacuation routes and meeting locations with your family, and then take action if the emergency response or local entities send out evacuation orders or warnings.”

Mammoth Mountain, as well, has experienced record snowfall this season, receiving over 700 inches of powder. As of now, according to the news source, there is more water contained in the state’s snowpack than the capacity of Lake Mead—the nation’s largest reservoir.

As to how this anticipated flooding will impact California’s fresh produce growers, we are still unsure. However, ANUK will be sure to report when we find out.

CERRITOS, CA - Are you ready for the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s (FPFC) 2023 Expo? Among the many exciting activities taking place during the fresh-focused event, the organization has announced its latest keynote speaker: Sarah Thomas.

Thomas will be speaking at this year’s Keynote Breakfast, which begins at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 27.

Thomas was one of nine new game officials added to the NFL officiating roster for the 2015 season, becoming the first full-time female official in NFL history, a recent press release explained.

She began her officiating career in 1996, when she attended a meeting for aspiring football officials with her brother. Recently, she completed her sixth season for the NFL as a Down Judge, and in January 2019, she made history again as the first female to officiate a postseason NFL game.

Sarah holds the honor of being named Sports Illustrated's 100 Most Influential NFL Figures of All Time.

Attendees can also meet and take pictures with Sarah Thomas after the Keynote Breakfast at the Idaho Potato Commission at booth #614.

Keep reading ANUK as we bring your more event updates!

Fresh Produce & Floral Council

HULL, IA - Come spring 2024, Fareway Stores will be opening the doors of its newest location. The retailer recently announced plans to construct the new store, expected to stand at approximately 10,600 square feet.

“Communities depend on a local grocer to offer high-quality products and unmatched service and help keep communities vibrant,” said Chief Executive Officer Reynolds W. Cramer. “We look forward to serving area residents of Hull and want to thank city staff and community leaders for helping make this project possible.”

The new store will provide farm-fresh produce, competitive prices, and the highest level of customer service, including to-your-car carryout. It will also offer FastLanes, a self-service checkout option, and online shopping and curbside pick-up, a press release stated.

Fareway announced that it will close on the property soon, with more details coming in the near future.

“We are excited to welcome Fareway to Hull,” said Hull Mayor Arlan Moss. “Our residents have been waiting for a local grocery store committed to great customer service and our small-town values. We want to thank Fareway for their investment and commitment to making Hull a great place to live, work, and play.”

The full press release can be found here.

As Fareway continues to expand, ANUK will be here to report.

Fareway

ORLANDO, FL - To connect and inspire is one of the great gifts that come with attending conferences. In my experience, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. As International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Women’s Fresh Perspective Conference (WFPC) gears up for its Sunday start, I connected with women across the industry to hear why this event is important to them.

Let’s dive in.

Rochelle Bohm, Vice President of Marketing, CMI Orchards

“This is the first chance I’ve had to attend the women’s conference, and I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about it. Danelle Huber and I will be attending from CMI Orchards, and we are eager to network with other women in the produce industry and learn from and be inspired by their unique journeys. As women in the produce industry, we are all part of a powerful force driving change and innovation, creating a brighter future for those in our wake.”

Jackie Nakashian, Brand Manager, Trinity Fruit Company

“Last year was my first Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, and I had so much fun meeting new people and hearing from the amazing speakers. I am so excited to attend again this year to expand my network of inspirational women and learn more about the produce industry as a whole.”

Nicole Zapata, Marketing Director, Misionero

“I’ve had the privilege of attending WFPC, and it has been a truly empowering experience. The speakers and the material presented have been highly inspirational, providing invaluable insights into effective leadership. The networking opportunities have also been wonderful, allowing me to establish meaningful connections with other women in the industry.”

Jen Velasquez, Director of Marketing, FullTilt Marketing

“I’m really happy I could squeeze WFPC into a busy spring! I have never attended before, but have heard great things. I am especially excited that we’ve been paired up with mentors and mentees, which is something I really enjoy whenever given the chance.”

Kaari Stannard, Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Yes! Apples  

I'm thrilled to attend WFPC and to be in the same space with the spectacular women in the produce industry. While leading the charge for New York Apple Sales, and now Yes! Apples, I have had the opportunity to celebrate and empower the women on my team and in this industry. I believe in continuous improvement and will continue to sharpen and hone my leadership skills. This conference is an opportunity to learn from my peers and experts in leadership, and I will take what I learn back to my day-to-day to benefit the women and the produce industry. What's more, I am encouraged by the boundaries continuously pushed by today's younger workforce. With their leadership, I am hopeful our future generations will work in a world that genuinely experiences equality.  

Hoping everyone has a fruitful experience at WFPC!

International Fresh Produce Association