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

VANCOUVER, CANADA - With an impressive portfolio of well-known produce brands and an outstanding presence in Canada, you can bet Oppy is one provider we will certainly see at this year’s annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Convention and Trade Show. Attendees who stop by the fresh powerhouse’s booth will be granted a closer look at the high-quality offerings driving demand at retail.

“Amidst the heavy rains in California, we’re spreading awareness of our controlled environment agriculture offerings with baby leafy greens from UP Vertical Farms and hydroponic strawberries from Happy Berry™,” Canadian Sales Director Colbert Rahal says. “We’re also featuring traditional products from new countries of origin like Spanish garlic and Peruvian ginger—just a few ways you can expect the world from us.”

Wondering what else awaits you at booth #1220 this year? Well, Oppy is also taking the opportunity to spotlight more of its featured brands such as Envy™, JAZZ, Divemex, Ocean Spray, and Zespri™.

The fresh produce provider is also taking to CPMA to celebrate a special anniversary, marking 20 years of its Expect the world from us brand promise. This celebration includes a special feature at the banquet, where the menu will showcase deliciously sweet bell peppers from two of Oppy’s closest grower partners: Divemex and Perpetual Vegetable Co.

While on the topic of partnerships, Colbert explains how CPMA provides an advantageous event for industry connection.

“I’m grateful that produce remains a handshake industry. We’re in the people business, and to have everyone in the same space to connect, share, and learn is the greatest benefit of CPMA,” Colbert adds. “Though this industry is very competitive, it’s also very collaborative, and I think that’s what makes it so special. It’s because we’re all working toward an important cause—to ensure people around the world have access to safe, nutritious fruits and vegetables while increasing consumption.”

Further upping the appeal, the CPMA show also grants Oppy an opportunity to center its focus on its home turf.

“Since Canada is Oppy’s home soil, we’re incredibly passionate about discovering relevant offerings for our country: Canadian-centric products for Canadian consumers. Whether it’s as close as baby leafy greens from a vertical plant factory in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia; tomatoes from a greenhouse in Redcliff, Alberta; or as far as garlic from Spain or Peruvian grapes, we’re always looking for ways to serve our Canadian customers better,” Colbert explains. “We look forward to conversations about how we can do so even better while in booth #1220.”

For more CPMA coverage and exclusive trade show insights, stay on the pages of ANUK.

Oppy

PROVIDENCE, RI - How can emerging brands rise above the white noise and create some healthy competition? One way is through the help of United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI). The distributor is leveraging the scale of its network to help emerging brands expand with UNFI’s diverse customer base.

“UNFI works with some of the most dynamic and innovative local, regional, and national grocers in North America, which presents a tremendous brand positioning opportunity,” said John Raiche, Executive Vice President, Supplier Services. “Emerging brands can take advantage of UNFI’s account managers and sales team who have built long-term relationships with our customers, bringing them tailored programs, solutions, and enhanced value-added insights to strengthen suppliers’ marketing and merchandising efforts.”

UNFI relies on its 56 distribution centers, representing over 30 million square feet of warehouse space. This vast supply chain network presents an opportunity to not only market to a variety of new retail customers, but also accelerate speed to new markets. The company offers several options, including its UpNext program, which is tailored to emerging brands.

Evive, for example, turned to UNFI’s UpNext program to gain resources, insights, and hands-on relationships. Evive now has products in 13 UNFI distribution centers across the company’s four regions, according to a press release.

Once Upon a Farm also found an opportunity for expansion by aging up the brand and creating delicious products for older children. While this gave the brand additional sales channels, it also meant developing relationships with retail buyers in multiple departments.

More information on UNFI’s investment in emerging brands can be found here.

Stick with ANUK for more food distribution news.

United Natural Foods, Inc.

DENVER, CO - Last year proved to be impactful for United States potato exports, as evidenced by a recent report from Potatoes USA. The organization revealed that the nation’s export of the category hit a record $2.1 billion in sales, with the value of exports across all potato types increasing 11 percent from the year prior.

Although volume sales declined 4.2 percent, they were still higher than in 2018 and 2020 (fresh weight equivalent), according to a release. Demand for U.S. potato products remained strong throughout the year, showing that this slight decrease in export volume was due to tight supply.

Throughout 2022, the top export markets for U.S. potatoes were Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, in descending order.

In the frozen category, the nation’s potato exports rose by 13.8 percent, reaching $1.34 billion, despite volume decreasing 2.5 percent compared to 2021. U.S. fresh potato sales increased 9 percent to $287 million, although shipment volume decreased 9.7 percent.

Overall, maintaining a consistent supply of U.S. potato products was a challenge for exports; however, by the end of 2022, supplies had stabilized in some export markets, including South Korea and Myanmar. Despite inflation-driven price increases of U.S. products, global demand for the country’s potatoes remained strong, with importers, foodservice operators, and retailers in key markets preferring U.S. potatoes over competitor products.

To read more about 2022 U.S. potato export market trends, click here.

Want more category insights? Stay tuned to ANUK.

Potatoes USA

FOWLER, CA - The produce aisles are alive with displays of Star Ruby Grapefruit from Bee Sweet Citrus! As temperatures climb in California’s Central Valley, the grower is spotlighting the popular springtime variety just in time for seasonal promotions.

“The eating quality of our Star Ruby Grapefruit has been nothing short of excellent,” stated Vice President of Farming Keith Watkins. “As the season continues to change, we’ve seen a rising demand for grapefruit, and we’re positive that shoppers will be satisfied with its taste and quality.”

Star Ruby Grapefruit has the deepest coloring of all red grapefruit varieties, as stated in a release, adding visual appeal to the list of reasons why consumers will be taken aback by this citrus offering. They will be even more entranced when they taste the sweet, tangy flavor that is less acidic than other grapefruits.

“The Star Ruby variety is especially sweet in the late winter and early spring,” continued Watkins. “Consumers can distinguish them apart from other grapefruit varieties with their blushed rind and dark, red internal color.”

High in fiber and water content, Star Ruby grapefruit can be merchandised as a great variety for shoppers looking to add flavorful produce to their diets. Adding to the benefits, Star Ruby also contains vitamins A, C, and potassium—perfect selling points for consumers wanting to boost their immunity.

To help with displays, Bee Sweet’s Star Ruby Grapefruit is packaged in matching high-graphic bags and cartons that will catch the eyes of passersby.

Sound like the perfect variety for your fresh department? Reach out to a Bee Sweet rep for more info.

Bee Sweet Citrus

SPARTA, MI - To tell the Applewood Fresh Growers story, there must be an emphasis on Michigan apples. Spreading that awareness is the grower’s primary marketing tactic, though it employs many strategies to achieve its goals.

“When Applewood Fresh started in 2019, the initial focus was on the fundamentals of marketing,” Shelby Babcock, Marketing and Sales Specialist, told me. “We wanted to build a foundation that we can layer with more in-depth customized programs for our customers in the years to come. Our team is now shifting our focus to increase our B2B marketing tactics, while keeping B2C efforts in place.”

Shelby explained that each customer has specific requirements that need to be met depending on their location, demographic of customers, and products offered. Applewood offers customization tactics that can emphasize the programs retailers already have in place and stay up-to-date with their teams.

Applewood is looking for innovative ways to get apples into the hands of consumers. To do so, it utilizes in-store demonstrations, media/photography, social media content, displays, customized in-store signage, and more. For example, Applewood currently has Single Sleeve Apple covers that fit a single apple for the EverCrisp variety.

“We are keeping the traditional marketing methods such as ads and displays, but also adding in new, innovative elements like social media that can hit a different target market,” Shelby continued. “You can reach anyone from the touch of a button now—an aspect that was unheard of 20 years ago.”

At the store level, Shelby assured me that Applewood can help buyers from an operational standpoint. The brand is willing to participate in customer-specific programs, such as loyalty programs, coupons, and events. Its digital marketing and advertising also drive consumers to specific retailers looking for certain varieties.

“We are not looking to be the biggest shipper/marketer out there for Michigan apples, but we do want to provide high-quality, consistent fruit that retailers can depend on year after year,” Shelby continued. “People oftentimes get lost in the big-picture stuff and forget about the minor details that matter—providing standards like no other.”

Applewood aims to be a year-round supplier of Michigan apples. The grower offers varieties into late June and some through July. Currently, its focus is on branded varieties like EverCrisp, Ambrosia, Kiku, and Kanzi, as well as core varieties like Gala and Fuji.

With such a wide-ranging repertoire and marketing efforts to match, it is no wonder why Applewood Fresh has become a top provider of Michigan-grown apples. As we continue to keep our eyes on the grower, keep clicking back to ANUK.

Applewood Fresh Growers

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO- The leadership team at Mucci Farms just got a little bit bigger as it has welcomed Phil Johnson as Technical Director of Growing Operations. Wielding over two decades of experience from three different continents, Johnson adds valuable greenhouse growing knowledge to the supplier’s executive ring.

“My philosophy is not just to focus on using less but also on getting the most out of what you use,” said Johnson. “The team here is very talented, and I’m looking forward to augmenting and refining strategies to ensure the best combination of yield, quality, and flavour.”

Johnson was born and raised in the United Kingdom, where he began his career as a teenager working in greenhouses on the weekends, according to a release. This inspired him to follow his passion for growing, kicking off a 20-year career with Grodan spanning the U.K., New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.

“Ironically, when I first relocated to Canada in 2008, the very first greenhouse I walked through was a Mucci farm, and ever since, I’ve enjoyed offering technical support to their talented growers,” added Phil.

Having held a variety of leadership roles, Johnson is recognized for managing a premium team of experts that supported greenhouse growers on effective irrigation strategies and growing methods. He is well-known in the controlled environment agriculture industry, and in his new position will help Mucci Farms with growing efficiencies with an emphasis on sustainability by maximizing quality production.

“We are continuously looking to refine our standard operating procedures by finding new ways to maximize efficiencies across the board,” commented Bert Mucci, Chief Executive Officer. “Phil’s experience around the world and proven track record of achieving world-class results will help us remain at the forefront of CEA growing for years to come. We are very excited and fortunate to have him join Team Mucci.”

Best of luck to Phil Johnson as he takes on his new position!

Mucci Farms