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

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