ZAANDAM, NETHERLANDS - The results are in, and Ahold Delhaize has once again achieved a boost in net sales. The retailer recently released its first quarter 2023 financial results, pointing to impressive signs of growth. It was announced that Q1 Group net sales were €21.6 billion ($23.3 billion), up 6.3 percent at constant exchange rates and up 9.4 percent at actual exchange rates.

“Our brands’ ability to adapt their assortments and omnichannel customer journeys to rising consumer price sensitivity is resonating well with customers, and this is clearly reflected in our Q1 results,” said Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Comparable store sales excluding gas grew 6.2 percent in Q1. Leveraging these strong sales, we delivered an underlying operating margin of 4 percent and diluted underlying EPS growth of 10.5 percent. Our strong earnings performance was largely driven by a strong operating performance in the U.S., which partially offset increased energy costs in Europe and the impact of strikes in Belgium.”

Net consumer online sales for the first quarter increased by 5.9 percent at constant exchange rates. Grocery online sales increased 9.7 percent at constant rates, a press release stated.

Other highlights include:

• Q1 underlying operating margin was 4 percent, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points. Strong underlying U.S. margin partially offset declines in European margin and a reduction in GSO insurance gains
• Q1 IFRS-reported operating income was €822 million ($890.3 million) and Q1 IFRS-reported diluted EPS was €0.57 ($0.62)
• Q1 diluted underlying EPS was €0.61 ($0.66), an increase of 10.5 percent over the prior year at actual rates

“The U.S. brands continue to deliver consistent and strong performance. In the quarter, comparable sales grew by 8.1 percent, excluding weather and calendar shifts,” Muller continued. “We also delivered a strong underlying operating profit, driven by better shelf availability, as supply chains are much improved compared to a year ago. It is clear that customers are finding great value through our brands’ various omnichannel propositions. During the quarter, the loyalty programs at Food Lion, Stop & Shop, and Giant Food were named among ‘America’s Best Loyalty Programs 2023’ by Newsweek.”

More from the report can be found here. Keep reading ANUK for more updates.

Ahold Delhaize

NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - In one of the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) latest initiatives, the organization put its members in the spotlight for their efforts to improve sustainability. At the Agriculture Innovation Mission (AIM) for Climate Summit held May 8–10, IFPA spotlighted some of the latest innovations championed by the industry.

“Part of our global sustainability strategy includes IFPA participating in these important food systems conversations, including the United Nations Conference of Paris (COP) 28. AIM for Climate is a prominent forum prior to COP28 later this year and gave us a platform to share with international heads of state and ministerial bodies the important work our members and industry are doing on carbon emissions and other sustainability issues,” said Director of Sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena.

The summit is a joint initiative by the United States and the United Arab Emirates that seeks to address climate change and global hunger. In addition, AIM for Climate recognizes that diversity, gender equity, and inclusion are critical to the success of its mission and seeks to draw on participants’ diverse knowledge, experiences, and cultures.

According to a press release, Muruetagoiena observed three themes from the summit:

• Climate-smart agriculture innovation, which aligns with current IFPA initiatives such as the second cohort of the Fresh Fields Catalyst Accelerator program, which is focused on delivering climate-smart solutions to the industry’s biggest challenges
• Soil health. Here, reducing tillage, managing nutrients, and utilization of cover crops were cited as the pillars of soil health, along with managing nitrous oxide levels
• Achieving gender leadership equality among agricultural businesses and growing the base of female farmers worldwide. IFPA is addressing this through its inclusion, diversity, equity, and access program portfolio

IFPA sustainability resources also include the Fresh Produce Research Center. This is in addition to ongoing IFPA consumer research on sustainability, numerous resources in packaging, regenerative agriculture, an ethical charter focused on responsible labor practices, and more.

As we continue to watch sustainability initiatives blossom, ANUK will keep you informed.

International Fresh Produce Association

LOS ANGELES, CA - ProducePay is bringing an advantageous solution to European markets with the expansion of its Quick-Pay service. As a result of this growth, the company will now support trade with buyers in Europe via ocean freight from Latin America.

“With produce supply chains becoming increasingly more global, our members are looking for financial solutions that help them access new markets and enhance their day-to-day operations,” said ProducePay Chief Executive Officer Patrick McCullough. “The expansion of Quick-Pay eliminates what has historically been a hidden barrier to growth, and is helping to create a more connected global fresh produce supply chain to meet today’s rising demand for fresh produce.”

Quick-Pay’s rollout in Europe will begin in two of the continent’s top importing countries: The Netherlands and Spain. Both are key trade hubs for imported tropical fruit and vegetables. The industry innovator originally expanded its Quick-Pay offering in October 2022 specifically to help Latin American growers ship fresh produce by ocean freight to the United States, a press release explained.

Through this new expansion, the company’s grower members can now receive up to 50 percent of their shipment’s value within 24 hours after it has been shipped to a designated buyer in Europe. These advanced payment options also come with trade protection for growers to trade with confidence and transparency.

As the company explained in the release, with more immediate cash flow through Quick-Pay, Latin American growers have greater freedom and resources to make operational decisions such as expanding their business, diversifying their crops, and investing in sustainable practices and technology.

The innovative solution was originally launched in Chile, Colombia, and Peru, and is now available in new markets across Latin America including Ecuador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. These countries will now be able to ship to the U.S. and the E.U. via marine freight.

Click here to read more about ProducePay’s expanding Quick-Pay service.

For more industry news, stick with ANUK.

ProducePay

SANTA PAULA, CA - Today, we are tracking the progress of Limoneira’s ambitious sustainability efforts. Sharing an update on the continued progress of its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, the citrus and avocado supplier has released its annual sustainability report.

“Sustainable land stewardship is at the core of our organization and has guided our farming practices for 130 years,” said Harold Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer of Limoneira. “We are committed to being a catalyst for positive change, and this report allows us to outline our ESG pillars, along with our annual performance against those pillars, and identify areas of improvement as we work toward creating a better future and long-term value for shareholders, employees, and customers.”

Some annual highlights included in the release are:

• Renewable energy powered over 44 percent of all operations at Limoneira, an increase from over 30 percent in the prior year
• Expanded the implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices
• Increased diversity on the Board of Directors, with 43 percent of Directors now female
• Distributed $2.5 million in charitable donations

The report was prepared in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, according to a press release.

For more updates on Limoneira’s operational growth, stick around with us at AndNowUKnow.

Limoneira

SANTA MARIA, CA - Grill ’em, sauté ’em, or roast ’em, either way you make ’em, consumers go wild for Brussels sprouts year-round. The popularity of the category creates some challenges; due to the weather events earlier this year, many sprouts growers faced some issues in production. I tapped Crystal Chavez, Marketing Coordinator for Gold Coast Packing, to provide a little insight on the producer’s current harvest.

“Currently, the Brussels sprouts market is very tight. In the Santa Maria Valley area, we are about a month behind schedule, all due to planting delays caused by all the rain we experienced earlier this year,” Crystal tells me. “A 3–4 week gap is expected for sprouts.”

PRO*ACT’s The Source for May 10, 2023, confirms the tight volume, reporting Brussels sprouts are in limited supplies. It noted Oxnard, California, production normally begins the first of May. This been pushed back a few weeks. The market for Brussels sprouts was expected to increase ahead of Mother’s Day weekend.

“To add to the lack of supply, Mexico harvest ended earlier than expected. There are some Brussels sprouts available out of Mexico, but the quality is not ideal,” continues Crystal. “Current pricing is $50 when typical pricing is around $20–$25. This is the tightest we have seen Brussels for a non-holiday pull in a very long time. Brussels sprouts continue to grow in popularity and are no longer just a holiday item, they are now a staple veg!”

A true hot commodity year-round! As we keep an eye on more industry reports, keep a tab open for ANUK.

Gold Coast Packing

PHILADELPHIA, PA - With all the hard work and dedication that goes into farming, it only makes sense that suppliers want to protect the fruits of their labor. AgroFresh is offering them an innovative solution to do just that in the form of its Harvista™ 1.3 SC near-harvest solution for blueberries. Growers have increased control over the ripening process and bottom-line projections through its usage.

“Harvista 1.3 SC’s unique mode of action against ethylene, the mechanical changes associated with blueberry softening are delayed and the softening rate is decreased. This can result in firmer blueberries and more marketable yield potential, allowing growers to make the most of every blueberry harvest,” explains Juan Francisco Vargas, Technical Services Manager, R&D for AgroFresh. “AgroFresh is present in all of the key blueberry growing areas of the world, including the United States and Chile, with Harvista approved and in use.”

Before being used for blueberries, Harvista has demonstrated effectiveness in apples in North America for years. It first became available in the U.S. in 2008 and is now labeled for use in other crops such as pears, blueberries, and cherries. When it comes to blueberries, Harvista can deliver flexible harvest management, greater blueberry firmness retention, increased pack-out volume, and reduced defects.

“This solution features a unique mode of action that blocks ethylene receptors to delay the effects of ethylene on the maturation and softening of blueberries,” adds Vargas. “Ethylene is a plant’s natural hormone that accelerates these processes. Based on 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), Harvista 1.3 SC delays the acceleration of maturity processes caused by ethylene.”

As demonstrated in an AgroFresh study on file, blueberry firmness was well maintained versus control on three separate occasions.

“We had excellent results with the pre-harvest application of Harvista on blueberries,"says Brandon Wade, Plant Manager of Alma Berry Farms. "More specifically, we saw an increase of around 10 percent in pack out on Legacy and Camellia, 5 percent on Optimus, and around 2 percent on Suziblue. In addition, the packing line ran much more smoothly with the firmer berries."

Wade went on to note that, "If you set the lugs from the field side by side, there was a noticeable difference between the treated and non-treated berries. The treated showed dramatically more consistent and firmer berries. The service provided by the AgroFresh team is amazing. They were there from start to finish, walking us through every part of the process. AgroFresh is a company that truly cares about their customer. We look forward to expanding our post-harvest program with AgroFresh!”

Amid recent weather patterns affecting growing operations around the world, AgroFresh is focused on helping berry producers achieve greater quality, consistency, and marketable yield potential through Harvista and its full portfolio of post-harvest quality and freshness solutions.

For more unique solutions from across the fresh produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

AgroFresh

ROSEMONT, IL - New stores are planned for a US Foods banner. Three CHEF’STORE® locations are on the books and expected to open in fall of this year.

“As part of the US Foods omnichannel strategy to provide enhanced delivery and retail options to foodservice operators, we are excited to continue to grow the CHEF’STORE footprint,” said Irfan Badibanga, President of CHEF’STORE. “Our CHEF’STORE locations provide an unmatched solution for restaurateurs, smaller foodservice operators, and price-conscious community members to get the products they need when they need it, and we look forward to serving new and existing customers.”

The upcoming warehouse format stores will range between 20,000 and 23,500 square feet, a press release explained, and will offer a wide assortment of products spanning fresh produce all the way to restaurant equipment.

Since acquiring Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores in April 2020, US Foods has continued to strategically expand its brick-and-mortar market footprint. With these three new locations under its belt, US Foods will now have a network of over 90 stores in 13 states.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep its eyes peeled on the latest happenings in retail and foodservice, so stay tuned.

US Foods

MONTEREY, CA - Back in mid-March, we reported on another California storm that brought an onslaught of rain to several growing regions throughout the state. In a recent report from the County of Monterey Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, survey results showed that in total, 20,073 acres of agricultural land was impacted, leading to $600 million in damages.

“This has proven to be one of the most difficult winters many of our growers and communities have experienced in our area,” said Juan Hidalgo, County of Monterey Agricultural Commissioner. “I am hopeful that having a full picture of the extent of this winter’s damage will open new recovery opportunities and assistance to our impacted growers.”

In the first survey of flood and storm damage conducted in March, officials found that impacts of the January storms totaled $336 million. After the second survey, it was reported that additional damages of $264 million were measured following storms in March.

According to King City Rustler, approximately 8,736 acres of crops were destroyed or unable to be planted due to the flooding in March. Strawberry crops in particular took a hard hit in the Pajaro Valley; reported damages totaling $160 million impacted 1,919 acres of land. Lettuces, vegetables, and caneberries were among the other crops most significantly impacted.

As industry operators work to repair the damages of these storms, ANUK will be here to keep you informed.

GLENVILLE, GA - If you haven’t challenged my parents to a cornhole match, you haven’t seen true competition. That’s why I was delighted to see the beloved sport was getting some attention in the fresh produce space. G&R Farms has launched a promotion with the American Cornhole Organization (ACO), which includes the Acing Summer Flavors cookbook and an online showcase of athlete profiles at ACO’s Go the Distance Festival.

“Vidalia® onions are an iconic flavor part of many summer and early fall dining occasions like backyard BBQs, picnics, everyday grilling, summer holidays, and tailgating,” said Blake Dasher, Chief Executive Officer of G&R Farms. “When we thought about our favorite summertime gatherings, cornhole was always a part of the festivities for some extra fun and friendly competition.”

The new cookbook features 12 sweet onion recipes, tips, and tricks for outdoor entertaining, and a few notes to improve your cornhole skills. The cookbook is available for download here just in time for Memorial Day, a press release stated.

G&R also remains steadfast in its dedication to the Growing America’s Farmers program, providing grants and scholarships to FFA students nationwide. Promotions are underway in 2023 regional and national retailers. The program has raised and disbursed more than $350,000 in scholarships to the next generation of farmers.

“We are so excited to partner with G&R Farms and make their Vidalia onions the official sweet onion of the ACO,” said Frank Geers, CEO of ACO. “Cornhole is a sport for everyone, steeped in family, fun, and friendship, and there is no better way to bring everyone together than with food and an onion that’s known throughout the U.S.”

Dasher concluded, “At G&R Farms, we’re committed to creating tools and opportunities that help our partners drive more onion sales and help consumers enjoy more consumption occasions. With great product, new packaging, new promotions, and a connection to community, we are ready for a great season.”

Now, who’s up for a friendly game of cornhole?

G&R Farms

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - With flavor at their fingertips and innovation on lock, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is bringing another solution for growers to market. The seed provider recently announced that it is launching a “ToBRFV Resistant” seal to indicate Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) resistant varieties.

“As we continue to add new varieties to our lineup, we’re making sure they still taste great,” remarked Ruud Kaagman, Syngenta Global Crop Unit Head, Tomato. “Consumers love the taste of our tomatoes and choose them when they go to the grocery store, so with the introductions of new resistant varieties, we want to make sure that growers can continue to deliver what consumers expect.”

A press release outlined that the seal symbolizes Syngenta’s focus to deliver varieties that protect yields with disease resistance to not only ToBRFV, but other key diseases as well. The seal also indicates the company’s attention to maintaining high fruit quality, indicated by flavor, shelf-life, consistency, and transportability.

“Growers can lose up to 70 percent of their produce due to the virus, and it’s spreading rapidly,” Kaagman continued. “We’re looking for solutions to ToBRFV without compromising resistance to other critical diseases.”

This year’s Global Tomato Congress will address the research going into solutions for ToBRFV and any other pest that impacts production. As Syngenta noted, this disease has spread rapidly and is present on every continent around the world, spreading yield loss and quality concerns as it goes.

At Syngenta, researchers are looking for varieties that tick off all the boxes: ToBRFV resistance without compromising resistance to other diseases, fruit quality, and flavor. The ToBRFV Resistant seal tells growers they’re getting a full tomato package. Less worry, more peace of mind!

For more information regarding the Global Tomato Congress and the research set to be presented, click here.

Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover the latest innovations hitting the industry.

Syngenta Vegetable Seeds