HOUSTON, TX - New opportunities are opening up for the supply-side as Sysco solidifies five new partnerships to enhance its supplier diversity initiatives. The distributor announced it has aligned with Disability:IN, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, National Veteran-Owned Business Association, The National Minority Supplier Development Council, and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council to facilitate relationships with diverse new suppliers.

“As a leader in the foodservice industry, these new partnerships will help Sysco develop future diverse suppliers critical to meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” said Judy Sansone, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “It’s important that every aspect of our business, including our supply chain, reflects the changing demographics of the communities where we work and live.”

By optimizing these unique alliances, Sysco will have direct access to a certified diverse business database to identify and engage qualified suppliers in procurement opportunities, according to a press release.

Through these partnerships, the distributor looks to advance the success of businesses owned by minorities, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans. The new partnerships will present a multitude of benefits to diverse suppliers, including:

• Education, training, and development opportunities
• Mentorship on requests for information, proposal, and pre-qualification best practices
• Opportunities to identify and establish long-term supplier relationships with corporations
• Invitations to participate in qualified corporate member projects

Through its innovative supplier diversity strategies, Sysco aims to identify, develop, and expand certified diverse suppliers’ reach to meet customers’ business needs and provide them with unique competitive advantages.

As more companies roll out new blueprints to bolster their supplier network, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Sysco

BENTONVILLE, AR - Rolling out an ambitious new goal for its InHome delivery service, Walmart has decided to make 2022 the year of convenience. The retailer has set its sights on scaling the rapidly expanding service, looking to make it accessible to 30 million United States households by the end of the year. To meet this objective, the company revealed plans to hire over 3,000 associate delivery drivers in addition to building a fleet of 100 percent all-electric delivery vehicles.

“We’ve been operating InHome in select markets over the last two years and have found it is a perfect solution for customers who want to live their lives without worrying about making it to the store or being home to accept a delivery,” said Tom Ward, Senior Vice President, Last Mile. “Identifying ways to help our customers save time and money is our purpose, and nothing showcases that better than InHome delivery, which is why we’re excited to bring the convenience of InHome to even more customers in 2022.”

Walmart’s InHome delivery service launched in 2019 and was created to give consumers more time back to spend with friends and family, according to a release. The service uses highly trained associates to deliver fresh groceries, everyday essentials, and more directly to shoppers’ homes. Through InHome, items can even be placed straight in their kitchens or garage refrigerators.

Consumers looking to utilize the service simply order their products on the Walmart App, selecting InHome as their delivery option. Next, InHome trained associates complete the delivery, using a one-time access code to unlock the shopper’s door or garage through the app, which pairs with smart entry technology. The app is able to notify consumers at every step of the delivery and a camera worn by associates records the whole process.

As Walmart looks to expand this innovative service, the retailer will hire more than 3,000 InHome associate delivery drivers, equipping them with a fleet of 100 percent all-electric delivery vans. Through the implementation of electric vehicles, the big-box chain will not only support its goal of operating a zero-emissions logistics fleet by 2040, but also support Walmart’s growing infrastructure of 1,396 EV charging stations at locations across 41 states.

The associate delivery driver position is new to the company and provides access to the retailer’s total rewards and benefits plans, including its Live Better U program, which pays for 100 percent of their college tuition and books.

“This new role is yet another example of how technology is enabling us to offer new career opportunities that just didn’t exist a few years ago,” added Julie Murphy, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. “Expanding our number of InHome associates is a testament to the trust and confidence we have in them and their continuous commitment to delight our customers. There’s a path for everyone to build a career here at Walmart, and this position is further proof of that.”

These new roles will be filled by promoting Walmart’s existing associates from within. Those selected will receive in-depth training, enabling them to build their skillset using innovative tools and technology.

Overall, InHome delivery continues to serve as a key part of Walmart’s last-mile delivery strategy, especially as the retailer continues to explore sustainable and innovative delivery solutions.

How will this expansion increase Walmart’s standing in the retail sector? Keep clicking on AndNowUKnow for the answers.

Walmart

HOUSTON, TX - As a trade news writer, one of the most fulfilling stories to come by is those of powerful companies coming together for the greater good. Recently, I had the chance to speak with Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer of Brighter Bites, and Neil Russell, Sysco’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer, to discuss the fruits of the companies’ formidable alliance.

“This partnership started years ago, and over the years Sysco’s FreshPoint division has supported Brighter Bites through financial contributions and logistical assistance,” Rich explained to me. “Their willingness to expand our work together over the years has been remarkable. Since the pandemic began, we have needed a committed partner to help aggregate produce, assemble individual family produce boxes, and deliver these boxes to our operations in Texas cities. We are so pleased Sysco and FreshPoint have filled these critical roles.”

The duo works to provide communities with fresh produce and nutrition education to promote healthy eating and drive fruit and vegetable consumption. Brighter Bites has served over 13,000 families and distributed approximately 1.4 million pounds of fresh produce in Dallas and Austin, Texas, since the current phase of the alliance kicked off in February 2021.

“The shared goal of our alliance is to serve communities with high-quality fresh produce and nutrition education resources to empower families to utilize the produce for lifelong healthy habits,” Neil noted. “We work together with Brighter Bites to gather varieties of bulk produce, incorporate volunteers from both organizations, and deliver produce directly into the families’ hands.”

Robert Gordon, President of FreshPoint, also weighed in on the successful partnership.

“We are dedicated to the Brighter Bites mission to create communities of health through fresh food," he said. "Our organization and our team members have bought into the program, and this allows us to fully support the nonprofit in a variety of ways. We see this collaboration as a positive step in providing fresh produce to families throughout our communities.”

The partnership with FreshPoint has allowed Brighter Bites to address the unique needs of school districts and campuses even as COVID-19 remains a factor, as well as ensure that families can experience the full Brighter Bites program throughout the 16-week programming period.

If you are interested in donating produce to Brighter Bites, or providing other support, please contact Amy Priebe, Sourcing Manager.

AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest news from across the produce industry, so keep an eye out for our next newsletter.

Brighter Bites Sysco

IRVINA, CA - Western Growers is continuing to bring exclusive industry insights to life through its Voices of the Valley podcast. Recently, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross recently joined Dennis Donohue, the Director of Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology, and Candace Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of GreenVenus, on the podcast to discuss key opportunities for the agricultural industry in 2022.

"We need to change the narrative," Ross began. "We should be honored and valued and respected even more than Silicon Valley because people like to eat and drink."

Among the strategies Ross proposes to bolster the industry workforce is to emphasize the technology-heavy careers available in ag.

According to a press release, Ross previewed the January 26, 2022 AgTechX Ed Summit at Imperial Valley College, where she will speak alongside industry leaders on the creation of a tech-savvy agriculture workforce. This is the second event in a year-long series led by Ross and Western Growers to highlight the skills necessary to master emerging on-farm technologies.

“The best part of my day is when I get to meet with students," Ross added. "I get so excited about what they bring to the table—at younger ages, they have a much more global perspective. They are so advanced. They inspire me, and I want them to all fall in love with the opportunities agriculture can present to them."

Click here to listen to the full podcast and explore other episodes of Voices of the Valley, and keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in industry news.

Western Growers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Wholesale Produce Supply (WPS) is making room for even more industry stalwarts within its leadership ring, in addition to welcoming a familiar face. The company recently announced the newly created role of Director of Retail Sales, revealing it has appointed experienced industry executive Jennifer Rigdon to lead the position.

“More and more people are coming back to their previous employers than ever before according to The Wall Street Journal,” says Rigdon, “They call us Boomerangs. I plan to boomerang back into this full-circle experience with my colleagues and clients to help WPS and its customers continue to grow.”

Rigdon most recently served as Business Development Manager for Southern Specialties, a position she held for four years, according to a press release. In addition, she has a decade’s worth of experience working as District Manager and National Account Manager at Dole Food Company, as well as another 10 years of experience from working as a Business Development Manager for WPS.

Rigdon officially started her new role on January 3, 2022. In her new position, she will utilize her 27 total years of expertise to develop new retailer relationships for the company and optimize existing partnerships.

“We are thrilled that Jennifer has decided to rejoin WPS,” said Jason Hendrickson, Vice President of Sales and Procurement. “Jen will play an important role in our continued growth and expansion in the Midwest and help execute our strategic initiatives.”

Congratulations to Jennifer Rigdon on this exciting new appointment! We here at ANUK wish her the very best in her new role!

Wholesale Produce Supply

SANTA PAULA, CA - The colors pink and yellow together immediately evoke memories of the vibrant and dreamlike sunsets that mark the end of each day. That, and Pink lemons, of course.

Limoneira is bringing the extraordinary, exclusive variety to produce departments, luring in shoppers with an inviting new fruit to cater to their citrus cravings.

“We are forecasting excellent quality this season for Pink lemons with their typically strong shelf-life,” Susan Jones-Ng, Limoneira’s Director of International Business Development, explains. “As for volume, our young trees in California continue to produce more and more fruit each year.”

The premium lemon variety boasts uniqueness as it features a pink-hued flesh, enticing shoppers with a naturally novel take on a consumer-favorite category.

“Retailers globally are looking for a new, exciting fruit to showcase to their shoppers. Pink lemons by nature are unique!” Susan exclaims. “Individually, Pinks can be full yellow in color with a slightly pink blush, or they can have various degrees of green stripes on their rind. With their many outward facets, they all have a lovely slightly pink- to significantly pink-colored flesh. Pink lemons are an exclusive variety, and they are not a hybrid. It’s nature’s way of creating a stunning, healthy new variety for consumers to enjoy.”

As if this alluring and distinctive citrus offering doesn’t practically merchandise itself, Limoneira has a multitude of tools up its sleeve to ensure retailers can maximize the potential of the premium variety. To draw shoppers in, the supplier has incredible, eye-catching images of Pinks to share, in addition to various packaging and display options. The company also offers soft and hard communication materials to utilize across online platforms and in stores.

“There are many ways to maintain the momentum for Pinks. Utilize numerous platforms to keep the energy going,” Susan advises. “Online meal kit services, grocery platforms, social media networks, and more have supported awareness of the variety.”

Limoneira also has a host of strategies for inspiring consumers and boosting not only this unique variety but the citrus category as a whole.

“We have numerous tools to drive sales—such as health tips, Nature’s Pharmacy™, recipes, and more—online. Just give us a call so we can chat about building a captivating program with you,” concludes Susan.

With this tempting citrus offering gracing your produce department, you’ll be floating on puffy pink clouds, soothed by the sound of recurring register rings.

Limoneira

PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is calling a host of retailers into the spotlight, highlighting the ambitious marketing plays that have uplifted the sector all 2021. Recognizing best-in-class marketing efforts by independent grocery retailers served by UNFI’s wholesale distribution business, the company has named the 22 category winners of its annual Master Marketer awards.

“While the grocery industry continues to fulfill its essential purpose of providing food and services to communities across North America, we at UNFI believe it’s important to recognize the dedication and innovation throughout,” said Steve Dietz, Chief Customer Officer. “We’re proud to work with each of the nominees and winners from this year’s Master Marketer program. Congratulations to all, and to Elmer’s for their achievement as this year’s Grand Master Marketer recipient.”

This year, 155 marketing programs were submitted for the 2021 Master Marketer awards, which are judged based on the creativity, clarity, and effectiveness of the stores’ marketing efforts. Entries were assessed by professors and marketing students from St. Joe’s University, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Michigan.

Babbs Supermarket and Graceway Supermarkets tied for Tier 1 Master Marketer, according to a press release. Dorothy Lane Market took home the Tier 2 Master Marketer while Pay-Less Market took home Tier 3.

In addition to the category winners, Elmer’s County Market, a family-owned, full-service grocery operator based in Escanaba, Michigan, since 1956, was named the 2021 Grand Master Marketer for overall consistent performance over the years.

To view the full list of store winners by category, click here.

Congratulations to all 22 winners for earning a spot on this prestigious list!

United Natural Foods, Inc.

KEASBEY, NJ - Another key grocery acquisition is taking place as Saker ShopRites, which is owned and operated by the Saker family, has announced the acquisition of the assets of Perlmart, owned and operated by Michael Perlmutter.

“Perlmart has been dedicated to customer and community service since they first opened their doors, and we are proud to continue those traditions as we welcome their stores and associates into our family of supermarkets,” Richard Saker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saker ShopRites, said. “Both the Saker and Perlmutter families share a love of the supermarket business, and we think this is a great way to pass the baton from one local, family-owned business to another.”

Both the Saker and Perlmutter families have been committed to providing fresh, affordable foods in their stores and giving back to the communities where their stores operate, as noted in a press release, and both were early members of the retailer-owned cooperative, Wakefern Food Corp., which celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year.

The Sakers have been in the grocery industry for over 100 years and currently operate 32 ShopRite stores in Ocean County, New Jersey, and employ more than 8,000 associates. Perlmart has grown to a chain of seven ShopRite stores in New Jersey, including pharmacies in Manahawkin, Lacey, Fischer Bay (Toms River), Manchester, Jackson, Bayville, and Waretown.

“We are proud to have been part of the Ocean County community for more than seven decades, and we are so grateful for the loyalty we’ve experienced from our customers and the dedication and friendship from our associates through the years,” said Michael Perlmutter. “As a family-operated business, we have viewed our associates as extended family members, and our relationship with some go back 35, 40, and more years."

To read more about the legacy of each of these companies, as well as the recent acquisition, click here.

To stay up to date on the latest moves in the grocery space, keep a tab open for ANUK.

Saker ShopRites

DAVIS, CA - The leadership team at Engage3 has grown larger this week, as the company made a recent announcement. The provider appointed several new members to its team, all of whom have extensive expertise in the solutions sector.

Stephen Edelman, MBA has been named as the company’s General Manager of International. Edelman previously served as Chief Commercial Officer / Commercial Director for Quick Commerce delivery giant Gorillas US, as Vice President of Purchasing with Lidl US, and in merchandising and analytics roles with Target and Johnson & Johnson.

His significant retail, merchandising, procurement, pricing, and international experience will be leveraged to help the company launch across over 30 new countries in 2022, a press release explained.

Bringing over 15 years of expertise to the role of Vice President of Customer Success, Candace Simpson, MBA holds relevant experience across analytics, product, and operations with NielsenIQ and Nielsen.

Her expertise will support Engage3 since it more than doubled its customer count in 2021. Simpson’s team at NielsenIQ achieved high double-digit growth while achieving more than 99 percent on-time delivery, 95 percent quality rating, and 100 percent client retention during her tenure. Her responsibilities included leading operations in North America, operating the Nielsen Store Observations business, and serving as the delivery leader for the US Analytics Practice Area.

Dennis Smith brings over 20 years of SaaS experience to his role as General Manager of Non-FMCG Retail.

Smith’s prior experience includes leading Consulting Services at DemandTec, supporting Brands in his role as Vice President of New Business with Adstra Data, and serving as Senior Vice President of Client Services with Wiland and SpotRight, the press release noted. Smith’s expertise working with retailers and brands on pricing and marketing will allow him to accelerate the expansion of the company’s Non-FMCG business.

Ana Quintana was also appointed to a key leadership position.

The Managing Partner of Black Diamond Ventures and Co-Founder of SHE Ventures in Tech joins Engage3’s Board of Directors as part of the company’s recent Series D financing. She brings over 20 years of experience in venture capital and operations and has led the company’s investments in Engage3 across its Series B, C, and D financings.

Black Diamond Ventures was also an early investor in Engage3’s Founders’ first company, KhiMetrics, which was credited with inventing retail price optimization.

“2021 was an incredible growth year for our company, and we look forward to capitalizing on that traction by aggressively investing in our team, our products, and our customers,” said Edris Bemanian, Chief Executive Officer. “Each of these world-class executive hires brings new depth to our team. We look forward to the impact Stephen, Candace, and Dennis will bring across our strategic initiatives, as well as the growth-focused mentality Ana will bring to our Board meetings.”

Congratulations to these leaders on their new roles!

Engage3

LOS ALAMITOS, CA - There’s plenty of love to go around this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re cuddling up to your partner and friends or indulging in some delicious and healthy food, this is one holiday worth celebrating. Frieda’s is ensuring its shoppers feel the love with a creative seasonal strategy, highlighting the versatility of crepes through in-store merchandising.

To help make your store a Valentine’s Day destination, Frieda’s suggests you encourage shoppers to make a delicious holiday breakfast by cross-merchandising crepes by the egg case, near sliced apples and cheddar cheese, or many other exciting places throughout the store.

Frieda’s French-style crepes can also be displayed alongside tropical fruits such as bananas and pineapples, a press release noted. Think Bananas Foster or Pineapple Upside-Down crepes—the imagery alone will make your shoppers drool. Or, expand your berry patch by showcasing crepes, whipped cream, Nutella, and hazelnuts with signage showing Frieda’s Strawberry & Chocolate hazelnut crepe cake.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to this delicious treat! So, get on board with Frieda’s, and make your store a Valentine’s Day oasis.

Frieda's