YERINGTON, NV - Small in size, but mighty in taste, shallots pack an amazing punch in any recipe. As consumers start gearing up for the holidays, laying out their menus for each occasion, Peri & Sons Farms^® is promoting its newly debuted Gourmet Organic and Premium Shallot Programs to give shoppers the extra flavor they need this season.

“Our Organic Gourmet Shallots’ packaging is unlike any other on the market today,” Teri Gibson, Director of Marketing and Customer Relations, enlightens. “They are uniquely packaged in consumer-preferred biodegradable and recyclable clamshells that are plastic-free and can be displayed using a 12 ct shipping tray or stacked to make an impressive display. Additionally, our Premium Shallots, which are certified pesticide-residue-free, are available in convenient bulk options.”

This new organic program aligns with Peri & Sons’ commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. As eco-friendliness has also become an important factor in purchasing decisions, the grower has shifted its packaging to make it not only eye-catching with beautiful natural themed designs, but practical, efficient, and sustainable, and the Earth-friendly materials used help to extend shelf-life while minimizing food waste.

Officially launching this fall, it will be the first season for Peri & Sons’ Gourmet Organic and Premium Shallot programs. As Teri explains, they will be available from September through March, or while supplies last, and through the grower’s merchandising tools and support, they will surely fly off of shelves as the holidays near.

“Peri & Sons’ customized Merchandising Support Program is just one part of our overall PeriCare^® customer service program. We can provide eye-catching POS stanchion signs, counter cards, rack cards, shelf cards, and edge cards of any size for our buyers. Our creative POS Design Service ensure retailers have the right message in the right format to meet their needs,” she says. “Additionally, all of our high-graphic, food-safe packages include consumer engagement aspects such as free recipes from our Onion Obsession^® club, health and wellness information, nutrition facts, and onion usage guides that are great for consumers starting holiday meal preparations.”

Further enticing consumers to add these premium shallots to their baskets, they are USDA Certified Organic and packed in a secure environment at the farm where they are grown using the highest food safety standards—something that has become even more important to shoppers throughout the pandemic.

“As a company, we are recognized as a Certified Sustainable farming operation by SCS Global,” Teri explains. “We’ve always aligned ourselves with the most stringent protocols because we believe there is a substantial advantage in innovating ahead of others. Peri & Sons is also supporting new emerging packaging technologies that appeal to today’s eco-conscious consumer because it’s the right thing to do.”

What will be Peri & Sons’ next move as it helps drive sustainability in the fresh produce industry? Just like you, I can’t wait to find out. So, keep reading AndNowUKnow for the answers.

Peri & Sons Farms®

REDWOOD CITY, CA - Many retailers have implemented new strategies to revolutionize the grocery experience as of late, whether it be through new partnerships, technological advancements, or other new innovations. Albertsons Companies is harnessing the power of all three, as it has revealed a partnership with Firework, a short-form video platform, to launch a new shoppable livestream video experience. This alliance makes Albertsons one of the first U.S. grocers to utilize the platform to transform its digital offerings.

“This partnership is an important step in Albertsons Companies’ digital transformation journey to redefine customer engagement in the grocery retail space. This isn’t just about creating new ways to feature our products. This is about bringing delight and inspiration to digital shopping to make online experiences as fun as discovering new products in our stores,” said Chris Rupp, Chief Customer and Digital Officer at Albertsons Companies. “With Firework, we found the first platform capable of digitally recreating the sense of freshness, discovery, and community that you previously could only find within our stores, all using the video and livestream formats that our digital shoppers love most.”

Firework’s innovative platform allows its customers to create, host, and curate immersive short-form and livestream videos on any site on the web, according to a press release. This enables any retailer, direct-to-consumer brand, media publisher, or business to own, engage, and monetize a community around short-form videos.

“The Firework platform gives brands the power to build a human connection with their audiences—within their own domain and on their own terms, using the most in-demand, modern, and effective video formats,” said Vincent Yang, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Firework. “Firework is redefining the future of video-first Web 3.0 with distributed, decentralized hosting, and is here to enable every business to reclaim ownership of its brand, its community, and the opportunities therein.”

Each of the videos created through Firework’s platform are swipeable, shoppable, and interactive, allowing consumers to directly engage with brand and product videos. On-site hosting also provides companies with direct access to consumer data and monetization opportunities. In addition, Firework also offers retailers the chance to sell digital shelf space to brands they carry through video ad placement, thus creating more sources of revenue.

“We’re inspired by Albertsons’ dedication to being at the forefront of grocery retail customer experience, charting the path toward a new gold standard of online shopping and brand engagement,” commented Jason Holland, President of Global Business at Firework. “By hosting its own swipeable, shoppable video content to meet its customers where they are, Albertsons will lead the industry in preference-driven digital experience, turning customers into entertainment fans.”

Firework has built a short video and livestream platform with more than 1 billion monthly active users that aims to revolutionize and connect the web. The company is also working to bring consumers back from social networks with what it refers to as the “Web 3.0” approach, which gives brands autonomy and control over TikTok-like, immersive, video-based experiences.

By connecting retailers, consumer packaged goods companies, D2C brands, publishers, and media buying agencies, Firework is looking to create a new ecosystem of fully linked media buying, which is being led by Jeff Lucas, former Global Head of Ad Sales for Verizon Media, Snapchat, and Viacom.

Albertsons’ end-to-end implementation of this platform will consist of three phases. In the first phase, the retailer will use Firework to send short video content and cooking experiences on various other banner websites. The partnership will help to expand offerings and the shopping experience starting in 2022.

To read about more game-changing partnerships taking form in the retail space, keep clicking back to AndNowUKnow.

Albertsons Firework

IRVINE & FRESNO, CA - On Wednesday, September 22, California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed his veto of AB 616, the most recent version of card check legislation for agriculture employee unionization which was passed by the California State Senate in August. The bill would have allowed farm workers to select their collective bargaining representative through a ballot card election by either voting at a physical location, by mail, or by dropping off a ballot to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board office. Upon vetoing the legislation, several industry associations voiced their approval of the decision.

“On behalf of the Association, we would like to thank Governor Newsom for his veto of AB 616 today. We appreciate his understanding of the impact this bill would have had on agricultural employees and their right to choose whether or not to have union representation,” said Ian LeMay, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA). "As stated in the Governor’s veto message, CFFA leadership is ready to work with the Administration, the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB), and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) in protecting the rights and advancing the opportunities for all California farmworkers.”

LeMay continued, “The Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA) has long protected the right of agricultural employees to a secret ballot election supervised by the ALRB, free of intimidation and influence by any interested party. Today’s veto of AB 616 preserves the right to a free and fair election process for all California farmworkers from those who sought to take that right away from them.”

Dave Puglia, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Growers, also commented on Governor Newsom’s decision.

“We commend Governor Newsom for rejecting the most recent UFW-backed attempt to dismantle the secret ballot election for farmworkers. In vetoing AB 616, Governor Newsom has preserved the integrity of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act and protected the rights of farmworkers in choosing whether to form or join a union. Governor Newson has sent to Sacramento lawmakers the clear message that card check has no place in California,” he stated. “We stand ready to engage with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and other stakeholders in the collaborative process outlined by the Governor in his veto message.”

As more information and updates become available about AB 616 and other agricultural legislation, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

California Fresh Fruit Association Western Growers

SWEDESBORO, NJ - Retailers carrying the SweeTango® apple are gearing up for an impressive category boost as harvest is in full swing just in time for the variety’s impending fall sales wave. As this delicious apple makes it to store shelves, growers with Next Big Thing, A Growers’ Cooperative (NBT) are encouraging grocers to stock up and capitalize on this unique opportunity.

“Our working marketing theme this year is ‘big’—big crunch, big taste, big support,” said the cooperative’s Executive Director, Jennifer Parkhill. “We feel good about our product and marketing mix and how that fits with what retailers are doing. Good luck keeping them on shelves this year!”

The grower cooperative is orchestrating a “spoke-and-wheel approach” with sales desks to alert consumers that SweeTangos are back, while also generating awareness amongst potential new SweeTango fans.

“SweeTango was the top-selling club apple from late September through the end of October last fall, in both dollars and volume sold—by far,” said Stemilt’s Marketing Director, Brianna Shales. “So this year, retailers won’t want to wait to get in on the action.”

As Scott Swindeman points out, the chance to drive apple sales with the SweeTango variety lasts all throughout the spring season.

“Last season, our fans clamored for SweeTangos well into the spring. Retailers who kept this apple on their shelves kept on making money,” stated Swindeman, the Managing Owner of Applewood Fresh.

With the season already off to a fast start, Scotian Gold’s Director of Sales Dennis MacPherson has an extremely optimistic outlook on the upcoming season.

“This year has been the quickest we’ve gotten out of the gates, ever. We couldn’t get trucks on the road fast enough to fill demand,” he said. “This is by far the best apple on the shelf, and we are beyond excited to get started again—and so are all our fans out there.”

Quality for the fruit is outstanding and the color is vibrant, with the crop overcoming localized weather challenges to deliver the apple’s trademark crunch and flavor, as pointed out by Swindeman.

“Mother Nature presented us with a few challenges, but for every curve ball thrown, we’re making it work, delivering quality fruit to consumers,” said Angela Sommers, Marketing Director with BelleHarvest Sales.

Shales also pointed out the challenges posed by the weather. “It’s incredible how they weathered through our heat out West,” she explained.

Austin Fowler, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fowler Farms, echoed these sentiments.

“We’re getting that nice SweeTango background that is indicative of high sugars,” said Fowler, who reported the Eastern region expects to have more fruit this season. “I’ve missed that SweeTango fracture, that eating experience. I eat my apple a day, but when SweeTangos are here, it’s more like five a day—I’m eating them all day.”

As explained in a press release, SweeTango sales desks are prepared to help retailers capitalize on the new season’s sales opportunities as pandemic shopping and eating continues, offering new marketing tools for in-store and online use to urge consumers to purchase. The brand and its sales desks are coordinating a B2C strategy across North America, with unified consumer-facing messaging to draw in both long-time fans and new consumers.

“At retail, we’ve re-energized our branding and streamlined messaging across all our sales desks. For the marketplace, we’re concentrating on direct-to-consumer channels, both digital and in-person,” stated John Cushing, Vice President of Sales with New York Apple Sales.

MacPherson doubled down on the statement, saying, “Our marketing campaign is as aggressive as the crunch of this amazing apple."

To support retailers in their efforts to boost the apple category, the cooperative unveiled new point-of-sale materials with a refreshed contemporary design and an eye-catching display bin. SweeTango will be offered in a range of options, including bulk, 2 and 3 lb pouches and totes, and retailers can download SweeTango-branded sales tools through their sales desk’s web portal.

“SweeTango has a lot of super fans, people look to these voices and they can impact purchasing. They are spreading the message for us. We know when we can transition consumers to a superior apple, they will come back for it time after time,” added Sommers.

The cooperative is also running online video ads with family-friendly stories injecting SweeTangos into popular moments in history, as well as a national radio and streaming audio campaign is running this fall, with 6.5 million impressions planned across all U.S. regions. NBT is also partnering with national influencers including The Produce Moms, David Leite and Emily Laurae.

“SweeTango is the best proprietary variety out there early in the season, it has been part of the mix for several years. Retailers anticipate it now—that feels good, it has definitely made its mark,” said Shales.

So, buyers, don’t wait to get your hands on this top-dollar variety. The sales are sure to follow.

Next Big Thing, A Growers’ CooperativeStemilt Applewood FreshScotian Gold BelleHarvest Sales Fowler FarmsNew York Apple Sales

CHICAGO, IL - “There’s an app for that,” became a go-to phrase for many once smartphone technology tightened its hold. Now there are even apps for solving everyday challenges, and reducing food waste has not been left off the list. Shrink-reducing service provider Flashfood is penetrating the retail space, recently teaming up with the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) to provide access to its app for more than 1,100 member retailers.

“As the grocery business changes and evolves, the IGA’s goal is to ensure that we’re equipping members with innovative solutions that help them sell more and reach more of the communities they serve, regardless of their size,” said John Ross, Chief Executive Officer of IGA. “Partnering with Flashfood is one of the ways we are helping hometown grocers compete with large retailers in areas like e-commerce and improving sustainability.”

The innovative app helps to reduce food waste by connecting consumers with discounted food nearing its best-by date, while also increases EBIT for retailers, lowering their carbon footprint, and widening their consumer bases. This new partnership will provide independent, local grocery stores in the nation with access to the Flashfood solution which can be integrated into their operations. According to a press release, the app enables online sales of surplus food items by offering them to shoppers to purchase at an up to 50 percent discount.

Members who sign up for the program will work with IGA to source equipment and in-store marketing, and Flashfood will help to implement the program in-store.

“We’re thrilled to work with the Independent Grocers Alliance to offer local, independent grocers the ability to easily reduce shrink—without any costly integrations or time investment,” added Josh Domingues, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flashfood. “Food waste at the store level is an important industry issue, and working with IGA’s network will have a positive impact in tackling it while making sure that their communities have more access to affordable, fresh, and healthy food.”

IGA currently is comprised over 1,100 stores in 45 states across the U.S. Many of the association’s members are hometown store owners who serve as integral parts of their local communities. By partnering with Flashfood, IGA will provide added value to these independent grocers and help them to maintain competitiveness with other retailers in their regions.

To date, Flashfood has partnered with several grocery chains across North America to divert more than 25 million pounds of food.

The topic of reducing food waste is never off the table, so keep coming back to ANUK for the latest insights.

Independent Grocery Alliance Flashfood

CASTROVILLE, CA - The hustle and bustle of everyday life gets to us all sometimes, and many consumers find it hard to fit in the time it takes to cook healthy yet delicious meals for the whole family. Bring in Ocean Mist^® Farms, which has brought a mouthwatering solution to this challenge with its award-winning, microwaveable cut vegetable product line, Season & Steam.

“We’ve found busy families want Season & Steam because of the packaging technology that uniquely allows them to customize seasoning for their personal taste preferences and reseal the microwavable bag prior to cooking,” said Senior Director of Marketing Diana McClean.

The line features 10 varieties that offer convenience, customizable seasoning, and exclusive resealable bag technology proven to be loved by shoppers, as noted in a press release.

The varieties featured in the Season & Steam line include:

• Broccoli Florets – NEW!
• Floret Medley – NEW!
• Vegetable Medley – NEW!
• Cauliflower Florets – NEW!
• Cauliflower Rice – NEW!
• Sweet Baby Broccoli
• Artichokes
• Whole Brussels Sprouts
• Brussels Sprouts Shreds
• Brussels Sprouts Halves

A recent study by FMI showed that value-added produce items have increased by 8.1 percent, reaching $15.5 billion in sales, as more shoppers began to purchase value-added vegetables frequently.

The Season & Steam line offers endless ways to craft meals at home, and is completely customizable. To spotlight the convenience of the lineup, Ocean Mist has also launched its fall Meals in Minutes campaign, giving consumers a variety of meal options to choose from. Consumers can explore delicious recipes inspired by culinary flavors from around the world, such as Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli, Lemon Parmesan Shrimp & Broccoli, Mediterranean Inspired Cauliflower Rice Bowls, and Creamy Gouda Cauliflower Gratin. To further entice shoppers to try the new products, Ocean Mist Farms will also engage a wide audience with a fall consumer promotion and sweepstakes to drive foot traffic.

Time is our most valuable resource, so I know tons of consumers would jump at a chance to have a delicious, fulfilling Meal in Minutes.

Ocean Mist® Farms

CALIFORNIA - There has been some groundbreaking movement on the port congestion front in California, as President Biden recently announced the United States government will take action against recent challenges. In regard to this announcement, the government has now revealed its plans to expand pick-up and return hours at both the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach.

“We appreciate the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration in marshalling a response to the unprecedented global supply chain disruption so acutely felt here at the San Pedro Bay Port Complex,” said Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles. “These steps, in addition to what has previously been recommended, demonstrate that the Port of Los Angeles will continue to innovate in order to manage this historic cargo surge.”

According to the news source Port Strategy, this strategic implementation follows consultation with multiple supply chain stakeholders as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation. In Los Angeles, Seroka stated that the port will be expanding the hours for its weekend operating gate to help ease transportation congestion.

In Long Beach, the port will begin working toward a 24/7 supply chain by maximizing its night operations. The news source noted that these ports have each called on marine terminal operators to push for the use of all available hours, especially for night gates, to reduce congestion and maximize cargo throughput capacity.

“The Port of Long Beach is prepared to take bold and immediate action to help the supply chain move the record cargo volumes that keep our economy moving, and we appreciate the support and leadership shown by the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach.

These initiatives will be implemented in partnership with the U.S. trucking community in order to best maximize efficiencies. By working together, these groups will identify new opportunities to help move cargo in and out of the country. The White House Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force is also working to relieve the pressure of bottlenecks while bringing cargo to consumers in a more timely manner.

Time will tell how these strategies will impact the fresh produce supply chain, so stick with us.

LOS ALAMITOS, CA - In just a few days, we will officially hit October, and with fall in full swing, that means the holiday season is underway, providing retailers with new opportunities to merchandise and boost sales. As consumers everywhere start prepping for Thanksgiving here in the States, Frieda’s is looking to add some extra color to the produce aisle with its Stokes Purple^® sweet potatoes, which are back in season.

“Shopper interest in Stokes just keeps going up. Previously thought to be a specialty potato, our research shows that all demographics are buying Stokes year-round, and Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to gain trial in all stores,” said Alex Jackson Berkley, Director of Sales. “Our tastebud-tantalizing signage will leave your shoppers craving our signature Stokes Purple sweet potato pie.”

With the past year and a half challenging traditions and encouraging shoppers to try new things, why not give them a unique opportunity to put new spins on classic dishes with the eye-catching color that Stokes Purple sweet potatoes provide?

In a release from the company, Frieda’s details research that shows rich-hued purple vegetables are in demand, and pies are more popular than ever. A recent survey suggests that half of consumers plan to serve sweet potato pie this Thanksgiving, and more than one-third of shoppers said they plan to make Stokes Purple sweet potato pie with maple whipped cream, making now the perfect time to stock your shelves with the purple tubers and start cross merchandising with the other ingredients needed for the fun recipe.

The reason for this shift toward pies and colorful produce may be because consumers want to celebrate this holiday season, but are still cautious. So, they’re looking for small ways to add extra excitement to their Thanksgiving tables, with 20 percent of consumers agreeing that the holiday would feel more festive if the food was more colorful. Additionally, 64 percent of shoppers agreed that they wanted to make a beautiful dessert that adds color to the setting.

Organic and conventional Stokes Purple sweet potatoes are available now through May in 15 lb and 40 lb cartons, and an organic 12/3 lb bag option is also available. Every potato is labeled to reduce front-end checker error.

The days are winding down to Thanksgiving, so make sure to get your displays ready with Stokes Purple sweet potatoes just in time for the consumer shopping rush.

Frieda's

MONTEREY, CA - With coffee in hand and the weekend behind me, it is a Monday of reflection on last week’s Organic Produce Summit (OPS), and I am not the only one. See some of those reflecting with me in the comments below.

Chris Miller, Produce Director, Meat and Seafood Coordinator, MOM's Organic Market

“What a GREAT show! It was wonderful getting back in front of people and getting to absorb the great insights from the speakers, especially Jim Donald. It was awesome to be surrounded by so many passionate produce people again, and flexing those show floor and networking muscles! I was surprised that I could barely make it through the show in those four hours, but I guess that's what happens when there are so many people to catch up with!”

Vic Savanello, Vice President of Produce and Floral, SpartanNash

“As always, Matt Seeley and his organization, Organic Produce Network, put together a show that hit the mark dead center! My team and I loved being back together with the industry and loved all the information and new contacts made.”

Tonya Antle, Co-Founder, Organic Produce Network

“OPS 2021 was filled with energy, excitement, and meaningful conversations about our industry. The organic community is unique and like being a part of a special club with strong, deep relationships well beyond the transaction. OPS is the show that brings buyers and sellers together to grow the organic category and bring the best of organic specialty crop production to consumers.”

Chris Ford, Business Development and Marketing Manager, Viva Tierra Organic

“I thought OPS did a good job hosting this event, providing great educational opportunities and an open-air environment that felt safe for the trade show. It was wonderful to see so many friends, colleagues, and customers together in person and to all be in one place for the same reason—organic produce! Now the work begins: There were a lot of discussions around increasing costs across the supply chain, but we as an industry need to continue to amplify the message regarding the real cost to produce food. I started my organic career 25 years ago, and organic is as much of a revolution now as it was then. Build the soil, empower agricultural workers, eat good food, save the planet.”

Steve Junqueiro, Chief Executive Officer, Steve Junqueiro Associates

“If OPN’s goal was to create a breakthrough conference that provided a forum for buyers and sellers to come together, to answer a pent-up desire to network face to face, to offer the organic industry education in tours and sessions, and to do so in an exciting and jubilant atmosphere, then the OPS was a resounding success!”

With the herculean effort that was this show successfully wrapped, and the unfortunate cancellation of PMA Fresh Summit announced Friday, the connections made in Monterey, California, carry that much more weight. Like those we reached out to, I too am not only grateful for the recent return to a trade show, but also re-energized for this industry we love so well. Here’s hoping to see you all again soon!

Organic Produce Summit

ONTARIO, CANADA - Each category in the produce department is unique and treasured, and one produce item gaining significantly more recognition lately is the fig. As shoppers brainstorm inventive ways to incorporate figs into their daily meals and snacks, a new channel of demand has opened up for retailers. Prepared to help them meet it is Catania Worldwide, and President Paul Catania recently gave me some clues on how to turn demand into dollars.

“Figs are starting to become more and more popular,” he tells me. “I strongly believe that educating consumers about different produce products available to them is important. Social media has become a huge driving force, and food bloggers are a major factor in creating awareness about items such as figs, including how to eat them and how to use them in recipes. These outlets have a reach that has really brought figs into the spotlight.”

Catania Worldwide is nearing the end of its California fig season and heading into its Mexico season, as it is wrapping up harvest for its Sierra and Tiger varieties, but still currently harvesting Black and Brown Turkey varieties. As Paul tells me, the fig market is currently fairly steady. Though volume has been down across the industry due to challenges with water supply, Catania is currently reporting a good supply of great quality figs, with some varieties up by nearly 35 percent. With this steady volume, Catania has the resources to help its retail partners collect more shopper dollars in the category.