UNITED KINGDOM - With a track record as successful as Aldi’s, it is worth noting how the retailer chooses to invest in expansion. Most recently, Aldi announced plans for a significant expansion in the United Kingdom, investing roughly $26 million (£20 million) in order to open four new locations.

“As we look forward to 2021, our commitment to investment and expansion in Scotland continues, and we are excited to be opening a further four Aldi stores next year, and of course reaching our significant 100 store milestone,” Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said.

According to U.K. news source edinburghlive, the new stores will bring 600 jobs to Scotland. Shoppers in the markets will also have access to Aldi’s recently announced Click and Collect service.

"While our focus very much remains in brick-and-mortar shopping, the launch of our Click and Collect service in Scotland is perhaps one of our most significant initiatives yet, expanding our existing eCommerce business to bring our full range of groceries online for the first time,” Holloway continued.

In addition to its significant investment in these new stores, Aldi will be revamping seven of its locations as it expands its Project Fresh initiative—an initiative that spotlights extra space for fresh produce at retail.

Are these strategic moves precursors to an Aldi expansion in the States? Keep checking in with ANUK as we bring you the latest.

Aldi

SANTA PAULA, CA - Goodbye 2020 and hello 2021! With the new year upon us, many are taking up uncharted paths to mark a new trip around the sun. It is with this sense of adventure that we congratulate John Chamberlain on his recent retirement from Limoniera as he embarks on his next journey.

“Limoneira is a historic company, and my time as the Vice President of Marketing was truly a great blessing I will not soon forget,” John shares with me. “Limoneira is a sustainability leader, and I believe that the Board and management will continue to build this great company in the years ahead. Harold Edwards is a visionary and wonderful Chief Executive Officer who has always challenged us with goals that have elevated our brand and company, and I deeply appreciate how he has always treated his employees with respect. A huge thank you to Limoneira, my team members, and industry friends.”

John joined Limoniera in 2005 and helped to take the company’s leading-edge marketing strategies global. As John tells me, one of his greatest accomplishments was building awareness for the Limoneria brand internationally and being a part of the blueprint that has made the company a market leader in citrus.

So, what's next for John, you may ask?

John will be moving to his home in Turin/Torino Italy to invest more of his time in his own personal passion.

“I worked in Switzerland for many years and will continue to have fun with my company Trade Trajectories on International Trade and Economic Development projects,” he reveals.

Congrats, John, on an amazing 15 years, and while we are sad to see you go, we are more excited about what is yet to come!

Limoniera

LOS ANGELES, CA - The health and safety of our industry and its essential workers continues to be a prime focus. A recent development regarding COVID-19 safety standards has garnered a response from a coalition of agricultural employers, all of whom filed a lawsuit that challenges the temporary COVID-related emergency standards (ETS) approved by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. This lawsuit states that the Board lacks the authority to impose many of these measures on employers in California.

“In the weeks and months following Governor Newsom’s emergency declaration in March, California farmers and processors moved quickly to implement dramatic new safety practices aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace,” said President and CEO of Western Growers Dave Puglia. “While these measures helped reduce transmission in workplaces, this virus has swept through communities large and small in spite of lockdown orders and mask mandates, and through every sector of the economy as well despite extraordinary efforts by employers and employees alike. The Board imposed unrealistic, unfounded, and economically harmful standards in total disregard of these realities. We have no choice but to seek judicial relief.”

The purpose of the ETS is to shift the costs of COVID-19 monitoring, investigation, and remediation onto employers, the Western Growers press release revealed.

In turn, the new standards lead to new obligations and liabilities for employers, subjecting California farmers and businesses to potential future penalties. Despite the intentions of the health standards, many California farms and businesses believe that the Board did not consider the financial implications the ETS would have on them.

“These regulations will disrupt food supply operations all along the line, but it will be especially hard on our 20,000 small family farming members,” said Jamie Johansson, President of the California Farm Bureau Federation. “They and their employees are the unsung heroes of the pandemic but once again, they must react to a rule handed down by fiat instead of going through a deliberate regulatory process where the voices of farmers would be heard. We hope the court forces government to follow the law.”

One component of these new regulations is to reduce agricultural housing during the crisis. However, a substantial reduction of already-scarce agricultural housing can have a harsh impact on farmworkers across the entire state.

The lawsuit claims that the emergency regulations were enacted without due process and that the necessity of the new rules was not justified, especially since California OSHA staff insisted that it was not necessary to impose these rules. The lawsuit was filed by lead attorney David A. Schwarz, along with Kent R. Raygor, Barbara Taylor, and Sheppard Mullin.

“We take this unfortunate yet serious action because we believe there are unconsidered mitigation steps that have and would continue to better protect farmworkers while allowing our farmers to continue to produce a consistent supply of fruits and vegetables,” said Christopher Valadez, President of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. “As this pandemic has shown us over the last several months, it is imperative that science and data drive policy. That is at the core of what we seek in this lawsuit.”

AndNowUKnow will continue to report as more and more industry leaders prioritize simultaneous safety and success in the industry.

Western Growers Grower-Shipper Association of Central California California Farm Bureau Federation

SPAIN - Sysco is kicking off the new year with a turn in strategy as the foodservice operator has divested its Davigel Spain operation to METRO AG. Sysco France, Davigel Spain, and METRO’s Spanish business (MAKRO Spain) signed a long-term supply agreement which provides continued access to Davigel’s unique product catalogue. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

“Davigel Spain is an ideal complement for our existing Spanish operations in terms of assortment mix, customer groups, and business model. The acquisition will help us to strengthen our product proposition, as well as to gain access to chained customer groups especially on the Canary and Balearic Islands. As such, we expect to generate synergies mainly in purchasing and assortment via the contracted supply agreement. With this transaction, METRO continues its journey in consolidating the wholesale and FSD (Food Service Delivery) markets in Europe. Following the acquisition of Aviludo in Portugal in October, Davigel Spain is the second acquisition this year. Playing an active consolidator role further solidifies our strong position in the region,” says Olaf Koch, CEO of METRO AG.

Davigel Spain is a well-established foodservice distribution company in Spain with approximately $42.9 million (€35 million) in sales (as per FY-end June 2019). The company was founded in 1988 and today supplies more than 4,000 customers mainly on the Balearic and Canary Islands. According to a press release, more than 70 percent of all customers are chained hotels, while independent restaurants and Horeca represent around 30 percent of total sales. The company holds exclusive rights in Spain to certain products from Sysco France’s product assortment, which predominantly consists of elaborate or ready-to-eat frozen products.

Davigel Spain is a strategic addition to the METRO portfolio in Spain, which already includes MAKRO, with a leading position in the Spanish wholesale market. MAKRO Spain operates 37 stores spread over 15 regions, serving more than 900,000 total customers.

How will this deal position Sysco for further growth in the U.S.? And will that growth be led by a fresh produce expansion? Stay tuned as we at ANUK report.

Sysco

TEMPLE, PA - One of the great feats of an amazing product is inspiring consumers to change the way they experience a category, and Giorgio Fresh is one of those leaders impacting the plate and the mushroom universe. This winter, the company is showcasing new products and a myriad of taste-teasers to help consumer recipes unfold.

“With the holidays upon us and the new year right around the corner, we are positioned to help our customers thrive by bringing more flavor and innovation to their mushroom displays and holiday-themed destinations,” Greg Sagan, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing shares with me. “With high demand driving the need for more ways to experience mushrooms, we have launched two new items to our line of Stuffed Baby Bella Mushrooms: Mediterranean Cheese and Buffalo Blue Cheese.”

If you have ever met Greg in person, you know he is not only passionate about what he does as a fresh produce influencer, but he stands firmly behind the products that Giorgio Fresh brings to market. His and the team’s deep commitment to the category comes through in both the inspired eating experience of their products and the ring at the register.

“Mediterranean Cheese and Buffalo Blue Cheese bring new savory flavors to the category that are on-trend with consumer flavor palates,” Greg expresses. “Mushrooms are a hot item during the holidays as they are very versatile and easy to include in dishes that lend themselves well for entertaining. Stuffed mushrooms, specifically, are popular with consumers for special occasions such as New Year’s Eve and Super Bowl because of their convenience.”

These items are a line extension of four existing flavors that have proven to succeed from the produce department to the party plate: Fiesta Cheese Blend; Cheese and Imitation Bacon Bits Blend; Artichoke, Spinach, and Cheese Blend; and a Crab Seasoning and Cheese Blend.

“We are seeing significant growth in the stuffed mushroom line,” Greg adds. “We have an extensive research and development (R&D) department that researches ingredients and flavor trends within the marketplace. Based on this research, we formulate our products to reflect consumers' growing interests.”

The Items will be offered in both ovenable tray and RPET, given consumer interest in more options.

And, it is consumer interest that piques the curiosity and inspires the execution of unique products like those of Giorgio Fresh.

Giorgio Fresh

ROSEMONT, IL - With the COVID-19 pandemic taking its toll across the globe, it is great to hear when companies step up to help those in need. US Foods is one of those who has made an indelible impact on communities across the U.S., recently announcing that since March 2020, the company has donated over $35 million in food and supplies to help fight hunger as the nation takes on the pandemic.

“As we look back at 2020, I am grateful we have been able to support so many organizations whose mission is to help others,” said Pietro Satriano, Chairman and CEO, US Foods. “The impact of COVID-19 has been felt far and wide, and our charitable partners have worked tirelessly to meet unprecedented demand. As we continue to face the challenges brought on by COVID-19, our commitment to fighting hunger will continue into the new year and beyond.”

US Foods worked alongside its longtime partner Feeding America, as well as other local organizations, to guarantee dairy, meat, produce, and other supplies were making their way to food banks across the nation, according to a press release.

With the rising number of people in need, food banks have struggled to keep shelves filled and supplies stocked, which is why US Foods’ impact was so greatly felt. The company partnered with 60 Feeding America food banks across the country, including Food Lifeline, the largest food bank in Western Washington, which supplies over 300 food pantries, shelters, and meal programs.

“We are so appreciative for the support from US Foods as we continue to provide critical food to our partners across western Washington,” said Ryan Scott, Chief Development Officer for Food Lifeline. “The pandemic has more than doubled the demand on our local agencies. With US Foods’ support, we are better equipped to address hunger-relief efforts in our communities and truly make a difference.”

In addition to its donations, US Foods also provided food, supplies, and support to meal-packing events that helped restaurant workers, first-responders, and health care workers as they manned the front lines as essential workers.

We at AndNowUKnow would like to applaud US Foods for its contribution to helping those in need and all of those who have stepped up across our industry to provide support.

US Foods

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that Fernando McIntyre, who did business as Morning Star Produce, satisfied an $8,460 reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) involving unpaid produce transactions.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The McAllen, Texas, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Fernando McIntyre was listed as the sole proprietor of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.

To read the release in full, click here.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service

ATLANTA, GA - Earlier this week, we reported that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had declared that two active outbreaks of pathogenic E. coli relating to romaine lettuce were over. We were met with further news surrounding the topic this morning, as the CDC announced that a third E. coli outbreak is officially over as well.

The pathogenic E. coli strain REPEXH02 is now behind us, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that it will continue its investigations as they relate to the outbreaks. As of now, the investigations have confirmed that this outbreak was connected to leafy greens, although a specific brand has not been identified.

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has worked with several experts in order to promote the safety of fresh produce and eliminate these outbreaks. The association has participated in three leafy green traceability pilots which have significantly contributed to the mitigation of E. coli outbreaks moving forward.

We have seen E. coli persistently cause challenges in the leafy greens category, but our industry leaders continue to fight for food safety and overcome those challenges. For more updates as they pertain to these outbreaks, keep checking in with ANUK.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

BURLINGAME, CA - As the demand for online grocery ordering and delivery climbs, so too does Farmstead’s desire for expansion across the booming market. After having recently announced an important profitability milestone, the company has now turned its attention toward growth in new locations, having announced that it will be offering its services in Nashville, Tennessee, starting late in the first quarter of 2021.

“Nashville is a great fit for Farmstead delivery; it’s a thriving, densely populated city that fits our mid-market profile customers who want their favorite brands and fresh groceries, all delivered to their doorstep with no markups,” said Pradeep Elankumaran, Co-Founder and CEO. “Farmstead cracked the code on how to make grocery delivery fast and inexpensive without sacrificing quality or wasting food, and we’re excited to roll out our service to Nashville residents in early 2021.”

The waitlist for the service opened on December 21, and was limited to the first 1,000 people to sign up, according to a press release. Starting in the San Francisco Bay Area, the delivery service is looking to move into at least 14 more markets throughout 2021, with Nashville being its first location.

Using proprietary AI technology and a dark store model, Farmstead has set itself amongst top competition, offering prices comparable or lower than some supermarkets, but with the added twist of free delivery, which has led to extreme growth throughout 2020.

As Farmstead continues to expand, the company will open multiple new dark stores to help ease entry into new locations while also reducing food waste and eliminating food deserts through its inexpensive delivery services. With no stockouts, delivery fees, or markups, Farmstead offers an attractive option for consumers, especially as the pandemic continues.

Where will Farmstead set its sights next? Keep a page open for AndNowUKnow as we continue to bring you the answers.

Farmstead

WENATCHEE, WA - Christmas is around the corner, and this year there’s no room for the Scrooge mentality. As it ramps up the Christmas spirit in its local communities, Stemilt has partnered with Hansen Fruit for the eighth year in a row to provide gifts to over 170 children in foster care and low-income housing.

“2020 has not been the easiest, but I am so proud of the Stemilt and Hansen teams for their generosity and support they have shown the kids in the Wenatchee and Yakima communities,” said Stemilt President West Mathison. “Even though we have been doing this for eight years, I am still honored that our employees have shown such compassion. They stepped up during a time when the community needs it most.”

Every December, Stemilt employees fill the company’s biggest conference room with gifts ranging from toys and bikes to clothes and other essentials.

This year, Stemilt provided gifts to 146 children who are under the care of Washington State’s Department of Youth and Family Services, Fostering Solutions, or Foster First. Hansen Fruit also provided 31 gifts to children under the care of Fostering First in Yakima, the press release stated.

The annual gift gathering is overseen by Stemilt’s Community Investment Committee which works to further Stemilt’s focus on education, wellness, and community by supporting local organizations in Wenatchee Valley and surrounding areas.

After a historically challenging year, Christmas cheer is exactly what kids—and consumers—could use right now, and we at AndNowUKnow are happy to see industry-leading companies providing just that.

Stemilt Growers