YUMA, AZ - Holidays that involve gift-giving can sometimes be a little stressful, so why not give your consumers a jumpstart by adding Bard Valley Natural Delights^® new eight-count Dark Chocolate Covered Medjool Dates to your shelves? The new offering provides a healthy, yet indulgent, treat as Valentine’s Day planning gets underway, giving retailers an opportunity to merchandise and promote the new product.

“Data from the National Confectioners Association indicated that 2020 Valentine’s Day seasonal sales performance reached $3.2 billion,” said David Baxter, Marketing Director. “The sales results with our Dark Chocolate Covered Medjool Dates with Sea Salt exceeded all expectations. We anticipate another sales surge during the Valentine’s Day holiday.”

According to a press release, the new offering features a bold header that calls out Valentine’s Day and features rich images of the product that are sure to get tastebuds tingling.

“Our premium Medjool dates are world renown for their luscious, soft texture and sweet caramel-honey flavor,” continued Baxter. “It is a unique gift to give during this holiday and the upscale packaging features a die-cut window to showcase the product and serve as a gift box.”

Retailers are encouraged by the company to cross-merchandise and reach new customers who may not have had the pleasure of finding these products before. Bard Valley also insists upon the versatility of the the Dark Chocolate Covered Medjool Dates merchandiser as it can be transformed to highlight not only Valentine’s Day, but spring holidays as well, leading for further seasonal sales.

To support the promotion of the new chocolate covered dates, Bard Valley is launching a social media promotion beginning February 4 through February 10, aptly titled “Date to Remember.” The promotion draws centers around a special date night for the romantic Valentine’s Day holiday, and aims to drive traffic and capture pivotal Valentine’s Day sales.

To discover more unique ways to capitalize on the holiday boom, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.

Bard Valley Natural Delights®

WENATCHEE, WA - We’ve watched the journey of Stemilt for many years now, and we couldn’t be more excited to share with the industry who will follow in the footsteps of Roger Pepperl—who announced his retirement from the company in November. Brianna Shales, current Senior Marketing Manager, will take on the role of Marketing Director starting January 1, 2021.

Right after graduating from Washington State University, Brianna joined the Stemilt team as a Communications Specialist. Two years later, she became Communications Manager in 2010, after which she was promoted to Senior Marketing Manager in 2019. Throughout her time with Stemilt, Brianna has been a driving force behind many of Stemilt’s World Famous brands, including Rushing Rivers® pears and Stemilt’s newest proprietary apple variety, Rave®.

“Brianna was the obvious choice when it came to who would be the next Marketing Director for Stemilt,” explained Roger. “The produce world is changing rapidly, and she displays the ability to adapt and implement what is needed to keep our brand World Famous. Brianna is instrumental in brand development, communications, digital marketing, and most recently, in our data program. Understanding data and what it represents is a real skill and she portrays that time and time again for our retail partners.”

According to a press release, Brianna has taken digital marketing in stride, implementing video and digital content into the company’s everyday marketing and communication strategies.

“Brianna led Stemilt’s charge in the digital marketing transition,” Roger continued. “She understands the importance of this type of content and what is needed to ensure Stemilt’s story is heard and our brands are seen, recognized and trusted.”

Brianna has never shied away from learning all she can about the industry. She is a current Marketing/Communications Committee Co-Chair for Produce for Better Health, and also sits on United Fresh’s Produce Marketing and Merchandising Council, as well as the Produce Marketing Association’s Product Identification Committee.

“Brianna’s dedication and passion for the industry is apparent in her commitment to cultivating people and delighting the consumer,” Roger concluded. “She demonstrates Stemilt’s cultural norms on a daily basis, leads by example, is creative and innovative, and able to connect with her teammates. I could not be more proud to pass the baton to Brianna. She is more than deserving, extremely capable, and will continue to build Stemilt’s World Famous legacy.”

We wish Brianna the best of the luck in this new position and can’t wait to see where she takes the Pepperl legacy!

Stemilt

SACRAMENTO, CA - With distribution at the helm of expansion efforts, Grocery Outlet is poised for some impressive growth in the near future. The retailer recently revealed plans to expand a strategically located distribution center in Sacramento, California, by roughly 50 percent.

According to the Sacramento Business Journal, plans filed with the city tease that the revamped facility will include 179,760 square feet of new shelf space. The property is owned by Read Investments, who officially applied for the project.

The distribution center currently stands at an impressive 447,342 square feet. In addition to Grocery Outlet, fresh produce distributor Produce Express leases roughly 60,000 square feet of the space. The reconstruction will include the demolition of Grocery Outlet’s guard shack, pallet shed, transportation offices, and a portion of the main building.

The news source went on to note that 355,000 square feet will now be used as warehouse space, and 19,145 square feet will be used as an office. Additionally, parking and transportation areas will be expanded to meet increased grocery demand.

How will this expansion make way for even further Grocery Outlet growth? Keep an eye out for more reports from AndNowUKnow.

Grocery Outlet

SOUTH BEND, IN - Pure Green Farms, a 4-acre hydroponic indoor farm, is preparing to enter into the leafy greens sector. The company is planning to grow, package, and distribute products starting February 2021, with the hopes of suppling over eight million retail units.

“We’re excited to grow our leafy greens right here in the Midwest all year long. Our growing and packing systems will be the most advanced in the industry, allowing for no human hands touching the product,” says Joe McGuire, CEO. “This will not only help streamline our process, but also gives our customers peace of mind that they are getting their greens safely and sooner for a better-quality experience.”

According to a press release, the new operation in South Bend, Indiana, is situated strategically and employs advanced technology to promote a safe and sustainable environment in which to grow its leafy greens. With the use of sun and minimal reliance on artificial light, energy efficiency is maximized, the company noted.

As the greens grow, automated gutters move and adjust to allow for increased spacing between plants. This helps the company achieve space efficiency throughout the facility. Labor efficiency is also significantly improved through Pure Green’s automatic seeding, harvesting, and packing technology.

Food safety is also top of mind for Pure Green. The indoor farm environment is pesticide-free and uses less water, meaning Pure Green’s products are fresh, crisp, and offer the buy-side a long shelf life. Unique, high-quality varieties distributed to a select region will minimize shrink and overall waste.

Stick around to see how else Pure Green Farms is set to offer value to its retail partners.

Pure Green Farms

WENATCHEE, WA - The results are in, and consumers are clearly flocking to organics. Proving the success of its long-term investment in the sector, CMI Orchards recently revealed impressive sales jumps surrounding its organic varieties. The grower’s overall organic apple production is currently up by 25.5 percent over last year, and organic pear production is up by 73.2 percent.

“We’re very pleased with this growth. The new year is the perfect time to commit to health and wellness and many shoppers choose to do this by opting for organic products,” commented Brand Manager Rochelle Bohm. “CMI is perfectly positioned to support retailers focused on offering their customers new and exciting products that drive sales and satisfy organic shoppers year-round. With the highest number of club apples of any shipper, and award-winning sales tools, we’re poised to continue this growth in the new year with some incredible organic promotions.”

According to Nielsen Fresh Facts, CMI-branded Ambrosia, Kanzi®, and JAZZ™ varieties have some of the highest distribution of any branded organic apples. Organic Envy™, which hit the market in 2019, has seen significant volume gains this year. CMI leadership anticipates the organic Envy variety will continue to accelerate to one of the top positions to match the conventional variety. Currently, Envy holds some of the highest retail pricing of any organic branded apple, with a $3.00 per pound average.

More than 10 years ago, CMI developed the Daisy Girl Organics brand to help retailers capture incremental sales for organic apples, pears, and cherries. As noted in a press release, the brand has created an internationally recognized mark of quality for CMI’s organic program. CMI’s Daisy Girl Organics label has been one of the top-selling organic apple and pear brands in the U.S. for several years running.

“Our organic growth remains strong and we’ve proven that we are one of the best year-round organic suppliers in the industry,” explained Marketing Specialist Danelle Huber.

CMI orchards are located in Washington State, a premier growing area for apples, pears, and cherries. The nutrient-rich soil, arid climate, plentiful water, and advanced growing practices produce incredibly high quality fruit.

Can we expect to see sales rise across the entire organic category? Stay tuned as AndNowUKnow reports.

CMI Orchards

INDIA - One of the most dynamic grocery markets in the world lies in India. Walmart has been investing in the country for some time now, and its latest move continues this trend. The retailer is planning a $10 billion IPO for its Flipkart operation, a move that has long been discussed. This IPO would value the Indian e-commerce banner at $40 billion.

Walmart acquired Flipkart in 2018, and this new valuation would nearly double Walmart’s investment in the company. According to a report from the Hindustan Times, Walmart hired Goldman Sachs to explore an initial share sale of its Flipkart unit to raise that $10 billion. Two people close to the situation noted that Walmart plans to sell roughly 25 percent in the online retailer.

“Work on the IPO (initial public offering) is on in full swing and the advent of the pandemic has only hastened the process, given the spectacular surge in demand on e-commerce platforms,” said one of the people familiar with the matter.

This year alone, Walmart increased its stake in Flipkart, leading a $1.2 billion-funding round. Flipkart has also built out its supply chain network by opening a new grocery fulfillment center and nabbing new partners.

How will this IPO further benefit Walmart’s overarching expansion strategy within the Indian market? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Walmart Flipkart

OXNARD, CA - After more than 36 years with Mission Produce, the company’s Senior VP of Global Information & Industry Affairs, James (“Jim”) Donovan, is retiring.

“It’s been an honor to be a part of Mission’s journey since its infancy, from a small California-based avocado packer to a global, successful, publicly-traded company,” Donovan said. “I’ve met and worked with some of the most remarkable and passionate people in the global avocado and produce industry. I am extremely humbled by the success we’ve experienced in my tenure at Mission and look forward to its continued growth.”

Over his expansive career with Mission, Donovan spent the better part of his career in a senior level global sourcing position, as well as having garnered a strong reputation in sales, operations, and industry relations.

Donovan joined the company as an Export Sales Manager in 1984, according to a press release, after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business.

“Jim was instrumental in establishing our sourcing and sales strategies abroad, which has contributed to Mission’s global success today,” said Steve Barnard, President and Chief Executive Officer. “He conceptualized the potential of the avocado from a niche fruit to a global, mainstream food. On behalf of everyone at Mission, I would like to thank Jim for his outstanding contributions to our company.”

Among his career accomplishments, Donovan played a key role in developing major growing and distribution sources in Mexico, Chile, and Peru, as well as Colombia and New Zealand, as well as laid the groundwork forming relationships with leading retailers and buyers in Asia and Europe.

“As both his friend and colleague, I’ve greatly enjoyed working alongside Jim over the past 35 years,” said Ross Wileman, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “He is a loyal and fun leader who has dedicated much of his life to building Mission and navigating our exciting industry. Though we will miss his enthusiasm in the office, I wish Jim all the best in his retirement.”

Having established and served on many avocado industry associations, including the Hass Avocado Board, Mexican Importers and Handlers Association, Peruvian Avocado Committee, Chilean Avocado Importers Association, and the World Avocado Organization, it is safe to say that Jim Donovan has established a strong network as he helped lead a global vision to realize Mission as one of the most advanced avocado networks.

Congratulations, Jim Donovan, on such a successful career!

Mission Produce

MIAMI, FL - Our industry is home to astounding people, and it is also an environment that produces some of the most inspiring leaders. From joining Continental Fresh as a Sales Associate in 2017 to now Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Robert Cabili has forged a path all his own. His aptitude and innate talent have opened many doors, leading Continental Fresh to name him as a Partner with ownership in the company. I sat down with Robert to explore what led him to such great heights and uncover what he has in store for the grower.

“Although I did not have any prior experience in the produce industry, I was confident that I could contribute to Continental Fresh by applying my background in sales and purchasing,” Robert tells me. “I truly enjoy being a part of the produce industry where I get to work in a fast-paced and exciting environment, build relationships with customers and growers, and provide healthy and fresh produce to people throughout the country.”

From his entry into the business, Robert has been on a fast track of growth through the company. Robert began by traveling to Mexico and Latin America to understand the supply-side of the business as well as across the U.S. to learn about the retail, processing, foodservice, and wholesale operations of the industry.

Robert has taken to the industry like a duck to water. A natural at sales with a calm and attentive style, Robert has surpassed every benchmark the company had set in front of him. However, his sharp mind keeps him—and Continental Fresh—focused on growth and expansion.

“Moving forward, I would like us to explore new opportunities to grow as a company. We will expand our catalog of items that we sell and continue to build new relationships with customers throughout the U.S.,” explains Robert.

A rising star in our industry to keep an eye out for, Robert’s path to success was intertwined with Continental Fresh long before he joined the company. Prior to joining the grower, Robert had participated in the building of a water project for BLUE Missions, the non-profit that Continental supports with its Water For All and Food For Humanity labels. Embodying the company’s passion for People, Produce, and Purpose, Robert has also taken part in the Trek for Clean Water, a fundraiser summit of the highest peak in the Caribbean that Continental Fresh sponsors in the Dominican Republic.

“Over the years, we have participated in mission trips during the summer to help build aqueducts and latrines for communities in need. These experiences inspired the creation of our ‘Water For All’ label,” Robert elaborates. “A percentage of each cucumber, butternut, and mango box sold under this label is donated to BLUE Missions.”

With a penchant for sales, the community, and growth, the only direction for Robert and Continental Fresh to go is onward and upward! For the latest leadership developments, fresh updates, and more in our industry, keep checking back to ANUK.

Continental Fresh

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Continuing to sweep up new partners across the nation, Instacart has seen a boom in growth since the start of the pandemic, and it is showing no signs of slowing down. The online grocery platform announced that it will be joining with grocery retailer Meijer to launch a nationwide partnership that will offer same-day delivery from almost all of its stores to its members. Customers will now have the ability to order grocery and household items, as well as products from a plethora of other categories, to be delivered in as fast as an hour.

"Instacart's mission is to give customers access to the food they love and more time to enjoy it together. In 2020, this commitment has taken on an entirely new meaning as we continue to serve as an essential, same-day delivery service for millions of people across North America. Customers rely on Instacart to get the groceries and goods they need from the retailers they love, and today we're proud to welcome Meijer to our marketplace so they can further connect with their customers online," said Nilam Ganenthiran, President of Instacart. "Meijer is an iconic, family-owned grocer that has served families across the Midwest for more than 85 years. Through our new partnership, we're bringing Meijer's incredible selection online for customers, giving Meijer customers access to everything they need from the comfort and safety of their home."

Meijer shoppers across Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan are now able to shop from Meijer via Instacart and have their products delivered in the same day, according to a press release.

For every order placed through the platform, an Instacart personal shopper will pick and deliver the products within the customer's designated time frame. Shoppers will be able to receive their orders same-day or can schedule their delivery in advance.

With the addition of Meijer, Instacart has more than 500 local, regional, and national retailer partners and delivers from almost 40,000 store locations across the U.S. and Canada. As of 2020, Instacart is available to 85 percent of households in the U.S. and 70 percent of the households in Canada and can be used in more than 5,500 cities in North America.

As Instacart's popularity continues to skyrocket, which company will be the next to sign on as a partner? Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we keep our ears to the newswire to bring you the answers.

Instacart Meijer

LOS ANGELES, CA - The category-building Envy™ apple gave local retailers and shoppers a unique opportunity to share the festive cheer. Together with radio personality Ellen K, Envy partnered with Gelson’s Markets, Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions, and Bristol Farms to raise money this holiday season for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

“Our retail partners are best in class, not only for the top-quality products and service they deliver their customers, but for their charitable support, especially during an incredibly challenging year,” said Ambar Rodriguez, Senior Business Development Manager for Envy's marketer Oppy. “Their willingness to partner with Envy to raise money for their community demonstrates the outstanding generosity of the companies and people within the produce industry, especially in SoCal. And we simply can’t say enough about Ellen K’s kindness and generosity to CHLA. Her broadcast on Giving Tuesday warmed hearts and gave hope to listeners across Los Angeles and the U.S.”

In conjunction with CHLA’s user-focused donation links and text messaging, Envy matched a portion of the retailers’ Envy sales during the promotional period and presented its combined contribution to CHLA on behalf of the participating retailers. Another Giving Tuesday sponsor, Blueair, matched Envy’s donation, bringing the total to $20,000.

According to the press release, the effort included customized in-store signage, social media, special Ellen K video endorsements, and promotions which took place throughout the month of November, leading up to Ellen K’s live annual broadcast on “Giving Tuesday” on December 1 on her top-rated KOST 103.5 “The Ellen K Morning Show.”

Ellen K’s KOST 103.5 Giving Tuesday/CHLA broadcast drew donations from corporate sponsors and individual donors alike, including such donor celebrities as Dolly Parton, Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé, and Melanie Griffith.

Live from her Giving Tuesday broadcast, Ellen K recalled how she first became connected with Ambar and Envy as she presented the donation on behalf of Envy and its retail partners.

“It all started with your boyfriend hearing us talk about an apple (Envy), and now we’re partners. This is amazing,” Ellen K commented. “Envy apples and Ambar, thank you so much. Bite and believe.”

Retail partners and Envy will be featured throughout December on the “Ellen K Weekend Show,” Ellen K’s nationally syndicated program that broadcasts Saturday mornings from Los Angeles on KOST 103.5. Ellen K and Envy have a longstanding partnership, as Ellen K’s first-class, genuine approach—and incredible reach and following—is aligned with the Envy approach: the ultimate apple for everyone, every day.

As of November 21, Los Angeles Envy sales had jumped over 40 percent YOY, stated the press release. Envy volume jumped even higher, at over 46 percent YOY. This November charitable initiative undoubtedly contributed to increased momentum, as more than 20 percent of the Los Angeles market promoted Envy and the CHLA/Ellen K partnership.

Congratulations all around for an amazing event for a great cause. For more fresh updates from the industry, keep checking back to ANUK.

T&G Global Ellen K