JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Florida market recently got a little tighter thanks to Southeastern Grocers (SEG). The parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is moving in on this prime retail region as it opens four new Winn-Dixie stores. SEG celebrated the grand opening of all four stores today on Veterans Day.

“We are beyond excited to unveil our four new Winn-Dixie stores to the wonderful communities of Boynton Beach, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Lakewood Ranch. We are proud to provide our customers a shopping experience that is uniquely crafted for their community,” Anthony Hucker, President and CEO, said. “At Southeastern Grocers, giving back to our communities is in our DNA, and with our grand openings occurring on Veterans Day, we are proud to recognize the men and women who served our country in the most admirable way. We have immense gratitude for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom, and we look forward to showing all of our new neighbors they can always count on us.”

According to the press release, each Winn-Dixie store is designed to provide customers with a unique shopping experience featuring the freshest produce and highest-quality products.

Customers shopping the four new Winn-Dixie locations will immediately notice enhanced offerings, including farm-fresh produce with more than 100 organic varieties, plant-based proteins made in-store, and a wide selection of convenient grab-and-go meal options. Winn-Dixie also made it easier than ever for shoppers to find healthy options in-store by implementing “LiveWell” message tags for certain products.

These four store openings are the first of eight new Winn-Dixie stores scheduled to open throughout Florida. Winn-Dixie’s continued expansion will include additional locations in Fort Myers, Lake Mary, and Melbourne later this year and Viera in early 2021.

With new stores on the horizon, how will the retail landscape shape up? ANUK will stay on the retail trail.

Southeastern Grocers

PHOENIX, AZ - The state of Arizona has a personality all its own, and touts an impressive leafy greens industry to boot. Now through April, the 15 varieties of leafy greens grown in Arizona will be gathered and shipped to locations across the United States and Canada. This production results in the employment of nearly 27,000 individuals and an estimated $2 billion of the state’s economy each year. In recognition of the significant impact the leafy greens industry has on the state, Governor Doug Ducey has proclaimed November as Arizona Leafy Greens Month.

“We approach each harvest season with a sense of pride and take our role as the top producer of leafy greens very seriously,” said C.R. Waters, Chairman of Arizona Leafy Greens Food Safety Committee. “Yet, there is also much joy and gratitude as the fruits of our labor come to fruition and another safe harvest begins being shipped to consumers across the country. Arizona Leafy Greens Month is an opportunity to generate awareness about our industry, while also celebrating the hard work that goes into it.”

As part of the month-long observance, Arizona’s Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) has partnered with the Yuma Safe Produce Council and will host a series of online giveaways related to the leafy greens industry and to food safety. Giveaways will be held weekly on Arizona LGMA’s Facebook page with followers asked to like, share, and comment on posts. Winners will be announced every Friday throughout the month of November, according to a press release.

In addition to its social media giveaways, Arizona LGMA will launch a new newsletter, Harvest Times during Arizona Leafy Greens Month. The quarterly newsletter will highlight the successes of the season including new programs and initiatives as well as the people that ensure that every year their leafy greens are grown, harvested, and shipped in the safest possible manner. Further, it will serve as a resource on the Arizona Leafy Greens program and its history.

“Arizona Leafy Greens Month is a vehicle to educate the public on the importance of the efforts done by the Arizona LGMA Technical subcommittee to keep the leafy greens we consume safe. The measures instituted by them are widely considered to be the most comprehensive in the industry. However, recognize that it is the cooperation and hard work of the farming community that truly ensure our success,” said Arizona Leafy Greens Food Safety Committee Administrator, Teressa Lopez.

For more information on Arizona LGMA and to sign up for the Harvest Times newsletter, click here.

Stick with us at AndNowUKnow for the latest and greatest in fresh produce.

Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI - The category leader of dips and good-for-you products is rolling out a rebrand of its dairy dip line in stores across the nation. Good Foods’ new packaging follows the lead of its refreshed guacamole line and plant-based dips with a new illustrative design. The plant-based company is also unveiling a new addition to the dairy dip line: Spinach Artichoke Parmesan.

“Adding an additional dip to our dairy line and refreshing the packaging to be more on-trend and cohesive with our brand has been no small task,” said Danyel O’Connor, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Through our work with an outside agency, focus groups, and surveys, we knew this transition was the right move for our brand, and we’re so excited to complete the design refresh of all our dips.”

Good Foods made the decision to switch from photography-focused packaging to a more illustration-focused design as research revealed consumers found that to be more reflective of the fresh and natural product, as stated in the press release. After months of updating the brand’s packaging, the plant-based dips, guacamole line, and dairy dips all have the same illustrative design to increase brand cohesion.

With the addition of Spinach Artichoke Parmesan, the lineup consists of three flavors including Feta Cucumber and Creamy Ranch. The Spinach Artichoke Parmesan dip drops just in time for the holidays. In the last month alone, this product has received interest from publications like Food & Wine, Food Network, and Good Housekeeping showcasing the popularity and interest of this product.

As plant-based and fresh-forward products become more available, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest.

Good Foods

YAKIMA, WA - Christmas is fast approaching and I can already smell the sweet scents of pine trees, gingerbread, and crisp apples. Cosmic Crisp® apples are one variety sure to delight your consumers this holiday season through diverse retail opportunities. Through partnerships with retailers, influencers, and media outlets, millions of shoppers will get a taste of the new Cosmic Crisp apple and inspiration to put a fresh twist on traditions.

“The original tree ornament was red apples,” explains Kathryn Grandy, Vice President of Operations and Marketing for Proprietary Variety Management, the company responsible for promoting the apple to consumers. “After a bad crop year, glass ornaments were created and the rest is history. We are bringing the apple ornament tradition back and creating new ones with the Cosmic Crisp. Beyond recipes, its natural beauty is perfect for fresh decor.”

Publication in Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes & Gardens’ Living section will showcase special recipes and seasonal decor all centered around the Cosmic Crisp apple. These issues both hit newsstands November 13, just before the apples ship from Washington state. More content will be available on the Cosmic Crisp website and social media platforms, including how-to videos, a holiday guide, and more. Major grocery retailers will support the campaign with in-store signage, social media content, and select event activations.

“This year’s harvest is much larger than last, and growers are ready to ship nationwide on November 23, just in time for the holidays,” adds Grandy. “We receive messages from consumers every day asking when the apple will be back. The answer is: soon!”

Influencers who will join in on spreading Cosmic Crisp cheer include designer, stylist, and TV personality Eddie Ross, and celebrity chef Chadwick Boyd. Returning to the Cosmic Crisp ambassador lineup is Chef Dan Koomoo of Crafted Yakima and lifestyle influencer Chantea McIntyre. The branded apple’s partnership with uniphi for good, an agency representing former NASA astronauts, will also continue.

A cross between the Honeycrisp and Enterprise varieties, Cosmic Crisp apples are crisp, juicy, and have a perfectly balanced flavor that make them an ideal snack or ingredient for baking, cooking, and juicing, as stated in a press release. After making their debut last Winter, the apple was sold out by early spring and has been sought after ever since.

Keep checking back for fresh produce news as we at ANUK report.

Cosmic Crisp®

KAUFMAN COUNTY, TX - It’s all about Texas over at H-E-B as of late, with the retailer most recently naming new stores in San Antonio and Lubbock. It seems even further expansion is in the works as ANUK heard whispers of another new store in Kaufman County.

inForney.com recently confirmed that H-E-B plans to open a new store in the market. The retailer reportedly met with local officials to discuss further expansion, with facilities in Kaufman County catching its eye. The exact locations have not been disclosed, but it is suspected that H-E-B will be opening a flagship store in either Forney or Terrell.

The local news source went on to report that there are now a handful of stores within 50 miles or so of Dallas, Texas, in Waxahachie, Ennis, Burleson, Corsicana, Cleburne, and Fort Worth. If the Kaufman County store does take shape, it will be one of H-E-B’s first stores in the area.

As we await further news of this exciting new store, ANUK will be here bringing you the latest news in retail.

H-E-B

CASTROVILLE, CA - It is only fitting that as frost and snow tinge the leaves and ground across the U.S. that Ocean Mist Farms^® welcomes its first Frost Kissed^® Artichoke crop of the season. Available throughout the winter season, the Frost Kissed variety will soon be shipping to retailers.

“Frost Kissed artichokes offer a unique flavor for a limited time that many shoppers look forward to experiencing after a frost,” said Diana McClean, Senior Director of Marketing. “These artichokes have a unique color to them that is strictly cosmetic and does not reflect the quality that shoppers are accustomed to.”

Due to temperatures dipping below the freezing mark, the artichokes’ skin darkens, sealing in more flavor and creating a nuttier taste that is found in Frost Kissed artichokes, according to a press release.

“The Frost Kissed artichokes are such a seasonal treat as we don’t see a freeze every season,” added McClean. “This fall, while more meals are being prepared at home, we’re working to ensure our shoppers are educated on ways to prep the artichoke so they too can enjoy its unique flavor for a limited time when they are available.”

To help shoppers create delectable menu items with the Frost Kissed variety, Ocean Mist Farms will be providing new recipes through its social media channels as well as on its website. Additionally, each Frost Kissed artichoke will have a petal insert to make them easily recognizable and to promote Frost Kissed POS materials.

As the winter wind continues to bring freezing temperatures, warm the spirits of your shoppers with Ocean Mist Farms’ Frost Kissed artichokes all season long. Be sure to get your hands on this exclusive variety before the season is over.

Ocean Mist® Farms

PLANT CITY, FL - A leader in marketing fresh produce in order to attract a wide array of consumers, Wish Farms continues to stay at the forefront of innovation. The berry purveyor is once again upping its prowess in the produce aisle, announcing a revamp of its brand messaging. The rebrand includes a new look for Wish's labels as well as an updated website and newly designed smartphone application.

“Providing the best tasting berries is at the heart of our mission, but in order to be a brand that people ask for by name, we need to be more and do more,” said Owner Gary Wishnatzki. “We didn’t need to redefine who we are, because Wish Farms has always been involved in our community. But now we are sharing that message effectively and upping the ante.”

The refreshed designs are being introduced to the marketplace along with a smartphone program that brings the label to life, according to a press release. In late 2019, brand refresh efforts kicked-off with the rollout of Wish Farms’ tagline: Generations of Sweetness. In January 2020, all-new labels and boxes started featuring the trademarked emblem: Feel Good. Eat Berries. Make A Difference.

The underside of all berry labels displays state “You buy. We give. See how.” The messaging then directs the consumer to the website to learn more. The label showcases gingham designs with eye-catching colors that complement each berry.

“After thoughtful research and discussion, we decided that we needed to better convey who we are. The ‘Feel Good’ statement not only refers to berries’ health benefits, but how people can feel good about choosing our brand because of our commitment to social responsibility and active charitable efforts,” said Director of Marketing Amber Maloney. “We wanted to do something that stands out; the berries' natural colors really pop against the new label design.”

The company is also promoting its brand refresh through a revamped website featuring consumer favorites such as recipes in a Pinterest format along with detailed grower information. Improving upon the innovative “How’s My Picking” traceability platform, the company has now replaced it with the “Happiness Survey.”

The company began The Wish Farms Family Foundation in order to make a commitment to contribute a notable percentage of profits to worthy causes. Its focus is based on three pillars: Food Insecurity, Youth Education, and Community. The site contains new pages that detail the company history which underscores the generational aspect of the business.

“By downloading our Wish Farms mobile app, consumers can now watch Misty the Garden Pixie come to life through the use of augmented reality technology,” said Marketing Project Manager Nick Wishnatzki.

Moloney continued, noting how augmented reality has increased brand awareness.

“Product feedback is extremely important to us. Now consumers can easily share feedback by simply scanning the QR code on our berry label,” she explained. “This new platform highlights our commitment to giving consumers a voice and displaying an easier way to connect with us.”

In addition to the augmented reality feature, the app will be home to a consumer feedback portal, berry facts, and recipes as well as fun take on Tic-Tac-Toe called “Trick-Tac-Toe”. For each download, Wish Farms will donate a meal to Feeding America. The app is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

How will this revamp strengthen brand awareness for Wish Farms? Stay tuned as AndNowUKnow reports.

Wish Farms

MISSION, TX - The heat is on as the Texas International Produce Association's (TIPA) Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge 2.0 has kicked off and participants are working their way to a healthier lifestyle. Starting on October 1, contestants began their journey through the challenge, which will wrap up at the 2021 Viva Fresh Expos in Dallas, Texas, March 26­–27, 2021.

“As a past participant, I am truly honored to help lead this great group of people looking to take charge of not just their weight but their overall health and wellness,” said Michelle Cortez, Chairwoman of the 2021 Clean Eating Challenge. “A year ago, as we were going through this challenge ourselves, we didn’t truly realize we were changing our lives for the better, day by day, pound by pound, inch by inch. I know I speak for all the mentors when I say this is what we want for this group, but this is also what we want for our entire industry as we learn to value the power of fresh produce to change our health.”

Last year, the event, which started as an educational and promotional opportunity, led to the success of all participants in ways that were never fathomed. According to a press release, the industry professionals guided by Dr. Ian Smith, best-selling author, TV personality, and physician, changed their diets and habits as they worked toward healthier lifestyles. The end result was that the group lost over 160 pounds combined, reduced cholesterol, regulated blood sugar, and some were even able to lower medication usage.

Participants last year included Ed Bertaud (IFCO), Michelle Cortez (River Fresh Farms), Jed Murray (Tenaza Organics), and Tommy Wilkins (Grow Farms Texas).

This year, those who saw such great success in the inaugural event have become mentors to the new contestants. In the second annual Clean Eating Challenge, 40 participants from across the industry have stepped up to make healthy changes. Those partaking in the challenge come from eight states and two Canadian provinces and range between 30 and 67, showing that it’s never too late to make a change or take on a new challenge.

Due to the large number of industry members participating, TIPA has recruited James Bassetti (Little Bear Produce) and TJ Flowers (Lone Star Citrus Growers) to lead two of the five groups taking part in the challenge.

To encourage accountability, shared experience, and provide moral support, 12 of the 40 industry members have volunteered to be Featured Participants, and share their progress through blogs and vlogs which can be found on the new Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge website.

Featured participants include:

• Ashley Porter, HEB
• Blake LaGrange, Val Verde Vegetable Co.
• Bret Erickson, Little Bear Produce
• Chris Diaz, Sunkist Growers
• Jen Velasquez, Full Tilt Marketing
• John Toner V, United Fresh Produce Association
• Kimberly Avendaño
• Lance A. Peterson, Super Starr International
• Marcia Green, AA Organic
• Roxanne Martinez, Frontera Produce
• Tim Hodges, Union Standard Insurance Group
• Amy Sowder, The Packer

As the challenge has already taken off, participants have reported over 300 pounds lost between all contestants in the first five weeks alone, showing that this year’s challenge has already yielded positive results. What other beneficial changes will come from this life-changing challenge? Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on the latest.

Texas International Produce Association

PHARR, TX - London Fruit recently partnered with Hazel Technologies, heralding a dynamic new collaboration in the lime category. The partnership focuses on the use of a new technology, Hazel™ for Lime, on fresh limes marketed by London Fruit.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Hazel Tech™ and to be the first in the industry to introduce this value-added service to our lime program,” said Mario Cardenas, Sales Manager, London Fruit. “We see food waste as a growing concern to our customers and the consumer, and using Hazel Tech for Limes will ensure the best quality product reaches our customers throughout the country.”

Food safety and quality continues to drive London Fruit, as its dedicated production team examines and regrades each case of limes that enters its facilities.

“Being that London Fruit is one of the very few operations with such a thorough lime process, we found that Hazel Tech is a cost-efficient way of maintaining quality during transport and gives our customers much needed time,” said Jerry Garcia, London Fruit’s Vice President.

Hazel for Lime, according to a press release, is a small, biodegradable packaging insert, placed in the box during the packing process following harvest, which helps maintain the full green color of the lime during the shipping and retail merchandising process.

Following the implementation of Hazel for Lime in its supply chain, London Fruit observed improved color retention for a period of 14 days in Persian lime produced in Mexico.

“Today’s consumers care deeply about sustainability and environmental footprint, but also demand the freshest, greenest limes possible,” said Amanda Horney, Business Development Manager, London Fruit. “Using Hazel for Lime allows us to sustainably provide the best quality limes to our valued consumers and continue the tradition of innovation we have embraced since the founding of London Fruit in 1981.”

Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies, added, “Following our successful launch in limes, Hazel Technologies’ is now active in over 15 different fresh produce categories. We are excited to continue our innovation progress with our valued partners at London Fruit, a leading innovator in the lime category for nearly four decades.”

As exciting new partnerships continue to drive innovation, AndNowUKnow will be here to report.

London Fruit Hazel Technologies

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Winter weather decided to make a quick appearance along the Golden State this past weekend, most notably bringing snow to mountain regions as close to growers as some Kern County communities, according to a Bakersfield Californian report.

While snow didn’t appear to sneak below 4,000 feet, a significant amount of hail fell in ag-heavy Bakersfield, California, though product appears to remain safe and on track per a handful of producers ANUK reached out to.

“We actually had a full ten minutes of hail yesterday afternoon, south of Bakersfield near our farming operations. Thankfully it won’t impact the last days of sweet potato harvest nor do we see any damage to our organic cabbage fields. It was wild weather though, and it brought us a beautiful Monday,” Mike Valpredo, President of Country Sweet Produce, shared this morning.

Scattered showers continued across the southern half of the state, while snow was seen in the higher elevations of Tehachapi, most notably on Saturday into Sunday.

The National Weather Service reported snow accumulating at less than half an inch, however, and this morning is clear and cold.

“We definitely saw some rain and wind, but nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year,” Randy Giumarra, Vice President of Sales for Giumarra Vineyards, assured. “From a growing standpoint, the below freezing temperatures in some areas are going to be the concern for tonight.”

Earlier this year, Bakersfield Now celebrated the 21^st anniversary of the last measurable snowfall in Bakersfield, when the south valley received 4–6 inches of snow in January of 1999. 2020 has certainly served up more than a couple of extraordinary circumstances, so we will continue to be on the lookout.