SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Ocado, the industry partner known for partnering with Kroger, has made another push into the supermarket sector with its latest acquisition. The company recently announced that it acquired the robotics firm Kindred Systems for $262 million in cash, as well as Haddington Dynamics for $25 million in cash and shares.

Ocado Chief Executive Tim Steiner remarked in a statement that the acquisitions will allow the company to “accelerate delivery, innovate more, and grow faster.”

As it continues to drive growth both for itself and for industry partners like Kroger, Ocado’s strategic investments in new firms shows a determination to be cutting-edge in this cutthroat sector.

“In our mission to solve one of the world’s hardest challenges in robotics, the picking and packing of groceries, we’re acquiring two leading robotics companies,” Ocado acknowledged in a statement.

Kindred Systems specializes in building robots that pick and pack online orders, whereas Haddington Dynamics creates robotic arms.

How will this acquisition continue to drive growth for Ocado—and how will it drive growth for its partners? Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow to find out.

Ocado

DALLAS, TX - Only recently announcing to the world the introduction of the Pinkglow™ Pineapple, Fresh Del Monte has added the Petit Pinkglow to its lineup. This new product is exclusive to the Dallas, Texas, market.

“We are so excited to be officially launching our new Petit Pinkglow Pineapple in the Dallas market,” said Pablo Rivero, Vice President Marketing North America. “After receiving such a great response with the launch of the Pinkglow Pineapple earlier this month, we know that our consumers are going to love this smaller version—which is perfect for small gatherings special date nights, or even as a fun gift for the person who has everything!”

Similar to its predecessor, this product is produced in ultra-limited harvests and grown by experts exclusive to Fresh Del Monte. The “Jewel of the Jungle™,” has a unique taste with notes of candy aromatics, a press release explained.

From the moment consumers cut into it, the pink color draws the eye in ways that promise report purchases—or so I would assume! The Petit Pinkglow arrives without its crown, a factor that ensures Fresh Del Monte is sustainably cultivating the next crop of this variety.

We cannot wait to hear what’s up next for innovators like Fresh Del Monte, so stay tuned.

Fresh Del Monte

ROSEMONT, IL - Resilience is more than a craft in the foodservice industry, it is a necessity that predates the ups and downs of 2020. US Foods’ Chairman and CEO Pietro Satriano saw this as a key takeaway from the company’s numbers as it reported its third quarter of fiscal 2020.

"In the third quarter, we demonstrated the resiliency of our business model by continuing to gain market share in an industry significantly impacted by COVID-19," Satriano stated. "Our case volumes continue to recover and Adjusted Gross Profit Margin improved by 70 basis points over the prior quarter. This profitable growth, along with our prudent approach to cost management, enabled us to deliver Adjusted EBITDA of $209 million for the quarter, more than double what we delivered in the second quarter. I'm proud of the hard work of all our associates, who remain focused on helping our customers Make It during this challenging time."

Highlights for the foodservice operator’s quarter included:

• Total case volume decreased 8.9 percent; total organic case volume decreased 22.2 percent
• Net sales decreased 10.5 percent to $5.8 billion
• Gross profit decreased 15.7 percent to $974 million
• Net loss available to common shareholders was $2 million
• Adjusted EBITDA decreased 31.9 percent to $209 million
• Diluted EPS loss was $0.01; adjusted Diluted EPS was $0.15

Both case volume and net sales improved throughout the quarter compared to the previous quarter, US Foods said, noting that many of its customers adjusted to social distancing measures and capacity restrictions put in place on non-essential businesses due to COVID-19.

While organic financial results excluded contributions during the respective period from Smart Stores Holding Corp., which US Foods acquired in April, The Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions contributed net sales of $876 million, or 15.0 percent, for the quarter, according to a press release.

The report noted, too, that for the Food Group of Companies, which was acquired in September 2019, organic financial results include contributions for the September 14, 2020, through September 26, 2020, time period only.

You can learn more details about the quarter by reading the full release on the report here. Understandably, COVID-19 has made for continued uncertainty, which US Foods contributed to withdrawing its fiscal 2020 financial guidance in March 2020. It has not provided any additional financial guidance since.

Resilience, that capacity to bounce back and to rediscover under trying times, continues to lead many facets of fresh produce. As we all continue to see our way through, AndNowUKnow will report the latest.

US Foods

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it has imposed sanctions against four produce businesses for failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), and meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased, in a total amounting to $470,659.

Direct From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Whitney Foods Inc., operating out of Chicago, Ill., for failing to pay a $7,943 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Joseph Fitzgerald was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business.
• Produce for Less Inc., operating out of Brooklyn, N.Y., for failing to pay a $34,640 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Aleksandr Gavrilov was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business.
• CKF Produce Corp., operating out of Brooklyn, N.Y., for failing to pay a $415,066 award in favor of a New Jersey seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Koji Ueno was listed as the officer, director and/or major stockholder of the business.
• RR & Tequila Limes LLC, operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $13,010 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Victor Rivera was listed as a member of the business.

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.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For more information, and to read the release in its entirety, click here.

USDA's Agricultural Martketing Service

WESTBOROUGH, MA - With the grocery market continuing to expand in the direction of online ordering and curbside pickup, BJ’s Wholesale Club has unveiled new plans to continue building out its buy online, pick up in-club service to now include fresh and frozen items. As the service continues to grow, BJ’s members are now able to order groceries online or through the company’s app and pick them up curbside or in-club at any of the wholesaler’s 219 locations.

“We’re committed to helping our members save time and money on essentials, which is why we’re offering more convenient ways to help them get exactly what they need,” said Jeff Desroches, Executive Vice President, Club Operations Officer. “With the expansion of our buy online, pick up in-club service, BJ’s members can do their weekly grocery shopping—and check off anything else on their list—in an easy, one-stop-shop.”

The new expansion of BJ’s program will allow members to select from a wide variety of frozen and fresh items, including produce, in addition to general merchandise products that were available before. According to a press release, the service will be free for members and continues to build on the company’s growth of its online systems and convenient customer services.

Over the past few years, BJ’s has also made strides in these fields with the release of a new mobile app as well as the introduction of online ordering, curbside pickup, and same-day delivery.

How will BJ’s continue to build its online services and what part will fresh produce play in the expansion? ANUK will continue to report on the latest.

BJ's Wholesale Club

HOLLISTER, CA - Proving that almost anything is possible with the right people in your corner, Berry People announced that it recently secured partnerships with Peruvian growers to provide blueberries year-round, filling any third and fourth quarter supply gaps. With its new partnerships, Berry People will be able to continue providing promotable volumes of reasonably priced, flavorful berries throughout the year.

"Blueberries are now a top-10 fruit, with consistent consumer demand," said Jerald Downs, President. "Combined with our existing production in British Columbia, Chile, Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest, we are now assured excellent volumes and quality year-round, enabling our retail and foodservice customers to exceed consumer expectations while increasing sales."

Along with providing an ample year-round supply of blueberries, Berry People’s new partnerships are with some of the primary growers of organic berries in Peru, a region where organics are up-and-coming, according to a press release. With such pivotal partners, Berry People will be able to stay on track with industry movement toward improving varieties, flavors, and shelf-life across the category.

"We are now delivering promotable volumes and pricing of both organic and conventional blueberries throughout North America’s fall and winter seasons, allowing blueberries to gain further traction against other items in the produce department,” continued Downs.

As Berry People continues to form new partnerships and expand on those newly made, what role will it play in developing the future of the company and the berry market? Keep checking in with ANUK for answers.

Berry People

CHARLOTTE, NC - Anyone can cook, that’s the message Pixar Animation Studios’ Ratatouille and Dole Food Company want consumers to know. Dole is continuing to give Disney fans the chance to create their own at-home version of Gusteau’s, the iconic Parisienne restaurant at the center of Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille, as part of its three-month healthy-cooking alliance with the film.

“What better way to motivate chefs at all levels—and their families—to cook together than to bring the glorious food and culinary culture of Gusteau’s and Paris itself right into your kitchen and dining room?” said Rachel Young, Manager of Digital Marketing. “We had a lot of fun creating everything that would-be restaurateurs need to christen their own French café ranging from personalized menus, placemats, recipe cards, and even a traditional chef’s hat to healthier Dole versions of classic French dishes including several featured in Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille.”

The produce leader released a series of free downloadable resources designed to motivate aspiring chefs to don an apron, become a restaurateur, and prepare and serve some of the 20 new French-inspired hors d’oeuvres (appetizer), le plat principal (entrée), accompagnement (side dish), le dessert (dessert), and boisson (beverage) recipes created by Dole for the campaign continuing through January 2021.

In addition to a selection of original recipes, Dole’s “Now We’re (All) Cooking” initiative kicked-off earlier this month with fresh digital downloads, family-friendly activities, social activations, and influencer partnerships inspired by Remy, Linguini, Collette, Anton, and others who frequented Chef Auguste Gusteau’s previously five-star culinary destination in the City of Lights.

“While your efforts may not result in official ‘stars’ like they did for Chef Gusteau and ultimately Linguini and Remy, you are bound to impress family and friends this fall and holiday season,” Young added.

According to the press release, Dole’s in-store, in-home collaboration with Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille caps Dole’s year-long celebration of Pixar Animation Studios, which is part of a long-term nutritional alliance with The Walt Disney Company designed to make healthy eating and a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables more fun and attainable to busy parents.

Joining the first 10 recipes that debuted earlier this month are 10 more all new Dole dishes created by Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s Health and Nutrition Communications Manager, that will surely drive a crowd of eager chefs to the produce aisle.

• Sweet Apple-touille Ramekins – DOLE® Banana, Green and Red Apples, a Bosc pear, Greek yogurt, and cinnamon are combined and baked in 8-ounce ramekins to create deliciously individual desserts that are low-fat, low-sodium, vegetarian and vegan
• Anyone Can Cook Coq Au Vin – The classic French dish cooked in a Dutch oven is made easy in this five-step recipe calling for boneless, skinless chicken breasts mixed with DOLE Carrots, Celery, White Onion, Mushrooms, and a wealth of spices
• Veggies Voila! Buckwheat Crepes – Dole’s healthier take on legendary French crepes are filled with a vegetarian mixture of DOLE Mushrooms, Red Onion, Celery, Asparagus, and Baby Spinach, topped with almond milk-based ricotta cheese
• Dutch Oven French Onion Turkey – This surprisingly easy-to-make French family meal features boneless, skinless turkey breast cooked with julienned DOLE Yellow Onions, chicken broth, and spices in a traditional enamel-coated Dutch oven
• French Onion Turkey Bistro Sandwich – Spread a whole-wheat bun with French Dijon mustard and top with chilled Dutch Oven French Onion Turkey, caramelized DOLE Yellow Onions, and DOLE® Arugula
• Plantain Chocolate Mousse – DOLE Plantains, tofu, and unsweetened cocoa powder serve as the foundation for this surprisingly rich and thick vegan dessert that is piped into champagne flutes and topped with DOLE® Pineapple, Raspberries, and kiwi
• Provincial Pineapple-Banana Bundt Cake – This vegetarian, low-fat version of everyone’s favorite special-occasion cake is made with DOLE Bananas and Pineapples and drizzled with a special pineapple glaze
• Parisienne Snapper in Parchment – Fresh Red Snapper fillets are folded into parchment packets with DOLE Carrots, Cauliflower florets, Mushrooms, capers, and spices and baked using a French technique that seals in the original flavors, colors, textures, and nutrients
• Ratatouille-Stuffed Mushrooms – A dozen DOLE Mushrooms are stuffed with a seasoned mixture of eggplant, bell peppers, Roma tomato, summer squash, and DOLE Red Onion in this improvised, handheld version of the favorite French recipe
• Veggie Linguini a la Linguini – Named after the fearless chef-in-training, this simple-but-hearty dish tosses whole-wheat linguine pasta with DOLE Sweet Potatoes, Red Onion, Brussels Sprouts, Arugula, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar

An assortment of DIY recipe videos will be posted on Dole’s Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages through the end of the year. Dole is also hosting a “Now We’re (All) Cooking Virtual Cooking Class” in November for bloggers and influencers to prove there can never be too many cooks in the kitchen (or on Zoom).

Keep checking back to ANUK for more creative ways to incorporate fresh produce into consumer baskets and the latest updates in the industry.

Dole Food Company

OXNARD, CA - A new leader has stepped up to the plate at Mission Produce. The avocado company recently promoted Brooke Becker as the newest Sales Director, where she will be responsible for managing outside purchases and utilization of Mission’s product.

“I am looking forward to stepping into this opportunity during an exciting era for Mission and the industry,” said Becker. “I will offer the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my decade of experience to advance the category and support our North American sales team.”

As stated in the release, Becker’s new responsibilities include analyzing volume trends that impact North American retail, wholesale, and foodservice businesses, and guiding domestic sales staff on price and market conditions.

In 2011, Becker joined Mission’s sales department as a Sales Representative. After growing its existing business and developing new retail and wholesale customers, Becker was promoted to Key Account Manager in 2017.

“Brooke is a strong sales professional and has become a leader at Mission,” said Stephen Fink, Vice President of North American Sales. “In her tenure, she has contributed to efforts that have resulted in the growth of retail and wholesale business. Brooke is dedicated to our company and customers, and we couldn’t have selected a more qualified candidate for this role.”

Becker graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business.

Congratulations to Brooke Becker on the next step in her career!

Mission Produce

BENTONVILLE, AR - As big-box stores continue to square off in this competitive market, Walmart is once again introducing new tactics to run ahead of the pack. This time, the retailer has announced plans that it will be turning four of its stores near its Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters into laboratories to test the ways in which it can better streamline the relationships between brick-and-mortar stores and its online business to give it a competitive edge.

"We have an amazing set of assets that have us well prepared for this next era, but we can’t stop there," said John Crecelius, Senior Vice President of Associate Product and Next Generation Stores in the U.S., in a statement. "We’re moving quickly to use our physical retail stores to not only serve in-store shoppers, but to flex to meet the needs of online shoppers, too, in ways that only Walmart can."

Walmart has already seen results based on its new implementations. According to a press release, employees putting together online orders are picking up items 20 percent faster based on new in-store signage and devices installed earlier this year.

In this new project, Walmart employees will implement a series of digital tools, store design features, and a host of other strategies in an effort to get shelves restocked faster and fulfilling customers’ online orders.

According to an article from CNBC, the retailer will test an app that uses artificial intelligence to scan multiple boxes at once when stocking as well as continuing to roll out new store signage and handheld devices to minimize the time it takes to pick up digital orders. Throughout the process, product and technology teams will be placed in store to monitor the progress of the new implementations.

In addition to the new restocking and online order procedures, Walmart will be testing ways to better link its select departments as well as its checkout areas to make the shopping experience more seamless for consumers.

With over 4,700 stores with the majority of customers living within 10 miles of their nearest shopping center, implementing better online ordering and curb-side pickup could be a game changer for the retailer.

As Walmart continues to develop its new program, continue reading ANUK for all of the latest updates and outcomes.

Walmart

DETROIT, MI - As new technology continues to hit the market, it becomes more efficient for growers to get their product from the farm to the shelf. Given the challenges that growers have seen this year in accessing labor for field, grove, and orchard work or in packing houses, maintaining the health of workers and much more, it’s no surprise that the interest in technology may have increased. Meeting this interest, LABELPAC has recently rolled out a new labelling technology line.

“The concern from growers we hear is around minimizing labor. Wherever they can do without manual labor is where they want to automate,” says Sam Sleiman, President and Owner of LABELPAC in Windsor, Ontario, in a press release. “They’re scrambling for better technology that’s affordable and that works.”

This December, the company is introducing new technologies to label fresh produce that the company designs and manufactures in-house. The new products include Smart in-Tray MOTOHEAD® Vision label applicators, a high-speed labeling system that can identify various tray patterns and sizes of produce and that can communicate with various PTI compliance lines; the MOTOHEAD® FX series, a fixed in-tray label applicator that takes up a small footprint in challenging spaces and can also be integrated into packing lines; and the MOTOHEAD® XL Large label applicator, designed to apply labels up to 3” x 2” at high speeds and is mainly used for large watermelon and other fruit as well as on a wide range of conveyor and grading lines.

“Typically, a lot of watermelon growers are applying these labels by hand but with this, they can do it automatically at high speeds on various conveyors, packing lines, or grading lines,” adds Sleiman.

Along with wanting to minimize the use of labor, Sleiman says there are other needs he hears about from growers such as robotic solutions used in packing lines.

“Capabilities with our team of LABEPAC engineers is unlimited. We can automate nearly any imaginable request our customers may have. With our new MOTOHEAD Vision systems, and our various PLU labeling solutions, we can provide all this in-house and locally,” Sleiman says. “We are looking for farms willing to work with us on solutions, which can benefit them substantially with very little to no capital investment.”

Contact LABELPAC to find out more about how you could benefit from this, especially during these difficult times.

This tech-driven world never stops evolving, so keep clicking back to AndNowUKnow to stay in the loop.

LABELPAC