LANDOVER, MD - The first day of November signals many things—inching closer to winter, welcoming Thanksgiving, and, this year, seeing Irfan Badibanga step in as Giant Food's new Senior Vice President of Operations. Badibanga will be responsible for leading all operational aspects of Giant including regional operations, store support, strategic store planning, and execution and asset protection, as well as people, team, and culture development.

"I am thrilled to be joining Giant Food, which has over 84 years' experience serving the community, and am looking forward to the opportunity to work with Giant associates who are passionate about serving their customers and helping their community," said Badibanga. "Consumer preferences are shifting, and at Giant, product excellence, convenience, and value are key. I believe my work experience has prepared me well, and I am excited to join the Giant team as we continue to implement brand and operational strategies to serve our customers best."

Badibanga brings a strong track record of transforming corporate objectives into bottom-line growth for supermarket, small and big-box retailers, including Walmart, Family Dollar Stores, Winn Dixie Supermarkets, HEB Grocery Stores, and Price Chopper Supermarkets.

He began his grocery retail career as a bagger and by the age of 24, he was appointed to District Manager at Winn-Dixie. According to a press release, Badibanga moved through the ranks at a variety of supermarket chains, building his expertise in store management, merchandising, operations, omni-channel delivery, asset protection, HR, and general management.

"Irfan has been a successful, entrepreneurial leader, driving enormous growth at some of the largest retail organizations in this country," said Ira Kress, President. "We are confident that his deep management and operations expertise at both the regional and national level will bring tremendous value to our organization at a time when we are implementing a transformational brand strategy and evolving our culture."

Most recently, Badibanga served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Family Dollar Stores overseeing 8,000 U.S. stores in 44 states. Prior to joining Family Dollar, he was Vice President of Operations at Walmart, overseeing 33,000 associates across a 110-store region that produced $8 billion dollars in annual revenue.

Congratulations to Irfan Badibanga on this exciting appointment!

Giant Food

CORAL GABLES, FL - Fyffes North America is on a roll and probably needs to build a bigger trophy case. The tropical produce importer and distributor needs to make room for its newest honor as it has received the Gold 2020 Summit Creative Award in the Integrated Campaign, B2B category for its Easy to Eat, Easy to Pronounce advertising campaign. This is the second recognition the company has received from the Summit International Awards organization, having brought home the 2019 Platinum Award for Marketing Effectiveness last year.

“We’re delighted to be recognized by Summit International once more with the Summit Creative Award. With the Easy to Eat, Easy to Pronounce we wanted to break away from traditional produce advertising in a fun and clever way, and this award demonstrates the lasting impact of our disruptive campaign,” said Marion Tabard, Vice President of Marketing at Fyffes North America.

The Easy to Eat, Easy to Pronounce campaign launched in 2019 in North America and used the pronunciation of the company’s name to engage with the produce industry, according to a press release. The branding strategy included print, digital, and video methods to spread the message of Fyffes and its products.

With its creative approach and variety of mediums, a panel of judges featuring international experts in advertising selected the inventive campaign as the Gold Winner—the highest achievement following Best of Show. Fyffes’ Easy to Eat, Easy to Say strategy went head-to-head with 4,100 other submissions from 27 countries and pulled ahead, showing the success of the campaign as its brand presence grows larger.

“Winning a Summit Creative Award is a significant accomplishment,” said Jocelyn Luciano, Managing Director for the Summit International Awards. “With vetted judges, tough judging criteria, two-phase blind judging processes, and strict bylaws limiting winners, only deserving entries receive recognition.”

Started in 1994, the Summit Creative Awards have served as a way to distinguish outstanding performance of creativity.

We would like to congratulate Fyffes on this amazing honor and its successful campaign.

Fyffes

SANTA PAULA, CA - As the produce industry continues to have its sights set on the future, Limoneira Company is cementing its ongoing success in place with the announcement that it will be adding Jesus Loza and Amy Fukutomi to its Board of Directors.

“My experience, literally from the ground up, has been in agriculture, and I’m confident that I can provide guidance to Limoneira on startups and acquisitions, as well as operations,” said Loza. “The world is becoming increasingly complex, but I’m optimistic about the future.”

Coming full circle in his journey through fresh produce, Loza grew up on Limoneira’s main ranch with his family in the 1970s, and began his career working on the company’s lemon ranches.

According to a press release, after finishing his education he worked at a variety of produce companies across the industry and has started several of his own companies. In 2004, Loza founded Freska Produce which has grown to be a leader in mango distribution across the United States.

Joining Loza on the Board of Directors is Amy Fukutomi.

“I’m extremely excited and honored to have the unique opportunity to serve on our Board of Directors while continuing to work closely with our management team on compliance and special projects,” said Fukutomi. “Implicit in Limoneira’s philosophy is the importance of sound corporate governance.”

Fukutomi comes from a position as Principal Partner of Oxnard Lemon Company, a Sunkist-affiliated packing house. Before that, she was a Sunkist Director and Director of the Ventura County Agricultural Association. During her time at Oxnard Lemon Company, Limoneira acquired the company and Fukutomi became Director of Compliance and Special Projects at Limoneria, a position that she currently holds.

“We are thrilled to have these two very talented individuals join our board. Mr. Loza and Ms. Fukutomi are industry professionals with decades of experience in building successful businesses and both possess deep local knowledge,” Chairman of the Board, Gordon Kimball, stated.

With Jesus and Amy joining the Board of Directors at Limoneira, we wish them nothing but the best and look forward to seeing what future successes they bring to the company.

Limoneira

LAKELAND, FL - Expansion is inevitable when you are one of the industry’s leading regional grocers. Such is the case for Florida-based Publix as the company has announced its plans to expand its Greensboro, North Carolina-based distribution center, adding more than 1.2 million square feet of space. In February 2020, Publix broke ground on the distribution center’s first phase, a refrigerated warehouse, which is currently under construction.

“Publix is excited to be expanding our presence in the Greensboro community,” said Maria Brous, Director of Communications. “We have a strong 90-year history where company culture and commitment to our associates, customers, and communities come first. We look forward to growing our Publix family by offering associates competitive pay, including generous benefits, free lunch in our cafeteria, and the opportunity to become a company owner.”

The entire distribution center is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2022, three years ahead of schedule, as stated in a press release. Together, the refrigerated and dry grocery warehouses will support Publix’s growth in the Carolinas and Virginia with more efficient deliveries of products.

Gray, a fully integrated service provider specializing in engineering, design, construction, and smart manufacturing, is continuing to collaborate with Publix for the entire Greensboro facility, which will be the 10^th distribution center for Publix, joining Florida locations in Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, and Sarasota, as well as facilities in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and McCalla, Alabama.

Does this expansion spell out market domination for Publix? Stay tuned as ANUK reports.

Publix

CORAL GABLES, FL - Recently, Fresh Del Monte released its third quarter 2020 financial report, which ended on September 25, 2020. In the report, the company announced a $100 million asset sales program along with growth in its fresh and value-added products sectors.

“We were especially pleased to see an improvement in our fresh and value-added products business segment, through rapid adjustments to all aspects of our business, from farm to customer to meet the challenges caused by the pandemic disruption, particularly to adapt to the restaurant and foodservice markets during the third quarter,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Swift implementation of working capital measures led to improved cash flow and our ability to reduce our debt. As a result, we will double our dividends in the fourth quarter of 2020. We also continued to take every precaution to ensure the health and safety of our team members and their families allowing us to maintain the necessary workforce to continue to provide uninterrupted healthy, safe, and convenient products to our customers.”

In the report, the company listed these key figures:

• Net sales for the third quarter of 2020 were $989.7 million
• Gross profit for the third quarter of 2020 was $67.3 million
• Operating income for the third quarter of 2020 was $26.6 million
• Net income attributable to Fresh Del Monte for the third quarter of 2020 was $17.4 million
• Adjusted net income was $16.4 million in the third quarter of 2020 with an adjusted operating income of $25.3 million

Fresh Del Monte noted in the report that the effects of COVID-19 impacted certain parts of its operations, but the company was able to pivot its directions with the sale of multiple assets. Thus, the company was able to streamline its operations to refocus on further growth.

“During the quarter, as part of our recently announced optimization program, we underwent a comprehensive review of all aspects of our business. We made the decision to sell non-strategic and under-utilized assets for a total anticipated cash amount of approximately $100 million, which we expect to achieve over the next 12 to 18 months,” Abu-Ghazaleh added. “These assets consist primarily of underutilized facilities and land across multiple regions. In the meantime, we remain aggressively focused on optimizing our current cost structure, improving our profitability, and prioritizing our capital investments.”

To learn more about Fresh Del Monte’s report, click here.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest in fresh produce, so keep checking back.

Fresh Del Monte

MISSION, TX - Keeping with a new tradition, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) held its annual Skeet Shoot fundraiser this past weekend. The two-day PAC-funding event began on October 23, and served as a critical way to support future activities and endeavors made by the organization.

“Our annual Skeet Shoot PAC-fundraiser was the brainchild of Mark Santos of Santos International and Scott Fletcher of Allen Lund, two of our event sponsors,” said Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of TIPA. “In a time where comradery is longed for, bringing the membership together was a great sight to see.”

According to a press release, 16 teams participated in the annual event.

Before the competition, all shooters were treated to a meal, courtesy of Tommy Wilkins from Grow Farms Texas and David Leal of Allen Lund. As contestants ate, they where able to social distance themselves as they caught up with peers.

“We feel like this is our best event yet, despite the times we are in,” said Mark Santos, Partner at Santos International. “We were able to all have a great time and raise funds for our PAC. We look forward to making this event even better in the future.”

Committee Members of the TIPA Skeet Shoot include Mary Velasquez of Coast Tropical, Tony Martinez of Primo Trading Services, April Flowers of Lone Star Citrus Growers, Mark Santos of Santos International, and Scott Fletcher of Allen Lund.

Although this year has been anything but easy, events like the one held by TIPA show the resiliency and comradery that the produce industry has to offer.

Texas International Produce Association

ORLANDO, FL - Recently, the National Mango Board (NMB) received the results from its continuance referendum, which included handlers and importers approving the continuation of the federal research and promotion program, as well as removing the provisions of frozen mangos as a covered commodity under the program.

"Thank you to the mango industry for their continued support and recognizing the value of the NMB's efforts in strengthening consumer awareness and increasing consumption of mango," said Executive Director Manuel Michel. "Over the past 15 years, our efforts in marketing, communications, research, and industry relations, coupled with the extraordinary work of the mango industry to supply the growing demand of mango has moved us closer to our vision of transforming mango from an exotic fruit to a daily necessity in every U.S. household."

The favorable results from this referendum allows the NMB to continue increasing its strategies to increase mango consumption in the U.S. through its marketing, research, and industry relations programs.

According to a press release, in order for the mango research and promotion program to continue, the referendum had to be favored by a majority of first handlers and importers voting. In the referendum, 60 percent of mango first handlers and importers voting were in favor of continuing the program.

Noted in the release, 49 percent of mango first handlers and importers voting were not in favor of frozen mangos as a covered commodity. In addition, 83 percent of the frozen importers voting were not in favor of continuing frozen mango as a covered commodity.

As we continue to chart the course of specialty produce, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for the latest.

National Mango Board

FAISON, NC - Farm Fresh Produce is on the move to strengthen and build its team as it has announced that it has added Davy van Ewijck as a new member of its Sales department.

Before taking on his new role in sales for Farm Fresh Produce, Ewijck gained experience working in several industries before finding his passion for fresh produce in his role at Dakafresh International. While working at Dakafresh, he assisted in the implementation of new IT procedures as well as expanding his knowledge of purchase and sales administration, Human Resourses, and management systems.

Ewijck has a degree in Entrepreneurship from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, the press release notes.

All of us at AndNowUKnow wish Davy the best of luck in this new endeavor and look forward to seeing his contributions to the Farm Fresh Produce team.

Farm Fresh Produce

SALINAS, CA - During the holiday season, there are some foods that always seem to be a staple, one of them being cranberries. While the beautiful berry shines brightly on any holiday table, sometimes they fall into the same recipes year after year. That is why Naturipe Farms and its team of berry experts are challenging consumers—and the retailers and foodservice operators catering to them—to think outside the box with its new Reimagining Cranberries downloadable cookbook.

“At Naturipe, we pride ourselves on innovation from berry production all the way into your kitchens,” said Jill Overdorf, Director of Business Development for Foodservice and Corporate Chef. “With this cookbook, our goal was to show how fresh cranberries can add a great pop of flavor to your everyday meals as well as create classic holiday staples—from cranberry sauces to cocktails—with a twist.”

The new cookbook features 17 recipes created by a diverse group of experts including growers, chefs, and registered dietitians to show how versatile cranberries could be. The recipes range in flavors for a wide variety of palates to inspire both experienced chefs and those taking their first steps in the kitchen.

According to a press release, the recipe book is available for free on Naturipe’s website for all to download.

“Health and wellness are important now more than ever,” explained Jenn LaVardera, Nutrition Expert and Registered Dietitian. “And adding fresh cranberries to your traditional holiday classics or your everyday diet can not only brighten up a meal but can also strengthen your immune system.”

In order to boost consumption of the healthful berries, some of Naturipe’s featured recipes include:

• Cranberry and Sweet Corn Snack Cake – This delicious and easy snack cake is a gateway project into the kitchen for ambitious young bakers
• Cranberry Harvest Pilaf – This hearty dish is easy to top with whatever you want (or have on hand) and is excellent for making ahead and reheating
• Cranberry Rice Pudding – This recipe is so easy to make, it’s worth the 30 minutes of diligent stirring. The pop of cranberries brightens up this traditional dish
• Cranberry Citrus Jalapeño Relish – This easy and delightful cranberry relish gets a deep, earthy flavor from chipotle powder and a bite from the fresh jalapeños. And the best part? No cooking is required
• Sparkling Cranberry Bog Cocktail – The bright cranberries give the Prosecco a gorgeous burgundy color, which is just begging to be poured into a champagne flute

To download the cookbook, click here.

As a fruit that is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant, cranberries are more than meets the eye and come perfect at a time where shoppers everywhere are putting a focus on their health. Stock up on Naturipe’s cranberries to give consumers what they have been looking for and the ingredients needed to make these delicious recipes.

Naturipe Farms

CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger continues to reinvent its business model in order to deliver value for its customers, associates, and investors. The retailer recently updated investors on how its Restock Kroger framework has driven strong shareholder return. One such strategy is using its adjusted free cash flow to invest back into the business.

“Through the Restock Kroger framework and intensity around operational excellence, we are achieving cost savings of over $1 billion each year and are investing savings back into the business with an emphasis on the customer and associate experience,” stated Rodney McMullen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are improving the customer experience by widening and deepening our competitive moats that include fresh, seamless, personalization and Our Brands. These moats are strong today and growing in relevance as customers eat more food at home. We are improving the associate experience by focusing on talent, culture, and wage investments. We are living our purpose through our commitments to a world with Zero Hunger | Zero Waste and our framework for action to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our business and communities."

According to a press release, this allocation strategy allows Kroger to drive profitable growth while also maintaining its current investment grade debt rating and returning capital to shareholders.

"We are creating shareholder value by executing our strategy. We have returned approximately $6.4 billion to shareholders via dividends and repurchased shares since the beginning of fiscal 2017. Kroger is growing market share and our Total Shareholder Return has outperformed the market and our peer group over the last 12 months. And we are incredibly excited for the future."

To see the entire press release, click here. And to continue learning the latest in retail updates, stick with us here at AndNowUKnow.

Kroger