ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco is on an expansion spree as of late, announcing three new locations within the past two weeks. The wholesale retailer will be opening up new sites in several markets including Canada, Michigan, and Oregon.

In our neighbor to the north, a location opened in South Shore of Montreal, Quebec, on September 29. This new location will be Costco’s second Business Centre in the country, following the success of the first Canadian Costco Business Centre in Ontario.

“The new Business Centre will enable thousands of local businesses of all sizes to benefit from reduced operating expenses and the convenience of one-stop shopping, either in person or online, with a convenient door-to-door delivery service,” Costco stated in an email shared with Daily Hive.

Another location slated to open will be in Midland, Michigan. The newest location will be open to the public on November 12 and will be 158,000 square feet. According to a statement provided by General Manager Mark Zuerner to Midland Daily News, the retailer will offer delivery through its website, Costco.com, as well as delivery through Instacart.

The Salem City Council recently approved a site plan review for a new Costco Wholesale store in Salem, Oregon. According to Statesman Journal, plans are still under discussion with the council and residents regarding the use of a site for a new 168,550-square-foot location. No news was released on when the site would open.

For the latest in the retail sector, keep checking back to ANUK.

Costco

NEW YORK, NY - With a company’s online presence holding so much weight these days, there seems no better time to make strategic changes. The New York Apple Association (NYAA) is well aware of this, recently announcing the launch of its new website in tandem with this year’s apple crops.

“The New York Apple Association is kicking off this year’s apple crop with a new website, including an expanded section for foodservice, retail, and wholesale partners,” said Cynthia Haskins, President.

Buyer partners will be able to use the website to order and download new point-of-sale and collateral resources including price cards, recipes, how-to cooking videos, and a series of 12 grower-featured videos including images of New York apples and orchards. The website features popular commercial NY apple varieties, including their eating characteristics, availability, and high-resolution image downloads, as well as a NYAA’s Dietitian Toolkit and over 200 apple recipes.

“Retailers can now order point-of-sale directly through NYAA’s website including colorful display pop-ups for convenient setup and easy merchandising, giving consumers a taste of New York’s apple orchards, and Variety Sheets that depict eating characteristics of apple varieties,” Cynthia continued. “The website showcases each of NYAA’s New York apple varieties and their sweet-to-tart characteristic range.”

As new resources are added to the website, NYAA will alert buyers and their support teams so they can access the updates quickly and easily. The website hosts an area within the foodservice and retail section where partners can view a directory of the New York apple shippers and cider makers, making it even more convenient for buyers to survey the premium apple products from New York.

“For consumers, there are 21 how-to recipe videos on the website that will later be available for social media. Plus, there is a series of quick one-minute videos that focus on fun skewer snacks, apple dips, cider beverages, salads featuring New York apples, and apple pairings,” Cynthia told me.

In addition to the new website, NYAA created new 3-lb poly bags this past year. The packaging included vibrant images and colorful graphics in three different colors to complement different apple colorations and help customers quickly find their favorite varieties.

“Our high-graphic tote bags have been a hit with retailers. Totes are convenient and make new crop apple season fun,” Cynthia concluded. “They give the consumer a sense of that freshly picked, off-the-tree experience.”

It seems there is no end to the strategic moves being made at NYAA, so keep checking in on ANUK as we report.

New York Apple Association

PENNSYLVANIA - With its sights clearly set on expansion in the Pennsylvania region, BJ’s Wholesale Club has submitted a plan for a new 99,000-square-foot store at Newbury Market in the South Fayette Township. The application was set to be reviewed by the South Fayette Planning Commission on September 24.

According to an article from the Pittsburgh Business Times, the new location would sit on a 10-acre site within the Newbury Market plan, and would even include gas pumps. If BJ’s were to move into the new location, it would serve as a major draw to the Newbury Market, as it has been slow to get off the ground.

In addition to its bid to move into South Fayette, the wholesaler is said to be considering a new store at the Block Northway in Ross Township, Pennsylvania.

While the proposed location that BJ’s is scouting has drawn attention from other big-name retailers across several other industries, having a wholesale location would draw further shopper traffic from surrounding areas.

With 219 stores and increasing popularity in the world of wholesale, BJ’s has seen increasing growth throughout the eastern part of the U.S. Going head to head with companies like Sam’s Club and Costco, BJ’s has reported skyrocketing growth in its second quarter results, including a same-store sales increase of 24 percent and with e-commerce sales growth of more than 300 percent.

The application for BJ’s new location does not include a time frame for the project, but ANUK will continue to keep our ears to the newswire, updating you on all of the latest news.

BJ's Wholesale Club

LONDON, ENGLAND - After many roadblocks and discussions, the time has finally arrived—Walmart has completed the sale of its British supermarket chain Asda. Britain’s billionaire Issa brothers and private equity group TDR Capital have bought Asda from Walmart, valuing the chain at 8.8 billion USD and providing the buyers a platform to roll out smaller stores.

“The Issa brothers have a reputation for good brand partnerships, for convenience, and for growth, and that’s really what we were interested in for Asda,” Judith McKenna, President and CEO of Walmart International told Reuters.

With this deal completed, Asda will officially be under British ownership once more for the first time since 1999 when Walmart purchased it for 6.7 billion GBP or about 8.6 billion USD.

According to McKenna’s statement to Reuters, Asda’s new owners are targeting growth by expanding into convenience shops from its large supermarket and online operations, bringing Asda more in line with market leader Tesco and Sainsbury’s. As stated in the release, the Issa brothers will invest more than one billion pounds over three years to keep prices low, develop supply chains, and invest in e-commerce in addition to convenience stores.

British retail veteran Roger Burnley will remain as CEO of Asda in a deal which ratings agency Moody’s said allows Walmart to continue to refocus its international efforts on markets with more long-term upside, such as India and China.

With the sale completed, what will Walmart’s plans be next for growth, both internationally and stateside? ANUK will report when the news surface.

Walmart Asda

MISSION, TX - For some, the show must go on. For others, the show must evolve! With the numerous challenges presented across multiple industries in the time of COVID-19, some organizations are battening down the hatches while those like the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) and it’s Viva Fresh Produce Expo are taking the opportunity to bring value and ingenuity to the stage. With that said, TIPA is announcing that the 2021 Viva Fresh Produce Expo on March 26–27 will proceed as a hybrid event to include both in-person and virtual components that offer solutions for all.

“We did not take the decision to move forward with a hybrid model lightly,” remarked Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of TIPA. “We recognize and respect the choices and challenges before our attendees. One thing was clear as we polled our exhibitors and retail/foodservice attendees: there is not only the ability but also a strong preference to move forward with certain in-person experiences. We will put the utmost emphasis on safety as we balance the concern of today’s world by providing content and engagement opportunities in the virtual space as well.”

As scheduled, the face-to-face portion of the show will take place as at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. The show will also become more exclusive than previous years as the team limits the number of attendees per company as part of the new safety protocol—so, get on board now!

I was truly excited to hear that the Viva Fresh hybrid model will provide more in-person elements in addition to the trade show and similar to the traditional Viva Fresh Produce Expo, such as the golf tournament and reception. In addition, it will provide virtual elements that both those attending and those joining from home will be able to participate in. These elements include the Clean Eating Challenge, which kicked off October 1, as well as In Bloom and Aggies-for-Fresh, to name a few.

The Viva Fresh steering committee has done its necessary due diligence and spent extensive time and effort this summer and early fall conducting exhibitor, retail, and foodservice attendee research. What the committee tried to learn and understand were the opinions and company regulations surrounding travel and trade show participation, according to a press release. Uncertainties still abound across policies and positions, but the overall perception from those polled was that while business travel might not be ideal today, there is a strong desire to resume important interactions in quarters one and two of 2021.

Additional safety protocols already worked into the show plans include:

• Masks required in all trade show areas
• Temperature checks prior to entry into expo areas
• Sanitation intervals during show
• Contactless payment and registration

TIPA will continue to share more information in the very near future to aid attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors, including lists of events happening online and in-person, sponsorship opportunities, safety features and protocols, exhibitor information, registration, hotel bookings, and more.

Please be on the lookout for future updates from yours truly and the entire AndNowUKnow team!

Viva Fresh Produce Expo

REIDSVILLE, GA - PMA Fresh Summit is quickly approaching, and many in the industry will gather on the virtual platform to further the growth of fresh produce. Shuman Farms^® will be in attendance this year, and the onion grower will be showcasing its marketing initiatives and merchandising solutions to buyers.

“This year has provided us a unique opportunity to expand our digital content, online resources, and social media presence,” said John Shuman, President and CEO. “We have been able to tailor our marketing plans to meet consumer needs, and we’re looking forward to sharing these programs during Fresh Summit.”

As an industry-leading, year-round grower and shipper of premium sweet onions, Shuman Farms will highlight its seed-to-shelf story throughout the content on its Fresh Summit Marketplace as well as provide impactful promotions and programs that are specifically designed to drive produce department sales. Shuman will also share content created for the upcoming fall and winter months featuring RealSweet^® brand ambassador, Food Network Chopped Champion, Shannen Tune.

According to the press release, Shuman Farms will also highlight its RealSweet monthly promotional calendar designed for category managers and buyers to drive incremental sales not only of sweet onions but other commodities throughout the department.

“Sweet onions are market basket drivers,” Shuman explained. “Our proprietary consumer research has shown us that when sweet onions are purchased, other items from both the produce department and perimeter of the store are added to consumers’ shopping carts. Sweet onions’ versatility and sweet, mild flavor make them the perfect ingredient for any dish.”

Shuman Farms’ in-store promotions, POS signage, and display bins are all expertly designed with consumers in mind, inspiring them to create delicious and healthy meals for their families.

Through its website and social media channels, the sweet onion grower-importer is excited to provide consumers with new and interactive content this fall that highlights the importance of drawing near to family and close friends during the fall and winter months. Consumers can also look forward to new, seasonal recipes and meal ideas featuring RealSweet sweet onions.

Fresh Summit attendees are invited to visit the Shuman Farms Marketplace page to learn more. The virtual event is set to take place on October 13–15.

With exciting plans in store, this year’s virtual Fresh Summit is a treasure trove of fresh produce opportunities. Keep checking back with ANUK as we report the latest leading up to the event.

Shuman Farms®

DAVIS, CA - In the new climate that we are slowly growing accustomed to, the one thing that is still sorely missed is human interaction. Our industry need not fret as gatherings have moved into the virtual space, including the upcoming C&S Retail Solutions Expo where Engage3, the data science and analytics company, will be presenting. The expo will be held online Tuesday, October 6, through Wednesday, October 7.

“As the war for market share heats up, those who are highly intentional about their pricing strategies will come out as the clear winners,” said Edris Bemanian, CEO of Engage3. “We look forward to discussing industry trends and the capabilities retailers will need to succeed in this dynamic environment.”

Engage3 is slated to open the conference at 9 a.m., EDT on Tuesday and will offer a look into “Retail Pricing Strategies During and Post COVID-19.” In its presentation, Bemanian will reveal an inside look into marketing trends and ways that retailers can best position themselves to meet changing market demands, according to a press release.

In addition, Bemanian will discuss:

• Retail pricing and assortment trends and how they’ve evolved between 2018-2020
• Shifts in consumer expectations during COVID-19
• Expert advice for independent retailers
• The pricing journey: crawl, walk, run, and sprint

The innovative data solutions company is partnering with C&S Wholesale Grocers, the host of the conference, to put on this insightful discussion. The wholesaler itself offers deep knowledge into the industry, with over 100 years working on the supply-side.

“In recent years, the pace of change in the supermarket industry has accelerated. Our Retail Solutions Expo will feature all the best-in-class services and products C&S offers our customers to thrive in this intense environment. C&S’s innovations enable retail customers with cutting-edge solutions to keep shoppers coming back to their stores,” said Corey Quiring, Vice President of Retail Services, C&S Wholesale Grocers.

As the virtual world continues to heat up, grab your ticket to the expo by registering here.

With more events moving online, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you in the loop with the latest information and updates.

Engage3 C&S Wholesale Grocers

INDIA - Walmart has been steadily working toward market domination in India, with the retailer investing heavily in the country’s e-commerce leader Flipkart. Now aiming to compete with online grocer Reliance JioMart, Walmart is in talks with Tata group in regards to purchasing a large stake in the company’s proposed “super” app. This purchase also includes the potential for a whopping $25 billion investment.

"Tata group is in talks with Walmart for a deal entailing a strategic investment by Walmart in the super app platform business. The Walmart investment could touch $20–25 billion eventually for a large stake in the proposed super app to be hosted under a Tata Sons subsidiary," a Tata group leader said, according to The Week.

The news source stated that the proposed super app is expected to power Flipkart’s operations, and, in turn, go head to head with JioMart. If the strategy comes to fruition, this super app would offer Walmart’s products sold through Flipkart. The app would then be run by Tata and Walmart together.

Does this partnership spell out further expansion for Walmart outside of India? Stay tuned as we at ANUK investigate.

Walmart

ROMULUS, MI - Ocado is a trusted partner in the retail sector, and Kroger has long taken advantage of its innovative services. The two recently announced another development in their partnership, reporting that Romulus, Michigan, will be the latest location for a new Kroger Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC). The location confirms a previous announcement stating Kroger and Ocado would construct a CFC in the Great Lakes Region.

"Kroger is incredibly excited to develop one of our industry-leading Customer Fulfillment Centers in Michigan in relationship with Ocado to bring fresh food to our customers faster than ever before," said Robert Clark, Kroger's Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Sourcing. "We continue to invest in and constantly improve our e-commerce capabilities, focusing on cost-effective solutions. Our partnership with Ocado is an essential part of our evolving seamless ecosystem. In Michigan, we are engineering a smaller model for the region, leveraging advanced robotics technology and creative solutions to redefine the customer experience and respond to the growing demand for grocery e-commerce services."

The above statement was made before Clark's retirement announcement, which is set for today.

Kroger has partnered with Ocado to accelerate its ability to provide customers with anything, anytime, anywhere. The CFC model, an automated warehouse facility with digital and robotic capabilities, will be used to serve customers across the region. Kroger is designing a flexible distribution network, combining disaggregated demand and the proximity of its stores and facilities that vary in design and size.

"Grocery e-commerce has reached an inflection point in 2020, and with Kroger we are developing a game-changing ecosystem for serving online grocery across the United States. Powered by Ocado's state of the art technology, this site illustrates the unique flexibility of Ocado's technology, as we are able to deploy sites of different sizes in different regions, to maximize penetration across diverse markets," said Luke Jensen, CEO of Ocado Solutions. "Ocado's proven technology will allow Kroger to achieve the lowest cost-to-serve in the market, combined with the best freshness, accuracy and service."

This new 135,000-square-foot CFC will accelerate Kroger's ability to expand its products to a larger footprint. This facility will create 250 new jobs, benefitting the City of Romulus/Aerotropolis region, according to a press release.

The facility will be located at 15675 Wahrman in Romulus. The CFC is expected to become operational 18 months after the site breaks ground and will support customers in several markets, including Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Indiana.

"Kroger's decision to invest $95 million and create 250 new jobs in Romulus further demonstrates that Wayne County is a global leader in logistics and fulfillment industries. Kroger's continued commitment to our region with the innovative new grocery delivery service provided by this high-tech facility will help improve access to fresh foods in southeast Michigan at a time when this service is more important than ever to keep residents safe and healthy," said Warren Evans, Wayne County Chief Executive.

What will be next for these influential industry partners? AndNowUKnow will be sure to keep you updated.

Kroger Ocado Solutions

ESTERO, FL - Big things are in store for Naturipe Foods as the company has announced not only the appointment of Jason Bellan as the new Division Vice President and General Manager, but it has also unveiled further global expansion as Horifrut, a partial owner of Naturipe, has merged with Alifrut, a subsidiary of Duncan Fox, to form Vitafoods.

“Naturipe has a remarkable history, business model, and strong core company values. I look forward to playing a key role in the company’s growth,” said Bellan. “The prospect to steward the value-added frozen division is motivating and an excellent challenge.”

As Naturipe’s newest Division Vice President and General Manager, Bellan will manage and direct company sales of processed fruit products. Through leadership, planning, and execution of strategic business development and sales, Bellan will implement plans to grow processed berries, fruits, and vegetables across the market.

With 13 years in the industry under his belt, Bellan has a wide breadth of knowledge when it comes to both frozen and fresh foods. Through his experience, he has developed strong strategic planning skills and a proven talent for cross functional business development, making him an excellent fit for his new role, according to a press release.

Before joining Naturipe, Bellan was VP of Customer Development for Fresh Food Group, Walmart National Account Director for Ready Pac, and held several roles with Nestlé USA. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Marketing from Miami University.

“We are excited to have Jason join our senior management team,” said Juan Ignacio Allende, Chairman of the Board. “His depth of business development experience and attention to customer service are significant to the execution of Naturipe Foods’ strategic growth initiatives.”

Along with the news of Bellan’s appointment, Naturipe has also revealed the recent merger of Hortifrut and Alifrut to form the newly created Vitafoods, becoming official on July 31, 2020. The merger will serve as a way to promote international development and growth for value-added products. The new company will be involved in world-wide markets including the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

“Because of consumers’ overall desire for better nutrition, paired with current consumption trends, which have accelerated intensely due to the pandemic, we have seen a significant increase in sales of frozen foods in global markets. We believe that this increase in consumption will continue over time, so we expect great growth opportunities for the category of value-added frozen fruits and vegetables in the main markets of the world. Our new partnership uniquely positions us with the increased operational capacity to meet this demand,” said Gonzalo Bachelet, General Manager of Vitafoods.

The newly created Vitafoods will join Munger Farms to help guide Naturipe into further expansion with an additional 70 million pounds of available product. The new addition will grow Naturipe into an even larger player in international markets.

We here at ANUK congratulate Jason on his new role, and wish him luck. We also congratulate Naturipe Foods on its new growth, and we look forward to seeing what the future has in store as the company continues to expand internationally.

Naturipe Farms