KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - The beauty of being a writer and a member of our industry is that “fresh” has so many meanings and can define anything from the quality of the produce to marketing initiatives and those ever so new and exciting ideas. Red Sun Farms is one company always keeping it fresh on all fronts and especially now as we ramp up for 2020.

"At Red Sun Farms, our collective goal is exceeding the expectations of our retail partners, but also recognizing trends and developing products for the future,” Harold Paivarinta, Senior Director of Sales shares with me. “A perfect example would be our Sweet Family. These products were developed using market research in the attempts to attract new produce buyers and shoppers who are looking for a healthy, delicious snack that delivers every time. We were confident that we could deliver a product that stepped outside the conventional norms of these produce categories and attract a wide variety of different consumers.”

With Christmas right around the corner and New Year’s just a stone’s throw away, Red Sun’s farms in Mexico are in its peak growing season and as such, the team is focusing on promoting its specialties in the market. And that Sweet Family is definitely making waves front and center.

“With people entertaining over the holiday season, they are on the lookout for specialties to make their dinners, appetizers, and snacks have a little bit more pizzazz. Our Sweet Family line of products will provide just that. Sweetpops, Sweetpeps, and Sweetpeaks were designed with the sole goal of separating us from the pack,” Harold says. “We wanted to create the ultimate snacking varieties and cement ourselves as one of the leading innovators in this category. This family of products showcase our innovation as high-tech greenhouse growers and sets the bar in regard to flavor, texture, and color, as well as packaging and marketing.”

For consumers who prefer a milder tasting tomato, Red Sun has its Monarch Pearls which pack a great crunch but aren’t as sweet as Sweetpops. For an array of flavors, the company has its Chef’s Collection which is a variety of different colored tomatoes, each with its own distinctive flavor.

“In controlling all aspects of the supply chain, from seed selection to delivery, we are proud of the fact that as an organization we own over 600 acres of high-tech greenhouses across North America,” Harold adds. “This gives us the ability to constantly test new varieties and develop different flavors and keep them in season all year round.”

The feedback Red Sun has received about its Sweet Family from retailers has been tremendous, Harold reflects.

“It is our role to support them in the promotion of our products,” he notes. “This is why we have developed fun packaging with quirky sayings and a distinctive look that allows them to stand out in the produce department. We have a vibrant, savvy tone that is associated with these products and it is reflected within our advertising messaging that gives a personality to these products, unites them as a family and appeals to a new, younger audience who is entering the grocery realm.”

Doubling down on fresh produce and fresh ideas is never the wrong way to go. Just ask Red Sun Farms.

Red Sun Farms

LEAMINGTON, ON - Here in the trade news, we wait anxiously for the day when kids across the world ask for fresh produce in their stockings. I will add a few fresh items to my list for Santa Claus just for good measure. One company helping to generate fresh produce excitement this Christmas is greenhouse innovator Pure Flavor^®.

“This holiday season, something magical happened, even more magical than usual. At the North Pole, we were getting letters from kids, but something was different. Instead of the remote-control cars, video games, or super doll, it was all about the Mini Munchies™,” Bernard, Head Elf, The North Pole, stated via Pure Flavor (wink wink). “Santa said he wants a couple of packs on the sleigh; he says they are the perfect on-the-go snack.”

Pure Flavor’s Mini Munchies Program brings a snack-sized veggie program that has larger than life flavors to produce departments and combines the best snacking products from Pure Flavor in two convenient formats, according to a press release. This first format is the Juno Bites Red Grape Tomatoes, Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers, and Poco Bites Cocktail Cucumbers—all packed in a convenient 4 oz, themed bag. The second format is the new Mini Munchies Tomato Snack Pack that comes in a 12 oz, four-chamber, breakaway pack that is being launched this winter.

“When the phone rang and my call display said ‘The North Pole,' I thought it was a prank to be honest, but when I picked up and Bernard told me who he was and said he needed our help, we just couldn’t say no,” Chris Veillon, Chief Marketing Officer, stated. “The timelines were tight and very specific, so we had to act fast. It’s not every day that you get that last-minute call from Santa’s Workshop, so our team was up for the challenge.”

According to the team at Pure Flavor, they were equally surprised to see Bernard and his team scurrying around the greenhouse and distribution center during their brief stop in Leamington, Ontario.

Don’t believe us? Check out the video here...

“This is a great opportunity to get fresh snacks into the hands of kids all over North America (and the world!), we appreciate the help from Bernard and his team to get this to Santa’s sleigh. We gave the elves both types of Mini Munchie packs to make sure they had the variety they needed," Veillon shared.

Pure Flavor believes that there may be a new Christmas classic in the books for this holiday tale, and only Santa will truly tell.

Pure Flavor

CYBER SPACE - I just want the world to love Kevin the Carrot as much as it adores Baby Yoda.

Disney’s latest media sensation has gripped the memes and hearts of everyone, and while I am guilty of having shared at least one reference to the green infant without having actually watched The Mandalorian, I can’t help but draw similarities and wonder why Aldi’s adorable Christmas mascot has not garnered the same attention.

Each year at this magical time, the expanding retailer releases a joyful short film-style commercial featuring Kevin the Carrot in some sort of holiday dilemma. It always features characters that, in my humble opinion, are just as cute as Baby Yoda (I could be biased, as they are also almost always fresh produce).

Is it because there isn’t a screenshot with a blank gaze primed for shady comments and sassy statements like that of Star Wars’ latest star and its meme predecessor Kermit the Frog?

All due respect to our soup-holding and tea-sipping, but I can think of more than a few things to caption some top hat-tipping.

So, what is the secret recipe that makes something an internet sensation, ranging from a raptor with a pensive claw on its chin to adorable characters from our childhood springing back into modern media? It seems that Disney CEO Bob Iger just has the instinct for it, having told Time Magazine, “As soon as those ears popped up from under the blanket, and the eyes, I knew.”

The newest sensation was one of the key elements the source cited for naming him 2019’s Businessperson of the Year, not to mention has brought Disney once again to the forefront of some of the most sought-after consumer demographics, generations Y and Z.

The produce industry has had a taste of this sensational fame in spurts like that of the kale phenomenon, which can be traced back to powerhouse presence Beyoncé, and a general resounding celebrity approval of celery juices on social platforms. But I cannot recall in immediate memory any famous use sparking the take-off of these internet memes. It was of the people, for the people, and perhaps something that can be recognized but not replicated.

Or maybe we need to make Kevin the Carrot’s eyes a little bit bigger.

WOODRIDGE, IL - At Produce Pro Software, we understand that having control of inventory is critical; especially in the perishables industry. With our core system, Inventory Management can track product from the time it’s ordered to the moment it’s sold.

Here’s What’s in Store with Produce Pro Software.

Providing total traceability, our lot-based tracking system allows for up-to-the-minute inventory counts accessible from anywhere in the system. Easily see how much product is on hand, due to arrive, and already committed.

Automated notifications can inform staff when an issue arises in a product’s lifecycle, supporting immediate communication and streamlined operations.

And with projections that reach several days into the future, staff can make well-informed decisions. These patterns in usage can assist in forecasting and buying.

Real-time data is essential to a functional inventory, so our system tracks product from procurement through to storage, production, shipping, receiving, and sales.

With Produce Pro Software’s Inventory Management system, users can also:

• Accurately track inventory down to the slot location
• Monitor splits, broken items, repacks, and processing while accounting for materials and labor costs
• Access a full recall module to track affected product
• Trace product down to vendor, PO, pallet, or case with printed tags and GTIN GSI compliant labels
• Maintain country of origin, brand, or condition by lot
• Report departure, ETA, and arrival of trucks

Manual paper records are inefficient and leave room for error. Live inventory, on the other hand, provides real time, accurate data to be used in all aspects of your business operation.

With the help of Produce Pro Software’s Inventory Management system, your team has the power of traceability at its fingertips. Real-time inventory means real cost savings. And, accurate inventory means a better bottom line.

Contact us at 630-395-9600 to learn more or visit producepro.com.

Thank you for watching What’s in Store.

Produce Pro Software

SUNBURY, PA - Well-versed produce retail member Kevin Weaver has found a new home with Weis Markets, joining the company as its new Director of Produce.

Weaver previously worked for Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers as Director of Produce and Floral for more than five years, and has also worked in produce management at The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company.

His produce career goes back more than 25 years, kicking off in the early 1990s with Marsh Supermarkets, Inc., where he climbed the ranks from Produce Merchandising Specialist to Buyer, then Business Manager, then Vice President of Produce Merchandising.

In this latest position, Weaver will report directly to Bob Gleeson, Vice President, Fresh Merchandising. He will oversee the company’s day-to-day produce merchandising, pricing, and procurement, as well as the company’s produce field staff, according to a press release.

With a tenured background throughout several layers of the fresh produce buy-side, it will be exciting to see what this new chapter holds both for the company and for its latest Director.

Congratulations to Mr. Weaver and to the Weis team!

Weis Markets

RIO RICO, AZ - When I was growing up, Japanese cucumbers were a mainstay in my household. Slice ’em up, sprinkle a little salt, and boom! You’ve got yourself a healthy, crunchy snack. Over the years, consumers have been exposed to new and different varieties of cucumbers by retailers, but they always fit the bill for elevated munching. With the industry in the thick of precarious growing conditions, I reached out to Josh Acuña, National Account Sales at SunFed, to reassure me that retailers and the ’cumber-craving masses will still have access to exceptional cukes throughout the season.

“We’re experiencing back-to-back seasons of excellent quality on our SunFed Perfect Cucumbers,” he told me. “The dedication and commitment from our growers to ensure customers have ‘Perfect Produce’ drives everything.”

SunFed dabbles in several cucumber varieties in both conventional and organic. The grower’s Perfect Cucumbers, which includes both European and slicers, make up SunFed’s conventional offerings, and Persian and slicer cucumbers are available under its organic label. The grower is currently producing these varieties throughout Mexico in Guaymas, Culiacán, and San Luis Potosí. With a wide range of cucumber varieties and strategic growing regions, SunFed is well-positioned to meet rising consumer demand for the category.

“SunFed actually ships cucumbers year round, but in relation to our current production out of West Mexico growing regions, we’re shy of the halfway mark,” said Josh. “We expect Perfect Cucumbers to arrive here in Rio Rico as late as July.”

Any grower could tell you that this season has seen some rocky weather, and SunFed is no exception. High winds and heavy rains spread throughout Sonora and Sinaloa since the start of SunFed’s production in October. But despite the battering from Mother Nature, SunFed maintains its strict quality practices as it strives to cultivate Perfect Produce.

The fields are not the only tricky spot in the cucumber supply chain, as the state of the market has a tremendous impact on the category. Josh commented that the current cucumber market is very tight and is expected to remain so through December.

“At this moment, demand is by far exceeding supplies,” he said. “It will be after the holidays before we feel some relief and we are able to promote.”

It is that promotion that is key for addressing a difficult market, and the tools and support that growers offer retailers can make all the difference in the world. SunFed has introduced new high-graphic floor display bins for its Perfect Produce and Perfect Organics cucumbers, which fit one display ready carton (DRC) or reusable plastic container (RPC).

SunFed, it seems, is combatting a difficult season with optimism and ingenuity, and with Josh’s words of wisdom on the state of the market, I found my cucumber worries assuaged.

To stay abreast of category market fluctuation, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

SunFed

NEWARK, DE - The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is looking to shine a light on our industry’s hardest working retail representatives. Recently, the association announced it created the PMA Retail Award in order to recognize and showcase the innovative merchant strategies designed to drive produce consumption that grocery retailers are using in-store.

“Our goal is to recognize the good work of our retail members and showcase innovative approaches for increasing consumer demand and consumption of fruits and vegetables,” said Joe Watson, Vice President Membership and Engagement, Eastern USA. “At PMA, we know there is no better way to grow a healthier world than to increase produce consumption.”

According to a press release, the PMA Retail Award—which is only eligible to PMA members who also happen to be Vice Presidents and Directors in the global supermarket retail sector—will recognize the planning and execution of a unique or seasonal promotion for fruits and vegetables that educates consumers, increases store sales, and addresses sustainability in some way. A panel of leaders in marketing, sales, and merchandising will judge nominations based on the following criteria:

• Retailer’s produce marketing/merchandising plan solved a specific challenge and added to store sustainability efforts
• Promotion period must be a minimum of one month and data submitted includes baseline, length of promotion, percent of sales growth of item(s), and the outcome of the promotion
• Promotion increased consumers’ product knowledge, demand for the product, and sales. Examples of artifacts to submit include advertisements, photos, consumer feedback, etc.
• Sustainability was improved within the store or the environment as a result of plan
• Merchant demonstrated motivational and inspirational leadership to team in pursuit of goal

“We’re also aware sustainability is on the minds of consumers and the industry,” Watson continued. “We want to both applaud the amazing work of our retailers and showcase best practices that we can all learn from. This award is as much about providing inspiration as it is recognizing retailers’ innovation.”

If you already have someone in mind who meets the abovementioned criteria, you can nominate them online—nominations are being accepted now through February 14, 2020. The new award will be presented at PMA’s Fresh Connections: Retail event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 26. Awards are possible in up to five tiered categories based on banner store count: one to 10 stores; 11 to 49 stores; 50 to 199 stores; 200 to 399 stores; and 400 or more stores. Winners will receive a complimentary registration for one and hotel accommodations to attend PMA Fresh Connections, while winners from each tiered category will receive one complimentary all-access registration and a VIP pass to the reception at PMA’s Fresh Summit Convention & Expo, which is slated to take place in Dallas, Texas, in October of 2020.

Because our industry’s hard work and dedication goes beyond the scope of this new award, PMA is also planning on showcasing the stories of the winners and other nominees, highlighting how their best practices and innovative approaches to produce marketing and merchandising are raising the bar for everyone involved.

So get to nominatin’, produce fam—the industry isn't short on winners! For more of the latest fresh produce news, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

PMA

KEENE, NH - Partnerships in the industry are numerous, as all aspects of the supply chain work together to ensure consumers have the products they need. Naturally, being in this biz means that news of partnerships forming is heartwarming, especially as we roll into the holidays. C&S Wholesale Grocers is the latest to add a new partner to its roster, tapping DUMAC Business Systems to distribute DUMAC’s point of sale (POS) software solution portfolio, RORCv6, to 1,000 C&S independent grocery retail customers across the United States.

“Technology and competition have pushed the grocery industry into an incredible period of change,” said Corey Quiring, Vice President of Retail Services at C&S Wholesale Grocers. “At C&S, we’re committed to bringing innovative technology solutions that will help our independent grocery customers stay connected to their shoppers. With this new technology, we enable our independent retailers to maintain their competitiveness against larger retailers and online channels.”

According to a press release, RORCv6 is a robust POS solution with customized, feature-rich capabilities and integrations. As a long-time partner with DUMAC, C&S has already installed the RORCv6 POS in hundreds of its grocery customers, all the way from Hawaii to Maine.

“We evaluated and considered the many options for POS solutions to support C&S retailers throughout the United States. DUMAC is a leading commerce technology solutions provider with a world-class team,” continued Quiring. “They provide exceptional solutions, service, and support. We have selected the best solution for our customers. Together, we have the opportunity to change how people shop at their favorite independent supermarkets.”

The press release also noted that this partnership will help drive innovation for all of C&S’s customers. By having a uniform POS system, grocers can better enable continued integration of digital marketing, such as e-commerce and personalized loyalty marketing.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with C&S,” stated Howard McCarthy, President and Chief Executive Officer at DUMAC. “Along with C&S, we are completely changing the way independent supermarket owners connect with their customers, whether they operate a single lane store or thirty lanes! The RORC platform provides shoppers with the enhanced, efficient shopping experience they expect. This is an important strategic partnership as we continue to provide innovative technology solutions to independent grocers and meet the demands of their customers in order to support their growth.”

The wholesaler teased that a RORC Version 7 is soon to be released, which will be a completely cloud-based solution with a revised, intuitive interface that reduces in-store lane redundancy.

For the latest in retail, stick with AndNowUKnow.

C&S Wholesale Grocers

WATSONVILLE, CA - California Giant Berry Farms is spreading both holiday cheer and spirit as it takes its Zero Waste Certification to the next level. The California Giant Food Safety Team took to the roads and delivered office supplies that were no longer in use or needed and donated them to Creekside Elementary School in Salinas, California. This helped saved more than 400 pounds of goods from the local landfill.

“We have three pillars at California Giant focused on sustainability; people, planet, and profit. We also have three areas of focus where we are implementing those pillars,” stated Eric Valenzuela, Director of Food Safety and Sustainability. “We have an on-farm pilot program approaching Sustainably Grown Certification, our Corporate Offices are approaching true Zero Waste Certification, and we are conducting an extensive assessment and investment in our cooling operation to help realize greater energy efficiencies. We are extremely pleased with the support we are receiving every day by staff and our grower community and continue to be inspired by each step closer to certification.”

According to a press release, the list of items included floor mats, file folders, office chairs, and assorted electronics. California Giant has been on a sustainability journey for over a year and continues to recognize many cost savings along the way. As the company finds they no longer need filing cabinets, folders, storage units, and paper, it looks at eliminating items differently today. With each action, the staff considers the potential of reuse, reduce, and recycle.

Reducing and recycling are very important in achieving Zero Waste, but reusing is also a key component. California Giant is currently at 90 percent by eliminating plastic cups, utensils, and dishes at the office, converting hauling containers to be more efficient, becoming paperless, and repurposing supplies or donating them to others in the community. In fact, all company trash cans will be donated next week since staff no longer has them under their desks.

California Giant Berry Farms is expecting to see true Zero Waste certification in spring 2020 for the corporate offices and Sustainably Grown certification on farms with its grower participants.

Cheers to California Giant on this initiative!

California Giant Berry Farms

MEXICO - Occasionally, you hear people say they don’t like chocolate or some other coveted treat. Never, though, do you hear people say that they don’t like strawberries. In my opinion, it’s a universally-loved fruit. And we’re lucky to have growers like Western Veg-Pro and Bobalu to bolster the category on retail shelves. I tapped the company’s Strawberry Salesman, Grayson Olliver, to see how the category is shaping up this time of year.

“We are currently in the Central Mexico strawberry growing region,” Grayson told me. “However, there are still shippers harvesting in Santa Maria, Oxnard, and Florida at this time with limited volume. We will slowly start to increase production going into January, but will not look to promote strawberries for another month or so as volumes continually increase in Florida and Mexico.”

A handful of severe weather events this year caused some disruptions in production, but even so, Grayson and the team at Western Veg-Pro and Bobalu are strategically approaching the tight market with a premium supply of strawberries.

“We ran into some severe heat and rain overlaps in the summer months, which decreased overall production in certain growing regions,” continued Grayson.

While tight supply in a popular category like strawberries is rarely a concern for some, those waiting for the market to steady shouldn't be waiting too long for weather conditions to level out. For more categorial updates, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Western Veg-Pro