TORONTO, CANADA - Last week, we reported that Loblaw Companies Limited planned to enhance its PC Express service to continue growing the company. The retailer took its first steps with the initiative today, announcing that it has extended the assortment and convenience of PC Express with an online marketplace, adding brands and products that Loblaw has not historically stocked. This will include additional items for home and kitchen categories across several of its stores, including Real Canadian Superstore®, Atlantic Superstore®, and Loblaws®.

"Millions of Canadians visit our stores and online shops weekly, looking for inspiration and convenient access to food, home, and health products. Through this expanded PC Express offering, we will provide them with a curated, edited assortment of products that complement their current shop, from some exciting new vendors," said Garry Senecal, Chief Customer Officer. "This is another example of how we can offer even more to customers, simplifying their searching and shopping experience for many of their everyday needs."

According to a press release, the national online assortment will reach beyond the current in-store selection and will be the largest range of products available to Loblaw customers to date. In addition to earning PC Optimum points, products will be delivered directly to homes or available for in-store pickup. At launch, new third-party companies will be introduced in five expanded categories and new products will continue to roll out.

"A curated marketplace is based on the idea that, as they shop with us, Canadians will welcome the chance to buy complementary products from complementary brands. For example, as new parents prepare for a baby with diapers and formula, they would probably find it very convenient to be able to order blankets, wash clothes, or even a crib through us," said Hesham Fahmy, Vice President, Loblaw Digital. "The intent of this service is to better support the needs of Canadian families, with easy ordering through the PC Express service and returns through many of our stores."

Earlier this year, Loblaw acquired a Las Vegas tech company, PFTech, to ensure a seamless integration of the online marketplace within the PC Express platform. PFTech is a leading marketplace platform developer with over a decade of experience. This technology will ensure a positive customer experience across the Loblaw digital footprint.

To see how other retail giants are utilizing technology to grow their business, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Loblaw Companies Limited

ROSEVILLE, CA - As an avid energy bar consumer—you can find me on any given day at the ANUK office sitting in my orange chair and devouring a protein bar—I will say that the category has been short on one delectable fresh produce category in particular, and that’s prunes! But this problem won’t persist for much longer, as the California Prune Board announced that Fourpoints^® is bolstering its prune-centric ingredient list with California prunes.

“It’s refreshing to partner with a company that truly believes in the power of prunes,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director of the California Prune Board. “Fourpoints not only recognizes the remarkable benefits that prunes offer, but they’ve gone the extra mile to feature the California Prunes brand on packaging in prime real estate near the list of ingredients where health-conscious consumers gravitate.”

Lauded as the first and only energy bar to feature prunes, according to a press release, Fourpoints’ California prune-centric product is disrupting the energy bar market by taking full advantage of the fresh, naturally sweet taste and exceptional nutritional profile of California prunes—characteristics that are in large part thanks to their ideal growing conditions and high environmental standards and craftsmanship when growing and drying the crop.

“California Prunes have a low-glycemic index meaning a slower rise in blood sugar that increases satiety to delay hunger during exercise. This makes prunes an ideal energy source,” said Leslie Bonci, Registered Dietitian, Sports Nutrition Expert, and California Prune Board Nutrition Consultant. “California Prunes deliver the nutritional clout of macros (carbohydrates and fiber), micros (vitamins and minerals), and phytos (polyphenols). They are neat little bites that add big taste delight.”

To truly highlight all the value that California prunes are adding to Fourpoints’ energy bars, the packaging has been revised to feature the new California prunes brand.

“The California Prunes brand represents all that makes California Prunes exceptional. It’s more than a logo and a tag line, it’s a statement about being the best,” said Zea. “California Prunes are a versatile and functional ingredient, making them particularly attractive for manufacturers, such as Fourpoints.”

The California Prune Board and Fourpoints are also teaming up on strategic integration opportunities, including co-promotion via special events, social media, outreach, and sampling—all of which showcase just how unique Fourpoints bars are. Specifically, the brand’s energy bars are crafted to offer hours of slow-burning energy.

“The energy bar category is crowded and full of the same old date-based and syrup-based bars,” said Kevin Webber, Co-Founder of Fourpoints. “You have to have a one-of-a-kind product to stand out, and for us, that means a one-of-a-kind ingredient: California Prunes. We created our product out of both passion for outdoor recreation and out of personal need for a low-glycemic, better functioning bar inspired by our families fight with diabetes. We use only the highest-quality ingredients, like prunes—exclusively sourced from California— to make Fourpoints bars. Those seeking action and adventure deserve an energy bar that delivers clean energy, tastes amazing, and is easily enjoyed on-the-go, too. Fourpoints and California Prunes deliver on both.”

Fourpoints energy bars—which come in five flavors: Alpine Apple Pie, Backcountry Banana Bread, Mountain Mocha Espresso, Powder Day PB&J, and Trailhead Gingerbread—are available nationally at REI, regionally in the Denver area at Safeway and King Soopers, and online. Retailers looking to energize their produce aisles shouldn’t be shy in nabbing Fourpoints for their stores.

To stay ahead of the latest produce news like this, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

California Prune Board Fourpoints

PELION, SC - As we head into the holiday season, what could be better than the gift of leafy greens? Perhaps the news that WP Rawl, grower, processor, and shipper has begun processing leafy greens at its Bunnell, Florida, facility.

“Processing in Florida is scheduled to run from now until the first week in January,” said Ashley Rawl, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Product Development. “Our ultimate goal would be to make processing continue in Florida year-round. We are excited about the benefits of growing, harvesting, processing, and shipping within the same state.”

In 2013, WP Rawl first broke ground on the farming and packing shed operation in Bunnell, Florida, that included a 34,00-square-foot facility. According to a press release, increase in demand of both conventional and organic products sparked the company’s desire to add additional acreage. After three years, WP Rawl has added its first value-added processing line within the original facility.

The entire production line was built with sustainability in mind, utilizing 75 percent of existing equipment originally used at the main headquarters in Pelion, South Carolina. The new line will support current production capacities as well as offset growing demand for fresh leafy greens this holiday season.

The additional processing facility also brings more production capacity, which allows WP Rawl greater flexibility to service its customers. Current Southeast regional customers could potentially see a reduction in food miles, which allows for fresher product to be received. WP Rawl is thrilled for the ability to have more options to better service its customers and see to their needs.

For the latest in what’s happening in the produce world, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

WP Rawl

HOUSTON, TX - Yesterday, Sysco Corporation announced that a new Chief was to join its ranks. Michael Foster will be leading the info sector as the new Chief Information and Technology Officer; he will be stepping into his position on December 2. Foster will help shape the company’s broader strategic direction and future growth agenda moving forward.

"We are very pleased to welcome Michael to Sysco,” said Tom Bené, Sysco's Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “His deep background in complex supply chain and logistics businesses, as well as his experience leading digital transformation, infrastructure modernization, and business integration initiatives at a global scale are critical to Sysco as we look to increase the technology-enabled nature of our business."

According to the press release, Foster will serve as Sysco’s Senior Technology Leader with responsibility for all aspects of the company’s global technology agenda. Foster will be taking on his role with a bit of ease; prior to joining Sysco, he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer for CN Railway. While there, Foster was responsible for information technology, operational technology, and information security. Before joining CN Railway, he spent more than 20 years at Federal Express in various technology leadership and executive roles across multiple global subsidiaries.

We at ANUK extend our congratulations to Michael Foster on his appointment! Keep up-to-date with us as we bring more appointments and hirings in all things foodservice.

Sysco

WATSONVILLE, CA - Berries are one of those fresh produce destinations at retail that always seems to draw a crowd—no matter the time of year. With the holiday season ramping up, this segment continues to rise to the top of the consumer’s shopping basket with utility across savory and sweet dishes alike. California Giant Berry Farms is one of those year-round operations helping retailers discover fresh opportunities for sales growth and a more impactful holiday spread, and timing is just right to take advantage.

“We are excited about the holidays and putting some finishing touches on a fun promotion that we hope our consumer followers will enjoy. We are calling it Home for the Holidays in order to truly grasp the sentiment that many share around this time of the year,” Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing, shares with me.“The promotion is all about enjoying our season, and baking new memories with the family, using the kitchen to set the tone with great cooking, baking, and wonderful smells. We will be awarding weekly prizes for five weeks that will inspire folks to create holiday treats in their kitchens—or they can always re-gift! The promotion will launch right after Thanksgiving, so move over turkey, and make way for California Giant berries, the real holiday ingredient of the season.”

For retailers, California Giant brings a consistent and quality supply of berries the entire year-round, allowing fresh produce departments to execute holiday promotions knowing the operation has holiday fruit to support them.

“Being an international company, we have the privilege to draw year-round volume so consumers can enjoy fresh berries for the holidays. We are shipping strawberries and raspberries from Mexico and blueberries from South America and also expect to have promotable volume from now well into spring from those regions,” Cindy says.

California Giant also has blackberries from Mexico with volume ramping up in a few weeks. The company expects to begin harvesting strawberries in Florida by the first week in December and in Oxnard, California, by Christmas. This strawberry volume coming on helps to transition the crop into spring as California Giant’s Central Coast crop slowly comes to a close.

"Typically, at this time of year, we are done harvesting in this region but mild weather has made it possible for our farmers to harvest well into November and provide fresh fruit for Thanksgiving tables,” Cindy expresses with excitement.

And an exciting time of year it is for retailers and consumers alike! Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we bring you more on suppliers creating opportunities for a more valuable and quality holiday push!

California Giant Berry Farms

NOVI, MI - Even the freshest and highest-quality produce is worthless without an efficient and expansive cold supply chain that can move fruits and veg from the field to the produce aisle while maintaining the integrity of the product. This is why companies from every sector along the supply chain are constantly searching for new innovation and global reach in the cold-storage sector. Lineage Logistics Holdings, one of the world’s largest providers of temperature-controlled logistics solutions, has announced its plans to expand its capabilities with the acquisition of Emergent Cold, in efforts to strengthen its port presence in the U.S. and push further into the Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka markets, building on Lineage’s existing presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Food producers, manufacturers, and retailers are looking for cold-chain partners who can offer a dynamic and truly end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics solution, and one that can reach every corner of the world,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lineage Logistics, in a press release. “Welcoming Emergent to the Lineage family not only adds significant capacity to our international footprint, but also deepens our commitment to our port strategy and international trade. We are better able to help customers respond to constantly shifting market dynamics, such as global network optimisation, tariff impacts, consumer preference shifts, and much more, while at the same time unlocking new potential market opportunities to sell their goods.”

Although no financial details were disclosed in the company's press release, Supply Chain Digital estimates that Lineage Logistics is spending more than $900 million on the acquisition, and will be increasing its global footprint by around eight percent of capacity as a result of the deal. The acquisition will add 46 facilities in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, to Lineage’s operations. Once the transaction closes, the company’s combined footprint will feature over 1.7 billion-cubic-feet of temperature-controlled capacity across 260 facilities in 10 countries spanning North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, according to the press release. The transaction includes a newly-constructed distribution center in the Dallas-Fort Worth region; four U.S. port facilities in Houston, New Orleans, and Charleston; and the purchase of real estate at select facility sites currently leased by Emergent.

“Joining Lineage accelerates our goal of providing the highest quality global cold chain solutions to our customers,” said Neal Rider, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emergent. “Lineage has established itself as a leader in our industry, and expanding its global footprint and port presence with the addition of Emergent will create incredible opportunities for our collective customers. I also want to thank Elliott Management for believing in and backing us when Emergent Cold was just an idea, and our Executive Chairman Chris Jamroz for his tireless leadership and support. Their partnership, support, and expertise has been critical in driving Emergent’s success, and we are looking forward to the next chapter with Bay Grove and Lineage.”

After the transaction wraps, Lineage positions itself as a valuable partner to help companies meet growing export demand and an ever-expanding global supply chain. The Australian cold-storage sector in Australia alone is valued at $5 billion, which Lineage is eager to tap into, as well as the rapidly-expanding cold-storage sectors in New Zealand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka that address the supply chain demands in the Asia-Pacific region.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the industry impact from the evolving cold-storage sector.

Lineage Logistics Emergent Cold

WASHINGTON, DC - This week, the House Judiciary Committee passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, and the industry is celebrating. This places the legislation one step closer to getting passed by the full House of Representatives and, as a result, implementing significant modernization into the agricultural labor system.

“Western Growers applauds today’s passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House Judiciary Committee,” said Tom Nassif, President and CEO of Western Growers. “We thank the lead authors, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Congressman Dan Newhouse, and the bipartisan group of legislators who have negotiated and supported this bill. Throughout the U.S., agriculture is experiencing a critical shortage of labor that jeopardizes our ability to continue producing an abundant, safe, and affordable domestic food supply. Securing a reliable and skilled workforce is critical to the future viability of America’s family farms.”

In addition to 29 Democratic and 23 Republican co-sponsors, the bipartisan bill has earned the widespread support of nearly 300 agricultural organizations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and farm worker unions, according to Western Grower’s statement. Support of the bill also includes that of United Fresh Produce Association’s President and CEO, Tom Stenzel.

“The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a testament to the tenacity of members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to bring much needed reform to the agriculture industry. The sustainability of American agriculture is at stake if our labor situation is not addressed,” said Stenzel. “It is imperative that the House act quickly to pass this legislation. This bipartisan bill is cosponsored by nearly two dozen Republican members of Congress, demonstrating wide support. We believe a strong vote in the House will lead the way for the Senate to follow suit to finally address the labor crisis in American agriculture.”

According to a United Fresh press release, the bill provides much needed reforms to secure a stable and legal workforce in agriculture, allowing current farm workers to attain legal status and reforming the H-2A guest worker program to ensure a future source of workers on American farms.

“By protecting existing, experienced farm workers, and streamlining the agricultural guest worker program to provide a more accessible, predictable, and flexible future flow of labor, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act contains real solutions to the labor crisis facing the industry,” continued Nassif. “While the Farm Workforce Modernization Act is not perfect, we remain committed to working through the legislative process to address our outstanding concerns, and encourage the Speaker to bring this bill before the House floor for a vote as soon as possible.”

As the Farm Workforce Modernization Act continues on to the House, AndNowUKnow will continue to follow along with all updates.

Western Growers United Fresh

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Instant ramen was a dear friend of mine in college—it got me through many a late night study session. With convenience still high on my list when it comes to recipes, Pearson Foods is answering the call by revitalizing instant ramen with crisp produce. Healthy ramen? Could it be? It certainly seems so, given that the company recently launched its line of Fresh Ramen.

“The project came out of the growing trend for consumers seeking more grab-and-go meal replacement, heat-and-eat options, and also from the consumers’ perspective that they’re looking for more flavorful and unique options for meal replacement as well as ethnic options,” stated Ruta Pearson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

When Japan’s instant noodle soup was introduced to the United States in the 1970s, consumers were hooked. Now, according to a press release, Americans are embracing soba and ramen and want to see these types of meals in grocery stores.

The Fresh Ramen line is a heat-and-eat, three-minute meal solution made with fresh cut Napa cabbage, red cabbage, green onion, and carrot. Each broth and vegetable blend is paired with and complemented by an authentic value-added topping of pickled ginger, seaweed, or mushroom. Fresh Ramen offers five flavors that capture traditional ramen styles: Tonkotsu Pork, Spicy Sesame, Ginger Beef, Miso, and Tokyo Chicken.

Pearson's Fresh Ramen delivers on its commitment to using only fresh ingredients, the company noted. The line is currently available at Meijer and Jewel-Osco locations across the Midwest.

As we plumb the depths of product innovation, keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in products, consumer trends, and more.

Pearson Foods

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Meijer is rolling out a pretty unique strategy to minimize food waste while still boosting sales. This has led the grocer to partner with Canadian-based Flashfood to unveil a new app that allows shoppers to purchase produce and other fresh food nearing its best-buy date at a reduced price. While the app is not officially on the market just yet, Meijer is piloting the strategy at its Detroit supercenters.

“Food is at the core of what we do, and we are constantly looking at ways to minimize in-store waste because it’s the right thing to do for our communities and our customers,” said Don Sanderson, Group Vice President of Fresh for Meijer. “We are excited to work with Flashfood and learn how much food can be spared from landfills.”

Flashfood works to help retailers upload surplus close-dated foods to an app for consumer purchase. With this know-how to tap in to, Meijer has teamed up with the company to sell close-dated fresh food items, including those in the produce, meat, seafood, deli, and bakery aisles, for up to 50 percent off, which shoppers can then pick up in-store once ordered.

“Bringing the Metro Detroit community the ability to buy such great food at huge discounts while reducing food waste is exciting. Meijer is a well-respected market leader focusing on innovation and it’s evident through our partnership. Both teams are thrilled about the impact we’re bringing to market in this pilot,” said Josh Domingues, Founder & CEO of Flashfood.

Meijer’s latest strategy builds on the work it’s been doing to eliminate food waste, including launching a Food Rescue program that donated more than 10.6 million pounds of food in 2018 to local food banks, according to a press release. In addition, Meijer is transforming waste from its manufacturing facilities into animal feed and compost.

“Reducing food waste is an important goal at Meijer,” said Erik Petrovskis, Meijer's Director of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability. “There are creative solutions throughout a food’s life cycle that can reduce landfill use and production of greenhouse gases, and I’m pleased we’re looking at another in-store option that benefits our customers.”

To stay on top of grocery retailers’ latest moves, stay right here with AndNowUKnow.

Meijer

FRIESLAND, WI - Fall is when potatoes are the most abundant and at their peak freshness, according to Christine Lindner, National Sales at Alsum Farms & Produce. The company has finished harvest and anticipates having a good supply remaining strong into the winter months. Wisconsin has excellent quality and a full spectrum of varieties and size profiles to offer the potato category. To get a sense of where Alsum stands in all of this kerfuffle, I spoke with Christine about the state of its potatoes.

“Alsum Farms finished our harvest at the end of October,” Christine told me. “We are now pulling potatoes out of storage bins. As the holiday season approaches, we continue to increase the number of russet potato loads washed and packed as Thanksgiving nears to accommodate for the peak of fresh market demand for potatoes.”

Prolonged wet conditions in late September and early October hindered harvest in Wisconsin, which coupled with freezing temperatures in mid-October forced Alsum to leave about 150 of its 2,700 acres of potatoes in the ground. As a result, its potatoes will have a small-to-medium size profile, although the yield is still about the same as years prior.

With the impending fate of the holiday season, growers are feeling the pressure on their promotional volumes. Potato prices are well above last year’s market as the mid-November trend is increasing exponentially. Even so, Alsum is well-positioned for a successful holiday rush.

“Holiday dinners bring families together for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and many retailers build potatoes as a staple of these gatherings. For just pennies per ounce, potatoes offer some of the best nutritional value of any food,” Christine explained. “For the holidays, we are offering a 20-pound Russet baker pack—as families gather around the dinner table as it provides the best value. Additionally, we are promoting ad volume for b-size red and gold potatoes. This size potato can help retailers bring a fresh offering to the category at a great value.”

Retailers, be sure to check out Alsum’s offerings as you assemble your potato displays. For more categorial updates ahead of the year’s busiest season, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Alsum Farms & Produce