SEATTLE, WA - If Amazon is in its feelings over its split from Fed-Ex earlier this year, the e-tail giant isn’t showing it. Instead, Amazon is plowing forward with more strategic moves to bolster its delivery network and operation. This week, the company announced it is teaming up with new partners GNC, Health Mart, and Stage Stores in order to expand its Counter service (a network of staffed pickup points where shoppers can recieve their Amazon packages) to thousands of Amazon Hub locations.

“The response we’ve heard from our customers and partners after the launch of Counter earlier this year has been tremendous,” said Patrick Supanc, Worldwide Director of Amazon Hub. “This new network of pickup points gives customers a pickup experience that is fast, flexible, and convenient, and partners are thrilled with the strong engagement and additional foot traffic Counter is driving for their stores.”

According to a press release, Counter—which is part of the Amazon Hub family, including Locker, Locker+, and Apartment Locker, and designed to bring the ultimate convenience to customers via pickup and return points—easily turns a store of any size into a pickup location available to millions of Amazon customers. Now, with GNC, Health Mart, and Stage Stores in its ranks, Amazon is speeding up the delivery process with new Counter locations, furthering the growth of its logistics network.

The success and uniqueness of Amazon Counter has also drawn quite a bit of industry interest, with retailers, convenience stores, and small businesses clamoring to partner with Amazon on this service, as noted in the retailer’s press release.

What other strategies is Amazon rolling out to continue to strengthen its delivery operation and network? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you covered on the latest grocery retail news.

Amazon Counter

Fresno, CA - It’s not all about beef with Black Angus Steakhouse this fall, as the restaurant introduces a new Baby Kale Salad with grapes being tested in select locations for the season. The restaurant is one of several menus to “Go with Grapes” in partnership with California table grapes.

“Chefs continue to create exciting new menu items with fresh grapes,” said Courtney Romano, Foodservice Consultant to the California Table Grape Commission. “Grapes offer versatility, great flavor, and visual appeal, and deliver desirable acidity and sweetness that can make the dish.”

The promotion theme of “Go with Grapes” presents California grapes in snack boxes, as grab ‘n go options, and smoothies, the Commission said.

In addition to Black Angus, Morrison Healthcare, Nordstrom Restaurants, and Restaurant Associates have also joined the grape train.

“Exploring the culinary possibilities with grapes resulted in a flood of creativity from the team and some really great new concepts,” said Corporate Chef Keith Brunell.

At Nordstrom Restaurants, the culinary team created eight new fall menu specials with California grapes offered in all 128 company units. The option kicked off in September and is running through October. The new grape offerings include, among other items:

• A smoothie
• Risotto
• Pizza
• Entrée salad

Morrison Healthcare featured California grapes in its 800 healthcare units during the month of September, according to a press release, offering them as an add-on side option for burgers and sandwiches at the grilling stations, in grab ‘n go grape-only cups, and snack boxes. Grapes were also featured as a signature ingredient in seven recipes, including a flatbread, a pasta, and a new sandwich.

Restaurant Associates has 150 corporate dining and education facilities throughout which it will promote California grapes.

Company chefs have developed new, unique recipes featuring grapes as part of the Chef’s Table throughout operations, including new appetizers, a sandwich, and entrée dishes.

As the Commission and those it partners with look to widen the grape gaze of consumers, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest in strategies, campaigns, and more.

California Table Grape Commission

ANAHEIM, CA - This particular edition of Picks is a little close to home for me, literally. Because the big shows tend to be a timezone or two away, with the days seemingly on hyperdrive, it can be a bit blurry what was seen, heard, smelled, and tasted. This year, though, I was able to see 24,000-plus industry members come together in my home state. While I am grateful not to be jet-lagged, I can appreciate many of you were and thank you for making the trek to the West Coast to treat all of our senses to the innovations everyone has been working on.

So without further ado, here are but a few of the many impressive introductions unveiled at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit.

Ocean Mist® Farms Organic Artichokes Sustainable Packaging

This item first grabbed my attention while perusing PMA’s Fresh Ideas Showcase. Artichokes are beautifully floral in appearance, and it was eye-catching to see them shown off in an open, recyclable container the way Ocean Mist Farms had them displayed at Fresh Summit. Sustainable and organic, you might even say they had a lot of heart.

Highline Mushrooms Simple Sides Sauté Kits Line

My fiancé and I sit on opposite sides of the millennial spectrum (yes, there is a difference between those born in the 80s versus the 90s) in that I am likely to prepare something one way until Instagram, Pinterest, or an industry insider tells me otherwise. He, on the other hand, is not afraid of culinary experimentation. The result? He will love the new flavor ideas Highline Mushrooms brings to its sautéed mushrooms, while I am going to dig applying my critical thinking skills to work rather than dinner. As the mushroom category continues to rise, I imagine many other consumers will feel the same.

Mastronardi Produce (SUNSET®) KABOOM!™ Black Jalapeño Pepper

It is the spooky season, so what better time to try a dark spin on this flavor favorite? California-born with Latin blood pumping, I was thrilled to see a new spin on this hot item that I’m sure will open new, obsidian-esque doors to favorites like nachos, french fries, and all the other jalapeño possibilities. Morticia Addams, eat your heart out.

Little Potato Company New Easy Sides Line

Being quick, convenient, and providing multiple new flavors for a traditional favorite were definitely all top of mind this year, and this line checked off all three. Potatoes take too long, your shoppers say? Pre-cut, pre-seasoned, and ready in minutes, I wouldn’t be surprised if attendees of all badge colors grabbed a bag of Little Potato Company’s Easy Sides, along with one of Highline’s Simple Sides Sauté Kits, and celebrated being halfway done with a quick, fresh, healthy dinner after a long flight home from Fresh Summit.

Owyhee’s New Sustainable Hemp Bags

Another key phrase not to be forgotten was sustainability, especially in terms of packaging. In addition to Ocean Mist Farms’ attractive take on this rising necessity, Owyhee stood out to me with its self-supplied hemp bags to package onions and potatoes with both sustainability and style. Though I think consumers might want to recycle them by using them over and over until they disintegrate, rather than directly disposing of them for reprocessing as the grower might have intended.

One of my favorite parts of PMA Fresh Summit is how everyone turns up with some amazing new items from deep in the R&D vaults, but this brings with it the caveat of a limited word count when it comes time to write about them. Suffice it to say, our industry definitely raised the bar another notch or two this year, making everyone hungry for what’s to come in 2020.

ATLANTA, GA - Girard’s Dressings is known for its bold and flavorful dressings that incorporate flavors from around the globe, but now it has received full honors for its inventive products, recently winning the 2019 Dressing of the Year and Sauce of the Year. The Association for Dressings and Sauces (ADS) gave honors to GFF, Inc.’s imaginative Mango Gochujang Sauté Sauce and Mint Lime with Tequila Dressing.

"On behalf of GFF, we are happy to accept these distinguished industry awards from the Association for Dressings and Sauces," said Dave Nicholson, CEO of HACO US, parent company of GFF, Inc.

The Dressing of the Year and Sauce of the Year awards are intended to recognize and celebrate truly innovative and delicious products, and winners are determined through blind taste tests. Of course, GFF, Inc. was more than up for the challenge, and proceeded to wow the judges with two of its mouth-watering products.

The Mango Gochujang Sauté Sauce and Mint Lime with Tequila Dressing were the company’s winning entries, with the awards presented at the ADS Annual Meeting “Playing an Instrumental Role.” This is the first year that GFF, Inc. has won both Sauce of the Year and Dressing of the Year, though it is no stranger to the winner’s circle, as this is the second time the company has won Dressing of the Year—and it’s not hard to see why.

“Our Korean-style Mango Gochujang Sauté Sauce gets its unique flavor from the combination of various red peppers with roasted and fermented soybean. The savory sauce is balanced with sweet mango and cilantro highlighted with specks of black sesame,” said Mary dela Peña, VP of Research, Development and Quality at GFF, Inc., in a press release.

The Mint Lime with Tequila Dressing offers a delicate blend of aromatic lime, citrus, and spearmint notes, complemented with chipotle pepper and a dash of tequila, with a sweet hint. Though it’s called a dressing, the Mint Lime with Tequila Dressing works equally well as a sauce to add flavor without excessive calories, sodium, or sugar.

Congratulations to Girard’s Dressings for its well-deserved wins. AndNowUKnow will continue to report on award-winning products.

Girard's Dressings

CALGARY, ALBERTA - When fall hits, it is important to remember that October is not just a month for Halloween festivities, but also a month for increasing breast cancer awareness. A startling one in eight women is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, so Thomas Fresh is doing what it can to support the movement for further research and awareness. For the second year in a row, the onion grower, shipper, and packer will be promoting its Think Pink onions in the produce aisle.

“We had great success with this program in 2018, so we expect shoppers to anticipate our pink onions on shelves once again this fall,” Roy Hinchey, CEO, commented. “We are honored to be working alongside the Canadian Cancer Society for a second time to support this noble cause.”

The company’s Think Pink 3 lb Organic Medium Yellow Onions will be available from September through November, and the product will do more than just sport pink packaging. Proceeds from each bag sold will support ground-breaking breast cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society, the country’s largest national charitable funder of research into the disease, according to a press release. Breast cancer awareness is an issue close to the company’s heart and as such, Thomas Fresh hopes to give back to Canadians impacted with the disease.

“As a company who is in the industry of providing fruits and vegetables, we feel it is our duty to give back, and to use our brand as a vessel for important health-related causes,” Hinchey said, adding that, “the small steps individuals make to eat a greater amount of fruits and vegetables can have long-term benefits of well-being.”

The packaging that the Think Pink onions will be featuring is intended to inspire consumers to keep health at the tip of their minds. But the labeling holds a deeper meaning as well.

“The intricate pink background is inspired by flowered lace often used on women’s brassieres. This delicate appearance displays movement throughout the label to represent healing, strength, and perseverance through the course of breast cancer.” explained Andrea Dubak, Marketing Specialist.

The Canadian Cancer Society reports that about four in ten cancer cases can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians. Eating well begins with consuming a variety of foods each day, including fruits and vegetables, and is an important part of reducing the risk of cancer.

“Progress is being made against breast cancer. More women are surviving a breast cancer diagnosis than ever before,” said Jessica Dirom, Regional Director of Philanthropy for the Canadian Cancer Society. “Because of investments in research, almost 90 percent of women will survive at least five years or more after a breast cancer diagnosis. Yet the tremendous impact of breast cancer is undeniable. It is still the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Canada. It is for these reasons that we and corporate partners like Thomas Fresh are committed to supporting breast cancer research.”

Throughout the promotion, the Think Pink Organic Onions will be available to consumers at major retailers in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba until November 30th. Additional information about the campaign and breast cancer awareness will be available to consumers through Thomas Fresh’s website.

AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you stories of commendable produce industry promotions.

Thomas Fresh

NORTH CAROLINA - For retailers, there’s nothing scarier than a competitor encroaching on your territory—a spook, a fright, a horror that persists even outside the month of October for many grocers. Publix is one such grocery retailer that is facing down a few of its rivals in the Tar Heel State market it had formerly marked for its own expansion.

This week—yesterday, October 24th, in fact—Trader Joe’s beat Publix in claiming a piece of Greensboro, North Carolina. According to the Winston-Salem Journal, Publix will open its own Greensboro store on November 13, adding to its two other local stores and a distribution center in the area.

And, while they say it takes two to tango, Lidl is insisting upon joining the grocery dance between Trader Joe’s and Publix. The news source noted that the discount grocer has scheduled the end of the year for a store opening in Greensboro as well.

A few cities away, in Charleston, Publix is also hoping to up its store count to four before Thanksgiving, reported The Post and Courier.

Last, but not least, Clayton will also join the lineup of North Carolina cities boasting new Publixes, with the The News & Observer claiming 130 employees are being prepped to open a location by the fall of 2020.

It looks like North Carolina will have Publix’s name written all over it in the coming year. Will more competitors try to jostle the Florida-based grocer's place in this market? And how will Publix respond? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Publix

KEASBEY, NJ - Maybe it’s because I’m getting ready to spend big on Christmas shopping, but this time of year has some sort of lucrative spirit about it. Wakefern Food Corp. might be feeling the same, as it made some exciting announcements at its annual shareholder meeting today. Shareholders, store management, and staff gathered in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and were addressed by Chairman and CEO Joseph S. Colalillo, President and COO Joe Sheridan, and Executive Vice President Chris Lane.

“It’s a time of great change and challenge in our industry, but we’re excited for the journey ahead. With every new program we roll out, we are committed to providing the best shopping experience for our customers and creating the supermarket of the future,” Colalillo told the audience of nearly 800 people.

According to a press release, the company reported retail sales of $16.6 billion for the 52-week fiscal year ending September 28, which is a 0.7 percent increase from the prior year. This year, Wakefern opened five new ShopRite® stores and welcomed a new banner, Manhattan-based Gourmet Garage. Sheridan said that technology plays a key role in the push forward, with the company incorporating capabilities that elevate the customer experience both in store and online.

“We are embracing change because customers are embracing change—the way they shop, the way they work, and the way they live,” Sheridan noted. “We are pairing high tech with a human touch to provide the very best shopping experience. Today’s customers want great online shopping options, but they also want a personalized experience. Our promise is that we will deliver all of that to our customers.”

In July, Wakefern opened the first stand-alone micro-fulfillment center in the U.S. Using advanced robotics to quickly assemble ShopRite from Home® grocery orders, the facility enables the retailer to expand the reach of its services. The company is also making it easier for customers to design their own cakes and order catering and deli items online, and ShopRite dietitians are now available to answer customer questions through online chat. Lane reported on the recent launch of ShopRite’s new Right Price Promise, and plans to introduce two new innovative store brands, Bowl & Basket™ and Paperbird™, in November.

“With these pioneering launches we are truly elevating the ShopRite experience for each and every customer who walks through our doors,” said Lane. “We are ready to deliver to the next generation of shoppers the products and store experience that will make ShopRite their market of choice for their family meals, foods on-the-go, and grocery needs.”

Right Price Promise reflects a commitment to everyday low prices on the items customers purchase most frequently. By moving to everyday value pricing on key items, customers can count on ShopRite as their one-stop shopping destination. ShopRite’s planned launch of Bowl & Basket and Paperbird food and household lines next month will kick off a transformation of the retailer’s brands.

Congratulations to Wakefern on releasing all of this exciting news!

Wakefern Food Corporation

LOCKPORT, NY - When Crunch Time Apple Growers sets out to promote its signature SnapDragon apple variety, it’s not messing around, and this time the organization is ready to release the beast (so to say). Partnering up with the popular kid’s game, PlayMonster 5-Second Rule Jr., Crunch Time is kicking off a “monster” promotion just in time for back-to-school shopping.

“The apple category is crowded, and competition is fierce to get your brand noticed,” Rena Montedoro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, commented. “Promotions like this are designed to provide the retailer with exciting displays they can use to extend their bins. The euro display uses bold, colorful graphics and age-appropriate images from the game packaging that appeals to both parents and kids alike. All consumers have to do is read the simple instructions that sit right in the take-one pocket on the display, and once they’re able to get online, the consumer can immediately enter to win.”

Set to build buzz in the produce aisle, the promotion features exciting end-cap display units, augmented by an 8-week online promotion targeted to kids and parents. The new partnership aims to promote healthy snacking along with healthy game activity off the screen.

“Retailers can really ramp up the promotion by adding in sampling programs and in-store display contests. We have made this promotion seamless so that retailers get all the benefit of our consumer marketing,” Montedoro said in a press release. “Our goal is to get more families to try and become SnapDragon fans and drive sales for our retailers.”

The sweepstakes will run from October 21 through December 31, during which time consumers can register online at the promotion website. Retailers are expected to benefit from the promotion as well, as Crunch Time estimates that similar online promotions can see upwards of 1,000 entries per day. Each week a lucky winner is drawn and will receive a free box of SnapDragon apples and a PlayMonster 5-Second Rule Jr. game.

“Moms are looking for nutritious, healthy snacks for their kids. Board games are a healthy alternative to screen time,” said Montedoro. “They are fun and a great way to build cognitive reasoning and memory skills. PlayMonster is a great fit for the ‘monster’ crunch apple brand. Parents can feel good buying a high flavor, nutritious apple for the whole family while entering their kids for a chance to win one of 100 PlayMonster 5-Second Rule Jr. games.”

For more updates on creative produce marketing, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Crunch Time Apple Growers

IRVINE, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!

Today, I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see the latest around all growing regions.

RECORD HEAT AND WIND CONTINUES OUT WEST

The warm temperatures in the California coastal growing regions continues through today. Oxnard/Camarillo area reached a high of 99° on Tuesday, tying a record set in 1965. The high temperatures continued in the 90°s Wednesday and yesterday. This region is also experienced high winds this week reaching 30 mph yesterday.

Salinas yesterday had a high of 92° and Santa Maria had a high of 87°. These extremely warm temperatures will continue through today. I would be on the lookout for increased production of strawberries, raspberries, bell peppers, lettuces, and other wet veg from these three regions.

As we mentioned on Tuesday, temperatures in these regions will begin to cool tomorrow and will experience chilly overnight lows starting as early as tomorrow in Salinas. Expect Salinas and Santa Maria to see low temperatures in the mid to lower 40°s all next week, dramatically reducing production compared to this week. Oxnard will see low temperatures in the 50°s next week.

AREGENTINA BLUEBERRY REGIONS EXPERIENCING WARM TEMPS

The main growing regions in Argentina will see daily maximum temperatures start to climb starting tomorrow. Temperatures in the region will be in the 90°s tomorrow and Sunday before jumping above the century mark on Monday, reaching 104° in the Corrientes region. These warmer temperatures will continue off and on throughout the week.

We might finally see an increase of production from Argentina with these warmer temperatures. We will keep an eye on the numbers. So far, Peru continues to be the main player out of South America with blueberries.

HURRICANE CENTRAL

Atlantic Ocean

There is a low-pressure system located over the Bay of Campeche Mexico. Satellite data indicates the storm is not well defined and could become a short-lived tropical depression today before merging with a cold front later tonight. Gale force winds are expected behind the cold front over the western Gulf of Mexico later tonight and tomorrow. Look for high winds along the coastal states of Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche. These are citrus growing regions.

Pacific Ocean

There is no activity forecast in the next 48 hours.

Thank you as always for your support. We will be back next week with another report.

Weathermelon

HOUSTON, TX - Last month, the nonprofit organization Brighter Bites announced its top donor partners of the year. Providing free, fresh produce in underserved communities around the U.S. and changing behavior amongst families to prevent obesity and achieve long-term health, Brighter Bites is comprised of a down-to-earth group of produce do-gooders. One of which—CEO Rich Dachman—sat down with me last week so I could investigate what it takes to be a top donor.

“It's a combination of total volume of donation, logistics, and other intangible support," Rich said.

In other words, earning a spot on the Brighter Bites list of top donors is only a matter of lending a hand in any way possible. While the list is long, I asked Rich how other companies in the industry might go about making donations.

“It's just a matter of contacting us. We'll be reaching out in a broader sense in the near future, but we are in need of fresh produce to be donated in certain cities. I'd like to throw in that the food banks are amazing partners in helping us. But there are times when they don't have enough fresh produce. So, we have our partners helping us, but we need more,” he explained. “As we expand, it costs money. We're funded through different organizations, but I believe the produce industry needs to step up and help as well. We're creating consumers in younger generations, and we're changing behavior in that we have families eating produce that weren't before. It's good for the industry, it's good for the family, it's good for profit. It's good all the way around.”

Rich joined Brighter Bites after 28 years at Sysco. When he announced his retirement from the company, Rich mentioned that he firmly stands behind the Brighter Bites mission and planned to be heavily involved in its operations as a Board Member. Just one short month after he officially left Sysco, Brighter Bites announced that Rich would be named as the nonprofit’s CEO.

“I feel like there's a higher calling for our industry. I believe we have a responsibility to encourage healthier eating, to use the product that we grow and distribute it as a solution to problems like childhood obesity, diabetes, etc.,” said Rich when I asked what inspires him about Brighter Bites. “I’ve always felt like I had a responsibility to walk the walk. If we can't represent our own product to ourselves and help people, then how are we supposed to convince other people to buy it? I think there's a lot of people in the industry that really aren't doing this. More people could step up. I think we have to. I know we're all in it for a profit, but there's a higher calling that we all have to join in on.”

That being said, Rich emphasized what to consider as we wrap up 2019 and head into a new year.

“Brighter Bites is a great vehicle to help change behavior and how families eat, and we need to expand that to be a bigger movement,” he told me. “I believe that in the produce industry, we just don't compete against each other. We're competing against the snack industry to try to get people to eat right. And in order to do that, we're battling a huge consumer product budget. We need to find a way to centralize our efforts and collaborate more to convert people to eating healthy food as a way to change the negative outcomes. And I believe Brighter Bites is the top organization to be able to carry that out.”

On a final note, Rich offered up some words of gratitude for those top donors and everyone in the industry that’s involved in the Brighter Bites mission.

“We couldn't do it without our partners. We're hoping to get more to join in going forward, but we're very appreciative of the partners that we have,” he said. “Generally when people hear the story, they buy in. So, it really is a matter of trying to get people to hear about who we are and what we do.”

We at ANUK accept that appreciation and turn it back to the folks at Brighter Bites, because none of this would be possible without faces leading the cause. Stick with us as we continue reporting on influential initiatives in the industry.

Brighter Bites