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

PORTLAND, OR - Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. is exploring new avenues as it continues to bolster its marketing strategy. Recently, the distributor has partnered with Heart Creative to oversee and manage all of its digital marketing efforts after an extensive agency review process.

“From our early conversations with Mollie and the Heart Creative team, it was tremendously clear that Heart’s niche expertise in the natural food industry would be a perfect match for Del Monte’s immediate need for a proven and progressive social media marketing strategy,” said Rebecca Gautrey, Director of Marketing, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. “Heart has a very unique expertise: the ability to develop a robust content strategy that is both data-driven and delicious.”

Co-founded in 2012 by Mollie Harris and Jennifer Bryman, Heart Creative is dedicated to supporting natural food, beverage, and wellness companies with culinary content and digital marketing strategy to inspire consumers to cook more and live better. Heart Creative will work to launch a comprehensive social media and content strategy program, developing monthly content across social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube, as well as optimization and analytics.

“Our partnership with Del Monte Fresh Produce is a tremendous opportunity for us to advance our aligned missions of inspiring families to cook and enjoy simple, wholesome meals together,” CEO and Co-Founder Mollie Harris commented in a press release. “Del Monte Fresh Produce is a 125-year-old brand with a reputation for providing high-quality produce to all, so we couldn’t be more thrilled to offer our fresh culinary expertise and proven digital marketing strategy. The most exciting part is that, together, we have the opportunity to impact America's food culture in a big way—bringing us back to what health really looks like: whole foods, fresh flavors, all the colors, and delicious satisfaction.”

 

 

 

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The new partnership comes at a pivotal time for Del Monte, as the company has been pushing forward its mission of inspiring healthy lifestyles through convenient and wholesome fruits and veg as a catalyst for community interaction. Recently, Heart Creative demonstrated its own dedication toward the healthy lifestyle with a digital engagement campaign dubbed “Better In Bananavision^TM” campaign that encourages consumers to win, dress up, and post pictures of themselves (and their bunch!) in banana suits for the purpose of making the world look as bananas as it truly is.

What creative marketing concoctions will arise from the new partnership? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.

Del Monte Fresh Produce

KINGSVILLE, ON - DelFrescoPure® is closing out its week on a high-note after being named the Grow South Essex Award winner in the 2019 Leamington District Chamber of Commerce 25th Annual Business Excellence Awards. Way to go, DelFrescoPure!

“What a thrill to be recognized by the Leamington Chamber of Commerce and our community for our efforts in growing DelFrescoPure pesticide-free Yes!Berries® strawberries. We are committed to research and development as a means of discovering new varieties of tomatoes, strawberries, and more and introducing them to our customers throughout North America,” said Carl Mastronardi, President of Del Fresco Produce Ltd.

The greenhouse grower attributed its award win to its efforts to expand its expertise beyond the tomato, cucumber, and pepper categories and into the strawberry category with its Yes!Berries. These efforts have also helped develop business and prosperity in Leamington, Kingsville, and surrounding areas—another attribute the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce seeks out when awarding its Business Excellence Awards.

“Those involved in today’s emerging greenhouse technologies are the innovators who establish tomorrow’s avenues of economic development, emphasizing the importance of the local greenhouse industry,” added Fiona McLean, Marketing Manager. “Developing and applying emerging technologies with creative market awareness campaigns can be challenging. Yet, achieving this combination makes earning the Grow South Essex Award a significant achievement for Del Fresco Produce Ltd. and our brand DelFrescoPure.”

According to a press release, DelFrescoPure is an innovator and leader in the premium greenhouse industry that grows and markets greenhouse tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, eggplants, and strawberries. The family-owned grower has operated in the Kingsville, Ontario, Canada, region for over 50 years and takes pride in the quality and flavor of its produce and its personalized customer service.

Congratulations to DelFrescoPure and its team on this fantastic win!

DelFrescoPure®

WASHINGTON, DC - In late 2018, California-based produce company, Produce Delights, came under fire for failing to pay a $5,292 award to a California seller. Now, a little over a year later, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Produce Delights has satisfied its $5,292 reparation order issued under the Perishable Commodities Act (PACA).

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

The Los Angeles, California, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Wael R. Abdallah was listed as a member of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.

The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

For more information, contacts, and to read the full press release, please click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

KANSAS CITY, KS - Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) recently announced several key leadership changes. Dan Funk will serve in the new role of Chief Operating Officer. Jeff Pedersen, in addition to his current role of EVP, Chief Sales and Support Officer, will assume oversight for Valu Merchandisers Company subsidiary. Tye Anthony will serve as the SVP of Merchandising.

“It is AWG’s mission to provide our member-retailers all the tools, products, and services they need to compete favorably in all markets served. This includes top quality supermarket merchandise and support services, all at the lowest possible cost,” David Smith, President and CEO, stated in a letter to AWG's members. “To fulfill that mission in these times of change, our organizational structure must evolve to best support the needs of our members, our fellow teammates, and to support the ongoing relationship with our vendor-partners.”

Effective January 1, 2020, Dan Funk will step into the role of COO, a position that has been created to lead day-to-day operations of the cooperative and to effectively execute AWG’s 5 Key Strategic Initiatives, which are Same Store Sales Growth, Member Services and Support, Leadership Development and Succession Ready Organization, Distribution Network Improvement, and Cooperative and Subsidiary Growth.

Funk began his career with AWG in 2012 and has since progressed to positions like President of Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC); SVP of Grocery Merchandising; EVP of Merchandising and Marketing; and most recently, Chief Supply Chain and Merchandising Officer.

Jeff Pedersen has been with the company for 22 years and within his current role of EVP, Chief Sales and Support Officer, has made significant contributions to the success of AWG, a press release noted. His first role at AWG started as a Division Retail Specialist and progressed to multiple other support and leadership positions to serving as EVP of Division Operations.

Tye Anthony’s promotion to SVP, Merchandising, goes into effect November 4, 2019. He will lead the merchandising team that includes meat, bakery and deli, produce, category management, AWG Brands, inventory management, and business analytics. He has been with AWG in various leadership roles since 2013, including VP of Sales and Merchandising for both the Nashville and Fort Worth Divisions; VP of Advertising, Merchandising, and Marketing; and most recently VP of AWG Brands and Merchandising.

“I could not be more proud of all that this talented group of leaders have accomplished in the past year,” Smith concluded. “We are blessed to have this kind of leadership talent and depth and I consider it a privilege to work with all of them.”

Congratulations to the AWG team!

Associated Wholesale Grocers

TORONTO, CANADA - Have you ever wanted a tool that breaks down current produce markets in an easy-to-use format? Look no more! Execulytics Consulting recently announced plans to develop a second edition of its Produce Almanac.

“We received such a positive response to last year’s Almanac, that it seemed natural to begin working on a 2nd edition,” said Mike Mauti, Managing Partner. “I am particularly excited to see the response to our holiday cost predictions. As this has become a big part of our content, several customers suggested it should be a part of the Almanac. And so, this year it is.”

As data analytics become a key part of making decisions within the produce industry, the company’s Produce Almanac has become popular for its comprehensive and objective review of produce markets.

Scheduled to be available for distribution on January 24, 2020, the digital book will be updated to include the most current data. According to a press release, this book will detail:

• Product availability by quarter
• Five-year weekly cost histories
• Organic to conventional comparisons
• Weekly retail pricing reviews

New features, including cost predictions for key produce items sold during busy holiday weeks, will be a part of the new and improved Produce Almanac.

Companies can pre-book the 2020 Produce Almanac for a special introductory price of $199 by visiting www.execulytics.ca/Produce-Almanac. All pre-orders will also come with a complimentary copy of the 2019 Edition of the Produce Almanac. In addition, $20 from every order will go to local charities fighting the battle against hunger.

What are you waiting for? Make like Benjamin Franklin and get to almanac-ing!

Execultyics Consulting

MONTEREY, CA - While not everyone loves attending school, I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves being an educated individual. Despite the many experts in our industry, there is always more education to be had. That’s why the Organic Grower Summit (OGS) is launching a pair of educational sessions focused on the future of organic plant health. They will be part of the 2019 OGS event, slated for December 4-5 in Monterey, CA.

One of the sessions is referred to as “Taking a Proactive Approach to Sustainability Reporting,” which will discuss the role of sustainability and the related metrics in promoting responsible, organic, and agricultural practices. Featured speakers for the session include: Ze'ev Barylka, Marketing Director at Netafim USA; Kevin Warner, Manager of Sustainable Agriculture at SCS Global Services; and Bryan Duarte, Senior Sourcing Manager at Walmart. The session will be moderated by Nikki Rodoni, Founder and CEO of Measure to Improve.

“While organically grown is a valuable and sustainable approach to agriculture, Sustainability Surveys ask about all three P’s of Sustainability—People, Planet, and Profit,” Rodoni said. “This panel of experts will help answer some of the common questions about Sustainability Reporting: ‘Why are customers asking for this information and what are they going to do with the information? What tools, metrics, and resources are available? And, how can growers get ahead of these requests, and tell a powerful, compelling, and verifiable sustainability story?’”

According to a news release, these newly-announced educational sessions are part of an extensive OGS program designed to inform and engage organic growers, farmers, and producers, and their service and supply chain partners. The third annual OGS is made possible by partners California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), and focused on providing information vital to organic farmers and ranchers, as well as an overview of the challenges and opportunities in the production of organic fresh food.

The second session, called “What’s Next: Organic Plant Health,” will feature a panel of organic growing and production experts discussing the latest tools in plant health, biological controls, and leading-edge research. Panelists for the session include Steve Pavich, Senior Plant Nutritionist at BioFlora; Dr. Danielle Kirkpatrick, Global Technical Support Coordinator at Trécé, Inc.; and Pete Anecito, Director of Ag Operations at Mission Ranches. The session will be moderated by Gwendolyn Wyard, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs at Organic Trade Association.

“Organic farmers and growers are always looking to learn more about innovative farming techniques, how to grow their businesses, and how to excel in the organic sector. The educational sessions at OGS cover the wide variety of topics that organic growers are interested in, and attendees leave inspired with new tactics to employ in their businesses,” said Kelly Damewood, CEO of CCOF.

Among other topics that will be addressed at OGS are the impact of technological advances in organic agriculture, strategies to reduce risk through organic soil health practices, the burgeoning hemp marketplace, organic cannabis production, and a data dive into organic food sales. Educational sessions at OGS are eligible and approved for Continuing Education Units.

OGS 2019 will be held at the Monterey Conference Center. General and exhibitor registration is currently open with less than 10 booths remaining available. For more information on the third annual Organic Grower Summit, click here. For even more education on the produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Organic Grower Summit