CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger is a retailer with a commanding presence in the industry. Whenever it does anything innovative of the sort, all of us within the industry sit up and take notice. No stranger to testing out new formats, Kroger has also embrace the plant-based trend in a big way. Now, it’s leaning harder into this space as it plans to test out a dedicated plant-based meat section with help from the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA).

"The test, which emerged from our partnership with PBFA, will allow us to unearth rich insight regarding how to best merchandise the category and connect with consumers," Marcellus Harris, Assistant Commodity Manager in the meat department for Kroger, commented.

According to a report from Food & Wine, the new department will be a subsection of the retailer’s standard meat departments. Kroger will be testing the new department over 20 weeks in 60 of its stores across Denver, Colorado; Indiana; and Illinois.

The locations were chosen to reach a wide enough range of customers to generate comprehensive data to inform Kroger of the new department’s effect on overall sales.

"Plant-based meat sales have been increasing dramatically year over year, even while most of them are placed where only the most dedicated consumers are likely to find and purchase them," said Julie Emmett, Senior Director of Retail Partnerships for PBFA. "We are confident that this test will demonstrate that plant-based meat sales will increase even more when consumers have easier access to them. We applaud Kroger for taking the lead on plant-based meat merchandising, and we are confident that the outcome will be a win for retailers, suppliers, and especially for consumers."

Will this new plant-based meat section help rocket vegetables to the top? AndNowUKnow will be here to report the latest.

Kroger

MIAMI, FL - As of today, industry veteran James Paul has joined the Sales Team at Crystal Valley Foods and will handle sales for the entire product line, including asparagus. Before Crystal Valley, Paul was the Senior Category Director for the asparagus category at Grower Direct Marketing. In his new position, Paul will be based in Stockton, California.

“I am excited to have joined the team at Crystal Valley,” said Paul. “The company is a respected leader in the industry and is well-known for its quality products and customer service. I am looking forward to being a part of its continued growth and helping to expand and create new relationships in the U.S. and Canada.”

With a degree from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, Paul has also held sales and marketing positions at Greg Paul Produce, Giumarra, Altar Produce, Prima Bella Produce, Apio, and Boskovich Farms.

“We are thrilled that James has joined Crystal Valley,” said Jay Rodriguez, President. “With a family history in the fresh produce industry, Paul brings over 30 years of sales and marketing experience to the company. He is an accomplished and dynamic professional and his passion for the business will make him a great addition to our team.”

Congratulations to James Paul on his new and exciting role at Crystal Valley Foods!

Crystal Valley Foods

NASHVILLE, TN - Nashville is known for many things: country music, honky-tonks, and publishing, of all things. But what it was known for from this September 12-14 was organics and foodservice, and boy, it did not disappoint. We took the temperature of several amazing produce powerhouses and also that of our own boots on the ground at Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Innovations—who helped me understand what made this show one for the books.

With over 800 attendees and 225 industry buyers present, not only was this show ideal for talking business, it was a great place to meet new faces and connect with old ones.

“I think the weekend can best be summed up by a passage quoted by keynote speaker, Steve Robinson,” David Sherrod, SEPC President and CEO, shared with me. “Matthew 5:41 says, ‘And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.’ The SEPC went the extra mile to deliver one of the best networking events ever. Every educational session delivered expert industry input backed by syndicated data. Both Shasta Nelson and Steve Robinson provided key insights and wonderful words to live by in their keynote addresses. In addition, our attendees were treated to a private concert by new country music star, Chris Lane. From start to finish, Southern Innovations topped the charts and we couldn't be more pleased with its great turnout."

On top of putting together an expo that is sure to go down in organics history, SEPC also released a report called Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Organics but Were Afraid to Ask, a valuable data set for those in organic produce.

“Organic produce has been a shining star in a challenged perimeter for several years now,” David continued. “We are encouraged by the study results and see that there is still ample opportunity and consumer interest for organic to drive continued growth for produce for the country, and the Southeast specifically. While organic produce uptake in the Southeast still lags behind that of the rest of the U.S., we are catching up fast with above-average dollar gains of plus-12.3 percent.”

As buyers mingled with those exhibiting, those boots-on-the-ground moments rang true, and highlighted what is so vital about our industry. When it comes down to it, we’re all go-getters, out there trying to provide the best produce possible to the world.

“Southern Innovations provides the perfect opportunity to address two different segments of our industry and address the organic and foodservice buyer and talk specifically to their needs,” Stephanie Hilton, Marketing and Business Development for Tom Lange Company, told me of her experience. “The expo size and conference makeup is perfect for multiple networking opportunities and meaningful conversations. It is a not-to-be missed event.”

Not-to-be missed was the running theme of this event, as showgoers mingled and talked about new innovations, the future of organics, and where our industry fits into ever-changing consumer trends.

“This conference has grown into something really special and unique. I’m leaving inspired by truly innovative discussions and products,” Amanda Keefer, Managing Director of Produce for Kids, expressed to me.

Mike Roberts, Director of Produce Operations for Harps Food Stores, also echoed the importance of this particular show.

“SEPC Southern Innovations is a great show and, although regional, you can meet people and make connections from all regions of the country,” he told me. “Those kinds of opportunities along with the ease of the show format and strong bonds you make at this show truly set it apart!”

Of those 225 buyers, we were lucky to also hear the perspective from one of US Foods’ own top dogs—a treat for a trade journalist such as myself.

“Once again, the SEPC provided a first-class show focused on the needs of the foodservice customer by providing educational and networking opportunities in a relaxed atmosphere!” Frank Swanson, US Foods’ Senior Manager Produce Operations, remarked.

We also tapped Nicole Hulstein, Food Lion’s Category Manager, to hear about the value she finds in this particular show.

"SEPC Southern Innovations continues to prove its relevance to the produce industry. The focus of organics, innovation, and foodservice trends provides the opportunity for continued dialogue of business needs of the current market and the market of tomorrow,” she explained.

It wasn’t all business throughout Southern Innovations—although we know that doing business and having fun is what the produce industry is all about! There was golfing and sporting clay fun to be had, of which several industry vets came out on top.

The winning golf team was comprised of Dug Schwalls, Brandon Parker, John Williams, and Tomas Gonzalez.

Sporting Clays:

1st - Mike Prather, Andy Garrett, Jon Schwalls, Robert James, Seab Temples

2nd - Jordan Kowalski, Spencer Ensley, John Baker, Brad Hansman, Jacqueline Soria

3rd - Quad Whitworth, BJ McCormick, Jimmy Alderman, Eric Frasse, Clark Roper

In addition to these awards, SEPC also handed out the Next Generation Award to Andrew Hare of Vertical Roots, for being an exemplary model of what a next-generation produce leader looks like.

So many exciting things, so little time! As always, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest details in everything produce industry related.

Southeast Produce Council

ORLANDO, FL - If you doubt that Disney is the happiest place on Earth, maybe it's because you didn't know it has some skin in the fruit and veg game. According to delish, Disney World features a futuristic greenhouse that’s available for guests’ viewing via the Living with the Land ride, an educational boat tour located in Future World. The ride highlights the history of farming in addition to a glimpse at agricultural advances that have yet to come.

Disney pitches the ride as such: "Discover a cornucopia of fruits and veggies from around the world—some modified to jaw-dropping effect." This is in reference to the customized Mickey Mouse-shaped pumpkins, nine-pound lemons, and other uniquely-grown items featured in the greenhouse.

Travel & Leisure, reports that Disney World also harbors a food lab where innovative studies are conducted. Furthermore, soil-less hydroponic and integrated pest management systems can be accessed via the “Behind the Seeds” tour, where guests can interact with animals, sample produce, and learn about growing techniques used at the park.

I don’t know about you guys, but my Mickey ears are already in the suitcase. The innovative agricultural practices at Disney World will no doubt contribute to the future of our industry. Stay with us at AndNowUKnow for the most magical produce concepts around.

WASHINGTON, DC - United Fresh announced yesterday that Representative Jim McGovern is slotted as Keynote Speaker for the Opening General Session Breakfast at this year’s annual Washington Conference. His speech will fall on the morning of Tuesday, September 17.

“As we gather our industry in DC to share our critical message on the importance of ensuring families and children have access to the fresh produce we supply, I can think of no more fitting advocate to keynote our kick-off breakfast,” said Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther. “Congressman McGovern is a fearless leader, fighting at every turn for strong school meal programs and access to nutritious foods for everyone.”

Representative McGovern was elected to Congress in 1996 and now serves as Chairman of the House Rules Committee. He is known as a steadfast Congressional leader in nutrition and hunger initiatives, as he founded the Food as Medicine Working Group in 2018 within the Congressional Hunger Caucus, and is a Senior Member of the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Nutrition and Oversight. He also is a member of the Specialty Crops Caucus.

The United Fresh Washington Conference will bring hundreds of produce industry leaders to DC from September 16-18, engaging them in strategic face-to-face dialogue with key members of Congress and top Regulatory Officials. For more information and to register, visit www.unitedfresh.org.

Follow along with ANUK as we continue turning over the latest news in the industry to you, our viewership.

United Fresh

EVANS, GA - Earth Fare, an organic grocer that seems to take some of its strategies out of the Trader Joe’s playbook, announced its latest Southern expansion in Evans, Georgia. The Augusta Chronicle reported that a sign variance approval alerted those sniffing around the grocery newswire—folks like me. This approval thus allows Earth Fare to begin developing a 21,000-square-foot grocery store. Although The Fresh Market was also in the running for this space, the deal fell through after the company closed more than a dozen stores.

The new store will have a competitor not too far from its doorstep, too. Metro Spirit noted that a Publix is just across the street.

The retailer’s press room has not yet issued a statement, and declined to comment on the current Evans store. However, The August Chronicle reported that artist renderings submitted to Columbia County officials shows that the new store will feature a newer, more urban concept design.

Marketing materials, the news source suggested, show that the new store will also place more emphasis on freshly-prepared items, inlcuding things like sandwiches, wraps, beverages, salads, and prepared foods. The specialty grocer will continue to lean into its natural foods association, bringing consumers foods that are free of artificial sugars and preservatives.

Where will Earth Fare head to next? Should other retailers—like Publix—be worried? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest.

Earth Fare

NASHVILLE, TN - For those watching from afar, SEPC’s Southern Innovations Organics and Foodservice Expo is well underway over in Tennessee. The event brings associates from across the chain to network, educate, and enlighten on the latest that the produce industry has to offer. With convenience being sought out more than ever, I caught up with BrightFarms to get the scoop on what they have in store. Abby Prior, Vice President of Marketing, sat down with me to talk about what Southern Innovations means to BrightFarms.

“Southern Innovations is incredibly important for us,” Abby shares. “It’s exciting for us and the rest of the controlled-environment community that the industry is embracing us at events like this. Local is the new organic; the demand has always been there. BrightFarms is making it available to consumers on a year-round basis.”

So, what does BrightFarms plan on introducing to the masses? The company has sent Jack Holland, Key Account Manager, and Brian Jenny, VP of Sales, to unveil three new products at the event: Sunny Crunch, Spring Mix, and Crunchy Romaine. The packaged lettuce products are geared to launch BrightFarms into foodservice; the new varieties are all pre-cut, making it low labor for the foodservice industry, and have many culinary applications from salads to sandwiches.

“We’re a mission-driven company. We’re about the health of people and the planet,” Abby continues. “We provide more people with access to more locally-grown, nutritious, and fresher produce that makes them want to eat more of it. We’re bringing more opportunities for fresher, local eating experiences to more places in our consumers’ local communities.”

Grown both up and down the East Coast as well as in the Midwest, the hardy selections hold up beautifully in foodservice applications while also bringing local to the table. Stop by BrightFarms’ booth #214 to chat with Jack Holland and Brian Jenny to find out more about the latest selections and how they could benefit you.

BrightFarms

THE WOODLANDS, TX - As we listen for the needs and demands of today’s buyside operators, one necessity we constantly hear about at AndNowUKnow is the desire for a one-stop-shop for products and quality. The Fresh Food Group is a leading operation answering that call and with a mission to bring the most value to its customer relationships. Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Purchasing Doug Burris takes a beat to share the drive behind the company and its family of brands.

“The Fresh Food Group is one of those visions that came to fruition in response to strong consumer demand for fresh and on-the-go convenience,” Doug shares with me. “The Fresh Food Group combines three best-in-class organizations with complementary production and products.”

These organizations include, Country Fresh—a leading provider of fresh-cut fruit, apple slices, vegetables, and fresh snacking solutions as well as Sun Rich, which cuts and prepares made-to-order fresh fruit for foodservice. Rounding out the trifecta is Tiffany Gate, which creates, manufactures, and delivers fresh prepared foods to some of the largest retail and foodservice companies in North America.

“Under the Fresh Food Group, we unite fresh-cut expertise, prepared food capabilities, and an expanded geographic presence to become a full-service, fresh solutions partner for retail, foodservice, club, and convenience stores,” Doug expresses. “Our mission is to provide an experience unparalleled in quality and freshness in the most socially and fiscally responsible way possible.”

On top of that, add a strong vision to create extraordinary value as a market leader providing safe, convenient, and delicious fresh food solutions, and you have a partner who can respond to, and anticipate, the needs of customers across the U.S.

“A cornerstone of the Fresh Food Group philosophy is agility. We partner across channels to develop products tailored to customers and consumers and also develop custom packaging designed to maximize shelf space,” Doug tells me. “We continue to see strong trends in snacking, side dishes, ready-to-go meals, and meal kits. Demand is high for products that add to the convenience value proposition. Consequently, fresh-cut and value-added produce is moving farther down the processing continuum. Our goal is to get product as close to the final state as possible making it as convenient as possible. This requires continued investment in research and development, cooking technologies, and packaging design.”

The Fresh Food Group also features:

• Custom Packaging: As mentioned, most of its packaging is custom designed for fresh-cut. The Fresh Food Group works with partners closely to ensure that its utilizes shelf space in the most efficient manner. This allows its customers to offer more variety in space that is limited.
• Speed to Shelf: The Fresh Food Group’s geographic footprint enables frequent and low-mile deliveries to distribution centers across the country.
• Hand-Cut: The Fresh Food Group hand-cuts select fruit and vegetable products and focuses on training of its cutters to ensure the highest level of quality and appearance for fresh-cut products. This also enables flexibility in product specifications for partners.
• Total Family of Products: Cut fruit and vegetables, side dishes, fresh snacking, parfaits, foodservice cut fruit and fruit salads, deli salads, pasta kits, meal kits, salad kits, sauces and dressings, and soup and stew kits.

“Relationship building is essential to our business model. We serve some of the most successful brands across the retail, food service, and industrial channels and are proud to be entrusted as a manufacturer of private label programs for most major retailers and foodservice companies in the country,” Doug adds.

As you can see so far, the Fresh Food Group is far from a one trick pony. Add in the fact that while most of its products are sold under private label, the Fresh Food Groupalso provides fresh-made meal solutions through its Freshly Crafted brand.

For the Fresh Food Group, fresh is expanding inside the company and outside in the produce departments as well.

“Strategic retailers are investing heavily in perimeter departments as fresh categories are merging and sometimes undefined. Fresh-cut is expanding beyond produce and into other departments, such as deli. Moreover, consumer tastes and trends change rapidly. As a result, fresh cut partners must be agile to quickly adapt to an ever-changing ecosystem,” Doug notes. “Fresh products and packaging must also be geared toward omni-channel shopping with the rise of e-commerce, delivery, and online grocery pickup.”

While PMA Fresh Summit is still weeks down the road, we all know how time flies in the fresh produce industry. Make sure you stop by the PMA-first timer, which will be featuring a full range of its fresh product assortment.

With fresh innovations raising the bar across the whole of the produce industry, you can be sure we will be keeping our finger on the pulse of produce and beyond.

The Fresh Food Group

BURLINGTON, MA - The New England Produce Council (NEPC) recently announced that industry veteran, Rich Dachman, CEO of Brighter Bites and former Vice President of Produce for Sysco, will be the featured speaker at NEPC’s keynote breakfast. The topic he will be speaking on is “Foodservice, Nutrition, and Making a Difference.”

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Rich to the NEPC Expo this year. Rich brings with him a wealth of retail, wholesale, and foodservice expertise. He has been a leader in the industry for over 40 years and we look forward to his insight,” said NEPC President, Anthony Sattler.

Dachman’s presentation will cover topics such as the complex matrix of foodservice distribution, the success of a distributor-operator relationship, and the ways the produce industry can make a positive impact. The keynote is just one part of the 20th annual NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo, set to take place September 18-19 at the Hynes Convention Center, in downtown Boston.

According to a press release, Dachman brings to the table an abundance of produce industry experience—40 years worth of it, in fact. He began his produce career at his family-owned business in Denver. In 1992, Dachman joined FreshPoint Inc. and became President of FreshPoint Operating Companies in Houston, Denver, Atlanta, and the company’s central procurement office in Salinas, California. When Sysco acquired FreshPoint in 2000, Rich was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President, Western Region, and in 2007 was promoted to Vice President of Produce for Sysco Corporation.

He retired from Sysco this summer, after which he joined Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit organization changing behavior among children and their families to prevent obesity. The company delivers donated fresh fruits and vegetables to families, teaches them how to cook, and then tracks their behavior changes.

Dachman has received multiple awards, including the Center for Growing Talent’s Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award, and Produce for Better Health’s Excellence Award. He was Chairman of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) in 2012, capping more than 10 years of leadership service for PMA.

Congratulations to Rich on this great honor!

The New England Produce Council

THE DALLES, OR - Between a milestone year for partnerships and premium weather giving way to stellar quality, the Orchard View Cherry team is closing out 2019 on several high notes.

“This was our largest volume year ever. But the defining moment was that we had consistently phenomenal quality. Because temperatures were quite moderate, the sugars were able to develop more fully, making for very sweet cherries. This allowed us to have less stressful days so that we could enjoy the wins that much more,” Brenda Thomas, President of Orchard View Cherries in The Dalles, Oregon, said.

Mother Nature must have sensed that this year marked a decade since Orchard View teamed up with exclusive marketer Oppy, deciding to give the partnership the best gift a grower can get from her.

“We’re thrilled to be toasting to our union alongside a record volume increase of 10 percent,” said Oppy’s Senior Vice President, Categories and Marketing James Milne. “It truly was a 10/10 year.”

Thomas attributed much of the partnership’s success to working well together, saying the team is lucky to have commemorated multiple milestones all in one fantastic year, not the least of which was a wave of positive comments from consumers.

According to a press release, the feedback came throughout the shorter-than-typical seven-week season spanning June 13 through August 1.

“People always have their own special story about cherries, they seem to usually bring up a cherished memory from when they were kids. Cherries really are a treat and people appreciate that because they are only in store for a limited time,” Thomas said. “I’m so thankful for the support we’ve received from retailers through promotions, engaging displays, and more! Our team works very hard to get fruit to market in pristine condition and we’re so grateful our retail partners present them to their shoppers with care and creativity.”

Milne explained that, each summer, Oppy is blown away by the response in the market.

“No one wants to miss out on these premium cherries while they’re here for a limited time,” he said, to agreement by Oppy Sales Manager Larry Hanson.

“I am honored to be a part of shipping these phenomenal tasting cherries each year. Brenda and her team don’t take shortcuts. They pick to eat, and picking at the right time is of the utmost importance to them,” Hanson said, after having relocated from his home in Nogales, Arizona, to the farm each season for the last eight years.

This is just a small piece of the passionate commitment both sides have brought to the cultivation of a memorable cherry season and more.

Looking to the horizon, Orchard View has another key milestone in its sights that will be here before the team knows it.

“We can’t wait for the day we get to say our fresh cherries have been enjoyed around the globe for over 100 years,” Thomas said excitedly of the company’s approaching centennial, which arrives in 2023. “We’re not necessarily seeking out a certain taste in a cherry but rather one that fully embodies the characteristics of a cherry everyone looks for—a bright exterior, plump, juicy, and sweet interior and bright stem. We hope to celebrate our anniversary with the cherry of the future.”

Comparing cherry life to Santa’s break between Christmas Eve and preparations for the following year, Thomas laughingly shares it is a brief moment between the celebration of one cherry season and getting ready for the next. Such is the life of the wonderful industry we serve!

Orchard View Cherries Oppy