DALLAS, TX - When you think of 7-Eleven—be honest—you’re thinking hot dogs and Slurpees. And with our nation’s current food trends leaning towards freshness and high quality ingredients, it’s no wonder the company is trying to combat that image. One person at the head of that charge is the company’s Senior Director of Fresh Food Innovation, Anne Readhimer, who revealed in publication Convenience Store Decisions that fresh-focused remodels and a refocused strategy are in the works. 

“At 7-Eleven, we’re growing our fresh food department to meet the changing needs of our customers and as we are seeing that higher demand as customers continue to crave these offerings, we’re going to expand the space needed to support those products,” Readhimer told the source. “As we’re building and designing our new store layouts for the future, you’ll see the new builds will have more space and as we go back and retrofit other stores, you’ll also see that expansion in the fresh foods space allocated.” 

In addition to adapting its store layouts to highlight its fresh foods, the company has also been responding to customer demand for other better-for-you options. Readhimer said new snacking and meal options are key, with 7-Eleven launching two proprietary premium lines in 2015—7-Select GO!Yum and 7-Select GO!Smart. 

These programs are currently in the works and are making headway, but there are still challenges to come, Readhimer said. “Currently, I think one of the biggest challenges is just spreading the word to the consumer that 7-Eleven offers a wide variety of fresh food. There’s still the perception that 7-Eleven only has Slurpees, Big Bites and taquitos.”

All in all, the company is looking towards growth in all levels as we look towards the next few years. 7-Eleven’s Japanese-owned parent, Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd, projects that the convenience chain will increase its U.S. store count to 10,000 by fiscal year 2019. 

Will 7-Eleven become a major player in the fresh produce game? AndNowUKnow will fill you in with all the latest updates.

7-Eleven

FLORIDA - It looks like Florida’s dry streak will see some reprieve in the days to come, with experts predicting beneficial rains to help ease brush fire danger across the state.

“Rain amounts in most locations will range from a half to 1 inch with some local amounts up to 2 inches,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun said in a recent report. “The rain will help to moisten the dry ground and limit any new fire threats in the short term.”

Drenching rain was set to begin last night eastward over the Florida Panhandle, then due to move southward across the Florida Peninsula today.

While isolated, there will be threats of flooding and some driving hazards due to water pooling.

Interstates 4, 75, and 95 will likely have reduced visibility and ponding of water, as well as slick spots due to the period of dryness preceding the storms.

The reprieve will likely be brief, soaking Tampa, Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Miami among other locations, before another period of dryness.

“Another prolonged period of drier weather will follow in the wake of Wednesday’s rain and may continue into the beginning of March,” Rathbun said.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on all current events and conditions that could affect the produce industry, so stay tuned.

WATSONVILLE, CA – With a focus on future success, California Giant Berry Farms has a new leadership role to add to its lineup, with a pointed focus on the possibilities of foodservice. The company has created the position of Director of Foodservice, and appointed Tom Smith to the role. 

Tom comes to California Giant with over ten years of experience in the fresh produce industry, with specific experience in the foodservice sector. In his new role, Tom will formulate a sales team to serve the foodservice channel, according to a press release. Most recently, Tom worked as a member of the PRO*ACT team, and stepped into his new role with California Giant this past Monday on February 20, 2017. 

“We are excited to have Tom join our team and help expand our presence in the foodservice arena. It was time for us to really place a stronger emphasis on this important part of our business with dedicated staff that can take us to the next level,” said Anthony Gallino, VP of Sales.

In this position within the company, Tom will complement the existing sales and marketing team. California Giant stated that it has seen incremental increases over the last few years to its foodservice customer base, and realized the need to hire a specialist to provide strategic leadership for the future direction of this important sales focus. 

Tom will lead staff towards targeting new foodservice customers, while also maintaining current customer, vendor, and grower relationships for California Giant. 

Which strategic appointments will industry companies make next, to bolster their portfolios? AndNowUKnow will report.

California Giant Berry Farms

MCALLEN, TX - Fox Packaging™ has announced a capital investment to upgrade its facility by June 2017 to enhance its customer service. The second-generation, family-owned company aims to meet evolving industry needs through faster production times and saving energy costs to produce each bag.

“We highly value the long-lived relationships we have with our customers, and intend to continue to put them first as we evolve as a company,” said Craig Fox, Vice President of Fox Packaging, according to a press release. “We are committed to bringing the industry the best solutions, which fuels our passion for innovation to create more efficient machines and effective packaging.”

Along with plans to expand its production facility, the company is investing in more efficient printing and conversion machines, delivering on the company’s promise to meet tight lead times, even during the most demanding peak season volume.

All Fox Packaging bags are also 100% recyclable, which the company prides itself on delivering, both to partners and to consumers looking for more sustainable packaging. The company’s new printer, press, and conversion machines will continue this commitment by increasing productivity and saving on energy costs to produce each bag.

This is one of the many ways Fox Packaging continues to be the innovator in flexible packaging technology. In 2010, the company pioneered a study with Michigan State University to test the effectiveness of their original light-blocking technology potato bag – Ultra-Shield®. The conclusions from the study allowed Fox Packaging to introduce the industry to a high-quality poly-mesh bag that prevents nearly 100% of visible light and 90% of ultraviolet light, dramatically decreasing potato greening and ensuring a longer shelf life.

Those looking for more information can visit foxbag.com.

For the latest in fresh produce packaging innovations, follow along with AndNowUKnow.

Fox Packaging

CORAL GABLES, FL – Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. announced its fourth quarter and full year financial results this Tuesday, February 21. The company noted positive overall performance and growth from last year—attributable to a strategic focus on diversification.

“Our positive performance during the fourth quarter and excellent results for the full year demonstrate our ongoing efforts to drive diversification across all of our businesses,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “Throughout the year, we remained focused on reinforcing our global business platform with a series of strategic initiatives that enhanced our higher-margin portfolio of products and businesses, achieving strong results and growth in our fresh-cut product line with new facilities globally, product line extensions and expanded production areas.”

Highlights of the report include:

• 2016 Q4 earnings per diluted share of $0.23, compared to a $1.39 loss per share in Q4 of 2015
• Net sales decreased to $954.6 million in Q4 2016, compared with $977.9 million in the same period last year
• A Q4 gross profit of $56.5 million, compared with $44.6 million the same time last year.
• Operating income of $2.9 million, compared to an operating loss of $73.3 million in Q4 2015
• Net income attributable to Fresh Del Monte of $12 million, compared with a net loss of $73.1 million in Q4 of last year.

Though the company noted decreased net sales for both Q4 and the entire 2016 fiscal year, it also noted significantly higher gross profit, operating income, and net income for the entire fiscal year compared to 2015, attributable to lower ocean freight and fruit costs and higher selling prices for the company’s banana business and other fresh produce segments.

“We also bolstered our delivery channels and foodservice customers as consumers worldwide continue to increase their purchases of healthy and convenient fresh produce,” added Abu-Ghazaleh. “Looking forward, we see tremendous opportunities for growth, while remaining focused on the bottom line and increasing shareholder value for the long-term.”

As of February 21, 4:41 p.m. EST, the company's stock was up 2.37 points to $60.79 per share.

For more updates on this and other important companies in the fresh produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

Fresh Del Monte

REEDLEY, CA - Mandarins are about to get just a bit more mischievous, thanks to a new packaging partnership with Dayka & Hackett LLC. The fresh fruit grower, importer, and shipper is teaming up with Universal Studios and Illumination to bring Minion Mandarins to grocery stores nationwide. 

Sweet, kid-sized, and easy-to-peel, Minion Mandarins play off of the impish stars of the Despicable Me movies to reach adult and child fans alike. Available year-round, the company says this healthy snack for the whole family is an excellent source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients. According to a press release, Minion Mandarins are available now, and ready to head off sales before the highly anticipated theatrical release of Despicable Me 3 on June 30.

Designed by Fresno, CA-based Ball Design, the engaging Minion Mandarins graphics were created and developed for both 3lb and 2lb mesh-bag packaging. As described by Dayka & Hackett, the bags depict Minion Carl hungrily eyeing a sweet and tasty mandarin snack hanging from the branch above him.

To learn more about sales, please call: 

• East Coast: 888-855-4486
• West Coast: 559-643-8089

Each order will be custom bagged at Dayka & Hackett packing facilities in both Wilmington, DE, and Dinuba, CA.

Dayka & Hackett

NAPA COUNTY, CA – As California calibrates after its last round of storms, with parts of the state still experiencing water fall, the state’s reservoirs are also feeling the impact of this wet winter. The infamous Glory Hole spillway in Lake Berryessa has overflowed with the deluge of precipitation for the first time in ten years. 

As of this morning, Lake Berryessa News stated that the water levels are on the rise, with the lake predicted to hit 443.5 feet by today. This height will bring the lake to 3.5 feet over the Glory Hole’s mouth. As water continues to discharge into the spillway, authorities noted that the reservoir initially reached full capacity on Friday morning and has been emptying into the Glory Hole all weekend.

For first time in a decade water is overflowing the 'Glory Hole' Spillway at Lake Berryessa in Northern California. Dry season and now pics. pic.twitter.com/krmA85QN9h

— Anthony Farnell (@AnthonyFarnell) February 21, 2017

Also known as an open bell-mouth spillway, the Glory Hole boasts a diameter of 72 feet. When the lake reaches capacity, water is sucked down the opening and down into over 200 feet of vertical pipe. The lake has only reached Glory Hole standing 26 times since its creation in 58-year history. Lake Berryessa acts as a reservoir for the Monticello Dam.

SF Gate noted that Lake Berryessa is one of California’s reservoirs that was suffering from low levels prior to winter’s spew of rain. At this time last year, the reservoir was 42.1 feet lower than today. As of the first of the year, the water levels have risen a whopping 39.8 feet. 

Drone captures 'Glory Hole' spillway at Lake Berryessa overflowing. Sign up for the Newswire: https://t.co/wc8jPzz1Tf pic.twitter.com/E6ibZ9WwHz

— Storyful (@Storyful) February 21, 2017

According to The Mercury News, officials have cautioned those in the area to remain at a distance from the dam due to risk of rocks and mudslides from the hill. The area expects precipitation to continue through Wednesday, with the Glory Hole continuing its spillway for the near future.

The Lake Berryessa Glory Hole is not the only reservoir to make headlines as of late, as the Oroville Dam spillways made the news for being in misrepair under the increased rainfall.

With winter not yet over for the previously drought beleaguered state, what does this mean for the upcoming California crop season as rains continue to sprinkle the forecast? AndNowUKnow will have the latest. 

BENTONVILLE, AR – After an eventful year of acquisitions, restructuring, and shifting priorities, Walmart has announced strong fourth quarter earnings and robust growth—particularly in e-commerce.

“We're moving with speed to become more of a digital enterprise and better serve customers,” said President and CEO Doug McMillon, in a press release. “We had a very solid fourth quarter with U.S. comp sales growth of 1.8 percent and U.S. e-commerce GMV growth of 36 percent.”

Fourth quarter highlights include:

• Diluted EPS of $1.22
• Total revenue of $130.9 billion, a 1.0% increase. Excluding currency, total revenue of $133.6 billion, a 3.0% increase
• Walmart U.S. comp sales increased 1.8%, driven by a traffic increase of 1.4%. Neighborhood Market comps increased roughly 5.3%
• Robust ecommerce growth for Walmart U.S.—with sales and GMV increasing 29.0% and 36.1% respectively, including Jet.com and online grocery.
• Net sales of $31 billion for Walmart International, a decrease of 5.1%. Excluding currency, net sales of $33.7 billion, a 3.0% increase.

In total, the company generated $11.9 billion in operating cash flow and returned $3.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and repurchases.

News source CNBC noted that despite recording its largest domestic same-store sales increase in nearly five years, revenue fell short of many expectations—in large part due to foreign exchange rates and food deflation.

“Our international business is consistently delivering solid sales growth in constant currency, and Sam's Club posted its best comp sales growth of the year,” McMillon noted in the company’s statement. “I want to thank our talented associates for their work. We have more work to do, but I'm pleased with our progress.”

As of February 21, 1:40 PM EST, Walmart's stock was up over 3 percent to reach $71.65.

AndNowUKnow will bring you updates on this and other important retailers in the produce industry.

Walmart

YUMA, AZ - Taylor Farms is celebrating its second season teaming up with Yuma, Arizona-based Labor of Love to show appreciation for workers.

The company gave thanks to two automated harvesting crews for their service to the agriculture industry last week.

“At Taylor Farms we don’t have employees, we have family members,” said Christina Barnard, Director of Marketing at Taylor Farms. “We pride ourselves on taking care of one another. With family culture being our foundation, it is essential that we show appreciation and support to team members across the company.”

The company said that its automated celery harvester and automated cabbage harvester are two of the most revolutionary machines in the industry, according to a press release, eliminating hand harvesting of the past.

Described as mobile factories, the harvesters both provide ergonomically correct environments while matching the productivity of a hand crew with 50% less labor.

“We understand that we’re heavily dependent on people working in the field,” said Chris Rotticci, Director of Automated Harvesting, in a recent video. “When we’re talking about sustainability of labor going forward in the future, we’re looking at how we can change our approach to the harvesting practices. Where we start is definitely with the people.”

See the company as it surprised almost 30 team members with breakfast, coffee, hand-written thank you notes from Taylor Farms, and $25 Walmart gift cards in the video below.

Two raffle prizes were randomly given out to each crew in addition to the celebration.

"We are grateful for the support of Taylor Farms and their leadership team and pleased to have the opportunity to surprise their farm crews,” said Steve Alameda, President of Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association. “We look forward to continuing to work with them as we shine a light on the industry's most important asset–the people."

Launched by the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association (YFVA), Labor of Love currently reaches millions of people in surrounding communities as it looks to raise awareness about the important contributions that farming employees bring to our industry. 

Taylor Farms Labor of Love

WENATCHEE, WA - It is peak season for Piñata® Apples from Stemilt, and as we move through February, this signature variety is bringing flavor, differentiation, and a tropical twist to produce departments. Known for a unique flavor profile that presents a high-brix and high-acid eating experience with note of pineapple, the Piñata apple is making waves in the consumer basket and already creating excitement in 2017.

Brianna Shales, Communications Manager, joins me as Stemilt ramps up its Piñata program to share the latest and greatest about this exclusive and distinctive apple variety. 

”Demand has been incredible for this apple, and also having a significant presence in both the conventional and organic segments has really helped the Piñata variety grow,” she tells me. “Last year, the variety was in over 6,000 supermarkets in the U.S alone, with a huge presence in Canada as well. Between display contests at retail and demos across produce departments, the Piñata is truly raising the bar on flavor and presentation.”

Presentation you ask? Yes, presentation. With growth across both conventional and organic Piñata apples, Brianna shares with me that Stemilt is offering retailers a host of merchandising solutions while segmenting the category into more opportunities to offer a range of buying options for different consumer groups.

“Stemilt offers our retail partners a bulk conventional apple display option to cater to those shoppers who want to buy just two Piñata apples or many. Bulk has remained a mainstay of the category with 66% of apples sold bulk,” Brianna says. “In addition we have a high-graphic display for our organic Piñata apples offered under Stemilt’s Artisan Organics program to differentiate between the options and create multiple destinations across the department.”

In addition this year, Stemilt is also offering its 3 lb. Lil Snappers® Piñata pouch bag program for kids in both organic and conventional – bringing smaller sized fruit for grab-and-go convenience.  This program continues to sell very well due to the apple’s sweet and tart flavor profile which really gets kids and parents excited about the category. 

And new this year is the 5 lb. Apple Lover standup vertical pouch bag for Piñata apples which also comes with its own high-graphic, display-ready carton. Retailers can put this carton on display separate from the bulk Piñatas as well, to create their own destination in the produce department and help drive those impulse sales. 

“The Piñata is really unique since it is cultivated from a trio of heirloom apples – Golden Delicious, Cox’s Orange Pippin and Duchess of Oldenburg,” Brianna adds. “This parentage creates an apple that blends the right balance of sugars and acids, with a hint of pineapple flavor on the backend that brings that tropical taste we love to share with our customer and consumer base.”

With a crisp and juicy texture, as well as a perfectly thin skin for eating out-of-hand or cooking with– this apple is looking to bring versatility and value to the competitive apple category. 

Stemilt Growers