SAN ANTONIO, TX – After a buying spree last year, in which the company acquired six North Texas grocery stores, H-E-B announced this week that it has sold three of the company’s recently-acquired properties.

“The stores were never being considered for H-E-B stores,” Dya Campos, Director of Public Affairs, San Antonio/West, told the news source. “Buying and selling property is very common in our industry.”

Campos told the Express-News the company has no plans to bring H-E-B’s flagship stores to Dallas.

H-E-B purchased six Sun Fresh Market stores in August of 2016—four in Dallas, one in Grapevine, and on in McKinney—in a significant foray into the competitive Dallas market, according to local news source the San Antonio Express-News.

The company never made efforts to convert the stores into H-E-B; it purchased the six Dallas-area properties last year as a package deal with the intention of keeping two properties and potentially selling off the others.

H-E-B does operate its upscale Central Market brand in Dallas. The chain has two Central Market stores in Dallas, and others in Forth Worth, Plano, and Southlake. H-E-B also operates stores in Waxahachie, Ennis, Burleson, Cleburne, Granbury, Corsicana, and Stephenville.

What does the future hold for this competitive retail market? Check in with AndNowUKnow for updates.

H-E-B

IRWINDALE, CA - Ready Pac Foods, Inc., has appointed a new Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Operations, promoting CPG marketing pro AJ Bernstein into this lead influential role. Bernstein will now be tasked with brand strategy and operations within the Innovation Team, managing her group through consumer and business insights, consumer engagement, and new platform innovation. 

Since joining Ready Pac Foods in October 2015, as Director of Marketing, New Platforms, Bernstein has launched several successful new products, the company says. Building upon her success, she later added the additional responsibilities as Director, Marketing Strategy & Operations.

“In just one year, AJ has made a significant contribution towards the execution and performance of our upstream ideas,” shared Tristan Simpson, Chief Marketing Officer of Ready Pac Foods, upon Bernstein appointment. “It has been a personal pleasure to work with her. She does an amazing job of charting a path to places we haven’t gone before.”

Prior to her tenure with Ready Pac Foods, Bernstein spent four years at Campbell Soup Company in the C-Fresh Division as Director of Marketing. In this role, Bernstein launched Bolthouse Farms’ first-ever consumer advertising campaign, spanning multiple platforms. She was also tasked with leading strategy, launching, and executing Bolthouse Farms’ new line of organic, cold pressed juice brand, 1915.

As Ready Pac Foods makes this new move towards strengthening it’s marketing team, AndNowUKnow would love to extend a warm welcome to AJ Bernstein into her new VP position.

Ready Pac Foods

NORTHEAST U.S. – Severe storms hitting the Northeast this week are expected to affect more than 40 million people, and meteorologists are suggesting that these are only the first in what will be a tempestuous February.

USA Today reported that more than 3,000 flights have already been canceled as a result of winter storm warnings stretching from Maine to New Jersey. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for a broad swathe of the region.

By this morning, February 9th, parts of central Pennsylvania had already picked up eight inches of rain; Northern New Jersey has been hit with five inches of rain, and Albany, New York, recorded four inches of snow in one hour alone.

New York City—where more than 1,700 flights have already been canceled—has been hit particularly hard. The country has mobilized more than 2,300 salt spreaders and snowplows, but officials are still advising residents to stay in their homes.

Snow storm rapidly intensifying this morning. Snowfall rates increasing to 2-4" per hour & increasing winds will cause blowing and drifting pic.twitter.com/b9CHNUlAvR

— NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) February 9, 2017

“We are currently experiencing the worst of the storm,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement reported by USA Today. “I want to emphasize to all New Yorkers, stay inside if you can. Don’t go out if you don’t have to. If you need to go out, please don’t use your car because we need to let our Sanitation Department clear the roads.”

AccuWeather is reporting that active weather patterns and dramatic swings in temperature could cause even more significant storms later this week and could result in lake-effect snow and ice blanketing the Northeast.

"How extensive and how heavy the snow and ice is later next week will depend on whether two weak storms develop or one strong storm forms," noted AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok, who also stated that converging branches of the jet stream could cause a bitter cold front to hit already storm-affected regions.

Pastelok predicts winter weather to continue unabated in the Northeast until eventually warming in late April or May.

For more on the situation as it develops, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

WATSONVILLE, CA – After its most successful year-to-date, Tour de Fresh is ramping for the 2017 season of its annual cycling event. To support its fourth year of supporting Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools, the event has opened a variety of sponsorships for the upcoming ride. 

“We anticipate a bigger and better event than our record-breaking year last year and appreciate the industry’s continued support in both sponsorships and participants,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms. “Because of the support from events like Tour de Fresh, the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools campaign will continue to thrive.” 

The 2017 sponsorship packages will offer fresh produce companies five months of marketing opportunities, media exposure, and customized benefits per sponsorship level. 2016’s sponsors were included in 12 press releases that were distributed to trade and consumer media audiences, garnering their brands more than 120 million impressions total. 

 

The 2017 Tour de Fresh ride route might be the best yet… what do you think? Link in bio! #cycling #cyclingforacause

A photo posted by Tour de Fresh (@tourdefresh) on Jan 11, 2017 at 7:46am PST

The three-day ride will begin July 25 in Pismo Beach and end on July 27 in Monterey, CA–in the leadup to PMA Foodservice Conference. According to a press release, the available sponsorships will provide significant opportunities and fundraising instances for brands to engage directly with the passionate cause. 

This year, the event will build on the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools program with the United Fresh Start Foundation’s salad bar campaign. Starting with this year, and moving forward into the future, this campaign together with Tour de Fresh support will ensure fresh lunch options continue to be available for future generations. 

 

Happy Thursday Tour de Fresh'ers! Today we're throwin' it back to the 2016 signature event! We loved riding 200 miles through California with this wonderful group of people. We can't wait for next year!

A photo posted by Tour de Fresh (@tourdefresh) on Nov 3, 2016 at 12:32pm PDT

Companies looking to become a sponsor for 2017 will join confirmed sponsors such as the following:

• California Giant Berry Farms
• CHEP
• C&S Wholesale Grocers
• Duda Farm Fresh Foods
• Emerson/Locus Traxx Worldwide
• Enza Zaden 
• Fresh Point
• Fresh Produce Partners 
• Fruit Growers Supply
• Interfresh
• Pajaro Valley Fresh
• Renaissance Food Group
• Sakata
• Tessemaes
• Western Precooling
• Watsonville Coast Produce 

The Tour de Fresh event will bring friends and colleagues throughout the industry together for beneficial fun before PMA Foodservice, and also help the organization raise its goal of at least $156,000 and 50+ salad bars donated throughout the U.S. The event is presented by The California Giant Foundation. 

For more information on Tour de Fresh, visit the website or contact Brock Nemecek here.

As the industry prepares for another successful Tour de Fresh year, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest updates on the event and its sponsors.

Tour de Fresh California Giant Foundation

AUSTIN, TX - Whole Foods continues to restructure as its plans for the year further unfold. The retailer announced yesterday that while it plans to increase the number of its lower-priced 365 banner stores, it will also be closing nine of its Whole Foods stores–a first for the banner since 2008.

John Mackey, a Co-Founder and current CEO, said that Whole Foods considered rebranding some of the closing locations into 365s but that the move wasn’t a practical one, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"We cleaned up the stores we needed to clean up for the time being, and we're looking forward to moving forward," Mackey said. The executive stated in a conference call that shuttering the nine stores will help boost profits and comparable sales, and that while the retailer has also cut back on its ambitious growth plan of reaching 1,200 locations it does still have more than 80 stores in the pipeline.

On the same day the company announced it will be closing these stores, Whole Foods announced it has signed leases for new 365 stores in both Brooklyn, New York, and Oakland, California.

For those on Wall Street that desire to see Whole Foods streamline rather than pursue growth, the news was received warmly, according to the report; speculations have circled that a top investor is looking to take on the chain and calling for a number of changes in leadership and direction.

The stock reportedly gained 2 percent to $29.91 at 10:02 a.m. in New York on Thursday following the news.

The Whole Foods store in Boulder and in Colorado Springs, two stores in California, one each in Chicago, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Georgia will all close by April 9.

As this and other retailer continue to make strategic changes, AndNowUKnow will keep you up on the latest.

Whole Foods

SALINAS, CA  – Tanimura & Antle has announced that Brian Antle is taking the helm as President of PlantTape USA. PlantTape USA is the organization’s automated transplant technology company, and Brian will be assuming this leadership position during this year’s commercial rollout of the innovative equipment.

“We are lucky to have someone who has been as close to this business and who understands the opportunities inherent in this technology to assume the leadership of PlantTape at such an exciting time for the company,” said Rick Antle, CEO of Tanimura & Antle, according to a press release.

Brian began his career at Tanimura & Antle in 1996 on the East Coast, harvesting with Dulcinea Farms. Following his graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Brian held a number of positions from the farm to the cooler and harvest operations. Most recently, Brian served as Vice President of Harvest and has been instrumental in the development of advanced harvesting technology.

In other promotions, Nick Sgheiza has been promoted to Senior Director of Harvest Operations. Another Cal Poly graduate, Nick has been with Tanimura & Antle since 1999, serving in a variety of harvest focused leadership roles. Most recently, he was managing the company’s Artisan Red Onion operations.

Taking over this operation is Caesar Romero, now Director of Onion Operations, who has been with the company since 1987. Caesar has held a variety of roles with the company, most recently as manager of the Artisan Red Onion shed operation and he’s ideally suited to assume leadership of the entire operation.

“I’m thrilled to have Nick and Caesar move into these new roles,” said Timothy Escamilla, Chief Operating Officer. “Both have served the company for so long and in so many parts of the company, the breadth of knowledge of the company and the industry that they bring is a tremendous benefit to us.”

Congratulations to Brian, Nick, and Caesar in their new roles!

Tanimura & Antle

DELTA, BC & MARFA, TX - The big game may have come and gone, but I certainly doubt the same goes for consumers’ cravings for decadent snacking occasions. Village Farms is ready to help consumers satisfy those craving with two post-game day-inspired recipes—a new, unique take on nachos, as well as a gastro-pub-style pork belly and tomato jam sliders—each using the company’s exclusive Sinfully Sweet Campari® and Heavenly Villagio Marzano® tomatoes

“To put a new twist on an old classic we subbed the tortilla chips for a more substantial base of toasted ravioli. Using pre-made toasted ravioli gives you the option of making your dish with beef ravioli or using spinach or cheese for a vegetarian option,” explained Helen Aquino, Director of Brand Marketing and Communication for Village Farms. “Top them with plenty of Sinfully Sweet Campari® tomatoes for the perfect ratio of juice and crunch. This recipe is ready in less than half an hour—perfect to whip up during halftime, or anytime.”

Toasted Ravioli Nachos

According to a press release, Sinfully Sweet Campari® and Heavenly Villagio Marzano® tomatoes are readily available nationwide. Whether you’re a party procrastinator prepping for a game day party, or if you’re just in the mood to have friends and family over for some tasty bites, these recipes have you covered. 

Have a little extra time to get ready for your big snacking debut? All the components of Village Farm’s pork belly and tomato jam sliders can be made ahead, then simply heat them up when you’re ready to serve. Village Farms assures that, though the prep may take a little more time, the taste that comes with it makes it all worth it. Can you imagine the heavenly (pardon the pun) smell of the pork belly, married with Heavenly Villagio Marzano® tomatoes cooking low and slow? Just the thought is drool-inspiring enough for me.

Pork Belly & Tomato Jam Sliders

Want even more recipes to get your party guests ready for a mouthful? Access Village Farms’ recipes on its website here.

Village Farms

AUSTIN, TX – Whole Foods Market announced its first quarter results this Wednesday, February 8th. The report announced record sales of $4.9 billion, but also significant expenditures, and a redefined strategy for company growth.

“In this increasingly competitive marketplace, we are committed to taking every step necessary to improve comps and deliver higher returns for our shareholders,” said John Mackey, Co-Founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market. “To this end, we are refining our growth strategy, refocusing our efforts on best serving our core customers, and moving faster to fully implement category management. Evolving our purchasing operating model while developing data-rich, customer-centric category management capabilities is critical to our go-forward merchandising, pricing, marketing and affinity strategies."

Highlights of the Q1 report include:

• Total sales of $4.9 billion—up 1.9 percent from a year prior, with comparable store sales down 2.4 percent
• Net income of $95 million (1.9 percent of sales)
• Diluted earnings of $0.30 per share
• Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $360 million (7.3 percent of sales)

The company also reported a non-cash charge of $34 million or $0.06 per diluted share related to facility closures and a charge of $13 million ($0.03 per diluted share) associated with Co-CEO Walter Robb’s departure. Excluding these charges, the company had a Q1 net income was $123 million (2.5 percent of sales), diluted earnings per share of $0.39, an EBITDA margin of 7.6 percent, and return on investment capital of 12 percent.

Whole Foods produced $284 milliion in cash flow from operations, invested $245 million in capital expenditures, and returned $43 million in quarterly dividends, ending the quarter with $1.1 billion of total dept and $1.2 billion of total available capital.

View the entire report here.

For more on this and other important fresh produce retailers, check in with AndNowUKnow.

Whole Foods

BAKERSFIELD, CA - It’s no secret that California farmers face a complex challenge. Grimmway Farms noted that during the past year, consumers upped the ante on demand for organics, California state legislature passed two bills mandating changes to farmworker pay, and the drought shook its dry finger at everyone involved.

With the stakes high as ever, growers embrace the bumpy road ahead, confident that the industry will emerge stronger than before, and Grimmway Farms said it sees light at the end of the tunnel.

Water is one of the oldest of the issues at hand, and with California famous for dry, arid deserts, and cyclical periods of drought, farmers use these attributes to their advantage.

“What makes it such a great place to farm is perfect soil, perfect sunshine, and the ability to control the exact time we irrigate our crops,” said Jeff Huckaby, who celebrates his first year as President of Grimmway Farms this week.

According to a press release, Grimmway takes a calculated approach at managing operations around this scarce resource—literally. It’s found the very best areas to grow and migrates between regions to capture prime growing conditions year-round. “We calibrate each season for optimal quality, matching crops with specific acreage considering the availability of water,” said Huckaby. “The advances we’ve made in the recent past have left us well-equipped to withstand the drought.”

Wage policies, Grimmway stated, make for a muddier situation, but one that it has been committed to resolving in order to protect and provide for its employees. Minimum wage is scaling to reach $15 by 2022, and the state has lifted a longstanding exemption that allowed farm laborers to work well past an 8-hour day.

While the topic is sensitive, Huckaby said the solution is simple: “When you have a wage that’s rising every single year, it hits the bottom line in a drastic way,” he said. “Cost of labor is going up significantly, so our efforts to increase efficiency have been crucial. It’s made us think outside the box.”

To minimize the effect this has on consumers, Grimmway has proactively sought ways to mechanize where they can and develop a more skilled workforce where they can’t.

“A lot of what we grow is hand-selected, hand-harvested, and hand-packed, resulting in a very high-quality end product,” Huckaby explained. “We won’t cut quality, so we’ve introduced more automation and built more value into each job.”

Investing in training and technology follows Grimmway’s tradition of innovation and integrity, and the changes come just in time to help scale with continued growth in the organic category. “The organic market is just booming, and we don’t see that going away,” said Huckaby.

He explained that retail partners across the board are ready to build their program to keep consumers coming back. “We believe in the benefits these crops bring our customers and the environment. Given the market’s response, we’re making the right decisions for both,” said Huckaby, who helped Grimmway launch its organic division in the early 90s. “We convert more and more land every year, and luckily it’s paid off.”

Fast-growing demand for organics mixed with cost-driving employment policies and an environmental crisis have created what the company calls a pressure cooker of problems for the industry to solve. Huckaby views the outcome as an area of opportunity, and Grimmway is proving that it can always do more with less.

Stay tuned for how it continues to do so by checking in with AndNowUKnow.

Grimmway Farms