DEERFIELD, IL & CAMP HILL, PA - It seems, despite much whisper and rumor, neither Kroger nor Albertsons will be buying up hundreds of Rite Aids as the chain looks to be acquired by Walgreens Boots Alliance.

865 stores are being sold to drug store chain Fred's Inc. for $950 million as Walgreens looks to attain the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) blessing for its grander purchase of the entire Rite Aid banner for upwards of $9.4 billion.

"With this agreement, we are moving ahead with important work necessary to obtain approval of our acquisition of Rite Aid,” said Walgreens Boots Alliance’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Stefano Pessina, in a press release. “We look forward to continuing to provide our customers and patients with the highest level of care and attention."

As we reported previously, both Kroger and Albertsons were speculated to be in the running for the several hundred stores as each looks to expand further. These speculative expansions for the retailers were based upon the geographical possibilities presented by the Rite Aid stores.

In the end, however, Pessina said that the company as pleased to find an “experienced pharmacy operator," for the stores sold.

Walgreens noted that it is actively engaged in discussions with the FTC regarding the transaction and working toward a close of the Rite Aid acquisition. Should all go through smoothly, the deal is expected to close in early calendar 2017.

In total, Rite Aid has about 4,500 locations (minus those just sold) to add to Walgreens’ current count of 8,137 stores in the U.S.

Stay tuned as we embark on a new year with new opportunities for growth in retail and beyond.

Walgreens

ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – In a wave of produce-focused drama, authorities recently swarmed and scoured 150 containers of fruit in the Port of Rotterdam after suspicious activity. Such instincts were well-founded as officials uncovered cocaine hidden within the containers, hailing from Panama. 

Officials were first alerted to illicit activities after intruders were spotted within the Port’s ECT Delta Terminal. At this point, due to a heightened rate of drug activity lately within the Port, authorities blocked the section that contained over 300 containers so they could begin their search. 

According to news source RTV Rijnmond, over 600 pounds of cocaine were found throughout the Port as part of a massive authority sweep. From this rubble of nefarious drugs, over 55 pounds (or 25 kilos) were pulled specifically from their resting place nestled amongst fruit, although conflicting reports do have that number pegged as much higher. 

"It looks like we are heading for a white Christmas," said Press Officer Ernst Pols. "The drug flow is too great, and that we must reduce. That means, in the future, we will increase our alertness." 

The Port was host to all sorts of sketchy behavior during the bust, as authorities have noted a recent rise in drug activity in the Port. Amongst the searched containers, whose true contents were revealed by drug dogs, officials also reported apprehended men cutting open containers to possibly search for more drugs. More opened and missing containers were reported as well, which could signify the removal of cocaine from the Port before authorities were alerted. 

As Netherlands Customs, HARC team, and other authorities coordinate together to make arrests and clamp down on drug-filled fruit behavior, The Telegraph NL reported that over 27,500 pounds (12,500 kilos) of cocaine have been legally thwarted this year alone, which is several thousand more than average.

What strange pairing will fruit, veg, and the underworld make next? AndNowUKnow will be here to apprise you.

DELTA, BC & MARFA, TX – Village Farms—a leading producer, marketer, and distributor of premium greenhouse-grown tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers—is celebrating 20 years in Texas this holiday season, and marking the occasion with three uniquely Texan holiday recipes apt to resonate with consumers and drive fresh produce sales.

The company has partnered with Fort Worth food blogger and photographer Nancy Farrar, whose original culinary creations and photography are featured on her blog, Chef Impersonator.

“We were thrilled to be able to celebrate Christmas Texas style this year and work with Chef Impersonator who created these uniquely Texan and exclusive recipes just for Village Farms,” said Helen L. Aquino, Director Brand Marketing & Communication for Village Farms.

Produce departments looking to capitalize on unique cross-promotional sales opportunities this season can turn their customers on to these fresh and festive recipes. Each recipe offers a new take on traditional holiday cuisine.

Consumers can access the recipes through the What’s Fresh section of Village Farms’ website; the recipes include:

• A reimagining of the classic Texas Christmas Eve staple: tamales with a Cabernet Estate Reserve Tomato™ chili sauce
• A Texas take on seasonal desserts: thumbprint cookies filled with Cherry No. 9 Fall in Love Again® pepper jelly jam
• A quick dish for entertaining unexpected guest (think pizza with an elevated presentation): Heavenly Villagio Marzano® tomato galette

These recipes are sure to make a splash and add spice to the traditional holiday fare. For more on innovative promotions and creative culinary options, check back with AndNowUKnow.

Village Farms

MURRIETA, CA – As the produce distributor prepares to move into another successful year, West Pak Avocados is looking to a new executive to take the helm. The company has announced that Mario Pacheco will step in as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

“I look forward to working with West Pak’s valued customers, growers, suppliers, and internal team to continue the company’s successful momentum forward,” stated Mario. “As the incoming CEO, I look to always implement the best possible business practices while maintaining the company’s much-deserved reputation with continued high standards.”

Mario will cover the day-to-day operations of the company, and oversee all financial and business building efforts. According to a recent press release, Mario will be stepping into this role as its Co-Founders Randy Shoup and Galen Newhouse are looking to retire from the company’s daily operations.

“Mario brings a certain level of expertise to West Pak Avocado with an impressive and well-rounded background in the produce industry,” said Randy. “He is a welcome addition to our company and I am confident that he will be an amazing, not to mention well respected, leader for our team.” 

Mario brings 21 years of experience to West Pak from Chiquita Brands International, with time served throughout Latin America, Europe, and the United States. Most recently, Pacheco served as President of Chiquita’s shipping and logistics arm Great White Fleet (GWF).

In addition, Mario has an extensive background in the fruit business, supply chain operations, and finance. The company stated that his specialties include the following: 

• Business building
• Global supply chain leadership
• Revenue generation
• Supply and demand balancing and operations planning
• Financial analysis
• Creative cost reduction
• Service improvement 

“Mario also brings an assured yet enthusiastic energy to the table with a natural sense for innovation,” stated Galen. “He’s very personable and down to earth with a management style that places a high value on collaboration, team building and nurturing business relationships at all levels. We’re simply thrilled to have him on board!”

Mario has also served as Senior Vice President of Global Logistics, and Vice President of Sourcing and Product Allocation, in addition to a multitude of other leadership positions.

West Pak Avocado stated that the company is enthusiastic about welcoming Mario to its 30-year-young business and close-knit family operation.

Congratulations to Mario and West Pak Avocado on this appointment, we can't wait to see where you head next!

West Pak Avocado

CASTROVILLE, CA – Winter is here, and along with it, an exclusive artichoke offering sure to wow consumers’ baskets. Ocean Mist Farms has announced that Frost Kissed® Artichokes will soon be available due to the recent cold weather.

“A Frost Kissed® artichoke is a unique item that we don’t have every season,” Diana McClean, Director of Marketing, stated. “Because they are limited, we are committed to educating and encouraging shoppers to keep an eye out for them at their local retailers throughout the winter season.”

Frost Kissed® Artichokes only become available when temperatures fall below 32 degrees, which causes the skin of artichokes to gain a dark brown outer layer which can flake or peel. This causes the artichokes to become richer in taste once the frost seals in a more intense nutty flavor to the vegetable. The layer of frost kissed artichoke falls off once cooked, revealing the soft green hue that shoppers recognize.

To reinforce the great taste of Frost Kissed® Artichokes, Ocean Mist Farms is implementing an education program to emphasize the offering to shoppers since they are different in appearance. According to a press release, the company is offering the following tools: 

• Information on the Ocean Mist Farms website
• Pictures and recipes shared to artichoke club members
• Sharing through the company’s digital channels
• Retail display cards

“Frosting is strictly a cosmetic condition–while the brownish color may not look the prettiest, Frost Kissed^® artichokes are a favorite amongst the chef and foodie community,” continued McClean. 

Ocean Mist Farms is also partnering with social media influencers thefeedfeed who will follow the first freeze of the season, sharing recipe posts on their social media and blog platforms to their more than 2 million fans. This partnership will help educate people about the flavor benefits and cooking techniques for this unique offering. 

With the help of education and third party influencers, Ocean Mist Farms expects shoppers to seek out Frost Kissed® Artichokes throughout the offering's availability into March 2017. The company will notify buyers as soon as the first frost hits.

Ocean Mist Farms

LUFKIN, TX - 2017 will bring new leadership to grocery chain Brookshire Brothers. The company announced that President and CEO Jerry Johnson will be stepping down from his role at the end of April 2017, and current COO John Alston will be stepping up. 

Johnson began his time with Brookshires in 1997, joining the company’s Board of Directors. In 1999, he stepped up as the company’s CAO (Chief Administration Officer), helping Brookshires during its transition to a majority employee-owned company. Johnson served as Chairman of the Board from 2003 through 2007, the same time at which he assumed his current role of President and CEO. According to a press release, he will continue as a member of the chain's Board of Directors after his departure. 

During Johnson’s tenure, Brookshires grew from 69 locations to its current 114. What began as a family-owned company with 5,700 employees, the company head helped push to becoming 100 percent employee-owned with nearly 7,000 employee-owners. 

“Jerry’s legacy as a great leader is firmly embedded in the hearts and minds of our Brookshire Brothers’ family,” Alston stated about the departing company leader. “From transitioning the company from private family ownership to an ESOP, Jerry has worked tirelessly as an advocate for our employee-owners.” 

Alston, currently COO, has spent 35 years in service of the company. Alston has served as Store Director, District Director, Chief Operating Officer, and member of its Board of Directors.

“John has the leadership ability and experience to lead our company through the challenges ahead and has the confidence of both the Board and Brookshire Brothers’ employee-owners,” Johnson shared about his successor.

What will new leadership and a new year bring to the longtime retailer? Keep following the team at AndNowUKnow for more!

Brookshire Brothers

PHOENIX, AZ - Arizona business leaders are suing to halt Proposition 206, a move that looks to increase the state’s minimum wage to $12 per hour, as well as offer paid sick leave to workers.

Should the strategy fail, the proposition would go into effect in January.

The state’s current minimum wage stands at $8.05 per hour, with state workers being exempt. But, the Phoenix Business Journal reports the plaintiffs argue it will still cost the state money, as it will raise wages for some social service and other contractors doing work for the state.

“The organized-labor-affiliated backers of Proposition 206 sloppily constructed their initiative to exempt state employees, yet failed to properly account for those employers who hold state contracts. This failure is poised to blow a giant hole in the state budget,” said Arizona Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Glenn Hamer, in a statement, according to the Phoenix Business Journal. “According to a recent rulemaking notice, AHCCCS and the Department of Economic Security are facing millions of dollars in additional costs for the remainder of just this fiscal year.”

According to the news source, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of the state’s four leading business groups bringing the matter to court. Others participating in the lawsuit are the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, as well as the owners of restaurant Valle Luna.

The suit has been filed in Maricopa Superior Court, with the chambers arguing that the proposition goes against state laws that dictate ballot measures must have funding sources if they cost the state money, according to the report.

Despite voters approving Prop 206 58 percent to 42 percent with little public opposition, the chambers are seeking a minimum wage raise of $10 per hour in January and $12 per hour by 2020.

AndNowUKnow will report any updates on the story as they develop.

IRWINDALE, CA - For those of you who survived Thanksgiving without having to go up a pant size, it’s time to prepare for Christmas and all of its holiday goodies. As much as I love a plate full of roasted veggies any time of year–there are those holiday treats that keep the seconds and thirds coming. Recently Tristan Simpson, Chief Marketing Officer of Ready Pac Foods, shared a few holiday tips with me along with tasty solutions to keep your diet healthy and delicious as we prep for the New Year. From the produce department to the dinner spread, having healthy choices nearby always helps fuel the decision-making process.

But to start, I had to share a few of the company’s favorite quotes to address the season, as we take on the next couple weeks of holiday cheer.

“Everything in moderation, including moderation.” – Oscar Wilde

“Turkey for me, turkey for you/Let's eat the turkey in my big brown shoe.” – Adam Sandler

With that shared, Ready Pac Foods is offering up three tenets for keeping your (caloric) balance this holiday season. But, first the numbers. Ready Pac Foods recently shared the results of a study conducted for the company by ORC International Survey, in which seven out of ten adults readily admitted they have zero plans to make healthier meals this holiday season, even as 81% say they “wish” they were making more calorie-conscious eating decisions.

“The simple formula of meat plus potatoes, followed by more meat, more potatoes, and multiple helpings of delicious pies, cookies, and cakes can equal some crooked numbers on the scale, and everyone knows it,” Tristan shares.

So, three tenets, here we go…

Minimize the Damage

There are the obvious solutions that respondents of the study offered to battle the food coma, like smaller portions (58%), more fruit and vegetables (45%) and healthier recipes (44%).

“So, what’s the secret to not putting on a ton of pounds this holiday season? In a word, it’s all about balance. Add a little touch of healthiness to the rich dishes you devour for the big feast and have a healthy plan for all those meals in between,” Tristan says. “And balance extends into the produce department as well, where retailers can showcase healthy snacking opportunities, value-added salads, and holiday flavors with fruits and veggies that will promote healthy eating.”

The way that flavor profiles have evolved in the produce department and with value-added produce items, fruits, and vegetables are becoming the star of the culinary show. At least in my opinion!

Stick to Your Non-Negotiables

Let’s be honest, some of those delicious, not-so-healthy holiday favs just have a gravity that is hard to combat. Ready Pac Foods says, rather than succumb to an overwhelming feeling of guilt it’s best to go overweight with your favorites.

“While men called meat their ‘can’t live without’ at a holiday meal, 34% of women said side dishes were their favorite, more than any other category,” Tristan adds. “The solution? Compromise.”

If the meat is what you came for, indulge on that deep-fried turkey and lower your helpings of the veggie casserole and sweet potatoes. If you’re so-so on meat but still want to taste it, try only a slice or two of ham or roast beef and load up on the sides.

Listen to the ones who used to be at the kids’ table

Millennials have gotten wiser about many things since their days at the holiday “kids’” table, and eating choices are no different. The survey showed nearly a third of millennials said they plan to make their holiday meals healthier this year, compared to just 19% for baby boomers.

Whether it’s because they’re as passionate about nutritious and fresh food, or the fact that millennials in their late twenties and early thirties are trying to instill healthy eating in their own children, one thing seems certain: Millennials don’t think healthy eating and the holidays clash. In fact, 40% of millennials said they can add healthy options to their meals without compromising the holiday spirit, compared to just 31% for generation X (ages 36-51).

By all means, the “be merry” part of the holiday season wouldn’t exist without good eating (and yes, drinking). But a few smart choices in November and December can help stave off the caloric catastrophe that causes gym memberships to skyrocket every January. Maybe “Eat a little smarter, drink a little smarter, and you can still be merry,” doesn’t have the same ring to it as the original phrase, but it’s just as true.

I’ll be stocking my fridge full of fruits, veggies, a value-added salads to stack in front of the apple pie in my fridge this Christmas. And keeping these tips, ready and available!

Ready Pac Foods

PLANT CITY, FL- “Starting this season, we are really pushing a focus on flavor, and the consumer eating experience,” Amber Maloney, Director of Marketing for Wish Farms, tells me as we discuss what is on the horizon for the berry purveyor in the coming year.

After collecting information through taste tests and studies, Amber says the main takeaway is that consumer’s palates are demanding quality flavor and eating experience. In response, Wish Farms is stepping to the plate with its Sweet Sensations strawberry variety, with expanded acreage this season. Developed by the University of Florida, the variety boasts a large size, bright color, conical shape, and high sugar content that retailers and consumers love.

“People are commenting and the overwhelming feedback is that the Sweet Sensations strawberry variety has excellent flavor. It is known for being sweet, and consumers and retailers alike love it,” Amber expands. “We want Wish Farms to be known as the brand which is focused on flavor for consumers.”

Tapping into this experiential focus, the company is also launching the new “Life is Sweet” two year campaign, consisting of fresh themes and contests every month or two. The campaign is focused on engagement, and seeks to capture the experience that consumers are looking for.

To kick off the “Life is Sweet” campaign, Wish Farms is currently running a soft launch of the #SweetMoments hashtag in conjunction with the holidays. Consumers are encouraged to post pictures and engage the brand, posting anything related to berries, food, family, or traditions in light of the holidays. Participants have the chance to win a Fujifilm Instax Camera.

“We want people to engage with our brand, and really tap into the ‘sweet’ theme,” Amber says.

Up next, the theme will shift to the #SweetStart hashtag in the new year. With health top of mind in consumers new year's resolutions, the company will feature healthy berry recipes, nutrition tips, and tie in a consumer contest.

Retailers looking to have a foothold in the engagement campaign can reach out to the company to inquire about availability for the new high-gloss, and high-graphic Point of Sale materials. The POS materials are designed to engage shoppers, and turn the produce department into a destination that will have consumers returning for more.

Wish Farms

NOGALES, AZ - In response to consistent growth, Freska Produce is looking to expand its square footage in the Nogales, Arizona produce hub.

“Our increase in volume over the past few years has forced us to expand to be able to take on our growth now and into the future,” said Managing Member Jesus “Chuy” Loza. “Having this new expansion allows us to keep our operations under one roof, which will make our food safety and product freshness first class.”

The company broke ground on the expansion last July, according to a press release, to double the size of its existing cooler.

With all the growth Freska has experienced, it was having to outsource with other local coolers in previous years. But, once this expansion is complete, the company said it will be able to handle all volume under one roof–keeping all its cold chain and food safety intact and under its control.

“This is a very important step for our overall control of our product and getting it to our customers as fresh and safe as possible,” Loza concluded.

Construction is currently expected to wrap up in time for the Mexican mango season start up in February of 2017.

For all the latest mango and avocado inspiration, browse the company’s website here. Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow Freska’s and other produce companies’ growth throughout the industry.

Freska Produce