BALTIMORE, MA - Safeway and Giant Food have struck a deal with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union that will result in a minimum wage boost and avert a possible strike.

The UFCWIU covers nearly 17,000 employees, with the contract signed by both retailers involving the UFCW Local 27, according to news source Baltimore Sun. This particular chapter covers the Baltimore area and the UFCW Local 400, with workers elsewhere in Maryland, northern Virginia, and Washington.

"Throughout negotiations, our goal was to reach an agreement that ensures our associates continue to be among the highest compensated grocery workers in the Baltimore-Washington area, while also positioning Giant Food to remain competitive in a challenging marketplace," Giant Food President Gordon Reid said in an announcement Wednesday, according to the report.

Had the agreements not been reached last Friday, November 11, union workers could have gone on strike in the region.

The new labor contracts, Safeway officials said in a statement that same Wednesday, are a three-year agreement to go into effect immediately, boost all starting wages to $9 an hour.

Giant Food officials said in a statement that workers also agreed to the three-year agreement taking effect immediately.

About 11,000 of Safeway’s workers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington are unionized workers.

Giant Food Safeway

WASHINGTON, DC - Produce managers are such an essential part of our industry. From representing the face of fresh produce to the consumer, to building the dynamic energy within their own teams–this group of buy-side trailblazers should be acknowledged everyday. With that said, United Fresh is once again shining the spotlight on this prestigious position with its 2017 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. Nominations open!

Jeff Oberman, Vice President, Trade Relations for the United Fresh Produce Association joined me for a little Q&A this week, to discuss the importance of the Produce Manager, the nature of the program, and where it took root: 

Q: What was the vision behind this program and honoring these produce managers?

Jeff Oberman: United Fresh launched the Retail Produce Manager Awards Program in 2005 to honor these individuals who represent the face of the industry before the consumer. These winners and their corporate retail produce teams are celebrated by the industry at the United Fresh Convention that will take place on June 13-15^th 2017 in Chicago. When looking at the big picture of increasing overall consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, it truly is the Retail Produce Manager. They represent a trusted resource within the store, and can make a huge difference in sales, customer loyalty, and their communities. Past winners continue to share their valuable insights with us today, as well as consumer feedback, merchandising strategies, community outreach, and they also serve as mentors to their own store-level teams. 

Q: How has the program evolved over the past 13 years?

JO: This program has grown from an initial winning class of 8 winners in 2005, to our current annual 25 honorees. Since the program’s inception, nearly 300 produce managers have been honored, representing more than 90 retail banners. 

We are grateful for our program’s sponsor Dole Food Company. They have truly made this program a year-round honor for all past and present winners. Dole helped spearhead in-store visits to all 2016 winners and provided them with monogrammed aprons, hats, signage, and fitbits to celebrate their honor.

Tim Stejskal, Senior Vice President of Sales for Dole Fresh Vegetables shared with me that "this is Dole's third year as title sponsor of the United Fresh Produce Manager of the Year Award, and we could not be more proud to be a part of this important recognition program. These men and women do so much to promote the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and this gives us an opportunity to recognize that contribution and genuinely say thank you." 

Q: So, what is the biggest misconception, in your eyes, about produce managers?

JO: I believe some consumers have no idea of the importance of a produce manager in the retail environment, and how their efforts may represent one of the top reasons to shop at a certain store. Or, that in fact they are managers who run their own team including assistant managers, merchandisers, clerks within their department–like a store within a store. 

Not only do these produce managers exhibit strong leadership, but one of the major criteria used in selecting the 25 winning Retail Produce Managers is their community service. 2016 winners showcased these skills, from hosting tours in their stores for community youth, to visiting WIC program offices to share with moms how they can now purchase fruits and vegetables with their benefits, to offering a free produce item to kids who find a ‘decorated’ piece of fruit in their departments. The impact they have on the store and the community does not stop there as they participate in school events, fundraisers, and local entertainment and sporting events. 

Q: How do produce managers help to change the way that we think about new possibilities within the traditional brick-and-mortar format?

JO: Many of the stores I visited contained traditional center-store grocery, pharmacies, and other departments, but these produce managers run their departments almost as a microcosm of the store itself; showcasing the color, flavor, and excitement of produce to develop a loyal customer base. They each bring their own nuances and strategies to these departments and it truly is what sets them apart as a leading manager. 

The 2016 winners were not shy about creating the most exciting, awe-inspiriting merchandising displays, whether seasonal, holiday-themed, or event-based to welcome customers to their respective stores.

These produce departments become theaters which encourage impulse purchases and communicate the retailer’s goal to provide ‘healthy’ value to the shopper. During my discussions with these produce managers, they shared how the focus on healthy eating continues to grow and consumers are wrought with questions as they explore the many options for purchase of fresh produce at their favorite retail stores–especially after watching TV shows like Dr. Oz, who may highlight the virtues of a certain fruit or vegetable, or the rise of the food network that brings an interest for scratch-cooking to homes across North America.

While United Fresh rounds out their Produce Manager Program with an exclusive 25 honorees, the team behind the initiative is ever-grateful for the impact that all produce managers have, and for the path they pave for increasing fresh produce consumption.

Jeff shared that, traditionally, United Fresh receives hundreds of nominations each year that are judged by a selection committee made up of former retailers, merchandisers, and produce industry representatives who review and contrast nominations for a month to determine each years’ winners. Each year the numbers and quality of nominations continue to grow and improve.  

So, visit www.unitedfresh.org/rma and nominate, nominate, nominate! 

United Fresh

IMMOKALEE, FL - Affirming their commitment to community, growing their profile amongst increasingly-conscientious consumers, and working to ensure the success of the children of farmworkers; this week, Santa Sweets Inc. and Gargiulo Produce Inc. held a dedication ceremony for the “Mainster Digital Literacy Program.” The program is designed to support digital literacy initiatives for economically disadvantaged students in Collier County.

The two Procacci-family-owned farms committed to donate $5000 annually to both Redlands Christian Migrant Association and Pinecrest Elementary School, according to a company press release. The "Mainster Digital Literacy Program" was named after Barbara Mainster, retiring executive director of Redlands Christian Migrant Association. 

“Barbara has been a tremendous friend to our companies, our workers and our industry,” said Joseph M. Procacci, Chief Operating Officer, Santa Sweets. “There is nothing more precious to us than our children. Her incredible leadership during her career has opened doors that weren’t previously there for our workers’ children. Our employees show up for work knowing that their kids are in great hands. Thank you Barbara. We wish you nothing but the best in your retirement!”  

Opper hosted a virtual classroom tour during the event, demonstrating the many ways in which Pinecrest’s teachers are using iPads to increase student engagement, foster creativity, and make learning more enjoyable. The tour featured a gameshow-style science lesson for fifth grade students and a coding lesson where second graders programmed a robot to walk along a straight path.

Additional speakers at the event included Pinecrest Principal Dr. Susan Jordan, Santa Sweet COO Joseph Procacci, Naples Children & Education Foundation CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara, as well as Barbara Mainster.

During Literacy, our first graders are... @collierschools pic.twitter.com/ljKTTqwuju

— PinecrestSOARs (@PinecrestSOARS) October 8, 2015

The event was a celebration of Mainster, retiring Executive Director of Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), her distinguished career as an educator and advocate for farmworker families, and a showcase of the enormous strides being made by Pinecrest’s students.

Mainster’s career boasts an impressive list of accomplishments. Over the course of Mainster’s career, she oversaw the expansion of the organization from three childcare centers in 1972 to its current scale—68 childcare centers and three charter schools; RCMA centers and schools now serve nearly 7,000 children in 21 counties across Florida.

“Every student now has the opportunity and responsibility to control their own learning. They are on track to be influential members of our increasingly digital society,” said Dylan Opper, Pinecrest Elementary STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Coach. Opper said the donations have allowed Pinecrest to carry out “a strategic plan of STEM education goals for each grade level.”    

Santa Sweets and Gargiulo began supporting digital literacy initiatives in Collier Countey in 2014, when Procacci learned that Pinecrest needed digital devices to support their STEM curriculum and increase students’ exposure to technology.

Nearly all of Pinecrest’s students are from economically disadvantaged households where English is a second language. The vast majority of these students lack access to digital learning opportunities at home. After an initial donation of five iPads yielded overwhelming results and praise from students, parents, and teachers alike; Santa Sweet and Gargiulo followed up with subsequent donations that quintupled Pinecrest’s number of iPads.

For more on the philanthropic side of produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

Santa Sweets Gargiulo Produce

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – Streamlining its operations and looking to bolster the U.S. market even further with Mexican-grown produce, CarbAmericas has built a new facility in partnership with CarGoldMex. The facility is located in Irapuato, Mexico.

“Any company we support and every project of which we are a part, must pass our standards of quality and food safety,” said Jeff Friedman, President of CarbAmericas. “CarGoldMex is no different and we are proud of what we have built together with Pablo and Elias in Irapuato. With our innovation-oriented culture and the supply chain efficiencies we can drive from this facility, we see a bright future for this location and the retail customers we support with our Mexican programs.” 

As CarGoldMex grows, ships, and packs its fruits and vegetables through its vertically integrated operations, CarbAmericas will ship the fresh goods to the U.S. through the popular produce hubs of Nogales, AZ, and McAllen, TX. 

CarGoldMex has already started packing broccoli out of the new facility, and will pack other categories at different times throughout the year. According to a press release, the following fruits and vegetables will be processed at the facility:

• Asparagus
• Bell peppers
• Strawberries 

“We are truly excited to start this new endeavor with our partners,” said Elias Chimely Montibeller, CEO of CarGoldMex. “We have worked very hard to get the facility ready for production and now the time has come to supply our customers with our high-quality produce.” 

CarGoldMex expects to create hundreds of jobs through the new facility in Irapuato, as well as in its surrounding areas. The companies stated that food safety is paramount not only to the new facility, but its grower operations as well. CarGoldMex is certified with Primus GFS, and as a result, has GMPs and HACCP protocols for the new facility. Produce grown by CarGoldMex is cultivated on Primus certified farms, and the company is now looking towards completing its social responsibility certification. 

CarGoldMex was formed in 2013 by CarbAmerica owners Jeff Friedman and Danny Pollak, along with Pablo and Elias Chimely Montibeller. The company reaches through four continents, including North America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

As production of Mexican produce ramps up, and new facilities make their debut, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest.

CarbAmericas CarGoldMex

ONTARIO, CA - In a shakeup of California’s Hispanic-focused grocery industry, global investment firms KKR, based in New York, and Victory Park Capital, based in Chicago, have acquired both Cardenas Markets and the Mi Pueblo chain. In total, the acquisition includes 52 stores.

“KKR and Victory Park will be making investments in both Cardenas Markets and Mi Pueblo, along with the ownership of both businesses, including the Cardenas family,” KKR’s Corporate Communications Manager Cara Kleiman stated, according to the Press Enterprise. 

Kleiman noted that while the company would not be disclosing financial details, KKR believes that these new investments will create growth for Mi Pueblo and Cardenas Markets, creating new jobs, and offering “long and rewarding career paths” for executives and employees. 

“We are very excited about our new partnership with KKR global investments. This affords us a great opportunity to expand our reach in the grocery industry and into communities not presently served by Cardenas,” added Marco Robles, Director Public Affairs at Cardenas Markets, the source reported. “We are also proud of providing the best quality service and providing the finest quality food products to our customers. We plan to continue to expand that much recognized family service with this new acquisition.” 

Cardenas Markets owns and operates 33 stores throughout Southern California and the Las Vegas area, employing about 3,000 people. Mi Pueblo has a total of 19 store locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Valley and Monterey Bay Peninsula.

How will this out-of-state power move translate for the West Coast’s Hispanic grocery industry? Keep watching AndNowUKnow for more details on the shifting retail landscape.

Cardenas Markets Mi Pueblo

ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – It looks as though consumers are still smiling on Ahold Delhaize following the company’s well-awaited merger. The company released its Q3 report, the first since its prospective joining, and reported increases across its financial board. These increases included a 25 percent rise to its profits. 

“Despite challenging conditions in certain markets, Ahold Delhaize has delivered growth in sales and in underlying operating income on a pro forma basis which reflects the strength and resilience of our great local brands, as well as our continued focus on delivering cost efficiencies across our businesses while driving top-line growth,” stated CEO Dick Boer in a press release. 

As Ahold Delhaize looked to gain a further foothold in U.S. markets, Boer stated that the trading environment in the U.S. remained challenging with pricing and competitiveness, but the company still experienced growth in both areas of business and overall volume growth. Delhaize America’s pro forma net sales increased by 1.1 percent, with Ahold USA seeing a pro forma net sales increase of 2.4 percent with a sales growth of 3.4 percent. 

Further details regarding the company’s momentum and third quarter progress is as follows: 

• Net sales increased by 64.2 percent to €13.9 billion ($14.8 billion USD)
• Pro forma net sales increased by 2.6 percent to €14.5 billion ($15.4 billion USD)
• Pro forma net consumer online sales increased by 24.9% to €515 million ($547 million USD)
• Pro forma underlying EBITDA marge of 6.4 percent
• Pro forma underlying operating margin of 3.5 percent 

During this quarter, Ahold USA unveiled its new produce and bakery departments, and also launched a new round of price investments to further to commit to its consumers. Delhaize America saw the inclusion of 142 Food Lion’s undertaking the “Easy, Fresh & Affordable” initiative with extensive remodeling.

In its international markets, this Q3 release marked seven consecutive quarters of volume growth for the company’s Netherlands business. Ahold Delhaize’s ecommerce platforms bol.com and ah.nl reported strong sales growth, with increased comparable store sales in Greece and Romania.

In general, the company stated, its first financial report since the long-awaited merger is in line with its year-to-date profit expectations, and slightly ahead of last year's numbers.

What’s next for the retailer? As Ahold Delhaize continues to battle the tight U.S. market, AndNowUKnow will update you as strategies and announcements roll in.

Ahold Delhaize

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Winter is coming, and with it, big opportunities for boosting fresh potato sales. In the spirit of the season, Fresh Solutions Network is unveiling new winter promotions for Side Delights®, designed to inspire shoppers to purchase potato side dishes with innovative holiday serving ideas.

“Approximately 240 million pounds of potatoes are consumed during Christmas, with potatoes (mashed with gravy) being in the top 15 foods,” explained Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, siting 2013 Pew Research data. “Our winter promotions will continue the momentum through the holiday and the new year when shoppers are seeking easy preparation, warm comfort food, and a delicious potato side dish.”

This three-month winter promotion for Side Delights® uses QR Codes to take shoppers to new recipes, as well as wooing them with visually appetizing merchandisers and point-of-purchase signs that demonstrate the convenience and appeal of tasty potato side dishes.

According to a press release, a few of the new promotions are as follows:

December 

This month’s merchandisers and coordinating point-of-purchase signs focus on providing consumers with the gift of savory potatoes. The “Some Gifts Are On The Table, Not Under The Tree” promotion, uses themed, in-store visuals to celebrate good cheer and good food.

January

This “New Year = No More Boring Dinners” promotion is designed to appeal to shoppers with New Year resolutions on their minds. Fresh Solutions Network will offer creative tips on how to incorporate potatoes in consumers’ resolutions, from everything to losing weight, getting organized, and spending less/saving more. 

February 

For this amorous month, the “Table for 2. Make It Together” promotion will encourage shoppers to prepare potato side dishes together on Valentine’s Day and beyond. The company stated that the quick and easy “Goat Cheese and Chive Potato Stacker” recipe (delivered via QR Code) will create a reason to stay in for the evening, and leave time for enjoying it.

Will this winter season be the most potato-filled yet? Keep following AndNowUKnow as we continue following the season’s hottest eating trends.

Fresh Solutions Network

UNITED STATES - As millions of Americans begin to pack their bags for one of the biggest days of the year for home-cooked meals, Mother Nature is looking to throw a few curve balls.

"The greatest chance of some direct and significant travel impacts through this week and during much of Thanksgiving week will be from the I-70 corridor on north to the Canada border," reported AccuWeather’s Lead Long-Range Meteorologist, Paul Pastelok.

But, regardless of calm weather on either end of travel locations, it seems inclement weather at other airports could displace aircraft and crews, leading to delays or cancellations.

Both air and ground travel could see delays across the board, with a storm pattern that will offer disruptive winds and snow in some areas, and come into the eastern side of the country as early as this weekend.

“The first true blast of much colder air could bring the first snowfall of the season from the Great Lakes to the central Appalachians during Saturday night and into Sunday," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Henry Margusity in a recent report.

Potential strong winds will hinder high-profile vehicles on highways, and cause airline delays in some of the nation’s busiest areas, including:

• Chicago
• Detroit
• Pittsburgh
• Washington, DC
• Philadelphia
• New York City

On the West Coast, Sunday night and Monday will see a storm bearing rain for the I-5 corridor that could extend as far as Los Angeles and San Diego.

In the north, it could mean snow for the Intermountain West with some rain over the interior Southwest, including the Phoenix area, late Monday.

"Fog is also a potential threat to ground and air travel with the storm as it pushes from the Midwest to the East spanning Wednesday and Thursday," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams.

By midweek, the delays could extend to travel hubs like:

• Minneapolis
• St. Louis
• Cincinnati
• Nashville
• Atlanta
• New Orleans

Upwards of 48.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more between Wednesday, November 23, to Sunday, November 27, according to the American Automobile Association, making for some of the biggest numbers since 2007.

If either you, or your cargo, plan to be in transit during this busy time, continue to follow developing weather patterns as they may continue to change.

And, from all of us at AndNowUKnow, stay safe as you enjoy the holiday!

DALLAS, TX - DMA Solutions Inc. launched two highly-anticipated marketing tools for produce professionals this week.

The company’s new 2017 Social Media Calendar, available here, is designed to help brands navigate the complex and constantly shifting landscape of social media marketing. The calendar also allows marketers more leisure to plan for, sell more produce, and grow their brands in the coming year. 

“Fresh produce marketers require a certain skill set and strategic mentality to execute effective content necessary to build a brand evangelizing community across multiple social media networks today,” said Dan’l Mackey Almy, President and CEO of DMA Solutions, Inc., in a press release. “Our growing social media team is dedicated to creating useful resources, like the 2017 Social Media Calendar, to help marketers spend less time researching key dates and preparing content on a monthly basis, to give them more time for strategic planning, selling products, and turning the dial on fresh produce consumption.”

This year’s Social Media Calendar offers several new features:

• Social media tips and exclusive articles from DMA’s team of produce-focused social media specialists
• A comprehensive list of dates to capitalize on when planning your social content
• Top forecasted hashtags that can help amplify your reach

Similarly, the company's 2017 Produce Marketer’s Calendar, available here, provides a month-by-month breakdown of industry events, along with helpful tips and information marketers can use to promote their fresh produce brands.

The Produce Marketer’s Calendar includes:

• Conferences and tradeshows related to produce, media, leadership development, influencers, and marketing
• Promotion opportunities, important events, and important holidays
• Helpful tips from the DMA Solutions team addressing the specific needs of fresh produce marketer’s
• Monthly promotional suggestions and inspirational quotes

“Elevating a brand’s awareness to multiple audiences throughout the year takes careful planning to be successful,” added Almy. “Our hope is that the Produce Marketer’s Calendar saves marketers time by providing them with a one-stop- shop resource for the key dates and information that matter most.” 

Both of the company’s calendars launched November 16. Additionally, DMA Solutions offers free marketing consultations to help fresh produce marketers better engage through social media in 2017. 

DMA Solutions

WENATCHEE, WA – Ramping up its presence in the produce department, Stemilt Growers is now making national waves in other consumer realms. The company’s Piñata® apple was recently featured in SHAPE magazine, bolstered by another highlight from MarthaStewart.com.

“Piñata® continues to win people over with its unique flavor profile and incredible eating qualities,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt Communications Manager. “The feature in SHAPE is exciting, as is the growing distribution of this hit apple. Piñata® apples were displayed in over 7,000 supermarkets in the U.S. last season, and we expect this year to be even bigger for this leading new variety.”

Creating added consumer buzz, Piñata® made an appearance in SHAPE’s “Eat Right” column. According to a press release, the variety was featured in the national publication, reaching 2.5 million consumers, as one of three new varieties to snack on. The Piñata® was chosen for its tropical flavor, which has hints of pineapple and vanilla.

“It’s the best looking and best tasting crop of Piñata® apples that we’ve ever had,” continued Shales. The company’s 2016 harvest of Piñata®’s wrapped in October. “Exceptional fruit quality, finish, and sizing has set the stage for great retail promotions this winter, and the opportunity for the apple to continue to win consumers over.”

A cross between golden Delicious and two European heirloom varieties, Cox’s Orange Pippin and Duchess of Oldenburg, the Piñata® boasts a crisp and juicy bite, high sugar, and high acid. Its thin skin and flesh can withstand cooking temperatures, which makes the variety a great baking and cooking apple for the winter and holiday months.

Likewise, Stemilt’s new digital consumer resource was featured in October on MarthaStewart.com. There’s An Apple for That was named in an article on the website titled “This Site Can Help you Pick the Best Apple Varieties for Fall Baking”. The article tells readers how to use the website as a resource for finding the best apple for any recipe.

“There’s An Apple For That is all about reinventing traditional apple of the month promotions with fun signage focused on calling out the unique qualities of a particular apple variety,” Shales said. “Consumers will be excited to give Fuji a try because it’s the apple for your sweet tooth, or will know to use Granny Smith when baking because of its mouth-watering tartness. The digital component of There’s an Apple For That and the media coverage it's generating in top publications, like MarthaStewart.com, add an unmatched level of support to retailers who merchandise apples through There’s An Apple For That.”

MarthaStewart.com’s article was shared 676 times across social media channels. The website garners 11.4 million unique monthly visits. Stemilt introduced its digital component of There’s An Apple for That earlier this year, and then based its merchandising program around the campaign to further promote an apple of the moth, or multiple varieties of big apple promotions. This merchandising program gives retailers a fresh look with POS signage, display bins, and an apple concierge sampling program.

As companies throughout the industry continue to be recognized on national levels for innovative products and marketing campaigns, AndNowUKnow will continue to have the latest.

Stemilt Growers