PHOENIX, AZ – As the produce item continues to make waves on a national level, consumers now seem to be picking up on the escalating pichuberry trend in several industry segments across the board. As Michael Popescu, CEO at the company Pichuberry®, recently told me, this trending usage of the fruit was recently embodied in the appearance of pichuberries on the Food Network show, Chopped Junior. 

“The pichuberry’s feature on Chopped Junior was accomplished organically,” Michael tells me of berry’s national feature, which the company learned about after episode’s airing. “This TV spotlight for pichuberries speaks to the true testament of the taste and nutritional versatility of the pichuberry. That we didn’t have to spearhead or endorse its use as a cooking element for young chefs in order to be recognized.” 

Michael says that he’s especially pleased with the pichuberry and its ties to Chopped Junior in regards to one of the foundations his company initially began with; as a kid’s nutrition initiative.

“This kid-centric focus began years ago for us with market research and surveys,” Michael divulges. “Through that research we found that the pichuberry was very well received by kids when comparing to other healthy food alternatives. The fruit’s flavor profile allows for positive engagement in kids’ diets.” 

It was that first campaign which drove Michael and the company’s efforts to bring the produce item to market on a mainstream level. Since the company launched and expanded the pichuberry’s availablility to the retail market, Michael says that the company still holds guidelines for the berry which have seen it making unprompted national TV appearances to a wider audience. 

“In our minds, a superfood needs to appeal to the market in addition to having nutritional qualities. What’s the point of having a powerful fruit if it cannot be enjoyed in its natural fresh form, as well as having versatility in consumer use,” Michael says.

Pichuberry® is also proud to have engaged with the USDA Fresh Fruits & Vegetable Program (FFVP), placing the nutritional powerhouse qualities of the fruit even further into the easily accessed hands of young eaters by providing it to various public school districts across the nation. 

“We want to continue to establish organic relationships to further extend the impact of our kid-focused campaigns. Kids respond to the pichuberry name, fruit, and flavor profile,” Michael adds. “It should be in every kids’ lunchbox for its taste, versatility, and health benefits.”

Those health benefits include the following (for 3.5 oz. sample size): 

• 39 percent of Vitamin D
• 37 percent of Vitamin A
• 18 percent Vitamin C
• 1.7 grams of protein
• Low glycemic index of 25
• Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that have been shown to suppress carcinogens

This fruit provides similar levels of vitamin D as mushrooms, and serves as a wonderful substitute for kids’ lunchboxes.

Michael says that retailers can tap in on the fast-growing recognition of the versatile and healthy berry, by promoting its health benefits to consumers. Pichuberry® is also offering a 3 oz. lunch box fruit cup to retailers, allowing its partners to easily market to kids and parents alike.

So what’s up next for the berry-minded company?

Expanding the pichuberry even further into the market, and opening up additional manufacturing possibilities. Whether that’s through Pichuberry®’s current plans to extend into the beverage industry through a frozen puree, or add to its retail applications with the dried fruit, Michael says that company’s ultimate goal is making the berry accessible to everyone, including other manufacturers that are looking for new ways to innovate. 

As the company continues to grow, and the pichuberry makes more guest appearance for its sweet and tangy taste, AndNowUKnow will have the latest in celebrity-level debuts. 

Pichuberry®

SANTA PAULA, CA – As the company continues to take strides towards the release of its 2016 Q3 results on September 8, Limoneira Company has released an uplifting update on its recent avocado harvest. 

Limoneira stated in a press release that for the fiscal year ending on October 31, 2016, the company sold around 11.0 million pounds of avocados at $0.95 per pound. This number has exceeded the upper end of Limoneira’s previous fiscal guidance range for 2016. 

Additionally, Limoneira expects to continue to sell between 2.7 million and 3.0 million cartons of fresh lemons throughout the fiscal year, at an average price of around $23 per carton.

As the 2016 fiscal year proceeds, the company expects the following details to be reflected in its upcoming financials: 

• GAAP operating income: approximately $8.6 million to around $9.1 million, including around $3.4 million gain on sale of stock in Calavo Growers, Inc.
• EBITDA: range of $18.9 million to $19.4 million
• Earnings per diluted share: range of $0.45 to $0.50

The company also indicated that the fiscal year’s EBITDA and earnings per diluted share are expected to be in the range of $16.7 million to $17.2 million, and $0.33 to $0.38, respectively. These projections exclude $1.2 million of transaction costs obtained in connection with the Limoneira/Lewis joint venture, and the gain on sale of Calavo Growers Inc. stock.

As Limoneira moves ever-closer to its 2016 Q3 financials, and end of year reportings, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest in company and industry avocado sales and trends.

Limoneira

CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger continues to eye growth in more than just size and capacity, now having made a move to garner more consumer loyalty as well.

The retailer has announced that it is cutting prices on upwards of a thousand popular items, spanning 120 stores, according to a Business Insider report.

This is the latest in a strategic move for a bigger footprint in the market for Kroger, which now spans its reach across 35 states and employs about 431,000 employees.

The company is also in the midst of an enormous hiring spree, with a set goal to hire 14,000 people to boost customer service at its 2,800 stores before the year is out. Now, it seems, another piece it is putting into place for upping that service is lower prices.

With the large moves it has made in the areas of large size and lower prices, some analysts are comparing Kroger’s increasing competitive worth against retail giant Walmart, famous for its low price offerings.

"Kroger has been able to come close enough to Walmart’s pricing structure to remain competitive, outperforming any of its industry peers," wrote David Merrefield, Principal of retail consulting group DRM Initiatives, Inc.

While a detailed list has not yet been unveiled of what popular items will receive a price break, including what may fall in the realm of fresh produce, Kroger has also boosted its focus on organic foods in its offerings.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report as the chain, and others in the retail circuit, look to broaden their reach and make grocery more accessible to consumers.

Kroger Co.

ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - With the Ahold Delhaize merger finally solidified, the newly combined company has hit the ground running. In the freshly released Q2 2016 financial report, Ahold and Delhaize, which will begin reporting joint financial statements in Q3, both reported better than expected earnings results, giving a small boost to stop pricing.

"We have started our new chapter as Ahold Delhaize with good momentum, with these two strong sets of pre-merger results,” explained Dick Boer, CEO of Ahold Delhaize. “Building on our solid financial foundation, common values, and great local brands, we are driving ahead with full energy to deliver even more for customers and communities, associates, and shareholders. We look forward to continuing to shape Ahold Delhaize, with a strong commitment to delivering great food, value, and innovations for customers across our 11 markets, both in stores and online.” 

For the quarter, Ahold reported an 8 percent increase in operating profit in the second quarter, rising to around $400.35 million (€355 million). Reuters analysts had projected Ahold’s income at $380.06 (€337 million). Operating profits at Delhaize also rose, jumping 12.1 percent to reach around $278.55 (€247 million) on a constant currency basis.  

These growing profit rates were due in part to a better than expected performance in the U.S., which has been dealing with the ramifications of deflation for several quarters. According to the Financial Times, the U.S. accounts for two-thirds of the company’s total sales, and saw even further rising volumes in Q2. Sales for Ahold’s U.S. business rose 1.2 percent.

Globally, sales at Ahold increased 3.6 percent, while sales at Delhaize rose 4.3 percent. Share prices for AD, the combined company, were up less than one percent to reach $24.50 (€21.72), according to the company’s website. 

As we previously reported, 86 U.S. locations will be divested as part of the approval of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Proceeds from these divestments  are estimated to be $174 million, resulting in no significant divestment gain or loss. According to a press release, these 86 stores represented $1.4 billion of net sales and $88 million of underlying operating income in 2015.

Ahold Delhaize

DALLAS, TX – Prepping for a series of avocado-centric events and holidays to push the avocado even further towards the center of consumer’s dishes, Avocados from Mexico (AFM) is geared up to launch three promotional campaigns this fall. 

“We are thrilled to offer consumers our biggest promotion to-date as they get ready to celebrate football season, Hispanic Heritage Month, National Guac Day and more,” said Alvaro Luque, President of Avocados From Mexico. “As an industry leader, AFM always aims to create new reasons to come together and build on traditions for the future.” 

The three campaigns will run during the months of September and October, according to a recent press release. AFM is planning to engage consumer’s love for avocados with in-store displays, customer incentives, and partnerships with other brands.

AFM’s first campaign, “For the Love of Guac,” will run during the month of September to add the creaminess of the avocado to holidays such as Hispanic Hertiage Month, Labor Day, and National Guacamole Day (Sept. 16). The promotion will also feature a Buy One Get One (BOGO) avocado deal, and partnership with Tobasco®. 

The company stated that its “Guactember” month of promotional activity for “For the Love of Guac” will consist of the following campaign details: 

• Distribution of over 2 million BOGO coupons via Catalina in-store coupons, Coupons.com, full-page FSI ad in the Sept. 18 SmartSource Sunday Newspaper
• Printable BOGO coupons from LoveOfGuac.com
• In-store radio advertising
• Guac Center pallet bins to showcase all guacamole ingredients
• Consumer participation in creating a Pinterest guacamole board

“September is full of occasions perfect for avocado consumption and by offering our retailers a convenient and hassle-free way to run a Guac Month promotion, we can keep avocados top of mind during these key consumption windows,” said Maggie Bezart-Hall, Vice President of Trade Marketing at AFM. 

The company will further honor the avocado-filled month of September by adding some spice to the guacamole celebration with its partnership with Tabasco® and “Fiestas Patrias” campaign to honor the Hispanic community. 

This spicy campaign will run from September into early October with the following merchandising opportunities to further elevate planned purchases surrounding family events: 

• $1-off coupon when purchasing one Tabasco® sauce and two Avocados from Mexico
• In-store merchandising
• POS materials
• Chance to win prizes when consumers tweet an image celebrating Hispanic heritage
• Free special recipe at avocadosfrommexico.com/miherencia when sharing virtual Tabasco® bottle
• In-store radio
• Retail specific programming 

From there, retailers can easily jump into the next promotional campaign, “Tastiest Tailgate,” which utilizes some of the same mediums as the other promotions. Running from October 1 through October 31, the campaign partners AFM with RO*TEL® to promote the Rockin’ Guac recipe, and target consumers who want easy and fresh options during football season. The promotion will consist of the following: 

• Free can of RO*TEL® with purchase of three Avocados from Mexico
• Innovative merchandising
• In-store radio
• Retail specific programming 

AFM will also host a consumer sweepstakes for “Tastiest Tailgate” which will include AFM visitng various college football tailgate events with a branded vehicle and plent of samples.

As the fall holidays approach, and consumers declare their love for fresh veggies to round out their celebratory offerings, AndNowUKnow will have the latest in innovative offerings.

Avocados From Mexico

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a year where issues are mounting that could affect the produce industry for years to come, it's more important than ever to add your voice to the #PowerOfFresh. #PowerOfFresh is this year’s theme for the United Fresh Produce Association’s upcoming Washington Conference, where industry members from across the country can convene to speak directly with the officials that will be ruling on these important decisions. 

“Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is at risk for the next generation of consumers. Without a viable and legal workforce, the fresh produce industry suffers,” explains Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the United Fresh Produce Association. “Congress is debating the largest trade deal in history, which would increase fruit and vegetable exports by nearly $1 billion. Congress needs to hear direct from the fresh produce industry on these issues—immigration, fair trade, and child nutrition—that affect business, industry and the future of fresh produce access in America.” 

During the 2016 United Fresh Washington Conference, attendees will meet with their representatives to discuss how immigration, fair trade, and child nutrition will impact their businesses first-hand. In addition, attendees will participate in educational workshops led by industry experts for a deep-dive on critical policies that will shape the future of fresh produce. As we reported earlier this week, one of these sessions will be “The Food Police Are Coming – Liability Concerns and DOJ Enforcement,” where you can speak with officials from the Department of Justice about which cases they choose to prosecute in the fresh produce industry.

Your voice needs to be heard on Capitol Hill. Join your fellow fresh produce leaders September 12-14 in Washington, D.C., to show your representatives the Power of Fresh. 

United Fresh Washington Conference

IRVINE, CA - Indoor vertical farming company, Urban Produce, is making big moves to expand its patented Vertical Growing System. The company has hired Optivest Investment Banking to oversee the system’s financial growth.

“We have seen considerable interest from the investment community, and as a result, our board is considering different proposals aimed at strengthening our balance sheet as we seek to capitalize on a number of accelerated growth initiatives,” shared Ed Horton, President and CEO of Urban Produce. “Optivest Investment Banking’s corporate finance expertise and established network of institutional and strategic relationships make them an ideal partner to advise Urban Produce on its corporate finance plan.”

Since the launch of the company in January 2015, Urban Produce has seen massive growth and international interest, and as a result, is now looking to move into phase two of expansion. Through this new partnership with Optivest Investment Banking, the company is moving forward to build five additional Urban Vertical Farms in the U.S. by 2017.

An additional 25 Vertical Farms in 2018 may be explored internationally, with Urban Produce already securing strategic operating and licensing partner interest from the Middle East, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Peru. According to a press release, Urban Produce currently holds patents in seven different countries including the U.S. and Canada.

The company sees the fact that worldwide population is likely to increase by 70 percent by 2050, as an opportunity to help combat the global hunger crisis and eradicate food deserts. “Our goal of sustainability incorporates our atmospheric water generation and the use of solar- generated power to one day completely operate off the grid,” adds Horton.

All discussions between Urban Produce and prospective financial and strategic investors will be overseen by Paul Donnelly, Sr. Managing Director with Optivest Investment Banking.

Urban Produce

SALINAS, CA - Unique flavor combinations and delicious superfoods are coming right to your microwave, thanks to Mann Packing’s new Nourish Bowls. This is What’s In Store.

Developed by an expert panel of chefs, the company’s new line of single-serve, warm meals come with everything you need for a healthful and flavorful meal or side dish. With uber-trending vegetables like kohlrabi, butternut squash, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, kale, and sugar snap peas, consumers from Millennials to moms will find something that will nourish both body and soul.

Ready in just three to four minutes, Mann’s Nourish Bowls are available in four popular and trending flavor profiles, including Southwest Chipotle, Monterey Risotto, Sesame Sriracha, and Smokehouse Brussels. The bowls are suited for a variety of meal occasions, from an on-the-go bite, to a cozy at home meal or side dish. The veggie-blend bowls have the convenience-factor that appeals to on-the-go consumers, and while delivering the flavor and quality ingredients expected from any Mann’s product.

Available at retailers like Safeway, Walmart Supercenters Texas, Super Targets, Albertsons Randalls Houston, Save Mart, and Sendiks, Mann’s Noursh Bowls retail between $3.99 - $4.99 and feature a 16 day shelf-life.

Thank you for watching What’s in Store.

Mann Packing

BOISE, ID – Tapping in on the rising e-commerce trend, and consumer demand for easily accessible groceries, Safeway has announced the launch of a pilot grocery delivery program in Denver, CO.

“We had more requests for home delivery in Denver than any other city Safeway serves,” Denver Division President Todd Broderick said in a statement to the Denver Post. 

Consumers in the metro Denver area can now log onto the Safeway website, owned by parent company Albertsons, to fill their grocery carts with their favorite produce items to receive their order within a one, two, or four-hour timeframe.

“The plan is to expand to other parts of Colorado, but this is our first go of it here,” Safeway's Director of Public Affairs, Kris Staaf stated. “We’ve had the service in other markets like California, Washington and Oregon, and it’s been tremendously successful.”

Although the serviceable Colorado areas currently includes the following list, Safeway said that its sights are set even further to match the expansion of its e-commerce services in other state markets as well:

• Denver
• Lone Tree
• Boulder
• Aurora
• Thornton
• Northglenn
• Westminster
• Broomfield
• Lafayette
• Arvada
• Wheat Ridge
• Lakewood
• Littleton
• Englewood
• Centennial
• Highlands Ranch

Safeway has enlisted the aid of a dozen new delivery trucks to safely ensure consumers receive their orders. The fleet of wheels are equipped with multiple temperature zones so fresh vegetables can stay perfectly preserved on their way to the dinner table.

“E-commerce is big business,” Staaf continued. “To be able to offer this to our customers in the Denver metro area is really exciting.” 

As more companies tap in on the rising e-commerce segment, and develop innovative ways to push fresh vegetables even further into consumer hands, AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-the-minute with the latest news.

Safeway Albertsons

AMSTERDAM – The internet’s fascinations with avocados has gotten one product deeper, thanks to the culinary stylings of one Instagram user. This time? Consumers are buzzing over avocado buns. 

According to the Boston Globe, Amsterdam food stylist Colette Dike saw another opportunity in the bright green possibilities of the avocado, specifically in its ability to provide consumers with a healthy, low-carb option for eating. 

“All flavors of a burger (and most sandwiches) go really well with avocado,” wrote Colette in an email according to the Boston Globe, “So why not replace the bun with an avocado?”

After posting an iconic image of an avocado-blessed burger on her profile @fooddecco, Colette received a deluge of spirited reactions; both wildly positive as well as humorously negative, she said, although most swing in the favorable spectrum. 

 

Sweet Potato Falafel Burger & Avocado Bun, with Feta Sauce for lunch - Recipe online, Link in Bio! #avocadobun

A photo posted by F O O D D E C O (@fooddeco) on Aug 17, 2016 at 4:34am PDT

“There are lovers and ‘haters’ but it seems they both are at least curious of what it tastes like — and are trying it,” Colette wrote. 

Colette recommends that avocado lovers across the board can enjoy the burger by consuming it with a fork and knife, like one would similarly tackle a “stacked salad.” The stylist continued on to report that the possibilities are endless, as the avocado burgers can be garnished with an array of topping options and flavor profiles.

 

Breakfast Burger - Avocado Bun with Whipped Feta, Onion, Tomato, Crispy Bacon and a Fried egg on top! #goodmorning #avocadobun #avocadoburgerbun #avocadobunburger

A photo posted by F O O D D E C O (@fooddeco) on Jul 30, 2016 at 1:07am PDT

The avocado burger seems to have secured its placement already as the trend continues to rise, as Colette devulged that several restaurants have already put the healthy veggie-filled option on their menus. 

Will avocado buns be the dinner partner to breakfast’s avocado toast? AndNowUKnow will keep your plate filled with avocado-styled news as the versatile trends continue to roll in.