PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. has announced it has acquired all outstanding stock of distributor and merchandiser of fresh and organic foods, Gourmet Guru, for an undisclosed amount, in an all cash transaction. 

“We are excited to strengthen our expertise in identifying new and fast-growing health and wellness brands with the strategic acquisition of Gourmet Guru,” commented Steven Spinner, UNFI’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to working with Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO of Gourmet Guru, who will remain at the company in a leadership role.”

Gourmet Guru was founded in 1996, and mainly focuses on new and emerging brands. According to a press release, the acquisition enhances UNFI’s strength in both finding and cultivating emerging fresh and organic brands, while also further expanding UNFI’s presence in key urban markets. 

“Gourmet Guru brings diverse skills in merchandising and service, targeting cities and high traffic locations, which will enhance UNFI’s unique ability to deliver on the most innovative and local brands,” said Kirsten Hogan, UNFI’s National Vice President of Retail Services. 

The newly-acquired company had $50 million in net sales for the twelve months ending in June 30, 2016, the release reports. The companies expect the transaction to be neutral to UNFI’s fiscal 2017 earnings and modestly accretive to UNFI’s earnings in Fiscal 2018.

“UNFI recognizes the importance of helping exciting and new producers of fresh and organic foods and Gourmet Guru is proud to become a part of UNFI,” added Lichtenstein, Gourmet Guru’s CEO. “We look forward to helping UNFI bring exciting and differentiated products to market.” 

UNFI carries and distributes more than 90,000 products to more than 45,000 customer locations throughout the United States and Canada.

United Natural Foods Inc. Gourmet Guru

BANCROFT, WI – As the company grows with the rising demand for the organic segment, RPE, Inc. has announced continuing expansions to its own organic program with increased production and new partnerships.

“Having seen a rise in the popularity of organics potatoes, we hope that our partnerships and expanded organic capabilities will provide our customers with more organic options that their consumers demand,” says Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE, Inc. 

RPE has expanded its organic programs in Colorado and the Northwest, and also grown its organic products line with a new partnership with organic sweet potato growers in Mississippi. 

With this latest grower partnership, RPE has reached a new record with its organic growing operations spanning six states. According to a press release, since its inaugural organic pack in 2009, RPE has increased its organic land base over 6,000 percent. 

RPE’s growers are also stepping up to the organic plate by expanding the production of their organic offerings. The company stated that one of its long-time grower partners, Chad Malek, has recently expanded his organic offerings with a new facility.

Malek, an organic grower since 2011, experienced an unfortunate warehouse fire in 2015. When rebuilding and investing into a new facility, Malek used the incident as further incentive to expand his organic program and provide other organic potato growers the space and capacity to wash, cool, and store their potatoes. 

Malek’s new facility is now capable of handling more variety and sizes of organic products at one time. RPE said this leads to better and more consistent quality organic products. 

RPE stated that organic produce is currently in record-high demand, selling more than $11 billion worth of products in 2015.

As organics continue to bloom and companies acorss the industry expand operations, AndNowUKnow will have the latest.

RPE, Inc.

CHICAGO, IL - It has been a whirlwind of a summer, with new packaging and products looking to continuously improve our industry.

One company focusing on freshness and convenience in the tomato category is Triple H Produce, who just introduced two new retail-ready packaging options for Roma tomatoes.

Sales Manager Armando Alvarado, introduced me to the company’s two new packages for Roma tomatoes: a one-pound clamshell and a two-pound pouch bag.

“With these two packages we can keep more produce fresh for more time,” Armando tells me. “We have Roma tomatoes all year around, so we can have these presentations ready whenever you need.”

Already the company has received positive feedback for both packaging options, and is looking to expand its reach in the nation.

“It was a hit in California last year and we want to do it across the U.S.,” Armando shares, adding that being 100% convenient to meet the consumer’s needs for tomato quantity.

Calling this one of your best options for keeping Roma tomatoes fresh longer, see for yourself when you watch my entire one minute interview with Armando above.

Triple H Produce

PHARR, TX - Those of us in the produce industry know that no fruit or vegetable is inherently bad, but these seemingly innocent limes have certainly gotten mixed up in the wrong crowd. Officers at the Pharr International Bridge caught these little citrus bursts getting a little too close for comfort with two tons of marijuana. 

With an alleged street value of nearly $813,000, according to Rio Grande news source KRGV.com, the marjiuana was found concealed alongside a large lime shipment crossing the border. The seizure took place on August 5th from a white Freightliner tractor, which drew enough suspicion to require a secondary inspection.

Along with the help of a K-9 team, border officers extracted 528 packages containing 4,064 pounds of marijuana intermixed within the limes. Both the limes and marijuana have been seized.

CBS 4 News reports that no arrests have been made as of yet, and the case is still under investigation.

What other vile villainies will these virtuous limes fall victim to? You can be certain that AndNowUKnow will continue to unearth all the bad behavior for you.

OCEANSIDE, CA - Late summer promotions have hit their prime time, with West Coast Tomato Growers (WCTG) and Oppy readying peak volumes of Oceanside Pole and Cal-Tom tomatoes for shipment. During this season, tomato grower Harry Singh, Jr. and WCTG, along with exclusive marketer Oppy, are celebrating 75 years of producing vine-ripes in Oceanside, CA.

“As the Singh family has perfected the art of selecting the best seeds and growing vine-ripes on poles over the last three quarters of a century, they’ve become known for tomatoes that consistently deliver on flavor and eating quality,” said Mark Smith, Senior Sales Manager for Oppy. “This season has brought some of the best tomatoes we’ve seen, as if Mother Nature knew this crop should be a special one.” 

Priya Singh, WCTG’s General Manager, is a third generation grower at the company, which became known as West Coast Tomato Growers in 2012, and own both Oceanside Pole and Cal-Tom brands.

“My grandfather chose the San Diego area because of a microclimate that lent itself to growing the highest quality and best tasting tomatoes in California,” Priya explained. “Harry Singh Sr. passed his love and passion for farming to my father, who expanded the operation to grow various crops like round tomatoes, roma tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, and cucumbers along with others. Through his hard work, dedication and passion, Harry Singh Jr. built one of the most respected produce labels in the tomato market.”

According to a press release, Harry Singh Jr.’s sons and daughters are currently involved in all facets of the operation, from packaging, accounts payable, and human resources, to growing. WCTG is now focused exclusively on round and roma tomatoes.

To work closely with WCTG and assure tomatoes ship to each customers’ size and arrival color specifications, Oppy Sales and Quality Assurance staff relocated to Oceanside for the season.

“While Oceanside Pole tomatoes are perfect for “grown in California” local promotions, they are popular throughout the U.S.,” Smith continued. “Retailers seeking flavorful, meaty, clean-cutting tomatoes that are naturally ripened instead of gassed-green will appreciate the difference without doubt.”

Smith added that tomato fans should keep an eye on Oceanside Pole, because this 75-year-old brand may be sporting a youthful new look before the season is out. Oppy is offering Oceanside Pole and Cal-Tom vine-ripened rounds and romas produced by the Singh family into November.

Oppy West Coast Tomato Growers

IMMOKALEE, FL – As part of its commitment to the local Immokalee community, Lipman has announced that at its 5th annual free community event on August 6, the company distributed more than 1,200 backpacks filled with school supplies to Immokalee elementary and middle school students.

“We look forward to our backpack distribution event every year because it has a huge impact on children and families right here in our community,” shared Jaime Weisinger, Lipman’s Community Relations Director and Board Chairman for Lipman Family Foundation. “Encouraging education is very important to us, and we hope to continue this program and serve even more children in the coming years.”

Beyond the massive distribution of backpacks, more than 30 local nonprofits were present at the event, offering free haircuts, a bicycle giveaway, a bounce house, and free food and entertainment for families. Lipman’s event partner, Ciclovia, was also in tow to provide a rock-climbing wall and exercise classes. Attendees were also treated to emergency vehicles on display and educational materials from representatives from the Immokalee Fire Control District and the Sheriff Department’s Crime Prevention Unit respectively.

As reported in a press release, the funds used to purchase the backpacks and school supplies were collected during Lipman’s “Run for Backpacks 5K.” The run was sponsored by more than 25 local organizations to help raise donations.

Along with the yearly backpack distribution, Lipman offers scholarships to both high school and college students in Collier and Lee counties, as well as a textbook reimbursement program.

To learn more information about Lipman, its produce, and its charitable endeavors, visit www.lipmanproduce.com.

Lipman Produce

NEW YORK CITY, NY - Retail banners Kings Super Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Markets were acquired by Delaware-based investment firm KB Holding, Inc., with the close of the deal announced this morning, August 11. 

"Kings and Balducci's are two long-established and well-recognized brands in high-end food retailing with, we believe, an outstanding potential for expansion, and we are pleased to see  this transaction reach its successful conclusion," said Eric Schwartz, Managing Director at private equity investment firm Castle Harlan, who led the transaction with Marcel Fournier, Senior Managing Director.

Acquired from Angelo, Gordon & Co. and MTN Capital Partners LLC, Kings and Balducci's are well-established East Coast-based banners, with Balducci’s serving as a gourmet specialty food shop and Kings an upscale grocery store.

Both have long histories in the area; Balducci’s was founded in 1916, celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, and Kings was founded in 1936, marking its 80th year in business this year.

The exact terms of the transaction were not disclosed, as reported by Castle Harlan. Both chains, however, will continue to be managed locally under their current operating structure, according to a representative of Kings and Balducci's.

Continue to follow AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on all changes and expansions within the retail market.

Kings Super Markets Balducci’s Food Lover’s Markets

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - After just under a year of working for the Allen Lund Company, it has announced that Bryan Howe will be promoted to Business Development Specialist at the Charleston office.

"I look forward to helping grow an already phenomenal company and bringing another persistent work ethic to our sales team,” shared Bryan in a statement. “I also want to thank Don Roberts and James Lipp for the opportunity.”

Bryan began his work with Allen Lund’s Charleston office as a Transportation Broker in June 2015. Having had graduated Cum Laude from the College of Charleston, Bryan majored in Business Administration with a minor in Economics. He received his Bachelor's of Science Degree in May 2015.

"We look forward to the fresh perspective Bryan will bring to the Charleston team and expect great things from him in the future,” added Eddie Lund, Vice President of Sales and Branch Operations.

Charleston office Manager, Don Roberts, had equally kind words to say upon Bryan’s promotion, having said, "Howe has demonstrated the ability to adapt and learn quickly here at ALC, and has the skill set and backing to successfully sell all the products ALC has to offer.”

This move is just one of many the company is making to bolster its southern U.S. operations, so stick around AndNowUKnow for more.

Allen Lund Company

POMPANO BEACH, FL - As the company moves into its 26th year of business in 2016, Southern Specialties is enjoying record sales. A large contributor to this success, is the popularity of the company’s Southern Selects line of value-added specialty produce.

Vice President of Business Development, Charlie Eagle, knows the Southern Specialties journey like the back of his hand. With his story beginning on the ground floor of the company’s success, Charlie joins me to discuss the ever-evolving Southern Selects line, and what is currently driving the company’s growth.

“About 15 or so years ago we started offering value-added products and came up with the Southern Selects brand. Over the years, the company has made inroads into offering the Southern Selects value-added produce line to our customer base which has grown exponentially since its inception,” Charlie tells me. “Now, Southern Selects products can be found in many of the best retail and club stores in the country.”

With Southern Selects’ brand recognition growing throughout the U.S.’s Eastern corridor, the company will begin increasing its effort into promoting the Southern Selects brand, in addition to innovating various foodservice packs.

“The growth, while a part of our strategic planning, has also been motivated by our retail customers who are coming back to us and adding additional Southern Selects products to their shelves,” Charlie says. “Because consumers are enjoying our products, and as a result retailers are seeing sales on a northward trend, they are expanding their lineup with asparagus, sugar snaps, snow peas, Brussels sprouts, and any number of other products we offer under the brand.”

Currently, Southern Selects distribution points extend as far north as Canada, as far south as Southern Florida, and as far west as Texas and Minnesota. Along with the increased demand for the product, Southern Specialties is also enjoying the fact that retailers and club stores are awarding the brand more real estate on their shelves.

For several years, the Southern Selects microwave specialty line-up has been one of the company’s most popular products as well, with approximately ten different items that are perfect for today’s generation of grab-n-go consumers.

“Our microwave products are the perfect serving size for one to four people. We have become known for that lineup of specialties which we offer under our Southern Selects brand as well as private label,” Charlie shares. “As a leader in the asparagus category, we are enjoying more popularity for our Southern Selects asparagus in various presentations, as tips or tenders trimmed, as well as full size asparagus, all available in a pack size ideal for singles, families, or foodservice professionals."

"We were a pioneer in growing and importing French beans. Today, our hand selected, trimmed and packed Southern Selects French beans set the bar for the value added green bean category," Charlie adds. "You are going to see us promoting and increasing sales across the board on value-added offerings.”

To help tell the story of this constantly growing company, Southern Specialties is working on a new website slated for launch by PMA, so stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest news on the Pompano Beach, Florida-based company.

Southern Specialties

RIDGE SPRING, SC – As consumers continue to clamor for peaches, Titan Farms is expecting its own quality crop this year, with an added focus on expanding the category as a whole. 

As Daryl Johnston, Vice President of Sales, recently told me, Titan Farms is experiencing excellent quality peaches from its varieties this season, with over 50 varieties harvested for maximized yield, flavor, and supply. 

“We are ending our Summer Gold, Red Skin, and July Prince varieties, and going into O’Henry, Flame Prince, and August Lady among others,” Daryl tells me of the company’s current crop and transitioning varieties. “The remaining varieties are some of our best tasting peaches, with high-color and great size.”

Titan Farms recently partnered with Florida-based Sizemore Farms to extend its peach season. The company is now able to offer its partners quality peaches from April until early September. 

“Overcoming some impact from weather, Titan Farms has had a consistently great product to offer our customers,” Daryl says. “We’ve also grown our specialty pack business with bags and club packs at the retail level to help spur impulse sales and attract new consumers. We’ve also expanded our basket business overall.”

Daryl says that the company is seeing lower volume this season compared to last as the chill hours received over the winter occurred in a condensed timeframe. Daryl credits Titan Farms’ comprehensive irrigation system for successfully fielding the hottest summer to date.

To match a quality in product, which Daryl says is the best the company has seen in years, Titan Farms is offering a wide array of packaging specifically focused at driving consumption through increased purchases.

“We’ve done market studies to follow peach consumption, and see there is a lot of growth potential,” Daryl tells me of the company’s retail-based mindset. “By offering different purchase options, we are able to reach more consumers and appeal to a more diverse customer set.” 

Titan Farms is also offering retailers POS materials such as shelf talkers, stanchion signs, educational handouts, and display bins with branding from the company’s various programs.

Daryl says that for seasons ahead, the company is continuing to focus on research and development on new packaging trends, consumer interest, and growing specialty packs. Additionally, the company is keeping its sight set on the growing demand for its peaches in Canadian and Mexican markets. 

“We pride ourselves with an ongoing commitment to the trade to maintain and utilize the best agricultural practices to provide the best quality and eating experience,” finishes Daryl. “We are always investing in our partnerships, and in the development of our partners’ growth.”

Looking for even more Titan Farms news? The company plans to aggressively grow its bell pepper, eggplant, and broccoli programs for the spring and fall to help its partners transition throughout gaps in the season.

As Titan Farms continues to invest in the growing peach segment, AndNowUKnow will have our ear to the ground of the company's expanding operations.

Titan Farms