WENATCHEE, WA - As the industry finds itself mid-summer, the West Coast is subsequently in the middle of peach season. Stemilt Growers is ramping up its production of organic stonefruit this season, with packaging offered to match consumer demand.

Brianna Shales, Communications Manager at Stemilt Growers, tells me that the company is in peak peach season, which arrived around ten days earlier than last year. The company is mostly packing the Sweet Dream variety right now, out of Southcentral Washington, which has great eating quality.

“Quality has been really good this year,” Brianna tells me of the company’s current organic peach selection. “We are seeing fruit with higher sugars, likely as a result of cooler weather throughout spring and summer. Sizing is peaking on jumbo/large sizes, however we have a good range of sizes available.”

Stemilt Growers expects to see a good market for organic peaches this year, aided by rising demand. Brianna says that consumption of organics set a record high in 2015 which the company sees only increasing.

Retailers can bolster their Stemilt organic peaches sales with pop-up display bins, corresponding POS materials to engage passionate consumers, and a variety of pack types. Brianna suggests that retailers keep in a mind that an early start to the season means an earlier end, with the season projected to end around mid-September.

As the industry continues to move through its peach offerings, stay with AndNowUKnow for the latest in varietal offerings and crop updates.

Stemilt

MIAMI, FL - Tropical produce will soon be getting its time in the limelight on Lifetime® Television. On August 8 and August 15 the network will feature J&C Tropicals during its 7:30 AM broadcasts of The Balancing Act, a show dedicated to bringing busy, on-the-go, modern people positive solutions and ideas to enrich their lives.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for the Dragon Fruit category,” says Jessie Capote, E.V.P. of J&C Tropicals. “It’s still very much a niche product that has immense potential once the everyday consumer is educated on its enormous health benefits and how to consume it.”

On the show’s QuikByte segment, Chef Ralph Pagano will be educating viewers on J&C’s Dragon Fruit. Chef Pagano will explore topics such as:

• How to identify two different varieties
• How to determine when they are ready to eat
• How to peel and serve

Chef Pagano will include several recipes along with the tutorial, one of which will be prepared live. Make sure to tune in and show your support for tropical produce.

J&C Tropicals

SANDPOINT, ID – In the continuing speculation surrounding the company’s Save-A-Lot chain, reports have surfaced that SuperValu may soon be on the receiving end of some offers for the business. Some of these impending proposals are expected to value the chain at as much as $1.8 billion. 

Unnamed sources, according to Reuters, stated that later this week six private equity firms will participate in an auction for Save-A-Lot. SuperValu is expected to conclude the auction before deciding whether to perform an outright sale of the chain, or spin it off to company shareholders. 

The private equity firms named to participate in the upcoming auction are as follows: 

• Advent International Corp
• KKR & Co LP
• TPG Capital LP
• Onex Corp
• Thomas H. Lee Partners LP
• Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC

SuperValu confirmed in a press release that the company is preparing for the separation of its Save-A-Lot business and is currently pursuing a spin-off course of action for the business. However, the company also stated that it remains open other possibilities which would improve stockholder value, including a sale of the business. 

As we previously reported, SuperValu first confirmed the spin-off or sale of Save-A-Lot at the end of last year. Following a string of strategy shifts and executive appointments, it appears as though SuperValu’s plan to insulate the chain and debt has reached the next stage. 

Following the news of a possible Save-A-Lot buyout on the horizon, Reuters stated that SuperValu’s shares rose more than 7 percent on Friday before ending up 4.9 percent at $4.88. 

As of February, Save-A-Lot operated 463 stores with an additional 897 stores run by its licensees. Reuters stated that as of June 18, the company had a total of $2.3 billion in debt. 

Reuters reported that all named private equity firms have yet to respond about their rumored offers to SuperValu. The sources quoted asked to remain unidentified as the matter is still confidential, but did divulge that they are people close to the matter. 

How much value will the buyout bids place on the Save-A-Lot chain, and will SuperValu choose a spin-off or sale point of projection? AndNowUKnow will have the latest as the issue unfolds.

SuperValu Save-A-Lot

SOUTH AMERICA & MEXICO - Tropical Storm Earl will be rolling through Central America and into Mexico, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding throughout the end of the week.

Having had become a tropical storm officially on Tuesday, Earl has been moving from just southwest of Jamaica, and westward over the Caribbean as the week progresses, according to AccuWeather. Earl will continually get stronger into today, but will probably not gather enough strength to become a hurricane, meteorologists note.

"The center of the system should reach land late Wednesday or Wednesday night," explained AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. "Earl will approach Belize and the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico with heavy rain and gusty winds later Wednesday or Wednesday night.”

The storm will hit the northern coast of Belize and Mexican state of Quintana Roo with rain, winds, coastal flooding, and beach erosion. AccuWeather notes that the areas may also see flooding, trees falling over, and possible power outages. While exactly how strong Earl will become is still up in the air, flooding and power outages can occur with even minimal power.

Kottlowski believes there is a chance that Earl will move back out over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico before the end of the week and gain more strength, so continue checking back with AndNowUKnow for updates.

GILROY, CA - After substantial growth from its 50-acre beginning in 1979 to today’s year-round, multi-regional operation spread over 5,000 acres in California, Arizona, and Mexico, Uesugi Farms is changing up its brand.

“We wanted a bold look that is steeped in the Uesugi history and reflects our core business,” said Pete Aiello, General Manager and Owner of Uesugi Farms, in a press release.

While the company grows over 20 different crops, it said that it is pepper growing in which it is a powerhouse, and now reflects that with a sassy red chili pepper in the label.

Looking to convey the same message it wants describing its top-selling products while being enjoyed, Uesugi Farms said that the latest brand conveys a fresh spirit and artisan style.

The company added that it has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable growing practices, but a focus on growing has kept it from prioritizing an online presence–until now. The company is also announcing the launch of its first official website.

“Since our early years, we’ve been able to partner with some of the largest food service providers, processors, and retailers in the world, but as we continue to grow, farm more acres, and enter new markets, we needed a website to better tell our story and build brand equity,” Aiello said. “We’re bringing the same level of sophistication to our marketing efforts, as we’ve devoted to the growing side of the business.”

Highlighting product availability, as well as Uesugi’s emphasis on sustainability, foodservice, product availability, and more, the new website can be found here.

In addition to peppers, the company also offers:

• Napa cabbage
• Sweet corn
• Pumpkins
• Strawberries
• Beans

Congratulations to the Uesugi on this latest step in company growth.

Uesugi Farms

SACRAMENTO, CA - After more than 80 years of promoting top quality in fresh, including produce, meats, and more, Raley’s has unveiled a new strategy to make healthy eating more available to its shoppers.

This week, the Sacramento-based retailer announced its “Let’s Begin” campaign, a renewed focus on eating better and feeling better.

“We want to change the way the world eats, one plate at a time,” said Michael Teel, President and CEO, in a statement, according to the Sacramento Bee. “Raley’s has been in our family for over 80 years, and I want to empower change in the methods in which food and resources are delivered to our customers.”

To understand more about the launch, watch the newly released video from Raley’s team below.

In an effort to ease the shopping experience for shopping fresh, the strategy looks to:

• Help its shoppers with fresh cost-saving tips
• Give assistance in defining food labels
• Provide shopping facts and tips about things like coloring and other fresh produce facts

An entire, detailed approach has been outlined for online visitors on the Raley’s website here, complete with tips, facts, and information on seasonal offerings under a Let’s Begin tab.

With weekly updates to keep the freshest information on its store offerings for both the produce and deli departments, the retailer encourages employees and consumers alike to share information related to the fresh focus on social media using the hashtag #LetsBegin.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this and other retail strategies highlighting fresh produce on the buy-side.

Raley's Let's Begin

LAKELAND, FL - Publix has released its Q2 2016 financial report and stock price, with results signaling a decrease in confidence from investors. This is just the second report since Todd Jones took over as CEO, with him reporting a fall from $43.95 per share to $41.90 per share as the company has been seeing slower than average sales growth.

“Our results were impacted by weakening tourism in some market areas and the timing of Easter,” Jones explained with the announcement of the results. “Our associates remain focused on providing excellent customer service.”

Previously, Publix had announced an all-time high for its stock prices of $45.20, just this past March 1st. Since then, the company's share price has dropped 7.3 percent, according to a report by the Orlando Sentinel.

As outlined in the release, Publix’s sales this quarter were $8.1 billion, a 2.1 percent increase from last year’s $8 billion. Comparable-store sales increased 1.1 percent. Net earnings for the second quarter of 2016 were $478.2 million, a decrease of 0.9 percent since the company hit $482.7 million in 2015. Earnings per share were unchanged at $0.62 per share.

This quarter’s report comes on the heels of Publix’s purchase of 10 Martin’s Food Markets stores as result of the Ahold and Delhaize merger. This purchase signals an aggressive expansion into Virginia, where the company had only previously announced the intention to open two stores. Virginia will be the seventh state that Publix has entered into.

Will Publix continue in the trend of lowered stock prices, or will the new locations be enough to pick it up for Q3? AndNowUKnow will keep bringing you the latest until we find out.

Publix

CORAL GABLES, FL – Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has reported its financial results for its 2016 Q2 which ended on July 1. The company reported a large increase to its gross profits when compared to last year’s second quarter, rising from $114 to $145.4 million. 

“We are pleased with our performance in the second quarter,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We continued to see strong growth in our fresh-cut and avocado product lines. We achieved higher selling prices in our pineapple and banana business segments, and we benefited from lower input costs and cost-reduction initiatives that directly improved our bottom-line performance.” 

According to a press release, Fresh Del Monte attributed its higher gross profit to higher gross profit in all of the company’s business segments, combine with lower costs for transportation, and banana production and procurement.

The company also reported an increase to its earnings per diluted share when compared to last year, from $1.21 to $1.86. Fresh Del Monte’s comparable earnings per diluted share also rose from last year’s Q2 reporting of $1.18 to $1.75. 

“We also continued to invest in our diversification strategy and advanced our global business platform during the quarter,” continued Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh. “Our investment in diversifying our products and geographies over the years resulted in solid second quarter results, despite weather issues which negatively affected sales volume in several of our product lines.” 

Other reported highlights to the company’s 2016 Q2 report are as follows, when compared to last year’s reporting:

• Net income increased from $64.5 million to $96.2 million
• Comparable Net income increased to $90.4 million from $63.0 million
• Operating income increased from $73.6 million to $106.7 million
• Comparable operating income increased from $72.1 million to $100.9 million
• Total debt decreased from 254.2 million to $192.4 million

Although the company saw a decrease to its net sales from the approximate $1.1 billion reported last year to around $1 billion, Fresh Del Monte stated that this resulted from lower sales volume in its banana business and other fresh produce segments from inclement weather and unfavorable exchange rates.

Since reporting its Q2 results, the company’s stock generally remained on the rise. As of August 2, 2016, at 1:07 PM (PST), Fresh Del Monte’s stock had risen by 2.34% to $57.68. At the previously mentioned time, the company’s price to earning ratio was 29.88.

AndNowUKnow will continue to have the latest in industry financials as we keep a finger to shifting strategies and impacted reportings.

Fresh Del Monte Produce

CAMARILLO, CA - Houweling’s continues its quest to find the perfect, flavor-forward tomatoes to add to its produce line with the debut of a new premium cherry tomato: Tomazing.

“This premium snacking tomato delivers huge flavor, a crisp eating experience, high brix, and of course, inclusion in our exclusive Signature Selection label,” Brand Manager Lindsay Martinez, tells me. “Houweling’s Signature Selection standards dictate strict criteria for packing.”

Flavor is at the forefront of this criteria, along with the demand for outstanding texture and appearance, and a consistent premium quality tomato throughout the crop’s lifecycle. As consumer buying behaviors continue to evolve and the desire for more knowledge surrounding the foods that they eat grows, Houweling’s is bringing tomato lovers into the fold by declaring the specific seed variety on-pack so consumers can always enjoy and expect a quality experience.

Grown year-round in California and British Columbia, the Houweling’s Tomazing variety is available in 12 x 10.5 oz. clamshells and 100 cases per pallet.

“All of our tomatoes are naturally vine-ripened and this variety is no exception. Our tomatoes are picked, packed, and processed through our own grading facility or directly in the greenhouse,” Lindsay adds. “This helps to minimize handling of our products to maintain peak quality and freshness. With rapid distribution systems, our products can be picked, packed, and shipped same-day.”

With growth always top-of-mind for Houweling’s, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more upcoming news from the greenhouse grower.

Houweling's

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - A modern appliance company has married together the demand for chef-prepared perfection and sustainability with a smart oven that offers more than your standard microwave.

San Francisco, CA-based June touts bringing intelligence to the tools of the kitchen, looking to up the cooking game for the ley chef with its cutting-edge Intelligent Oven.

Before I get into the high-tech reason why this particular appliance can cut energy use, let’s look into why it can help push produce in the consumer kitchen.

June’s Intelligent Oven logs meals for consumers, keeping photos and cooking stats of everything they make. According to the company, this is a strategy encouraged by nutritionists to adjust for a healthier diet. One less step consumers have to take in incorporating more fruits and veggies into their diet.

Another edge this auto-smart oven gives to help the produce industry is saving recipes, even adding them to the owner’s calendars. Linked up to the consumer’s wifi, this means that all the recipes the industry has created to inspire consumers to use their produce more, and more creatively, can be programmed into their kitchen appliance.

As for bringing more sustainability to the consumer kitchen, June reports that its Intelligent Oven cooks food faster and more efficiently, while using precision thermal engineering to use less energy than traditional ovens.

“What do you get when you cook with precision sensors and more computing power than some laptops? More control, fewer surprises, and more enjoyable results than ever before,” the company states on its website of this metallic chef.

Unfortunately, the kitchen technology doesn’t seem to talk back like your smartphone or give any adorable beeps and expressions just yet, but if one more high-tech addition to the consumer household helps tip the scales ever-more in fresh produce’s favor, why not?

Continue to follow AndNowUKnow as we keep on the lookout for the latest tech trends and possible breakthroughs that could influence our industry.

June Intelligent Oven