GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - Continuing to increase its focus on fresh offerings including produce, Dollar General has announced it completed the purchase of 41 former Walmart Express locations across 11 states. The larger-sized layout of the newly-acquired stores will allow the company to expand its produce and fresh meat departments through its freshness-focused banner, DG16.

“Dollar General is excited to add these locations to our existing store base,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to the opportunity to better serve our customers in these communities by continuing to provide the convenience and value they expect from Dollar General.”

With an anticipated opening by October 2016, Dollar General expects to relocate 40 existing Dollar General stores into the purchased sites. The remaining store will see the company entering into a new market as part of the purchase, according to a press release. Other terms of the transaction, as well as the cost of the acquisitions, were not disclosed.

The number of new stores in new states is as follows:

• Alabama: 3
• Arkansas: 2
• Florida: 1
• Georgia: 6
• Kansas: 3
• Louisiana: 3
• Mississippi: 5
• North Carolina: 12
• Oklahoma: 4
• Tennessee: 1

This announcement comes just a few months after Dollar General announced a new 1 million-sq.-ft. distribution center in central Georgia, which will see six of the new locations. The company expects the center to open around the summer or fall of 2017, and service over 1,000 stores in the Southeastern region. 

Dollar General

SANTA CRUZ, CA - There aren’t enough words to encompass what the Tour de Fresh brings to all sides of the industry, both professionally and personally. Today, the riders of the Tour de Fresh complete their circuit into Monterey, CA, to swap biking chamois for PMA Foodservice festivities and show planning. 

Yesterday, on the second day of the ride, and after nearly 70 miles down the course, the cyclists stopped off to honor a few of its own. As I reported last year, the "yellow jersey" presentations, which give an opportunity to shine a light on some key moments of struggle and triumph that happen on the tour, also give me an amazing insight into the stories of these riders.

John Lukasko, Procurement Manager at Fresh Produce Partners, is one such individual with an amazing story. After riding in the premier Tour de Fresh, John took time off, in the words of DMA Solution’s Brock Nemecek and California Giant’s Cindy Jewell, to “kick cancer’s ass.”

After having succeeded in his battle, John is back and riding strong, encouraging his peers and fighting the battle for health in the future generation.

You’ve seen previously as well the story of John Frey, an active supporter and cheerleader in the Tour de Fresh who was not able to participate in the ride because of injuries he sustained when hit by car while training. Yet his face, on a stick, is being carried around as the Tsamma Watermelon team and riders for the Tour de Fresh bring him along and ensure he never misses a moment.

These stories, and more, create an atmosphere of a family reunion as we close in to the finish of the rapidly-growing ride.

This is the first time the Tour de Fresh is taking place in the summer, just nine months after it successfully raised $150,000 in the days leading up to the PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, GA.

“To see a steady increase in riders, sponsors, and more importantly a steady increase in fundraising, all these things point to the success of the Tour de Fresh vision of the future,” Anthony Gallino, Vice President of Sales at California Giant, tells me as we discuss the increasing reach of this important event.

When I ask C&S Director West Coast Produce Operations, Michael Deusebio about some of the highlights of this ride, and what he'd like to see more of, he recalls the second day arrival to the hotel and jumping directly into the pool.

"More pool parties!" he laughs. "Seriously though, when you suffer on a bike, (sometimes for hours), for days in a row, you form a bond with your fellow cyclists. It's something that you can't duplicate in your day to day life. The relationships you build on a bike are unparalleled, and to be doing this ride for a great cause is very special."

And it is increasing, both in quality and in quantity. Not only are returning faces bringing members to add to the program, but it has been announced that the Tour de Fresh will now have a one-day metric century event in October, a wholly new addition and opportunity in the event’s fight to push produce in schools.

“We are hoping this ride could be a model for future one-day events,” Brock Nemecek, Account Director at DMA Solutions, Inc. and an active organizer and rider for Tour de Fresh, announced at last night’s team dinner to excited ears.

More events should give further opportunities to execute the success the Tour de Fresh has demonstrated in its mission to provide salad bars for public schools, and gives more chances for interested industry members to see first hand what has these riders hooked.

AndNowUKnow will soon have more details on your next chance to promote fresh fruits and veggies in school. In the meantime, we are in the midst of the third and final leg of this amazing tour, and your window to help is closing. Every moment and every dollar counts as you help these impressive riders, your peers, reach their goal. To donate, please click here.

Tour de Fresh

HONG KONG, CHINA – In another innovation to the realms of cleverly, and sometimes not so cleverly, concealed drugs in produce, authorities in China were reportedly impressed with the liquid cocaine hidden in a recent shipment of dragon fruit.

Customs Officers spent more than four hours opening 160 boxes of dragon fruit at the Hong Kong International Airport, according to the South China Morning Post. The prolonged inspection occurred this week after authorities noticed the shipment had not been picked up, as is customary, on the same day of its arrival. 

An unnamed source told the South China Morning Post that this bust was more intriguing than normal, as the traffickers peeled off a layer of the dragon fruit and removed its pulp before injecting the fruit's hollow center with liquid cocaine. The layers of fruit were then glued back on before the cocaine-wielding fruits were spread out amongst the shipment. 

“Each dragon fruit carried about 130 grams of liquid cocaine. A total of 15kg of liquid cocaine was seized inside the 98 fruits. The haul has an estimated street value of HK$15.7 million,” the source said. The value roughly translates to $2.02 million USD.

Officers had to check over 2,000 dragon fruits by hand after the shipment arrived from Colombia, as the tainted fruits were hidden in only 50 of the shipped boxes. A 36-year-old truck driver was arrested when he tried to pick up the shipment from the airport’s cargo terminal.

What methods will drug traffickers think of next, to conceal and transport their hauls of illicit narcotics within fresh produce? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest.

AUSTIN, TX - Whole Foods Market has seen a fall in stock prices immediately following the announcement of its third quarter financial report, with many analysts suggesting poorer-than-expected sales to be the culprit. While total sales for the quarter increased to a record $3.7 billion, comparable store sales decreased 2.6%. Bloomberg reports that analysts had originally tried to clock in Whole Foods at a 2.4% decrease.

Co-CEO Walter Robb was not discouraged, however, releasing the following statement along with the report, “We delivered record sales of $3.7 billion this quarter along with a sequential improvement in our comparable store sales trends. We are continuing to make measurable progress on fundamentally evolving our business including the successful launch of our new 365 format, expanded value investments, and increased efforts to better understand and provide personalized offers to our customers. We are seeing some encouraging signs in terms of our sales and believe our nine-point plan will produce strong returns for our shareholders over the long term.”

Whole Foods' stock was down over 5% in after hours trading following the announcment, reaching a low of $31.90 per share, as of 8:00 PM EDT on July 27.

The falling store sales are likely due to increased competition from retailers growing their organic and natural foods sections, an area where Whole Foods has historically shined. Bloomberg reports that Whole Foods is suffering through its worst sales slump since 2009, while quietly in the background, lower-priced retailers are moving to take over the sector.

One way Whole Foods sees to take on this perception as being a “more expensive” healthy food grocer is through it’s newly implemented 365 by Whole Foods banner, which has 20 leases signed currently.

“Just two weeks ago, we opened our second 365 byWhole Foods Market store. Designed around affordability and convenience and supported by enhanced digital experiences, our 365 stores deliver a fresh new format to the marketplace,” said John Mackey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market. “Through lower capital and operating costs, we are able to offer great values to our customers, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Other notable features from the report include:

• Net income reached $120 million, or 3.2% of sales
• Diluted earnings per share were $0.37
• EBITDA were $326 million, or 8.8% of sales
• Adjusted return on invested capital was 13.0%
• Cash flow from operations was $189 million 
• Quarterly dividends returned to shareholders was $44 million

As more details about new locations for 365 banner are revealed, and the company begins to take increased competition in the marketplace, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you updates.

Whole Foods Market

CITRUSDAL, SOUTH AFRICA – Summer Citrus from South Africa is continuing to grow business with retailers in Midwestern and Gulf states, with a 300% increase in tonnage flowing through the Port of Houston this season.

“With the complex USDA regulations, we are pleased that we have been able to accommodate the South African program,” noted John Moseley, Senior Director of Trade Development for the Port of Houston Authority, according to a press release. “Our partnership is a result of the brand’s commitment to sending quality product, and we’re thrilled to be doing business for another year."

Each year, approximately 50,000 tons of South African Navels, Easy Peelers, Midknights, and Grapefruit are imported into the U.S., primarily through the ports of Philadelphia and New York. As demand for South African citrus has increased, so have efforts to secure additional entry points into the U.S. market. Now in its third season working with Summer Citrus from South Africa, the Port of Houston is the only Southern U.S. port approved by the United States Department of Agriculture for this fruit’s specific cold treatment program.

In order to support the increased volume of Summer Citrus from South Africa in Midwestern and Gulf states, the brand has partnered with regional bloggers to fuel demand at their local retailers. Paired with the new website design and social media presence, the brand is confident that shoppers will continue to seek fresh, great tasting citrus in the summer months.

“We’re confident that our consumer marketing campaign will inspire more interest in the brand,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa. “Coupled with our increased distribution, we expect to see positive sales growth from the elevated presence that Summer Citrus from South Africa will have this season.”

AndNowUKnow will continue to coverage the citrus crops and announcements, both domestically and internationally, as the seasons progress.

Summer Citrus from South Africa

OVIEDO, FL - Duda Farm Fresh Foods is no stranger to innovations in fresh celery, and the company is bringing that knowledge straight to the eyes of buyers and industry professionals at this weekend’s PMA Foodservice Conference and Expo. Visitors to Duda booth #100 will get to be up-close-and-personal with the company’s new fresh-cut snacking line and try the latest trending recipes from Chef Todd Fisher.

“For 90 years, Duda has been the category leader in our various lines of business and we are continuing that legacy with Dandy Celery Snackers,” said Dan Duda, President, Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “Food and nutrition experts tell us how important healthy snacking is; we want to provide the best quality, most delicious heathy snacks in the market. Dandy Celery Snackers are perfect for college campuses; Grab n Go operators; convenience stores; employee cafeterias; anywhere that people want a convenient healthy snack.”

Available now for foodservice customers, Dandy Celery Snackers are designed to fuel busy lifestyles, aided by the following items:

Ready to Snack Celery Sticks: 

The 1.6-ounce package of fresh-cut celery sticks is portioned for an individual serving size.  

Dandy Celery and Peanut Butter Packs: 

Available in 2.3 ounce and 4.15 ounce packs; great for lunchboxes, after-school and weekend activities.

Crunch Cups: 

In a partnership with top brands, the convenience-focused cups are designed for on-the-go snacking. Available in Ranch, Lite Ranch, Sriracha Ranch, and smooth Peanut Butter, with more varieties to come.

As reported by a press release, Chef Todd Fisher will be in town on Saturday to participate in a recipe demonstration during the Strolling Chefs event, where he will feature his unique take on a Greek Salad. Fisher, a resident of the Monterey peninsula, has more than 20 years’ experience as a chef, restaurateur, and food consultant. His work with Duda has spanned more than ten years, specializing in culinary education and entertainment. Visitors to the show floor on Sunday will see Fisher at the booth serving Radish Ricotta Bruschetta.

To taste Duda’s fresh flavors for yourself and to learn more about the company’s full line of foodservice items, stop by the show at booth #100!

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

SAN ANTONIO, TX – When you hear “theft ring” your first thought probably doesn’t involve a prolonged supermarket heist and almost $200K of lifted produce, yet here we are after authorities broke a recent distribution center crime ring. 

According to mySA.com, the illicit produce operation took place in an H-E-B distribution center located in San Antonio, TX. Following a tip-off by the retailer’s corporate security detail, San Antonio police arrested three suspects for the expensive heist.

“They were stealing mainly large pallets of produce, and things of that nature,” said Sergeant Val Garcia of the San Antonio Police Department, in a statement addressed to the press. “We suspect that they were removing them from the distribution center, and they were contacting outside sources and selling them at a lower rate.” 

Police estimate that the suspects, who were employed as a drivers, receivers, and truck loaders in the warehouse, stole approximately $190,000 worth of produce freight before being apprehended. 

Police identified the suspects as Raul David Cervantez, 62, Albert Flores, 33, and Costa Uriel Vasquez, 26.

“According to the investigation and the follow-up procedures, we estimate [the ring operated for] a year, year-and-a-half, which is why it’s such a large sum of money,” continued Garcia. 

The police worked in conjunction with H-E-B Corporate Security to identify and arrest the suspects. Garcia stated that the suspects were taken into custody at the distribution center without incident, and will face felony-level charges of organized criminal activity.

Police have stated that they do not yet know how H-E-B became alerted to the crime, or where the crime ring was selling their illegally obtained pallets of produce.

As food heists continue to be an unfortunate on-the-rise trend, AndNowUKnow will have the latest on produce crimelords and their apprehension.

NORTH DAKOTA - North Dakota saw bouts of baseball-sized hail last night, potentially causing some setbacks to the state’s 2016 potato crop.

According to information from the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association and news source Potato Pro, the northeastern part of the state saw the majority of the damage, with the stretch along Highway 18 from Mountain to Hoople in Pembina and Walsh Counties catching heavy rains, hail, and strong winds.

The source notes that Crystal, ND, in particular, saw heavy damage, adding that on top of rain issues from earlier in the year, some growers have now reached higher than average levels of weakened crops. 

North Dakota has seen a particularly difficult year as far as storms in 2016. The National Weather Service reports that the state has seen an average of 33 storm days. Just in the first half of 2016 North Dakota has already seen 29.

"The upper level weather pattern is the key driver to what's going on. It's actually dictating our local weather by the position of this huge ridge of high pressure forcing the active storm track, this parade of storms, storm track over the northern part of the country,” explains Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lawrence. “Each one of those means thunder storms, and that's exactly what's happening right here across the region."

According to Andy Robinson, Potato Extension Agronomist at North Dakota State University, some hail damaged potatoes may still be able to be harvested if the fields in question are mature enough, but yields may be diminished.

As we learn more from the growers in the area and how they project the North Dakota potato crop, AndNowUKnow will update you with the latest.

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX -  Bella Verdi will expand the production of the company’s living and specialty lettuces, along with other leafy greens, by opening a new greenhouse facility. The 20,000-square-foot building will be located near Austin, TX.

“This will more than double our current production capacity and help us to meet the increased demand for our lettuce products,” stated Robert Jennings, President and CEO of Bella Verdi, according to a press release. “We are now able to be more flexible and responsive to our customers’ needs and the growing marketplace as consumers are looking for choices that include locally grown, healthy, and organic products- not to mention less waste, which is met through our living lettuce products.”

“With this new facility we were able to employ state-of-the-art environmental controls including Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) technology to reduce our carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption,” commented Tom Marcoux, Bella Verdi Director of Operations. “We’ll also be more efficient with our water usage, by reducing evaporative loss.”

In addition to a focus on sustainability, the products grown in the new facility will be subjected to the company’s rigorous food safety standards which include GAP and cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certifications from third party inspectors. Bella Verdi is also in the process of obtaining SQF Level II certification under the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) for its growing, harvesting, and packing facilities.

“We’re excited to be able to expand our operations and add new jobs while continuing to provide premium quality products for retail and foodservice. Locally-grown is good for consumers and good for local communities as it provides fresher produce with fewer food miles,” stated Jennings, according to the release.

Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for all the latest in fresh produce industry expansions.

Bella Verdi

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA – Recognized for its service and dedication within the industry, Inbound Logistics has named the Allen Lund Company (ALC) as one of its Top 3PL’s.

"We are thankful to Inbound Logistics for including us in their Top 100 3PL Provider list. We want to give credit to our wonderful employees that work hard for our carriers and shippers that help make this possible," stated David Lund, VP of Sales and Branch Operations. "It's always a privilege, after 40 years in business, to be recognized for hard work and superior service. We pride ourselves on our service, integrity, and strive to follow my father's guiding principles that he instilled in the company from the beginning 40 years ago."

Each year, Inbound Logistics magazine releases a list of the top 3PL companies. According to a press release, this year over 300 different 3PL’s submitted their credentials to the publication for the honor. ALC emerged from the list to take its place on the distinguished Top 100 list.

"Each year we receive hundreds of credentials from successful companies, and each year it becomes increasingly difficult for us to narrow down the list. Congratulations Allen Lund Company for making InboundLogistics' Top 100 3PL Provider list in 2016," stated Felecia Stratton, Editor at Inbound Logistics. 

As ALC continues to be honored for its achievements and dedication, and continues on with its 40 Acts of Kindness throughout the year, AndNowUKnow will remain your driving force for the latest in industry news.

Allen Lund Company