JACKSONVILLE, FL – As the company continues to take strong steps towards engaging consumers, Southeastern Grocers has debuted the first of its new store concept for the company’s chain of Harveys Supermarket; part of the Southeastern Grocers extensive store remodel program for 2016.

“While our store is undergoing dramatic changes and improvements, our commitment to providing great value and service to our customers will remain our top priority, as we continue to invest in lower prices and new jobs for Charlotte,” stated Ian McLeod, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers.

The new store design debuted this week at a new Harveys location in Charlotte, NC, which was previously the location of the Southeastern Grocer’s banner, BI-LO. The company stated in a press release that the new concept design put a focus on great value, stunning quality food, and service with personality. 

The new store featured a wide number of enhancements and changes, which the company stated was also tweaked for the Charlotte community. The Harveys redesign featured the following: 

• Refreshed produce department, emphasizing fruits and vegetables from North Carolina farmers
• More than 450 Southern Home products priced “Low and Staying Low” with identifiable markers
• New $1 Zone in the store, featuring more than 650 items
• New hot wing bar
• Locally-made grocery favorites
• Expanded meat department
• “Pick 5” section, featuring more than 75 items with average discount of 25% 

In addition to the refreshed facelift, the Harveys store also debuted a new pricing campaign called “Low and Staying Low.” This campaign marks down the products which customers shop for the most, and keeps their prices low for at least six months. The program added 350 products from BI-LO's original Down Down campaign, to offer more than 850 items at a reduced price.

Not only does the redesign mark an uptick in the company’s strategy for consumer-focused design, but the first store to receive this remodel is also the chains first Harveys location in North Carolina.

“Charlotte is a vibrant city that is growing and changing quickly, and we recognized an opportunity to provide a fresh store for this community,” finished McLeod. 

The company stated that it hired 40 new associates for the transition from the BI-LO to the newly designed Harvey’s, in addition to retaining the original BI-LO's staff, and kept the rewards program and Southern Home products in the store for consumer familiarity.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the store gifted the first 500 customers with a free 12-pack of soda, a Harveys reusable bag, food samples, and featured a local band.

As Southeastern Grocers continues to revamp its banners under the company’s 2016 remodel program, AndNowUKnow will have the latest in design innovations, and produce’s role within.

Southeastern Grocers Harveys Supermarkets

LEAMINGTON, ON - Come one, come all, and bring your hogs! As we enter the month of July, Double Diamond Farms is gearing up for the inaugural Hogs for Hospice Motorcycle Rally in support of Leamington Hospital Foundation & Erie Shores Hospice to be held in Leamington, Ontario. The event will take place July 29th through the 31st with a 158 Km ride as one of the many highlights.

As a major sponsor of this first-of-its-kind event open to all in Leamington, Double Diamond will be contributing tickets for veterans and service members for the entire event, which includes entry into the Bret Michaels concert.

You can register for the ride here and snag your concert tickets here!

“Veterans and active military members provide such an invaluable service to Canadians and Americans and we felt that this was a great way to be able to give back to them,” Benji Mastronardi, President/CEO Double Diamond Acres Ltd., shared as he spoke about the importance of the cause and supporting the event. “We hope that everyone considers coming out to this event, whether you are on a motorcycle, checking out the daily concerts and activities, or supporting your friends and family.”

Benji Mastronardi is also one of the five founding members of the event and, along with numerous staff members, will be participating and volunteering throughout the weekend.

And yes, you heard us right, Bret Michaels will be performing live and that is not all that will be getting your motor running. While Bret and the rally will keep attendees busy on Saturday, guests on Friday July 29^th will see the BIA of Leamington close the uptown core and host a Friday Night Party to welcome visitors to a showcase of more than 50 merchants and businesses in the area. On Sunday July 31st, the uptown will again be bathed in light as it hosts the Essex-Kent Vintage Motorcycle Group. The Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) who focuses on use, restoration, and interest in older motorcycles will display motorcycles for the new and the seasoned rider.

In addition to Double Diamond paying for entry for veterans and active service members, the company will also be in force with volunteers for the three days of festivities as well as with greenhouse produce for attendees to feast on. 

Registration to the organized ride on Saturday July 30th is now available and will take participants along 158 Km of local sights and attractions, including a tour of the Canada’s Southern-most tip inside of Point Pelee National Park. In addition, the first 500 ride registrants will receive $5.00 off the cost of the Bret Michaels concert ticket.

“We feel that this is such an important cause because we have had friends and family affected by life threatening illnesses and the Leamington Hospital Foundation & Erie Shores Hospice are great organizations that provides proper care for people that have been affected,” Chris Mastronardi, President/CEO, shared. 

This event brings it all together: produce, philanthropy, a picturesque ride, and of course Bret Michaels. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support a great cause in a great town.

Double Diamond Farms

HAMMONTON, NJ - Like many other great American stories from history, Frank Donio, Inc. originated from humble beginnings. At the rise of the 20th century our founder, Frank Donio, a first generation Italian immigrant, saw an opportunity for success by supplying fresh, locally grown produce to the rising populations of New York City, Northern New Jersey and Philadelphia. Frank began with one unrefrigerated truck, over eighty-five years ago, unknowingly laying the foundations of a family tradition that would continue for generations.

Today, the size and scope of that same company has expanded; growing, sourcing and marketing fruits and vegetables, with offices and relationships throughout all of North and South America, all while maintaining Frank’s original vision to supply communities with quality fresh produce.

Donio’s was built on a reputation of trust and we back our business with our family name. 80 plus years of experience in the production process sets Donio’s apart from the rest. From seed to shelf we cultivate over one thousand acres of Jersey Fresh Blueberries and vegetables. Combining expert market forecasting and longstanding grower relationships ensure a ready supply of product to customers.

Donio’s demands the latest technical and marketing innovations and the highest premium supply of fruits and vegetables, receiving fresh product daily into a climate controlled facility of over 175,000 square feet. Removing field heat on site, through vacuum, forced air and hydrocooling, ensures a longer shelf life and more satisfied customers.

Since Frank’s single truck, Frank Donio, Inc. now runs our own fleet of refrigerated trucks and trailers to ensure freshness during transit. Custom packing orders with ice, so products are delivered safely and on time. Donio’s is there to meet the unique needs of the produce marketplace 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Fresh and on time, from coast to coast.

Years of experience, a strong network of growers, and a vertically integrated business model, guarantee year-round access to a complete line of products. Full line, full time, with quality as our family tradition. At Donio’s, it’s not good enough for your family, unless it’s good enough for ours.

Frank Donio Inc.

WENATCHEE, WA - Kanzi® apples are hitting the U.S. from the Southern Hemisphere in peak numbers this week. CMI, exclusive importer, announced that Kanzi® will continue to arrive into August to coincide with the final sales months of the Southern Hemisphere import apple season.

“Kanzi® volume increased 104% as more than 4,500 stores nationally jumped on this hot new apple,” Robb Myers, Vice President of Sales for CMI, said in a press release, commenting that a strong domestic Kanzi® program has established the apple with consumers and built demand for this intensely-flavored apple.

Myers said Kanzi® apples imported from New Zealand and Chile help energize category sales for supermarkets at the most challenging part of the apple season.

“This is the time of year where supermarkets are fighting to hold customer transactions in the apple category. Even in summer, apples are important to overall produce department sales because they are the second largest fruit category at retail," Myers said. "We’re seeing something totally new–high quality, branded apples like Kanzi® helping retailers boost consumer transactions at the traditional low point of the apple season in the weeks before our new crop begins to hit the stores.”

The company noted that, according to Nielsen data over the last 52 weeks, “no other apple in the top 30 varieties came close to matching the growth rate of Kanzi®.”

“When customers discover Kanzi® apples, they keep coming back for more,” Myers said. “We see it time and time again. CMI’s import season should overlap nicely with our Washington crop–coming off the trees in September. Getting your customers hooked now will keep them coming back for more throughout the apple season.”

Myers reported that imported Kanzi® are continuing to arrive in the U.S. and are available for a limited time.

CMI

BENTON, AR - Walmart has announced that it will be implementing new initiatives in the effort to combat the $29 billion dollars a year lost due to food waste in the United States. The retail giant will now have a new imperfect produce program and change its date labeling system.

“Although food waste has been making headlines in recent months,” explained Frank Yiannas, Vice President of Food Safety, in a blog post on the company website, “Walmart has been doing its part for more than a decade to create a zero waste future by affecting change in the way we do business and throughout our supply chain, especially where fresh produce is concerned.”

No stranger to imperfect produce programs, earlier this year Walmart began selling Spuglies, Russet potatoes that saw visual imperfections due to rough weather in Texas. The company also tested “wonky veg” at its Asda locations in the UK, quickly becoming popular enough for it to offer year-round supply.

“Because customers around the world shop very differently, our team here in the U.S. has been working for months on our first spec for this type of produce,” Yiannas wrote. “We’re exploring the ways to make these items available while providing value to our customers and supporting farmers.”

Also on the agenda for change at Walmart is its labeling system, changing labels from saying things like “best by,” “use by,” and “sell by,” to a standardized date label, “best if used by.” The switch will go into full effect this month and involves thousands of products, the company confirmed.

“I expect the standard labels to have an even bigger impact on waste reduction since many of our suppliers sell products under their own labels outside of Walmart,” Yiannas continues. “This is significant, as the global economic impact of food wastage comes to about $750 billion each year.”

Walmart and Sam’s Club U.S.’s other efforts include an organics recycling program, and a partnership with Ecoscraps, a company that turns food scraps into organic and sustainable lawn materials.

Walmart

CHICAGO, IL -  Produce Alliance is welcoming two new industry veterans, Kirk Massey and Dan Baker, to its team.

Kirk Massey is joining Produce Alliance as a Senior Business Development Director with more than 20 years in the fresh produce industry and an extensive foodservice produce management background. He developed a passion for produce growing up with a family in the restaurant business, and began his career as Executive Chef of a restaurant in Fort Worth, TX.

From there, Massey moved on to become a Sysco sales representative. Following this, Massey gained experience as Director of Client Services managing the produce spend for many prominent national restaurant chains. Massey will bring a vast range of benefits and opportunities to Produce Alliance, LLC.

“Produce Alliance welcomes Kirk. His experience as a consultant and his distribution skills will be an asset to our company. His rare combination of produce knowledge, sales strategy knowledge, and “hands on” dedication will help PA to grow our overall sales force,” said George Melshenker, President of Produce Alliance, according to a press release.

Dan Baker, previously of Freshway Foods and Foodsource/CH Robinson, has joined Produce Alliance to further develop their national food service portfolio, with a focus on processed items. Baker comes with 16 years of produce industry knowledge, gained by obtaining new business and customer acquisition. Thanks to his integrity and passion, Produce Alliance is confident that he will thrive in the organization and with its network of member distributors and growers.

“Dan will be able to bring his processing skills to Produce Alliance. His years of experience on the processing/sales side will bring our customers a clean understanding of the products we carry, the implementation of our products and overall efficiencies of processed items. His knowledge of local versus California processing will help our entire team,” said George Melshenker, President of Produce Alliance, according to the release.

We wish Dan and Kirk the best in their new roles at Produce Alliance!

Produce Alliance

UNITED KINGDOM - U.K. shoppers will soon be able to buy the Reaper on store shelves as Tesco looks to turn up the heat in its produce department.

As we reported previously, the Carolina Reaper is a Guinness World Record holder for the title of hottest pepper that held its title until last year when the HP 56 Death Strain took the top spot. Coming in at 1.5 million on the Scoville scale for the official weigh-in, but having been clocked at as much as 2.2 million in an independent test, the Reaper is still something to fear. The pepper heavyweight hits Tesco’s shelves this week, according to the U.K.’s Telegraph, and the retailer isn’t trying to downplay its newest addition one bit.

"The Carolina Reaper is absolute meltdown material - it's one for absolute hot food connoisseurs,” Tesco chilli pepper buyer, Phoebe Burgess, commented, according to the report. But, she added, it has a sweet twist. "Despite it being astonishingly hot, it also has a wonderful fruity taste. Only a sliver is needed to add exciting flavour to your favourite curry.”

As for why the retailer decided to add a produce item that should come with a warning label, spice levels are a rising trend across the globe it seems, and Tesco is looking to see if consumers will rise to the challenge.

"Last year the Komodo Dragon became our most popular chilli pepper ever, and since then we've been inundated with requests from customers to see if we could go one better and, thanks to the fantastic growing skills of our chilli producer, we've done that," Burgess said.

Not to be underrated, The Komodo Dragon chilli pepper reaches 1.4 million on the Scoville scale, but the Telegraph reports that Tesco thinks the Reaper will do even better.

The Carolina Reaper, already on sale in Tesco stores across the U.K., is priced at £1 ($1.33 USD) for a pack of two to three.

Who will be next to catch the heatwave sweeping consumer tastes? While we may not be in a hurry to take a bite, AndNowUKnow can’t wait to find out.

Tesco

MORRO BAY, CA - Just in time for the kick off of the California finger lime season, Shanley Farms’ Citriburst Finger Limes have recently been featured in a viral video that has been viewed over 4 million times.

On Tuesday July 12^th, culinary news media brand Eater.com released a 45 second informational video on its Facebook page highlighting the unique features of Citriburst Finger Limes, which quickly went viral. Just a week after its release, video clocks in at over 4.1 million views and 20,000 shares. The video not only works perfectly for educating consumers about the only recently recognizable finger lime, but lines us right with the launch of the new season out of California.

“It is proof that finger limes are becoming more and more popular among the culinary crowd, but this crowd needs retailers help,” the company shared in a press release. “They think finger limes are ‘crazy cool’ and they want to use them in their cooking—they want to show them to their friends, and they want to feel that tantalizing pop of citrus explosion in their mouths, but where in the world can they find finger limes? Shanley Farms has you covered.”

Now shipping Monday through Friday out of Shanley’s Visalia, CA, packinghouse, Citriburst Finger Limes come in pack styles that include a 40 gram small clamshell for retail (around. 5-8 finger limes), a ½ dry pint for foodservice (around 25-35 finger limes), and assorted bulk quantities. Shanley Farms ships both domestically and internationally, having opened several export markets over the last 5 years since they first began marketing finger limes in 2011.

Watch the fun video for yourself above, and visit ShanleyFarms.com.

Shanley Farms

BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart has taken strides toward a two million-square-foot distribution facility with the approval of local tax incentives from the Mobile City Council in Irvington, Alabama.

“This is going to be by far the largest building in Mobile County, and have ever had. I mean, we’re talking over two million square-feet under roof,” County Commissioner Connie Hudson said, according to WKRG.

A total of $4.6 million in incentives was approved by both the county and city, but the retail giant continues to remain at a distance when it comes to confirming the project’s construction

“We’re still in the process of doing this, nothing can be said [that] this is for certain,” said Walmart Public Affairs and Government Relations’ Glen Wilkins, adding that something could happen while the company does its do due diligence. “We’re excited about this, we’re committed to this site, and that’s where we’re at right now.”

Alabama has pledged $7 million in incentives as well, according to the attorney for Mobile County Jay Ross, but hasn’t approved them yet. Local officials continue to remain confident and excited, however, about the facility.

“This is just exciting, not only is it Walmart but this will be the beginning of other distribution centers coming and locating next to the state docks,” said County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood.

According to the report, though nothing is yet confirmed, Walmart would be able to begin construction this coming December, and be up and running by December of 2018, with full time employment required by December of 2021. The location could offer upwards of 550 full-time jobs and 200 seasonal jobs to the area.

As more information on this newest distribution center becomes available, AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date with the latest.

Walmart

MUMBAI, INDIA – In a weighty tomato theft to make your head spin, officials in India have taken an ambitious vegetable thief into custody after he stole 2.66 tons of tomatoes. 

So just how does the crime underworld come into possession of over 5,300 lbs of pulpy tomatoes? Being in the right (or wrong) place at the right time. 

“The accused went to a vegetable market in Santa Cruz [India] and on finding an unattended truck of a wholesaler, made do with it. The tomatoes had to be supplied to various vendors in the city,” said a crime branch officer of the arrest.

According to AsianAge.com, the thief in question then sold the stolen goods to produce vendors in the surrounding areas. Officials patrolling the Santa Cruz market noticed that vendors were selling the tomatoes at extremely low prices, far below the area’s standard market price. 

“Tomatoes are currently very expensive, but these vendors were selling it for low prices which we found suspicious. When the officers inquired with them, they could not give satisfactory answers,” said an officer. 

After further questioning by authorities, the Santa Cruz vendors caved and gave the thief, Ranjen Ramachandra Jaiswal, up to officials. Upon further inspection, officials found that Jaiswal had also traveled to another produce market in Dadar and continued his string of underpriced, blackmarket tomato sales to vendors there, as well.

“He was going to sell them at other markets when we arrested him,” finished the officer.

Authorities stated to AsianAge.com that they managed to recover nearly 1.98 of the 2.66 tons stolen from the hijacked wholesale truck.

As it turns out even the enticing appeal of tomatoes is not immune to an ill-advised cash opportunity. As food theft inches on the rise, AndNowUKnow will have the latest on your meatiest stories.