THE DALLES, OR – With a six to eight week harvesting season, and already into its second week of packing, Orchard View Cherries is riding the intensity of the season with a new branding, new machinery, and even bigger volume to this year’s crop. 

As Oppy’s Executive Director of Northwest Cherries, David Nelley, recently told me, Orchard View Cherries, formerly known as Orchard View Farms, is seeing its biggest growth period in many years. “We’re pulling off of 2,400 acres now,” David says. “Essentially Orchard View has doubled the land size over the past six or seven years, but is also bouncing back from the October 2014 frost that occurred in Oregon.” 

Orchard View was able to expand its reach and fields by picking up a number of new farms in the area, starting around six months ago. David says that these new partnerships came from long-standing relationships the Bailey family has in the area, and unique situations that saw some families wanting to lease their orchards, but not wanting to sell their land, farms, and legacies completely.

“Through these relationships, we’ve not only expanded our acreage, but the quality of production,” David explains. “We’re running at roughly about 70-80 percent of all our cherries being grown under their own farmers under their own control. They know exactly how those cherries are being treated, handled, and grown.” The company’s specialty varieties are provided from outside growers. 

On that note, David says, Orchard View Cherries saw a great start to its first week of packing, “Crop is big in volume, we started with packing out the Chelans, closely followed by the Rainiers. So far, it’s great. The Chelans are nice, dark cherries with fresh green stems.” The company began its production of Bing cherries earlier this week.

Key to this jump in volume, is a simultaneous debut of new equipment at the company’s facility. Orchard View Cherries now boasts a new Unitec Optical sorter, which is able to sort through the company’s crop at a much finer degree of quality control than the human eye can deliver, with much faster speeds as well.

“With the new sorter, and new cooling tunnels in our facility, we can now pack much faster at 48 lanes,” David says as we discuss the company’s growth and expanded ability to provide volumes for export. “It’s also much quieter, because a lot of the decisions are pre-made for the machinery. In an intense six-eight week season, we now have a calm and thriving workplace.” 

Retailers can see these results not only in Orchard View Cherries’ increased volumes and quality, but also in the company’s new packaged branding. Bags filled with cherries will feature the company’s “Pick Your Moments” slogan, which David explains, keeps the focus right where Orchard View wants it; on the cherries. 

“This theme is all about packing and picking in the short season, but doing it well and picking the right size at the right time. It not only keeps the consumer focused on our only commodity, 2,400 acres of cherries, but it’s a call for the consumer to pick their own moments to kick back and enjoy the fruit,” finishes David.

With that kind of excitement and cherry-picked focus, Orchard View Cherries is bound to have an energy-filled, sweet season.

Orchard View Cherries

YUMA, AZ – To continue a drive towards consumer demand, Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers has announced a new consumer sweepstakes through its brand, Natural Delights^™, titled “My First Date.”

The video sweepstakes will call on consumers to create and submit a story about their first experience with Natural Delights, or one related to Medjool dates. 

“We are committed to supporting our retail partners by driving consumer awareness and demand for Natural Delights products year-round. Our combination of trade support programs and consumer demand building activities have resulted in the Natural Delights brand having ten times the sales rate of all other date brands combined,” said Erin Hanagan-Muths, Director of Marketing.

The company clarified in a press release that each video must feature its packaging or product in a recognizable way, and can be no longer than 60 seconds. Prizes will include GoPro Hero4 cameras, Fandango movie tickets, and lots of Natural Delight.

Running from September 1 through October 31, the promotion will be the third in a year-long series of activities meant to generate brand preference and store traffic, while delivering over 150 million impressions through a national advertising campaign via print, digital, mobile, and social media channels.

“According to Nielsen, 92 percent of consumers believe recommendations from friends and family over all forms of advertising,” finished Hanagan-Muths. “We have found that this type of word-of-mouth promotion not only helps increase consumption, but also new trial from shoppers who have never enjoyed our products before.”

Bard Valley encourages retailers to connect with their sales representatives, or the company’s marketing team, to make sure their inventories and displays are prepared for the promotion.

AndNowUKnow will continue to provide the sweet details on running promotions and retail opportunities within the industry.

Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers

WATSONVILLE, CA - The riders for this year’s Tour de Fresh, PMA Foodservice edition, are well on their way to success before the tires have even hit the pavement.

Now just weeks away from the 173 mile ride that will take produce cyclists from Napa Valley to Monterey, California, $57,564 has already been raised towards placing salad bars in schools.

“With the Tour de Fresh event quickly approaching, United Fresh Conference offers a perfect opportunity for the industry to rally together in support of our final fundraising efforts,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms, said in a press release. “We’re more than happy to provide a space for people to donate in person, while also encouraging a little fun at the conference.”

Just over one-third of the way to Tour de Fresh’s goal of $150,000, which would surpass each previous event and stands to place more than 100 salad bars for Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools, the team has turned its eyes to Chicago and the fast-approaching United Fresh Conference next week, June 20-22.

Show attendees will have the chance to donate to the cause in a fun, interactive fashion: encouraging friends and colleagues to ride a stationary bike for five minutes in support of those who are riding in July.

The fun starts for those who donate at least $25, and California Giant Berry Farms hopes to raise $2,500 on the floor.

“We can’t wait to send some of our Church Brothers team to ride the bike and hope that other companies are equally excited to have a little fun with their fellow fresh produce colleagues,” Jeff Church, Vice President of Sales for Church Brothers Farms, said of the event.

Tour de Fresh will also presenting limited-edition portable wine glasses to the first 50 donors in the booth, in the spirit of the ride’s starting in the heart of California’s wine country.

All this can be found when you visit California Giant at booth #1821 next week at United Fresh.

This year, 56 participants will ride the 173 mile trek next month, July 26-28, just before the Food Service Conference.

The 40 sponsors include Premier Sponsors:

• California Giant Berry Farms
• Church Brothers Farms
• Dole Fresh Vegetables
• Enza Zaden
• Fresh Point
• J&J Family of Farms
• Mission Produce
• Sunripe Certified Brands
• Tanimura & Antle
• Tsamma

Attendees can also share photos from the Tour de Fresh live ride photo booth by using the hashtag #tourdefresh and follow along via Tour de Fresh on Instagram.

Many leaders of the fresh produce industry have stepped up to the plate in committing to help bring salad bars to schools across the nation, but there is still a need for those who have yet to join in.

More information about Tour de Fresh can be found at www.tourdefresh.com, or by contacting Brock Nemecek at [email protected].

Tour de Fresh

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - As Allen Lund Company continues to grow, the company has announced that 17-year-long veteran Craig Borzelliere is moving up in the ranks.

A valuable asset to the company for nearly two decades, Borzelliere has been promoted to Manager of IT, Systems Administration.

"It's an exciting time here as we build upon our solid foundational principles with new technology. I'm thrilled to help lead the IT Department into new growth for ALC," stated Borzelliere in a press release.

It has definitely appeared to have been a time of movement for the transportation company, who in the last few months has opened up new offices in both South Carolina and Ohio.

Now to help foster that growth on the tech end, ALC is moving up a man it says has the experience and the know-how for the job.

"Craig has been with ALC for more than 17 years. He has learned every aspect of our IT systems through the years and is a proven and loyal employee,” Kenny Lund, VP of Support Operations, said on Borzelliere's promotion. “We are proud that he is taking this big step in his career with ALC.”

Congratulations, Craig, on this newest chapter in your long career with the company.

Allen Lund Company

JACKSONVILLE, FL – As the company continues to keep its eye on the growth of Southeastern agriculture, Southeastern Grocers has announced a new policy which will commit the company’s brands to sourcing produce from local providers whenever possible. 

“Our new Local Sourcing Policy is a commitment to local farms and growers, that will guide how we source produce from both market and farms directly,” said Ian McLeod, President and CEO. 

This new policy will be instituted across the BI-LO, Harveys, and Winn-Dixie stores, to which Southeastern Grocers is a parent company. The company stated in a press release that this policy only improves on its 90 years of experience working with local growers in the region. 

“The numbers clearly confirm our customers prefer locally sourced produce,” continued McLeod. “We sell more than 1 million pounds of local strawberries each month, and more than 1.1 million pounds of local red potatoes a month each season.” 

Currently, the company sources up to 30 percent of its fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the Southeast, which includes over 150 varieties of fresh produce in the company’s 750 stores.

To stick to this policy commitment, the company set the following guidelines for its fresh produce standards: 

• To work with growers to provide a high stander of fresh produce planting, growing, and harvesting.
• Have all produce inspected by company growers, distribution centers, and stores to provide the best quality.
• Ensure organic products are sourced from organic-certified farmers who follow USDA guidelines for organic farming without synthetic herbicides or pesticides. 

“We are focused on providing our customers stunning fresh produce; which has been grown by our own neighbors, families, and communities in the Southeast,” finished McLeod. 

Additionally, the company stated that Chef Curtis Stone will be celebrating its commitment to local sourcing with a 700-mile tour, visiting farms and grower partners. Chef Stone will be stopping by J&J Family of Farms and Bullard Farms in Adel, GA, and Lane Southern Orchards and Pearson Farm in Fort Valley, GA. 

Customers of Harveys stores in Georgia will have a chance to meet Chef Curtis on his tour at the following locations: 

• Thursday, June 16: from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at 2201 North 12th St., Tifton, GA
• Friday, June 17: from 2:45-3:45 p.m. at 1605 Shurling Dr., Macon, GA

Chef Stone has also visited Fowler’s Farms in Campobello, SC, as well as other BI-LO stores in South Carolina. Chef Stone is also supporting the company’s local grower support mission by helping educate store associates.

AndNowUKnow will continue to have the latest on buy-side commitments and announcements, and their impact on the industry. 

Southeastern Grocers

CINCINNATI, OH - Filling the position left by retiring King Soopers' Russ Dispense, Kroger has announced that Dennis Gibson will be the new President of the Denver, Colorado-based division. Beginning the first of July, Gibson has been promoted from his role as President of Kroger's QFC division, based in Seattle.

Gibson is bringing forty years of experience in the retail industry to his new role. Beginning in 1976 at a Grand Central discount department stores in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1984, he joined Fred Meyer, holding leadership roles of increasing responsibility for the next 27 years. From store and district management, to Regional Director and Group Vice President for Store Operations, Gibson worked at Fred Meyer until 2011, when he was named Vice President of Operations in Kroger's Columbus division, according to a press release. In 2013 he was named Vice President of Merchandising, and rose once more to his current role as QFC division President in 2014.

"Dennis is a proven executive whose passion for people and results has earned respect in our company and the industry," shareed Rodney McMullen, Kroger's Chairman and CEO. "Dennis's commitment to our associates and customers will help ensure our business continues to grow. We look forward to his continued leadership at King Soopers."

In tandem with his new position, Gibson will relocate to the Denver area, where King Soopers operates its namesake stores, as well as City Market stores in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Kroger King Soopers

UNITED STATES - “A common thread I’ve noticed with Produce Managers I have met personally, is that they are truly humble individuals who have a respect for their profession and want to put their best into their job everyday,” Jeff Oberman, Vice President of Trade Relations for the United Fresh Produce Association, tells me as we discuss one of the legs of his tour. “They’re enthusiastic about fresh produce and that energy drives them to stay informed in order to provide customers with the most educated and knowledgeable service possible.”

When I am referring to Jeff’s tour, I am talking about the months-long event planned by United Fresh in partnership with representatives from Dole Food Company, which took them to each Produce Manager honoree’s home turf from Savemart to Sobeys. With United Fresh in Chicago right around the corner, the association is celebrating the 12th year of the United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards with Dole Food Company as the program’s Corporate Sponsor.

As we previously reported, Hy-Vee and Schnucks were two of the 25 stops on the tour and as we move toward next week’s trade show, I’d like to introduce three more of the many Produce Managers honored: Ron Showers, Produce Manager, Roundy’s Supermarkets; Mike Giberson, Produce Manager, Niemann Foods; and Amy Lincoln, Produce Manager, Coborn’s.

The hustle and bustle of the busy summer shopping season is upon us, and as I spoke with Justin Heffernan, Roundy’s Director of Produce Merchandising and Procurement, he assured me that their honored Produce Manager, Ron, was more than prepared to meet any challenge.

“Ron runs an outstanding produce department day-in and day-out,” Justin shared with me. “Whether he’s training new associates and managers, greeting loyal customers in his department, or merchandising fresh produce through creative displays, Ron is always a positive mentor, leader, and role model.  We are very lucky to have him on our team as he truly represents the best of Roundy’s!”

Not only do these Produce Managers exhibit strong leadership, but one of the major criteria used in selecting the 25 winning Retail Produce Managers is their community service. This year’s honorees have showcased these skills from hosting tours in their stores for community youth, to visiting WIC program offices to share with moms how they can now purchase fruits and vegetables with their benefits and offering a free produce item to kids who find a ‘decorated’ piece of fruit in their departments. And the impact they have on the store and the community does not stop there.

Jeff Patterson, Niemann Foods’ Produce Director, also shared the pride the company feels for having one of its own recognized, and spoke to me about Mike’s continued leadership and dedication to perfection.

“I have only been with the company a short while, but I met Mike my first week aboard. I walked into Mike’s store with my boss and the first words out of my mouth were, ‘This guy could run a produce department for any store in the country!’” Jeff said. “His attention to detail results in a department maintained in perfect condition. Mike understands his customers and excels in providing them with the quality, variety, and service that keeps them coming back. Mike and his well-trained team produce solid sales growth year after year. I am honored to work with such a professional.”

Tom Williams, Director of Produce and Floral Merchandising for Coborn’s, also had many wonderful things to say about its honored Produce Manager, Amy, and how she doesn’t just meet the standard, she defines it.

“When a guest enters our Ramsey, MN, Coborn’s store, they are greeted by a creatively merchandised display of quality produce that grabs their attention. As they continue into the store and make their way to the produce department they will pass produce that has been cross-merchandised in other areas of the store. Once in the department, they are greeted by the produce team and a thoughtfully merchandised department. This is a result of Amy and her leadership with her team,” Tom says.

At Coborn’s, the company empowers its employees to “Be Remarkable,” and Amy is a great example to her team and Coborn’s guests of what it means to Be Remarkable.

“The guest experience is more than just good quality and merchandising because of all the little extras Amy creates,” Tom adds. “For example, she has little produce figurines that she hides within the department and if a child is able to find them, they are awarded with a piece of fruit or another prize. Amy even created a poster that pictures what they are seeking. Amy never does the minimum required, but rather always looks for an opportunity to do more and takes great pride in her guests, her team and her store!”

As we move closer to the 2016 United Fresh convention, Bil Goldfield, Dole’s Director of Corporate Communications, reminds me that a Produce Manager’s position is less of a job and more of a passion; something that United Fresh will be recognizing at this year’s Gala Dinner Celebration at the annual convention to be held in Chicago on June 20-22.

Bil tells me, "Although the award ceremony is just one night, the Produce Manager's commitment to our industry is 24/7, 365. So we are trying to make this recognition and expression of our gratitude a bigger deal. We are visiting the winners in their stores in advance of the United Fresh Convention, accompanied by their leadership, a United Fresh representative, and Dole representatives. We want them to know how important they are to Dole."

Hope to see you all next week at United Fresh 2016 in Chicago, Illinois!

United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards Program

SALINAS, CA – Expanding its team with a newly created position for a growing category, Ippolito International has hired on Dan Avina as its new Value-Added Commodity Manager. 

Avina brings over 28 years of produce industry experience to the company and the new role, most recently with Misionero Vegetables in Gonzales, CA. In this position, Avina worked for ten years as Sales Manager. 

“With Ippolito entering the processing arena with value-added Brussels sprouts and spinach, Dan’s knowledge will be immeasurable,” said Dan Canales, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are thrilled to have him join our team.”

Avina began his produce-minded career with New Star in Salinas, CA, where Avina worked for 13 years in the processing facility and sales department, according to a press release. From there, Avina spent five years as a Merchandising Manager with Sysco in Salinas, CA.

“We are bringing Dan aboard because of his vast amount of expertise and experience in processing production. His sales knowledge and great attitude working within a team environment will also have a huge positive impact on our performance and customer service,” finished Canales.

The company stated that although Avina was raised in Salinas, he now resides in Gonzales, CA, with his wife. Avina is a father of four daughters, and also has two grandchildren. In his freetime, Avina enjoys spending time with his family, riding his Harley, fishing, and photography.

Keep up with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on the growing value-added category, and new hires within the industry. 

Ippolito International

SACRAMENTO, CA - Every 14th of June, select groups of the nation collectively celebrate a vegetable. Be it in libations, salads, grilled, or raw, the cucumber has earned its way onto the American calendar, so of course the ANUK team had to go through our own collection to join in the festivities.

Without further ado, here are a few of our more notable cucumber-crazed stories to celebrate National Cucumber Day:

Guinness World Records for World's Largest Cucumber

One Australian teen made his mark when he recently managed to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest cucumber. Measuring at a healthy 1.3 meters (4.1 feet) this is a hearty veggie not to be forgotten on National Cucumber Day. Click here for the full story.

Why are Cats so Afraid of Cucumbers?

Of course we have to include the phenomenon that has gripped the internet, with cucumbers managing to take a slice of the cat video fame that has become a staple of the World Wide Web. Click here for the full story.

Veggie Aphrodisiacs to Help Set the Mood

History has provided theory over theory of how to keep the love alive in a relationship, and the produce industry has a surprising footprint in the suggested remedies. Cucumbers, as we reported last year, boost blood flow and help give you energy, giving a few curious scientists license to say the claim of an aphrodisiac could be valid. Click here for the full story.

$2 Million Worth of Drugs Discovered with Carrots & Cucumbers

Yes, this lovable veggie has a rebellious side, having been involved in a rather large drug bust. Carting 2,600 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $515,000, they were the small timers in the discovery when officials found about 164 pounds of cocaine in a cucumber and carrot shipment, valued at about $1,258,000. Luckily, cukes seem to have kept out of trouble since. Click here for the full story.

Hendrick's Gin Animal Behaviourist Dr. Roger Mugford on Cat vs Cucumbers

Last, but certainly not least, is Hendrick’s Gin’s own campaign for National Cucumber Day, in which the company has not only offered a tasty treat infused with rose and cucumber, but has also, to our delight, brought in an Animal Behaviourist to walk everyone through how to help cats warm up to their inexplicable veggie enemy. Click here for the full story.

We hope these little flashbacks have brought a touch of fun to your Tuesday, it certainly did ours! From everyone here at AndNowUKnow, Happy Cucumber Day.

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - With new stores, new programs, new executive hires, and more, it’s not difficult to make the case that Raley’s is positioning itself for a takeover in the increasingly crowded Northern California/Nevada marketplace. 

Late last week, the retailer announced it will develop a new retail center in Truckee, CA, featuring a 35,000-square-foot store. Expected to open in mid-2018, according to the Sacramento Business Journal, the Truckee store joins new locations in Rancho Murieta, CA, Rancho Cordova, CA, and the Land Park and Fair Oaks neighborhoods of Sacramento, CA. And new stores, it seems, are just the tip of the iceberg.

During an interview by The Sacramento Bee late last year, Owner and CEO Michael Teel explained, “we’re well-positioned for the future. … We look forward to it. This is our home.” From just 2015 to now, the company has implemented the following new changes:

• Launching its Real Good pilot program, selling “scarred, aesthetically challenged” produce that might otherwise be headed for landfills at prices 25 to 30 percent lower
• Launching Hello Savings initiative featuring multiple ways to save on food staples ranging from produce to meats and milk
• Partnering with the Sacramento Kings basketball team to provide arena-goers with locally-grown produce
• Shrinking store sizes from 55,000-square-feet or more, to near 35,000-square-foot store
• Adding more organic, natural, and “healthy” offerings
• Adding Keith Knopf as Chief Operating Officer and Deirdre Zimmerman as Senior Vice President for Marketing
• Continuing to laser in on customer buying habits, using the Something Extra customer loyalty program

In that same Sacramento Bee interview, Teel noted that Raley’s has been focusing its efforts on making itself better equipped to compete in Northern California and Nevada, going up against area-competitors like Safeway, and discount grocers like Walmart Neighborhood Market. He cites better customer understanding, such as an increased focus on fresh and health as a key way to do that.

"It’s important to me," Teel continues. "I want to continue that legacy of giving, providing more-healthy foods to the community, sustainability, supporting the arts … I feel really good about the future and growth, and this community."

As Teel and the company continue to build new locations and zero in on what customers demand, AndNowUKnow will keep tracking its growth, so stay tuned!

Raley's