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

GLENDALE, WI – Looking to ramp up company growth and its production of fresh produce, Maglio Companies has named 35-year industry veteran Joe D’Ottavio to lead as Vice President of Operations. 

“I’m energized by the positive can-do attitude that originates from Sam and the Maglio Companies team across the country,” said D’Ottavio. “It’s exciting to be with a multi-faceted company that partners, listens, and understands the needs of its customers as they identify and invest in real produce solutions.” 

Known more warmly as “Joe D,” the company stated in a press release that Joe will be responsible for all the Maglio facilities in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Boston, and McAllen.

“We are very pleased to have Joe D join our team as Vice President of Operations. With his vast knowledge and expertise in produce production, we expect great things,” said Sam Maglio, President of Maglio Companies.   

Most recently, Joe has led distributions centers for a national food manufacturer for the past 13 years. These centers included facilities for tomato-potato-onion repack and fresh-cut products.

The company also noted that Joe has experience developing whole fruit, fresh-cut, banana, and pineapple programs for regional and national retail, foodservice, and convenience store channels. Also adding to his industry experience and qualifications, Joe oversaw the acquisition and startup of a 10,000-acre farming project. 

“Joe has a track record of successfully growing top line revenue, managing complex fresh produce businesses, and the ability to provide produce solutions that exceed customer expectations,” finished Maglio. 

Joe attended the Rollins College/Crummer School of Business in Winter Park, FL, and is a former pastry chef instructor and graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

AndNowUKnow will continue to provide the latest and greatest in industry hirings and executive appointments.

Maglio Companies

ROSEMONT, IL - US Foods has released a new line of products to help restaurants deliver flavorful, yet responsible, dishes. The company’s new “Serve Good” line features a wide range of products over a span of different departments.

“The demand for sustainable options when dining out continues to grow,” said Stacie Sopinka, Vice President, Product Development and Innovation for US Foods, in a press release. “In fact, nearly 70 percent of diners say they would have a better impression of a restaurant that offered sustainable foods. With the high-quality, on-trend, and sustainable items in Serve Good, we can help our customers deliver what their diners want and stay competitive in this changing marketplace.”

According to the release, almost 40 percent of food supply in the U.S. is wasted each year, while upwards of $218 billion a year is spent growing, processing, transporting, and disposing of food that is never eaten.

Composed of 21 products, the company emphasized that the entire Serve Good line is responsibly sourced or contribute to waste reduction, while still bringing versatility, as well as saving both time and labor in the kitchen.

For the produce-specific branch of the line, the newest additions include waste-reducing items like:

• Cross Valley Farms® Chopped Broccoli Leaves: Minimizes water usage and yields an additional 2,640 pounds of product harvested per acre, while still holding the benefits of a superfood.
• Monarch® Eggless Spread: Made with vegetable protein, this “miracle mayonnaise alternative” uses five to ten times less water and requires one tenth of the land compared to animal protein.

Other products in the lineup include Monogram® Reusable Travel Cups to reduce waste, cage-free eggs, organic bread, non-GMO oils, and sustainable seafood.

As the drive to alleviate those numbers and ensure that consumption grows while footprints on the land shrink, we will continue to report on the latest moves to push the sustainability initiative rising in the produce industry.

US Foods

SALINAS, CA – Taylor Farms® is furthering its efforts in innovation and driving category growth with the latest launch of a new product line: Chef Crafted Salad Blends.

“Like our successful Chopped Salad Kits, the new Chef Crafted line combines product innovation with packaging innovation and is grounded in consumer research,” said Mark Campion, President, Taylor Farms Retail, in a press release. “This new product line delivers on our mission to be America’s favorite maker of salads and healthy fresh foods.”

Consisting of six distinctive blends, the company has utilized its patented technology to package together flavorful combinations of fresh lettuces, crisp veggies, herbs and fruit.

“The new Chef Crafted line not only caters to consumers’ taste preferences but also addresses the need to prepare a fresh, healthy meal in minutes,” said Kacie Vieth Ragsdale, Director of Product Development, Taylor Farms Retail. “In meeting with consumers, we heard clearly that this collection of salads offers the visual and taste experience typically found in premium, restaurant-style salads.”

Now available at West Coast grocery stores, and rolling out nationwide by late summer 2016 for a suggested retail price of $3.99, the line includes the following mixes:

Kale & Beet

A 7.5 oz. tray made of Green Kale, Red Kale, Beets, Carrots, and Red Cabbage.

Snappy Spinach

An 8.5 oz. tray made of Baby Spinach, Baby Red Butter Lettuce, Grape Tomatoes, and Carrots.

Summer Love

An 8 oz. tray made of Romaine, Kale, Carrots, Broccoli, Green Onions, and Sweet Mini Peppers.

Apples and Greens

An 8.5 oz. tray made of Spring Mix, Apples, and Carrots.

Greens and Sunshine

A 7.5 oz. tray made of Baby Red Butter Lettuce, Romaine, Grape Tomatoes, Radishes, Green Onions, Broccoli, and Carrots.

Southwestern Crunch

A 10.5 oz. tray made of Romaine, Cabbage, Carrots, Cilantro, and Green Onions.

The company added that its TaylorClear™ packaging highlights the ingredients, creating an ideal environment for salads previously only found in flexible film.

Taylor Farms stated that the products present a great growth opportunity for retailers, with the company’s own research showing that 95 percent of participating panelists would purchase Chef Crafted salads. Panelists also indicated that they would make that purchase “in addition” to what they currently buy.

The team at Taylor Farms was also excited to announce that its Chef Crafted collection has been named as a finalist for the United Fresh Produce Association’s coveted 2016 Produce Innovation Award.

The line will be up for a vote by those in attendance at the Chicago convention next week, June 20th through 22nd.

Taylor Farms

SANTA PAULA, CA – United Fresh is fast-approaching, I’m sure you know. But did you know that Calavo Growers, Inc., and wholly-owned subsidiary, Renaissance Food Group (RFG), have a few big, new items in store? Feast your eyes on everything from a new proprietary tomato variety, new Calavo Foods products, and an expanding RFG Garden Highway line. 

“As Calavo Growers, Inc. continues to evolve and grow in a highly competitive, fast-moving market, we are proud to showcase our vast product offerings to the industry at the United Fresh show,” said Lee E. Cole, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We strive to remain a leader in the produce industry, while looking to the future and incorporating joint production facility ventures with Renaissance Food Group to springboard our company to the top of the prepared foods industry. Presenting ourselves as a united front is paramount to the overall continued growth of Calavo.” 

Calavo Fresh 

The company's fresh segment will be highlighting its proprietary Intense Tomatoes, a variety the company calls the first in the world to retain its color and juice after cutting.

Calavo suggests the uniquely qualified tomato for cooking, baking, sandwiches, burgers, salsa, bruschetta, and pretty much everything in between. Intense Tomatoes touts gusseted bags which are designed to make merchandising a snap, as well as a variety of store-level merchandising solutions and POS material. 

Calavo Foods

New items such as Avocado Chocolate Mousse and Red Onion Roasted Garlic Hummus will be on display.

Attendees can find these as well as other select items, at a sampling station to emphasize each great flavor, while showing the versatility and unique uses by way of creative recipes. 

RFG  

Promoting the always growing lineup of RFG products, the company is focusing on its Garden Highway brand. New Garden Highway Juicing Kits, Chef Essentials heat-and-eat vegetable sides with sauce, and an array of snacking items show attendees the versatility of the company’s line, which is designed to fit every retail segment from convenience stores and traditional retail to specialty stores.

Notable for RFG, its Garden Highway Tropical Juicing Kit with Ginger is a finalist for Best New Fruit Product in the 2016 Produce Innovation Awards competition, which will be on display and available to vote for on the show floor. 

Those visiting United Fresh can see more from both Calavo and RFG at booth #1226, June 21st and 22nd. Happy tasting!

Calavo Growers Renaissance Foods Intense Tomato

UNITED STATES, SOUTH AFRICA, & SOUTH AMERICA – Summer is heating up, and as consumers turn to citrus for their on-trend methods of cooling down, I took a moment to peek in on the state of the current lemon market. 

“This year’s lemon crop has been strong,” Joan Wickham, Director of Communications at Sunkist Growers, tells me. “We’re expecting good supply with excellent juice content and flavor, as we head into the summer months when demand rises with summer entertaining.” 

Growing out of California and Arizona, Sunkist is able to ship lemons year-round, both nationally and globally sourced, which Joan says is only aided by the rising market demand over the past few years, “According to IRI/Freshlook data, domestic lemon sales are up over 10% in dollars this year, compared to last, and 8% in volume.”

To match this rising consumer demand for lemons, Sunkist is customizing its programming and materials to best fit the needs of retailers, such as lemonade displays featuring lemonade ingredients, or lemon use with products from other grocery departments. 

“We also have new, one-pound organic lemon netbag, and Meyer lemon pouch bag this summer. These packaging offer a great way for consumers to try smaller quantities of specialty lemon varieties,” finishes Joan. 

Monique Bienvenue, Director of Communications, tells me that Bee Sweet Citrus is also gearing up for a fruitful season. “The market is very strong right now,” Monique says. “It should remain that way throughout the remainder of the season, and just like last year, we’re seeing exceptional quality.” 

Bee Sweet is growing out of California and Chile this year, and expects a steady supply with no gaps in its lemon program. “Chilean volume is about the same this year, and came a bit early. The only real difference is a larger size structure now,” Monique tells me. Bee Sweet’s domestic region is utilized year-round.

Limoneira is also gearing up for a strong season out of California, as John Chamberlain, Director of Marketing, recently divulged.

“The market is very strong this year,” John tells me. “Demand is good, and quality and pricing have matched that.” Limoneira grows in California, Arizona, Chile, and South Africa, and has partnerships in Argentina, Mexico, and New Zealand. Limoneira is planning to match the strong market, and as John says, a rising consumer demand with new recipes and summer-focused promotional content.

Limoneira is currently promoting all of its regular lemons, as well as the Meyer and Seedless varieties. “Consumers and retailers can choose from a variety of sizes, grades, and packaging options during the season,” John continues. “Packages will include recipes, and information from Megan Roosevelt, Limoneira’s Lemons for Life™ spokesperson, a registered dietician and founder of Healthy Grocery Girl.”

As we continue to move through the season and beyond, stay with AndNowUKnow for the latest in market updates and promotional opportunities.

Sunkist Limoneira Bee Sweet Citrus