LAKELAND, FL – Publix is moving ahead with an expansion project for its 200,000-sq.-ft. facility in Lakeland, FL, after getting approval from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. 

According to its application with the county, Publix is prepared to spend $16 million on the expansion, and will now be able to expand at a faster rate due to receiving a three-year property tax break from the Board. 

"As we open new stores, it has a direct impact on the capacity of our manufacturing facilities," said Brian West, Media and Community Relations Manager for the retailer, in a statement to The Ledger. “The expansion will allow us to take on future growth and to try new products as well." 

The $151,527 tax break from Polk County will allow Publix to jumpstart its already planned Florida expansion resulting in increased coverage to consumers in the area, specifically with the company's Deli Kitchen plans.

“It's only prudent that Publix would ask for a tax break,” independent Supermarket Consultant David Livingston said to The Ledger. “For Lakeland, it's better to have these projects go local and not go to someplace out of the state.”

In exchange for the property tax break from the county, Publix has pledged to fill at least 25 new full-time jobs at the facility. The company agreed to compesate the roles with a minimum pay of the average annual wage reported for 2014 in Polk County, if not more.

“Publix is expanding rapidly into the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, so expect to see more of these kinds of projects," finished Livingston.

As we reported previously, Publix entered the Virginia market with 2 new stores in February. Last month, Publix hired a prominent Washington, D.C. real estate broker, fueling speculation about a debut in the nation’s capitol. 

Aside from its current plans for growth and expansion, Publix currently operates more than 1,100 stores across seven states.

We’ll keep you updated on all the latest Publix developments at AndNowUKnow.

Publix

RIO RICO, AZ- SunFed is continuing to help boost organic growth in produce departments with expansions across its programs in Mexico’s fertile growing regions. This year the company will be shipping organic Roma tomatoes as well as bell peppers with an eye on enhanced sustainability practices and technologies. 

As SunFed invests in increasing its product offerings, the company will also be expanding its organic distribution with product available through both Nogales Arizona, and its operations in South Texas over the coming months. 

New developments in state-of-the-art protected agriculture technology are allowing SunFed growers to tap into the resources within their different growing climates while adapting new and exciting sustainability practices. 

“Our growers try to take advantage of every natural resource available to them, and work hand-in-hand with Mother Nature everyday. From proprietary greenhouse coverings to developments in organic soil applicants and climate control, our family of growers is always looking for new ways to define organic growing,” Brett Burdsal, Vice President of Marketing, tells me. 

When a plant is introduced to the right balance of energy and more uniform light, SunFeds’ growers are able to produce a better quality vegetable, with thicker walls, a longer shelf life, and amazing flavor.

“It is remarkable what revolutionary new technologies allow us to utilize the individual benefits of each of these micro-climates.  For instance, when energy, UV, infrared, are filtered to allow the right quality and quantity, you create the ideal environment to grow a high-quality vegetable,” Brett adds.

Not only is the environment for the plant better, but for the growers and team members as well.  As much as 98% of what is grown by SunFed partners ends up in the company’s boxes and the team attributes that to an overall balance between the workforce, the health of the land, and what gets translated to the plant.

“Each of our growers have found different ways to diversify their operations while remaining stewards of the land.  One of our partners built reservoirs around his operation in which they harvest and grow sweet water shrimp and fish. The nitrogen-rich water is used to keep the surrounding forests and soil rich and supported, an aside from the organically-maintained greenhouses themselves,” Brett says. “The reservoirs also balance the dryness of the climate and reflect more sunlight for the plants in the fall and winter months.  Essentially, they have surrounded themselves with water and a carefully balanced eco-system.” 

The ever-innovative team at SunFed also offers retail partners merchandising support and marketing materials to extend the story of SunFed to the produce floor as well.  Romas and bells peppers will be shipped under the company’s Perfect Organic^® labels, which promote the USDA certified-organic nature of SunFed items and ensure the produce is rung up correctly and with ease at the register.

“While challenges with items rung-up incorrectly at the register may persist, SunFed is going the extra mile to help retailers identify products at checkout,” Brett adds. “Reports show that up to 40+% of organic product is misrung at the register, and we feel our produce with their wide, eye-catching organic bands will cut that significantly down.” 

With the growing demand for organic fresh produce on an upward trajectory, we are sure to see more of SunFed’s continued evolution as 2016 rolls on.

SunFed

SAN DIEGO, CA- The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference is just days away and with a mission to cultivate women’s potential, sharpen business acumen, and further develop leadership potential and more, it is proving to be an event not to be missed.  Women in all stages of their career have been invited to attend, from buyers and suppliers to media and writers like myself. 

Previously, we published a Q&A with Co-Chair, Jill Overdorf, who shared her insights on the upcoming event. As we look to pack our bags over the coming days, I decided to inquire with Alex Jackson, Sales Account Manager, Frieda’s Specialty Produce and Co-Chair of the program, about what we can expect and why this event is truly a one-of-a-kind. See you all on April 17th!

Q: Speaking to first time attendees and fresh faces, what advice can you give them on making the most of this event?  What misconceptions might they have coming in that we can address?

Alex: You will meet women with truly different backgrounds in produce and in their professional careers. You will also always meet someone who either has the same background, the same experience or inexperience in produce, the same personal development goals, or even the same kind of boss you’re trying to work better with.

Some attendees may have never been to an industry event or conference outside of their company before, so shyness isn’t rare here! Go in knowing that there are other people who may be nervous or unsure of what the experience will be like, and those are the people you connect with in the end – and keep in touch with throughout the years. I relate it to being a freshman in college… everyone is eager to meet people and make friends, so you’re not going to embarrass yourself or be different by talking to a stranger!

My other piece of advice is to not be afraid to ask questions of the women in your breakout sessions, at your table, or even the speakers. If you hear a woman make a great point or ask a question in a breakout session and you have something in common or want to ask more, go up to her and engage! One of the benefits of the three tracks is being with women you can relate to.

Q:  What have you taken away from your experiences at the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference? How have you personally grown from these events?

Alex: Each year, I meet one to two women in a breakout session or at my table at a general session who I really connect with that I would have never met at a tradeshow or cocktail reception. These women always come from different professional and personal backgrounds than me, but we have something in common to relate to. These women become mentors and friends.

One of my favorite speakers, Stacy Blake-Beard, really inspired me two years ago with some thought-provoking questions about where I want to be with my career and how to own it. I am so excited she is returning this year, because I know she is going to have the same impact on all of the women attending this year’s conference.

Q: Why is an event like this so important to our industry and to women in produce?

Alex: I think the most important part of this conference is the environment it cultivates for learning and engaging. Having it exclusively be for women allows the content to be specific, so women can actually take it back with them and make the changes they want to make instead of trying to translate it into the women’s lens. Also, having it be only women in the room breaks down walls and allows all attendees to submerse themselves in the content and not be distracted by doing business, meeting customers, etc.

Q: What are some of the key issues and discussions that this year’s conference will address?

Alex: The Power of Diversity and Inclusion with Stacy Blake-Beard is one session I am very excited for. For one, I respect Stacy immensely and am excited to keep learning from her. But also, I work in an environment with people from different generations, with different personalities and backgrounds, like many of us in produce. Millennials coming into an industry with many Gen-X and Baby Boomers need to learn how to address diversity in our organizations, with diversity having many definitions. 

Q: Are there any new elements to the program this year or key events not-to-be-missed?

Alex: I am very excited to be able to offer all of the women at the conference an opportunity to see the documentary made about Frieda Caplan, the founder of Frieda’s Specialty Produce. She came into this industry when it was a male-dominated one, and owned and ran a business in a category that didn’t exist in produce. Throughout the conference, we are going to be discussing diversity, achieving personal goals in your career, and managing gender perceptions. “Fear No Fruit” covers Frieda and her daughters’ real life experiences of managing through these challenges and topics. The film has received praise because of how inspiring it is to women, students as well as men in the produce industry. The women at the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference will no doubt feel inspired by this film.

The countdown is on!  See you all in San Diego on the 17th!

Frieda's Inc Women's Fresh Perspectives

UNITED STATES - Results are in for America’s favorite grocery store. At least according to Customer insights firm Market Force Information.  The new set of grocery rankings polled more than 10,000 people. The rankings were based on a composite loyalty index with criteria that included satisfaction with the food quality, checkout speed, value and customer service. The top spot went to Wegmans, with Publix as a close second and Trader Joe’s (the previous top spot holder) at third.

Wegmans took the crown with a loyalty rating of 76 percent, according to an article by CNBC, with Publix scoring a 75 percent rating and Trader Joe's with 73 percent. Coming in at the fourth spot was Hy-Vee Food Stores with a loyalty score of 68 percent.

These recent survey results mark a change for Trader Joe’s, who has held the top spot for four years.

We often report on the competitive grocery industry as retailers strive to address the growing needs and changing behaviors of the consumer. Demographics evolve the palates of families and communities and the new generation of shoppers straddle a demand for more accessible food options and new technologies. 

How do you keep up?  It would probably be a good idea to ask a couple questions of these top chains. On the other side of the coin and particularly noticeable this year is the stat that one in five consumers reported that they would not recommend their grocer to a friend or even a colleague. On the other hand, only 4.3 percent of customers considered switching grocers, according to Market Force Information.

Cheryl Flink, Chief Strategy Officer of Market Force, told CNBC "When you look at the top brands, I do want to be clear that the top three — Wegmans, Publix, Trader Joe's — they are very, very competitive.”

She went on to tell CNBC, “There is hardly any difference in between the three of them."

I’d be curious to know what the industry thinks.

Flink added, "Trader Joe's has not gone backwards on service," explaining that competitors have improved on this issue.

Flink attributes Wegmans move to the top spot as testament to the retailers success from offering specialty items and brands to its quick cash-out shopping experience.

One of the biggest trends we’ve noted in recent years is a trend towards prepared meals at retail and, Flink notes, that some two-thirds of respondents reported that they purchase prepared foods at least once a month. Also, 19 percent making these purchases once per week.

"The grocers are putting time and effort in this idea of ready-to-eat," Flink said, explaining that consumers are seeking convenience, an alternative for dining out, and food quality.

Coming up the ranks in terms of competition are fresh concepts like Blue Apron, offering ready-to-cook items, Flink adds.

Congratulations to the top runners for this year’s customer insights survey from Market Force Information. Stay tuned as we bring you more on the competitive grocery industry.

Trader Joe's Wegmans Market Force Information

CANADA - Prince Edward Island is the “Idaho of Canada” when it comes to the country’s potato growing, Mid Isle Farms’ Jennifer Harris, Director of Sales and Marketing for the company, tells me as she explains the region’s stake in the company’s category.

In the middle of it, Mid Isle Farms has its eye on further growth and evolution.

“There's a lot going on, and CPMA is a great gateway into the western region where demand for PEI potatoes has risen as many eastern consumers have gone there for work,” Jennifer tells me, explaining that the company actually has an entirely new brand launching in the fall.  

The FoodTrust brand, she explains, will reflect the company’s concern for, and loyalty to, the consumer, environment, and community.

“We recently acquired the Food Trust company and its focus has been on sustainability and working closer with the grower- something we believe in."

In addition to the successful offerings at retail within the last few years which have helped bolster customer loyalty, such as the Yukon Russet and Vales Sovereign, Jennifer tells me that Mid Isle Farms has also added to its technological capabilities in order to offer a safer and more secure product.

“We had experienced what is, in our opinion, food terrorism towards the PEI potato industry. We decided, instead of being victims of these attacks, we would be leaders and we installed a state-of-the-art X-ray machine to monitor all products and guarantee safety.”

Jennifer adds that the company is well-positioned for further growth, “We want to go above and beyond for our customers, and we look forward to showing that to those we meet at CPMA.”

Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we continue to maintain a pulse on the growth of all North American produce companies and their impact on the industry.

Mid Isle Farms

CALIFORNIA - It has been a couple days since we shared the news about the recent California land grab by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for $175 million worth of real estate in Northern California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. And the conversation around this purchase is continuing to remain a heated dialogue.

As we previously reported, Metropolitan shared Monday that it has inked a 103-page contract to purchase five agricultural Delta islands from Delta Wetlands Properties. Delta landowners and Northern California officials are none too happy.

According to an article by KQED, even within Metropolitan, the $175 million purchase remains controversial. Two of Metropolitan’s own members - Los Angeles and San Diego – have opposed the sale, as well as Santa Monica. Metropolitan’s executive board is slated to revisit the contract later this month, at a special meeting called for April 26th, as a result of a debate at a meeting in March.

The Delta land is being sold to Metropolitan by Zurich American, a subsidiary of a Swiss insurance company, in a deal that ecompasses 20,000 acres, including Bacon Island, Bouldin Island, Webb Tract, most of Holland Tract and a piece of Chipps Island.

“Metropolitan Water District is positioning itself so that it can have as much water as it wants to export in a watershed that is actually in decline because of climate change,” Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director of Restore the Delta was cited by KQED as saying.

While Jeff Kightlinger, Metropolitan’s General Manager, denies this.

“It’s not a water grab there, in the sense of getting more.” Knightlinger says, “our water supply depends on a healthy functioning delta ecosystem, and we don’t have that.”

Metropolitan is also the major financial backer of the California WaterFix which is Gov. Jerry Brown’s $15.5 billion plan to re-engineer the Delta’s plumbing system by building a pair of underground tunnels.

Purchasing the land could help get those tunnels built, Kightlinger acknowledges, which could “head off” potential eminent domain fights over access to the route. Knightlinger does note that the deal wouldn’t dramatically increase the populous South’s rights to Northern California water.

“It actually just makes it safer and more effective to move that water,” he is quoted in the article as saying.

Zurich American, the current owner, has sought to use some of the land for water storage and marketing. While Metropolitan notes water storage isn’t under consideration.

It is suggested that the land could possibly serve as “staging areas” for the Governor’s WaterFix program, and storage for construction materials and the tunnels could wriggle under Bacon and Bouldin Islands. From where Kightlinger stands, he notes that it’s preferable to an agricultural use.

“Every year there is further farming causing these islands to shrink and subside, and as they subside they become a threat to the entire state of California,” he says.

Delta interests disagree. The article notes that Stockton lawyers George V. Hermann and Dante Nomellini say that restrictions on land use in existing covenants may be able to block Metropolitan’s plans.

Nomellini represents neighbors to the island in the Central Delta Water Agency and says that Zurich American inked agreements in 2013, restricting activity on the land which included conditions that could keep the tunnels out of the area. Nomellini suggests those signed agreements should be honored fully.

“What I want is, I want the new buyer to sign our settlement agreement,” Nomellini says.

At this point in time, according to KQED, Metropolitan has not called Hermann or Nomellini to discuss the issues. For Kightlinger, since Southern California’s land use plans in the Delta don’t include reservoirs, the agreements that arose from a dispute related to reservoirs do not apply.

Those representing Delta interests as well as elected officials from Northern California are continuing to protest passionately.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you updated on this situations and others, as things progress.

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Against the backdrop of the 2016 CPMA Convention in Calgary, Oppy announced the promotion of Steve Young as its Sales Director for Canada. Young will oversee its Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto sales teams and lead the company’s Canadian sales strategy.

Young has been with Oppy since 2008, first as a Sales Rep in Vancouver and later as the Sales Manager in Calgary. He will return to Vancouver in August to assume his new role in the company.

“Steve built and led a high-performing team while in Calgary,” said Walt Breeden, Vice President of Canadian Sales, adding “We’re looking forward to having him back in Vancouver where he can contribute even more to our overall Canadian strategy.”

Young expressed his excitement to spearhead Oppy’s growth initiatives. “Oppy’s Canadian business has been growing at a remarkable pace,” Young said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to supporting that momentum and discovering new opportunities for our growers and their products in the market.”

Young is a member of the CPMA Board, and the 2014 recipient of the CPMA’s Mary Fitzgerald Award honoring young leaders in the industry.

Keep track of the industry's leadership changes on AndNowUKnow.

Oppy 

CHELAN, WA - In a new partnership move, Chelan Fresh announced that it will begin to distribute apples and pears from longtime Washington grower, Crane and Crane. Chelan will begin marketing Crane and Crane’s traditional varieties in fall of this year. 

Tom Riggan, CEO of Chelan Fresh, commented in a press release, “We have been close friends with Crane and Crane for many years, and we know the outstanding quality of their fruit and their people. Together we can deliver additional volume to our customers who demand excellence." 

Crane and Crane is a family-owned business that has been growing in the Northern Washington area for near to 100 years. The Crane family said that they hope to leverage Chelan’s extensive distribution network to increase its market presence.  

“We have chosen to join forces in marketing our fruit with our longtime neighbors in the northern district of Washington State through Chelan Fresh,” said Rachel Crane Sullivan, the fifth-generation family President of Crane and Crane. “Our high-elevation location allows Crane and Crane to produce firm, high-quality fruit that fits well in the Chelan Fresh program.”   

In addition to apple and pear distribution through Chelan Fresh, Crane and Crane will continue to market its ENZA club varities through channels that are exclusive to them. 

You can continue to harvest the best of produce business news with AndNowUKnow.

Chelan Fresh

SALINAS, CA - As always, the market is constantly keeping fresh produce industry members across the board on their toes. And as the transition between the desert growing regions to Salinas, California is wrapping up, that is definitely so. Broccoli is a category that has definitely been in flux in recent months and as shippers tell me, the market could possibly firm up in the next couple weeks but recent rains could also bring on more volumes. I spoke with Ippolito and Tanimura & Antle who gave me the 411 on the recent conditions.

Ippolito’s Broccoli Manager, Bill Vargas, tells me, “We were split between Yuma and Salinas last week on broccoli as we wrapped up and Yuma had been heavier than Salinas on production in terms of supplies. Demand this week will improve as more orders will be transitioning north for us. With our current contract base, orders will transition to Salinas starting this week and will give us a solid base to work from, and should allow pricing to improve as we move forward.”

For Ippolito, sizing was a little irregular the first week, but Ippolito is reporting that while production can be up and down, the team sees that improving as the season gets going for Salinas.

Bill talks to me about the interesting dynamic between the two regions and how it essentially affects the day-to-day sales models, “Demand has been steady here in Salinas this week, Yuma had the better demand due to lighter representation of product in the desert. It has allowed us to firm up our pricing when we have had to be more flexible in Salinas to attract customers.”

Growers tell us that another thing that may affect the market could be that the Central San Joaquin Valley has been finishing up with possible lighter supplies coming out of Santa Maria as well.

But as it always goes, growers have to see how the week plays out and what Mother Nature has in store next.

Janelle Seebeck Commodity Manager for Tanimura & Antle tells me that the company has been back in Salinas 100% for a few weeks now and finished Yuma pretty abruptly and moved right to Salinas without much of an overlap.  

“We did gap on broccoli for a few days,” Janelle notes. “Broccoli supply is right on point for the next couple weeks for us with growing demand and with no large dips expected as of now. But, things can always change.”

When I ask her if she has noted any challenges thus far in terms of weather, Janelle tells me that T&A doesn’t anticipate any issues right now but reiterates that things can truly change on the span of a week.

“Our broccoli guys are troopers and the rain doesn't affect them much as far as harvesting goes. If anything, it may bring on a bit more product,” Janelle says. “So, look for promotional opportunities up ahead.”

With Salinas production underway for the spring and summer months, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow the categories in California. 

Ippolito Tanimura & Antle

IDAHO FALLS, ID- The Vidalia® onion pack date is quickly approaching and Potandon Produce is gearing up for a promising 2016 season. The company debuted a new look for its packaging last season for its vertical full-panel bag, and the change has been a key enhancement in driving Potandon’s growth.

“This year’s crop is one of the best looking crops we have seen,” said Chris Woo, Onion Sales Manager.  Potandon is expecting the season’s Vidalia onion crop to be about three times larger than last year, according to a press release.  

One of the most significant contributors to Potandon’s program is the bagged onion segment which drives sales through the strength of the Green Giant™ brand and in the marketplace. Potandon is the exclusive marketing agent for the Green Giant™ brand of fresh potatoes and onions.

“The Green Giant™ logo and eye-catching graphics make this onion bag an instant favorite with retailers, especially those who already have Green Giant™ potato program,” said Ralph Schwartz, Vice President of Marketing, Sales, & Innovation. 

Potandon will start shipping on the official start date for the season, Monday April 25th. These consumer bags are currently available in 2#, 3#, 4#, or 5# packs. Stickered jumbo and colossal Vidalia® onions are available in 40# cartons and 50# sacks.  

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as the Vidalia onion season heats up.

Potandon Produce