WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Fresh Produce Association has unveiled a new logo and redesigned website.

“January is symbolically a time for fresh starts,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “As we move into the New Year, this transition comes with a new look for our association and a new user-friendly website designed to align with our mission of providing the resources and expertise companies need to succeed.”

According to a press release, the new brand aims to elevate the Association’s mission to build a stronger connection across the United Fresh supply chain that encompasses grower-shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesaler-distributors, retail-foodservice operators, floral and industry service providers.

For the logo, the Association says that the modern elements like the halos represent those new connections, and the traditional type treatment represents the United Fresh’s history of over a century of dedication to the produce industry.

The website carries over the new designs from the logo while offering streamlined navigation, improved user functionality, enhanced search features and a robust publications library.

United Fresh

COMMERCE, CA - The winds of change are blowing at Unified Grocers.

This week, the company announced a series of important changes to its senior executive leadership team. Key among the newly appointed executives are new Executive Vice Presidents Joe Falvey and Sue Klug and new Senior Vice President Gary Herman.

"To continue our recent momentum will take imaginative and energetic leadership," explained President and CEO Bob Ling. "That means continuing to develop and add to our senior team, giving opportunities to those who have proved themselves ready to take the next step in their careers and adding the best talent from outside the company."

Having been with the company since 1999, Joe Falvey has amassed a wealth of leadership experience in the industry. As the President of Market Centre, Joe worked to grow the company's organic, natural, and ethnic food categories and drive new sales.

Sue Klug joined Unified Grocers in 2012 as the company's Chief Marketing Officer. In her new role, she will be responsible for Strategic Sourcing and Real Estate as well as taking a leadership role in strategic planning.

As Chief Information Officer, Gary Herman has been working with Unified Grocers since 2000. According to a press release, he has been responsible for the company's Information Services function in addition to maintaining its logistics systems and extranet systems.

"Joe, Sue and Gary have proven track records of delivering solid results for our organization," said Ling. "All are dynamic leaders whose vision and passion have helped drive Unified's recent successes. They will play important roles in driving the next phase of the company's growth."

In addition to the three already discussed, Unified Grocers has also promoted and hired a number of fresh faces to key positions including:

• Mike Brown, Vice President of Retail Services: Mike will be in charge of all Retail Services, including Merchandising, Advertising, Retail Pricing, Consumer Insights, and Retail Technology.
• Blake Larson, Vice President, Accounting: Blake will be tasked with operational analysis, accounts payable and internal accounting and reporting.
• Keith Miller, Vice President, Market Centre Operations: Keith will be in charge of procurement for Specialty/Gourmet, Hispanic, Natural, General Merchandise and Health/Beauty/Wellness for Market Centre.
• Ray Van Wetten, Vice President of Sales for the Pacific Northwest: Ray will be responsible for driving sales growth in the Pacific Northwest marketplace.
• Gregg Bostick, Vice President, Logistics: Gregg will be in charge of Unified's company-wide distribution, transportation and maintenance functions, including developing key logistics and distribution strategies.

While announcing these changes, Bob Ling also took a moment to thank retiring Vice President of Real Estate Gary Hammett for his service to the company.

"Gary has contributed a tremendous amount in a distinguished 15-year career with Unified," he shared. "His contributions will continue to serve us well into the future."

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more breaking news on the movers and shakers making an impact in the fresh produce industry.

Unified Grocers

TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) is expanding its consumer educational campaign, “Produce Made Simple,” after a significant growth in content and followers in 2014.

Ian MacKenzie, President of the OPMA, commented, “This initiative has become incredibly successful, very quickly and continues to grow exponentially. We’ve had great support form both trade members as well as contributors in 2014.”

According to a press release, the campaign is comprised of a website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest site, and a new Instagram account. Consumers can access daily updates on how to select, prepare and store an extensive range of fruits and vegetables.

Ian added, “The Produce Made Simple campaign certainly supports our objective to promote the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and we have big plans to continue its growth in 2015. We encourage our trade partners to reach out to see how they can get involved, with both content for the campaign as well as media plans and giveaways associated with it.”

OPMA has worked with trade members, respected food bloggers, photographers, nutritionists, and celebrity chefs to ensure that new content and recipes are well researched and of the highest standard.

Produce Made Simple

OPMA

COLUMBUS, OH - With its new Veggie Slider, White Castle is beckoning veggie lovers to the drive-through.

“We are pleased to continue the tradition of offering customers what they crave – the highest quality food, served hot and tasty,” said Jamie Richardson, White Castle Vice President. “The Veggie Sliders offer Cravers an incredible new taste experience that’s different from any other sandwich on our menu.”

The veggie burgers are made with a mixture of vegetables including carrots, zucchini, peas, spinach, broccoli, according to a press release. White Castle lovers can enjoy them with either honey mustard, ranch or sweet Thai sauce.

Having debuted nationally on December 30th, the culinary creation has drawn equal measures of praise and criticism, according to the Huffington Post. With the numbers of vegetarian-minded eaters increasing every year, produce has become a big player even in the fast food circuit. Many who recognize this trend have applauded White Castle's attempt to cater to a wider audience.

The Veggie Slider is between 150-270 calories. In comparison, a classic slider is 140 calories (160 calories with cheese).

Is this latest product release from White Castle a sign of a larger industry trend? Between Chipotle's Sofritas, Burger King's veggie burger, and the rise of Cuties as a McDonald's staple, produce seems to be becoming a much bigger player in fast food establishments.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to track the latest trends of product innovations impacting the fresh produce industry.

White Castle

PELION, SC - WP Rawl’s processing capabilities are about to get a huge boost thanks to a new set of upgrades to its leafy greens production lines.

The revamp, expected to be completed over the next few months, is expected to nearly double its current capabilities. The updates will help WP Rawl’s lines run at a higher efficiency, allowing for increased production and the maximum in food safety.

“Everything we do at WP Rawl, we do with the consumer in mind,” said Jim Zurbey, Director of Plant Operations. “Our overall efficiency and product quality will benefit from this state-of-the-art revamp, which ultimately benefits our customers and the end consumer.”

The newly installed production lines feature the most current and up-to-date processing in the fresh-cut industry, including a two-step wash process and fresh water rinse prior to drying and packaging. This thorough washing and cleaning ensures that the nutrients, flavor, and color and delivered to the consumer without compromise and without damage to the leaf structure, according to a press release.

Business will continue as usual during the upgrades.

WP Rawl

LINDSAY, CA – LoBue Citrus’ Heritage Reserve Navel Oranges are returning in February at select U.S. retailers for a limited time.

“The flavor of Heritage Reserve Navel Oranges is unsurpassed by any other and consumers agree with many declaring them the best oranges they’ve ever tasted,” says Norm Gatineau, VP of Sales and Marketing at LoBue Citrus.

According to a press release, these oranges come from California’s earliest citrus groves that are located in a unique sub-section of California’s Central Valley citrus growing region. The groves date back to 1898 to the original Washington-variety bud wood and have never been replanted. 

The company attributes the success in its sustained productivity of the groves to a micro-climate and sandy soils that are unique to the region.

“I’m really flattered that our competitors have chosen to follow us because we think flavor is incredibly important to increase consumption of oranges,” says Gatineau. “As a family-owned business always in pursuit of the most flavorful varieties, we are proud to be the original company that brought these to market.”

Heritage Reserve Navel Oranges are graded tightly for optimal flavor and packed to order. LoBue supports the program at retail with high graphic packaging, point-of-sale materials, merchandise bins, blogger partnerships and social media.

LoBue Citrus

PLEASANTON, CA & BOISE, ID - With Albertsons' merger with Safeway expected to close in the near future, sources tell us that the company has announced the names of its Assistant Sales Managers and Marketing team for the Southern California Albertsons/Vons go-forward company.

This news was headlined by a number of key produce industry personnel, such as:

• Paul Anderson – Assistant Sales Manager, Produce: A 26 year veteran with Albertsons, Paul began his career with the company as a produce clerk. He rose through the ranks quickly, spending time as Produce Manager, Produce Ops Specialist, Merchandising Execution Manager, Assistant Category Manger, Sales & Merchandising Manager, and Floral Sales Manager before being named to his current position.
• Rick Cruz – Assistant Sales Manager, Produce: A 35 year industry veteran, Rick has worked for Albertsons as a Produce Specialist, Pavilions Produce Merchandiser, Pavilions Sales Manager, Produce Field Merchandiser, relieve Category Buyer for GM/HABA, and Manager of Division Operations for Produce.
• Jackie Jackson – Assistant Sales Manager, Produce: Jackie has worked for Albertsons for 23 years. She has served as Department Manager, Assistant Store Director, Store Director as well as Produce, Bakery, and HHB Operational Specialist during her time with the company.
• Sheryl Salazar – Assistant Sales Manager, Produce: A 22 year veteran with the company, Sheryl has served in a variety of positions. These positions include Store Director, Operations Specialist, and Division Front End & Customer Satisfaction.
• Pat Oneill – Assistant Sales Manager, Produce: After beginning his career with Lucky's 37 years ago as a courtesy clerk, Pat would go on to serve as Produce Manager for Lucky's and Albertsons' Produce Operational Specialist.

The rest of the members of the new Safeway/Albertsons team include:

• Jerry Calvert - Assistant Sales Manager, Grocery
• Cher Cech – Assistant Sales Manager, Grocery
• Susan Covarrubias – Assistant Sales Manager, Grocery
• Bryan Davis – Assistant Sales Manager, Grocery
• Kathy Flores – Assistant Sales Manager, Grocery
• Kevin Jackson – Assistant Sales Manager, Grocery
• Scott Miller – Assistant Sales Manager, Grocery/Fuel
• Miriam Welch – Assistant Sales Manager, Grocery
• Amber Briggs – Assistant Sales Manager, Total Alcohol Beverage
• Patrick Briones – Assistant Sales Manager, Total Alcohol Beverage
• Henry Wong – Assistant Sales Manager, Total Alcohol Beverage
• Don Hansen – Assistant Sales Manager, General Merchandise
• John Harb – Assistant Sales Manager, General Merchandise
• Linda Weaver – Assistant Sales Manager General Merchandise
• Sadie Orozco-Assistant Sales Manager, Own Brands
• Mark Angulo – Assistant Sales Manager, Meat and Seafood
• Chris Brown – Assistant Sales Manager Meat Deli
• Randy Roberts - Assistant Sales Manager Meat
• Ray Santiago – Assistant Sales Manager, Meat
• Gavin Schlesinger – Assistant Sales Manager, Meat
• Freda Roussell – Assistant Sales Manager, Bakery
• Roni Tharp – Assistant Sales Manager, Bakery
• Diana Willman – Assistant Sales Manager, Bakery
• Tamara Brunt- Assistant Sales Manager Service Deli
• Essy Hormozian – Service Deli Assistant Sales Manager
• Danelle Macias-Assistant Service Deli Sales Manager
• Ron Fester – Reset Manager
• Joseph Hoang - Marketing Analyst

News of the emerging Safeway/Albertsons leadership team has been in the headlines for months. Late last year, for instance, Safeway/Albertsons named the members of its Corporate and Regional teams in addition to the members of its executive leadership team.

Earlier this month, the members of Northern California Merchandising and Marketing Leadership Team were also announced, with Produce Sales Manager Robby Cruz and Bakery Sales Manager Jerry Decker being appointed to the team. 

As the combined company continues to take shape, more names are sure to follow. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

Safeway

Albertsons

PERU – Fruit exports from Peru have grown exponentially from 2002-2013, with grapes and mangoes taking the lead.

The total volume of exports from that country increased 805.4% in that timeframe. According to Proexpansión, this number is equivalent to an annual average growth of 22.2%.

As for 2014, the value of exports greatly increased over 2013. From January to November 2014, exports of fruits from Peru totaled $1,296,700,000, a 45% increase over the previous year.

Looking over the 11 year span, it is interesting to see which fruits have either increased or decreased as overall exports have grown. Though mangos remain a top export, they have decreased from 44% in 2002 to 20.5% currently. Other notable changes include:

• Grapes increased its share to 39.1%
• Avocados increased to 15.8%
• Bananas decreased to 6.1%
• Mandarins decreased to 4.1% 

Peru is also seeing a boom in blueberry exports. Last year, its total export value reached $24.3 million, a large increase over the $17.3 million in 2013. According to Proexpansión, blueberry exports have grown 36 times between 2012-2014.

The top importers of Peruvian fruit are the United States, the Netherlands, U.K., Hong Kong, China and Spain, respectively.

With these increases in its export market, Peru is positioning itselt to be a global agricultural player.

TAMPA, FL - Westmoreland Sales Group has signed a two-year contract with IFCO SYSTEMS. With the conclusion of negotiations for the deal, Westmoreland will now be shipping all TopLine brand tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers from its distribution centers in Ontario and Michigan using IFCO RPCs.

According to a press release, IFCO's strong track record for customer service and food safety were key factors in the decision making process. IFCO's relative proximity to Westmoreland's facilities, speed of response time and ability to meet the company's demand for RPCs were also heavily considered.

“We are working with IFCO to ensure our TopLine products arrive to our retail customers in the best possible condition while lowering costs through the supply chain,” shared Brian W. Blommaert, CEO of Westmoreland Sales Group. “The IFCO RPC solution also supports Westmoreland’s commitment to the environment by helping to reduce the number of cardboard boxes used.”

“Westmoreland is a great partner, and we are pleased the company is using IFCO RPCs to deliver high quality product to retailers in the US and Canada,” agreed Dan Walsh, President of IFCO North America. “We are constantly developing new solutions to address specific opportunities at companies like Westmoreland, and their move to our program is proof that trading partners and consumers benefit from working toward the common goal of greater service and safety.”

Going forward, IFCO will be taking charge of all RPC logistics services for Westmoreland, from distribution to cleaning to re-entry into the supply chain.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to track the lastest partnerships and deals in the fresh produce industry.

IFCO

Westmoreland Sales Group

Longo’s and Mastronardi Produce have teamed up for a new Local Winter Produce Program co-branded SUNSET® and “Taste Ontario – Sourced by Longo’s.” 

This new initiative features fresh and flavorful Ontario tomatoes and mini cucumbers, now being marketed with their ‘available all year long’ convenience – even during the winter.  The SUNSET® and Longo’s partnership offers consumers the benefit of reduced food miles on their produce with locally grown cucumbers and fresh tomatoes that are vine-ripened and hand-picked for superior quality and flavor. 

Longo’s is committed to showcasing Ontario-sourced products and the benefits of local produce. Dedicated to growing flavorful greenhouse produce all year round, SUNSET® sees this venture as a great opportunity to educate consumers on the benefits of greenhouse growing.

Check out the video above for a look at Longo's and Mastronardi Produce's new Local Winter Produce Program!

SUNSET®

Longo's