LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Keeping in line with the Rosh Hashanah tradition of trying a new fruit to celebrate the “new year,” Frieda’s Specialty Produce is encouraging retailers and foodservice to stock up on specialty fruits.

“We are ecstatic to hear that during Rosh Hashanah our clients who serve the Jewish communities see a definite uptick in their produce sales, especially in fruits,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s. “Early fall is a great time for tropical fruits, and we have a great supply of Baby Kiwifruit, Rambutan, Asian Pear, Dragon Fruit, Red Cactus Pear, Carob Pod, and Jackfruit.”

In a press release, Caplan also recommended cross-merchandising Organic Heirloom Apples with honey in the produce department to keep in line with the tradition of dipping apples in honey for a sweet new year. 

In addition to new fruits, the traditional Medjool Dates, Raisins on the Vine, Pomegranates and Pomegranate Arils are also in demand.

Rosh Hashanah, a celebration of the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on September 24 and ends on the evening of September 26.

Frieda’s Specialty Produce

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sun World is planning to introduce two new proprietary grape varieties in 2015. These new varieties include an ultra early black seedless grape that will be the earliest grape to be harvested out of California, and a mid-season red seedless grape that will be an incredible alternative to some of the varieties in the marketplace during the domestic grape season.  

Gordon Robertson, Sun World's Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, tells AndNowUKnow, “These new varieties, along with our recently introduced late season AutumnCrisp® and Adora Seedless® brand grapes, are part of a very aggressive growth strategy we have put into place to almost double our volume in the next two to five years to provide our customers with a consistent supply of proprietary varieties for the entire domestic grape season beginning June through December.”

Speaking on the current season, Gordon tells us that though warm temperatures are still pushing harvest times up, quality continues to be exceptional on the company’s grapes this year and he expects nothing less for its late season varieties. Demand remains strong in all markets, particularly overseas which is bringing up pricing.

Sun World currently has availabilities on all three colors of grapes. Black Seedless Midnight Beauty® brand grapes are available in promotional volumes through September with large, elongated berries, high brix, and full black color; AutumnCrisp® green grapes started harvest last week with availability running through November; and late season red Scarlotta Seedless® will begin harvest on September 15. Also newly introduced this year is the company’s late season Adora Seedless® brand grapes known for their incredible size and sweet flavor.

“Sun World has increased supplies on mid/late season varieties of green and black grapes such as AutumnCrisp®, Autumn King, Adora, and Autumn Royal, to market with Scarlotta Seedless® and meet customer demand for all three colors of grapes,” Gordon tells us.

Sun World offers a wide variety of retail support to generate excitement and share the unique story behind its branded grape varieties. These include POS signage, merchandising bins, ad romance copy and photography, as well as social media support.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue our coverage on Sun World’s latest!

Sun World

TEWKSBURY, MA - After months of controversy and empty shelves, Market Basket has made a dramatic turnaround with Arthur T. Demoulas back at the helm.

According to the Boston Globe, a day-and-night restocking initiative which Demoulas enacted as soon as he was reinstated has resulted in 2.3 million cases of beef, poultry, and seafood and 1.65 million cases of nonperishables being shipped in just seven days. Friday alone saw 88 tractor-trailers stocked with produce pull up into stores across New England.

“Sales are already at 100 percent of where they were last year,” Arthur T. shared. “Bakery, produce, and meat are mostly in. Everyone just got to it and worked as hard as they could.”

With these successes under its wing, what's next for Market Basket?

Demoulas says his first priority will be to stabilize Market Basket's finances and finalize the $1.6 billion purchase of shares with the rival side of his family led by Arthur S. Demoulas. There is also the matter of paying off the $1.3 billion worth of debt that will be incurred in this transaction, a burden which Demoulas has acknowledged could limit the rate of Market Basket's expansion in coming years.

Despite the challenges, Arthur T. Demoulas remains committed to the core of Market Basket's business, especially the discount pricing model that has won the retailer the many successes it has so far enjoyed.

“Every retailer has to stand for something,” Demoulas said. “We’re very much grounded in the basic philosophy of driving the ‘more for your dollar’ business model. That’s really something we live by every day.”

“We keep it as simple as possible for people,” he continued. “We keep costs low and quality high. We keep the stores clean and offer service with a smile. And if at the end of the day you have some success, then you share that with the associates.”

With regards to that profit sharing plan, an annual expense in the range of tens of millions of dollars, Demoulas told the Boston Globe that he was “unwavering” in his commitment to keep the program in place.

“We don’t anticipate that any of that will change,” he said. “We’re committed to the profit sharing plan that’s been in place now since 1963.”

That unwavering commitment to the well-being of his employees is why Market Basket's employees spent the many long days of summer protesting Arthur T.'s firing. It is a humbling and heart-warming sight to see him return that loyalty which his employees have always invested in him and his family's business.

Congratulations on the September successes, Market Basket!

Market Basket 

SIDNEY, OH – Freshway Foods has announced the appointment of Devon Beer as the company's new President and Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Beer will be taking charge of the day-to-day operations of both Freshway Foods and Freshway Logistics, leading the execution of their strategic plans, including revenue growth and expense control initiatives.

“Devon has brought a set of standards, guiding principles, and disciplines to Freshway that have been a significant part of our growth and success during these past 14 years,” said Co-Owner Frank Gilardi. “During his time at Freshway, Devon has filled a role well beyond that of his official duties. I have confidence in his abilities and his commitment to serve our values, mission and vision as we move forward.”

Frank and his fellow Freshway Owner, Phil Gilardi, are confident that Devon will be more than up to the challenges of his new position, leaving them free to further pursue the significant growth the company has enjoyed in the previous few years. Going forward, Frank and Phil will focus on the company's strategic planning, developing key customer and supplier relationships, and exploring new business opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.

“What will not change is our focus on providing value to our customers and a positive work environment for our associates,” said Gilardi. “Devon will be supported during this transition by our team of over 400 associates, all of whom are dedicated to the success of the company.”

According to a press release, Beer is a certified public accountant with a Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University and a Master of Business Administration from The Ohio State University. He first joined Freshway Foods in 2000 as its Chief Financial Officer.

Congratulations on the new position, Devon!

Freshway Foods

Hot off the heels of its successful Kale Blast, Harvest Sensations is launching three new organic ready-to-juice items: Spinach Splash, Lemon Ginger Twist, and Cool Carrot Craze.

Each 12oz package includes pre-cut, pre-washed, ready-to-juice or blend ingredients. Try Spinach Splash for a unique blend of zucchini, spinach, celery, carrots, beets, and apples. Lemon Ginger Twist offers a zesty fusion between kale, lemons, carrots, apples, zucchini, beets, and ginger. Lastly, Cool Carrot Craze combines carrots, zucchini, chard, celery, and apples for a healthy medley that’s sure to delight.

Take the guesswork out of making an organic fresh fruit and veggie beverage. Just open the bag, place in a juicer or blender, and give them a whirl for a perfect healthy-eating solution on the go. Harvest Sensations ready to juice items are available nationwide and have a 14 day shelf life. Products have foodservice and retail applications.  

If you’d like to see your product in this video segment, please send samples to 2020 L Street, Suite 320, Sacramento, CA 95811.

Harvest Sensations

CORAL GABLES, FL – Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. is encouraging healthy eating and living during the Halloween holiday by giving away 1,000 banana costumes through its third annual “Go Bananas! Halloween Costume Giveaway.” 

Go Bananas! promotes Del Monte® premium bananas as a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional Halloween treats. 

“We have seen a tremendous amount of positive feedback from consumers and we are excited to bring the promotion back for another year,” said Dennis Christou, VP Marketing NA.  “Consumers love dressing up as bananas and it is a great opportunity to reward our loyal fans while at the same time promoting healthy Halloween treats.  We haven’t seen anyone turn down a Del Monte banana costume yet, or the chance to pose in one!  They’d all 'rather be a Del Monte banana'."

The promotion will randomly award a banana costume to 1,000 Del Monte social media fans who enter online at www.freshhalloween.com.   Plus, any users who submit photos of past Halloween costumes using the hashtag #IdRatherBeABanana, will gain an additional five entries, according to a press release.

Go Bananas! will be supported across the U.S. and Canada with secondary banana stickers, point of sale material for banana Halloween displays and through Del Monte’s social media platforms.

The promotion will run from September 15^th to October 5^th to ensure delivery in time for Halloween.

Del Monte Fresh

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Fresh Produce Association has honored Paramount Citrus as the Produce Industry Advocate of the Year this week at The Washington Conference.

United Fresh Produce Association President and CEO Tom Stenzel presented the prestigious award to David Krause, President of Paramount Citrus.

“Paramount Citrus has been a leader in the public policy arena at United for many years,” Stenzel said. “Their consistent support of United’s public policy programs, including sponsorships at The Washington Conference and United’s annual conventions, demonstrates the commitment of Paramount Citrus and their partners in the Roll Corporation for advancing produce industry priorities here in Washington, D.C.”

Paramount Citrus has been a long-time leader in the public policy arena, serving on several of United’s boards and councils, including United’s Board of Directors, according to a press release.  Executives from Paramount have also been major supporters of the United FreshPAC.

The company has consistently sponsored events at United’s annual Washington policy conference and is also a major supporter of United’s Lets Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative.

The United Fresh Produce Industry Advocate of the Year Award pays special recognition to one United Fresh member each year that serves as an advocate for the entire produce industry.  Previous winners include:

• 2013 - Del Monte Fresh Produce
• 2012 - Four Seasons Family of Companies
• 2011 - Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association; National Watermelon Association
• 2010 - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
• 2009 - Pro*Act, LLC
• 2008 - Walter P. Rawl & Sons
• 2007 - New York Apple Association, Inc.
• 2006 - Sunkist Growers, Inc.
• 2005 - L & M Companies
• 2004 - Produce for Better Health Foundation
• 2003 - Tanimura & Antle

Congratulations on the honor, Paramount Citrus!

Paramount Citrus

United Fresh

DAVIS, CA - Now with roughly 32,000 stores nationwide already a part of Engage3’s mission to provide shoppers with personalized offers, the company celebrated its latest accomplishments at the historic U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame. At the event, Mayor Dan Wolk of Davis, CA proclaimed Wednesday as ShoppingScout Day.

I joined Engage3 Co-Founders Ken and Tim Ouimet at the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, where, among the drinks and festivities, Mayor Wolk congratulated the company on its recent investment by The McClatchy Company and its efforts to engineer a new commerce model with its innovative ShoppingScout platform.

ShoppingScout is a free web and mobile application whose artificially intelligent agent, Sara, learns what a shopper intends to buy so that it can deliver an optimized shopping list that is personalized to his/her individual preferences. At the event, Engage3 introduced a live “Sara” played by an actress. This shopping list is based on the stores each user is willing to consider, their indicated product preferences, and other factors including price and health attributes such as organic and gluten-free. ShoppingScout can ultimately save a family roughly 30% on their shopping, Ken tells us.

Steve Nilan, Engage3’s SVP of Marketing, gave us a preview of their plans to use crowdsourcing to expand their store and product coverage across the country.

“Think of this as ‘Gas Buddy for grocery’ but instead of collecting three gas prices, we are incenting our users to gather prices for more than 3 million products! Crowdsourcing is a huge game changer where our ShoppingScout users make money and save money when they shop,” says Nilan.

The ShoppingScout community will be paid or rewarded in the form of a retailer’s gift card, for example, to further incentivize shoppers. In the next phase of the app, this user data will be leveraged in a revolutionary way: to negotiate with manufacturers and retailers and influence their shopping behavior both in-store and online by providing them with personalized offers.

Mayor Wolk praised Engage3 for strengthening the city’s economic vitality and commemorated the company on its ability to innovate and help consumers make better shopping decisions and healthier food choices.  

As a UC Davis alumni and Davis resident myself, it’s great to see start-up companies like Engage3 making such a huge, rapid impact in the community. I’m looking forward to see where they’ll go next with ShoppingScout and beyond.  

To learn more about Engage3's ShoppingScout app and the company's featured appearance on news broadcaster Good Day Sacramento, check out our previous story here. 

Engage3

ShoppingScout for iPhone

ShoppingScout for Android

WARWICKSHIRE, UK – Aldi has announced that it will be almost doubling its UK store base by 2021 with an expansion project which will add 470 new stores to its retail empire over the next 6 years.

"In addition to opening new stores, we are making strong investment in our behind-the-scenes operations,” said Roman Heini, Joint Group Managing Director of Aldi UK. “This ensures we can successfully grow, while keeping our customers at the heart of everything we do."

Among the investments that Roman discussed is a £70 million ($113 million) expansion of Aldi's Warwickshire headquarters and a second expansion of its Atherstone headquarters, according to The Guardian.

With this announcement, industry insiders have already begun to speculate if Tesco, the UK's largest retail chain, will respond with a move of its own.

For now however, all eyes are on Aldi, a position which Matthew Barnes, Roman's fellow Joint Group Managing Director, is fully comfortable with.

“Since Aldi opened its first UK store in 1990, we have established a reputation as an award-winning retailer that offers the highest quality products at everyday low prices,” he shared in the City AM. “This is driving our growth and we are rapidly expanding to meet customer demand.”

According to The Guardian, Aldi currently controls 5% of the UK grocery market, a 3.7% increase from one year ago. How these numbers will change in the future in light of this impressive expansion plan is one topic which I will certainly be following with rapt attention. 

Aldi 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – APHIS, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, has proposed a change to its procedures for setting fruit and vegetable import requirements.

With the proposed rule change, AHPIS would no longer have to go through a normal rulemaking process for changes to import requirements.  The agency would instead be able to publish a notice in the Federal Register advising the public of the change, according to an Advance Customs press release.

This would allow APHIS to adapt and be more flexible to new information about pests.  By using a notice-based process, the agency would be able to change import requirements in five months as opposed to the 18-month process the formal rulemaking process takes.

The change in this process would not, however, affect the science-base process in which risk associated with importation or interstate movement of a given fruit or vegetable is evaluated.

This proposed rule would also create a procedure for APHIS to order emergency import bans.  If phytosanitary measures currently in place for a fruit or vegetable are found to be to be no longer sufficient to mitigate pest risk, the agency could prohibit or restrict importation by publishing a notice in the Federal Register that specifies the changes and the effective date for the changes.

The public still has an opportunity to comment on the proposed change.  APHIS will consider all comments received on or before November 10, 2014.

APHIS