LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Frieda's Produce was named a trendsetter among the major influencers of American food culture by David Sax in his new book: “The Tastemakers: Why We’re Crazy for Cupcakes But Fed Up with Fondue.”

"Agriculture's tastemakers are arguably the most potent trendsetters in the world," he said.

By naming Frieda's among these trendsetters, Sax recognized the incredible influence that Frieda's has had not just on the produce industry, but the American public as well. Sax specifically recounts how through discussions with Karen Caplan, Frieda’s President and CEO, he learned how Frieda's played a major role in turning the kiwifruit from a specialty item into an every day staple for the American consumer.

According to a press release, Sax has also authored "Save the Deli: In Search of Perfect Pastrami, Crusty Rye, and the Heart of Jewish Delicatessen" and has won a James Beard Award for writing and literature.

Congratulations, Frieda's! I look forward to seeing the company featured in the new book.

Frieda's Produce

BOISE, ID - WinCo is expanding its in-store organics selection with a new all organics aisle in the produce section. According to the company's Facebook page, the new section is so far only being tested in select stores, but plans are in place to expand the program if it meets with success in this preliminary stage.

In response to a comment on its Facebook page a WinCo spokesperson wrote, “We're testing this area on a few stores...but we'll gladly let our Produce team know you want to see it in Oregon - thank you!”

So far the program has met with enthusiastic approval from loyal WinCo shoppers. WinCo highlighted one customer's comment which read: “I just wanted to say thank you for widening your selection of natural and organic products. You have the best prices in town and have saved me a trip to a second store by expanding choices! A special thanks for bringing back organic milk by the gallon, and introducing more organic produce.”

WinCo's actions reflect a growing demand for organic vegetables among American consumers. Earlier this summer for example, ANUK reported on a survey by the Organic Trade Association which found that 'heath' and organic foods are becoming increasingly synonymous for American consumers looking to feed their families. Retailers across the country are having to step up their organics game to keep up with this growing demand, and WinCo is no exception. 

To read more about this enlightening survey check out our article on the subject here.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for any updates on WinCo and its partners in the retail industry.  

WinCo

NOGALES, AZ - SunFed has a new Director of Marketing: Brett Burdsal. The former Regional Director of Marketing at CMI has a big vision for SunFed's future. Talking with him, it is obvious how strongly Brett believes in SunFed's product and how excited he is to share that passion with retailers and consumers.

“I view SunFed like a sleeping giant in the industry,” Brett told ANUK. “There's no beating the quality of our product. Our squash, eggplant, peppers and melons; everything we grow here at SunFed can compete with any product on the market. Here we combine our core products with a strong organic program, our passion to foster new varieties and our new fair trade certification. With an innovated, forward thinking company like SunFed, I can focus fully on making a connection with our consumers and retail partners, demonstrating to them exactly why we're who they should lean on for their needs.”

The way Brett envisions SunFed doing this is through a concerted marketing push involving innovative packaging designs, labeling, new varieties and produce displays.

“A product's biggest impact with the consumer is always going to be at the shelf,” Brett explained. “I want to tell the story of our product through our packaging in an innovative, unique way that consumers will be drawn to.”

Brett's skill of communicating with consumers through packaging is a large part of the reason that Mark Cassius, SunFed's Chief Innovation Officer, reached out to him about joining the SunFed team.

“Brett brings a wealth of passion, knowledge and leadership to SunFed as his lighthearted approach resonates with consumers,” Mark shared. “Additionally Brett has built a track record of success providing category solutions to key retailers. We are extremely happy to have Brett join our SunFed team.”

Brett knows all too well that marketing directors can often get overwhelmed by the sheer variety of techniques and outlets available to them in the modern economy, with social media outlets and online marketing campaigns becoming increasingly popular. While he acknowledges the importance of these many techniques, Brett understands that the fundamental relationship between grower and buyer is built in the retail aisle not on Facebook.

“Good packaging does more than keep the product fresh,” he reminds ANUK. “It also keeps your brand, your story, fresh and relevant.

With this perspective in mind, it certainly looks like SunFed has found a great asset in Brett.

Congratulations on the new position Brett!

SunFed

WENATCHEE, WA – Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers has launched its 2014 pear season, and it is excited about this year's crop. Oneonta Marketing Director Scott Marboe talked about his company's Bartlett pears in particular, which he described as a big, clean crop with mostly 90s and larger in terms of size.

“We are very excited to officially kick off the new season with 'Diamond Starr Growers' Bartlett pears,” Marboe said. “This is a clean and well-sized crop, one we know is going to bring great results to the category.”

He added that “There's not much in the way of small fruit, but a very strong market for cannery will keep a stable price floor.”

Bartletts are not the only variety Oneonta has in store for retailers this season either.

“Red Anjous and Starkrimson are really looking good this season,” Marboe said. “There is excellent color at this time of year, and we should start on the Starkrimsons about Aug. 11, then sail right along with the other varieties in a timely manner.”

According to a press release, Oneonta also grows, ships, and markets Bosc, Forelle, Comice, Seckel, Asian and Red Sensation pears under its Diamond Starr Growers label.

Bartletts, Starkrimsons and Red Sensations will be available to retailers through December, with Seckels, Comice and Asians shipping during winter, and Red and Green Anjous shipping from late summer or early fall into the following summer.

Oneonta is committed to assisting its retail partners in any way it can, providing high-graphic POS for its “snaQ” programs for its pears and apples. This program targets younger children with illustrations sharing information on varieties, health tips and eating suggestions in a kid-friendly way.

According to a press release, Oneonta prides itself both on the quality of its fruit as well as a commitment to food safety standards. It has implemented GAP standards into its  growing, harvesting, warehousing, packing, storage and shipping operations, all part of an effort to keep customer safety a top priority.

Check out Oneonta's feature video on its pear harvest below:

Diamond Starr Growers Pears from Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers on Vimeo.

Congratulations on a great looking crop Oneonta!

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers

PELION, SC – WP Rawl has hired Jim Zurbey as its new Director of Plant Operations.

“Along with this being a great opportunity in something I enjoy doing, one of the things that drew me to WP Rawl is its culture,” said Zurbey. “I really enjoy the family atmosphere they offer their employees.”

In his new position, Zurbey will oversee all aspects of plant operations, including organizing, directing and controlling the processing functions of the business, according to a press release.  He will also oversee the performance of all departments like packing, warehouse management, order services, production, as well as shipping and receiving.

“We are fortunate to have Jim as part of our team,” said Ashley Rawl, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for WP Rawl. “The skills he brings from past experiences in the produce industry are a great asset in helping us provide our customers with the quality we strive for every day.”

Zurbey started his career at Beckman Produce before serving as Production and Quality Assurance Manager for Bella Fresh.  He has also worked for River Ranch and Fresh Point before making a move to Taylor Farms.  While there, he held various positions and eventually became Director of Operations at Taylor.

Congratulations on the new job, Jim!

WP Rawl 

While on the road, the Flavor Crew will be handing out free samples of signature SUNSET® recipes to customers at retailers and community events across the country.  Both retailers and consumers will have the opportunity to learn more about greenhouse growing and unique SUNSET® brands like Kumato™ and Y.E.L.O.™

The Flavor Crew consists of Michigan State graduates Madison Rial and Mallory Flanders, both of which have a degree in Food Science and a Specialization in Food Industry Management, and Adrian Mendoza, a MSU senior pursuing a degree in Food Industry Management.

GREENSBORO, NC - Call options on stock for The Fresh Market surged last Tuesday, leading many investors and industry analysts to look closer into the operations of this Southeastern retailer. The Fresh Market has been on ANUK's radar as of late as we previously speculated that a merger with Sprouts Farmers Market, could be possible. Though highly unlikely, could this option surge indicate a potential deal between these two retailers behind the scenes?

For more on this merger speculation, check out our previous article on the subject here.

During Tuesday's trading, investors acquired 511 call options on its stock, 144% more than the average volume of call options at 209. These call options grant their owner the right to buy a stock at a prespecified price during a certain time period. Investors profit when the stock price rises over this purchase price.

This stock activity was preceded by a recent rash of updates on The Fresh Market's stock from major stock analyst firms. According to the Ticker Report, these updates were:

• An “underperform” rating with a $29.00 price target by Credit Suisse on July 17^th

• A “buy” rating from Northcoast Research on July 15^th

• A “sell” rating with a $9.00 decrease in price target to $27.00 by Goldman Sachs on July 8^th

After Tuesday's trading activity, The Fresh Market has a consensus rating of “hold” with an average price target of $39.41, according to the Ticker Report.

Whether this recent activity could potentially indicate a huge future deal in the works, like a Sprouts merger, for The Fresh Market is difficult to tell, but it is a question which must nonetheless be asked.

As of the time of writing this article at 10:08am PST on Wednesday, August 6th, The Fresh Market's stock is down 0.73% to $29.73 per share. At the close of Tuesday's trading the stock was priced at $29.95 per share. 

Stay tuned to ANUK for any updates on The Fresh Market.

The Fresh Market

MONTEREY, CA - The recent PMA Foodservice Conference in Monterey shattered previous records in attendance and participation, a feat which Cathy Burns, the President of the Produce Marketing Association, is exceptionally proud.

"Everywhere we broke record which says to me that the show provided incredible value to operators, food distributors, suppliers to ultimately innovate the plate and provide some really exciting things for consumers,” she told ANUK.

In all, PMA Foodservice had 1821 registrants, over 200 operators, 164 booths, and a record number of participants in its 5K race. In addition, PMA Foodservice's Woman's Fresh Perspectives program drew impressive attendance numbers, with 150 women and men gathering together to talk about how the produce industry can best support and inspire women to reach their fullest potential.

Cathy made a point of thanking the incredible leadership PMA Foodservice benefited from, especially Fritz Stelter and Jill Overdorf, the two Co-Chairs, as well as all of PMA Foodservices staff.

“It felt effortless,” she said.

Check out even more great PMA highlights in PMA TV part 3:

PMA Foodservice

Duda Farm Fresh Foods has launched into its New Zealand Meyer Lemon season with promotable volumes through September.  This is the second year that Duda has supported its Meyer Lemon program in New Zealand’s citrus growing region.  As demand continues to rise for the category, the company is continuing to build on a near seamless, year-round program.

“Last season was a test run for Duda.  With a grower partner as dedicated to the same level of quality and consistency as our company, we knew this was perfect fit,” Paul Huckabay, Western Citrus Sales Manager, tells AndNowUKnow.

Packaging for the company’s Meyer Lemons will remain consistent through the New Zealand and California seasons.  Duda will again be offering the popular 1 lb. grab-and-go, high graphic pouch bags, as well as its 33 lbs. pack with PLU stickered fruit and 19 lbs. bulk carton.  Also available are 2 and 4 lb. clamshells.

“What began as a seasonal item, has matured into a year-round favorite for citrus lovers.  We are constantly evolving our program to meet the needs of our customers and consumers,” Huckabay notes.

With a more steady supply and demand of Meyer Lemons, Huckabay tells us that retailers should look to start promoting early.  “Looking ahead towards the holiday season, New Zealand will wind down at the end of September and California will gear up shortly afterwards around the middle of October.  Retailers should start looking at their ad programs now as Thanksgiving will be upon us in no time.”

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

IRWINDALE, CA – Ready Pac is bringing a new taste to lunch with the new Caprese Bistro Bowl Salad.  The fresh-tasting Caprese brings the flavor of Italy to consumers.

“We have built a reputation for delivering inventive new flavors, but we also have a soft spot for the classics,” explained Tristan Simpson, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Ready Pac. “We’re eager to provide consumers with a flavor that didn’t previously exist in this category. The Caprese Bistro Bowl Salad takes customers out of their busy week for a moment, which is fantastic because everyone deserves some time to slow down.”

The bowl salad features cool mozzarella over ripened tomatoes with a tangy balsamic drizzle and only has 210 calories, according to a press release. 

Ready Pac expects its latest offering to become a customer favorite.  This single-serve complete meal is based on the latest restaurant trends.  According to Technomic, Caprese salads have been growing on menus for five years, are that trend is still growing.

The Caprese Bistro Bowl Salad has a recommended MSRP of $3.99 and is currently available in Safeway with national distribution coming soon. 

Ready Pac