SALINAS, CA - Moxxy Marketing is welcoming three new employees to its team to bolster marketing, sales, and brand development: Emily Summers, Angelynn Odom, and Allie Coombs.

“We’re a small but mighty marketing agency,” said Karen Nardozza, Moxxy Principal, according to a press release. “I couldn’t be more delighted with how Emily, Angelynn, and Allie are not just fitting in, but taking us to the next level. Our group is a powerhouse of work, ethic, great ideas, creativity, and top-notch standards. There are a lot of smiles and laughter – both at Moxxy and with our clients.”

As Account Manager, Emily Summers oversees implementation of integrated marketing programs, including brand development and product launches, packaging design, tradeshow and event management, advertising and media placement, video production, web maintenance, social media, and more. Emily was formerly a Marketing Assistant and Operations Assistant at Dole Fresh Vegetables in Monterey, CA. She also previously owned and operated a wedding and event management company in Dallas, TX. Emily currently holds a B.A. in communications and a B.S. in culinary arts from Brigham Young University, and her hobbies include baking and craft projects.

As Design & Production Manager, Angelynn Odom will be responsible for creating logos, brochures, packaging designs, email templates, stationery, websites, ads, all forms of collateral, tradeshow displays, as well as overseeing internal and external resources. Prior to joining Moxxy, Angelynn worked at Full Steam Marketing & Design, and Earthbound Farm and Takigawa Design. She holds a B.S. in communication design at California State University, Monterey Bay. She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology while enjoying free time with her sons.

Allie Coombs, Moxxy’s new Account Coordinator, will be responsible for supporting principals, Karen Nardozza and Terry Feinberg, and the entire account service team. She assures clients receive top priority attention and friendly service, and agency operations run smoothly and efficiently. She previously performed sales, logistics, and business operations for Fresh Alliance, and was previously a Sales and Merchandising Representative at EuroFresh Farms and NatureSweet. She holds a B.S. in new media communications with a minor in political science from Oregon State University, where she also reported for and helped to produce shows on the campus news station, KBVR. She lives in Carmel with her husband, Matt.

Congrats on your new positions at Moxxy, Emily, Angelynn, and Allie!

Moxxy Marketing

NICARAGUA – Property surveys have now begun for the $40 billion Nicaraguan shipping canal which, once completed, would link the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and compete with the Panama Canal for control of the international shipping trade. Approved by the Nicaraguan government last July, this canal would extend 172 miles from the Brito River to the Punto Gorda River. According to Reuters, this would make it three times longer than the 48 mile Panama Canal.

According to the Tico Times, HK Nicaragua Canal Development Investment, the company charged with carrying out the project on behalf of the Nicaraguan government, has hired the Changjiang Institute of Survey, Planning, Design and Research to help it carry out the survey.

Because the canal's proposed route would pass through Lake Nicaragua, a key fresh water source for the Nicaraguan people, some have raised concerns about the environmental impact the project would have, as well as the economic effect of displacing the families living region. Despite these concerns however, President Daniel Ortega has stated confidently that the canal project would create enough jobs to more than offset the economic and environment costs of the project. With more than half of the population living below the poverty line, according to The Tico Times, this is a gamble he is willing to take.

Reuters is reporting that the government currently expects the canal to be finished by 2019, with operations beginning in 2020.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for further updates on the progress of the Nicaraguan Canal project.

UNITED STATES – The videos keep coming in.  We have 5 industry leaders taking a stand for ALS by taking the #IceBucketChallenge.  Watch as these produce leaders brave the cold for a great cause below!

If you want to challenge someone in the industry, click here to send us your video!

Robinson Fresh led by Jim Lemke, Senior Vice President:

Locus Traxx President and CEO, David Benjamin:

PMA led by Bryan Silbermann, CEO:

Ham Produce Company staff:

Legion Logistics led by Tony Coutsoftides, CEO and Co-Owner:

The ALS Association reports that as of August 29th, they have received $100.9 million in donations, compared to the $2.8 million they received in the same time period last year. 

The ALS Association’s mission includes providing care services to assist people with ALS and their families and a global research program focused on the discovery of treatments and eventually a cure for the disease.

Stay tuned for more produce industry video challenges. Thank you to those that have donated and we're looking forward to more videos!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO ALS ASSOC.

Robinson Fresh

Locus Traxx

PMA

Ham Produce Company

Legion Logistics

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Target's new TargetExpress format will be making its West Coast debut in 2015 with the announcement of two new stores in San Francisco’s Financial District and Berkeley, CA as well as a third Bay Area store whose exact location has yet to be specified by the retailer. These three new stores will mark the first time Target has expanded TargetExpress outside of Minneapolis.

Kamau Witherspoon, Senior Director of Store Operations at Target, is excited about the reception the new stores will receive in the Bay Area.

“From listening to our guests at the two San Francisco City Target stores, we know the smaller format of TargetExpress will fit right into the busy San Francisco Bay Area lifestyle and enable us to cater to each community’s needs,” Witherspoon revealed.

According to a press release, Target has conducted an exhaustive survey of the local communities the TargetExpress stores will be serving. This will allow the retailer to customize the merchandise of each store to ideally suit the people who will be shopping there.

For example, the San Francisco store will feature a large grab-and-go area with sandwiches, salads, breakfast items like yogurt and mid-day snacks to cater to busy commuters who populate the bustling city. The Berkeley location, on the other hand, will focus more heavily on grocery items, like fresh produce, dairy, frozen, snacks and beverages because of the large population of students and families living in the area.

Both TargetExpress stores will feature essentials in home, beauty, and electronics in addition to Target's own featured brand lines. Shoppers will also have access to Target's popular pick-up-in-store and pharmacy services.

According to a press release, the Berkeley and San Francisco locations are expected to open in March 2015. The third location is also expected to open that same year, with an announcement of its proposed location to come in the next several months.

Target

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO - Scott Schnuck, Chairman of Schnuck Markets Inc. addressed the challenges and opportunities the retailer has faced in its 75 year history at United Way of Southeast Missouri's CEO Luncheon, sharing important insights into the operations of the family owned grocery chain.

According to the Southeast Missourian, when asked about the challenges of managing a family owned grocery store in the modern retail market, Schnuck was direct in his response.

“There are three things: Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart and Wal-Mart,” he replied. “They've changed our landscape, the way we have to do business. We're just running as fast as we can to stay ahead of them.”

In the face of stiff competition, Schnuck's marketing department has had to innovate, working multiple different media avenues to get the most bang from its advertising buck.

“We have an online ad; we have a Facebook page,” he explained. “I tell you where we really have worked hard to do better marketing is in store: providing better information in our signing, some in our print ad, but really at the point of sale to really help people understand that it's local produce.”

So what's ahead for Schnuck Markets?

The Chairman's statement reveals the retailer has expansion on the brain. “We just opened ... a replacement store in St. Charles County in St. Louis. We have a store under construction in Farmington...We're going to open up another store or two in Springfield, Illinois. We're going to build two more stores in Evansville, Illinois. One's a replacement store; the other is a new store. We have five there. Within St. Louis, there's going to be an extensive amount of remodeling of existing stores because it's important we keep our core and our base modern and up to date.”

Especially with a company like Wal-Mart on its heels, sometimes the best strategy is growth. Schnuck Markets seems to agree with this kind of a strategy and I know that I for one will be certainly looking forward to reading about its operations in the future.  

Schnuck Markets

YOUNG HARRIS, GA - Southern Roots, the Southeast Produce Council’s new leadership program for women in produce, is bringing industry individuals together for a unique opportunity in fresh produce. The program, designed to make meaningful connections among our industry’s women, hopes to draw up-and-comers, industry veterans and pioneers alike. I spoke with Teri Miller, Category Manager at Food Lion, Treasurer for SPC and Chairwoman of Southern Roots, to learn the unique opportunities of the program.

“As a board member, we are always looking to provide the best services for our members. I have attended several sessions presented about Women Managers. Many of them fell short for me in really addressing the unique issues for women in the produce industry,” Teri tells me.

The intent of Southern Roots is to address the challenges that women experience, from stereotyping and access to mentors, to self development in a time crunched industry. “The opportunity to meet other women that have similar stories can offer invaluable lessons and learning opportunities,” Teri notes.

“We are here to provide the SPC female members various paths to helping them in their growth as a female leader in the produce industry. Self development is extremely important to me in this process. The quality of that self development is meaningful as well, and is something that will always be at the forefront of our initiatives. All too often I’ve seen these events be a ‘check the box’ occasion. SPC has launched this program with the goal of really differentiating the experience for our industry women," Teri continues.

Teri hopes to bring her own unique experiences as a woman in the produce industry, and looks to lead the program with the key responsibility of creating experiences that cultivate and enrich leadership among women.

Southern Roots, as a program name, was chosen because the Council felt it was reflective of its membership and because of the deep roots in the produce industry that many of the SPC members have or have developed.

“I want to give back what has been given to me and ensure that others have the same chances that I have had,” Teri tells me.

SPC will officially launch Southern Roots at its fall conference, scheduled for Sept. 25-27 at the Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, Georgia, with plans for a comprehensive program at its Southern Exposure conference and trade show, Feb. 26-28, 2015, at the Caribe Royale Conference Center & Hotel in Orlando, Florida. 

Southeast Produce Council

Food Lion

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With United Fresh's Washington Conference starting on Monday, AndNowUKnow has you covered for the best things to do in Washington D.C.  From delicious food and amazing art, to history on nearly every corner, this destination city has a lot to offer.  I was lucky enough to spend some time living in D.C., so get ready for the inside scoop on the top 10 Washington D.C. must-sees.

Museums/Attractions:

1) Monument Tour

The monument tour is the ultimate must-do in Washington D.C.  From walking to segways to kayaks, there are many ways to tour these incredible monuments.  I’ve tried several different ones and my favorite is the Monuments by Moonlight night tour.  You can get tickets for the night tour by clicking here.  However you choose to do the tour, this is one that can’t be missed. 

2) Nationals Park

1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003

While you’re in D.C., you can catch a baseball game at Nationals Park.  The Nationals have two of the most exciting young players in the sport in Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg, and with playoff season right around the corner, you'll have a front seat for a team playing its heart out for a shot at postseason baseball. Next week, the Nationals are playing the Braves at home.

3) The Smithsonian Institution

For a full list of locations, click here.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex.  It includes 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park. The amount of art housed in these museums is hard to even imagine.  No matter what your taste in art, there will be a museum for you.  Most Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free and open every day except Christmas.

4) United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is one of those places that you have to see.  It is amazing how it conveys the heartbreaking reality of such a terrible page in human history.  To make sure you don't miss this museum, you should swing by early in the morning to pick up a timed pass to be guaranteed admission. 

5) M Street in Georgetown

M St, Washington, DC 20007

If you want a bit of scenery and shopping, M Street in Georgetown is the spot for you. The shopping on this picturesque street ranges from high-end boutiques to familiar popular chains with great restaurants and cafés mixed in.  It's a great place to spend as much or as little time as you want.

6) Washington National Cathedral

3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

The National Cathedral was completed in 1990 and is the culmination of a two century long plan for a majestic Gothic style cathedral.  It is the 6th largest cathedral of this style in the world. From the amazing architecture to the cinematic view, this one is well worth a visit.  While there, keep your eyes peeled for Darth Vader nestled among the gargoyles. 

Food and Drinks:

7) Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café & Grill

1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

Right on Dupont Circle, Kramerbooks is one of my favorite places in D.C.  This bookstore has a great bar and a café with delicious food at good prices.  It has a fun atmosphere and a good group of patrons.  Plus, it’s open until at least 1am every day.

8) Round Robin Bar

1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

This must visit bar is located off the lobby of The Willard InterContinental, just a quick walk from the White House.  The drinks are as delicious as the bar is beautiful.  Make sure to dress up for this one.  It has been long considered one of D.C.’s best and has been frequented from the political and social elite since the days of Abraham Lincoln.

9) Fox and Hounds Lounge

1537 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Fox and Hounds is more commonly called “The Fox” and is about one block from Dupont Circle.  This is a great neighborhood bar that houses a good mix of people. This bar offers indoor and outdoor seating and a menu that features delicious bar food and beyond at a reasonable price.

10) Ben’s Chili Bowl

1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

This is a must visit eatery.  This historic restaurant serves what many locals call the world’s best chili.  You might have to wait in a line, but it is well worth it.  This fun and slightly rowdy restaurant really delivers when it comes to the food. Just make sure to have cash on you, because this local standout doesn’t take credit cards.

SHERMAN OAKS, CA - As fruit takes on new and exciting forms, Sunkist and Snack it Forward LLC are launching a line of freeze dried fruit offerings under the new Sunkist Fruit 2.0 brand. This "new way to fruit" is a line of crunchy and crispy 100% real fruit items in a category that is growing double digits annually. They will be offered in 4 different fruit items and present another way to supplement the consumer’s fruit intake throughout the day.

“We are launching this campaign on a national level and bringing a line of new items that work for big retailers, convenience stores, natural food stores and independent food channels alike. Sunkist Fruit 2.0 is a focused product line with the goal in mind of offering a high velocity, low SKU intensive program to enhance retailer produce offerings in a time when consumers are seeking convenient and new better-for-you snack options,” Nick Desai, CEO of Snack it Forward LLC, tells us.

The matte finished, stand-up pouch bag with hole punch packaging presents 4 delicious options from apple (1.2 o.z.) to grape (1.2 oz.) as well as banana (1.4 oz.) and strawberry (1 oz.) The line is available in a display ready caddy with additional POS, along with the option to be showcased on the shelf or hung in produce departments or snack aisles. The Sunkist Fruit 2.0 line uses a clever and unique marketing approach to drive awareness of this amazing and convenient new way to consume 100% real fruit and educate the consumer. The SRP ranges from $3.99-$4.99, but will be managed on an account-by-account basis.

“Up until this point there hasn’t been a strong presence of freeze dried fruit at mainstream retail and there is no strong branded offering,” Nick notes. “More recently though, freeze dried fruit has made a resurgence as the technology has improved, allowing us to offer great quality, flavor and an over 12 month shelf life in an amazing shelf stable 100% real fruit snack. It’s a pretty exciting arena to tap into.”

This new line adds to the clean ingredient deck diet, and has something for the on-the-go fruit lover, and for moms looking for a very fun and convenient way to increase their kids’ fruit intake (kids happen to love the stuff).

With the category picking up momentum, Snack it Forward LLC and Sunkist are planning their official Sunkist Fruit 2.0 launch at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit in Anaheim, California in October.

Sunkist

REDWOOD CITY, CA - YottaMark, provider of HarvestMark, is partnering with Fox Packaging to bring its innovative packaging technology to the company’s mesh bags.

HarvestMark Connect codes provide growers with information on product performance and helps improve supply chain efficiencies, while also giving shoppers rich, relevant, and timely content through their mobile phones. This content includes grower profiles, recipes, selection tips, storage and preparation ideas, nutrition information, food safety notifications, and more, according to a press release.

“We looked at several technologies and found that the HarvestMark solution was the most capable, trusted, and suitable for our customers’ needs,” said Keith Fox, President of Fox Packaging. “Growers don’t want to hire a Web team and build software. Our partnership with HarvestMark means our customers can focus on what they do best: bringing great quality, fresh produce to shoppers.”

“The HarvestMark platform is becoming a powerful tool that helps our customers sell more and drive shopper loyalty,” said Elliot Grant, HarvestMark Founder and CTO. “Companies are also taking advantage of the HarvestMark decision-support tools’ ability to capture shopper activity and turn it into actionable insights.”

Technology like HarvestMark’s Connect codes are making it easier for companies in the industry to better engage with consumers. We congratulate Fox Packaging and HarvestMark on this successful partnership.

Fox Packaging

HarvestMark

WATSONVILLE, CA – California Giant Berry Farms is encouraging parents and kids to make its fresh berries a key part of their back-to-school lunches and activities with a variety of new fall initiatives. These initiatives key in on healthy, fitness focused options that bring out the best traits in California Giant produce.

First of all, California Giant has released its “Back To School Survival Guide” giving parents an invaluable resource for making lunches for their kids or meals-on-the-go for the whole family on days where the morning rush means breakfast in the car is a necessity. The Guide also includes a plethora of inspirational notes and ideas for parents to tuck into lunchboxes to give their kids that added boost over the long school day. According to a press release, the Guide will be offered on California Giant's social media pages as well as its website for instant download.

The company has also launched a Kids Corner section on its website, so as to reach out directly to children of all ages. A feature part of this section is the Junior Chefs page which includes six great new videos featuring chefs working side-by-side with kids in the kitchen, creating delicious, kid-friendly recipes. The full recipes can also be downloaded from the Junior Chefs page, meaning kids and their parents can come back to them whenever and wherever a hunger for a great meal strikes.

According to a press release, the Kids Corner will also include a page which California Giant is calling "Fueled by Berries." There, families can learn more about how California Giant produce can help fuel youth sports competition and backyard play. The grower will be using the #poweredbyberries to bring this knowledge to social media. Originally, this hashtag had been designing for the California Giant Cycling Team to be used for documenting their success on the road while enjoying California Giant berries.

California Giant believes that these two fall programs will help set the foundation for a generation of young people who eat healthier and exercise smarter; healthy habits which are key to the grower's vision for the future.  

California Giant Berry Farms