Apeel Announces Newly Created Retail Advisory Board; Jim Smits Comments
SANTA BARBARA, CA - In a move to meet the needs of the constantly evolving retail landscape, solutions company Apeel has announced the creation of a new Retail Advisory Board. Assembling grocery industry experts, the council will work with Apeel’s retail partners to improve fresh produce innovation, consumer engagement, and supply chain enhancements.
“Retailers throughout Europe and North America are working hard to react to the rapidly changing buying behaviors and preferences of consumers as they look for more convenience, better value, and innovative products, especially in fresh,” said Jim Smits, Vice President of Retail Advisory and the head of the new Retail Advisory Board. “As such, grocers have new opportunities to provide a differentiating credential of sustainability, as well as a guarantee for longer-lasting quality which is why we’re excited to pull together a team of experts to help us work with our retail partners to deliver the best fresh produce experience online and in stores.”
Through this new Advisory Board, Apeel will be able to offer its retail partners not only protected produce, but higher unit sales, minimal waste, and more value for shoppers, especially as inflation continues to rise, a press release explained.
Apeel has already named the first three members of the eight-member council, they include:
- Steve Mayer, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Raley’s of Arizona. He brings a retail background of almost 40 years and experience in leadership positions at grocery chains such as Smitty’s, Meijer, Ahold, Schnucks, and Bashas
- Andy Adcock, who brings almost three decades of retail experience leading commercial operations and holding senior positions at Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Marks & Spencer. He offers a broad knowledge of the food sector in the United States and the United Kingdom, and will help support the company’s commitment to driving consumer satisfaction
- Tony Mitchell is the Vice President Corporate Produce and Floral at Associated Wholesale Grocers and an International Fresh Produce Association retail council member. He holds over 30 years of grocery experience and is lending his support to Apeel to help minimize food waste
This council comes together as Apeel’s supplier and retailer partnership are rapidly growing, with a recent expansion to grocery shelves across the U.K. Currently, the solutions company has 40 retail partners across North America and Europe and over 40 supplier partners across the globe.
To find out more about these leaders and the council, click here.
What will be the Retail Advisory Board’s first move to bolster fresh produce growth? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow to find out.
