Produce Industry Focuses on Driving Demand at PMA’s Fresh Summit

Published October 30, 2013

Increasing the appeal of and demand for fresh produce was the focus when the world’s fresh produce industry gathered in New Orleans October 18-20 at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Convention and Expo.

A major highlight of the event came when executives from the White House, the restaurant industry and a leading produce company joined PMA’s senior executive to call on the produce industry to focus its marketing efforts on creating more demand for fresh produce, particularly among children. Speaking to about 1,000 produce industry leaders, Let’s Move! Executive Director Sam Kass joined National Restaurant Association President Dawn Sweeney, Bolthouse Farms CEO Jeff Dunn and PMA President and CEO Bryan Silbermann to discuss how the produce industry can transform its efforts from fulfilling demand to creating demand.

During the discussion, Kass – speaking by a remote feed from Washington, D.C., to attendees in New Orleans – reiterated how the produce industry can support the call to action to use the power of marketing to promote healthier choices, particularly among kids.

“The produce industry is sharpening its marketing efforts to help encourage better eating habits for children and adults alike,” said Silbermann. “It’s a collaborative effort that has a variety of benefits like better health and better business.”

Meanwhile, the Fresh Summit trade show was a buffet of mouth-watering fresh produce colors, aromas and flavors. More than 1,000 companies displayed their wares across 250,000 square feet, showcasing products from traditional fruit and vegetable favorites to the latest exotic and specialty items.

A multitude of new products were unveiled at Fresh Summit, appealing to a consumer’s eye, palate and wallet. Some of those new products for kids included:

Carrot Dippers, baby carrots with ranch dressing in each individual bag
Crunch Pak Foodles, fresh food snack trays are shaped like Mickey’s famous ears
My Fruity Faces, Spongebob & Dora edible stickers for application on fruits and vegetables
Lil Snappers, kid-size fruit

This year PMA’s Fresh Summit drew more than 18,000 produce and floral industry attendees from more than 60 countries. In addition to being the largest U.S. gathering of the global fresh produce and floral industries, Fresh Summit is also one of the 100 largest trade shows held in the United States.

Cipriani’s Simply Italian Cookbook Launches

Published October 29, 2013

Assouline and Cipriani, in the persons of Prosper & Martine Assouline and Ignazio Cipriani, celebrated the launch of Simply Italian, the new cookbook featuring recipes and tips from Arrigo Cipriani to make simple yet delicious Italian dishes from the menu of the mythically famous Harry’s Bar in Venice. Harry’s Bar is a favorite of Gourmet News publisher Lee Oser, among many others.

Originally opened as a bar, it was transformed into a restaurant and went on to welcome some of the most legendary names in cinema, literature, the arts, and more, from Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, and Truman Capote to Barbara Hutton, Peggy Guggenheim, and Woody Allen. The fabled establishment is also known for having served as the birthplace of the Bellini cocktail and carpaccio.

From tiramisu and minestrone soup to pappardelle ai funghi and risotto alla parmigiana, this title is the best accessory for lovers of Italian cuisine. And we have pictures from the launch party! Simply Italian by Cipriani is available for purchase at ASSOULINE boutiques worldwide and through www.assouline.com.

A view of atmosphere at Assouline and Cipriani host the launch of “Simply Italian” at Cipriani Wall Street on October 28, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Assouline)

Ignazio Cipriani and Prosper Assouline attend Assouline and Cipriani host the launch of “Simply Italian” at Cipriani Wall Street on October 28, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Assouline)

A perfect bellini at Assouline and Cipriani host the launch of “Simply Italian” at Cipriani Wall Street on October 28, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Assouline)

Fireside Coffee Launches 1554 Whole Bean Coffee

Published October 29, 2013

We all sing along to that popular Prince song about celebrating 1999, but a Michigan company has a different year to celebrate. Inspired by the legend of one of the world’s first coffee shops, which opened in the year 1554, Fireside Coffee Company has launched its new 1554 Whole Bean Coffee.

“When we decided to introduce a line of whole bean coffee, we set out to come up with the best, smoothest cup of coffee out there. Searching for inspiration, we stumbled upon the story of the world’s first coffee house in Constantinople and we knew that was it. Our coffees are artisan roasted to honor the history of this wonderful beverage,” said Angie Root of Fireside Coffee Co.

Fireside has long been known for their line of gourmet instant coffee blends, like Caramel Mochaccino and Pumpkin Pie Mocha. “Our customers are the best,” stated Carol Davis, President of Fireside Coffee Co. “And when they talk, we listen. We found that our customers were looking for a truly exceptional cup of brewed coffee, in addition to our instant blends. That’s what really kick-started our new line.”

Fireside’s 1554 Coffees are roasted in small batches, so that their customers always receive incredibly fresh roasted beans. According to the National Coffee Association, fresh roasted coffee is essential to a superb cup of coffee. The NCA recommends purchasing your coffee fresh every one to two weeks. Because of the artisan roasting process, the flavor of each 1554 roast is smooth and full-bodied.

Fireside has introduced a light Brazilian roast, medium Guatemalan roast, dark Sumatra roast, and a seasonal limited-time-only flavored roast, Bourbon Bluster. “Even though it’s new, the Bourbon Bluster is proving itself as a favorite of our customers. We’ll be roasting this flavor through the winter months only. Its blend of bourbon, almond and cream flavors is the perfect ‘comfort-flavor’ during cold weather. It’s really wonderful,” said Angie Root.

Fireside’s 1554 Whole Bean Coffee can be purchased at the company store at 3239 Elms Road in Swartz Creek, Mich., at the new Fireside Café inside the Country Sampler Store in Saginaw, Mich., online at www.firesidecoffee.com, or from many independent retailers across the United States, which can be found on Fireside’s online store locator.

Coach Farm Adds Blackberry Flavor to Drinkable Yogurt Line

Published October 29, 2013

Coach Farm adds Blackberry to its rapidly growing product line of drinkable yogurt, Yo‐Goat®. With the explosion of the yogurt industry in recent years, Coach Farm remains one of the few producers to nationally produce goat milk yogurt and drinkable yogurt, both great alternatives to cow’s milk products.

Yo‐Goat is made on the farm using only Coach Farm’s fresh Grade A pasteurized goats milk and active yogurt cultures. Without additives or preservatives of any kind, Yo‐Goat is an easily digestible, healthy breakfast or snack option for both children and adults.

The new Blackberry flavor joins the current line‐up of Plain, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Mango‐Peach for an SRP of $1.99. Blackberry is set to hit shelves November of 2013.

Kosherfest, World’s Largest Certifed Kosher Products Show, Opens Tuesday, Oct. 29, in Secaucus, N.J.

Published October 29, 2013

In 1989, kosher was a virtually non-existent food category. It consisted of a group of mom/pop manufacturers and giants with kosher certification and little initiative to promote the category. When Kosherfest was launched that year, most of the exhibitors were pushing products like gefilte fish, chopped liver, stuffed cabbage and kugel.

Fast forward to today. Kosher is now very much an industry and a category that has gone far beyond its traditional base of kosher-observing Jews. There are more than 200,000 kosher-certified products. At Kosherfest, the world’s largest kosher-certified products tradeshow (October 29 & 30 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ) buyers will find everything from sushi to enchiladas to sausage. Kosherfest celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year.

“Who would have believed that sushi would become a basic staple in restaurant, pizza parlors, and at catered events, or for that matter that nearly 20% of the show would tout gluten-free products?” said Menachem Lubinsky, the founder of Kosherfest, who co-produces the show with Diversified Business Communications. “There was somewhat of a vision back then that perhaps kosher could be more than a certification; that it would emerge as a cuisine. Incredibly, kosher has reached that level and it is still rising.”

Kosherfest today hosts exhibitors from countries around the world, from Argentina to New Zealand, from South Africa to Israel. Products at Kosherfest encompass kosher-certified foods and beverages for retail sale, and ingredients and prepared foods for foodservice, including wine and spirits. The show gives manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of kosher-certified products and services the opportunity to reach thousands of mainstream and independent kosher trade buyers from across the globe.

For more information, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.kosherfest.com

Kroger Announces Next COO

Published October 28, 2013

The Kroger Co. today announced that Michael L. Ellis will be named President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2014, completing the succession plan announced in September. The company expects its board of directors to elect Ellis President and COO at the next board meeting in December.

In September, Kroger announced its board of directors’ long-term CEO succession plan. David B. Dillon, 62, Kroger’s Chairman and CEO, will retire as CEO on January 1, 2014, and will continue to serve as Chairman through December 31, 2014. W. Rodney McMullen, 53, Kroger’s President and Chief Operating Officer, will become CEO on January 1, 2014.

Ellis, 55, has been serving in his current role as Senior Vice President of Retail Divisions since 2012, where he leads five retail supermarket divisions, plus Kroger’s jewelry and convenience store businesses. He previously served as President of Portland-based Fred Meyer – the company’s largest operating division by revenue – for six years.

“Mike’s broad-based experience on both the food and general merchandise sides of our business make him a great fit for this role,” said Dillon. “Mike is a team builder who will be a great partner with our entire leadership team. We look forward to his dynamic leadership of Kroger’s diverse operations.”

“Mike has been a key player in our strategic efforts for many years, including the expansion of Fred Meyer’s general merchandising expertise throughout the company and, more recently, our accelerated growth plan,” said McMullen. “His extensive knowledge spans our multiple formats and unique approaches to merchandising. Mike’s insistence on operational excellence and his willingness to push boundaries to improve the customer experience will ensure Kroger continues to grow and deliver shareholder value. Above all else, Mike brings a contagious enthusiasm for our associates and putting the customer first.”

Ellis is a 38-year Kroger veteran. He joined Fred Meyer in 1975 as a parcel clerk at age 16, and went on to serve in a series of operations and merchandising leadership positions in stores, division management and as a corporate officer. He was Vice President of Fred Meyer’s food group before joining The Kroger Co. as a senior officer in 2004. He returned to lead Fred Meyer as President in 2006, where he significantly improved and sustained associate engagement. Ellis played an influential role in the growth of the company’s successful Marketplace store format, which offers a wide assortment of general merchandise including home goods, toys and apparel in addition to full-service grocery and pharmacy departments.

“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to work with the tremendous leadership team at Kroger,” said Ellis. “I am committed to helping them deliver on Kroger’s high-velocity growth plan for our customers, associates and shareholders.”

Kroger, one of the world’s largest retailers, employs 343,000 associates who serve customers in 2,418 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The company also operates 783 convenience stores, 326 fine jewelry stores, 1,195 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S. Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 80 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber’s Million Dollar Club.

Natural Grocers Teams with Oregon Food Bank to Help the Hungry During the Holidays

Published October 28, 2013

This holiday season, Oregon Food Bank and Natural Grocers are teaming up to provide hunger relief and emergency food for Portland-area families in need during the holidays. For every turkey purchased by customers of the Beaverton Natural Grocers store, the company will donate a 12-pound bird to Oregon Food Bank to add cheer in holiday food boxes.

“Natural Grocers will be donating high quality naturally-raised turkeys to Oregon families in need,” says Kemper Isely, Co-President of Natural Grocers. “The holidays are a special time of year for families, but can be especially difficult for families with limited resources. This buy one/give one free offer is a simple and effective way for our customers to help out another family in a healthy way.”

Oregon Food Bank will distribute the donated birds during the 2013 holiday season. In cases where a whole bird is not needed, or a vegetarian option is required, Natural Grocers has offered to donate $30 cash instead. The buy one/give one free turkey offer is part of Natural Grocers’ ongoing commitment to providing emergency food relief across the nation. The company donates five cents to Oregon Food Bank each time local customers check out using their own reusable bags, and runs a donation campaign for two months each year with a healthy $50,000 dollar-for-dollar match. In addition, all excess and distressed food items are donated to local food banks.

The need for emergency food remains at record high levels across the U.S. – and particularly in Oregon. In an average month, an estimated 270,000 people in Oregon and Clark County, Wash., eat meals from an emergency food box.

“We are happy to have a new local grocery partner to help to support our efforts,” said Susannah Morgan, Oregon Food Bank’s CEO. “Natural Grocers has a long history of providing both food and cash donations to food banks across our country. It’s a good example of how a grocer can involve communities across the country to help neighbors in need. And it’s a good reminder that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference by becoming involved with their communities to raise awareness and take action.”

Krysti Weddle, manager of the Natural Grocers store in Beaverton, reminds customers that turkeys need to be pre-ordered now, well in advance of Thanksgiving. “These are not hard-frozen birds from factory farms. They are naturally raised without antibiotics or growth promoters, and they are delivered just-in-time. Customers who want to take advantage of the buy one/give free one turkey offer need to reserve a turkey now at the store or on our web site. We’ll take care of the rest.” The turkey pre-ordering page can be found at http://www.naturalgrocers.com/store-locations/beaverton-oregon/OR/turkeys.

Natural Grocers offers only natural and organic products on its shelves. Shoppers will find only USDA-certified organic produce and meats from animals raised naturally without the use of antibiotics or hormones. The affordable grocery chain also offers an extensive natural dietary supplement and body care department, and a large selection of gluten-free and other products for special diets.

Natural Grocers has some of the highest standards for a grocer in the country, and is equally as well known for what it does not sell: it will not carry foods that contain artificial ingredients such as colors, sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, antibiotics, hormones, or produce grown with synthetic pesticides. (See: “What We Won’t Sell and Why.”)

Beaverton Natural Grocers is open Monday through Saturday from 8:56 a.m. to 8:04 p.m. On Sunday the store will be open from 9:56 a.m. to 7:06 p.m.

About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NGVC), founded in Colorado by Margaret &Philip Isely in 1955, was built on the premise that consumers should have access to affordable, high-quality foods and dietary supplements, along with nutrition knowledge to help them support their own health. The family-run store has since grown into a successful national chain with locations across Colorado, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico,Montana, Kansas, Idaho, Nebraska, Arizona and Oregon—employing more than 2,000 people. The company went public in July 2012; however, Isely family members continue to manage the company, building on the foundation of their parents’ business. Natural Grocers’ popularity and success can be traced back to its founding principles: providing customers with high quality products at every day affordable prices. See store for details on buy one/give one free turkey offer.

Grocery-Anchored Shopping Centers Change Hands

Published October 28, 2013

Phillips Edison–ARC Shopping Center REIT Inc. has announced the acquisition of two grocery-anchored shopping centers. These acquisitions added the first Schnucks grocery store-anchored shopping center, and a Cub Foods grocery store-anchored shopping center to the company’s portfolio and expand the company’s presence in Minnesota and Iowa.

Cahill Plaza is a 69,000 square foot shopping center located in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis, approximately 20 miles southeast of the city. The shopping center is anchored by a 52,017 square foot Cub Foods grocery store. Cub Foods is the No. 1 traditional grocer by market share in the greater Minneapolis area.

Duck Creek Plaza is a 134,229 square foot shopping center located in Bettendorf, Iowa, part of the Quad Cities bordering Iowaand Illinois. The shopping center is anchored by a 63,706 square foot Schnucks grocery store, one of the largest privately owned grocers in the Midwest. In addition to the Schnucks grocery store anchor, Duck Creek Plaza also features a 28,270 square foot Marshall’s store.

With the acquisitions of Cahill Plaza and Duck Creek Plaza, the Phillips Edison-ARC current portfolio is comprised of interests in 61 properties anchored by 26 leading grocers in 21 states, with an aggregate portfolio purchase price of approximately $885 million.

NestFresh Awarded First Non-GMO Project Verified Seal for Full Line of Nationally Distributed Egg Products

Published October 28, 2013

NestFresh cage-free eggs is the first nationally distributed egg line to receive the Non-GMO Project Verified seal from the Non-GMO Project, a third party certification program that assures a product has been produced according to consensus-based best practices for GMO (genetically modified organism) avoidance. NestFresh (a division of Hidden Villa Ranch) is also the only egg brand to offer liquid and dry egg products that are also Non-GMO Project Verified.

To achieve non-GMO egg status, NestFresh chickens are fed non-GMO feed consisting of corn and soybeans, which are the most at risk for GMOs. The non-GMO corn and soybean feed is costly due to the limited amounts available. There is a routine schedule for the non-GMO feed to be tested and approved by the Non-GMO Project. On the non-GMO diet the chickens produce non-GMO eggs.

This unprecedented commitment to non-GMO verification by NestFresh is currently impacting approximately 400 acres of non-GMO corn and 380 acres of non-GMO soybeans. NestFresh is looking to expand its non-GMO impact by attracting more retailers, manufacturers and food service customers to the brand.

NestFresh works with multiple small farms across the country in a co-op system, providing more opportunities for family farmers so they can be competitive with larger companies.

“Non-GMO farming has a major environmental impact not only on the eggs we produce for NestFresh but also for my family that lives on the farm and for our entire community,” says Joseph Kropf, who is part of a Mennonite group of farmers in Tampico, Ill. “We grow and mill the corn in our community so low pesticide usage is important to us.”

This year, Whole Foods Market honored Hidden Villa Ranch for its private label version of NestFresh’s Non-GMO Project Verified eggs called Nature Fed (that are sold to Whole Foods Market exclusively), calling their commitment to non-GMO verification and supply chain development “groundbreaking.” For Whole Foods Market the non-GMO Nature Fed cage free eggs are helping them reach their self-proclaimed 2018 goal of becoming the first national grocery chain with total GMO transparency.

According to a recent report by Packaged Facts called, “Non-GMO Foods: U.S. Market Perspective,” products that do not contain GMOs will account for 30 percent of U.S. food and beverage sales by 2017.

The Non-GMO Project third-party verification program was launched in 2008 as an initiative of independent natural foods retailers who were interested in providing their customers with more information regarding the GMO risk of their products. For details on the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, visit: http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/understanding-our-seal

NestFresh cage-free and free-range eggs are Non-GMO Project Verified and available nationwide (MSRP: $3.49-$4.99). For distribution information call 877-241-8385; for more on the NestFresh brand visit: www.nestfresh.com.

Effortless Sunday Brunch

Published October 25, 2013

By Lorrie Baumann

With a very little advance planning, you can pull off a post-coital Sunday brunch that’s nearly effortless in its execution. The key to this is a lovely quiche from La Terra Fina, which has brought out a new line of ready-to-bake quiches in three varieties, all made from egg whites, so you won’t undo the healthy effects of a night of orgasmic passion with a dose of artery-clogging cholesterol. Put one of these gorgeous quiches in the toaster oven for a bit less than half an hour and then set it out on the table with a bowl of fresh raspberries and you’re almost there.

If you’re particular about your coffee, and who isn’t, look for one of the quality coffees bearing the Harvested by Women label that assures you that a fair share of the price you paid for the beans is going back to the women who would otherwise be powerless to fight sexist oppression in the poverty-stricken Third World areas where much of the world’s coffee is cultivated. You probably already have a coffee maker that produces a brew you like from these excellent beans, but if you don’t, the good folks at Kitchenware News can help you decide which of the many on the market is right for you.

Set out your quiche and coffee with a bowl of fresh raspberries (Driscoll’s is a brand that will assure you that you’re getting some of the best.), and a basket of muffins you baked from a Robert Rothschild mix, and you’ve served a brunch that will convince your lover that you’re definitely a keeper.