Sprouts to Hold First Private Brand Sustainability Vendor Summit
Sprouts Farmers Market will host its first Our Brands focused Sustainability Vendor Summit June 21-24 as part of the company’s commitment to offer responsibly grown and sourced food to customers.
The virtual event, hosted in partnership with ECRM and RangeMe, will allow Sprouts to discover new suppliers to support the continued expansion of Sprouts Branded items in departments including grocery, produce, frozen, deli, bulk foods, meat and seafood, and vitamins and supplements.
“At Sprouts, we believe that doing good extends beyond selling healthy products,” said Jac Ross, VP of Our Brands. “Our long-term growth strategy is rooted in sustainability efforts that improve our business while caring for our customers, team members, local communities and planet. Sprouts Sustainability Vendor Summit will help advance our dedication to expand our sustainable selection of Sprouts Branded products in our over 380 stores across the country and beyond.”
Starting now through April 25, Sprouts encourages private brand suppliers and manufacturers who align with its commitment to ensure ethically source ingredients and sustainable packaging and who prioritize and support improved animal welfare to sign up at www.rangeme.com/sproutssustainabilitysummit.
Learn more about Sprouts’ ESG initiatives at sprouts.com/sustainability.
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DJ Khaled’s Another Wing Drops Plant-Based LikeWings
DJ Khaled’s Another Wing unveiled LikeWings, plant-based additions to its U.S. menu in partnership with LikeMeat, a LIVEKINDLY Collective brand. The collaboration marks LikeMeat’s first ghost kitchen partnership. LikeWings are available for order through the Another Wing storefront on UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub and Postmates in the United States.
LikeWings come smothered in Another Wing’s signature flavors including: You Loyal! Lemon Pepper, Honey! Honey! Hot Honey Sriracha and They Don’t Want You To Win TRUFFALO. To celebrate the launch, Another Wing will co-host a pop-up wing dispensary, aptly named Another Wing Dispensary, in partnership with the Flowery in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood on April 20 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
“This LikeWings collaboration is an incredible opportunity for people who don’t eat meat to enjoy the incredible flavors of Another Wing. This collab combines the flavors of Another Wing with the plant power of LikeMeat,” said DJ Khaled. “Let’s win more with LikeWings.”
“We’re flying high with this new partnership and are beyond excited for Another Wings’ fans to try these awesome LikeWings the next time the munchies strike,” says Michelle Collette, head of foodservice for LikeMeat. “This is LikeMeat’s first flight into the ghost kitchen world, and we’re in it to wing it.”
Described as “the world’s most ambitious restaurant launch,” Another Wing debuted in November across over 150 locations and three continents at the same time on the REEF Kitchens platform. The concept has since expanded to Asia.
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San Diego Co. Wine Sales Up 19%, Exceed $44M
The San Diego County Vintners Association, a trade organization dedicated to supporting the winemaking community in San Diego County, released the 2022 San Diego County Economic Impact of Wineries report that shows county wineries realized about $44.1 million in gross sales last year, a 19 percent increase from 2020 but not yet reaching the local winery industry’s all-time-high of sales in 2019 ($46.2 million). The number of active wineries in San Diego County also rose to 160 in 2021.
About 1,370 acres of vines were harvested in the region last year, producing 3,073 tons of wine grapes with a production value of $5.2 million. These figures are down from pre-pandemic 2019 when San Diego County vineyards harvested 3,596 tons of wine grapes, generating a $5.58 million production value, with a sales price of $1,552 per ton, a record amount achieved in the region. About 81% of growers surveyed reported excellent to good harvest quality, the strongest seen since 2016.
The top three varietals produced in the county last year retain their rankings from prior years – Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese, respectively, with Grenache and Merlot tied for fourth, and Chardonnay and Petite Syrah tied for fifth. This is the first time that a white wine varietal has appeared in the top five for regional varietals.
“Our wine industry continues to make great strides, especially in North County. I was a big supporter of keeping wineries open during the pandemic to keep these small businesses afloat. Local wineries are thriving despite the last few years of uncertainty, creating jobs, attracting tourism, and providing an important cultural industry in the county. It’s impressive,” said San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond.
Written by Vince Vasquez, independent economic analyst and executive director of the Policycraft Institute, the report relies on winery survey data, economic modeling software, California ABC licenses, and County records to calculate the economic health of the San Diego County wine industry.
“San Diego County is blessed to have outstanding wineries and dedicated vintners making a positive impact on our local economy. I am proud to represent many fantastic wineries in my district, whose exquisite grapes and exceptional service continue to put San Diego County on the map in the wine-making industry. By offering beautiful vineyards and delicious wines for all to enjoy, San Diego County’s wineries not only strengthen our economy, they build community,” said San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson.
The 160 active wineries in San Diego County today represent a 6 percent year-over-year increase. This figure is nearly twice the total number of wineries in neighboring Riverside County (87).
“San Diego County’s wine industry continues to make important contributions to our economy, history and culture. Our 200-year history of harvesting local grapes has promoted new job creation, amazing food, and entertainment venues as well as cultural amenities. As a member of the Assembly Select Committee on Wine, I am excited to advocate on behalf of our vibrant grape growing industry!” said California Assembly Member Marie Waldron.
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