Gourmet News

Oregon Fruit Products Appoints Prewett as President, CEO

Published September 21, 2022

oe Prewett (left) and Chris Sarles (right) stand outside Oregon Fruit Products headquarters in Salem, Ore. (Photo: Business Wire)

The board of directors for Oregon Fruit Products LLC has appointed Joe Prewett as president and chief executive officer. Prewett will assume the role effective mid-October, while current CEO, Chris Sarles, will help to ensure a smooth transition.

Prewett has been with Tillamook County Creamery Association since 2013 as executive vice president of brand and category growth, where he helped more than double the company’s net sales by leading the company’s growth planning, marketing and product innovation. Prewett has been a member of the Oregon Fruit Products board for two years and helped shape its current strategic plan.

“We’re honored to have someone of Joe’s background and expertise step in to help guide the future of Oregon Fruit Products,” said Sarles. “Joe’s experience working with our business, as well as his vision and passion for people and culture of the organization are a perfect match for what we’re seeking for the next phase of the company’s growth. I’m pleased to pass the torch and I look forward to watching Joe lead Oregon Fruit Products to even greater success in the years to come.”

Before joining Tillamook, Prewett served as vice president of marketing for Farmer Brothers Coffee, Coffee Bean International and Medical Research Institute. Prewett has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and a master’s in business administration from the Anderson School at UCLA.

As president and CEO of Oregon Fruit Products, Sarles helped assemble the team that has helped to create the sustained growth trajectory the company has experienced. Sarles is stepping down and plans to focus on non-profit organizations that help women and children that need a “hand up” to launch forward in their lives.

“I’m excited to step into this new role with a company that has an incredible reputation for product excellence and customer service,” said Prewett. “Chris and I both enjoy developing world-class teams with bold vision and purpose. I look forward to building upon the momentum at this great Oregon company.”

Founded in 1935, Oregon Fruit Products offers a complete line of canned, frozen and shelf-stable premium fruit for consumers, foodservice operators and ingredient sales. The company is the recipient of the Oregon State University Center for Family Enterprise’s 2022 Business Renewal Award and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Agricultural Producer of the Year Award. Oregon Fruit Products is located in Salem, Ore.

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Laura Chenel Goat Yogurt Line Discontinued Due to Rising Costs

Published September 21, 2022

Laura Chenel is discontinuing production of its award-winning probiotic goat yogurt because the recent rising costs of milk and other materials, which means that the company can no longer produce this product at an affordable price, according to a letter sent to customers from National Sales Director BJ Frank.

Effective Sept. 30, Laura Chenel will discontinue the Laura Chenel Probiotic Goat Yogurt line (Plain & Vanilla 4.75 ounces and Plain 23 ounces.).

“We are committed to bringing good, wholesome food to home cooks and chefs across the nation,” Frank wrote. “With this in mind, for the last few years, we’ve made delicious, award-winning, gut-friendly probiotic goat yogurt that was well received by our consumers.

“Other than freeing up resources, this change does not impact any of our other product lines at Laura Chenel or within our family of brands, St. Benoit Creamery and Marin French Cheese Co.,” Frank wrote.

Laura Chenel introduced a new chapter in American cheese in 1979 when she started making farmstead goat cheese with milk from her goats and techniques she learned in France. Today, Laura Chenel still embodies its founding namesake’s trailblazing spirit as a leading producer of fresh and aged goat cheeses crafted with fresh goat’s milk from family-owned farms in California, Oregon, Nevada and Idaho. Located in the heart of Sonoma County,

Laura Chenel is the first creamery in the United States to be awarded the prestigious LEED Gold certification for achievement in green building sustainability. Its commitment to environmental practices, such as solar energy and water recycling, helps preserve the terroir for generations to come.

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Grocer Survey: Retailers Prioritize Unified Commerce Platforms

Published September 21, 2022

As shopper habits return somewhat to pre-pandemic patterns, several behaviors learned over the last two and a half years leave retailers looking to offer a more cohesive shopping experience, according to a new grocer survey, “State of the Industry: Unified Commerce in Food & Grocery Retail,” from Incisiv and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.

While this is evidenced by the priority they are placing on providing a more consolidated online and in-store experience, a majority of grocers (77%) still do not have a unified commerce platform in place and remain dissatisfied with their current ability to quickly deploy new experiences (e.g., curbside returns, online chat,). In addition, most retailers feel current systems lack the ability to offer shoppers a seamless omnichannel experience, according to the grocer survey.

“These findings show that the industry is ready to deliver experiences that truly unify the physical and digital, meeting customers where they are so they can drive their own journey to create memorable experiences for shoppers across channels,” said Fredrik Carlegren, VP Marketing & Communications, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions.

“With investments in our ELERA commerce platform, we are driving the digital transformation of retail by seamlessly connecting retail touchpoints to deliver the personalized shopping experience that consumers expect, with the agility and scalability retailers demand, to accelerate the future of retail.”

Read more about the grocer survey in the November issue of Gourmet News. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!