June 2012 - Oser Communications Group

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12 GROCERY & DEPARTMENT STORES GOURMET NEWS JUNE 2012 www.gourmetnews.com Grocery & Department Stores Safeway, Whole Foods top Greenpeace seafood sustainability report Retailers are first two to reach top rank in report’s six-year history In the sixth year of its seafood sustainability report “Carting Away the Oceans,” environmental group Greenpeace acknowledged significant progress made by U.S. grocers in 2011, including the top two highest ranked, Safeway and Whole Foods. “Through varying combinations of progressive policy development, public support for conservation measures, and the elimination of unsustainable seafood inventory items, Safeway and Whole Foods have transformed themselves into undeniable leaders within the industry. Although the two retailers are extremely different in business model, consumer demographic and size, they have each found ways to excel in their promotion and adoption of sustainable seafood,” said a post on the organization’s blog. Particularly, both retailers had chosen more sustainable sources for their privatelabel canned tuna products—an often-forgotten but hugely significant area for U.S. seafood consumption. Overall, the report notes huge progress in U.S. seafood sustainability, but points out areas of improvement such as the continuing sales of “red-listed” (unsustainably fished) species by various retailers, including all the top scorers. The complete report can be downloaded at www.greenpeace.org. GN PCC Natural Markets begins turning food scraps into organic fertilizer Pilot program uses organic, sealed harvester for groceries, institutional cafeterias. PCC Natural Markets (PCC), the nation’s largest member-owned grocery retailer, is testing a solution to the mountains of food scraps being discarded daily by U.S. groceries. The retailer has selected its Issaquah, Wash. store as the site for its first on-site food scrap “harvester,” a partnership with Washington clean technology firm WIS- Erg Corporation. The two-step process includes an odorless, sealed harvester that grinds the food scraps, as well as a finishing process that results in an organic liquid fertilizer with bio-stimulatory effects, called WISErganic. The fertilizer is then available for sale to PCC customers in all nine of the market’s locations. “The WISErg Harvester enables businesses like ours to turn the problem of food scrap disposal into an opportunity for our communities and the environment,” said Tracy Wolpert, PCC’s CEO. The technology allows grocery stores to lower their carbon footprint by significantly reducing the volume of food scrap waste that must be transported offsite by truck. The innovative harvesting technology has been quietly on-site for six weeks and continuous digital monitoring and feedback confirms that the harvester performs well. The base fertilizer has also been subject to early testing at Washington State University, and the goal to produce an organic fertilizer with bio-stimulatory effects that can compete on cost and efficacy with consumer-oriented synthetics appears within reach. The fertilizer also improves soil health, unlike petroleumderived synthetics. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately 100 billion pounds of food is wasted each year in the United States. Food that gets thrown out accounts for almost 34 million tons of the solid waste generated in the United States; less than 3 percent of that food waste is recovered. The biggest single element of this waste stream is “organics”, the term used by regulators to describe food scraps and compostables, according to a 2009 study by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Food scraps retain large amounts of nutrients. Recovering those nutrients and turning them into fertilizer helps solve a serious environmental problem. Headquartered in Seattle, PCC Natural Markets is a certified organic retail cooperative with nine stores, annual sales of $161 million and an active membership of 46,000 households. GN Harris Teeter updates mobile phone app Harris Teeter has released an update to ht mobile, significantly changing its mobile application, both improving existing functions and introducing new features to make it easier for shoppers to use their smartphone to organize their grocery shopping. Harris Teeter launched its first version of ht mobile April 2011, and it included a collection of tools to allow customers to shop using their smartphone. ht mobile gave users the option to create shopping lists on their mobile device, view personalized e- VIC offers, browse the company’s weekly ad and find Harris Teeter stores. With the latest version released today, Harris Teeter built upon its existing ht mobile platform and enhanced features like the shopping list but also introduced new features to make the application more user-friendly and accessible for shoppers. The newest version of ht mobile shows vast improvement to not only the visual aspects of the application, but the technology behind it as well: • Updated shopping list, offering access to personalized e-VIC specials and Favorites, the ability to save e-VIC coupons, barcode scanning technology and auto complete search capabilities • Enhanced store locator, adding GPS technology and driving directions • Ability to view your list offline • Seamless integration with your desktop shopping list • Text message notification and ability to pre-order subs and sliced meats and cheeses in select stores • Ability to refill or transfer prescriptions using a Harris Teeter pharmacy The company is also committed to the evolution of ht mobile and will continue to add new features, including a recipe function that allows shoppers to choose a specific recipe through ht mobile that will then automatically populate the shopping list when instructed. To learn more about navigating ht mobile, please watch an informational video about the application and the features available by visiting harristeeter.com. If you do not have ht mobile, please help us achieve 100,000 downloads by downloading it for free from either the iPhone App Store or Android’s Google Play Market. Also, if you are logged in and use the ht mobile app between May 9th and June 5th, you could win $200 in Harris Teeter gift cards. For more information, visit harristeeter.com. GN BRIEFS ALDI to enter Houston market by spring 2013 Discount grocer ALDI, known for offering quality store brands at low prices, is preparing to enter the Houston market with 30 new stores over the next three years. The first ALDI stores in Houston will open in the Spring of 2013, with more than 10 new locations. The retailer currently has 37 stores in Texas, most in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area. The new stores are expected to bring 400 jobs and an investment of over $100 million into the Houston community. The Houston stores will feature higher ceilings, improved natural lighting and environmentally friendly building materials, such as recycled materials and energysaving refrigeration and light bulbs, offering customers a simple and easy-to-navigate shopping experience. Customers can expect to find more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased fresh produce, fresh meats and high-quality grocery items under ALDI exclusive brands at up to 50 percent less than traditional supermarkets (according to the store’s price comparison). According to ALDI, these savings come from smart practices such as a smaller store footprint, open carton displays and encouragement of customers to bring their own shopping bags. A grocery retailer that has grown without merger or acquisition, ALDI opened 75 stores in the United States in 2011 and plans to open more than 80 stores in 2012. Maristella’s Fine Foods seafood arancini in 250 new retail locations Seafood company Maristella’s Fine Foods has reached agreements with several regions of Whole Foods Markets, Market Basket and Kings to carry their line of authentic Sicilian seafood arancini. Inspired by an old family recipe, the arancini are made from arborio from the Po Valley in Northern Italy; a three cheese blend, peas, all natural herbs and seafood. The new line will be sold in over 250 new locations throughout the United States. “We have seen an overwhelming response from retailers and consumers. We are extremely excited to be partnering with such fine retailers,” said Robby Brandano, Maristella President and CEO. During the 2011 International Boston Seafood Show, Maristella’s arancini emerged from a field of more than 100 entries to be one of eight finalists for best new retail product. The line is available in five varieties, using wild-caught crab, salmon, scallops, lobster and shrimp. The company also produces frozen seafood pot pies in four gourmet flavors.
GOURMET NEWS JUNE 2012 www.gourmetnews.com SPECIALTY DISTRIBUTORS & BROKERS 13 Specialty Distributors & Brokers BRIEFS Whole Foods adds LaPiana products in two regions Italian Foods Corp. announces new La Piana distribution in Whole Foods Northern California and South Pacific regions. Distribution is handled respectively by Renaissance Specialty Foods of South San Francisco and Kehe Distributors of Romeoville, Ill. “Whole Foods Northern California region, which includes northern Nevada, has added La Piana Grilled Cipolline Onions, pasta sauces and bruschetta toppings,” said Francesca Lapiana-Krause, Sales Director. The small, flat cipolline borettane onions (9.9-oz. jars, SRP $7.49) are imported from northern Italy. Their natural semi-sweet flavor is intensified by grilling, and then lightly flavored with spirit vinegar, garlic, parsley and chili pepper. Also approved are La Piana pasta sauces (17.6-oz. jars, SRP $6.49), and bruschetta toppings (10-oz. jars, SRP $6.99.) The South Pacific region (southern California, Arizona, southern Nevada and Hawaii) has approved four La Piana Stuffed Pastas. Produced by a three-generation, family-owned business near Milan, the line of seven stuffed pastas is shelf stable for 18 months (1-lb. box, SRP $6.29 to $6.99). The North American distribution arm of Alimentitalia of Trento, Italy, Italian Foods Corp. imports traditional regional delicacies from across Italy for American home cooks. Products are available through Whole Foods, Dean & Deluca, The Fresh Market, Central Market and Hiller’s Market as well as hundreds of specialty stores nationwide. The Fresh Market adds Joia All Natural Soda Joia’s distribution now up to 115 stores in 21 states Joia, a line of all-natural sodas that was named by BevNET as Best Carbonated Beverage of 2011, in May announced that its sodas will be carried in The Fresh Market stores. The specialty grocery retailer has more than 100 stores throughout the Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. “The Fresh Market constantly researches and seeks out the highest quality, best tasting products available, and we have a longstanding reputation of introducing unique new products like Joia to the market,” said Mathis Martines, Grocery Coordinator for The Fresh Market. “We know our customers will love Joia’s distinct and refreshing flavors, enticing aromas, and highly attractive presentation.” Developed by Minneapolis-based Boundary Waters Brands, Joia features crafted blends that create unique layers of intensely fresh flavor. Its four distinctive varieties are Grapefruit, Chamomile and Cardamom; Lime, Hibiscus and Clove; Blackberry, Pomegranate and Ginger; and Pineapple, Coconut and Nutmeg. Joia is free of any preservatives, caffeine, sodium and gluten. UNFI sets up charitable foundation United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), the leading national distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods and related products, has announced the establishment of a charitable foundation committed to supporting healthy, sustainable and organic food systems. UNFI Foundation is set to launch on August 1, 2012. The foundation will work to fund nonprofit programs in areas such as sustainable agriculture and organic farming, as well as initiatives designed to increase organic food production and consumption. The foundation will also seek to fund educational programs to enhance awareness of the benefits of healthy food choices. Heading the foundation will be Melody Meyer, Vice-President of Global Initiatives for UNFI’s subsidiary Albert’s Organics. Meyer has been named Executive Director of the foundation and will serve on its board along with Steven Spinner, UNFI’s President and CEO, Michael Funk, UNFI’s Chairman of the Board, Thomas Dziki, UNFI’s Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resource and Sustainability Officer, and Lisa Madsen, UNFI’s Director, Sustainability & Philanthropy, Internal Communications. UNFI has a long history of proactive support of sustainable agriculture and organic farming, labeling campaigns and nutritional education. The company has supported the Organic Trade Association, the Non-GMO Project, Organic Farming Research Foundation, Eco-Farm Conference, Mid-West Organic Sustainable Education Services and Vitamin Angels. Beginning August 1, 2012, the foundation will accept mission-specific grant applications from eligible U.S.-based New site launches to provide retailers with wholesale, single-case daily deals Mid-May saw the launch of startup business-to-business website Wholesaily, which offers Groupon-like daily deals to registered trade buyers on specialty food products. The site is b2b exclusive, meaning the deals are available only to specialty retailers, gift basket companies, and online retailers. Each day, Wholesaily features one unique gourmet/specialty food product at a heavy discount—comparable to distributor pricing—but allows buyers to order at single-case quantities instead of the industry-standard pallet minimum for such price points. The creator of Wholesaily, Ryan Montague, is a long-time specialty food entrepreneur formerly with FoodLaunch, Sell- Gourmet and GourmetFoodMall.com. “The specialty food industry has been slow to adopt eCommerce and online technology, especially when it comes to the wholesale trade. My goal is to change that by giving wholesale buyers a fun, new way to find exciting products, and then provide them with a cost-effective way to buy and sell those products for the first time,” said Montague in a prepared statement. “The wheel hasn’t been re-invented here; just think of it like Groupon, Woot, or Gilt meets the Fancy Food Show.” At press time Montague was finalizing 501(c)(3) organizations. The board expects to begin approving grants later this year. Preliminary information is available at www.unfifoundation.org and application guidelines will be updated later this year. The foundation can be contacted at info@unfifoundation.org. “The establishment of the foundation speaks to UNFI’s core values,” added Meyer. “This initiative provides another wonderful opportunity for UNFI to make a meaningful difference, right at the beginning, where it counts. Everything we do starts at the farm.” UNFI carries and distributes more than 60,000 products to more than 23,000 customer locations throughout the United States and Canada. It was ranked by Fortune in 2006—2010 and 2012 as one of its “Most Admired Companies.”. GN vendor selection for May, and accepting product submissions for features in June and Q3. Specialty food producers who wish to offer deals can apply in a few simple steps online. Producers go through a review process to ensure product quality, establish pricing and terms, and verify inventory levels available. Registration is free for retailers and wholesale buyers. Members will be notified of new deals via email, Facebook, Twitter and RSS. A mobile app is in development as well. More information can be found on www.wholesaily.com. GN 3Gyros healthy salad dressings to roll out in United States Canada’s Essex Angel Capital Inc. announces that 3Gyros Inc., one of the companies in its portfolio, has begun a U.S. market launch of their complete line of full-flavor zero-calorie, fat-, sugar-, gluten-, and dairy-free and low-sodium salad dressings. Sales of the uniquely packaged dressings are being handled by sales management company Diversified Sales Team (DST) of Heath, Texas. The dressings are already in supermarkets in Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma and other parts of the South and Southwest, but will now be promoted in stores throughout the Southeast and Midwest, including Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana, as well, with the East and West coasts in the second stage of the rollout. DST, which represents brands as Beaverton Foods, Olde Cape Cod, Mrs. Renfro’s, and Allegra, is working with brokers C.A. Fortune & Co. and Chandler Food Sales, and distributors KeHE Foods. The dressings are carried by such chains as Meijer’s, Central Markets, and Hannaford’s. In Canada, the line is in Sobey’s and Loblaw’s, among many others, through ID Foods and First National Broker. DST President Steve Wilkerson reports that initial U.S. response has been excellent. “I have not launched a product that has gone over as well as this for a long time. 3Gyros salad dressings are really creating excitement,” he reported. “The packaging is incredibly eye-catching, there’s a whole lifestyle program behind the line, and it’s got all the qualities-low fat, gluten free, sugar-free, among others, that many people are looking for today for healthy eating. There are too many horses pulling this wagon for this not to succeed.” “Packaging is key in the specialty food business,” said James Zografos, Category Director for KeHE Distributors. “In the absence of national media campaigns to create consumer trial, the package must convey an instant message to the consumer. 3Gyros does this better than most products that I’ve seen.” 3Gyros salad dressings are not only zerocalorie, but also fat-, sugar-, gluten-, and dairy-free, as well as low-sodium, making them suitable for all weight loss, diabetes, celiac disease, heart disease and lactoseintolerance diets. The products are packaged in a distinctively shaped bottle that is shrink-wrapped in the bright 3Gyros label. The line’s flavors include Ranch, Caesar, Italian, Balsamic, Mango Flavored Vinaigrette and Mediterranean. According to 3Gyros’ President and CEO, Thanos Zikantas, “3Gyros salad dressings are well positioned for complete penetration into the U.S. market. A long and profitable relationship between 3Gyros and DST, along with the brokers and distributors they work with, will be essential in increasing the availability of these innovative products to American consumers.” GN
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June 2012 - Oser Communications Group

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