Future of Grocery Retailing a Topic at Fresh Produce Summit
On the heels of a global pandemic, much has changed over the past two years in the world of grocery retailing, and these changes may influence what lies ahead for the entire fresh produce industry. To discuss the future of grocery retail and its impact on fresh produce, a pair of leaders from Whole Foods, along with its former co-CEO, have been confirmed as panelists for a keynote presentation this July at Organic Produce Summit 2022 in Monterey, Calif.
The Future of Grocery Retailing will be moderated by Walter Robb, principal of Stonewall Robb Advisors, senior executive partner at S2G Ventures, and former co-CEO of Whole Foods. Joining the conversation will be Karen Christensen, senior vice president of merchandising for perishables for Whole Foods, and Madhavi Reese, Whole Foods’ vice president of marketing. The discussion will explore how Whole Foods is addressing supply chain issues, the role of technology and e-commerce, consumer shopping behavior, new formats, and innovations in grocery retailing.
As an investor, mentor, and advisor to the next generation of American food companies, Robb has a long and varied entrepreneurial history, ranging from natural food retailer to farmer to consultant. He joined Whole Foods Market in 1991 and in 2010 was named co-CEO, at which time he also joined the Whole Foods Market Board of Directors. Christensen is a true food visionary who previously served as regional vice president of the Whole Foods Northern California region. Reese spent 18 years working on the agency side before joining Whole Foods as VP of brand strategy in 2017.
“The world of grocery retail has evolved significantly over the past two-plus years, as consumer demand for a seamless shopping experience continues to create opportunities for retailers to grow their business. To have leadership from Whole Foods — consistently recognized as one of the nation’s most reputable and progressive retailers—share their thoughts on the future of our industry is something OPS attendees will not want to miss,” said Susan Canales, president of Organic Produce Summit.
OPS 2022 is a two-day event specifically designed to bring together organic fresh produce growers, shippers, and processors with retail and buying organizations from across North America.
The Future of Grocery Retailing will be the third keynote presentation at OPS 2022. In the first keynote, John Ruane, senior vice president and chief omnichannel merchandising officer for The GIANT Company, will discuss The Growth of Omnichannel Merchandising That’s Driving Retail Sales. In the second keynote, Empowering the World to Stop Ocean Plastic, David Katz, founder of Plastic Bank, will share how the world’s most progressive companies are stewarding the collection of ocean-bound plastic waste and empowering communities to thrive.
OPS 2022 also includes a selection of field tours for qualified retailers and buyers, a gala opening night reception, and a sold-out trade show floor featuring more than150 producers and processors of organic fresh produce from across North America and the globe.
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Growth Potential Seen for At-Home Foods Market
Middle market investment banking firm Capstone Partners sees significant growth potential for established brands in the at-home foods market with the recent recapitalization of Uncle John’s Pride, a family-owned producer of branded premium meats in the consumer food and beverage sector.
Capstone advised Uncle John’s Pride on the transaction and says the deal highlights influential trends in the at-home foods market. Following the pandemic-induced spike in at-home dining and a growing consumer emphasis on health, wellness and convenience, demand for high-quality proteins to prepare at home has climbed.
With a host of branded products under multiple banners — including Bean Brothers, Peppino Foods, Realtree and more — and distribution through both retail and foodservice channels such as Walmart, Publix, and Winn-Dixie, Uncle John’s Pride has positioned itself as a premium brand with a strong foothold in the Southeastern United States, according to Capstone. UJP’s established regional platform, blue-chip customer base, premium product portfolio, and proven acquisition history position them well to capitalize on these favorable industry trends and robust consumer demand, making them an attractive target for investment.
“This transaction allowed the UJP shareholders to monetize their initial investment in the company, with a substantial return, while still maintaining a meaningful equity stake,” said Capstone Managing Director Brian Boyle. “Going forward, the company is forecasting rapid growth fueled by powerful consumer trends towards high-protein diets and increased at-home dining trends.”
Financing was provided by Promise Holdings, a consumer-focused private holding company, and specialty finance firms Star Mountain Capital and Maranon Capital. With the investment, Uncle John’s Pride will have the capital and resources necessary to expand beyond its established regional platform and pursue significant growth via additional private labeling.
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Southern Glazer’s Donates $100K for Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine
Alcohol beverage distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is donating a total of $100,000 across three charitable organizations supporting humanitarian aid in Ukraine. The donation is the result of an employee fundraising campaign, in which Southern Glazer’s matched employee contributions to organizations performing meaningful work to help Ukrainian refugees.
In support of the Ukrainian community, Southern Glazer’s pledged to support World Central Kitchen, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere through its donation match campaign. All individual employee donations were made for humanitarian aid in Ukraine through Southern Glazer’s internal giving platform, VolunCheers Online, in order to qualify for the match.
Based on employee contributions and the company match, Southern Glazer’s will be donating $42,214, $40,127.52 and $17,659 respectively to WCK, UNHCR and CARE with the hope that the funds will help the organizations respond with supplies and resources needed to help those affected by the current crisis.
“Southern Glazer’s stands in support of the Ukrainian people and wfe cannot thank our employees enough for their generous contributions to this campaign,” said CEO Wayne E. Chaplin. “Through our VolunCheers platform, we are able to rally our workforce around providing humanitarian relief for Ukraine and its neighboring countries. We are thankful for the meaningful work these charities are spearheading to ensure families are given the supplies and resources needed.”
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