Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) has given more than $17.5 million to its over 15,000 employee-partners which includes a second round of gift cards delivered to all active employees. Full-time employees are receiving a $200 BGC gift card and part-time employees are receiving a $100 BGC gift card totaling $1.9 million.
For their deli cup packaging sold in retail, both Treasure Cave and Frigo Cheese brands have removed the carton sleeves, moved to direct printing and added instructions on the cups to inform consumers on proper disposal. Both brands have national distribution of their deli cup SKU’s across the dairy and deli aisles. These changes result in a number of positive environmental impacts. For example, removal of the carton sleeves eliminates over 600,000 pounds of paper from the supply chain, reducing consumption of natural resources, pollution, GHG emissions and waste associated with their production, shipping and storage.
Raley’s announced the promotion of Laura Croff to Senior Vice President, People. Laura is responsible for all aspects of Raley’s human resources strategy, including talent management, leadership development, labor relations, compensation and benefits. She will work closely with the Executive Committee to ensure Raley’s continues to elevate a culture that attracts, retains and develops the best teams.
Integrated Design-Build firm A M King has begun construction of a 262,000-sf ripening and cold storage distribution center for Mission Produce, the world’s largest grower, packer, and shipper of Hass avocados. The new facility will be located in Laredo, TX at the Pinnacle Industry Center on 32.6 acres adjacent to the Rio Grande River and the Mexican Border. It will allow the company to capitalize on the continued popularity of its signature product in the nation’s busiest land port. Mission plans to initially hire 75 employees when the project is complete in May 2021.
Our annual July State of the Industry issue is now ready to read in our redesigned digital magazine--even easier to navigate than before. We also feature our annual North American Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Warehouse Guide. put together with the help of the Global Cold Chain Alliance. In this issue, we dive deeper into how COVID-19 has not just impacted, but altered many areas of the cold foods supply chain the first half of 2020. It's a mid-year snapshot that also serves as a map for what will likely continue the rest of the year.
Company also redesigns product artwork and moves to combidome packaging.
July 2, 2020
Nutpods, the industry leading coffee creamer company has recently introduced a new refrigerated product line: zero sugar oat creamer. These two refrigerated flavors, Original and Cinnamon Swirl, follow a successful online-only launch of shelf-stable oat Original and French Vanilla and are part of a rapidly increasing number of oat-based alternative dairy products. Nutpods’ chilled oat lineup will launch in the coming months at the three largest natural retailers: Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Fresh Thyme.
Monogram Foods has entered into a licensing agreement with Utz and Zapp’s brands to launch a line of unique and different take-home hot appetizers. Consumers can now enjoy their favorite snack flavors in hot appetizers, available in the frozen appetizer section of leading retailers.
Choptank Transport has awarded $24,000 to 18 qualifying employees through the company's 2020 student loan paydown program. Choptank now has awarded a total of $87,000 through the paydown program since initiating it three years ago.
Path of Life, known for their plant-based, frozen quinoa, rice, and veggie blends, has welcomed Blake Zimmerman to the Live Simple family as the Director of Brand Sales. In this position, Zimmerman will be responsible for developing and advancing Path of Life’s retail presence across the county. He will lead sales strategies for existing products in addition to developing launch strategies for new brand innovations.
EDL Packaging announces David O’Keefe has been named Director of Sales at its Green Bay, Wisconsin location. In his new role, David will be responsible for leading the EDL sales team, and managing key EDL Packaging client relationships. With Massman complementary product lines, EDL also anticipates David positioning the company for continued growth by providing broader and more complete solutions to its customers.