TALK
RADE
Recall by
the Book
The United Fresh Produce Association has published the Recall Resource Guide to help the produce industry better prepare for potential recall
events as part of the association’s Recall Ready suite
of services.
According to United Fresh officials, the new
resource provides a general overview and outline,
explaining why it is critical for companies to have a
recall plan; the basic components of a recall plan and
response processes; how a recall plan differs from a food safety plan and
traceability; and also offers additional recall-related resources.
The publication, developed at the request of the United Fresh Produce
Association’s Fresh-Cut Processor Board, is free for download for both members and non-members of United Fresh.
“The Recall Resource Guide is a valuable tool and is an initial step-by-step
checklist for the produce industry, serving as a baseline to ensure compa-
nies are taking the correct precautionary steps to be prepared for potential
product recalls,” says Dr. Jennifer McEntire, vice president of food safety and
technology at Washington-based United Fresh, who
designed the resource guide with Amy Philpott, vice
president, crisis services for Watson Green.
The United Fresh Recall Ready Program consists
of exclusive education and training services. The initiative is a partnership between United Fresh and the
legal and communications experts at OFW Law and
Watson Green, which are among the food industry’s
leading crisis consulting firms. With both groups
working together, program participants learn how
to execute a recall to protect public health, comply
with all government requirements, and minimize the
impact on their business—all from top food safety and legal and crisis communications professionals.
SUPERVALU HEADS WEST
Supervalu is acquiring Unified Grocers in a transaction valued at approximately $375 million, comprised of approximately $114 million in cash for 100
percent of the outstanding stock of Unified Grocers, plus the assumption and
pay-off of Unified Grocers’ net debt at closing (approximately $261 million as of
April 1, 2017).
The transaction unites two highly complementary grocery wholesalers with
combined annual sales of approximately $16 billion. Together, Supervalu and
Unified operate 24 distribution centers in 46 states and serve a combined customer base of over 3,000 stores.
According to officials of both companies, the combined company will be
uniquely positioned to efficiently serve a large broad range of independent
customers and offer a diverse array of value added services. The acquisition also
provides new growth opportunities across multiple geographies, including the
expansion of Unified’s Market Centre division, a growing business providing specialty and ethnic products to independent customers.
“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to bring together these two great organi-
zations,” says Mark Gross, president and CEO of Supervalu, based in Eden
Prairie, Minn. “The transaction will enhance our ability to help our customers
better compete in the evolving grocery industry. We’re also excited to serve
Unified’s dynamic retailer base.”
Following the acquisition, Supervalu will maintain an “important and visible
presence in Commerce, Calif.,” home of Unified.
“Supervalu and Unified share a common vision in providing best-in-class
services and products to the independent grocer,” says Bob Ling, president and
CEO of Unified. “The cultural fit between Supervalu and Unified well positions
the combined company to pursue a shared dedication and commitment to
growth and innovation, providing increased value to customers.”
