Navigator Newsletter February 2018

Food & Dietary Supplies

Business Products & Services

Industry News

• Interstate® >• iPayX >• Strategic Market

Alliance >

• Foodbuy Reports:o Inflation Report >oProduce Market Advisory >oPrice Watch >oUpcoming Events >

Medical Products & Services

The Experienced Leader in Group Purchasing

A monthly newsletter to keep you informed.

Thank you for being a valued member of Navigator Group Purchasing, Inc. We are the experienced leader in healthcare and hospitality purchasing services offering you Full Transparency Reporting, Vendor Flexibility, and Realized Savings.

Navigator is your resource for spend management. We are here to help you maximize savings opportunities and choice with the industry's top vendors and manufacturers.

Our goal is to keep you informed about products and promotions from our vendor partners as well as industry news.

Please contact your Navigator Account Representative for more information.

Visit Our Website Find out how a Navigator membership can work for you.

Call us today! 800.642.3020

manufacturer, supplier or otherwise do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation by Navigator Group Purchasing. Navigator Group Purchasing makes no representations as to the quality, effectiveness, suitability or appropriateness of any such device, product, services, process or other information. The user assumes all responsibility for the use of any device, products, service process or other information mentioned herein. Under no circumstances, including negligence, shall Navigator Group Purchasing be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, or lost profits, that result from the use (or inability to use) any such device, product, service, process or other information. All registered trademarks and unregistered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Reference to any device, product, service, process, or other information, by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, supplier or otherwise do not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation by Navigator Group Purchasing. Navigator Group Purchasing makes no representations as to the quality, effectiveness, suitability or appropriateness of any such device, product, services, process or other information. The user assumes all responsibility for the use of any device, products, service process or other information mentioned herein. Under no circumstances, including negligence, shall Navigator Group Purchasing be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, or lost profits, that result from the use (or inability to use) any such device, product, service, process or other information. All registered trademarks and unregistered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

• Carlisle® >• Leahy IFP >• J.M. Smucker Company® >

• AliMed® >• Functional Pathways >

Sustainable • Innovative • Profitable

Daily Cleaning BrushReplaces White Floor Pads• Specifically designed for daily

cleaning and maintaining of all highgloss floor surfaces

• Ideal for use on ceramic tile,concrete, marble, quarry tile, slate,terrazzo and VCT

Red Cleaning BrushReplaces Red Floor Pads• For medium to mildly aggressive

cleaning of ceramic tile, concrete,marble, non-slip flooring, quarry tile,rubber, slate, terazzo and VCT

• .022" nylon fibers impregnated with120 grit silicon carbide

Scrubbing/Stripping BrushReplaces Black Floor Pads• Excellent for scrubbing concrete

and stripping quarry tile, terrazzoand VCT

• .050" nylon fibers impregnated with

80 grit silicon carbide

Short Trim Pad Driver• 0.5" long, polypropylene bristles

unevenly trimmed and widelyspaced for excellentholding power

If You Use 100 Pads Per Month

$7,200$1,740$5,460

Annual Cost for 1,200 floor pads

Annual Cost for 12 floor brushes

Annual Savings

Your Potential Savings

Assuming an average pad diameter of 16" • This amount of floor pads would cover 798 football fields• The cubic volume could fill 1,243 semi-truck trailers or 47 Olympic-sized poolsLaid end-to-end, the annual amount of pads used would extend 8,291 miles• That’s more than 3× the distance between New York City and Los Angeles!

InterestingFacts ©2018 Carlisle FoodService Products

Oklahoma City, OK 73131www.carlislesmp.com | 800.654.8210

Dawn Bentsen, M.A., C.D.M, C.F.P.P.Director of Sales - Strategic Accounts

Carlisle Foodservice Productsdawnbentsen@carlislefsp.com

Cell: 405.519.1356

To see how you can save even more money visit www.carlislefsp.com/ez

Floor Care System

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Partner Focused. Solution-Driven.

Lovin’ Spoonfuls® Syrup PackedCanned Fruit

6/#10 Cans

Carbotrol® Lovin’ Spoonfuls taste just how fresh fruit should –full of ripe, just-picked flavor!

Density Pack – Our containers provide four more servings per case than standard #10 cans.

Unmatched Quality – Our specifications are the highest in the industry and are not duplicated anywhere in the world.

Variety – We offer 35 varieties of #10 Can Fruit.

More Fruit in Every Can – We pack more fruit with less juice in every can (about a pound more fruit per case). No one else can make this claim in the industry.

Shelf Stable – All Carbotrol® products are pasteurized to assure shelf stability at room temperature for extended time periods, with no refrigeration.

For more information, please visit www.Leahy-IFP.com.

CS Pack Case Weight Ti/Hi Case Cube Case Dimensions

6/10 47 lbs. 7/7 1.02 18.5” x 13.75” x 7.25”

PACK INFORMATION

6/#10 Cans Calories Total Fat Sodium Potassium Carbohydrates Dietary Fiber Sugars Calcium Iron

504510 Fruit Cocktail #10 70 0g 15mg 120mg 18g 1g 16g 0% 0%

504610 Fruit Mix #10 80 0g 5mg 85mg 18g 1g 15g 0% 0%

505210 Y.C. Peach Halves #10 70 0g 10mg 90mg 17g 0g 13g 0% 0%

505310 Y.C. Peach Slices #10 70 0g 10mg 90mg 17g 0g 13g 0% 0%

505410 Diced Peaches #10 70 0g 10mg 90mg 17g 0g 13g 0% 0%

506210 Pear Halves #10 80 0g 15mg 80mg 19g 1g 15g 0% 0%

506310 Pear Slices #10 80 0g 15mg 80mg 19g 1g 15g 0% 0%

506410 Diced Pears #10 80 0g 15mg 80mg 19g 1g 15g 0% 0%

510310 Mandarin Oranges #10 80 0g 10mg 100mg 19g 1g 14g 0% 0%

ITEM # FLAVOR NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Serving Size: 1/2 cup. (120 g) Servings Per Container: 25

LOVIN’ SPOONFULS #10 CAN FRUIT

2350 Ravine Way | Suite 200 | Glenview, IL 60025 | 847.904.5250www.Leahy-IFP.com

POS-LOVIN#10.2015

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FOLGERS COFFEE SOLUTIONS Available in roast and ground or on-demand coffee formats, Folgers conveniently delivers a classic flavor experience that satisfies multiple generations from residents to staff to guests.

From the trusted taste of Smucker’s® jams, jellies and preserves to the rich aroma of Folgers® coffee, we have quality products that residents and guests know and love.

DELIGHT RESIDENTS WITH FAMILIAR FAVORITES

1NPD Supply Track 12 months ending August 2017©/® The J.M. Smucker Company

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR NAVIGATOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE.

SMUCKER’S JAMS, JELLIES & PRESERVES Complement your breakfast program with great-tasting breakfast condiments that signal quality and comfort from the #1 brand of tabletop jams, jellies and preserves—Smucker’s.1

On-Demand Coffee System

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AliMed is proud to offer products and information that can improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's

patients as well as their caregivers and family members.

Save 15%* on orders over $100 with coupon code

ALZAWARE

The need for assistance with everyday activities will progressively increase, making

caregiving products essential. Keeping them safe with our wandering prevention

products and improve quality of life with our Alzheimers activities and mobility

products. Visit our website to learn more about the various stages of Alzheimers and

what to expect and how to prepare.

*Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or special pricing and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Offer

expires 4/16/2018.

N95 MASK PRICE REDUCTION

During the week of January 7-13, the CDC reported a sharp increase in influenza throughout the United States and all regions of the country have widespread influenza activity.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#ILIMap

As members of the healthcare community, Alimed is deeply concerned with improving the population health and preventing further spread of influenza and other diseases.

In response to this public health concern, and to promote outcomes in your facility, Alimed has reduced the price of our face masks for both patients and healthcare workers on the Navigator contract by 65%, to a price of $8.25 per box of 20.

Ordering details are as follows:

AliMed Flat Fold N95 Mask, Box/20

Item # 72158

https://www.alimed.com/flat-fold-n95-mask.html

For questions or further information, please contact Alimed at 800-225-2610 or customerservice@alimed.com

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Track Rehab Outcomes

with RightTrackTM

Recognizing the need for improved communication of outcomes to families, physicians, payors, and clients, we developed our exclusive outcome tracking software, RightTrackTM. RightTrackTM provides real-time updates on therapy progress via detailed, electronic reports.

RightTrackTM has been proven to:ê Improve our clients’ clinical and financial outcomes

ê Bridge the communication gap between therapists, community staff, and family members

ê Make navigating Medicare changes and bundled payments easier

ê Reduce length of stay and re-hospitalization

ê Position our clients as the provider of choice

As a therapist-owned, medium-sized organization, Functional Pathways has the flexibility to break the cookie cutter

model offered by other providers.

With 25 years of experience serving long-term care communities, we provide a strong foundation of unique resources and clinical expertise. Using proven strategies and our proprietary software systems, we transform the communities we partner with into preferred providers within their network.

Functional Pathways helps communities achieve:

ê Better outcomes tracking and communication

ê Better resident screening

ê Better interdisciplinary coordination

ê Better results for patients

We’ve found A Better Way to deliver elite care in

the changing environment.

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Interstate is a full service restoration and reconstruction company providing

emergency disaster response services to properties that have been compromised

by water, fire, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. We can assist

anywhere in the U.S. and Canada with:

• Emergency disaster response

• Temporary power

• Structural drying and dehumidification

• Temporary structural repairs

• Structural cleaning and decontamination

• Mold and asbestos remediation

• Reconstruction

• Hazmat services

• Document restoration

HELPING YOU GET BACK TO BUSINESS QUICKLY

EMERGENCY RESPONSE 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK

800–622–6433 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

SONIA FUETSCH • CELL 415–755–0774 • sfuetsch@interstaterestoration.com

For information and assistance please contact Sonia Fuetsch at Interstate.

License #: 969002

STEP-BY-STEP RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Contact Sonia Fuetsch at 415-755-0774. If you are unable to get intouch with Sonia, call our 24-hour emergency line at 800–622–6433.

2. Supply as much information about the loss as possible:

– Property address (including zip)

– Cell phone for on-site contact and decision maker

– Approximate size of area damaged (e.g., two rooms, two floors, 5,000 sq. ft.)

– Cause of damage (e.g., pipe break, tornado, fire in HVAC unit)

– When damage occurred

– Is the site accessible?

– Is the power working?

– Has the problem been solved (leak repaired, etc.)?

– Mention any time restrictions on work time (can only work off businesshours, not before 8:00 a.m., etc.)

– If fire, have local authorities performed a cause and origin? If not, how soonis it expected?

– Are there any hazardous materials we need to be aware of? Are MSDSsheets available?

Interstate is proud to be an emergency response restoration

and reconstruction vendor for Navigator. Follow these steps for a

fast response and recovery:

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Long-Term Care Facilities Collect More Money, Faster…

With the iPayX Payment Hub

ELECTRONIC

INVOICE DELIVERY

INVOICING &

ONLINE PAYMENT

MANAGEMENT

INTEGRATED

ADMINISTRATIVE

TOOLS

PURE & SIMPLE -

CREDIT CARD

ACCEPTANCE

Email PDF Invoices

Set Payment Plans, Store Card on File

View Payment History & Invoice Images

Hosted Electronic Invoice Presentment & Payment (EIPP) Platform

Collect Payments through current Website

EDI file transfer for automated cash application posting

Customer service tools & reports

Comprehensive reconciliation reporting

Targeted Campaign for fast adoption

Industry Target Rates with Level III Processing Discounts

Fixed, Flat Fee Pricing

Simple Application Process

iPayX offers flexible pricing options and competitive rates for pharmacy credit card processing.

Contact us to receive a custom quote.

iPayX offers PCI compliant payment services through a robust payment platform that makes

collecting payments easy and convenient. Our Payment Hub provides self-service tools that

work to accelerate payments and reduce your costs.

Stored Card On File | Payment Plans | Secure Credit Card Processing

Reaping the Benefits…

With the iPayX Payment Hub

Long-Term Care Facilities like yours are discovering the

convenience of our self-service tools and reaping the

benefits from accelerating payments.

iPayX Payment Hub Delivers:

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Cash Savings on Paper, Envelopes, and Postage

Automatic Posted Payments

Email Reminders to Payees for Timely Payment

Reduced DSO – Leading to Better Cash Flow Reporting

A ‘Going Green’ Business Solution

Receive full-featured services that cover more payment channels, more effectively!

Easy Onboarding

Dedicated Training & Support

Stable & Secure System

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The Role of Environmental Services

(The following is derived from the Strategic Market Alliance Training Guide: EVS Cleaning

Procedures in Long Term Care, available to SMA customers.)

With today’s onset of antibacterial products and modern scientific advancements, one would think that

the fight against infection would be a diminishing battle. In actuality, it just means that new, more

resistant, disease-causing microorganisms are evolving. One major area for concern in healthcare

facilities is Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI). HAIs rank among the 10 most frequent causes of death

in the United States.

• Proper disinfection is extremely important to limit and control the growth of microorganisms

and the spread of infection. The Environmental Services (EVS) role is critical in controlling the

spread of harmful organisms and in turn creating a healthier environment, which may even save

someone’s life.

• A visibly clean environment helps promote patient/resident and staff confidence in the level of

care that is being provided. However, visibly clean surfaces are not necessarily microbiologically

clean. Nosocomial pathogens can and do persist on inanimate surfaces. Previously,

environmentally transmitted diseases have not always been clearly recognized as the serious

threat to patient/resident safety that we appreciate today.

• Emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO’s) has highlighted the critical role EVS plays

in minimizing environmental reservoirs in both healthcare facilities and other healthcare

settings.

• EVS staff needs to be engaged and provided sufficient support to assure full participation in

infection prevention and control at each healthcare facility. This recognition represents a critical

step in ensuring patient/resident safety.

Environmental Services plays a crucial role in breaking the chain of infection. The heavy tolls of HAIs

require that every department focus on improvements that will positively impact patient/resident

outcomes. For EVS, that can include focusing on the patient/resident zone, especially in high-risk

settings. Other key steps to improvement is standardizing practices through the use of checklists and

performing routine audits to assure compliance.

• The Patient/Resident Zone: Studies have shown that the greatest risk of transmission of

environmental pathogens occurs in the “patient/resident zone”. This refers to all surfaces within

reach/touch of the patient/resident such as: bed rails, bedside tables, carts, charts, bedside

commodes, doorknobs, light switches, TV control, call button, faucet handles, exam table, blood

pressure cuff, and chairs.

• High-Risk Settings: This term refers to patient/resident settings where patient/residents are the

most vulnerable to infection, either due to the invasiveness of procedures are the acuity of their

illness. These high risk settings include: ambulatory surgery centers, ambulatory chemotherapy

administration suites and infusion centers, dialysis centers, intensive care units, operating

rooms, interventional radiology, and admixture pharmacies.

• Equipment in the Patient/Resident Zone as Part of the Environment: Guidelines for cleaning

surfaces frequently touched by patient/residents during daily and terminal cleaning are usually

addressed in EVS policies. However, responsibility for cleaning equipment and semi-dedicated

objects, such as patient/resident area computer keyboards, are often not well delineated. As a

consequence, cleaning of these potentially contaminated objects is often not performed reliably

or comprehensively. Clearly defining accountability and implementing methods to ensure the

regular thorough cleaning of these objects represents an important means for preventing

environmental pathogen transmission.

• The Environmental Services (EVS) staff should be respected as an integral part of infection

prevention; and be fully provided with the vital resources to ensure sufficient staffing, on-going

training, new technology (to improve performance and productivity). The EVS staff should be

recognized as a knowledgeable group of professionals that significantly impact infection

prevention in healthcare facilities.

Strategic Market Alliance (SMA) provides local service including facility audits, product and process

improvements, as well as training on regulatory compliance and best practices towards reducing HAIs.

For more information contact Pamela Tobin, Account Specialist, at ptobin@smasolutions.com ,

704.790.8231 or Mitch Rosenfield, Director of Healthcare at mrosenfield@smasolutions.com ,

702.353.2163.

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R E P O R T

W I N T E RINFLATION

4Q2017

Retail Food Prices Expected to Rise Between 1 - 2% in 2018

Inflation has been lower than average due, in part, to a stronger U.S. dollar which makes imported foods relatively less expensive and the sale of domestic food products overseas more difficult. This could increasethe supply of foods on the domestic market, placing downward pressure on retail food prices. The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) forecasts that retail food prices are expected to rise 1.0% to 2.0% in 2018. While fats and oils and processed fruits and vegetables could potentially decline in price, prices for meats, eggs, and dairy are expected to increase. Due to deflation in 2016 and for more than half of 2017, expected price increases would still leave overall price levels in 2018 lower than in 2015. These forecasts are based on an assumption of normal weather conditions throughout the remainder of the year; however, severe weather or other unforeseen events could potentially drive up food prices beyond the current forecasts.

2 4Q17 INFLATION REPORT

Food Inflation Update

In November, we saw the following changes: The food index declined 0.2%; the index for food at home declined 0.5%, with five of the six major grocery store food group indexes falling. The index for nonalcoholic beverages, which was unchanged in October, fell 1.0%. The fruits and vegetables index declined 1.0% after being unchanged in October. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs fell 0.6%, and the cereals and bakery products index declined 0.1%. The index for other food at home was unchanged, and the index for food away from home rose 0.2%.

Over the last 12 months: The food at home index increased 0.6%; the index for meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.4%, the largest increase among the six groups. The indexes for dairy and related products and for nonalcoholic beverages were unchanged, and the index for cereals and bakery products declined 0.8%. The index for food away from home rose 2.4%.

3 4Q17 INFLATION REPORT

Chicken Breast Meat Prices Due to Rise with Seasonal Surge

We’re entering the season that traditionally sees line run breast meat begin to surge. A year ago, relatively cheap boneless/skinless breast meat was much more enticing than has been available in years past, and as such, the run-up in line run breast meat was delayed as both retail and food service alike pressured supplies. For the upcoming first quarter, breast meat consumption patterns are expected to be steadier than a year earlier, and with markets for line run breast meat hovering in the 79-81 cent per pound range, at a 10% discount to year ago, prices are ex-pected to rise earlier, but at a less aggressive path than occurred in 2017.

Beef Prices Declined 28% From Spring Highs

Heading into January, retailers are expected to shift their merchandising efforts away from holiday items to more beef roasts and ground beef. Forward sales volumes on chuck and round cuts have been mostly below year ago levels in recent weeks. Part of this may be the spot market running much higher than year ago through the fall, providing less price incentive for retailers to actively book product for forward delivery and promotions. This week’s Cattle on Feed report is expected to show Novem-ber placements nearly eight percent larger than last year, with marketings up by three percent and the December 1 feedlot inventory being seven percent larger than one year ago. Fed cattle supplies will remain larger than the previous year heading into late winter and early spring.

Beef

Poultry

Pork

Pork Pricing Remained Low in the 4th Quarter

Hog pricing, after moving counter seasonally higher in October, moved lower throughout November, as the premium over year prior exceeded 40 percent at one point. This premium reduced packer motivation to hit record harvest levels, despite the increased availability of hogs. The derived demand for hogs was coming from excellent pork demand in October, while at the same time setting record production levels. As demand for pork remains higher than prior year at this time, it is not higher than October levels for product or higher than available fresh supply. This seasonal effect, coupled with ample supply, is allowing the weaker hog pricing, as pressured by packers for increased margins.

Steady Consumer Demand Keeps Turkey Thigh Meat Prices Strong

Given the turkey meat export growth during October, it is not surprising that wholesale values for frozen tom drumsticks failed to retreat with the rest of the complex through the fall. In December, USDA’s Market News showed fresh thigh meat at an average just under 106 cents per pound, which was up more than three cents per pound from the prior average and continued a 13-week stretch of neutral to higher prices that started at just under 91 cents per pound. Look for fresh boneless thigh meat again be a benefactor of strong consumer demand for ground turkey, despite heavily discounted items throughout the remainder of the turkey meat complex.

Cheese Prices Expected To Remain Low

CME spot cheese prices are down from mid-November, however the degree of the declines for blocks and barrels has varied widely. The CME block market declined more than expected, falling into the mid-$1.40s early in December. That was the lowest level since April, although it did rebound back into the $1.50s in mid-December. October American cheese domestic disappearance was record high. That level of demand is unlikely to hold and falling prices since then are indicating that end users may have been stocking up. With domestic orders slacking, sellers have pressured blocks lower and the price should have declined enough to drum up some stronger export orders. With manufacturing milk supplies building into early 2018, the barrel market should face some significant pressure and keep both CME blocks and barrels in the $1.50s or slightly lower.

Butter Prices Forecasted to Decline in Early 2018

The butter price is down from the third quarter peak in early August, although the market has been range bound for most of the fourth quarter. Butter production could finish 2017 up for the year, which is something that hasn’t happened since 2013. Domestic orders for the year are on pace to have the smallest increase since 2013 as well. Those factors and falling international butter prices are expected to drive a year over year increase in commercial butter stocks in early 2018. Butter futures are implying a bottom for the butter market has been put in, although seasonally increasing production, expanding inventories, and the risk of butter imports increasing should force some additional price declines for the butter market in early 2018.

Milk Prices Lower in January and February

The sharp drop in the block cheese price in early December and continual declines in dry whey prices will pressure fluid milk prices lower in January. More significant drops in the fluid milk price are expected for February and bottled milk prices will likely remain depressed into the summer with the Class I base price running at the lowest level in two years.

Dairy

4 4Q17 INFLATION REPORT

The CME block cheese

market fell to mid -

$1.40sin early

December.

The CME block cheese

market bounced back to

$1.50sin mid

December.

The CME block cheese

market will likely stay in the

$1.50sin 2018.

American cheese domestic disappearance was record high. That level of demand is unlikely to hold and falling prices since then are indicating that end users may have been stocking up.

Egg Prices Heading Lower Into First Quarter of 2018

Table egg prices have quieted over the weeks since the dust began to settle from the skirmish that was the Thanksgiving holiday rush. At present, USDA quotes on table eggs have traded down nearly 10 cents per dozen from their Thanksgiving peak at 181 cents per dozen. With the new year, IEG’s outlook is beginning to soften, with prices for table eggs heading lower into 2018 and through the first quarter. The move to grow cage-free production during 2016-17 is expected to be much less pronounced in 2018, which should keep a lid on surplus inventory, which depressed shell egg prices through the first eight months of 2017.

Large US Corn Stocks Keep Prices Low

USDA decreased its forecast of 2017/18 US corn ending stocks more than expected due to stronger demand for ethanol production. Strong export demand for sorghum is expected to limit the amount available for ethanol, which then will require more corn to meet the grain input needs of the US ethanol plants. Despite the stronger demand, nearby corn futures have remained under pressure, with prices still near a twelve-month low. Prices are expected to continue to push lower in the near term with the potential to go down to $3.30 per bushel. Limited export demand due to the record large Brazilian corn crop has helped to create the outlook for the largest US corn ending stocks in three decades.

Record Global Supplies Holding Wheat Prices Low

With Northern Hemisphere winter wheat planting nearly complete for key exporters and few disruptions noted, the market’s attention has returned to record global supplies and ample exportable surplus. USDA’s initial winter wheat seedings estimate is scheduled to be issued January 12, and likely will set the price tone for early 2018. US winter wheat seedings are thought to be down, year over year, but acreage is not expected to be low enough to warrant substantial strength in prices given the current supply outlook. USDA’s latest monthly update pointed to record global production and lower US export prospects.

Corn Wheat

Eggs

4Q17 INFLATION REPORT SOURCES: American Restaurant Association - Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) - Informa Economics - Urner Barry - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 5 4Q17 INFLATION REPORT

With the new year, IEG’s outlook is beginning to soften, with prices for table eggs heading lower into 2018 and through the first quarter.

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Produce Market Advisory For the week of February 12, 2018

Produce Meter

Good Fair CautionMarket Alerts

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

BANANAS Unseasonably cold weather in the Central American growing regions has tightened supplies. Quality is good, however orders may be shorted and fully ripened product may be less available.

ORANGES The severe shortage of Oranges has reached the point where certain sizes are largely unavailable. Orders for 113 CT, 138 CT and 163 CT fruit are very likely to be shorted, or substituted with an 88 CT or larger size. We recommend you order 88 CT, 72 CT or larger Oranges through the end of the Navel season in early spring.

CARROTS Field carrot harvests are running to smaller sizing, with jumbo product less available. Pricing is 10% higher than normal.

LIMES Heavy rains in southern Mexico and shipping issues have caused prices to spike 15-20% higher than normal. Quality is good to fair.

Recommended Items to AvoidCommodity Quality MarketApplesAsparagusAvocado BananasBell Peppers (Western) Bell Peppers (Eastern) Berries: Strawberries Berries: Raspberries Berries: Blackberries Berries: Blueberries BroccoliCarrotsCauliflowerCeleryCitrus: LemonsCitrus: LimesCitrus: Oranges Cucumbers (Western) Cucumbers (Eastern) Eggplant (Western) Eggplant (Eastern) GarlicGrapes, GreenGrapes, RedGreen OnionsLettuce: Romaine / Leaf Lettuce: Iceberg Lettuce: Spring Mix/SpinachMelons: Cantaloupe Melons: Honeydew Melons: Watermelon OnionsPearsPotatoesSquash (Western) Squash (Eastern) Tomatoes (Western) Tomatoes (Eastern)

Winter Roasting Vegetables: Cauliflower, Broccoli, Onions and Leeks are all great quality and pricing—perfect for roasting! Healthy Menu Options: Kale, Celery and Beets are all in great supply and excellent quality. Perfect items to add to post-holiday menus! Chili Peppers: Just in time for Lent, hot peppers are abundant with great quality. Jalapeno, Anaheim and Serrano are all available.

Specialty Potatoes: All Fingerling and Colored Round Potatoes are available, perfect for winter menus. Asparagus: All sizes of Asparagus are abundant, with great quality and pricing. Pencil and Standard are Compass’ preferred specification.

Brussels Sprouts: Outstanding quality and very good pricing.

Produce Market Advisory (continued)

Apples Quality and pricing are good

Asparagus Quality and pricing are good

Avocado Quality is good, pricing is fair

Bell Peppers Quality and pricing are good

Berries (Blackberries) Quality and pricing are good

Berries (Blueberries) Quality and pricing are good

Berries (Raspberries) Quality and pricing are good

Berries (Strawberries) Quality and pricing are good

Broccoli Quality and pricing are good

Carrots Quality is good, pricing is slightly higher

Cauliflower Quality and pricing are good

Celery Quality and pricing are good

Citrus (Lemons)Quality is good, pricing may be higher on certain sizes

Citrus (Limes)Quality is good, pricing is higher

Citrus (Oranges)Quality is good, sizes are running large, pricing is higher

Cucumbers Quality and pricing are good

Eggplant Quality and pricing are good

GarlicPricing remains high for fresh product, due to import shortages Quality is good

Grapes (Green) Quality and pricing are good

Grapes (Red)Quality and pricing are good

Green Onions Quality and pricing are good

Lettuce Iceberg Quality and pricing are good

Lettuce Leaf Quality and pricing are good

Melon (Cantaloupe) Quality and pricing are good

Melon (Honeydew) Quality and pricing are good

Melon (Watermelon) Quality and pricing are good

Onions Quality and pricing are good

PearsQuality and pricing are good

Potatoes Quality is good, pricing is higher on medium sizes

SquashQuality is good, pricing is higher on yellow than green

Tomatoes Quality and pricing are good

A Peek at Peak Seasons Weather Update

Grapes: Red and Green Grapes are approaching peak harvest out of South America. Quality and pricing are very good.

Mushrooms: Seasonal mushrooms such as Enoki, Hedgehog and Oyster are great winter menu additions. Ask your distributor for recommendations and availability.

Pears: Washington’s winter season is producing great Bosc, Bartlett, D’Anjou and Red Pears.

Blueberries: The Chilean harvest is at its peak, with very good quality reported.

California / Yuma, AZ: Temperatures remain well above seasonal averages, with gusty winds in the Southern and Desert regions.

Mexico: Humid conditions with light showers and warmer overnight temperatures.

Florida: Colder temperatures with moderate rain over the northern half of the state.

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Member Advantage February 2018|8

PRICE

WATCHBelow are program highlights that have an impact on pricing or market trends. Please use this information to support optimal menu choices for the upcoming month.

focusing on the bottom line

to maximize sales

HAMPTON CREEKCookies, mayonnaise, salad dressingincrease 20+%Effective Date: February 2018Hampton Creek has recently announced a portfolio-wide price increase impacting cookies, mayonnaise and salad dressing. To mitigate, Members should consider the Foodbuy Recommended suppliers in each of these categories: Aryzta (cookies) and Kraft (mayonnaise and salad dressing).

Click Here for a complete list of all forthcoming price changes.

SMITHFIELDPork Bacondecrease 11-15%Effective Date: February 2018Extremely high November markets slowed demand in December, which has contributed to current falling markets.

LAND O’ LAKESCheesedecrease 6-10%Effective Date: February 2018Price decline is driven mainly by a decrease in price on golden velvet cheese as well as a decline in price on swiss and American white.

MITSUI FOODSCanned Tunaincrease 16-20%Effective Date: February 2018Poor fishing conditions have contributed to increasing prices for Skipjack and Yellowfin.

GRAINGERMaintenance, repair, operations (MRO)increase 1-5%Effective Date: February 2018Annual product and price list review per agreement with Grainger has raised pricing on the top 500 product list.

CARGILL MEAT SOLUTIONSGround Beefdecrease 1-5%Effective Date: February 2018Prices declined slightly due to plentiful supplies and continued reduced seasonal demand.

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