I met with Davis Kidder and then with Monica Wyant. We had a really good discussion concerning Meijers growth through the upper Mid West. They are completely enveloping  Lake Michigan, by putting stores all the the states surrounding it. They have also just expanded into the Cleveland Ohio market. As they grow we will need to address that growth. David was quite pleased with this years cherry deal as they continue to have fruit this third week of Aug. @3.99 lb. The quality was fantastic all season from a multitude of shippers and he felt that they did not experience any rejections. He did comment on having the need to have a few empty bags in some of the boxes (especially as the retails needed to increase) would help the shrink and mess of the bags being to full or weigh to much. WE have witnessed many customers leaving bags at the registers (due to the extreme retail) and/or dumping bags out so they were more customer friendly. They advertised every week that cherries were available.

I met Monica Wyant who is now buying stone fruit. See asked what was so different about Wash. St. stone fruit. It was a great question that I was happy to explain in detail. With their size they can use it but are never sure what dist. center it will go to. Putting Wash. St. in print wouldn't be possible. The will look at a organic ad as they use all Wash. stone fruit for their organics. Monica is also involved in some of the marketing. We discussed some ideas that we might have a chance of working with them on.  I am giving her James contact info. so she can get ideas.