Green Efforts: BioBag

Oliver’s is excited to have BioBag compostable bags as our March Green Item of the Month. We picked this item in support of the growing alternatives to petroleum based plastic bags. Most citizens are aware of the negative effects plastic has on our environment and health. As alternatives grow, it becomes easier and more economically viable to use these alternatives.

BioBag does a tremendous job of producing all products with their “mater-bi” grade biodegradable materials. Biodegradability is characteristic of natural substances and materials being assimilated by micro-organisms, and thus introduced into the natural cycles.

Cline Cellars- A tradition since 1927

Oliver’s welcomes Cline Cellars as our Winery of the Month for March.

In the latter part of the 1800s, Oakley, Contra Costa County was a booming farming community with thousands of acres of orchards and healthy vineyards.

Fred Cline's maternal grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi of pump and spa fame, called this place home. On summer visits to his grandparents, Fred learned both the love of agricultural life and the mysteries of vinifying grapes into wine. These lessons led Fred to obtain a degree in Agriculture Management from U.C. Davis.

Green Efforts: Valley of the Moon

Oliver’s Market Green Item for the month of February is Valley of the Moon’s (a Heck Estates Winery) 2010 Rosato Di Sangiovese. We have selected this wine because of Heck Estates’ commitment to being sustainable and its perfect Valentine’s Day coupling. Heck Estate's has a long history in Sonoma County; with vineyards producing grapes for over 140 years. Heck wants to continue this tradition for generations to come by stewarding the land, reducing their waste, water, and energy consumption.

While Heck does not tote the “organic” label they do use practices that drastically reduce the need for synthetic chemicals. Their most commonly used chemical is sulfur dioxide, which inhibits oxidation and growth of microbes that can spoil wine. This is used as a preservative, ensuring the wine is in peak condition when it reaches the customer. Heck Estates reduces the need for chemicals by developing and encouraging the growth and health of the natural ecosystem. Predatory insects and birds keep pests at a manageable level. Sustainable grape growing provides much of the benefits of organic farming, with less risk and at a lower cost of labor.

Real Food. Real People…means passion

For me, "Real Food, Real People," means  leveraging  my experience, as the Montecito Produce Manager, to offer our customers the best produce at our stores. I'm passionate about produce and especially passionate about great produce that is organic, local, tree ripened  or handpicked.  In the thirty years I've been selling produce in Sonoma County I've developed amazing relationships with local growers: relationships that translate into everyday quality and value for us to offer for our customers.  One of the great things about being a Produce Department Manager for Oliver's is that I have the freedom follow my passion and trust my judgment in sourcing the best fruits and vegetables for our store.  I'm proud that our quality is second to none.

Oliver’s isn’t just a job—it’s an experience!

My name is Roxanne Abruzzo-Backman, most of my career has been in the grocery business.  Prior to Oliver’s, I worked at a major chain for 22 years as a Deli Manager and Assistant Store Director.  This business is what I grew up with…I know it well and I love it (that’s why I have stayed around). 

I started working at Oliver’s 8 years ago as the Deli Department Manager in the Cotati store.  I am currently the Food Service Coordinator and have been in this position for 3 years.  I made a life changing decision when I came to Oliver’s.  I was a single mom raising two young boys and working a ton of hours to make ends meet.  Getting a job with a regular structured work week was very appealing to me, because I felt as though I was missing too much of the important years and events in my children’s lives, due to work.  I made the best decision for my family and have never looked back.