FOWLER, CA - Citrus is often reminiscent of warmer weather. As temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere begin to heat up, consumers are anticipating the long-awaited supply of premium lemons for all of their spring and summer recipes. Bee Sweet Citrus is reporting an ample supply of lemons, helping to meet the demand of upcoming seasonal retail promotions.
"Lemons are often utilized to enhance the flavor of seafood, which is regularly consumed throughout the Lenten season," stated Sales Representative Jason Sadoian. "Our team will continue to have Lisbon, Eureka, and Meyer lemons over the next few months to meet consumer demand."
Fresh, nutritious, and extremely flavorful, lemons are a culinary staple for many homes year-round. Popular as an addition to many beverages, Bee Sweet's Lisbon and Eureka varieties can complement salmon, shrimp, and other seafood dishes. Meyer Lemons, however, have a sweeter flavor profile and are often sought out for various dessert recipes, according to a press release.
“With spring right around the corner, consumers are looking for healthy, flavorful ways to enhance their meals,” stated Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue. “Lemons are quite versatile and are extremely nutritious; they’re perfect for traditional Lenten meals, festive springtime cuisine, and so much more.”
At approximately 20 calories per serving, lemons are a healthy alternative to salty and heavy dressings. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and are cholesterol free. Bee Sweet’s lemon varieties are now available in various bag and bulk options.
As fruit and veg seasons continue to ramp up, keep circling back to our exclusive reports at AndNowUKnow.
LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - Nature Fresh Farms is flexing its greenhouse muscles, promoting its Executive Retail Sales Account Manager, Matt Quiring, to his new position as Director of Sales. In this new role, Quiring will oversee the development of the greenhouse grower’s retail accounts.
Matt Quiring, son of Nature Fresh Farms President and Founder, Peter Quiring, developed a love for the industry at an early age. After gaining experience outside of the industry, he joined Nature Fresh Farms' sales team, which was established in 2010. As he developed his retail accounts from the ground up, he quickly moved into the position of Executive Retail Sales Accounts Manager, where he played a crucial role in developing partnerships with many of Nature Fresh Farms’ retail partners and other customers.
“Matt’s transition into Director of Sales was a very easy and natural choice,” remarked Vice President, John Ketler, in a recent press release. “With Matt handling the vast majority of our sales to date, it is clear that he has the drive, passion, and industry knowledge necessary to develop these relationships with our partners.”
General Manager, Frank Neufeld, also expanded on Quiring’s transition.
“With the growth of Nature Fresh Farms and Nature Fresh Farms Sales, we are welcoming many new members to our team, including additional sales staff. It was evident to us, seeing Matt’s experience, that he would be the one to lead the entire sales team moving forward,” Neufeld remarked. “We look forward to Matt bringing his leadership and mentoring skills to the rest of the sales team, helping them strengthen the relationships he has established over the last several years with our partners.”
As the greenhouse grower continues to focus on its growth and developing relationships, Quiring’s role will assist in the continued progression of of the Nature Fresh team.
Congratulations to Matt on this new position!
WASHINGTON, DC - Winn-Dixie Stores, which is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, recently posted a $1 million surety bond with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
The company posted the bond to obtain a license to operate in the produce industry.
Under the regulations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), the company was required to post the bond following its prior involvement in bankruptcy.
The USDA will hold the bond for three years and nine months, providing assurance to the industry that the company will be able to pay for produce purchased and to conduct business according to PACA rules.
The PACA Division, which is a part of AMS’ Fair Trade Practices Program, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to the PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how the USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please click the link here.
BOERNE, TX - In the grocery delivery space, Walmart is fixin’ to be on top—a goal that isn’t too lofty considering how much e-commerce and grocery delivery growth, innovation, and expansion it’s achieved over the last couple of years. However, with advancement comes change, and Walmart is no exception, with the retailer changing its partners list after parting ways with its grocery delivery partner Skipcart.
According to a letter obtained by Bloomberg, Skipcart informed Walmart, its partner since late 2018, that it would be moving on in order to focus on foodservice deliveries, effective April 30—a date that has since changed to March. The Texas-based grocery company currently delivers groceries for 126 Walmart stores in smaller markets in 32 states, with Skipcart’s Chief Executive Officer Ben Jones claiming the company handles about 50,000 Walmart deliveries a month.
How will this restructuring of its delivery division help Walmart build out and strengthen its internal operations and team? AndNowUKnow will continue to follow along with the latest developments in our industry.
SANTA CRUZ, CA - As we make our way into the spring season, trees are blooming, grass is growing, and pollen is aplenty. One of the best aspects of spring, though, is receiving word of the year’s first shipment of premium pears. Awe Sum Organics recently announced the start of its Argentinian pear season, reporting that the first of its organic Bartletts have officially arrived on both coasts.
“Our organic pears are grown in the Río Negro Valley of Argentina, which is well known for producing some of the finest and best tasting pears in the world. The region naturally has a unique and perfect climate and soil for pear production,” said David Posner, President.
According to a press release, Argentinian exporter PAI supplies Awe Sum Organics with all its organically grown pears, having grown pears organically in the region for over 20 years. In addition to organic certification, a significant percentage of its fruit is grown using biodynamic methods. Also, PAI’s organic pear production is Fair Trade certified, meeting the rigorous standards of Fair Trade USA. This means that the workers in the orchards and pack houses are guaranteed fair wages and safe working conditions, while their local communities benefit from the sales of PAI’s Fair Trade Certified pears.
“The growing conditions climatically have been excellent this season with near perfect temperatures for our pears. Hail is common in the region, and this season we were lucky as there was less than normal,” said Posner.
Awe Sum Organics is expecting good volumes and each variety is on track to follow the planned packing and shipping programs. The Bartlett program will run through mid-April, complemented with the addition of Red Bartlett in early March to continue through the end of April. Abate Fetel will reach both coasts in mid-March and run through mid to late May. D’Anjou will also arrive starting in mid-March and will continue into July. Awe Sum’s Autumn Bartlett will arrive starting in mid-April to transition nicely from its regular Bartlett and run through July, with Bosc running mid-April to mid-June.
As we progress into the warmer months, stick around AndNowUKnow to stay up to date on all fresh produce programs.
CARPINERIA, CA - It’s always an exciting day to find out new and innovative products hit grocery shelves, especially when it’s a whole new line of fresh convenience products that are up for grabs here on the West Coast. Pete’s Butter Stuffers, the California-based produce company specializing in hydroponically-grown living lettuce and cress varieties, will debut an innovative new line this coming spring that marries both fresh and convenience in one delicious package.
“We know that people are busier than ever before, resulting in 80 percent of consumers not knowing what they are going to make for dinner at 4 p.m. on any given weekday according to AC Nielsen,” said Brian Cook, President. “These consumers are constantly in search of dinner-time meals that are not only quick and easy but that also feature premium, clean ingredients that they feel good about eating and serving to other family members.”
According to a press release, each Butter Stuffer Lettuce Wrap Kit delivers 4.5 to 5 servings and comes in a 100-percent recyclable plastic container composed of 70-percent post-consumer recycled material. Each kit also features a Pete’s hydroponically greenhouse-grown butter lettuce head in addition to premium, all-white meat chicken raised without antibiotics, a variety of fresh-cut produce slaws and toppings, and Hak’s Brand Organic Dressings.
“We are extremely selective in the ingredients we choose to include in our Butter Lettuce Wrap Kits, and we purposely avoid including anything overly processed, artificial, or with an abundance of added sugar,” said Corrie Hutchens, Marketing and Innovation Lead. “We are ultimately creating clean yet delicious Butter Lettuce Wraps that are high in protein at over 40 grams per kit, low in calories, and substantial enough to feed multiple people.”
Pete’s Butter Stuffers will be available in West Coast area retailers beginning in March in three varieties: Asian Style Chicken, Southwest Style Chicken, and California Style Chicken.
Keep up-to-date on all the innovative plans this fresh produce industry has to offer with AndNowUKnow.
REEDLEY, CA - Wintertime is inside time in California, and what better way to enjoy cozying up in the warmth than with a refreshing mandarin? I recently caught up with Bianca Kaprielian, Co-Founder of Fruit World Co., to see what varieties are currently being harvested, and boy did she have some sweet updates.
“We are currently in what we call the ‘peak flavor’ part of the season. All of our citrus fruits have the optimal flavor profile right now and taste wonderful,” Bianca said. “We’re a little past the midway point of the season in our citrus programs, and the quality has been great so far.”
Despite a dip in the beginning of January, Bianca says the current market is trending back up.
“Things started picking up in mid-January, and we saw strong sales toward the end of the month,” she noted. “However, we are feeling the effects of some oversupply of lemons and navel oranges.”
When founding Fruit World, Bianca, along with Co-Founder CJ Buxman, believed that sustainability and taste shouldn’t have to conflict, as we previously reported. That belief and determination is still strong today with Fruit World’s robust organic and conventional citrus programs.
To help with retail sales, Bianca informed me of a new packaging concept just released this year.
“Fruit World introduced a new, high-graphic pouch bag for our 2 lb organic mandarins that we are excited about,” Bianca commented. “We also offer a couple of fresh and fun retail pack styles on the conventional end, ranging from a 1 lb bag to a 5 lb bag and a 5 lb gift box.”
In mid-October, the company began harvesting its first conventional mandarins of the season. Shortly after, in November, Fruit World’s organic mandarin program kicked off with Satsumas, then Clementines.
“The organic Page mandarin shipments just wrapped up, and we have transitioned into organic Murcotts and Tangos,” continued Bianca. “On the conventional side, we are harvesting Tango and Klondike varieties concurrently with the organic program through late March, with additional varieties filling out the season until early June for both our organic and conventional programs.”
Along with mandarins, Bianca informed me that Fruit World offers organic grapefruit; organic Cara Cara, Navel, and blood oranges; organic Minneolas; organic seedless, regular, and Meyer lemons; and organic Valencia oranges in the summer.
With a diverse organic and conventional citrus program, as well as varying options in packaging, Fruit World is set to offer convenience and quality to retailers.
For more updates in the produce industry, keep reading ANUK.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Recently, the retailer announced its financial results for its 12-week fourth quarter and 52-week fiscal year ended December 28, 2019. SpartanNash, retailer and distributor, saw its fifteenth consecutive quarter of growth, ending with a 5.3 percent increase. The company cites its expansive growth is in part due to its acquisition of Martin’s and supply chain investment.
“We are pleased with the progress that was made in the last quarter,” said Dennis Eidson, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. “By focusing on execution, we were able to deliver positive retail comparable store sales for the second consecutive quarter, reduce working capital, and increase our free cash flow, while making improvements in our supply chain operations. As a result, we were able to deliver results consistent with the guidance we provided following the third quarter and are optimistic about our future outlook.”
According to its financial results, the company reported operating earnings of $11.6 million compared to a loss of $11.9 million in the prior year quarter. The improvement was primarily attributable to the decrease in asset impairment charges as well as sales growth, partially offset by higher supply chain costs and administrative expenses, including higher healthcare costs and the Transition Costs associated with the CEO transition last August.
Some of SpartanNash’s fourth quarter fiscal 2019 highlights include:
- Net sales growth of 5.3 percent, to $2.00 billion from $1.90 billion in the prior year quarter, representing the fifteenth consecutive quarter of growth
- Retail comparable store sales of 0.5 percent, were positive for the second consecutive quarter
- EPS of $0.15 per share; Adjusted EPS of $0.23, including $0.11 in CEO transition and supplemental incentive program costs (“Transition Costs”)
- Significant working capital improvements over the prior year, including over $45 million in inventory reductions, excluding the impact of the Martin’s Super Markets (“Martin’s”) acquisition
- Ceased production within the Fresh Kitchen during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 and entered into an agreement to sell the facility and related equipment with an expected closing date late in the first quarter of fiscal 2020
Consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 increased $471.5 million, or 5.8 percent, to $8.54 billion from $8.06 billion in the prior fiscal year. The increase in net sales was generated through the acquisition of Martin’s, as well as higher sales within the Food Distribution segment prior to the elimination of the intercompany sales for the acquired business.
The financial further stated the Board of Directors has continued a comprehensive process to identify the company’s next Chief Executive Officer and has made progress in the search over the last quarter. More information can be obtained here in the press release.
For more updates in the retail, foodservice, and fresh produce world, keep reading ANUK.
CHILE - I thank my lucky stars, as both a member of the trade and a consumer, that year-round retail table grape programs are in abundance for the health of the bottom line and the belly. As North America has moved offshore for much of its table grape supplies, Karen Brux, Managing Director, Chilean Fresh Fruit Association a.k.a Fruits From Chile, joins me to talk about the category and what we can expect in the weeks ahead.
“North America is by far the largest export market for Chilean grapes. Chile has shipped 84,135 tons of grapes—73 percent of season to date shipments of Chilean grapes—to North America, with a total of 115,427 tons exported worldwide this season,” Karen tells me. “Export estimate for 2019/20 is 642,161 tons, so we still have a long way to go. We’re already promoting, and marketing programs will continue through April.”
Karen adds that the industry is working harder than ever to supply what the market wants.
“That means volumes of varieties like Flame Seedless continue to fall—66 percent decrease between 2017/18 and 2018/19—with volumes of varieties like Sweet Celebration, Allison, Timco, and Jack Salute continuing to rise—just to name a few. There’s been a huge focus on varietal development in Chile to meet the demands of the North American market,” she adds.
The table grape industry has truly elevated its game in terms of flavor and reading the room for what today’s consumer is looking for.
“There are so many new, delicious varieties of grapes, and there are huge opportunities for retailers to communicate more about the unique attributes of specific varieties at the store level,” Karen expresses. “Most consumers who I talk to still identify grapes as green, red, or black, and don’t have any idea of the choices they have when it comes to flavor. Shoppers buy multiple varieties of apples based on different flavor profiles, so there’s no reason why they shouldn’t pick up a few varieties of grapes at their local supermarket.”
To help retailers get the most out of the Chilean table grape season, the association is offering more in-store signage that can help drive sales. There are also great opportunities to educate shoppers on retail social media channels, like Facebook and Instagram.
“We’re working with numerous chains on demos, which are still an incredibly effective way to introduce shoppers to the great taste of Chilean grapes. It’s a convenient, healthy snack, so if people try it and like it, they’ll most likely buy it!” Karen reveals.
Due to the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association promoting in the winter and spring months, the team has developed a number of “season-appropriate” usage ideas for consumers and retailers to tap into, like roasted cauliflower with Chilean grapes and plum salad with brown rice, chicken, pecans, and mixed herbs.
Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we look to the Chilean season, new opportunities, and continued growth throughout our industry.
MISSION, TX - When Ed Bertaud, IFCO’s Director of Retail Sales, began this year’s Clean Eating Challenge, sponsored by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), he looked at the experience as a pledge to the industry. Little did he know that it would entirely change his perspective on food and his commitment to fresh produce.
“I’m 46 and I feel better than I did in my 30s,” Ed shared with me as we dialed into where this journey began. “I wanted to prove my commitment to the industry and to my profession, and since then it’s become so much more.”
At the beginning of the challenge, Ed’s main motivator was essentially not to fail and to be a good example both for the industry and for Viva Fresh.
“I knew I needed to do this and I knew the accountability associated with everybody knowing about this challenge would keep me on the straight and narrow. I started where I didn’t want to fail, and I didn’t want to be the guy that didn’t make any gains or didn’t get any better,” he stated.
But something that Craig Slate, SunFed’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said to Ed in passing sparked an immediate and lasting change.
“‘I know one day it’s going to be the end for me, but how I choose that end to be I can affect now.’ And that really stood out to me. Am I going to be actually living my life all the way to end?” Ed reflected.
As most journeys go, perspective is essential. With this perspective shift, Ed took to the self-discipline necessary to successfully carry out Dr. Ian Smith’s clean eating plan like a fish to water.
“I didn’t expect to have the way I think about food change so much,” Ed shared, noting that one of the key changes in his food mindset was to look at food as a source of fuel. “When I really thought about food as a way to fuel my body, my life, and my lifestyle, it changed everything. I know it sounds corny, but I dare say it changed my life.”
When he began this challenge, Ed was on the borderline for needing medication for blood sugar and cholesterol, among other things. Since then, he’s dropped 31 pounds—an amazing feat that speaks to his commitment to the fresh industry and to making himself feel better than he has in years.
When I asked Ed if there were any secret tips/produce hacks that helped him stay on track, he didn’t disappoint.
“I’ve never eaten so much cauliflower,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve never had a problem with eating fruits and veggies, but this challenge has really opened my eyes to kale, Swiss chard, and eggplant. I’ve also continued to eat staples like apples, bananas, and berries, alongside mangos, avocados, and grapes. Also, switching out mineral water for soda has been a life saver."
As we get closer to the end of the Clean Eating Challenge and the start date of Viva Fresh, Ed noted why this show in particular is so valuable for the industry as a whole.
“The excitement around the show is palpable. Part of this energy created is due in part to standing relationships, but this show is all about generating new business and finding new connections and opportunities. Highlighting a region that’s very important to the entire country from a supply perspective is very exciting,” Ed explained. “Viva Fresh adds value in business and personal relationships.”
Here’s to folks truly living that produce dream. As we cover what’s up-and-coming for Viva Fresh, keep reading AndNowUKnow.