WATSONVILLE, CA - The fresh produce industry is always working to reduce our environmental impact, and one of the most prevalent ways to do so is to make our operations more sustainable. Major North American fresh berry producers recently partnered up in order to make the berry category more sustainable, announcing their commitment to use 100 percent recycle-ready packaging by 2025.
The California Strawberry Commission, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), Asociacion national de Exportadores de Berries (Aneberries, Mexico), members of the National Berry Crops Initiative, and South American exporters are teaming up to maintain industry leadership in sustainable packaging.
“Berry farming has a long history of innovation and leadership that once again came together to make this ambitious pledge,” said Rick Tomlinson, President of the California Strawberry Commission. “Achieving 100 percent recycle-ready packaging represents the type of continuous improvement that is common among farmers as they strive for ever improving efficiency.”
According to a press release, the cornerstone of this collaboration is a commitment to new label standards, which will optimize the recycle readiness of all berry clamshells throughout North America. The groups aim to encourage consumer recycling of clamshells and establish new purchase specifications for packaging manufacturers. By working together as competitive collaborators, these actions will create economies of scale to reduce costs and stimulate a closed-loop circular economy that recycles berry clamshells back into new berry clamshells.
"The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) is pleased to join this coalition of berry industry leadership to help achieve this important and ambitious initiative,” said Kasey Cronquist, President of NABC. “This commitment to 100 percent recycle-ready packaging reflects a team effort and our continued focus on helping our growers, shippers, and industry partners attain a goal that no one organization could accomplish alone.”
This commitment to 100-percent recycle-ready clamshells complements existing actions that use recycled content to make berry clamshells. For over a decade, berry clamshells have been among the food packages that use the most California post-consumer recycled content in the U.S. For example, it is common for California berry clamshells to contain more than 50 percent recycled content.
“Mexico plays an important role in creating value in the world supply of fresh berries, including the U.S. market. Our members are committed to forward-thinking sustainable practices and we are aligned in the collaboration efforts to collectively make a difference with more sustainable packaging," stated Aldo Mares Benavides, President of Aneberries. “This reflects our mission as an organization where profitability can’t be separated from the responsibility of sustainability.”
Many berry farmers have shifted to the use of clear plastic packaging shaped as a vented box with a hinged lid, also known as a clamshell. This type of packaging created a market to convert recycled plastic water bottles into clear, lightweight containers that protect the fruit from damage and contamination, thus reducing food waste. This type of packaging decreases greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of raw resources needed to make the packaging, and reducing fuel use as lighter packaging makes lighter shipments.
“Clamshell packaging revolutionized the ability of berry growers to transport their fruit to consumers nationwide,” said Henry Bierlink, President of the National Berry Crops Initiative (NCBI). “Now, the industry is working together on the next phase of that revolution, one that preserves the ability to safely transport fresh berries to market while minimizing product damage, reducing food waste, and demonstrating ongoing environmental stewardship. NBCI is a committed partner in this berry clamshell sustainability initiative.”
Beyond the climate-friendly reduction in resource use and greenhouse gases, enhanced plastic recycling generates jobs and economic benefits for local communities, creating a circular economy to produce, collect, recycle, and reprocess berry clamshells. Individual berry companies are making commitments to explore more sustainable and scalable solutions that include:
- Encouraging material recycling handlers and consumers to recycle more clamshells
- Including post-consumer recycled content in clamshell packaging
- Supporting innovation of new materials that are readily recyclable and/or compostable.
Additional South American partners have also pledged their commitment to 100 percent recycle-ready packaging by 2025, including Argentinean Blueberry Committee, Chilean Blueberry Committee, and ProArandanos (Peru).
We at AndNowUKnow extend our thanks to all these major berry players for their commitment to building a healthier world.
SANTA MARIA, CA - The fresh salad kit company, EAT SMART, continues to innovate through its latest packaging. EAT SMART’s new logo and packaging now features an eye-catching design on the company’s three salad lines, including SUPERFOOD SELECTIONS™, VINEYARD COLLECTION™ and CHOPPED COLLECTION™.
“EAT SMART’s new identity has already tested extremely well,” commented EAT SMART’s Senior Brand Equity Manager, Jenny Stornetta. “The new brand identity makes it easier than ever to shop EAT SMART with a smart visual language that helps consumers find products that meet their needs.”
Shoppers are paying more attention to the store perimeters and eating plant-centered diets. According to the press release, EAT SMART believes the produce department, specifically the bagged salad kit section, is ripe for branding and the company is poised to take advantage of that opportunity to capture more retailer shelf space and consumer taste buds.
With over 3.5 million packages shipped since the innovative rebranding launch in December, EAT SMART is playing it smart. The packaged salads even caught the eye of The Produce Moms’ Lori Taylor, in her list, “20 PRODUCE ITEMS EVERYONE NEEDS TO TRY IN 2020.”
“The Produce Moms® did an enormous amount of research and vetting when we put this year’s list together,” stated Taylor, CEO and Founder of The Produce Moms. “We look at a variety of determining factors when deciding which produce items will make the cut. EAT SMART’s product line checked all the boxes; healthy, innovative, flavorful, convenient, and most importantly, the ability to get consumers of all ages to eat more produce!”
SUPERFOOD SELECTIONS flavors include Sweet Kale, Asian Sesame, Honey Dijon Kale, Strawberry Harvest, and Wild Greens & Quinoa. The VINEYARD COLLECTION is a palate of wine-country inspired salads that includes Orange Vinaigrette & Bleu and Strawberry Vinaigrette & Feta. For the CHOPPED COLLECTION, flavor profiles include Avocado Cheddar Ranch, Sesame Almond Crunch, Mediterranean Crunch, Apple Gouda, Bistro Bacon, and Southwest.
For more exciting news in the produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
LOCKPORT, NY - Chef Vincent Gilliard is known as a rising talent in the industry, recently creating the recipe that made him a finalist out of 2,400 other young Chefs across the country. He made a point to feature locally-sourced food, and SnapDragon® apples were part of the dish that put him on the culinary world map.
At a recent pop-up chef event in New York City, Crunch Time Apple Growers asked Chef Gilliard to create a unique recipe—again, featuring SnapDragon apples—with his amazing talent for finding flavor combinations, but also one that home cooks could master and enjoy.
“This is the kind of event that shows everyday cooks what’s possible with just a little inspiration,” says Rena Montedoro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Crunch Time Apple Growers. “We’re absolutely thrilled our apples made it into the San Pellegrino contest and that Chef Gilliard used locally sourced produce from New York State. This demo event was a great way to showcase Snap in recipes and provide a hands-on experience for our consumers.”
Gilliard kicked off the event by sampling the SnapDragon Apple Crostino, which included Goat Cheese (room temp), Minced Garlic Cloves, Chopped Parsley, Heavy Cream, Maple Syrup, Pecans, Cauliflower, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper, a French baguette, and, of course, SnapDragon apples. According to a press release, this was followed by a demo where guests then learned how to prepare the SnapDragon signature recipe: an antioxidant salad with ginger dressing.
When Chef Vincent is not giving cooking demonstrations in the Big Apple, he is the Chef de Cuisine at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, NY—one of the nation’s premier golf clubs that has hosted both the Masters and the Ryder Cup.
Keep your eyes peeled for the next produce partnership born of Chef Vincent Gilliard’s expertise and talent.
MOUND, MN - Recently, Golden Sun Marketing announced the hiring of two experienced professionals to join its roster of leaders. Jason Fuller stepped into his role as Vice President effective February 1. Tim Rogers joined the team at the beginning of January as the new Business Development Manager.
Fuller brings more than 20 years of experience to his new position. He also has a vast number of relationships across the produce industry, according to a press release, as well as deep expertise and knowledge of the buy/sell process between grower and retailer. Fuller will help clients craft sales strategies as well as execute them through the business development process.
Before Rogers joined Golden Sun Marketing, he learned his craft from The Fresh Market, a specialty grocer in the southeast.
The marketing firm, founded by President Don Goodwin in 2004, provides strategy, marketing, and business development to the fresh produce supply chain from seed to retail.
“I’m excited to have both Jason and Tim join the team; they will help us better serve our clients through effective strategy and capturing new customers,” stated Goodwin. “We pride ourselves in understanding retail, and these two will strengthen our capabilities.“At our core, we are a strategy-centric firm with a deep understanding of retail. We support our clients with business development and marketing."
“Jason brings a deep knowledge of selling produce to a wide variety of customers in our industry. He is highly respected by both his customers and his colleagues throughout the industry,” commented Goodwin. “Tim’s deep understanding of both procurement and merchandising at retail will provide our clients tremendous value,” stated Goodwin.
Congratulations to Jason Fuller and Tim Rogers on their new appointments! Keep reading ANUK for more news in the industry.
PORTLAND, OR - Rico Farms recently began shipping its first crop of organic hard squash out of its newest location in Guaymas, Mexico. This new farm will supply organic acorn, delicata, butternut, spaghetti, and kabocha squash from now until early April.
“The warmer winter weather in Guaymas allows us to have a consistent supply of organic Mexican hard squash from November through May. Rico Farms had previously seen a gap in availability between the Fall and Spring season at its Hermosillo location,” stated Ben Johnson Bridges Produce President. “The addition of the Guaymas farm also fills the final gap in Bridges' year-round organic hard squash program. With supplies coming from California during the summer months, the Pacific Northwest in the fall and transitioning to Mexican supply for the winter and spring seasons.”
The Guaymas farm also leaves room for further expansion with 40 percent of the available acreage currently fallow. To better plan for this potential expansion, Rico Farms is performing numerous crop trials to determine the best options for the climate, soil conditions, and pest pressure.
Prior to this season beginning, Rico Farms in Guaymas was certified by Fair Trade USA. The Tapia family, owners of all three locations, hope to continue the success of this program in Guaymas, which allows them to make improvements to the community and the lives of the workers.
“The Fair Trade committee is assembled and ready to work with all of the employees on the next steps. We have a good plan and people are happy here,” remarked Jacobo Yanes, Operations Manager.
Ben Johnson added, “The Tapia family has created a foundation to fund education and personal development and land stewardship,” says Ben Johnson “Their larger mission of Creating wellbeing in a sustainable world is based on the three Ps, people, planet, and profit and the way in which they carry out this mission is reflected in everything they do.”
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things fresh produce.
HOUSTON, TX - As Sysco Corporation continues its upward growth, the company has released its second quarter fiscal 2020 results, revealing an overall increase in sales and profits. Its foodservice operations, both in the U.S. and abroad, in particular saw favorable results, indicating significant growth in the sector.
“Our second quarter fiscal 2020 results were driven by improved local case growth in our U.S. Foodservice segment, particularly within our independent customers.” said Joel Grade, Chief Financial Officer. “While our adjusted earnings per share were in-line with expectations for the quarter, our operating income results fell short. We remain focused on executing against all of our strategic initiatives to strengthen our long-term performance while maintaining our focus on the customer.”
Some of the highlights of Sysco’s foodservice Q2 growth include:
- U.S. sales at $10.4 billion, an increase of 3.2 percent
- U.S. gross profit at $2.0 billion, an increase of 2.4 percent
- International sales at $2.9 billion, no increase
- International gross profit at $586.0 million, a decrease of 0.7 percent
According to the financial report, the company’s organics operations were a source of growth in the foodservice sector, and though food cost inflation in the U.S. was up by 2.6 percent, it did not negatively impact Sysco’s foodservice sales.
To read the financial report in its entirety, click here.
Will this success in the foodservice sector prompt Sysco to devote more resources to its foodservice operations? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more updates.
SACRAMENTO, CA - While it’s a sad day to be a California native (49ers or bust!), it’s an excellent day to be a produce marketing maven. Last night, some of the biggest names across all industries put their best advertisements forward, leaving many in the business—including us trade news writers—to have a handful of notes on what to cop, what to not, and overall how to expand the reach of fresh fruits and vegetables via any and all channels of marketing.
While many of our favorites this year were outside of the produce industry, a few fresh-focused frontrunners won over our hearts, leading us to believe they won over consumers, too—a verifiable win for the produce industry as a whole.
Walmart
The big-name grocer teased its Big Game debut prior to Sunday, adding to the Super Bowl excitement in more ways than one. And even though Walmart’s ad was a play on a previous campaign, its spot in this year’s Big Game lineup was still an impactful introduction of where grocery retail is heading—because the future is now!
Avocados From Mexico
Have we ever laughed this hard at fresh produce? Avocados From Mexico came right out of the chute on game day with an advertisement to remember. While the company had also teased its Super Bowl campaign prior to Sunday, there’s nothing like seeing the real deal. Avocados From Mexico reminded us in the industry that sometimes the quickest way to connect with consumers is through their funny bones—a trick we made sure to jot down.
Snickers
The chocolate bar brand was another company to rely on humor to stay impressionable in consumers’ minds. With a song we here at ANUK were still singing into the wee hours of this here Monday, Snickers’ campaign could easily be adopted for the fresh produce industry—as we all know in the industry that the only way to fix the world is through the power of fresh produce.
Amazon
Okay, humor is obviously one of the biggest stand-out marketing strategies each and every Super Bowl. Knowing this, Amazon didn’t just utilize humor to advocate for its Alexa innovation, but wielded one of comedy’s funniest patrons to its advantage. Celebrity power couple Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi reminded us that when in doubt, Hollywood it out—there’s nothing like reminding consumers to think of fresh produce or grocery enhancements when they see their favorite celeb in the news.
Michelob ULTRA
Is John Cena a national treasure? For us K-Pop fans, yes. For Jimmy Fallon after that excruciating workout with the wrestling champ turned actor? It’s hard to say—but it isn’t hard to say that Michelob ULTRA’s campaign featuring both familiar-faced powerhouses and then some was another stand-out in this year’s advertisement lineup.
Jeep Commando
Last but certainly not least, Jeep is rounding out our list because we couldn’t help but circle nostalgia several times after watching the car company’s campaign featuring Bill Murray reprising his role from the beloved film Groundhog Day. All generations—no matter the stereotypes you might have heard—are sentimental messes, so all we could say after Jeep’s ad aired was, “Well played, Jeep. Well played.”
All right, penning this list was actually helpful in reviving us from the Niners loss. We're ready to get back to work on pumping up the prowess and the reach of fresh produce—and based off this morning's newswire, we'd say a few of you are as well. Here's to another year of produce marketing excellence and another season of a California team making it to the Super Bowl!
HOUSTON, TX - H-E-B recently made a significant investment in the Meyerland community, opening a new bigger and better store on January 29. The store replaces the former Braeswood store that closed after enduring significant damage from the floods following Hurricane Harvey. The new store brings customers an unbeatable mix of freshness and convenience while maintaining H-E-B’s hallmark low prices and catering to the diverse needs of the community.
“We have been a part of the Meyerland community for more than 25 years and are proud to be back with the best of the best for our loyal customer following,” said Hugh Sintic, General Manager. “This store will offer products from all over the world with a strong emphasis on our kosher customer. It’s an honor to bring this community the options it deserves.”
The Meyerland Market will serve as a quality living source that supports healthy eating on a budget. The store will feature 1,500 H-E-B Organics™ products throughout the store from the produce aisles and fresh meat market to the frozen department and grocery shelves.
“Being a part of H-E-B for the past 14 years and serving in five unique communities has allowed me to learn new customs and cultures each time,” said Tom Theriot, Store Director, Meyerland Market. “This store is no different. It has been tailored for this community through research and listening to our customers. I look forward to providing the very best H-E-B has to offer.”
According to a press release, the new store is also stocked with an expansive selection of certified kosher items produced in-store.
“This store is a one–stop–shop not only for healthy food choices but also kosher needs,” said Levy Donin, Manager in Charge, 18-year H-E-B Partner, and a former leader of the Braeswood location. Prior to joining H-E-B, Donin supervised the kosher initiatives for a competitor and has been instrumental in expanding H-E-B’s kosher offerings in addition to his store management duties. “This community has gone through so much and it’s a privilege to be a part of its healing and rebuilding.”
H-E-B Meyerland Market will also offer the full line of popular H-E-B Meal Simple heat and eat options. Created with the highest quality ingredients, these family favorites are fresh, convenient, and easy for streamlining a home-cooked meal. Additionally, the updated My H-E-B app will make shopping on-the-go more convenient than ever.
Building a bigger store means expanding the offerings. With more than 40,000 options, it may seem like the choices are endless. Highlights include the largest assortment of Texas-made products, a fully–stocked Healthy Living department with bulk foods including honey, nuts, grains, dried fruits, snack mixes, a wide variety of supplements, and more, and demonstrations at the Cooking Connection and the Showtime Kitchen.
For more strategic investments made by the retail behemoth, keep checking in with us at ANUK.
ISSAQUAH, WA - The past year has brought on an expansion frenzy for retail giant Costco. In October of 2018, the company received approval from the city of Issaquah, Washington, to make a significant expansion to its headquarters. Costco has been quiet on the matter since then, but recent reports note that the retailer is moving forward with its plans as additional land was recently acquired. This is followed by multiple new store openings, including the recently-announced Naperville, Illanois, location.
The news source Issaquah Reporter, divulged that Costco has officially purchased property from a nearby cinema in order to complete its planned 1.5 million-square-foot expansion. Although Costco officials have not yet commented, this sudden news suggests that the headquarters expansion is heating up.
In addition to this news, Costco will be opening its second store in the Illinois town of Naperville. The company has officially purchased space in order to build a new 159,000-square-foot warehouse club facility and a gas station, according to a press release.
Is this the beginning of Costco’s great 2020 warehouse rollout? Stick with us at ANUK as we continue to report on the latest.
KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - Do you want an easy tip on how to put a pep in shoppers’ steps? Look no further than Red Sun Farms’ The Sweet Family line. With a new addition, Sweetpeaks, this line is primed and ready to take on consumers’ love for snacking—and boosts the ring at the register, too. I sat down with Harold Paivarinta, Senior Director and Head of Sales for North America, to learn more.
“At our Canadian farms, our newest pepper crop has just been planted and should be producing by the end of March. In Mexico, our farms’ pepper crop is in full swing,” Harold remarked before dialing into particulars about The Sweet Family. “This year, we will be heavily promoting our specialty peppers. With that being said, we are excited to introduce the newest member: Sweetpeaks, which are long, sweet peppers that are colorful, crunchy, and very versatile.”
The new item joins the Sweetpeps, a snacking pepper that speaks to the uptick in consumers looking for snacking veggies.
“Every year, we are seeing an increasing trend in snacking varieties, as well as in specialties and organics,” Harold shared with me. “We attribute this to a smarter, more health-conscious consumer that is looking for a nutritious snack or meal option. These consumers are seeking a wide variety of flavors and textures to meet all their snacking and mealtime tastes. The vibrant colors and flavors of our Sweetpeaks and Sweetpeps, combined with their fun packaging and quirky messages, make them very popular. We expect that as consumers become aware of the quality and flavor that these new varieties will become a favorite as well.”
Not only does The Sweet Family line appeal to the health-conscious consumer, but it highlights Red Sun Farms’ commitment to offering a unique eating experience. Additionally, the packaging design inspires kids to reach for veggies rather than sweets—which parents know can be a tough sell!
“We all want our children to eat healthier and consume more fruits and vegetables, and The Sweet Family aligns with that. The Sweet Family line up appeals to a wide variety of individuals from kids to young professionals ‘on-the-go’ who want a tasty, healthy snack to someone who is hosting a dinner party and is looking for a unique way to add color, flavor, or crunch to their cuisine. These products are very versatile and that’s one of the characteristics that makes them so great,” Harold concluded.
A product that appeals to multiple generations? I can hear retailers saying, “Sign me up” right now! Stick with AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover the latest in all things produce.