SAN CARLOS, CA - The Board of the Chilean Blueberry Committee unanimously elected Felipe Silva, General Manager of Zurgroup, as its new Committee President. This follows the departure of Felipe Juillerat, formerly of Hortifruit.
“It is a very unique time in the blueberry industry. Not only in Chile, but also across the globe. Changes in international supply are generating different challenges worldwide,” stated Silva in a recent press release. “It is crucial that Chile achieves greater consistency in regard to the arrival condition of our blueberries. There is a new market reality with increased competition, so this is essential. If we don’t continue to raise our standards, it could affect our leading role as a fresh blueberry supplier, a position that we have developed over many years.”
Silva also highlighted both Chile’s food safety and the work being done regarding varietal replacement, which has allowed the Chilean industry to arrive to market with a better quality fruit.
“Chile has a proven food safety record, and we have a product with a spectacular and sweeter taste, so there is great potential for us to be the preferred supplier,” Silva noted. “In order to do this, we must reach new and existing markets with greater product consistency. We must also continue making progress in developing blueberry consumption in different parts of the world. Improvements in supply chains, such as the work undertaken to reduce the transit times to markets like Europe, have been important steps forward".
Silva also explained that the leadership of the Committee is key to advancing the quality and condition of blueberries, as well as the promotional actives and expansion of commercials opportunities for the Chilean blueberry industry.
“As a Committee, we have played an important role in terms of quality, which has been reflected in the quality standard presented by the Committee,” he concluded. “This will enable our industry to better compete with other origins. I look forward to working with the Committee to drive our industry forward.”
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things produce.
SEATTLE, WA - In July of this year, ANUK first heard news that Amazon planned to launch a new grocery store, one that would be an alternative to Whole Foods. This push to become a bigger name in retail is becoming a full-blown reality, as spokespersons confirmed to CNET that Amazon plans to open its new banner in California next year.
After the e-tailer published several job postings, an Amazon spokesperson confirmed to the news source that it would be opening a new grocery store in Woodland Hills—a neighborhood in Los Angeles—in 2020.
The store will be unlike Whole Foods, but the source did not disclose further details. Its selection, price range, and brand name are still up for speculation. However, the job posting names the Woodland Hills location as “Amazon’s first grocery store,” which may mean that the banner is affiliated with the company’s brand name. It also hints at the possibility of multiple sites.
Curiously, the new store will not feature Amazon Go technology, instead opting for a more conventional checkout scheme.
How will Amazon’s foray into brick-and-mortar continue to pave its way to grocery success? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on the latest.
BOSTON, MA - Mi oh my, I guess there really is something better than pumpkin pie: a fresh produce and meal kit teamup! Ocean Spray and HelloFresh are starting the week off strong with the announcement of a new partnership that's granting Ocean Spray the title of exclusive provider of dried cranberries to HelloFresh in 2020.
"As we look to highlight the versatility of the cranberry year-round across different occasions, a partnership with HelloFresh was a perfect fit," said Chris O'Connor, Vice President of Marketing at Ocean Spray. "With our dried cranberries being gluten-free and packed with antioxidants, we are proud to be partnering with a meal kit company that supports a well-balanced lifestyle."
According to a press release, the partnership begins in January of 2020 and serves as a launchpad for future tech-focused retail partnerships for Ocean Spray, which hopes to continue to boast the versatility of the cranberry and advocate its year-round health benefits in the new year.
"At HelloFresh, we give home cooks a rewarding cooking experience by offering delicious recipes that use only the highest quality ingredients," said Jens Reich, SVP of Marketing at HelloFresh. "We're excited to partner with Ocean Spray, an iconic brand comprised of family-owned farmers who share the same passion for sustainability, flavor, and quality as we do."
The two companies rang in the new partnership with a cranberry harvest bog event that gave HelloFresh team members the chance to learn about cranberry farming and the health benefits and history of the superfruit directly from sixth and seventh generation farmers in Massachusetts.
Before the partnership officially kicks off in 2020, Ocean Spray’s cranberry sauce will be featured in the HelloFresh Thanksgiving Box, which is available for order now with delivery beginning on November 12.
Congratulations to Ocean Spray and HelloFresh on this exciting partnership!
SALINAS, CA - Respected industry leader Grace Ho has joined Church Brothers Farms as its new Vice President of Food Safety and Quality (FSQ). Ho brings over 18 years of fresh produce industrial and research experience to the grower and its True Leaf Farms division.
“This role is critically important, and we wanted to hire the right person that could lead our strong FSQ team that consists of more than 120 knowledgeable employees,” said CEO Brian Church. “Grace is at the forefront of food safety innovation; she has the expertise and leadership we need to guide us in the use of new technologies and processes.”
According to a press release, Ho’s passion for food microbiology and safety, as well as her expertise in validating and commercializing new technologies, resulted in the invention of Fresh Rinse™, a revolutionary fresh produce wash with the potential for significant food safety benefits, making her an excellent addition to Church Brothers Farms ranks.
Prior to joining Church Brothers Farms, Ho served as the Senior Vice President of Food Safety and Quality for the Castellini Group of Companies. She has also held roles like Director of Food Safety and Technical Services at Misionero Vegetables and Senior Principal Scientist at Chiquita Brands International/Fresh Express. Ho is also a lead instructor for Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQI) and Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP).
Ho holds a Ph.D. in food science and technology from Iowa State University. Her publications include scientific papers in peer reviewed journals, book chapters, and technological reviews, with her latest being a book chapter on sanitation standard operating procedures.
Congratulations to Grace Ho on her new role!
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - It is with our deepest condolences that we share the recent passing of one of the industry’s own. Frank Robert (Bob) Nunes peacefully passed away at his home in Pebble Beach, California, on November 6, at the age of 88—a short distance from California’s Salinas Valley where he was raised and lived out his passion and grew an amazing career.
Bob founded the Nunes Company in 1976 with his brother Tom, building the company into one of the most recognized and respected fresh produce companies in the United States and beyond. As an industry pioneer and visionary in the marketing of fresh produce to consumers, Bob was the recipient of numerous awards for his significant contributions to the industry as well as his extensive giving to philanthropic organizations throughout California over the past 40 years.
“My great-uncle Bob was a true gentleman, a visionary, and a beacon in our industry,” Tom Nunes V, President of The Nunes Company, said. “He had an incredible passion and love for the people that helped build our company. I am so grateful for the mentorship and guidance he blessed me with. Bob never stopped looking ahead. He was never afraid of bold moves, and he laid the foundation for the Nunes Company's future success. He was the light of our company—a light that will forever shine bright for all of us.”
Bob was the child of Portuguese immigrants and, from those humble beginnings, he grew to live a rich, full, and wonderful life. Bob was raised on a farm in Chualar, California, and through hard work, family love, and education, he enjoyed personal independence, culminating in a creative and determined vocation in the produce industry.
A graduate of Salinas High School, Bob headed to Stanford University, majoring in economics. Following college, he became a vegetable inspector with Monterey County before joining a Salinas grower-shipper as the bookkeeper. Bob joined his brother Tom In the early 1960s and handled sales and marketing for Growers Exchange before founding Nunes Bros. of California Inc. in 1966. Bob believed that marketing to consumers was the key to success.
The formation of Nunes Bros. allowed the company to begin experimenting with cutting-edge marketing ideas aimed at the consumer, becoming one of the first companies to film wrap lettuce. Bob’s innovative ideas helped him land a seat on the Board of Directors of the Produce Packaging Association, which later evolved into the Produce Marketing Association. In 1968, United Fruit Company (a.k.a. Chiquita Brands) bought Nunes Bros. as one of five Salinas Valley vegetable grower-shippers that were to become Interharvest. Bob and Tom briefly ran that company until resigning in 1972 and taking a five-year hiatus from the produce industry. In 1977, they restarted and launched The Nunes Company.
With an eye for innovation and ingenuity, Bob’s approach to selling the company’s products focused on celebrities as spokespersons for the newly named “Foxy” brand vegetables, right out the gates. Over the next 20 years, he would utilize model and actress Brooke Shields, actor Paul Newman, and Dr. Dean Edel, among others, to promote the health and nutrition of Foxy brand products. Working with his brother Tom, The Nunes Company built the highly recognizable Foxy brand into a mainstay on retailers’ shelves across the Northeast.
“In addition to being a mentor, a friend, and a role model, Bob was the most innovative person I’ll ever know,” shared Organic Produce Network Co-Founder Matt Seeley, who worked for 30 years with Bob at The Nunes Company. “He was two steps ahead of conventional thinking and brilliant in developing sales and marketing strategies. But most importantly, Bob was about integrity and honoring your commitments; it’s the reason he was able to build such a special and well-respected company. He was reserved, and never bragged or boasted about himself. He let the quality of the products he produced speak for him on a daily basis and for nearly 50 years nobody has done it better.”
Throughout his many successes, he lived by the simple philosophy, “When the cup runs over, spread it around.” He spent his last years doing his best to help the very young, the old, the very sick, those who cannot care for themselves, and animals. As a child, he wanted to start a Boys Town for Dogs. Through his support of the SPCA, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, and other endeavors, he nearly did.
In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Produce Packaging Association and Western Growers Association, Bob also served on the boards of Grower-Shipper Vegetable Association, American Institute of Food and Wine, and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation. He served as President of Central California Lettuce Co-op.
In 2007, Bob was recognized for his generous support of both produce and community endeavors as the recipient of the E.E. “Gene” Harden Lifetime Achievement award by the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. He also received the Hall of Fame Award from the National Steinbeck Center and the Distinguished Trustee Award from the Community Foundation of Monterey County in 2010. His philanthropic outreach was recognized by the Alex de Tocqueville Society of United Way.
The industry leader is survived by his son Bob Jr., and daughter-in-law Kim; daughter Kimberly, five grandchildren, a niece, nephews, and his brother Tom.
A rosary will be held Thursday at Struve & LaPorte Funeral, with a mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Spreckels, CA at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 15.
Our hearts go out to all those who knew Bob and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this time.
ANAHEIM, CA - PMA’s Fresh Summit certainly left us with no shortage of exciting industry innovations! Sunkist Growers was another company I interacted with on the show floor—when I saw the spectrum of oranges, yellows, and reds, it simply could not be passed up. Christina Ward, Director of Global Brand Marketing for Sunkist, took the time to chat with me about all the company has to offer.
“Sunkist is the leader of the citrus category. We’ve been around for more than 125 years, and it’s imperative for us to stay on top of consumer trends, consumer behaviors, packaging solutions, and things that are going to help drive sales and grow our category overall,” Christina said. “Our California-grown citrus cooperative is celebrating the season with more than 40 citrus varieties, and we’re excited that the juicy, sweet, seedless Navel orange is really what kicks it off. Over the last four seasons, we’re seeing the Cara Cara Navel orange and blood orange saw double-digit volume and dollar sales. That’s exciting to see and that’s a true testament to the fact that once consumers get a taste of these varieties that they just fall in love and they want to come back for more.”
Both Christina and myself were fueled by the fire that Fresh Summit 2019 brought about. She continued by enlightening me with Sunkist’s newest solutions for retailers.
“Sunkist has a strong organic line, and with that paired with our conventional citrus, we have a lot to offer year-round. It’s essentially a well-rounded program,” Christina told me. “We also have new packaging, merchandising displays, and innovative marketing solutions, because for us it’s important to keep up with consumer trends and demands so that we can offer our retail partners solutions to drive citrus sales.”
Based on what I witnessed at Fresh Summit, Sunkist Growers seems to be well-versed in the language of consumers. With new packaging, double-digit sales and volume, and star-studded organic and conventional lines, Sunkist has positioned itself for a lucrative New Year.
For more of the industry’s most exclusive content, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
CASTROVILLE, CA - The weather is getting chillier, spirits are getting jollier, and produce is getting heartier. As fall progresses into winter, seasonal favorites are making their comebacks, and Ocean Mist Farms is not one to disappoint. The first Frost Kissed® artichoke crops are currently being shipped to retailers and will be available for the next several weeks. Be still my artichoke heart.
When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, Ocean Mist Farm’s Frost Kissed artichokes’ skin darkens. Rather than ruining the crop, however, this actually seals in more flavor and provides a nuttier taste in the artichokes; the brown exterior layer falls off once cooked to reveal that beautiful green veg that shoppers are familiar with.
“The appearance of Frost Kissed artichokes is strictly cosmetic and doesn’t reflect the quality,” said Diana McClean, Senior Director of Marketing. “While these artichokes are not as vibrant in color, they offer a limited-time flavor that many shoppers look forward to experiencing after a frost.”
According to a press release, this limited time variety will come with a whole host of recipe inspo through Ocean Mist Farm’s social media channels as well as on its website to educate consumers. Additionally, the Frost Kissed artichokes will carry a petal insert so shoppers can easily recognize them. Ocean Mist Farms will also provide display cards to retail customers who stock Frost Kissed artichokes.
“The Frost Kissed artichokes are such a seasonal treat as we don’t see a freeze every season,” added McClean. “We’re working hard to ensure our shoppers are educated on ways to prep the artichoke so they too can enjoy its unique flavor for a limited time when they are available.”
“Let it go” straight into your produce aisles and holiday fixings this season and keep checking back here at ANUK as we bring more produce news.
MIAMI, FL - Though the winds of winter are nipping at our heels, there are some out there who are devoted to bringing a taste of the tropics to the produce aisle, no matter what the season. Family-owned grower-packer-shipper WP Produce is proud to announce a strong start to its high season for tropical avocados from the Dominican Republic. The company sources its avocados from exceptional growing regions around the world to ensure year-round availability and high-quality produce. As if that wasn't enough, WP Produce's Desbry® brand has donned a snazzy new look that is sure to turn heads.
"This growth is exciting, and we expect it to continue. Retailers and foodservice providers have been seeing increased popularity for tropical avocados over the past few years," said Chris Gonzalez, VP of Sales for WP Produce, in a press release. "At PMA Fresh Summit, interest and enthusiasm for tropical avocados was very high. Consumers are demanding variety. And the larger size of tropical avocados with their vibrant green skin and heartier texture appeals to avocado lovers—especially millennials and moms."
WP Produce’s Desbry tropical brand undergoes its high season from mid-October through mid-May, with additional supply from Florida available from June through December, according to a press release. While the company is expecting increased volumes overall, it anticipates exceptionally promotable qualities from November through January.
This avocado season brings new changes and innovations for WP Produce, as the company has recently debuted a refreshed logo for its Desbry brand produce. The brand, which the company has been selling its produce under since 1984, is named after Founder Willy Pardo’s children—Desiree and Bryan, reflecting the cherished family-owned nature of the company.
Moxxy Marketing is responsible for the refreshed logo, which was designed to feature a bright yellow sun and bold coral lettering that reflect the tropical nature and growing regions of WP Produce’s full line of fresh produce. The company’s impressive menagerie of fruits and veg includes: avocados, papaya, pineapple, manzano bananas, mamey, malanga, yucca, calabaza, breadfruit, plantains, habanero peppers, coconuts, mangos, and more.
"The refreshed Desbry logo honors the past of what my father has worked hard to build, and also highlights our commitment to the future," commented Desiree Morales, Vice President of WP Produce. "We are focused on continually leading and improving the tropical produce industry like my dad has been doing the past 30 years, and the new logo is a symbol of that."
WP Produce has also been implementing fresh innovations, including new avocado cleaning and sorting machinery that has been added to its Dominican Republic facilities. The machinery allows for increased capacity and volume, while staying true to the company’s mission of providing sustainable job opportunities in the region. WP Produce has also created a worker welfare program for its Dominican staff.
"As we keep expanding our footprint in the Dominican Republic, we also want to continue building our role in the community, providing a welcoming work environment, and acknowledging our employees’ hard work and dedication," Morales said. "All our produce is inspected by our employees before being packed for our customers to not only ensure the highest quality, but to also ensure we offer a sustainable, year-round supply of jobs for the region. By providing more jobs and meals for all of our employees, we can support the well-being of our employees, and ultimately deliver a better end experience for our customers."
For more from the world of produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
HOUSTON, TX - We in the produce industry know that being a good business partner is something worth busting out the crudité and champagne for. Break out your flutes and your celery sticks, folks, because Sysco just announced its 2019 Supplier Excellence Awards. The 2019 award recipients were selected based on sales growth, leadership, innovation, operational excellence and other key business performance criteria. Those who led the produce pack are standouts in our industry, but only one was named the Gold Supplier: Taylor Farms.
“Sysco has a long-standing tradition of recognizing our top suppliers for their commitment to helping us deliver great products to our customers with exceptional service,” said Brian Todd, Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. “We keep the customer at the center of everything we do and work hard with our supplier partners to improve the overall customer experience.”
Winners in the fresh produce category included:
Gold Supplier Award Winner
- Taylor Farms
Silver Supplier Award Winner
- Church Brothers Farms
Bronze Supplier Award Winners
- ProSource Inc.
- EarthFresh Farms
- Driscoll’s, Inc.
Additionally, the field of Frozen/Canned Fruits & Vegetables winners included a number of fresh-focused suppliers, including BONDUELLE. And Sysco’s Cutting Edge Solutions award went to Oggi Foods, a Montreal-based company that specializes in making cauliflower pizza crusts. Fresh was truly showing up and showing out!
For a complete list of winners, read Sysco’s press release here.
The entire team at AndNowuKnow congratulates the winners! Stay tuned for more fresh-focused news.
OXNARD, CA - The leaves are falling, the temperature is lowering, and growing regions are experiencing a turn of fate. Not only does the holiday season usher in a new period for produce providers, but it signifies a shift in supply for many categories. Boskovich Farms is one of such companies, as the change in weather inevitably impacts its celery crop. I checked in with Russ Widerburg, Sales Manager at Boskovich, to find out what’s in store for the celery market.
“The current celery market is trending up. The Thanksgiving Holiday demand is beginning now and will continue through the end of December. Weather conditions will determine whether the market continues to slide up, or eases off because of better supplies,” Russ explained. “Coming off of a $60 to $70 per box celery market last year, it will be interesting to see how much volume will be committed to contract pricing this season. We have aggressively sought after more contract pricing for the upcoming season with our increased volume.”
Ramping up for the holidays, Boskovich is planning ahead and charting commitments and projected sales of its celery. The Oxnard harvest has just begun, according to Russ, though the company will harvest in Lompoc for another week. The Oxnard season will continue through the end of June 2020.
“Quality is very good in Oxnard to start, although there has been discussion about some Fuserium ground disease being prevalent in the Oxnard region,” Russ told me.
Although Russ is expecting a dryer and colder winter than last year, he confidently assured me that it won’t be a problem for Boskovich. In fact, he said that volume for the celery program will increase by ten percent, which is a normal annual growth increase for the company.
Stay tuned in to ANUK as we cover categorial market updates ahead of the holidays.