MCLEAN, VA - If it seems like it was just yesterday that Gladstone Land Corporation snapped up new property, that’s probably because it was. Tuesday morning, the company announced its acquisition of berry farmland on the coast of California; today, it announced the addition of a 366-acre vineyard in Napa, costing the company $32 million ($87,431 per acre).
“It’s rare that opportunities for a beautiful vineyard like this one come along on attractive terms, but our team did a great job of finding this one and negotiating its purchase,” said David Gladstone, President and CEO. “We now have an excellent vineyard with an outstanding tenant in Napa Valley, California. This acquisition expands our vineyard holdings and adds another very strong, long-term operator to our tenant base. Entering Napa Valley also adds a new growing region to our list of farm-growing areas, further diversifying our farmland holdings. Diversification is a key element in our desire to reduce risk and build a farmland REIT that can pay steady dividends to stockholders.”
We’re curious as to how Gladstone is finding so much success as of late, but it might have to do with the 10-year, triple-net lease agreement made with this seller prior to the deal’s finalization, as reported by a press release.
“This is an exciting acquisition for us,” said Bill Reiman, Managing Director. “We are entering a new region and beginning a new tenant relationship with one of the leading wine companies. Having a presence in the premium wine grape growing region of Napa really helps to solidify our position within the California wine industry. We look forward to many more opportunities here and throughout other wine grape growing areas.”
Is this a sign of a plethora of buy-ups to come for the company, which has been relatively quiet since 2017? We at AndNowUKnow patiently await.
SHANGHAI, CHINA - There’s nothing like opening your doors to wrap-around lines and hours of parking to make a retailer feel welcome. Such was the case for Costco’s debut in Shanghai last week, encouraging the company to assure it will work toward opening its second location “as soon as possible,” according to news source China Knowledge.
While there were already high expectations, the turnout to Costco’s first store in the country exceeded its anticipations.
Images of Disneyland at Christmas come to mind when reading reports of opening day: with cars circling or waiting three hours to park and residents with their shopping carts waiting in two-hour-long lines to check out. China Knowledge noted that traffic on the roads around the Costco store were temporarily “paralyzed,” forcing Costco to suspend business on the afternoon of the opening day. This did not stop Costco from seeing a record number of new member registrations, though.
All in all, the reception prompted Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti to assure construction on the next location is coming, adding that the company is optimistic about the long-term success of its stores in China and will continue to bring high-quality, exciting, new products to its members around the world.
As more plans are made known toward that growth both here in the U.S. as well as in other key markets beyond our borders, AndNowUKnow will report on the latest.
MADERA, CA - There are several summer treats that include kiwis, but that doesn’t mean you can only sell those fuzzy delights June through August. With California kicking off in the market, Catania Worldwide is assuring retailers can keep summer alive all year long.
This year, the company is focusing its efforts on one of the hottest segments in fresh produce.
“Our conventional volumes remain quite similar to last year, but our organic crop is growing every year,” Kurt Cappelluti, Sales Manager of Catania Worldwide subsidiary Stellar Distributing, said in a press release.
Set to harvest at the beginning of October, with the grower forecasting product on the shelves October 20, Catania said that the weather this year may delay harvesting by one week, but the sizing is much more desirable than this time last year.
“The growth on the vine looks strong this year and we’re excited to pick and pack,” Cappelluti said.
When it isn’t growing kiwi directly in Madera, California, Catania maintains a year-round status as a global citizen of the kiwi world—importing product year-round and growing its program every year.
You can learn all about Catania’s kiwi season and more by meeting with the crew at PMA Fresh Summit next month in Anaheim, California, when you swing by booth #179. See you there!
GAINESVILLE, FL - With AmazonGo continuing to change the retail landscape, competing grocers are looking at new formats and strategies to steal back market share. Kroger is stepping up to the plate with a new style of shopping set to appeal to on-the-go consumers.
According to a report from The Gainesville Times, which was then picked up by AP News, Kroger has been looking into a format in which hand-held scanners will be implemented, meaning fewer cashiers and an overall different store vibe. The technology is currently being tested at the Gainesville Kroger Marketplace, underneath an aptly-named “Scan, Bag, Go” system. Customers bring their own bags—or use the store’s—and pick up a scanner upon entrance to the store, meaning they’re prepped and raring to go right out the gate.
How the shoppers are then charged for the transaction was not specified.
One of the managers at the Gainesville store told the source that, “It’s just another option. I think it was created just to give people another option.”
These “other options” have grown exponentially in recent years, enfolding in its arms stores all the way from Giant Eagle and Walmart.
Is this “Scan, Bag, Go” format the next big retail revolution? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Grimmway Farms continues to prove itself a leader in the produce industry and an indispensable cog in the wheel of U.S. agriculture. Most recently, the grower welcomed United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky, Deputy Press Secretary Alec Varsamis, and Senior Congressional Advisor Veronica Wong to its headquarters in Arvin, California. The visit was conducted under the leadership of Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and signified one of many listening sessions the Deputy Secretary is participating in to learn more about important issues facing California farmers.
“We were honored to host Deputy Secretary Censky to discuss the issues facing our operation and others in California,” said Jeff Huckaby, President of Grimmway Farms. “We had productive discussions with the Deputy Secretary and were able to show him firsthand how current legislation impacts our industry and the regulatory pressures farms face today.”
According to a press release, the topics discussed during the session included everything from immigration to water rights, and Huckaby met with Deputy Secretary Censky to discuss concerns regarding guest worker programs, global trade and tariffs, and the impact that water will have on farmers and the rest of the country.
After the listening session, Huckaby led Censky on a tour of local farmland and facilities, highlighting organic vegetable harvest operations and carrot processing technology. Huckaby provided first-hand insight on the growth of the organics sector in the produce industry, and the production developments needed to meet the growing demands of the category. Also representing Grimmway leadership, Brandon Grimm was on hand to speak with Censky about how the Food Safety Modernization Act and the new FDA audits are being implemented at Grimmway and Cal-Organic Farms facilities.
Following the visit, Deputy Secretary Censky, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, and legislative team members held roundtable discussions with California farmers where they shared struggles and successes felt across the entire agriculture industry.
For more updates on other industry-leading companies and events, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
TAMPA BAY, FL - Ever since Aldi made its debut in the United States, the retailer has been working constantly to continue building out its expansion plans. Florida is prime real estate for these plans, given that it has an ample variety of shopping demands and a diverse demographic. So it’s little wonder that the Sunshine State is the spot for more of Aldi’s expanding locations, adding to its already 20 store count in the Tampa Bay Area.
According to Tampa Bay Times, the grocer has filed plans with the city to build the location near the intersection of Highwoods Preserve Parkway and Bruce. B Downs Boulevard. The design of the store will encompass 20,400 square feet. Formerly a Ruby Tuesday restaurant that closed last year, Aldi is asking the city to approve plans to turn the property into the food retailer.
Aldi’s aggressive expansion plans come as no surprise to many as they have made a notable impact over the past few years throughout the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, California—and more often now, Florida. The chain plans to have 2,500 locations by the end of 2022.
The competitive East Coast continues to provide ample hunting ground for those competitive retailers. What steps will Aldi and its fellow retailers take? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep our finger on the pulse of the retail landscape.
HUNTS POINT, BRONX, NY - We investigate many cases of produce-related drug smuggling. Would-be Tony Montanas have tried to conceal illicit substances in bananas, jalepeños, and soybeans—and that’s in August alone. But rarely do we get to honor the heroes who intervene and keep our precious fruits and veg pure. Recently, 70 kilograms of cocaine were uncovered in the Bronx, worth an estimated $10 million, hidden among a shipment of rotting fruit. But thankfully, there was one officer who wasn’t fooled by the pungent odor.
According to 1010 WINS, law enforcement became suspicious of the comings and goings of two large trucks at a commercial warehouse—one truck carried a shipping container, and the other was a tractor-trailer with a refrigerated container. Officers proceeded to investigate the vehicles, which was made difficult by the rotting coconuts, papayas, and oregano that filled the containers. However, the officers were aided by one of their more recent recruits.
According to abc7NY, the individual who sniffed out the drugs was none other than Port Authority K-9 Officer Balu. The pupper, a German Shepherd, graduated from the Port Authority Police Canine Unit last year, after 14 weeks of training, where Balu and his fellow cadets learned to identify 18 distinct odors, reported The New York Post. At the most recent drug bust, Balu identified a concealed compartment that had been used to store the cocaine, proving himself to be the goodest of boys and an essential part of his law enforcement team.
Once again, we at ANUK appreciate the dedication and skill of the law enforcement officers that continue to take down produce criminals; and speaking for the entire office, we volunteer to give Balu all the belly rubs he can handle.
WASHINGTON, DC - Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) announced that the year-round sweet corn tray packing company, Rouge River Farms, recently had all of its U.S. operations certified by the organization. Having been the first company on the East Coast to earn an EFI certification, Rouge now journeys onward with nationwide EFI approval under its belt.
“EFI is so much more than an audit. It is a holistic approach that transforms the way workers interact. I have seen how EFI can make a company better,” remarked Margaret Stuart, Senior Compliance Manager. “After the EFI Leadership Team training, I saw an increase in productivity among the workers in our facility. I saw their behaviors and expectations of one another change, and saw that they were taking more pride in their work.”
According to a press release, this marks the 30th certification for EFI, partnering with growers and retailers to create a more transparent chain, safer food, and healthier workplaces. Rouge River Farms’ operates locations in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, all of which have now met more than 300 rigorous standards to earn EFI certification. An independent assessment conducted by third-party certifier SCS Global Services confirmed the validity of these certifications.
“Through EFI’s workforce development and certification program, Rouge River Farms has demonstrated its commitment to the principles of the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices,” stated Bonnie Holman, Sustainability Program Manager in SCS’s Food and Agriculture Division. “Accountability, increased transparency, and responsible labor practices are the guiding principles of the charter, which is why SCS has endorsed this industry-wide effort. Companies like Rouge River Farms should be applauded for its leadership in these arenas.”
Rouge River products feature EFI’s Responsibly Grown, Farmworker Assured® label, available in select Costco Wholesale locations east of the Mississippi River. Each Rouge River sweet corn purchase made at Costco earns farmworkers a generous bonus. EFI has worked with 21 grower-shipper companies on 64 farm locations, covering 38 produce commodities, and impacting more than 33,000 farmworkers.
What an awesome accomplishment for Rouge River Farms! Stick around at ANUK to see more from the biggest names in produce.
MCLEAN, VA - Gladstone Land Corporation continues to make farmland available to growers through its most recent acquisition. According to a press release, the company just gained control of a 413-acre plot of land within California’s Oxnard Plain. When the land sold, two unrelated third-party tenants entered lease agreements to operate the property. While the seller plans to continue using the land for its sod business, a local berry grower will lease the remainder of the property.
“This was a rare opportunity,” said David Gladstone, President and CEO. “This farm was operated by a single family for many generations. It’s a wonderful farm located in the heart of the Oxnard Plain, a superior growing region of California. We have several excellent tenants who are long-time farming families in this growing area. The company continues to build a diverse portfolio of farmland focused on healthy foods, such as fresh produce and nuts. Acquisitions like this demonstrate our business strategy of buying high-quality farms that provide steady rental income that is used to pay dividends to stockholders.”
Gladstone capitalizes on the fact that everything in the industry is connected on some level. From growers who rent the property to stockholders supporting the operation, the company jumped at the opportunity to continue its service, acquiring land in a prime growing region.
“Opportunities to acquire large coastal California farmland do not come along very often, and we feel very fortunate to have been able to complete this transaction,” said Bill Reiman, Managing Director. “We had been in discussions with the seller of this property for several years, and only recently were we able to come to terms on an agreement that fulfills all parties’ goals. This property is in a prime location, and we look forward to being stewards of this large farm for many years.”
Congratulations to Gladstone on this exciting new venture! AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the evolving state of the industry.
FRESNO, CA - Mandarins have been growing in popularity, rising up the ranks of the citrus category to take their place as one of consumers’ favorite peelable snacks. Fowler Packing Company is leaning into the demand for this tiny citrus with the launch of its new California mandarin brand, Peelz™, its first-ever branded mandarin to hit the market.
“We could not be prouder to launch Peelz today,” said Justin Parnagian, CEO. “Our 70-year farming operation was built on true partnerships with retailers and our family’s commitment to delivering quality, consistency, and flexibility. We are excited to extend that offering with Peelz California mandarins.”
Peelz will be sold in one-, two-, three-, and five-pound pack configurations, starting at the beginning of the California mandarin season in November. Fowler Packing has represented significant volume in the category for nearly 20 years, according to a press release. Now, the company will offer its mandarins direct to retailers under its new Peelz label, joining Fowler Packing’s well-known Samsons™ table grapes.
The new label is backed with an energetic marketing campaign launch that focuses on product trial through targeted demos, digital campaigns, displays, and giveaways while supporting the individual retailer’s needs. The campaign is spearheaded by Sean Nelsen, who recently joined Fowler Packing as VP of Sales and Marketing. In the few short weeks he has been with the company, he has assembled an impressive team with more than 50 years of combined sales and marketing experience.
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.