SALINAS, CA - At the upcoming Monterey County Sustainability Working Group (MCSWG), recycling issues plaguing the industry—including China’s closed doors to recycling imports from the U.S. that has, consequently, led to an impending crisis for recyclers in the ag industry—will be addressed. The event is set to take place on September 27th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CSUMB at Salinas City Center in Downtown Salinas; an RSVP is required to attend.
“This meeting is intended to be informative, start the conversation, inspire collaboration, and support this industries efforts in taking a proactive approach to finding solutions to the growing recycling crisis,” said Nikki Rodoni, Founder and CEO, Measure to Improve. “No one company or industry alone is going to solve this issue. It's going to take partnerships, investments, creative thinking, and most importantly, collaboration up and down the supply chain.”
Monterey County’s agriculture sector is one of the most productive in the world and a major economic force for the region. With that being said, growers, processors, and shippers will see big financial hits to dispose materials that have been traditionally recycled because the County will be without a recycling solution for a large percentage of the materials (waste) it generates, according to a press release.
China’s National Sword is a strict policy that restricts the amount of contamination allowed in a shipment of recyclable materials and has banned other materials outright. This has, therefore, resulted in a disruption in recycling operations at regional and local levels, and the new higher standards pack on more labor and resources in the U.S. to prevent bales of mixed paper and plastics from being landfilled, the press release conveys. As a result, there has been a decline in recycling revenues, a strain in the economic viability for current recycling operations.
“The produce industry is always responding to the changes in conditions under which they operate, and always looking for ways to improve their processes. It is how the industry succeeds. Now, more than ever, we need to develop new partnerships and ways to manage plastic waste. The MCSWG meeting will provide a great beginning to the conversation,” Agriculture Commissioner for Monterey County Henry S. Gonzales shared.
The MCSWG’s meeting will dive into the urgent issue. New and innovative solutions are needed for the agriculture industry or else the region will struggle to reach recycling goals and be met with mounting costs, the organization shares in the release. The MCSWG meeting will offer a platform for stakeholders to gather insight from each other as they look for solutions, reframing the future of recycling for the fresh produce industry, among others, in Monterey County.
“The produce industry is tremendously resilient and has overcome many past challenges. Today, we are confronted with a new challenge: recycling ag-related plastics. To overcome this challenge, the Monterey County Sustainability Working Group meeting will present an opportunity to prepare and position the industry for long-term success,” President of Grower-Shipper Association of Central California Jim Bogart explained.
Almost 100 attendees are expected to turn out for the meeting to provide a voice for their companies based in the Central Coast region.
Speakers include the following:
- Teresa Bui, Special Advisor to the Director of CalRecycle
- Tim Brownell, Director of Operations for Monterey Regional Waste Management District
- Louis Vasquez, Director of Corporate Development for Revolution Plastics
- Marcy Rustad, Chief Operating Officer for Think Beyond Plastic
Those wanting to RSVP can visit the Eventbrite page here. The password is “Recycling.”
“Monterey County Farm Bureau supports recycling of farm waste, particularly plastics, and works to find solutions for our members. The Future of Recycling event will help members to become more aware of their waste stream and how they can improve the environment around their fields,” said Norm Groot, Executive Director of Farm Bureau of Monterey County.
For more fresh produce news and the inside scoop on how industry professionals are working to improve business, check back with us at AndNowUKnow!
CHESAPEAKE, VA - As college students return to their campuses this fall, Dollar Tree associates might soon be making their way to a campus all their own. As part of its continuing integration of Family Dollar, Dollar Tree is consolidating its support centers in Matthews, North Carolina, and Chesapeake, Virginia, to a newly completed corporate campus in Chesapeake.
“Leadership from both banners has continued to work together to integrate our two organizations and invest in future growth,” said Gary Philbin, Dollar Tree's CEO, in a statement. “The completion of our expanded headquarters in Virginia will facilitate the most important phase of the integration."
A company press release relays that Family Dollar will close its Matthews, NC, headquarters following the consolidation, while the Matthews distribution center will remain open. The new centralized support center is expected to be completed by the fall of 2019—approximately 700 associates will be offered an opportunity to relocate to the new center when it opens.
Dollar Tree Officials said the move to bring the two teams together will improve and streamline the company’s ability to support its stores more effectively via enhanced collaboration, communication, and teamwork.
“Our new 12-story, 510,000-square-foot office tower represents the anchor of a dynamic campus environment serving the needs of our associates," said Bob Sasser, Dollar Tree's Executive Chairman. "We are eager to welcome all associates relocating to the Chesapeake area to participate in, and benefit from, the company's next phase of growth."
Will this corporate campus work in the discount chain’s favor? AndNowUKnow will keeps its eyes peeled for the latest.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Some of my favorite hues to wash over fall’s sunsets are purples. The beautiful color transitions seamlessly from breezy porch-lit chats with friends and family to the holiday spreads enjoyed by all, and Frieda’s Specialty Produce is celebrating the craving for purple with the new crop of Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes, which will ship in September—just in time for the holiday ad planning and pre-book.
“Our Stokes Purple sweet potatoes sales volume has gone up nearly 30 percent since 2017, and there is no sign of slowing down. According to Google Trends, ‘purple sweet potato’ search has spiked every year around Thanksgiving for the past five years, and we’re expecting the spike to be even bigger this year,” said Alex Jackson Berkley, Assistant Sales Manager. “Today’s shoppers are literally looking for visually pleasing foods to serve at the holidays. They are more comfortable in the kitchen than ever before and not afraid to put a new twist on their traditional holiday menus with sweet potato pies and other Instagram-worthy dishes for their friends and family."
The exclusively distributed Frieda’s item sits boldly on the shelf and calls out to consumers because of its vibrant color, smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and abundance of antioxidants. Because of these great qualities, consumers just love them!
One of the best aspects of these beauties is that their charm really shines when advertised.
“Purple stands out from the sea of orange and brown for the fall, and pops against the red and green of the holiday season,” Berkley shared.
Retailers wanting to stock Frieda’s Stokes Purple pretties—among other items, such as cauliflower, rainbow baby carrots, celery root, and Cippoline onions—this holiday season can check in with a Frieda’s account manager.
For more fresh produce news, stick with AndNowUKnow.
SACRAMENTO, CA - It’s a good day to be in produce, as California Governor Jerry Brown just signed a bill into law that will push fruit and veg to the forefront of meals in hospitals, prisons, and other health care facilities. This week, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1138 which requires plant-based meal options—containing no animal products or by-products including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs—be provided at every meal to patients across the state.
“Whether to protect animals, our climate, or our health, those of us who choose to eat a vegan diet can celebrate today with Governor Brown’s signing of SB 1138. SB 1138 ensures that people in hospitals, healthcare facilities, or prison have access to plant-based meals,” said Senator Nancy Skinner, who authored Senate Bill 1138, according to AP News.
SB 1138 not only helps champion health, but also can help save hospitals $5,000 per year, as vegetarian entrées cost 50 percent less than meat entrées, according to a report by St. Joseph Health System.
The passing of the bill was met with approval from the bill’s co-sponsor, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit with over 12,000 doctor members.
“Thanks to Senator Skinner and Governor Jerry Brown for passing this historic law that will provide plant-based options to hospital patients looking to fight heart disease, diabetes, and obesity—or who simply want a more healthful meal,” said the committee’s President Neal Barnard, M.D., F.A.C.C., according to a press release. “Now, it’s time for California hospitals to start putting into practice the plant-based meals recommended by the American Medical Association and the American College of Cardiology.”
Will more states follow Governor Brown’s lead to help people incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant-based options into their diets? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep its eye on the latest legislation that's spreading the love of produce to more around the world.
IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission is ripe and ready to celebrate 40 years in the industry. This October, the Commission has big plans to bless up at PMA Fresh Summit—held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, October 17th through 20th—with a new booth format and activities to celebrate its ruby anniversary.
“Since its inception in 1978, the California Avocado Commission has been helping to grow avocado consumption with renowned success,” said Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing, in a press release. “PMA Fresh Summit is a unique opportunity to connect with many people in the produce industry; it’s the perfect event to launch the Commission’s celebration.”
CAC will be exhibiting at Fresh Summit—and featuring a slew of birthday innovations to ring in its 40th. At booth #2143, CAC will showcase a two-story booth boasting new California avocado booth graphics—featuring highlights of CAC’s 40-year history—and a selfie-friendly graphic wall showcasing California avocado advertising campaigns.
According to CAC's press release, the booth will feature an upstairs meeting room where CAC will host visiting dietitians from the Produce for Better Health Foundation, as well as other meetings by appointment.
The Commission is also hosting a contest in which show-goers who visit booth #2143 can identify CAC employees in a collage and earn California avocado t-shirts.
“Fresh Summit attendees are invited to share in our 40-year anniversary kick-off at the California Avocado Commission booth #2143,” DeLyser added. “We will have the latest information about the 2019 crop and plan to share new data on the conventional and organic segments of the category as well as ideas for building customized marketing programs for next season with key retailers.”
Don’t forget to stop by booth #2143 to visit CAC; maybe the ANUK team will see you there!
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United Fresh Start Foundation’s annual conference FreshStart 2019, brings the industry together to increase children’s access to fresh produce. The event will once again feature a silent auction benefiting the foundation, as well as a half-day education program focused on how the fresh produce industry can increase children’s access to fruits and veggies. Set to take place January 15-17, 2019 at the La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, CA, there will also be volunteer leader meetings and the annual Gala Dinner recognizing the recipient of United Fresh’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I’m excited to start the new year with such an important event for the foundation! This annual event brings the industry together to fundamentally change the way the next generation connects with fresh produce,” said Phil Muir, President & CEO, Muir Copper Canyon Farms, and Chairman, United Fresh Start Foundation Board of Trustees. “Not only will we showcase the significant impact we’ve had on kids in just the last year, but we also will kick off our yearly fundraising efforts, which will enable us to launch new programs and partnerships while continuing to grow our current initiatives.”
According to a press release, last year’s auction and golf tournament raised over $100,000 to support the foundation’s mission of increasing children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2018 alone, the foundation has provided grants to 20 community-based non-profits who provide children with fresh produce during the times they are not in school, continued its leadership in the national Salad Bars to Schools initiative through partnerships with produce companies and events like Tour de Fresh, and connected produce companies with more than 60 school buyers and menu planners from school districts around the nation at its annual School Foodservice Forum, among other on-going partnerships and activities.
“I can’t think of a more important cause to support, or a nicer place to be than Palm Springs in January,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing at California Giant Berry Farms and United Fresh Chairman of the Board. “We invite the industry and our volunteer leaders to join us in supporting a great cause while we kick off a new year, together!”
To register for FreshStart 2019, visit www.unitedfreshstart.org.
SEATTLE, WA - Amazon Go’s first eastern U.S. location opened in Chicago this week, wowing shoppers with its cashier-less format. Now, sources close to the matter are suggesting that the premier U.S. online retailer could be accelerating its Amazon Go growth by leaps and bounds; the company is reportedly considering a plan to open as many as 3,000 Amazon Go stores the next three years.
Bloomberg broke the news this Wednesday, noting that Amazon’s expansion would be aggressive and undoubtedly costly—and noted that the move could be disruptive for grocers, convenience chains, and quick-serve restaurants.
“Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos sees eliminating meal-time logjams in busy cities as the best way for Amazon to reinvent the brick-and-mortar shopping experience, where most spending still occurs,” Bloomberg reported. “But he’s still experimenting with the best format: a convenience store that sells fresh prepared foods as well as a limited grocery selection similar to 7-Eleven franchises, or a place to simply pick up a quick bite to eat for people in a rush, similar to the U.K.-based chain Pret a Manger…”
Amazon declined to comment on the potential expansion to the news source.
According to Bloomberg’s sources, Amazon’s brick-and-mortar plan involves a kind of exponential growth over the next three years—with roughly 10 locations opening by the end of this year, another 50 in major metropolitan areas following next year, and the balance of that 3,000 store number opening by the end of 2021.
Will Amazon implement this plan, growing its brick-and-mortar grocery presence exponentially in just a few years? AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you updates.
OXNARD, CA - With fall approaching, seasonal changes can leave some of us feeling a bit glum. For those looking to chase these feelings away, biting into a ripe mango is guaranteed to brighten any day. So, gear up those taste buds, mango lovers, because Gary Clevenger, Co-Founder of Freska Produce International, is here to dish the mango details.
When we first began, Gary shared details with me about the current harvest in Mexico, which is set to wrap up at the end of September, as well as insight into his latest trip to Ecuador, where the company has been preparing mango containers to ship.
“There’s already Ecuadorian mangos on the water, headed to the West Coast and set to arrive in late September,” he tells me. “From there, we’ll just keep going up in volume, probably peaking around early to middle November.”
With year-round supplies, Freska is able to provide consumers with a variety of mangoes, including Ataulfos (aka Honey Mangos)—arriving this week—Tommy Atkins, Keitts, Kents, and Hadens, all coming out of Ecuador. The red varieties are set to arrive in a week or two. Compared to last year, Gary tells me that he expects 10 percent higher volume, and that the growing regions in Ecuador and Peru are ahead about two to three weeks.
After the Ecuadorian shipments, Freska’s next growing region to begin shipment is Peru, which Gary shares with me will start in late November, with shipments arriving on the West Coast in December.
Freska also continues to employ its own QC staff to oversee the packaging of labels which assures customers of Freska mangos’ quality and consistency. Recently, the company has also begun offering dried mangos with some of its partners in Mexico and is looking to grow this business in the next year.
Freska Produce International is Fair Trade certified, has organic offerings, and the ability to skyrocket sales in the mango category. Certainly sounds like a cure for the autumnal blues!
GLENNVILLE, GA - I love a good reason to celebrate, and Bland Farms is welcoming a few changes to its operations as it continues to push innovation forward.
As one of the largest contributors to the Vidalia® onion crop, Bland Farms has expanded production outside of Georgia—venturing into Texas, California, Peru, and Mexico to respond to the rising demand for sweet onions. The growth in production is strategic in that the new partnerships will allow the company to supply sweet onions year-round.
In addition to the expanded production seen throughout the States and well beyond, the company is introducing a new computer monitoring system to manage temperature and humidity at storage facilities located in remote locations. Those managing the facilities will receive alerts on their cell phones notifying them when adjustments need to be made, according to a press release. Because of this notification system, the company is able to monitor its goods with seemingly unparalleled precision and make adjustments quickly.
Another change to Bland Farms’ operations is its use of a high-speed sorter to customize orders—which are programmed by weight, size, color, and external appearance—and fill orders on the same day that they are made. 20 pictures per onion, 10 per second, are taken by the machine in order to sort quickly and efficiently and meet customers’ needs.
Bland Farms has not lost its personal touch, quite literally, since planting and harvesting is still done by hand. However, the company has introduced bin boxes into the harvesting process, replacing 50 lb bags. The boxes are transported through the field to the facility by a forklift, which relays into less handling of the onions and, therefore, less bruising. To top it off, Bland Farms’ boxes don a high-graphic label, and its onions use PLU stickers to add just the right amount of pizazz.
As the company moves forward, it endeavors to innovate and carve out a path for itself within the industry, always setting itself apart from the pack with leadership and steadfast determination to meet customers’ needs and provide better quality with every step along the way.
More onions to use in dinnertime meals—and better, to boot? I’m crying happy tears!
SOUTH KOREA and JAPAN - While a frenzied mob can be heard chanting, “PSL, PSL, PSL,” outside of stateside Starbucks locations all year long—Americans’ simultaneous love and hate for the popular drink knows no bounds—international Starbucks goers are proving once again that they’re getting the better end of the deal when it comes to limited edition, seasonal drinks.
This week, Starbucks in South Korea and Japan announced their latest menu additions featuring two varieties of a classic fall vegetable—and, no, it isn’t pumpkin anything!
Hypebae reports that South Korea is launching a new Violet Roasted Sweet Potato Latte, and it’s stunning. Available hot or cold, the lavendar-hued latte is a blend of purple sweet potato and milk, topped with whipped cream and a purple dust, and I need it all over my Instagram feed and as a part of my morning routine.
Starbucks Japan’s new drink, on the other hand, while perhaps not as aesthetically pleasing as South Korea’s, still sounds pretty appealing. According to Sora News 24, the Crispy Sweet Potato Frappuccino joined Starbucks’ international menu this month and features the traditional Japanese snack, imo kempi, which is fried sweet potato bits coated in a sugary glaze—something I will be needing to add to my Thanksgiving menu, immediately. The drink itself is a blend of sweet potato sauce and milk—and even comes in latte form.
My fellow Americans, I beg you: Forget the PSL! Let’s get the Violet Roasted Sweet Potato Latte and the Crispy Sweet Potato Frappuccino on our local Starbucks’ menus!
To stay up-to-date on the latest concoctions featuring our favorite fresh fruit and veg flavors around the world, keep reading AndNowUKnow.