ARLINGTON, VA - It appears the industry is no closer to emerging from the trucking crisis. While leading industry members like Walmart and Allen Lund Company doubled down last year to propose solutions and implement new strategies to attract and retain truck drivers, labor is still low—with the American Trucking Associations (ATA) reporting that the shortage has even spiked, reaching its highest levels to date.
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve watched the shortage rise and fall with economic trends, but it ballooned last year to the highest level we’ve seen to date,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “The combination of a surging freight economy and carriers’ need for qualified drivers could severely disrupt the supply chain. The increase in the driver shortage should be a warning to carriers, shippers, and policymakers because if conditions don’t change substantively, our industry could be short just over 100,000 drivers in five years and 160,000 drivers in 2028.”
In a report released this month, ATA found that the industry needed 60,800 more drivers at the end of 2018 to meet the demands for freight services. The bulk of the shortage was found primarily in the over-the-road for-hire truckload market. The report also noted what factors continue to contribute to the lack of drivers, including an aging driver population, increases in freight volumes, and competition from other blue-collar careers.
“The trucking industry needs to find ways to attract more and younger drivers,” Costello continued. “Whether by removing barriers for younger drivers to begin careers as drivers, attracting more demographic diversity into the industry, or easing the transition for veterans, we need to do more to recruit and retain drivers. That includes increasing pay, which happened at a brisk pace last year, to keep pace with demand, addressing lifestyle factors like getting drivers more time at home, and improving conditions on the job like reducing wait times at shipper facilities.”
As of now, in order to meet the nation’s freight demand, the association asserted that the trucking industry will need to hire 1.1 million new drivers over the next decade. This amounts to an average of 110,000 drivers per year. What strategies will retailers and policymakers continue to enact in order to reverse the current trucking crisis? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
LONDON, ENGLAND - One of the world's largest online food delivery platforms could be hitting the market—and soon. This week, TechCrunch revealed that two of Europe's leading delivery services, Just Eat and Takeaway.com, are in the advanced stages of a merger.
If Just Eat and Takeaway successfully merge, it would put pressure on UberEats and Amazon-backed Deliveroo in a massive market: Europe. Specifically, the news source noted that both companies have a market cap of around $5 billion, making their combined market value more than $10 billion.
Just Eat and Takeaway released joint statements outlining the benefits of merging together as one. One of the top benefits listed was scaling up both companies' operations in order to compete with big-name delivery services.
While Just Eat and Takeaway have not officially merged yet, each company's board has already agreed that Takeaway’s current CEO Jitse Groen would become CEO of the merged company, while Paul Harrison, Just Eat’s current CEO, would tackle the CFO position. The company would also move its headquarters to Amsterdam—the current headquarters of Takeaway.
Just Eat and Takeaway have until August 24 to decide to put the merger into effect or not.
Will Just Eat and Takeaway combine to take on Europe and the burgeoning delivery sector? And how will their competitors respond? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger is welcoming new talent to its Tennessee team, as Sonya Hostetler joins the retailer’s ranks as President of the Nashville division, which includes 91 stores across Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southern Kentucky. Hostetler will be taking over for Zane Day, who had announced his retirement after nearly 45 years of service.
"We're pleased to welcome Sonya to the Kroger Family of Companies," said Mike Donnelly, Kroger's Executive Vice President and COO. "Sonya is a well-respected leader in the retail industry who's innovative and strategic. She will help us to continue to redefine the grocery customer experience and develop talent, accelerating our Restock Kroger vision in the Nashville market."
Hostetler brings serious retail creds to the table, having spent the last 30 years with Walmart, where she worked her way up from an hourly associate to holding key leadership positions in retail, asset protection, human resources, and operations. Her most recent role with the company was as Vice President, Regional General Manager based in Dallas, Texas, where she oversaw 13 markets, 122 stores, and 45,000 associates, according to a press release. Hostetler has also proved herself to be an influential leader during her career in the positions of Corporate Vice President of Asset Protection and Safety; Vice President, Regional General Manager in Bentonville, AR; Senior Director; Divisional Loss Prevention; Senior People Director, Health and Wellness Human Resources; and Store Manager.
Demonstrating her deep roots in the industry and passion for giving back, Hostetler has also served on the boards for the Arkansas Rice Depot, a local food bank, and North Texas Food Bank, along with volunteering with the Children's Miracle Network, Race for the Cure, and American Heart Association.
Congratulations to Sonya on her new position!
SALINAS, CA - Sitting poolside, munching on celery stalk after celery stalk, is my ideal summer vibe. And, as we continue to make our way through the six-month Salinas celery harvest season, that vibe is more of a reality thanks to Duda Farm Fresh Foods and its dedication to keeping retailers, consumers, and foodservice operators happy and stalk-tiated.
I checked in with Martin Jefferson, Production Manager, to hear more about the current celery market.
“While Duda is only a month and a half into the six-month Salinas celery harvest season, we will be finished planting in the region early, in early August,” Martin began to tell me. “A few of our early fields struggled to make anticipated yield values due to the overly wet conditions that existed February through April when they were established. One notable recent event was a record heatwave around June 10th that saw some scorching of leaves in the outer canopies of some fields. Outside of the aforementioned issues, the 2019 season’s weather has been rather conducive to producing celery in the region.”
Specifically, Martin noted that quality has been great on all celery harvested from the Salinas region. On top of that, volumes are currently similarly aligned with last year’s numbers, with minor increases to meet new customer needs.
“The celery market has definitely relaxed from previous months as good production from the Salinas area and other regional producers have come online,” Martin continued. “Even with a few regional areas still expected to join in offering seasonal celery for sale, it is expected that the market will remain in flux as there could be some supply strain in August as well as the pending holiday demand.”
On top of this, Martin also disclosed that while prices have come down, they have the possibility of rekindling as August approaches.
To stay ahead of what’s happening in the fields and markets across all categories, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MISSION, TX - The final time has come to get those scholarship applications in! The applications for the first Annual Viva Fresh Scholarship Program ends today. The program is available to the family of Texas International Produce Association’s (TIPA) members, Viva Fresh exhibitors and sponsor companies, and is not limited to traditional agricultural education tracks. Students studying a range of disciplines—from horticulture to logistics to vocational programs—are all encouraged to apply.
“It’s exciting to see the responses and diversity of studies of this next generation,” commented Dante Galeazzi, President & CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. “And we’re proud to support these future industry professionals as they pursue various educational endeavors to meet the ever-evolving demands of the fresh produce landscape.”
According to a press release, this program was established by the $30,000 raised at the 2019 Viva Fresh Open Golf Tournament. It offers one-year scholarships for students pursuing a degree or certification relevant to the fresh produce industry.
“The response to this program is a testament to the growing number of young people taking interest in the produce industry and the myriad of opportunities that exist for students from a wide variety of disciplines,” stated Ed Bertaud, IFCO Director, Retail Sales, and Chairman of the Viva Fresh Open Golf Tournament Committee. “It’s a reminder of how fortunate we are to work in a growing industry that attracts so many of the best and brightest.”
Each year, the scholarship will also honor a notable figure in the produce industry to pay tribute to the experts and pioneers who paved the way for these students. TIPA noted that Dr. Leonard Maxwell Pike was chosen as the inaugural honoree because of his contributions to the produce industry. As a Texas A&M research scientist, he developed several leading vegetable varieties including the Texas 1015 Super Sweet Onion and the Maroon Beta Sweet Carrot.
After receiving all applications, the committee will begin evaluating applicants based on merit. Award recipients will then be notified, and scholarships will be distributed prior to the beginning of the Fall 2019 semester.
Best of luck, young produce folk!
YERINGTON, NV - Peri & Sons Farms’ famous white onions, also known as Nevada Whites, are truly like no other.
These hearty white onions were the first crop that David Peri planted when he started Peri & Sons Farms in Yerington, Nevada, back in 1979. Now, decades later, David's whites are a highly sought-after onion in the produce industry.
The unique climate of the Mason Valley, with its warm dry days and crisp clear nights, helps to give our onions their unique pearlescent coloring, globe shape, and firm feel. Nowhere else do white onions grow like these.
In addition to being beautiful, Peri & Sons’ white onions are full of flavor, never bitter, and cook up even better than yellow onions. Our white onions contain less water by weight, and their higher pyruvic acid levels make them spicy and flavorful with little-to-no aftertaste.
Peri & Sons Farms is the first recipient of SCS Global’s Sustainably Grown certification for domestic onions. Our dedication to being Non-GMO, Pesticide-Residue Free, USDA Certified Organic, Sustainably Grown, and to Food Safety has earned us the GFSI/GlobalGAP certification. Our commitment to land-stewardship spans back three generations.
Awareness for white onions is growing and demand for Nevada Whites is on the rise. Factors fueling this growth include food movements, such as clean-eating, power bowls, plant-based diets, as well as the multitude of online resources that are introducing consumers to recipes from around the world. Afterall, white onions are often a key ingredient in international cuisine.
Learn more by visiting https://psfwhiteonions.com or PeriandSons.com.
CITRUSDAL, SOUTH AFRICA - Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) is turning up the heat as summer’s end approaches. It recently announced the return of its consumer promotion, the “Taste of Summer” sweepstakes, now in its third year. From now until August 21, consumers will be invited to locate South African citrus at their local grocery store and share the product on social media, which elevates awareness of both the brand and the premium quality of citrus available during the summer season.
“We’re excited about this season’s promotion and look forward to interaction with shoppers,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa. “The goal of ‘Taste of Summer’ is not only to inform consumers of the availability of South Africa’s supreme citrus, but also to showcase interest to retailers. We plan to share the results of the promotion and feedback from shoppers with retailers to demonstrate the demand during the summer season.”
According to a press release, the sweepstakes provides participants with weekly opportunities to win a $150 Visa gift card. To enter, consumers are asked to follow SCSA on Instagram, find the SCSA logo on packs in local stores, and share product images on the social platform. If they can’t locate SCSA citrus in their market, the company suggests that they share the provided image on Instagram and tag their local retailer requesting Summer Citrus from South Africa.
The promotion will also be supported by influencer partnerships in three major cities: Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Houston. In addition, SCSA will utilize targeted online advertising in key markets on Facebook and Instagram that will encourage consumers to participate in the sweepstakes.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in what’s happening in the produce world.
CASTROVILLE, CA - It seems that Ocean Mist® Farms is continuing its hiring spree with another addition to the family. Paul Scheid was recently announced as the new Vice President of Production for Ocean Mist Farms and will work closely with Jeff Percy, VP of Production South, on year-round supply for both the Ocean Mist Farms and Ocean Mist Organic brands. Scheid will manage and coordinate the supply of conventional and organic produce for the Salinas Valley, Huron, and Oxnard production regions.
“I am happy to join the Ocean Mist Farms family and look forward to this new opportunity with a respected company,” said Scheid. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of Ocean Mist Farms.”
According to the press release, Scheid graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and has accumulated over 25 years of farming and production experience.
As Director of Northern Production Supply for Laguna Mist Farms and Boutonnet Farms, Scheid built and maintained the Salinas planting schedules and oversaw all production operations for each of these farming operations.
Congratulations to Paul Scheid on the next step in his journey! ANUK will continue to report on the latest news in the produce industry.
SAVANNAH, GA - The German grocer has global expansion on the brain, as it continues to grow its presence in multiple countries. Aldi has been eyeing the Chinese market and is moving forward with its push to cement a place for itself in the U.S. market, releasing plans to open multiple stores throughout Alabama, North Carolina, and Minnesota, and 15 new stores in California. Now, the retailer is narrowing in on another Southern region, with three more new stores set to open in Savannah, Statesboro, and Pooler, Georgia.
“We strive to make grocery shopping an enjoyable experience. We combine great food with affordable prices, and we’re excited to enter the Savannah market and show new communities of shoppers what we do best,” said Shaun O’Keefe, Jefferson Division Vice President. “We pride ourselves on saving people time and money, and we can’t wait to provide Statesboro, Pooler, and Savannah residents with grocery stores that meet their needs.”
According to WTOC11, the stores are slated to open in summer and fall of 2019, though no ground-breaking or opening dates have been released. Each new store will employ approximately 50 new employees.
Where will the retailer set its sights on next? Keep reading AndNowUKnow to find out.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Arizona-based Triple Fresh Produce LLP satisfied a $5,130 reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The prior order involved unpaid produce transaction(s).
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
The Nogales, Arizona, company has met its obligations and is now free to operate in the produce industry. Adam Polan, Enrique “Kiki” Heredia, and Manny Dinis were listed as partners of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license of a business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals.
The PACA Division, which is part of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,350 PACA claims involving more than $63 million. Our PACA staff also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $156 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For further information, contacts, and to read the press release in its entirety, please check out the link here.