NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI - Ahold Delhaize USA is making waves in the foodservice sector with an all-new fresh processing facility and culinary innovation center. The foodservice hub is being opened by Ahold’s services company, Retail Business Services, and its subsidiary Infinity Fresh Kitchen. The facility was purchased from Taylor Farms, with the company set to serve as the strategic partner managing the hub’s operations and workforce.
“As the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast, Retail Business Services is charged with finding innovative solutions that enable the local grocery brands we support to focus on serving their customers,” said Roger Wheeler, President of Retail Business Services. “Infinity Fresh Kitchen is the latest example of this innovation, which will help our retail partners bring the latest fresh, convenient items to their customers.”
The Rhode Island-based facility will process fresh food items for area grocery stores, including cut fruit and cut vegetables; leaf, grain, and pasta salads; and sandwiches, wraps, and other items commonly found in deli or grab-and-go sections of supermarkets, according to a press release. In its first few months, the facility will primarily serve the Hannaford and Stop & Shop brands.
“We’re pleased to work with Retail Business Services on this innovative facility,” said Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms. “We look forward to completing the outfitting of the facility and getting operations underway in the coming months.”
On top of servicing area grocery stores, the new facility will also feature a Culinary Innovation Center that will test new, fresh, and private-brand food concepts.
“We want to create food items that perfect the expected and delight consumers with the unexpected,” said Jacqueline Ross, Vice President of Private Brands Innovation for Retail Business Services. “We’re excited to allocate a portion of the space in this facility to private brand product innovation, particularly fresh, nutritious items and preparations.”
Construction is officially underway, with operations expected to begin in September. Taylor Farms and Retail Business Services are currently in the process of hiring employees to fill about 250 jobs.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on what’s new and improved in retail, foodservice, and other fresh produce sectors.
IRVINE, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!
Today, I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see where the rain is falling, the sun is shining, and everything in between.
MISSOURI, ILLINOIS, AND TENNESSEE ESCAPE SERIOUS RAIN BUT HERE COMES A MAJOR HEAT WAVE
It appears the majority of eastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and western Tennessee escaped any serious rains from Hurricane Barry. As of late Monday evening, rain totals for the past 48 hours were under 1.50 inches for this region. There may have been isolated areas with higher totals, but this info is not available from the National Weather Service (NWS). This should be good news for the local watermelon deals coming out of these areas.
What these growers do need to be worried about is an extended heat wave starting tomorrow and continuing through the weekend. This heatwave will encompass most of the Midwest. The NWS is forecasting highs in the mid-90°s, with excessive humidity causing the heat index to reach as high as 110°. This may possibly cause issues with the plants and fruit.
HEAT ADVISORY FOR THE CAROLINA COAST
Watermelon growers in the North Carolina coastal areas will also experience heat this week with highs in the mid-90° and a heat index of well over 100°. Two of our newest locations for watermelons to be added to the app are Seven Springs and Goldsboro, North Carolina. Both locations will see highs in the mid-90°s this week.
EXTREME HEAT COMING TO NEW JERSEY AND PENNSYLVANIA GROWING AREAS
Temperatures in the areas of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York will begin rising, starting tomorrow with a maximum temperature of 94°. Temperatures will continually rise throughout the week, hitting a peak of 98° on Saturday with a minimum temperature of 77° on the same day. Temperatures will remain in the 90°s through Monday. On Tuesday, July 23, things will change and maximum temperatures will drop back down into the 80°s.
Look for production to increase over the weekend and into early next week.
WEEK OF NORMAL TEMPS OUT WEST AND THEN MORE HEAT
California begins to cool down today after five days of excessive heat. We should be seeing more product in the marketplace from this heat but be careful of quality. Starting today, temperatures will drop back to normal in the San Joaquin Valley as well as coastal growing regions. Temperatures will remain in the normal range until Tuesday, July 23, and then they will rise once again through the end of that week. We will update you again on Friday.
ONE MORE SHOT OF EXTREME HEAT FOR MICHIGAN
Michigan growers, get ready for one more shot of extreme temperatures this weekend. Look for temperatures in the mid-90°s starting Thursday and peaking at 96° on Friday. Maximum temperatures will drop back down into the 80°s next Monday.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami, FL
1100 AM PDT Mon Jul 15 2019
For the eastern North Pacific...east of 140 degrees west longitude:
A westward-moving tropical wave located just west of Costa Rica and Nicaragua is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. An area of low pressure is likely to form in association with this disturbance during the next couple of days several hundred miles south of the southern coast of Mexico. Conditions appear favorable for gradual development of this system by late this week and over the weekend while this disturbance moves westward to west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.
Thanks again, and we'll be back on Friday with another weather report!
WESTBOROUGH, MA - When advertising in this tight retail market, it takes something innovative to stand out from the pack. On the cusp of its expansion into the Eastern Michigan market, BJ’s Wholesale Club has come up with a new ad campaign that offers a surprising take on the wholesale club experience. The campaign highlights the benefits of BJ’s Wholesale while providing a humorous spin on the average BJ’s shopper.
“Consumers have more shopping options than ever, and we know some may not be looking for another wholesale club,” said Lee Delaney, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “But we know that once shoppers realize that BJ’s Wholesale Club can save them up to 25 percent off grocery store prices every day, they’ll be eager to join. Our new campaign builds on that promise, showcasing our fresh take on the wholesale club and all of the reasons to join BJ’s.”
The campaign centers around Frank, a community member who is staunchly opposed to joining BJ’s Wholesale as a member—despite losing out on significant savings, according to a press release. Frank continues to protest against the retailer, and lists his reasons for not joining in “homemade” videos shot in front of BJ’s Wholesale billboards. In the videos, Frank trolls the retailer’s social media campaign, even showing up in a store parking lot, raucously attempting to rally shoppers not to sign up. However, while Frank is steadfast in his decision not to join, his wife Brenda has already signed up, signifying her as the smart shopper who understands the benefits of BJ’s Wholesale.
Set to roll out over TV, radio, out of home, digital, and social media, the campaign is grounded in research and highlights the traits that differentiate BJ’s Wholesale from its competitors by focusing on what consumers are looking for in their shopping experience.
The campaign’s TV and video assets will launch in metro Detroit on July 15, just a few months before the first two BJ’s Wholesale locations open in the region—in Taylor, MI, and Madison Heights, MI, later this fall.
Will the new, creative advertising approach prove successful? AndNowUKnow will report.
NORTH AMERICA - When I think of berries, I think of two things: one—summer, and two—my thieving, fruit-loving cats (because of the rolling capabilities my cats think of berries as both toys and treats). But let’s get back to one, because summer is here and we’re in prime berry season. With strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more being harvested left and right, consumers have much to look forward to. But what exactly can buyers expect from this year’s harvest? For that answer, I went to the experts.
“Quality on all berries has been great this year,” commented Brian Vertrees, Director of Business Development for Naturipe Farms. “We’ve had some heat issues in California, but those have been short lived and overall the strawberries and blueberries weathered through the hot days fairly well.”
According to Brian, berry season is in full swing, with all berries currently in harvest and shipping. He broke it down berry by berry for me. Though strawberries are slightly past peak, there are still promotable volumes throughout summer, which is a real win, because quality has been great—despite the recent heat wave. Blueberries are in production on both coasts, in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and, soon, Michigan. Brian encourages retailers to stock up on 18 oz and 2 lb clamshells this July, since multiple regions will be overlapping on production. Blackberries are being produced in Georgia, North Carolina, and California right now, with strong volumes out east, and West Coast production starting soon and peaking in August. Raspberries are top-quality this year, and buyers can expect steady volumes out of California all summer long.
Brian also clued me in to Naturipe’s growing organic program that will be augmenting conventional volumes.
“Organic berries are also in great supplies, both on organic blueberries and organic strawberries,” he told me. “Organic blueberries will be in peak supplies the month of July, and then will taper off August and onward. Our production, as always, will go through September, giving our retail partners steady domestic supplies until the import season begins. Organic blackberry production is past peak in Georgia, but we will start up shortly in California and are expecting another strong production season here, with peak in late August.”
I also spoke with Kevin Schooley, Executive Director of Berry Growers of Ontario, who expressed excitement for the quality of the current berry season.
“Our growers are optimistic that they will have a better than average crop,” he said. “We are hoping the weather cooperates and we can move slowly through the crop and maintain high quality.”
Right now, the primary variety for day neutral (everbearing) strawberries being harvested is Albion, though early June varieties include Wendy and Annapolis, and even some Jewels. Growers have been harvesting for a few weeks, and although volumes have been on the low side, the association is still expecting greater volume over last year. Most of the day neutral varieties have had row covers to bring the fruit to harvest faster. The cooler weather the region has experienced is ideal for strawberries, Kevin told me, ensuring the high quality berries that consumers expect.
For Kevin, we’re at peak summer strawberry season, and though the weather has heated up over the last few days, volume has been high.
“I would say that the market is not yet steady but should be there in about a weeks’ time, he concluded. “Price has recently dropped after holding at a high level for a few weeks. Demand remains high as volumes are increasing.”
With a plethora of berries hitting the shelves in the heart of summer, consumers can rest easy knowing that their favorite seasonal fruits will be theirs for the taking, while I will be duking it out with my cats so they keep their paws off my precious produce.
For more updates on the state of produce production, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Steve Kim, born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Salinas, California, has donned a variety of hats during his career—all pertaining to food. Kim served in the U.S. Air Force as a Foodservice Warehouse Manager and as a franchise owner for Quizno’s Sub Sandwich. Now, after nine years in the food world, Kim will join Seven Seas as an Account Manager for the Visalia, California, office.
“I look forward to contributing to the growth initiatives at Seven Seas and this dynamic industry,” Kim expressed in the press release.
Kim’s newest career will have him utilizing his perishable logistics knowledge and Asian market trading experience to further diversify Seven Seas’ hold internationally in the export realm.
“As we continue to grow our global presence, we know our team will be instrumental in our success. Steve possesses all the experience and qualities needed to thrive in his new role with Seven Seas, developing and growing our presence in Asia and the Middle East,” stated Brent Scattini, VP West Coast.
Congratulations to Steve Kim from all of us here at ANUK!
LEAMINGTON, ON - It’s always a good day when a new vegetable variety comes out to play. This week, NatureFresh™ Farms debuted its new cucumber product: Unveiled Mini Cucumbers, a unique mid-sized variety boasting an extra crunch that’s ideal for snacks, appetizers, and everything in between.
“Retailers are always looking for exciting innovations and new ways to drive categories, sales, and enhance the flavor offering for their consumers. Until now, most of the seed variety innovation has revolved around the tomato category. Our new Unveiled Mini Cucumber will help deliver some excitement for consumers and retailers alike!” explained Executive Retail Sales Account Manager Matt Quiring.
With a dedication to developing quality products that stand out in flavor, quality, and appearance, NatureFresh Farms is always trialing unique varieties in its greenhouses, including the Unveiled Mini Cucumbers.
“When our discovery team first saw the Unveiled Mini Cucumber, we were attracted to the unique complexion of the product, however after tasting it, we knew instantly that there was something more to it than just looks and wanted to take this variety to the next level and go to market,” Quiring continued.
NatureFresh Farms also expects the Unveiled Mini Cucumber to be a triumph for retailers in North America, on top of holding tremendous growth potential for the entire cucumber category, according to a press release.
“This is the crunchiest Cucumber you'll ever taste!” shared Registered Dietitian Taylor Bailey. “Cucumbers are high in water, and a source of fibre and antioxidants, which makes them ideal for healthy snacking while standing out with its seemingly invisible skin and delicious crunch. The Unveiled Cucumbers are definitely a dietitian-approved snack!”
In addition to new product innovations, NatureFresh Farms is also excited for its future as it continues to expand its team, make advancements in technology, and provide fresh produce all year round.
For more of the freshest produce news around, stick right here with AndNowUKnow.
LAKELAND, FL - You know a concept is working when it’s only been open to the public for nine months, and double-digits are already in sight. This is the case for Publix’s GreenWise Market, which is set to open its 11th store in the Channelside area of Tampa, Florida.
“We look forward to sharing our new-concept GreenWise Market with our Tampa customers,” said Publix President Kevin Murphy. “Once they discover the unique products, atmosphere, and prepared meals they can eat in the store or take with them as they enjoy the waterfront, they’ll see why we chose to go in a new direction with a brand they know and trust.”
According to the release announcing the latest store, the company is not making every new opening a GreenWise. The current Publix GreenWise Market located on West Azeele Street in Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood will be converted to a traditional Publix Super Market during its planned remodel, scheduled to begin next month. The Channelside district will also be home to a traditional Publix Super Market slated to open this August, while the GreenWise Market is expected to open in late 2021.
Publix stated that it continues to look for additional GreenWise Market locations throughout its operating area, bringing a format that touts a specialty, natural, and organic focus.
This is a decidedly hot market, with rival retailers such as Sprouts Farmers Market and Trader Joe’s sidling up to Publix on its home turf. AndNowUKnow will be here to report on the latest moves this new chain is making.
MIAMI, FL - Hazel Technologies is extending a helping hand to tropical fruit distributors with its latest USDA-funded post-harvest technology, Hazel®. In fact, a few distributors, including Frieda’s Specialty Produce, WP Produce, and Sweet Seasons, have already tested the technology and found that Hazel Technologies’ new solution helps extend shelf-life by five days, reduce shrink rates by up to 50 percent, and yield higher sales in leading categories, like “green-skin” avocado, dragon fruit, guava, passion fruit, and starfruit.
“Hazel Tech is fast and an easy-to-use solution for tropical fruit growers, packers, and retailers to maintain longer shelf life, reduce food waste, and increase category sales,” said Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies.
According to a press release, tropical fruits are especially challenging perishable items to maintain at peak quality, particularly when shipping the fruit long distances and cold-chain breaks are factored in. In order to prevent the decrease in sales and the higher amounts of food waste that often result because of these challenges, Hazel Technologies introduced Hazel, a quarter-sized biodegradable and food-safe packaging insert that is placed in fruit boxes during packing.
"Working with Hazel Tech´s easy-to-use solution allows us to consistently deliver high-quality tropicals,” said Allen DeMo, Director of Procurement and Sourcing at Frieda’s Specialty Produce, one of the largest distributors of tropical produce in the world.
Chris Gonzalez, Vice President at WP Produce, one of the largest tropical avocado distributors, added: “We’ve seen tremendous increases in the shelf life of our Desbry Tropical Avocados with Hazel’s active technology. We’ve received great feedback from retailers who appreciate the reduced shrink the additional 4-5 days of shelf life offers. This technology is especially useful in protecting our Tropical Avocados on longer transit times to Canada, the West Coast, and the Caribbean.”
Marina Bernal, Owner at Sweet Seasons Produce, one of the largest tropical fruit importers from Mexico to the U.S. and Canada, also added: “Sweet Seasons exports a large range of tropicals over long distances, and since we started working with Hazel, we have seen a 50 percent reduction in product shrink."
Researchers at universities like UC Davis and Cornell University have also validated the new Hazel technology.
To stay ahead of all incoming fresh produce news, keep following AndNowUKnow.
IMMOKALEE, FL - One of America’s largest field tomato grower will be unveiling its newest innovation at PMA’s Foodservice Conference & Expo on July 27 in Monterey, California. Lipman Family Farms, planting its first tomato back in the 1930s, will be showcasing its halved grape tomatoes ready to use and aimed particularly at foodservice customers.
“We focus on observing industry trends,” said Glenn Davis, Director of Processing for Lipman. “We study firsthand what’s going on in restaurant operations.”
According to the press release, tomatoes are a high-volume product, and the grape tomato halves, along with Lipman’s other fresh-cut tomatoes offerings, help customers avoid a time-consuming step.
“The demand for fresh-cut is growing at a rapid speed,” Davis said. “Foodservice operators are constantly looking for new ways to reduce production costs safely and efficiently.”
Lipman’s approach to halving tomatoes comes from the increasing demand for ready-to-eat solutions from foodservice and quick-service restaurant customers. The past five years have been given the utmost attention to bringing more efficiency and productivity to the line while also providing the freshest products possible.
“Our strong geographic footprint and national distribution set us apart,” Davis explained. With six processing facilities evenly spread across North America, Lipman has become a strong competitor within the fresh-cut segment.
Due to the evolving palates of today’s consumers, Lipman places ready-made pico de gallo and fajita blends in the hands of customers, along with fresh-cut cucumber and bell pepper selections. Catering to the changing eating habits of potential buyers is another way to keep Lipman relevant and ahead of the game.
“The taste profile from consumers is becoming more global, with increasing experimentation on exotic blends and spices,” Davis said. “We partner with our customers to provide products that compliment the ever-changing demand.”
Stop by PMA Foodservice booth #1317 to find out more on Lipman’s exciting new items. ANUK will keep you up to date with the latest juicy news.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Spring Creek Produce LLC satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). This is an update to Press Release No: 074-019 issued on June 26, 2019.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
Subsequent to the notification of the imposition of sanctions on June 26, 2019, USDA learned that the Greenfield, Tennessee, company had met its obligations. Spring Creek Produce LLC is now free to operate in the produce industry. Bobby Callins, Steven Willis, Jr., Phil Gordon, and Chris Gordon Davis are listed as members 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 that are 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.