HOUSTON, TX - Rich Dachman is again making waves in the produce industry with a recent move from his long-time position at Sysco, to the role of Chief Executive Officer at Brighter Bites. Dachman is set to bring a fresh mentality to the nonprofit organization and its mission to change behavior among children and families to achieve long-term health and prevent obesity.
“I have loved being a Brighter Bites board member, where I had the chance to work closely with the organization during a crucial phase of its growth. When Brighter Bites came to me with the idea of taking a leadership position, I thought it was a great opportunity to begin the next chapter of my career,” Dachman commented. “I look forward to assisting Brighter Bites expand the impact of a program that is increasing produce consumption by teaching families how to change their eating habits for improved health. In my new role, I will be able to continue working with my colleagues in the produce industry, but in a way that enriches underserved communities around the country. Who could ask for a better job?”
With more than 40 years of experience in the produce industry, 28 of which he spent at Sysco, the world’s largest broadline food distributor, Dachman brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Last month, he stepped down from his role as Vice President of Produce for Sysco before transitioning to his current role at Brighter Bites, where he had previously served on the Board of Directors for over three years.
Dachman began his produce career in his native home of Denver, where he worked for the family business. After the business sold, Dachman and his father opened a new foodservice operation for Kraft Foods in Denver, and soon after he joined Kraft’s corporate office in Chicago in 1987 as National Director of Produce, according to a press release.
He joined FreshPoint in 1992 and was President of FreshPoint Operating Companies in Atlanta, Houston, Denver, and the company’s central procurement office in Salinas, California. FreshPoint was acquired by Sysco in 2000, after which, Dachman was named Senior Vice President, Western Region. Later, in 2007, he was promoted to Vice President of Produce.
Dachman has a rich history in the industry, winning several awards including the Center for Growing Talent’s Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award, the Packer’s Foodservice Achievement Award, and Produce for Better Health’s Excellence Award. Additionally, he was Chairman of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) in 2012, rounding out more than 10 years of leadership service for PMA.
“Rich has been an integral part of our organization for so long, and we could not be more pleased to have someone with his passion leading the way,” said Brighter Bites Founder and Board Chair Lisa Helfman. “Rich’s guidance will take Brighter Bites to a new level of impact. The Brighter Bites staff will benefit from Rich's authentic leadership style and mentorship, and the communities they serve will benefit from Rich’s relationships in the produce industry.”
Congratulations to Rich and Brighter Bites from ANUK!
MEXICO - While I’m busy crying over skyrocketing avocado prices, agricultural officials in Mexico have a bigger problem on their hands—the more than 12 tons of avocados stolen each day. That’s right, 12 tons of the precious fruit get nabbed every day as the avocados make their way from orchards to packing zones. Not content to watch thousands of pounds of this hot commodity “fall off the back of a truck” every day, the Association of Export Producers and Packers of Avocado from Mexico (APEAM), the Mexican Department of Agriculture and Agrarian Development (SADER), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have teamed up to build a new $12 million facility, to help protect avocado shipments, according to benzinga.
"It's impossible to continue taking these losses. Failing to stop the theft of these lorries will have an irreparable impact on the avocado industry," APEAM commented.
Between 2017 and 2019, Mexico reported 440 avocado theft investigations, and because Mexican-grown avocados made up 78 percent of the U.S. market last year, this spells trouble Stateside as well. Producers lose an average of four truckloads of avocados per day because of organized crime intervention. The majority of Mexican avocados that make their way to the U.S. come from the state of Michoacan, in a city called Uruapan, which accounts for 92 percent of Mexico’s avocado production last year, benzinga reports.
"Uruapan has been very attractive to criminals for understandable reasons—but we will not rest until we have absolute control of the safety of the region producing avocados," said Silvano Aureoles, Governor of Michoacan, during the ground-breaking ceremony for Casa APEAM.
Avocado prices have been soaring recently (much to my chagrin), with a recent report revealing that the national price of Hass avocados has risen by 93 cents since last year.
Casa APEAM will take up 13,000 square feet over a 10-acre site, and is set to open in two years. The facility will include an experimental laboratory and field where the organization can research how to eradicate pests, diseases, and address safety problems. As part of the new initiative, APEAM will also be looking to plot new trucking routes and shipping ports, as well as install more security cameras and increase the surveillance of truck shipments.
Will the new plan successfully safeguard everyone’s favorite guac ingredient? Or will organized crime win out and send avocado prices even higher? AndNowUKnow will report.
WASHINGTON, DC - As part of its efforts to enforce the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and ensure fair trading practices within the U.S. produce industry, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet their contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased, in addition to failing to pay reparation awards issued under the PACA. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA. By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- NS&J World Trading Corp., operating out of Miami, Florida, for failing to pay a $155,441 award in favor of a Puerto Rico seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Silvia Penaranda was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- So Ono Food Products LLC, operating out of Honolulu, Hawaii, for failing to pay a $118,362 award in favor of a Washington seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Richard C. Wheeler, Fresh Foods Hawaii, Inc., and Uzor U. Nwoko were listed as members of the business.
- Agro Torres Produce LLC, operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay an $11,323 award in favor of a Massachusetts seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Osvelia Torres Chavez and Ricardo Martinez Moreno were listed as members of the business.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order 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 or impose sanctions on an unlicensed 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.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the 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, the USDA resolved approximately 3,350 PACA claims involving more than $63 million. 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.
LAS VEGAS, NV - The City of Sin is getting an expansion—produce-wise. Get Fresh has announced the completion of its 40,000-square-foot processor division expansion, including a new 30,000-square-foot USDA Kitchen facility and a 10,000-square-foot expansion of its Get Fresh Cuts operation—all of which will provide 120 new jobs combined.
“This will provide our retail and foodservice customers more opportunities for value-added fresh produce,” said company Founder Dominic Caldara. “Our mission is ‘to help our customers grow,’ and it’s the driving force behind the building of this USDA Kitchen and our value-add expansion.”
In addition to the facilities expansion, new Senior Vice President of Business Development Andy Hamilton was brought to Get Fresh to lead the rollout of new products and increased capabilities for foodservice and retail customers, according to a press release. With 20 years of experience in fresh produce in a variety of roles for Chiquita, IFCO, and most recently as CEO of Eco Farms, Andy is ready for the challenge.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Get Fresh and our customers who have been asking us to expand our capacity to serve their fresh food needs,” shared Hamilton. “The USDA kitchen allows us to develop new lines from Grab and Go, to deli cuts, to fresh salads featuring proteins—we believe the sky’s the limit.”
Get Fresh Companies serves approximately 75 percent of the foodservice and hospitality clientele in Las Vegas, with over 620 employees and 185,000 square feet of fresh operations in its two Las Vegas facilities. Get Fresh also partners with growers and service retailers through multiple facilities that are SQF II food safe and green business certified—an extension of its commitment to Safety, Quality, Service, and the Environment.
“Growing our business is the by-product, serving our customers more effectively is the goal,” Caldara added. “Andy’s experience working with the world’s largest retailers (including Walmart, Food Lion, and Sam’s Club) and growers has made him the perfect addition to the Get Fresh team, especially during this time of expansion and opportunity. We look forward to showcasing our new capabilities for our customers, and Andy is the right person to make those introductions.”
From fast casual to fine dining, healthcare to hospitality, as well as retail and wholesale, Get Fresh’s commitment is clearly shown through its actions. Stay in the know with ANUK for more updates in the produce world.
CORAL GABLES, FL - Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. is bringing the innovative heat with its new internal team—North America New Product Development. The goal of this team is to better serve the company’s customers and integrate Mann Packing into the ongoing development process. It will also be responsible for leading the innovation and new development processes for all Del Monte Fresh Produce brands on a national basis.
“We are very excited to introduce our New Product Development Team,” said Danny Dumas, Senior Vice President of Sales and Product Management. “Developing this role will not only help us better serve our consumer needs, but will also allow us to continue to inspire healthy lifestyles and remain industry innovators through our wholesome and convenient products.”
Alex McCloskey, the current Director of New Product Development at Mann Packing, will now expand his role to oversee both Mann Packing’s and Del Monte’s branded products across North America. According to a press release, McCloskey is an industry veteran who has years of experience in the ag and food industries. Throughout his career, he has built up a deep understanding of both brands.
The team will develop a New Product Development pipeline, which will prioritize consumer demand within the company through product innovation. The company noted that by incorporating this addition under the Del Monte Fresh Produce umbrella, the internal expertise across the Del Monte Fresh Produce business will be fortified, ultimately providing a strengthened consumer experience nationwide.
Exciting times ahead for the Del Monte Fresh Produce team! Stick with us at AndNowUKnow for the latest in produce news.
REIDSVILLE, GA - It’s prime grilling season, which means anything that can be grilled will be grilled by ravenous consumers. And no matter what year it is or what the trendy grilling item may be, there is always an avid showing for Vidalia onions! With the season in full swing, I tapped John Shuman, President and CEO of Shuman Farms, to find out how retailers can make sure consumers get their grilled onion fix for the rest of the summer months.
“The sweet onion market is firm right now,” John began. “Shuman Farms is packing and shipping Vidalia onions from cold storage. With supplies on hand, we plan to have good availability through August.”
Per usual, I also had to scope out how the weather has affected the market, volume, and even quality. But John was quick to assure me that weather isn’t necessarily a factor for Shuman Farms at the moment.
“Weather played a role in the planting, growing, and harvesting of Vidalia onions this season. Because of several factors, the Vidalia industry will ship fewer onions this year than it has in the past three seasons. But, since harvest is over, all the onions are being packed and shipped from cold storage, so weather is not a factor right now,” John said.
For more market and crop updates like this, AndNowUKnow will continue to come to you with the latest.
ATLANTA, GA - The Peach State is feeling all the warm and fuzzies—get it? Peaches are fuzzy!—from Amazon, after the retailer made the decision to build a new facility in Atlanta. City Governor Brian P. Kemp made the official announcement for the e-tail giant last week, in which he disclosed that the facility will occupy acreage in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.
“Amazon is proud to serve customers across Georgia and throughout the southeast region of the United States,” said Roy Perticucci, Vice President of Customer Fulfillment, Amazon. “Amazon has found an outstanding workforce, strong local support, and incredible customers in the state, and we look forward to creating 1,000 new, full-time jobs with industry-leading pay and benefits on day one.”
The 700,000-square-foot facility, which is currently being developed by Seefried Industrial Properties for Amazon to lease, will focus entirely on shipping customer orders to the region.
“I am excited to announce that Amazon will expand its operations here in Georgia,” said Governor Kemp in the announcement. “This announcement demonstrates that the Peach State has proven itself as a leading competitor for investment from the world’s most revered companies, and I am excited for the opportunities that this new facility will create for hardworking Georgians in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.”
Amazon is currently hiring employees in the human resources, operations management, safety, security, finance, and information technology departments.
How will the new fulfillment center help Amazon grow its presence in the South? AndNowUKnow will continue to make sure our readership is ahead of all the latest fresh produce news.
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.
TROPICAL STORM BARRY TO BRING HEAVY RAINS TO MISSISSIPPI VALLEY
Barry is projected to make landfall sometime Saturday along the Louisiana coast. As of right now, Barry is still officially a tropical storm (wind speed 39-73 mph) but has the potential to become a hurricane by Saturday (wind speed of 74 mph and above).
Barry is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches over southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi, with isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches. These rains are expected to lead to dangerous, life-threatening flooding over portions of the central Gulf Coast into the Lower Mississippi Valley. Over the remainder of the Lower Mississippi Valley, total rain accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches.
WHO WILL BE AFFECTED:
Arkansas tomato growers are expected to receive 2 plus inches of rain on Sunday. Missouri watermelon growers are not expected to receive more than 0.75 inches of rain on Monday. This small amount of rain should not affect the harvest or quality of watermelon in this region. Tomato growers in Alabama and Tennessee have the possibility to received isolated showers of 2 plus inches.
Please check the app throughout the weekend for updates about specific locations or check the National Hurricane Center for more updates.
PEAK HEAT OUT WEST WILL BE TOMORROW
The principle days of this heat wave will be today, tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday. The hottest day will either be Saturday or Sunday, depending upon location.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
As we mentioned on Tuesday, these extreme hot temperatures have the possibility to cause quality issues with many commodities. The main ones that come to mind are the wet veg items such as lettuce, broccoli, etc., in the southern end of the Salinas Valley, where maximum temperatures will get about 90° for five consecutive days. Peak heat will occur on Sunday with a high of 95°.
Coachella Valley grape growers will see four consecutive days of 117°. Melons growers in the San Joaquin Valley will experience five consecutive days over 100° with a peak of 107° tomorrow.
This might be a good time to check with all shippers out of the state.
HEAT RETURNS TO MICHIGAN STARTING MONDAY
Starting Monday, Michigan growing regions will see at least six consecutive days of maximum temperatures above 90° with a peak of 95° on Saturday, July 20. There is no rain anticipated for at least the next ten days.
These temperatures are approximately 10° above normal for July. This may affect the quality of products coming from these regions. Please check with shippers.
Thanks again, and we'll be back next week with another weather report!
MONTEREY, CA - Every year, right as the Organic Produce Summit wraps, I love to reach out to some friends in the industry to take their pulse and ask the essential question for any trade show: Was this show valuable to you?
This year, the responses resounded with a most definite, "yes!" So much so, that I could not include them all in one recap story. So, drumroll please...on top of this morning’s enthusiastic recap quotes about OPS, here are some industry leaders who take the cake when it comes to having decision-makers front-and-center at a show!
Mark Carroll, Senior Director of Produce, Lucky's Market
"It was great to be back in Monterey for the OPS and see the major contributions that these growers, packers, and shippers are making to the organic segment. Growth can only happen through innovation, and the quality of conversations at this event are a testament to the direction."
Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales, Grimmway Farms
"OPS, once again, exceeded my expectations. Beginning with the opening reception, educational sessions, general session, and lasting through to the energy on the show floor. OPS is definitely the place to be!"
Peppe Bonfiglio, Director of Sales at Mastronardi Produce® (SUNSET®)
"There's a growing demand for organic produce. Having a show dedicated to this segment provides a great opportunity to work with our customers to best meet consumer demand for organics."
Brianna Shales, Communications Manager, Stemilt Growers
“OPS exceeded our expectations once again! It’s a great setting to rally around a cutting edge area of the produce business—organics! We enjoyed celebrating our Artisan Organics’ 30th Birthday and collaborating with retailers during the busy show.”
Frances Dillard, Senior Director of Brand and Product Marketing, Driscoll’s
"The Organic Produce Summit did a tremendous job galvanizing produce leaders to continue being bold to meet the marketplace demand for organic produce. The ability to network, learn, and be inspired with like-minded organic advocates is a huge value to our sponsorship and participation. Hosting a field tour to showcase our leadership and commitment to the organic category was very rewarding."
Merritt Bruce, Vice President of Retail Business Development, Church Brothers Farms
"The OPS is always a great venue to meet with industry leaders in a relaxed atmosphere. The entire event is somehow better each year."
Scott Mabs, Chief Executive Officer, Homegrown Organic Farms
“OPS 2019 was fantastic. It’s the only organic produce-specific show and truly aligns with who we are at Homegrown Organic Farms. There’s no better place meet with our current retail partners and to develop new ones. We are already looking forward to the 2020 event.”
CJ Buxman, Co-Owner, Fruit World Co.
“OPS is one of the most concentrated shows for growers and retailers to get together all in the same place. It’s a wonderful place to see friends and partners from around the country. We look forward to it every year."
Robyn O'Brien, Vice President, rePlant Capital, and Food Industry Transparency Advocate
"I think this show truly represents the tip of the spear as it brings together early adopters and new adopters of organics on both the supply and retail side. We should all be following what is happening at this show! I absolutely loved meeting the attendees at OPS as well as the members of the organization. It was incredible being a part of such a valuable and meaningful conversation."
Thank you to all our industry friends for the amazing words and to OPS for a show to raise the bar across fresh produce!
ORLANDO, FL - In 2016, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that one out of every five children was living with childhood obesity. Not only are children more at risk for physical illnesses such as arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, but they’ll also be more prone to bullying and depression. That’s why Produce for Kids® teamed up with Jessica DeLuise—PA-C, CCMS, physician assistant, culinary medicine specialist, and author of EatYourWayToWellness.com—to create Food Rx, a monthly Instagram Live video series that includes blog posts and podcast episodes focusing on the important role food plays in overall health.
“I am thrilled to collaborate with Produce for Kids on Food Rx,” said Jessica DeLuise. “The digital audience that Produce for Kids has built is the perfect arena to share my learnings and deliver practical approaches to food and nutrition to families.”
According to the press release, DeLuise has a Masters degree in Health Science and Physician Assistant Studies from Drexel University, is certified as a Physician Assistant Medical Provider, and certified in Culinary Medicine from Tulane University’s Culinary Medicine Specialist Program.
With over ten years of clinical experience in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, DeLuise is the perfect partner based on the fact that she has built her career on the foundation that food can be utilized to treat and prevent disease as a first line therapy. She also has a dedication to helping individuals learn which foods are nutrient dense and can support their overall wellness.
“We recognize there are a lot of questions when it comes to looking to food as medicine and are excited to help answer some of those questions through Food Rx,” said Amanda Keefer, Managing Director at Produce for Kids. “It is our hope that we can gradually incorporate our many health-conscious brand partners into this initiative as a benefit to the health food and fresh produce industry.”
In an effort to help prevent families from becoming part of this statistic, Food Rx will be an avenue to help its viewers understand the health benefits through nutrition education and recipe inspiration. The first segment will air on the Produce for Kids Instagram on Sunday, July 14, at 12 p.m. ET. The series will embrace her philosophy that food is often the first line of defense in treating disease, but will be delivered in a fun and easily digestible way.
For more produce news, keep following AndNowUKnow.