MISSION, TX - This year’s 5th Annual Viva Fresh Expo was a certifiable hit, with sold-out crowds, rave reviews, and record breaking-attendance. The expo this year also ushered in a new, annual Scholarship Program that will be supported by the proceeds of the Viva Fresh Open Golf Tournament, so attendees can give back as they yell, fore!
“Our industry is constantly evolving and as the scope of operations, regulations, and needs in fresh produce expands, so do the capabilities and skill-sets of our personnel,” commented Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA). “As a reflection of the changing dynamics in the supply chain, we want this program to support studies that bring value to all aspects of the industry—from sales and logistics, to engineering, technology, finance, and more.”
The new program provides one-year scholarships to the family of TIPA members, Viva Fresh exhibitors, and sponsor companies for students looking to pursue a degree or certification program that is relevant to the fresh produce industry. This year, the Viva Fresh Open raised a total of $30,000 for the new scholarship program, ensuring support for the next generation of produce industry members.
“We’re excited to support the development of the next generation of produce industry professionals and future leaders,” said Ed Bertaud, IFCO Director and Retail Sales and Chairman of the Viva Fresh Open Golf Tournament Committee. “Whether candidates are pursuing a degree in horticulture, or becoming a commercial driver by enrolling in a vocational program, these scholarships are designed for them.”
Recipients will be awarded scholarships based on merit, following an application process which will open summer of 2019 to award the first round of scholarships to applicants before the fall 2019 semester. As part of the application process, applicants are encouraged to illustrate the ways in which their education will benefit the industry—which will, in turn, open up a broader range of interests and skills within the industry.
The scholarship will also honor a notable figure in the produce industry each year, to pay tribute to the experts and pioneers who paved the way for these students. This year’s honor goes to Dr. Leonard Pike.
To learn more about the new Scholarship Program, click here, and keep reading AndNowUKnow for all the breaking industry news.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Costco is moving in a new direction to promote fresh produce embarking on a recent partnership with Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), to run a two-week promotion in California, Oregon, and Washington. The campaign is designed to build awareness of the Responsibly Grown, Farmworker Assured® and encourage consumers to purchase EFI-certified fruits and vegetables at participating Costco locations. The promotion will run through July 5 to ensure that consumers are making the most of summer’s produce bounty.
“What’s good for farmworkers provides benefits to the entire supply chain, which is why we support the EFI program,” said Jeff Lyons, Senior Vice President for Fresh Foods at Costco Wholesale. “Improving conditions in the field and fully engaging farmworkers in the ways that EFI does helps to deliver a safer and better product for our members.”
As one of the founding members of EFI, Costco has paid more than $6.5 million in bonuses to farmworkers through the EFI program.
“From the beginning Costco has been a strong partner for EFI, supporting safer and healthier workplaces for farmworkers, which is why we’re excited to educate shoppers on the meaning behind the EFI label and Costco’s commitment to worker and food safety,” LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing and Communications for EFI, said in a press release. “To further this important message, EFI will donate sun protection equipment to field workers for purchases made during the promotion.”
The campaign will include outreach to online bloggers, influencers, and editors, and an online consumer contest that encourages Costco customers to take and post photos of EFI-labeled produce with #GrowtheGood. The promotion will also feature a Facebook Live segment hosted by author, dietitian, and food blogger, Sharon Palmer. Palmer will be at the Marina del Rey, California Costco warehouse on June 27 at 6 p.m., where she will interview participating EFI-certified growers and showcasing participating EFI-labeled products.
Participating EFI-certified growers and products include:
- Alpine Fresh - French beans
- Andrew & Williamson/GoodFarms - strawberries
- Houweling’s Tomatoes - tomatoes and cucumbers
- Keystone Fruit Marketing - Walla Walla onions
- Windset Farms - tomatoes and cucumbers
Will the new promotion make fresh fruits and veg this summer’s hottest food trend? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.
PROVIDENCE, RI - Jack Stahl has been appointed as the newest member of United Natural Foods’ (UNFI) Board of Directors. Following an acquisition of SUPERVALU last year, UNFI decided to proceed with a new strategic objective. As a result, the wholesaler distributor elected the seasoned consumer products executive, which went into effect June 25.
"Jack's extensive executive leadership background and significant board experience will make him a valuable addition to our Board of Directors," said Steven L. Spinner, Chairman and CEO. "Jack's proven track record within the food and consumer products industry is unmatched. He is an exceptional addition to our Board and will serve our company and shareholders well."
According to a press release, Stahl is currently a member of the Board and the Lead Director of Catalent since August 2014. From 2002 until his retirement in 2006, Stahl was President and Chief Executive Officer of Revlon. Before that, from 2000 to 2001, after previously serving in various management positions of increasing responsibility during a tenure, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.
Moreover, Stahl also serves on the Board of Advantage Solutions and on the U.S. Board of Advisors of CVC Capital. Further, he formerly served on the Boards of Schering-Plough Corporation, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Saks, Coty, and Ahold Delhaize, and was chairman of the Board of Managers of New Avon.
Stahl attended to Emory University earning a B.A. in Economics and then went to the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania where he obtained his M.B.A. in Finance.
Congratulations to Jack Stahl from the AndNowUKnow team!
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - There’s nothing better than stopping by a company’s booth at any of our industry’s trade shows and getting the opportunity to hear first-hand about the growth that company is experiencing. At United Fresh, this was the case for many of our industry’s leading providers, including the Allen Lund Company. We chatted with Kenny Lund, VP at the ALC Logistics Division of Allen Lund Company, to find out more. Here’s what he had to say…
“In the ALC division, we are excited because we’re expanding. We’ve had explosive growth. More than 50 percent of our sales comes from our current customers asking for more modules, whether it’s in accounting or load tracking or dock scheduling, and now we’ve built from seven modules up to 15 different modules in the transportation suite,” Kenny shared with me.
Kenny attributed this growth to the positive feedback the Allen Lund Company has been receiving from its customers. He noted that many have said that Allen Lund’s software is improving company’s transportation systems and even relationships thanks to better pricing and better service.
“It’s really nice to hear from them that this is an effective strategy for them to improve their supply chain, and the really nice thing is our software aids in communication with their transportation providers, and also throughout the whole company so now buyers have more information about what their costs are,” Kenny explained. “We’re able to provide that information so they can make better decisions.”
To learn more from Kenny himself, check out our exclusive video above.
MCALLEN, TX - SiCar Farms has taken steps to boost its game plan to improve environmental conservation efforts. The company uses state-of-the-art technology that will encourage sustainable agricultural practices that support crop preservation and renewable energy usage.
“We have a firm commitment to conservation, productivity, and improvements to make this planet a healthier place now and for generations to come,” stated Luis Gudino, CEO.
According to a press release, SiCar Farms creates bio-repellents that aid to biologically control pests presently.
“By the use of organic inputs such as natural extracts, these inputs help to suppress the appetite of insects and provide mineral oils for good agricultural practices,” said Gudino. “They actually help biological control of pests through other living organisms. These processes introduce natural defenses into the agriculture and the pest are driven out by biological pest control. We also utilize compost as natural fertilizers that are formed by composted manure and vegetable waste. Vermicompost is created by earthworms and the use of leachate process where liquid nutrients are extracted and irrigated into the fields to improve the quality of the soil and nourish the growth of the plants.”
SiCar Farms uses these techniques for both conventional and organic products. Combined with compost and chemical fertilizers, the nutrients for conventional products are slowly released into the agriculture. The nutrients are introduced through compost without any type of chemical fertilizers for the organic products.
SiCar Farms has also presented 500 beehives that help in the pollination process. SiCar Farms yields steady, sustainable, and quality supply of products to meet customers’ requirements due to these proven effective techniques and good agricultural practices.
The first warehouse to be fully operated by solar energy is one of SiCar Farms packaging facilities in Veracruz, Mexico. The amount of solar energy generated varies depending on weather conditions, however, on average 38 MWh to 45 MWh per month will be generated. This system is designed to reduce up to 70 percent actual energy consumption and generate the amount of energy necessary to completely operate the packing facility.
“Our packing facility in Veracruz, already has 972 solar panels and is the first of this type of renewable energy in the area,” added Gudino. “We have other packing houses throughout Mexico, specifically one in Colima, one in Jalisco, one in Michoacán as well as the ones we have here in McAllen. Our goal is to have 100 percent sustainable operations in all five facilities with solar energy by 2021. Our use of biodegradable packing will have a positive impact on reducing the usage of plastic materials.”
SiCar Farms use of biodegradable materials and recyclable materials is a critical goal to being eco-friendly and reducing its carbon footprint. Further, SiCar Farms is in the process of changing its packaging materials to new sustainable materials made from corn that will have a durability of 60 to 90 days as well.
SiCar Farm’s focus is to minimize the impact to our environment and go “Grupo Gudino Ochoa” Grown Green every day through these steps.
For more news on SiCar Farm’s technologies, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
GLENDALE, AZ - It’s a news-heavy week for Sprouts Farmers Market, which just divested an Arizona-based cold-storage and distribution center for $17.4 million.
The space spans 128,929-square-feet, offering refrigeration and freezer space, heavy trailer parking, functional loading, and prime truck maneuverability.
The buyer of the property is a fund sponsored by CBRE Global Investors, which has been targeting cold storage as a subtype according to news source connect media. And, while it may be sold, it seems it will still be utilized to serve Sprouts' customers.
“The property is well-located and leased to a leading grocer, Sprouts Farmers Market,” Cooper Fratt, Industrial Leasing & Sales First Vice President at CBRE, said in the report. “CBRE Global Investors saw an opportunity to purchase an asset class underserved in the Phoenix market. With a recent state-of-the-art expansion completed by ONE Properties, the facility should serve Sprouts’ cold-storage distribution needs for years to come.”
CBRE Global Investors’ Kim Hourihan added that the entity is excited to expand its holdings in the sector with the asset addition.
This news is just the latest in a string of strategic moves from Sprouts Farmers Market, which just announced a new CEO last week. This month alone, the retailer kicked off a national hiring event from coast to coast while also continuing its expansion plans in the increasingly competitive Florida market. What will the next move in the buy-side be?
AndNowUKnow will be sure to let you know.
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.
Freezing Temperatures and Rain in Chile
Last night, many growing regions of Chile experienced freezing temperatures with minimums dropping as low as 27° in certain areas. Other regions only saw minimum temperatures in the low 30°s. There were also isolated showers last night with some regions receiving up to .25” of rain.
Last night will be the coldest night of the week. Today, Wednesday, and Thursday will warm a bit with minimum temperatures remaining in the upper 30°s and low 40°s.
Friday, another storm will come into Chile bringing more freezing temperatures and heavy rains. Some regions can expect up to 1.75” of rain with minimum temperatures in the low 30°s.
Possible harvest and quality issues with mandarin? Could be an issue with avocados?
Get Ready for the Garden State to Break Loose
Warmer temperatures coming to New Jersey. Average temperatures for the month of June in New Jersey is a high of 81° and low of 60°. Yesterday, New Jersey saw a maximum temperature of 86° and a low of 71°. Over the next five days, temperatures will rise even more with highs reaching into the mid 90°s while lows will remain in the low 70°s.
As any farmer will tell you, warm nights are more important than warm days in the pace of production of any commodity. With these warm minimum tempseratures, look for production in the Garden State to start sooner than later.
Cooldown Coming to the Northwest
The states of Oregon and Washington will experience cooler than normal temperatures and a chance of rain from Wednesday to Friday of this week. Average temperatures in Oregon for June is a high of 75° and low of 54°. Over the next three days, this region will see maximum temperatures of only 63° and minimums of 47°.
The growing regions of Washington will remain warmer than Oregon, but will also be well below normal for this time of year. In the Yakima Valley, average temperatures for June are a high of 89° and a low of 61°. The next three days will see highs in the mid 70°s and lows in the upper 40°s.
On Saturday, things will begin to warm and temperatures will be back to normal by Monday. Come Wednesday of next week, there is a potential for a heat wave. We will keep you updated.
Mini Heatwave Coming to Michigan
Starting today, Michigan will experience a heat wave over the next eight to ten days. Today’s high will be 81° with a low of 65°. Temperatures will hit a high-water mark on Thursday with a high of 87° and a low of 69°. These temps are about 15° above normal and will last at least through next Tuesday.
Probably look for production numbers to rise out of these regions.
Thanks again, and we'll be back this Friday with another weather report!
GEORGIA - Broccoli is a staple all year long. No matter the season, its crunch, nutrition value, and taste make it one of the most valued veggies in the produce aisle. For Fresh from the Start™, a fourth-generation, family-owned company, it knows the importance of consistently providing the green goods and is beginning the shipment of its Maine broccoli crop.
“We prepare for this crop all year,” said Eric Scannelli, Senior Vice President of Sales. “We begin preparing the fields immediately following harvest and work with our grower throughout the year to ensure a successful crop. When customers buy from us, they are dealing directly with the grower.”
According to a press release, all of Fresh from the Start’s broccoli is hand-cut and packed in the field to minimize bruising and post-harvest handling. Shipment is set to begin in early to mid-July and will continue through October. Having shipped broccoli for over 25 years, Fresh from the Start has the know-how to provide next-day delivery to most major markets, resulting in fresher product.
To stay up-to-date on the latest in fresh fruit and veg, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
PITTSBURGH, PA; CHICAGO, IL - The healthy and better-for-you food sector is blowing up right now, and that means big business. With companies across the country vying for their spot in the category, Kraft Heinz has taken a step in the fresh direction, introducing a new line of products to provide consumers with the unique flavor combinations, textures, health benefits, and exceptional taste that they crave.
“We know that snacking is both functional and emotional and Americans want more from the foods they snack on—more flavor, nutrition, and a better overall taste experience,” said Nicole Kulwicki, Head of Brand Building at Fruitlove. “Fruitlove was born from the idea that we could create a better and more exciting way to snack on smoothies.”
Fruitlove comes in five flavors, including:
- Strawberry Banana Twirl - strawberry, banana, rhubarb, raspberry, and carrot
- Harvest Berry Blend - strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, banana, carrot, and beet
- Mango Medley - banana, pineapple, carrot, and mango
- Pineapple Coconut Bliss - banana, pineapple, squash, and coconut
- Blueberry Dream - banana, apple, squash, and blueberry
The new Fruitlove spoonable smoothies combine real fruits and vegetables with the health benefits of creamy yogurt. According to a press release, each cup is packed with three or more real fruits and vegetables, while providing an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A, B1, and B3. The cups come with an adorable mini spoon so consumers have all they need to enjoy a delicious smoothie on-the-go.
Fruitlove was promoted free through ibotta on National Smoothie Day, June 21—users could search for Fruitlove on the ibotta website to receive a free sample cup. The launch is also being supported with a targeted social, digital, and online video campaign. This product finds its home in the yogurt aisle of the grocery store, with an SRP of $1.99.
Stay on the cutting-edge of fruit- and veg-based products, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO - It’s only a matter of weeks before our boots hit the Organic Produce Summit show floor, so you know the organic produce industry is itching to get to Monterey ASAP. Here to help ramp up the excitement is Stephanie Cutaia, Marketing Director of EarthFresh Farms, to learn more about the company’s plans to dazzle showgoers.
“This year, we will be showcasing our entire EarthFresh Family of Organic Potatoes. When it comes to Organic potatoes, EarthFresh has you covered!” Stephanie tells me.
Has you covered isn’t even the half of it, for EarthFresh works hard to offer all of its conventional offerings in organic as well, including: Russets, reds, yellows, and whites. The company also has a full lineup of organic baby potatoes that include reds, yellows, mixed—which includes purples—along with a new red and yellow duo bag. Outside of this already stunning lineup, EarthFresh has a new organic Baby Baker Foil-Wrapped 4-pack for the upcoming BBQ season, as well as organic yellow and red onions.
“EarthFresh has exclusive potato varieties that grow very well in organic conditions,” she shares. “Our organic farmers work with natural systems to create and maintain a healthy environment in which to grow potato crops.”
Working hard to maintain what its consumers are looking for, EarthFresh has the data to back up what it brings to market.
“We know that in Canada, 66 percent or shoppers are purchasing organic items weekly and that 68 percent of American consumers purchase organic food items at least once a week. We want to make sure they include Organic potatoes on their shopping list!” she says.
Not only is EarthFresh on the lookout for what its consumers want, the company is constantly working to innovate its products and up its distribution footprint with new facilities.
“We are working to more sustainable packaging that will meet both customer and consumer demands,” Stephanie explains. “EarthFresh is a part of the new CPMA Plastics Working Group that will Identify the challenges and opportunities facing the produce industry, as well as its relative importance in reducing total plastic waste in Canada and globally. EarthFresh has also recently announced the opening of a new facility in College Park, GA, that will support new and existing customers in the United States. Our new facility is scheduled to open in September 2019 and will be complete with advanced technological packing line for organic potatoes, allowing us to provide fresh produce faster.”
For those interested in seeing this dynamic and forward-thinking company for themselves, drop by booth 509 to say hello!