WASHINGTON - After successfully entering the United States market with its flagship store in Bellevue, Washington, T&T Supermarket announced another expansion in the state. As the retailer’s Washington State expansion continues, a second store is planned for Lynwood in the summer of 2025.

According to Fox 13, part of the retailer’s success lies in its store format and offerings. Thousands of visitors flock to the Asian grocery chain daily. The news source noted that the grand opening of the Bellevue location included a traditional lion dance, Japanese Taiko drum, and a sushi dragon show.

Lynwood’s store will offer its customers a similarly unique shopping experience, offering a wide selection of fresh produce, live seafood, and much more.

The retailer also plans to expand into California in 2025, with a store tentatively planned for San Jose.

We’ll be on the lookout for more retail news, so stay tuned!

IDAHO FALLS, ID - The fresh produce industry moves quickly. Fruits and vegetables have to move from fields to grocery store shelves while maintaining the peak of freshness, taste, and quality. As those in the industry continue to seek Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems that are intuitive, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of the fresh produce industry, the Fresha team found their perfect fit.

“We wanted to go to a system where we weren’t the guinea pig. We needed to knock out our pain points in the first round,” remarked Drew Schmidgall, Controller, Fresha. “We had our non-negotiables and needed to make sure it worked.”

Fusionware is an operations platform built for growers, packers, processors, and shippers. According to a press release, it prioritizes simplifying workflows and creating efficiencies across the supply chain. With automated software that consolidates data and improves inventory management, companies like Fresha have chosen Fusionware to help them.

“Our ERP system replaces outdated systems and overly complex solutions by providing a platform that is as intuitive as it is powerful. We help produce companies like Fresha streamline their operations so they can focus on delivering fresh, quality products to market,” says Creg Fielding, Chief Executive Officer at Fusionware.

As the release outlined, Fresha immediately recognized that inventory management with Fusionware would be a game-changer for them. The team could make sales decisions quickly, manage inventory accurately, and utilize scheduled dock times to move loads quickly and efficiently.

“Fusionware’s support and responsiveness was outstanding. They sought to understand how we were set up and, at the same time, how we could get better,” says Schmidgall. “They adapted to our needs and accepted feedback.”

“When we can implement a company like Fresha in just a few months, that is how we like to operate,” adds Fielding. “They can move forward with confidence in their system.”

Fresha continues to reap the benets of its decision to implement Fusionware, a program that proved intuitive and perfectly aligned with its needs. “The system has allowed us to be proactive,” says Schmidgall. “We can adapt and forecast potential interruptions before they become a major issue.”

From the three-month implementation journey to where they are today, Fusionware has transformed how Fresha operates. What began as a commitment to simplifying their teams’ workow has become a partnership that delivers reliable, data-driven insights, driving efficiency, streamlining processes, and fueling growth.

The results speak for themselves—Fusionware is the solution the produce industry needs to take its operations to the next level. To learn more about Fresha and Fusionware, visit their websites at www.freshaproduce.com and www.fusionware.com.

For more of the latest industry updates, you know where to click.

SALINAS, CA - In a recent blog post, Taylor Farms announced its third annual collaboration with Pajama Angels to further its goal of spreading holiday cheer.

As Taylor Farms outlined in the post, "With the success of the last two years, we knew we had to keep the momentum going. This year, the initiative has expanded even further, reaching seven communities where our team members live and work."

These include:

• Taylor Farms Southern California: 310 pajamas for Preschool-2nd grade students at Ramona Elementary School in Montclair-Ontario School District for their pajama day on December 19
• Taylor Farms Florida: 100 pajamas to students at Palmetto Elementary School in Orange County and 40 blankets to a special needs school in Orlando
• Taylor Farms Texas: 29 pajamas for two kindergarten classes
• Taylor Farms Guadalupe: 130 pajamas for 2nd-grade students at Mary Buren Elementary School in Guadalupe Unified School District
• Taylor Farms Southwest: 350 pajamas for Pre-K through 3rd grade students at Tolleson Elementary School District
• Taylor Farms Salinas: Pajamas for 354 students (TK-2nd grade) at Santa Lucia Elementary and 75 students (TK-8th grade) at San Lucas
• Taylor Farms Illinois: 100 pajamas to students at Logan Square Elementary School

"One of the most beautiful aspects of Pajama Angels is that it’s entirely employee-funded," the blog post continued. "Instead of the company simply writing a check, our team members personally pick out and donate the pajamas. It might be easy to overlook this detail, but it’s what makes the initiative truly special."

For more on how Taylor Farms continues to support its communities throughout the year, click here.

As always, AndNowUKnow will deliver the latest in fresh produce updates like this.

FRESNO, CA - It is with deep sadness that Fowler Packing Company announces the passing of Sean Nelsen, its beloved Vice President of Sales and Marketing, on December 21, 2024. Sean’s unexpected death has left a profound void, and his extraordinary contributions have left an indelible mark on the organization, the industry, and his community.

Since joining Fowler Packing in 2019, Sean was not just a respected leader, but also a mentor and a dear friend to many. He led with unwavering honesty, authenticity, and a genuine passion for those around him. He was unapologetically himself, fostering a culture of openness and camaraderie. Whether he was encouraging someone to believe in themselves or making everyone around him feel valued, Sean was the glue that held Fowler's team together. His ability to unite the team and inspire those around him will remain a cornerstone in the company’s strength.

In addition to his professional achievements, Sean was a man of deep faith, a loving family member, and a sports enthusiast. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer, and a loving father to their four daughters: Julia, Kaylee, Sophie, and Mia. Sean’s love for his family, church, travel and his community were just a few of the many ways he shared his life with others.

As a release went on to note, Sean’s legacy extends far beyond the walls of Fowler Packing. His leadership, vision, and commitment to nurturing those around him will live on through the values he instilled in all of us. He touched countless lives, both professionally and personally, leaving a lasting impact on the company, our industry, and the many friends he made along the way.

Sean’s passing is felt deeply by all of us, including his brother, Chad, who worked alongside him at Fowler. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sean’s family and all who loved him. As we navigate this profound loss, we will continue to honor Sean’s spirit and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to When I Grow Up, an organization that was especially close to Sean. In 2015, Sean and his wife, Jennifer, had the privilege of serving on a mission trip to Kenya with this impactful cause.

A celebration of Sean's life will be held on Monday, January 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Tulare First Baptist Church, where family, friends, and colleagues will gather to honor his memory and legacy.

Our hearts are with all who knew this cherished industry leader.