LOS ANGELES, CA - The Wonderful Company is adding even more citrus heat to its portfolio. The company announced its latest produce brand, Wonderful Seedless Lemons, a naturally seedless, Non-GMO Project Verified variety of lemon, is set to debut in fall 2019.
“As the leading grower, shipper, packer, and distributor of citrus in North America, Wonderful is uniquely positioned to offer this new and innovative variety of seedless lemons,” said Adam Cooper, Senior Vice President of Marketing. “As consumers’ appetite for seedless varieties in produce continues to grow, Wonderful Seedless Lemons will disrupt the industry and become a top category driver for branded produce.”
According to a press release, The Wonderful Company owns the exclusive rights to this new, premium quality seedless lemon variety available in North America. IRI data shows that the lemon category growth and consumer consumption for lemons is second only to mandarins and has nearly doubled in the last five years. According to a third-party study commissioned by The Wonderful Company, 83 percent of lemon buyers state they are likely to purchase a seedless lemon. Ease and efficiency were two of the top benefits of purchasing a seedless lemon, lemon buyers who participated in the study stated.
“We’re encouraged that lemon buyers have expressed their willingness to pay a premium price for seedless lemons,” added Cooper. “This is a game-changer for lemon buyers and will transform how they use and eat lemons in their everyday life. Wonderful has a history of bringing unique and healthy products to market by building trust and brand love with consumers through our $1 billion investment in brand building for Wonderful Pistachios, Wonderful Halos, and POM Wonderful.”
The Wonderful Seedless Lemons’ marketing campaign will introduce new branded packaging, creating a bigger marketplace for bagged lemons, as well as eye-catching in-store POS displays to capture consumer attention while shopping.
For the latest in what’s new and exciting in the produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
CHICAGO, IL - United Fresh is hours away, and for the first time ever Tour de Fresh will have its own booth to further push making fresh produce available in schools.
“United does a great job of getting a large contingency of school foodservice directors to the convention and we really appreciate having the chance at Tour de Fresh to share our story with them,” Cindy Jewell, VP of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms and outgoing Chair for United Fresh, shared with me. “These are the folks that have boots on the ground every day feeding our kids at school, so they are so important to all of us in produce, and to all of us at Tour de Fresh. We are riding for them and their kids, so we are excited about meeting them face-to-face.”
In the spirit of doing just that, Tour de Fresh support is looking to roll out the red carpet for school-focused foodservice directors on Wednesday at 2 p.m. on United Fresh’s show floor. With plans already in place for decision makers to be at booth #7017 to learn about the advantages and necessities of partnering with Tour de Fresh and the Salad Bar for Schools movement, now rider and sponsor volunteers are needed between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. to further advocate for the program and fresh produce.
As United Fresh President Tom Stenzel shared last year, Salad Bars for Schools has successfully donated 5,300 salad bars across the country, thanks in large part to Tour de Fresh. A salad bar generates upward of $6,000 a year in fresh produce purchases for $30 million-plus in produce purchases a year.
Those interested can let the team know by contacting [email protected] or adding your name to the Booth Support Sign Up Sheet.
SUNBURY, PA - It won’t be long before I’m yelling, “Consumers love sustainability!” from the rooftop like a rooster crowing at the dawn—but that’s because it’s true. Eco-friendly practices are trending hard, and not the flash-in-the-pan sort of trend, but a true movement. More and more growers, retailers, and shippers are jumping on board to lead the charge towards sustainability—including Weis Markets. The retailer has decreased its carbon emissions by more than 20 percent compared to 2008 in an ongoing effort to reduce its overall environmental impact in the communities it serves.
“Our sustainability program continues to make steady progress, focusing on five key areas: reducing our climate impact; the green design and improvement of our stores, facilities, and logistics; protecting our resources; working with local farmers and food processors; and being socially responsible,” said Chairman and CEO, Jonathan Weis. “We achieved these results thanks to the hard work of our sustainability team and the many associates who help implement our program throughout our store base, distribution center, and support facilities.”
Weis Markets has highlighted its eco-progress in its 2018 Sustainability Report: Rooted in Success, Growing Our Future, which details the company’s sustainability progress in 2018. Over the course of 2018, the retailer implemented innovative measures to increase facility energy efficiencies, reduce truck fleet fuel consumption, reduce refrigerant emissions, and divert waste from landfills. Last year the retailer achieved its 10-year, 20 percent emission reduction milestone, despite a 2.6 percent emission increase due to an increased store count, expanded variety of refrigerated items, and the rollout of self-checkouts to additional stores. The company is continuing its efforts to install energy conservation and emission reduction features in its stores.
Key Weis Markets sustainability achievements in 2018 include:
- Increased food donations to over 860 tons through its expanding partnership with Feeding America. The donations are a key component of its commitment as a U.S. Food Loss & Waste 2030 Champion.
- Was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) GreenChill program, which encourages reducing refrigerant usage to address environmental impacts on the ozone layer and climate. In 2018 the company’s Carlisle Street store in Hanover, Pennsylvania, was honored as the first store in GreenChill history to achieve 10 consecutive certifications, and its store in Randolph, New Jersey, was honored as the company’s first-ever Platinum certified facility for its transcritical CO2 system.
- Converted 34 stores from fluorescent to LED lighting, reducing electricity consumption by 300,000 kWh annually per store.
- Diverted 39,341 tons of waste from landfills.
- Worked with National Gypsum Company, a local building products manufacturer, to recycle 28,180 tons of cardboard.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the sustainability movement as it develops.
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 Spiech Farms LLC (Spiech Farms), Paw Paw, Michigan, for failing to meet its contractual obligations to the sellers of produce it purchased. These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed businesses 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.
According to a press release, Spiech Farms failed to pay $1,153,422 to 38 sellers for produce that it purchased, received, and accepted in interstate commerce from July 2017 to November 2017. This is in violation of the PACA. As a result of these actions, Spiech Farms cannot operate in the produce industry until May 6, 2021, and then only after they apply for and are issued a new PACA license by USDA.
The company’s principals, Steven Spiech, Robin Spiech, Bradley Spiech and Timothy Spiech, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until May 6, 2020, and then only with the posting of a USDA approved surety bond.
USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. 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, 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.
AUSTIN, TX - I have yet to meet someone who lacks some kind of affinity for pasta—even among those who are gluten free. Sure, the market now has several brands producing gluten-free pastas, but not all are equal. Cece’s Veggie Co. focuses on plant-based pastas that even gluten-eaters can enjoy. The company will be showcasing its award-winning Organic Butternut Shells & Cheese—a finalist for Best New Vegetable Product—at the United Fresh Expo this year.
Cece’s Organic gluten-free Butternut Shells & Cheese are made from 100 percent organic butternut squash, for a healthier take on the classic mac and cheese with traditional pasta. The elbow-style shells are ideal for cradling the organic cheese that accompanies them. With a full serving of veggie nutrition in each bowl, the Organic Butternut Shells & Cheese are a game-changer for families looking for healthy, kid-friendly organic meal solutions. The perfect combination of taste, nutrition, and convenience, the squash-based pasta dish is prepped and ready to heat-and-eat with no additional ingredients requires. Women’s Health Magazine has recognized Organic Butternut Shells & Cheese as a “Vegtastic Side that Hits the Spot” in the publication’s 2019 Food Awards.
The lucky attendees of the United Fresh Expo will be able to sample the Organic Butternut Shells & Cheese, and once they have tasted the deliciousness for themselves, they can then cast their votes for their favorite new and innovative product—obviously the Organic Butternut Shells & Cheese. According to a press release, attendees can cast their votes on Tuesday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. United Fresh will announce the winners on the Main Stage on Wednesday, June 12 at 2 p.m.
If you want to get in on Cece’s gluten-free action, head over to booth #10015 at United Fresh Expo 2019.
NOGALES, AZ - This week, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) and Farmers for Free Trade (FFT) hosted a panel intent on speaking out about the value of trade, particularly under the latest round of President Trump imposed tariffs. FPAA’s Lance Jungmeyer, Ciruli Brothers’ Chris Ciruli, Chamberlain Distributing’s Jaime Chamberlain, Wholesum Family Farms’ Ricardo Crisantes, Supervisor of Santa Cruz County Bruce Bracker, and FFT’s Angela Hofmann all partook in the panel.
“Produce is about twenty-five percent of the jobs in this county, there’s a lot of jobs, and we need these jobs and these employers here,” Jungmeyer said about the importance of produce in Santa Cruz County.
Ciruli added that providing fresh fruits and vegetables to U.S. consumers is just as important as the jobs this work creates. According to a press release, a large portion of healthy food is imported from Mexico, namely grapes, watermelons, cucumbers, mangos, and more—all of which have been cultivated through the hard work of produce companies and seed breeders throughout the past 100+ years.
Chamberlain piggybacked off of this importance, emphasizing: “Through Nogales, Arizona, we have been importing Mexican fruits and vegetables to North American consumers for over a century, and we are an extremely proud group of people and individuals who bring these fruits and vegetables to American tables. We take our jobs extremely serious, and it’s a responsibility we take, and we know what we are bringing to the U.S., it is our mission is to deliver our products to American consumers.”
In addition, FFT has been traveling across the country to speak with small businesses as a means of highlighting voices advocating the importance of trade in the community.
“They strive to guide farmers to speak out to members of Congress, Mayors, economic developers, supply chains, and they will continue to tell their story,” said Hofmann, during the panel.
For more information and a live view of the press conference, click here. AndNowUKnow will continue to follow all news as it relates to trade in the current tariff climate.
MEXICO - Walmart’s expansion plans in Mexico, one of the retailer’s largest markets, have been thwarted. Reuters reported that Mexico’s Federal Competition Commission has rejected Walmart’s acquisition of Cornershop—which the retailer first began to acquire back in September of 2018.
“We are analyzing the scope of this resolution and the measures we will adopt, since we are sure that this operation is positive for the competitive environment and for the consumer, and that it drives the development of e-commerce in Mexico,” Walmart disclosed in a statement following the commission’s opposition, according to Reuters.
Walmart initially announced its plans to acquire the grocery delivery company for $225 million—plans that were intent on keeping Amazon on its toes in territory Walmart has deemed its own.
The commission did not comment on why it blocked the acquisition.
For more of the latest happening in retail around the world, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
MCALLEN, TX - Eco-friendly packaging solutions are in high demand right now to satiate the environmentally conscious shopper. Fox Packaging has picked up on this trend, concentrating on projects focused primarily on sustainability. As the company angles to keep it green, it is also prepping for the upcoming United Fresh expo, a place where Fox Packaging can show off its wares and make an exciting announcement.
“We are focusing on the recyclability and reusability of our products—we are sensitive to the issues of waste in the world and single-use packaging is not the answer,” Craig Fox, Executive Vice-President told me. “At Fox Packaging we continually strive to improve our product line through in-house research and development programs. In-house programs aim to ensure that our polymer is 100 percent recyclable and meets the evolving industry standards of sustainability.”
Fox Packaging has seen an excellent response to its Fox Fresh Mesh Combo® bag, as well as its Fox Stand-Up Combo® bag, which was nominated for the United Fresh Innovation Awards for Best New Packaging. Constantly invested in packaging innovation, Fox Packaging is proud to say that its entire product line is fully recyclable and reusable. The company’s reusable packaging benefits more than just the earth, but the quality of the produce itself—Fox Packaging’s Fox Fresh Mesh® can help extend shelf life and ensure quality. The company is currently revisiting its stand-up format, as it searches for ways to better meet the growing demand for green packaging.
“Trends are geared toward sustainability—it will be highly common that retailers who offer consumer goods requiring plastic packaging to adopt corporate social responsibility initiatives in favor of reducing or eliminating single-use packaging,” Business Development Manager Jasper Trujillo commented. “Big box retailers, such as Walmart, have already started to lead this change and you should expect to see others follow suit. The U.S. market is becoming green-conscious, similar to that of European countries.”
Attendees of United Fresh are in for a treat, as Fox Packaging will have a Pouch Bagger live and in action, demonstrating the company’s Fox Stand-Up Combo bag. Fox Packaging will also be making a special announcement on the first day of the expo. Though its representatives were tight-lipped about what that announcement would be, it is sure to be something great.
To learn about sustainable packaging breakthroughs, visit booth #6012 next week to chat with the fine folks with Fox Packaging.
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.
HOT FOUR DAYS COMING TO CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA
A heatwave is coming to the southwest this weekend into next week. The San Joaquin Valley of California will experience above average temperatures for four continuous days starting this Sunday. Look for high temperatures to be well above 100° up and down the valley. Bakersfield at the southern end will get to 106° on Monday while Modesto at the northern end will see a high of 105° on Monday.
The desert regions of California and Arizona will see maximum temperatures above the 110° mark from Sunday through Wednesday with Coachella peaking at 113° on Wednesday, June 12. These temperatures should really bring on the grape crop out of Coachella.
Salinas will also see above average temperatures, hitting a high of 87° on Sunday before cooling off a few degrees on Monday and Tuesday.
Look for this weather to help production on all items from these regions.
NORTHWEST CHERRY REGIONS EXPERIENCING COLD TEMPERATURES / HEAT WAVE COMING
Cold temperatures will continue through tomorrow in the growing regions of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia, Canada. Maximum temperatures are currently in the 50°s and 60°s with nightly lows in the low to mid 40°s throughout the region. The rain that was anticipated for Oregon and British Columbia, Canada, has been significantly downgraded over the last 48 hours. There is still a chance of a light shower but nothing like what we had discussed back in our Tuesday report.
Starting next Tuesday, June 11, these regions in the Northwest will experience their own heatwave with maximum daily temperatures getting in the mid to upper 90°s depending exact location. This heat will last at least through Saturday of next week. Look for berries and cherries production to be positively affected by the heat. Contact your shippers to see when production will begin.
DAILY THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUE IN THE SOUTHEAST
All southern states will see daily showers up to .75” per day from today through next Tuesday or Wednesday.
There is heavy rain and possible flash floods anticipated for Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. May affect tomatoes from these regions?
NEW JERSEY
Temperatures will cool off a few degrees next week dropping down into the mid 70°s for a high and in the low 60°s for a low. There is a 50-60% possibility of rain starting this Sunday and lasting through Wednesday of next week. Look for daily rain totals between .25” to .50”
Thanks again, and we'll be back next week with another weather report!
KINGSVILLE, ON - We have officially launched into the second half of 2019 and while many (including myself) may look back and wonder where the heck the year has gone, Mucci Farms is looking ahead as it builds momentum and a continued vision for fresh that will propel it through the summer and beyond.
“At United Fresh and for the foreseeable future, our efforts will be focused in two major areas that are dominating the fresh produce conversation: sustainability and snack foods," explains Vice President Joe Spano. "We’ll be introducing our new lineup of sustainable packaging to the US market called the Simple Snack series. SIMPLE is an acronym for Sustainable Innovation Made Purposely for our Living Environment and all of the packages are made of cardboard and sealed with fully recyclable lidding film."
And on the snack food side, Team Mucci is ramping up its push of CuteCumberTM Poppers, which won the coveted Best New Packaging Award at United Fresh 2018. This fresh produce concept features a one-bite mini cocktail cucumber presenting maximum flavor and convenience for differentiation at retail.
When I use vision and Mucci in the same sentence, you know I mean it.
"The vision behind everything we do centers around consumer demand. We emphasize research and development to gain as much information as we can from our retail partners along with direct engagement with consumers on our social media platforms and in-store demos to establish our priorities," says President Danny Mucci. "Our first hand research confirmed the consumer demand for reduced plastic and healthy snack food items, which led to our main areas of focus for United Fresh 2019."
Mucci Farms truly brings buyers and retail clients a full-scale vertically integrated one-stop shop for all their needs.
"We coined the term Partners in Produce because we truly partner with everyone we work with on all aspects from seed to retail,” remarks Director of Marketing Emily Murracas. "In addition to growing and packing product, we have our own logistics department with our own fleet of trucks as well as an in-house marketing team that functions like an agency. We have the ability to provide retailers with POS material in a timely manner, we do in-store demos to help promote products, and also use our social media channels for targeted marketing campaigns. Our ownership makes sizeable investments on a yearly basis in automation and robotics to improve efficiencies across the supply chain including an aggressive plan to install grow lights in 100 percent of our high-tech glass facilities."
These efforts allow Mucci Farms to maximize its local and regional production and reduce the company's need for foreign products through the winter months. And how does Mucci Farms accomplish all these things, you might ask? With a team deeply experienced, passionate, and committed to executing the greenhouse operator's vision.
"We foster a corporate culture that embraces internal growth and empowerment. We’ve been deliberate in our efforts to improve employee morale by implementing numerous programs and events that raise team spirit and recognition of those who’ve dedicated several years of service to Mucci Farms,” says Carol Bendo, Director of Human Resources.
United Fresh is just a hop, skip, and a jump away so mark down Mucci Farms booth #9024 and check out what the team will be bringing to the trade show floor.