SAN ANTONIO, TX - Cotton candy is no longer a simple state fair staple. Now, you can find it in produce aisles. Yes, you read that right, but in case you don’t believe me, hear it straight from Ben Moennig of Fresh Farms.
“We’re showcasing Cotton Candy grapes, which we’ve started growing down in Jalisco, Mexico,” he tells me. “So, it offers us an opportunity to provide green grapes for the fresh market this time of year.”
Ben lets me know that the Cotton Candy grape harvest began in mid-April and went on into early May, after which there was a slight gap before starting up again the second and third weeks of May.
“It provides us another growing window in a market where we saw the commodity as very sought-after,” he explains. “We’ve had really, really good success with it on the retail-end. It’s a great commodity for us, because it’s not just a regular green grape. It says cotton candy and kids love it, so it’s fun.”
Fun indeed! I can attest to the fact that these grapes do, in fact, taste exactly like cotton candy, and I’m sure consumers will be clamoring for a chance to try these green globes.
To learn more, watch our exclusive interview above.
AUSTIN, TX - The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) has disclosed a request for proposals (RFP). A separate RFP was approved by the CPS Board of Directors, from 2017 to 2018, following the pattern of multiple outbreak events and the strong association with continuing agricultural water risk concerns.
According to a press release, “Priority needs in agricultural water research, leading to immediate and near-term solutions and pathways for dynamic change in risk reduction, were solicited. Input was received from all sectors of the produce supply chain, public health agencies, and academia. An in-depth review of the scope of science and the portfolio of past and current CPS funding commitments, on this priority issue, led to a consensus priority focus for this ag-water RFP on antimicrobial treatment as a preventive control and corrective measures.”
CPS and other agencies have funded much research on the topics of indicators, index organisms, and sampling regimes. At this time the focus will be on solutions: where and when are agricultural water treatments appropriate, and what options are available to growers.
Up to $1 million is available to fund five regional awards.
For more news from the Center for Produce Safety, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced Thursday that the Trump administration plans to provide $16 billion in aid to farmers who have been negatively impacted by the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China.
In 2018, the Trump administration doled out $12 billion in aid to offset losses caused by tariffs imposed by several countries. And although the administration previously claimed that it would provide no aid to farmers this year, imposed tariffs from China have hit farmers hard, necessitating a new round of aid. Part of the aid plan includes selling American products in markets outside of China, according to NPR.
"If China's decided not to play, then we'll sell these great products elsewhere," Secretary Perdue said.
Agriculture has been hit particularly hard by the ongoing trade war, prompting fears of an economic slump in the agricultural economy, reported the news source. Bankruptcy filings have increased among farmers to offset their debt, which has been worsened by a series of natural disasters that have proved devastating to livestock and crops.
“Details on the new trade mitigation program will be forthcoming shortly, but we want to be clear that the program is being designed to avoid skewing planting decisions one way or another,” a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture said, reports Fox Business. “Farmers should continue to make their planting and production decisions with the current market signals in mind, rather than some expectation of what a trade mitigation program might or might not look like, based on a media story.”
The unyielding approach to trade with China has not been without its downsides, as, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the trade war has reduced U.S. income at a rate of approximately $1.4 billion each month. New tariffs will cost the average U.S. household $831 per year, according to an estimate by the New York Fed.
The latest round of farm aid is set to come from the Commodity Credit Corp., a program from the Great Depression that seeks to assist the farm sector during tumultuous times.
Will the latest round of farm aid be enough to stabilize farming operations and offset damage caused by tariffs?
SAN ANTONIO, TX - The labor war has quite a few major retailers trying out different tactics. While some have gone the minimum wage route and others a new HQ route, Texas-based H-E-B is instead doubling down on investing in its people, which President Craig Boyan asserts are the retailer’s “key differentiators.”
“We believe the main thing we need to do is invest in people—and better people,” said Boyan, according to Dallas News.
The news source reported that despite feeling technology and price pressures from grocery giants like Amazon and Walmart, H-E-B is set on ensuring its employees remain one of its best assets in the grocery race.
But that’s not to say H-E-B isn’t pushing the boundaries of tech. At a conference earlier this week, Boyan revealed that H-E-B is interested in implementing and exploring technology, but only that which helps create jobs and makes shoppers’ and employees’ lives better. In the past couple of years, Boyan noted, H-E-B has researched and added technology to its entire business operations, from manufacturing plant sensors, grocery shopping robots, and self-driving delivery vehicles.
“It’s a massive logistics-supply chain business, so you are seeing unbelievable innovation through the supply chain,” Boyan said.
The root of Boyan’s argument, however, seemed to stem from the fact that shareholders are investing large sums of money in tech companies that Boyan claims are putting retailers out of business and employees out of work. As a result, H-E-B is ensuring its workforce is growing however the industry sees fit. In the last ten years, the retailer has hired 40,000 employees, increasing its team’s ranks to 116,000.
For more brick-and-mortar news as it relates to fresh produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
RICHMOND, VA - Litehouse will invest $46 million to acquire and expand Sky Valley Foods and establish its first East Coast production facility in the City of Danville. The company will also create an additional 160 new jobs over the next five years.
“For some time Litehouse has been looking to offer products that could be sold in the center aisles of the grocery store. Before moving forward, we needed to ensure that the products we brought to market had the same high quality standards and reliance on real ingredients as our core Litehouse products,” said Kelly Prior, President of Litehouse. “As we looked at Sky Valley Foods and their commitment to real food, real ingredients, and better quality, we found great synergies.”
According to a press release, Sky Valley Foods Founder Rachel Kruse will join the Litehouse team to help facilitate the strategy and direction of the Organicville and Sky Valley brands and products. Rachel’s extensive experience and industry reputation as a leader in natural dressings and condiments will be key as Litehouse looks to provide additional opportunities for consumers to enjoy the products under the Organicville and Sky Valley brands.
“I am very excited to join the Litehouse team and have the opportunity to continue driving the development of products that promote better eating and meet the consumer’s growing demand for better-for-you products,” said Kruse.
With the acquisition, Litehouse will also acquire a 132,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility located in Danville, Virginia. This facility will be a critical component in continuing to support the growing demand for Sky Valley, Organicville, and Litehouse products across the U.S. and Canada.
“Litehouse built its reputation on offering best-in-class customer service and the addition of Sky Valley Foods is a strategic move to provide our East Coast customers with a local Litehouse manufacturing facility. Coupled with our Idaho, Michigan, and Utah facilities, we continue to expand our ability to meet growing consumer demand with state-of-the-art manufacturing operations. We are excited and appreciative for the opportunity to become part of the Danville, Virginia community. At Litehouse, one of our core values is stewardship and we are committed to having a positive impact on the community of Danville and our new Employee Owners,” said Prior.
According to a press release, the state of Virginia successfully competed with Utah and South Carolina for the project.
“Litehouse’s decision to take root in the City of Danville and establish its first East Coast production facility is another great example of how Southern Virginia’s industry-responsive training programs and highly skilled workforce create an ideal environment for manufacturers to thrive,” said Governor Northam. “This flourishing company sets the bar for corporate responsibility in its industry, and we look forward to many years of shared prosperity for Litehouse, its dedicated owners-employees, and the Commonwealth.”
Litehouse has five other manufacturing facilities in the United States located in Michigan, Utah, and Idaho.
“Many companies select Virginia to establish East Coast operations, which is a strong testament to the Commonwealth’s unparalleled assets and business reputation,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “We are proud to welcome Litehouse to Virginia’s corporate roster and thank the company for retaining valuable jobs and creating 160 new opportunities in the City of Danville.”
The press release detailed the steps it took for Viriginia to secure the project with Litehouse. Governor Northam approved a $600,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Danville with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has approved a grant in the amount of $340,000 and a loan in the amount of $220,000, both from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, for the project.
Additionally, Litehouse is eligible for state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as Sales and Use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment. Funding and services to support Litehouse employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP).
“We’re so excited to welcome the national brand Litehouse to our community,” Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones said. “Strategically, we have wanted to build a food processing base in Danville because of the unused capacity that Danville Utilities has in water and wastewater infrastructure. With Litehouse joining Nestle in Airside Industrial Park, we now have two leaders in the food industry.”
For the latest in facilities, expansions, and more, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
FALLBROOK, CA - For over a decade now, Del Rey Avocado has been going strong with its farming partnership with Peruvian avocados. This investment in land and trees, combined with additional contracted growers, is helping the company keep up with the ever-increasing demand.
“Our investment in Peru is just the beginning of what continues to be a deep-rooted commitment to produce the highest quality fruit for the fastest growing segment in the fresh produce category,” said Bob Lucy, President.
According to the company’s press release, since its founding in 1969, the family-owned company has been committed to producing high-quality avocados in an environmentally sustainable manner. When the company recognized an emerging trend toward an increasing appetite for avocados here in the U.S., it decided with due diligence and nurturing relationships to expand its operations in Peru.
“We are excited to be growing avocados in Peru and importing high-quality Peruvian Hass avocados to the U.S. during late spring and summer months,” said Donny Lucy, Vice President. “This coincides perfectly with high demand periods here in the U.S. and provides our customers excellent opportunities to promote what we believe is the perfect fruit.”
Since Peru is located in the Southern Hemisphere, avocados from Peru are typically available June through September in the U.S. This is perfect timing because consumption of avocados increases in the summer months and the availability of quality Hass Avocados from Peru allows the company to keep up with demand from customers. Fresh avocados from Peru have a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
Del Rey Avocado has made great investments in planting new trees in diverse growing regions. With consumption of avocados in the U.S. reaching between 60 million and 65 million pounds a week, expanding in Peru makes good sense. The Peruvian season typically begins out of the northern growing regions (Olomos) May and runs through June and the central regions (Trujillo Chiclayo) mid-May through September. The timing of Peru fits perfectly with the California and Mexico season as these regions volume is winding down. Just like fruit from California and Mexico, avocados from Peru come in a range of sizes for every serving or preparation application. Count sizes range from 28 to 84 count per carton.
As stated in the press release, Peruvian Avocado production and importation are conducted under the guidelines of the Federal Hass Avocado program and has direct oversight of the United States Department of Agriculture. Another benefit of the company making an investment in Peru is all the packing houses are brand new and utilize the latest in technology and safety. The facilities in Peru are both Primus and Global GAP certified.
Del Rey’s Peruvian avocados will make their way to the U.S. once harvested, landing in ports in Philadelphia, Miami, or Los Angeles. The fruit that lands on the eastern seaboard will be distributed through the company’s newly expanded, state-of-the-art distribution facility in Vineland, New Jersey, and western arrivals will be distributed out of its new, modern distribution facility in Vista or its headquarters operation in Fallbrook, California.
Del Rey Avocado expects the demand for its fruit to continue to increase. The company is well positioned with strong growers and an international procurement team to keep up with the demand from retailers, foodservice operators, exporters, and ultimately consumers who enjoy Del Rey Avocados.
For more news on Del Rey Avocado and Peruvian avocados, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SELAH, WA - Rainier Fruit Company recently announced the promotion of Blake Belknap to Vice President of Sales and Blaine Markley to Director of Domestic Sales.
“I’m blessed to work with an amazing team, and in this new role, I’m looking forward to working with them to ride the rapids of tomorrow’s ag industry,” stated Belkap.
According to a press release, Belknap has been with Rainier for 22 years, during which he rose to become the Director of Sales. In his time with the company, Belknap has become an invaluable source of knowledge and a leader on the sales team.
“We are fortunate to have great leaders like Blake making a difference on our team,” commented Andy Tudor, Vice President of Business Development. “He brings years of experience and wisdom to this new role.”
Markley has been with the company for seven years, starting out in the appointment scheduling department and progressing to the Domestic and Export Sales team before her recent promotion.
“I'm most looking forward to further engaging in the development of the company's culture,” Markley said. “Hopefully from this new vantage point, I'll be able to help shape the growth of others as I continue to look for ways to keep growing as an individual. Of course, my ultimate goal is to be a positive impact that grows the company as a whole.”
Mark Zirkle, CEO, added, “It’s impressive to see the impact that Blaine has had at our company in just seven years. She brings drive and determination to the Director of Domestic Sales role, and we’re all excited to see how she will continue to excel.”
Congratulations to Blake and Blaine from all of us here at AndNowUKnow!
BOSTON, MA - U.S. plant-based meal kit company Purple Carrot has just announced its acquisition by Japan’s largest meal kit and organic food delivery company Oisix ra daichi Inc. (Oisix). Combining Purple Carrot’s U.S. presence and Oisix’s platform and access to a network of thousands of farmers sets the now-merged companies up for explosive growth—an expected $9 billion in the global market by 2025. Purple Carrot’s corporate headquarters will stay in Massachusetts, and the entire executive leadership team will continue with their roles in the company.
“I’m so proud of the rapid growth that Purple Carrot has achieved over the past five years. It’s now a great opportunity to join Oisix, positioning Purple Carrot for continued domestic and future global growth with a highly authentic partner in the wellness category,” said Andy Levitt, Purple Carrot’s Founder & CEO. “By partnering with this Japanese powerhouse, we’ll bring Purple Carrot plant-based meals to even more consumers and significantly increase the positive impact of our business well into the future. We look forward to working with Oisix to continue the momentum and authenticity of the brand we’ve created.”
The deal will include an upfront payment of $12.8 million, with an earn-out potential of an additional $17.2 million through 2021, for a total deal value of up to $30 million, according to the Associated Press.
This historic acquisition is the first global alliance between two health-centric companies in Asia and the United States. The merging of companies allows both to better utilize plant-based trends and their own expertise to gain a significant market share.
Purple Carrot launched in October 2014 and the company follows the typical meal kit model, but with a plant-based twist. Consumers receive fresh, pre-portioned ingredients paired with step-by-step guidance to create distinctive and healthy meals at home. Though based in Needham, MA, the company has distribution centers in New Jersey, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
Founded in June 2000, Oisix has generated approximately $580 million in revenue with 4.9 percent EBITDA margin for the year ended March 2019. The Japanese company operates seven distribution centers throughout the country and has a network of 4,000 farmers working to provide consumers with fresh produce.
“Since our inception 18 years ago, our focus has been to provide convenient access to delicious and healthy food that delights our customers. We have been looking for the right opportunity to expand our reach and capabilities, and are thrilled to be joining forces with Purple Carrot,” said Kohey Takashima, Founder & CEO of Oisix. “The core values of the two companies are very closely aligned. Furthermore, this acquisition gives us the chance to make a global impact. At the same time, it represents an exciting step in our growth trajectory to expand our operations and bring the first plant-based meal kits to Japan.”
How will this global partnership change the world of meal kits? Are the now-merged companies poised for dominance? AndNowUKnow will keep reporting.
MONTEREY, CA - This year, PMA’s Foodservice Conference & Expo seems to be all about balance: between work and play, supply-side and buy-side, the new and the tried-and-true. A new day, new events, but a continued focus on quality experiences in the same scenic Monterey, California.
This is also reflected in those chairing this year’s experience, return Chair Jill Overdorf, Director of Business Development for Naturipe Farms, and first-time Chair Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing at Duda Farm Fresh Foods.
“We’ve been involved on the committee for several years and it was time to step up and help,” Nichole laughs when I ask why this was the experience she chose to chair. “I think the Foodservice conference being dedicated specifically to the foodservice sector is very important to all of produce, especially with the plant-forward movement. It’s important to step up and help the industry to basically guide how we want to be part of their conversation.”
We discuss that while there are several foodservice-focused conferences, none put fresh produce front and center like that of PMA’s July event.
“There are other shows for foodservice, but here fruits and vegetables are taking the main stage and it’s about how we include ourselves in the conversation of the plant-forward movement. How do we stay on top of those conversations?” Nichole adds.
Jill echoes this, sharing that she absolutely believes in what we as an industry are doing and how we’re doing it.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of both the foodservice and produce industries!” she says, and I can hear the smile over the phone. “The biggest change this year is a broader picture of the importance of our industry in global businesses and changes. Cathy Burns just participated in the Milken Institute Global Conference, PMA was at the annual South by Southwest for the second time, and we’re finding on a global scale that our industry is the hub of everything that’s creating positive change. That’s such an exciting thing to acknowledge and participate in; we all have the opportunity to be catalysts.”
That scale can be found in everything from the educational opportunities to the keynotes of this year’s event, and you as the attendee can choose what suits you best.
“New this year is what we’re calling the À la carte! breakout sessions. You as the attendee can pick and choose what would best drive or help your business, and those topics are produce safety, technology, sustainability, talent, and trends. So you can pick and choose if you want to be a part of those learning sessions,” Nichole explains.
In the speakers, too, you see some new and some of the Foodservice Expo’s lasting impact.
“It is going to be fun to have Ted Allen back. He came as a mentor and teacher for the culinary students when we worked with the CIA and Johnson & Wales in the kitchen about 10 years ago and he remembered our conference and the value, so he is thrilled to come back,” Jill reflects. “And, I’m really thrilled we’re having Dan Buettner address the conference. He’s such a great advocate for healthy living (without preaching) and has produce—eating fruits and vegetables—included in his definition of something we all should be doing every day according to researched blue zone areas. His philosophy and our core philosophy as the produce industry are so symbiotic.”
Other changes include the show’s first-ever Saturday expo, giving exhibitors maximum return and attention from attendees while attendees themselves don’t have to stressfully run to the airport to be back to work Monday. About 200 companies will exhibit.
“We’re addressing concerns from employers not wanting the show to take up an entire weekend for their team, and also to make sure we have everyone’s full attention for the day Saturday,” Jill says.
Nichole adds that a first-time networking opportunity will be held Friday, July 26, at The Barns at Cooper Molera, a short jaunt from where the industry will be staying.
“Foodservice is of course about food, but it’s also a great chance to get to network around food and bring the best of both worlds together by getting to be part of the whole foodservice conversation around fresh produce. It’s entertainment and nourishment together!” she sums up for me.
When I ask about what differentiates Foodservice from the growing number of industry events, Nichole says it is the only show, from a PMA standpoint, with buyers, menu influencers, and all companies involved really dedicated to creating new produce products for foodservice.
“It is truly dedicated to the foodservice industry, working with menu influencers there on the floor is exciting. You talk about it at foodservice and you go into a restaurant and it’s on the menu!” she says.
Curious about all the details? See a comprehensive schedule of the big days here!
Bringing together 1,800-plus people of produce, strap in for a strong foodservice experience with Center for Growing Talent events kicking things off starting Wednesday, July 24, core Foodservice events on Friday and Saturday, July 26-27, with the expo, for the first time ever, on Saturday, July 27.
LITTLE ROCK, AR - What Trader Beaus want, Trader Beaus get. As one of the fiercest fanbases around—not even state lines can divide this group of loyal followers—the Trader Beaus, the uncoined name for Trader Joe’s shoppers, have finally received what they’ve been rallying for: a Trader Joe’s store in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported that spokeswoman Kenya Friend-Daniel confirmed that Trader Joe’s is in fact considering Little Rock as a possible market for a new store. This would up its nationwide store count from its current 475. While no specific locations or plans were revealed pertaining to what would be Trader Joe’s first store in Arkansas, the fact that the niche grocer is even looking into the market is a positive sign for Trader Beaus and grocery shoppers in the Natural State.
According to a report by The Arkansas 100, over 6,000 Little Rock-based shoppers have been requesting an Arkansas location for a while. The shoppers even created a Facebook page titled “Bring Trader Joe’s to Little Rock, AR,” where many detailed treks to Germantown, Tennessee, just to fulfill their Trader Joe’s needs.
Will Trader Joe’s lock down a location for its first Arkansas store in 2019? And what other new markets could the grocer be eyeing? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.