SALINAS, CA - Congratulations are in order for sustainability activist and produce industry pro Nikki Rodoni, CEO of Measure to Improve (MTI), who just received a Leadership Award of Distinction at the Clean Air Awards from the Monterey Bay Air Resource District.
“It was a great honor to be nominated and recognized as a clean air leader amongst the other businesses and individuals awarded,” Nikki said. “It's inspiring to be recognized as part of a group that is taking action to ensure good air quality for the Monterey Bay Area.”
MTI’s CEO was one of the twelve given Leadership Awards of Distinction, recognizing her exemplary work toward improving outdoor air quality in the Monterey Bay Area.
Nikki and her team have worked directly with some of the region’s top fresh produce growers, shippers, and processors to adopt sustainable practices that have produced air quality benefits. According to a press release, some of this has included the implementation of Zero Waste programs that have earned two TRUE Gold certifications and one TRUE Platinum certification.
These programs have helped MTI customers divert over 16,000 tons of material (mixed recycling, cardboard, compost, paper, plastics, and wood) from the landfill. Using the EPA WARM Model, the company estimates these efforts are the equivalent of removing annual emissions from 11,777 passenger vehicles or 55,941 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalence (MTCO2E).
Nikki stated that she has long recognized clean air is a vital part of what makes communities healthy places to work and live. Working with the local agriculture industry on their sustainability and air-quality initiatives, MTI has helped maintain the health and well-being of the region's communities and environment.
Congratulations to Nikki and the MTI team on this latest achievement!
ATLANTA, GA - Kroger is partnering, throughout the summer months, with Growing America’s Farmers to provide college scholarships through the national Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization. The partnership allows for a portion of every sale of GR Vidalia® Sweet Onions to be donated toward FFA scholarships in Georgia and across the nation.
“At Kroger, our purpose is to feed the human spirit by taking care of the communities we serve,” said Felix Turner, Manager of Corporate Affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “This partnership is near and dear to our hearts as South Georgia is home to the renowned Vidalia onion. It allows us to support regional agriculture, as well as help provide opportunities for students to continue their education in production agriculture. It is our hope that these students will become farm owners and operators we can feature in our Kroger stores in the future.”
According to the retailer’s press release, GR Farms has been recognized as Georgia's oldest grower, packer, shipper, and marketer of Vidalia onions founded in 1945. The Dasher Family plants approximately 1,000 acres of the famous crop each year. Until the end of May, product will be on sale in participating Kroger stores across the south, including Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
“I have been so humbled and blown away by the support we have received, and I am really excited about what we have done—and are doing—for the future of the American farmer,” said Walt Dasher, Founder of Growing America’s Farmers. “The state of Georgia is privileged to have these two great Georgia Grown companies supporting America’s young farmers. Investing in our future farmers helps sustain production agriculture for generations to come and ensures the preservation of our strong economy and rural communities.”
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black also expressed his excitement for the partnership.
“By partnering with the Kroger and the FFA, Growing America’s Farmers is able to offer scholarships nationwide,” said Black.
Kroger customers can put their fresh Vidalia onions to use while helping support future farmers with Chef John’s recipe for Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Glazed Vidalia Onions:
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 Flank steak
- 1 Vidalia onion, sliced
- 1 Clove garlic, minced
- 2-Cups oil
- 2 Tbsp. Rosemary Chopped
- 1 Tbsp. Pepper
METHOD:
Combine all ingredients and let marinate for 30 minutes. Season with salt prior to grilling. Grill on high heat until desired degree of doneness. Use a meat thermometer inserted in side of steak—medium rare 140 F.
- 2 Large Vidalia onions
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp. Olive oil
- 1 tbsp. Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté onions in oil until well caramelized. Deglaze pan with balsamic vinegar, until reduced completely. Season with thyme, salt and pepper.
For updates on the Kroger and Growing America’s Farmers partnership, keep tuning into AndNowUKnow.
LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA - If you want to showcase a premium product in produce departments, you must find a premium partner. This is what the team behind LIV Organic, a grower partnership that began in early 2018, brings to the table. Highlighting some of the greatest organic fruits and veggies in the West, the company is currently promoting organic onions, potatoes, hard squash, and citrus to elevate retail promotions and merchandising and increase the ring at the register.
“With a home base in California, the summers are a major seasonal push for LIV, and we align with our retail partners to make the opportunities endless,” Anthony Innocenti, Co-Founder, told me. “Our key promotional items will be new crop California-grown organic and conventional watermelons, bell peppers, and onions. These are all grown by our partners and family farms—true stewards of the land and individuals with vision.”
As we head into July, Anthony shared with me that LIV has some of the most flavorful organic heirloom tomatoes in the biz. Starting the week of July, these California-grown beauties will be available in bulk and clamshell.
I also asked Anthony why merchandising is such an essential part of getting items like these heirloom tomatoes into shoppers’ baskets.
“We have such an authentic story to tell—with the families and multi-generational farming operations, people genuinely want to hear their story, so we merchandise with these ideas in mind while allowing the quality of story come through the fruit itself,” he said.
Since its founding, LIV Organic has experienced outstanding growth and expansion, something the LIV team attributes to collaboration.
“The success is really due to the start, where our collaborative crop planning immediately brought our growers sustainable programs, resulting in higher and more predictable returns,” he shared. “Getting these initial pieces in place and strategically adding new items was always the idea, and we’re seeing it at work!
With a 52-week supply across all of its categories and nationwide distribution, it’s little wonder the company is seeing this level of success.
For the latest in fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
PHARR, TX - This week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) intercepted a shipment containing $18.5 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within a commercial shipment of carrots. The seizure took place at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.
“This is truly a huge, notable interception of hard narcotics accomplished by our frontline officers in the cargo environment,” said Port Director Sylvia Briones, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas, in a press release. “Our officers’ mindset and dedication is genuinely apparent as evidenced by this outstanding seizure.”
On May 17, 2019, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility tagged a tractor-trailer pulling fresh carrots for further inspection. Using non-intrusive imaging equipment and a canine team, officers were able to uncover 384 packages of alleged methamphetamine—packages totaling approximately 929.5 pounds.
CBP OFO officers seized the packages, and the case currently remains under investigation by agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Compromised carrots, corrupted cabbage, fugitive figs, or ne’er-do-well nanners—AndNowUKnow will continue to report when produce is used to evil ends along the border.
TORONTO, CANADA - Grocery is gaining a fresh and fierce competitor after Uber confirmed its new Toronto-based engineering hub will help it expand its grocery plans. According to a report by The Star, the rideshare company’s new facility will help it develop its grocery business, product offerings, and go-to-market strategy.
“The Toronto tech office is going to build software that is going to be used by Uber worldwide,” engineering hub Site Lead Kare Kjelstrom said to The Star. “We are creating a synergy effect…and opportunity here…”
The new location, which is Uber’s first engineering-centric hub in Canada, will consist of the top five floors of 121 Bloor St. E. The site is expected to initially employ 200 workers, but this number will eventually increase to 400.
While the details of Uber’s foray into grocery haven’t been particularly forthcoming in the past couple of months, Kjelstrom did confirm to The Star that the Toronto office will focus on Uber’s grocery plans. However, those are the only details he disclosed, declining to reveal who Uber will source its products from and which grocery chains it will partner with.
“It is something we will have more about relatively soon. We are still hiring for the team and ramping it up,” he said. “We are investigating various opportunities, figuring out what markets we go to first, and who will be our partners in the space.”
Will Uber tap any of grocery’s biggest names as it continues into this retail sector? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep an eye on any and all grocery developments.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - At Viva Fresh this year, there was a dazzling array of produce on display, but one category that always draws oohs and ahhs is citrus. The tart-sweet treat that everyone craves for its flavor and variety is what Summer Citrus from South Africa is all about. Speaking with CEO Suhanra Conradie on the showroom floor, besides being delightful, was a chance to learn about the grower’s recent milestone and upcoming summer citrus season.
“2019 is a big year for Summer Citrus from South Africa; we are celebrating 20 years of success—we entered this market in 1999, and with the support of floor importers and retailers, we’ve established a really solid business here in the U.S. Relationships really form the backbone of our business,” she told me.
Suhanra clued me in to what’s ahead in citrus, and let me tell you, there’s a lot to look forward to this summer. Easy Peeler clementines will hit the market mid-May to the end of May, with oranges following close behind, becoming available around the end of June and early July. The Star Ruby Grapefruit shows up in mid-June and is available till September, and mandarins will be available August and September.
I learned from Suhanra that when Summer Citrus from South Africa first began importing into the U.S., it was basically the only country of origin on the East Coast and Australia on the West Coast. The citrus category has grown six times over the last 12 years, and that momentum coupled with a collaborative approach, continue to propell the grower forward, hopefully by another 20 years.
“A program like this cannot be successful without the support of our service providers, our importers, and our retailers, and soon you’ll be able to enjoy some sweet and delicious citrus from South Africa in the summer,” Suhanra concluded.
For more details on all your favorite summer citrus, check out our exclusive video above.
IRVINGTON, NY - BrightFarms has announced the new hire of Brian Jenny as Vice President of Sales. Jenny will lead business development as the company continues its rapid growth. He will also oversee existing retail accounts.
“BrightFarms is truly one of the most innovative companies in food,” said Jenny. “Having spent most of my career in the produce industry, this is an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I’m looking forward to helping our retail partners transform their produce departments with fresh, local produce that delights their shoppers and attracts new consumers in today’s competitive marketplace.”
According to the company’s press release, Jenny has been in influential roles with leading produce companies and industry boards for over 15 years. He most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of CC Kitchens, a division of the Castellini Group in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Jenny spent eight years with Naturipe Farms prior to Castellini, rising to Vice President and General Manager of the Value-Added division. Prior to working with Naturipe, he spent seven years with Monterey Mushrooms, where he rose up the ranks to Director of Sales for the Eastern Region.
“Brian has a demonstrated history of growing sales with many of the nation’s largest and best food retailers,” said Paul Lightfoot, CEO. “He brings to BrightFarms a wealth of produce industry knowledge and expertise.”
Jenny served as a fellow in the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program, and has since served as Chairman of the United Fresh Produce Association Fresh Cut Processor Board, and as a member of the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors. Jenny has also long been active in PMA, SEPC, and the EPC. He graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Agriculture and Applied Economics in 1996.
Congratulations to Brian Jenny from the AndNowUKnow team!
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet their contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and 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.
According to a press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- La Ganga Produce Corp., operating out of Miami, Fla., for failing to pay a $12,240 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Rogelio E. Velasquez was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- La Central Produce LLC, operating out of Forest Park, Ga., for failing to pay a $10,496 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jose J. Morales was listed as a member of the business.
- Newmarkets Inc., doing business as Back to the Land Natural Foods, operating out of Brooklyn, N.Y., for failing to pay a $15,585 award in favor of a Pennsylvania seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, David A. Basham was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- Lozamax Distributors LLC, operating out of Pharr, Texas, for failing to pay a $92,900 award in favor of an Arizona seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Joaquin Urias, Jorge Gonzales-Pardo, Rodolfo Zambrano-Gonzales, Jorge Luis Linares-Gonzales, Alejandro Rizo and Luis Espinoza-Gonzales 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, 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.
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger has recently announced a new partnership to revolutionize the way it approaches packaging. Teaming up with Loop, a circular e-commerce platform developed by TerraCycle, the retailer hopes to advance its zero-waste vision by reducing single-use plastics in the environment.
"Our commitment to innovative solutions on our path to Zero Hunger | Zero Waste aligns perfectly with Loop's mission to create a convenient circular packaging platform for consumers," said Jessica Adelman, Kroger's Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs. "Customers are increasingly seeking out sustainable products and services that fit their lifestyle. As the exclusive grocery retail partner for Loop in the U.S., Kroger is taking another big step toward a world with zero waste."
According to a press release, the new reusable packaging system will be tested out soon, enabling customers in select markets to purchase over 100 different products from prominent consumer brands that have been redesigned with durable, reusable containers. The packaging will now include reusable glass or metal containers that are directly shipped to consumers in a specially designed tote bag. After they are used, the product's packaging is retrieved through free at-home pickup, cleaned, refilled, and reused—a first-of-its-kind circular packaging system.
"Loop was designed from the ground-up to reinvent the way we consume by leveraging the sustainable, circular milkman model of yesterday with the convenience of e-commerce," said Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of Loop and TerraCycle. "TerraCycle came together with dozens of major consumer product companies from P&G to Nestle to Unilever, the World Economic Forum, logistics and transportation company UPS, and leading retailers Kroger and Walgreens to create a simple and convenient way to enjoy a wide range of products, customized in brand-specific durable and reusable packaging."
The first phase of the U.S. launch will target a select number of consumers in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Consumers in those states who are interested in being a part of the test program can visit www.thekrogerco.com/loop starting May 21 for information on how to apply to participate.
For more innovative retail packaging solutions, keep up with AndNowUKnow.
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.
RECORD RAINFALL IN CALIFORNIA ON SUNDAY
Not to belabor the point, but the excessively rainy and cold winter in California continued with record rainfall up and down the state this past Sunday. The SJ Valley, Stockton, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, etc.. all broke half-century old records. Total rainfall was anywhere from .5” to 1” depending on location. The total amount of rain for the season in Sacramento is now at 24”—40 percent above normal.
Along the coastal growing regions, Salinas also saw record amounts of rain for this date at .35”. Santa Maria also saw rain yesterday but only .2”, which, did not break the record, strangely enough.
These are not warm summer tropical rains one would expect for this time of year. These are winter storms out of Alaska, bringing cold temperatures and snow to the higher elevations. Sacramento's maximum temperature was only 57° on Sunday and Fresno's was only 67°. These regions should be in the 90°s right now, harvesting fruit for Memorial Day weekend, but they won’t even get into the 80°s until next Tuesday, May 28.
As of yesterday, when writing this article, there is another chance of rain for today, Thursday, and Saturday in the various growing regions of California.
Please check with shippers to see how production will be affected.
DESERT MELONS ALL ON COOLDOWN
Phoenix, Yuma, Imperial, and Palo Verde Valley are experiencing the effects of the storms coming through California. Although these regions won’t see any rain, they are experiencing cooler temperatures and high winds. These regions, which should all be in the mid 90°s right now, are experiencing maximum temperatures in the low to mid-70°s, with wind gusts up to 25 mph today and tomorrow. Temperatures won’t get back to normal until Friday. Coachella does have a 40 percent chance of rain tomorrow. I would think production will slow down this week due to the cold temperatures.
GEORGIA HEATWAVE WILL CONTINUE INTO NEXT WEEK
On Friday, we mentioned the heatwave coming to Georgia and northern Florida this weekend. Now, with more data available, we can see the high temperatures will continue well into next week and will peak on Tuesday, the 28th, with some locations getting as high as 102°. Look for increased production on all commodities coming from this part of the world.
MEXICO
Weather in the broccoli and lettuce regions of Mexico looks great now. In the states of Guanajuato and Aguascalientes, maximum temperatures over the next 10 days will be in the upper 80°s and mininums will be in the upper 50°s.
The San Quintín region of Baja California will experience cooler temperatures this week as part of the same storms hitting California. Maximum temperatures this week will be in the mid- to upper-60°s and minumums will be in the mid-50°s. There is about a 40 percent chance of light showers tomorrow.
In the La Laguna region of Torreon, Coahuilla, temperatures will be right around the century mark all this week, with overnight lows of around 70°. We should see good volumes of shade house veg begin to come from this region.
Citrus regions along the eastern coast of Mexico will experience a high temperature today of around 100° but will cool off during the week to a high of 90° on Saturday. The minimum temperatures will be in the mid-70°s all this week.
Thanks again, and we'll be back later this week with another weather report!