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.
FLORIDA
Florida will continue to be on the warm side all this week, up until Saturday when unstable air will come in, leading to cooler temperatures and several days of possible rain.
For the remainder of this week, expect maximum temperatures to be in the mid- to upper 80°s and minimum temperatures in the mid-60°s in all major growing regions. Come this Saturday, March 16, things will begin to change. Temperatures throughout the region will drop by 10 to 15° for both maximum and minimum, and there will be a daily chance of rain through at least Wednesday of next week.
Immokalee will see maximum temperatures only in the mid-70°s and minimum temperatures in the mid-50°s next week. It could see about .25” of rain this Sunday and another 1” of rain next Tuesday and Wednesday.
The peach growing regions of Dundee and Vero Beach will also experience cooler temperatures, with chances of rain next week.
MINI HEATWAVE COMING TO THE WEST - YUMA / COACHELLA / IMPERIAL
These regions are experiencing cooler temperatures this week, as the remnants of a lower pressure system makes its way through Southern California and southern Arizona today and tomorrow. Temperatures in general have been cool for the last several days, with some isolated light showers throughout the area yesterday. Expect temperatures to remain on the cooler side through Thursday, but on Saturday, a ridge of high pressure will cover the entire southwest, and we will finally see things warm up. The hottest temperatures will occur on Monday and Tuesday of next week with maximum temperatures in the upper 80°s. By Wednesday, March 20, the maximum temperature will come back down to the mid-80°s.
Yuma will see winds tomorrow and Thursday of up to 25 mph.
Oxnard will see its first day of temperatures above 70° in over 45 days
To say it has been an unusually cold and wet winter out West would be an understatement, with snow, rain, and below average temperatures experienced by all parts of the West. Oxnard and Santa Maria have not seen temperatures in the 70°s since January 28, but that drought will come to an end this weekend. The same high pressure affecting the desert regions will also hit the costal regions as well. Starting this Saturday, temperatures in these two regions will reach above 70°, hitting a maximum of 75° on Sunday and Monday before cooling off again starting Tuesday.
Castroville will see winds up to 40 mph today and tomorrow.
COOLDOWN COMING TO THE NORTHWEST OF MEXICO THIS WEEK
1. CULICAN
Culiacan will cool down tonight and tomorrow, with maximum temperatures reaching 83° and minimum temperatures reaching 49°. On Thursday, it will begin to warm up again, with a high of 90° and minimum temperatures in the mid 50°s. There is no rain in the 10-day forecast.
2. CIUDAD OBREGON, SONORA, TO SEE RAIN AND COOL TEMPERATURES
This growing region in the state of Sonora is a large spring season growing location for tomatoes and other vegetables that will start later this month or early next month. This region will experience cooler temperatures and rain starting this weekend and lasting through at least next Wednesday. Between Saturday and Tuesday, there is a chance of up to 1” of rain. Next Monday through Wednesday will see the coolest temperatures, with maximum temperatures of only 69° and minimum temperatures of 47°.
3. HERMOSILLO WILL ALSO SEE COOLER TEMPERATURES
Today in Hermosillo the maximum temperature will be 16° cooler than yesterday, with a high of 65°. The minimum temperature tonight will only be 49°. Cooler temperatures will continue through Saturday, with Wednesday and Thursday being the coldest nights of the week, with a minimum temperature of 46°. This region is the main grape growing region of Mexico that should begin harvest sometime in mid-April.
Thank you again for your support, and we will be back on Friday with another update.
MORGAN HILL, CA - Some of you may not yet be aware, but I’m a little obsessed with tomatoes. Ask anyone who knows me, and they might say something along the lines of, “Oh, yeah, that weird tomato girl.” But Sakata Seed understands my love for these fruits, and I’m sure the company would encourage me—and consumers—to get out there and get our tomato on.
I had the chance to talk to Raul Morales, Specialty Tomato Product Manager for Sakata Mexico; Kimberly Kuden, Senior Protected Culture Manager, Sakata Seed America; and Tyler Hoopes, Protected Culture Specialist, Sakata Seed America, about the company’s current specialty tomato program.
An abundance of varieties are being harvested in Mexico, Florida, and California, including Sweet Hearts, Amai, Conde, Ruby Crush, Carmesin, Mistral, and Sweet Treats. Raul explained to me that although frosts in Mexico occurred during December and January, the quality of the tomatoes coming out of the company's growing regions is still good overall. As for Sakata's protected tomato offerings in California, Kimberly and Tyler added that quality is excellent there, too.
Sakata’s specialty tomato program now has additional products to satisfy grower needs, such as cherry and grape tomatoes in different colors. The program also provides year-round supply and a dedication to reducing shrink, Tyler tells me.
“We’re constantly attending to growers' needs because we study the market and know what they want. We work together,” Raul explains to me. “We have strong relationships with almost every specialty tomato grower in Mexico.”
When I ask what’s next for the program, they all have exciting news to share with me.
“In the upcoming year, we are launching an array of colored varieties with flavor and high yield, including some of our brand new commercial varieties, Chocostar—a new brown grape variety—and Royalstar—an orange cherry tomato variety,” Kimberly tells me.
Raul adds, “And full-flavored varieties are currently in development in order to cater to high-tech growers' demands.”
As the company continues to ensure that quality and supply are consistent year-round, AndNowUKnow will be on the lookout for its latest and greatest tomato varieties.
FOWLER, CA - It’s time for citrus lovers to throw their hands up in the air, and party like they just don’t care, because Bee Sweet Citrus’ Star Ruby grapefruit is back and better than ever! However, the coveted citrus won’t be around forever, so consumers and retailers are encouraged to jump on board the grapefruit train and take advantage of its availability over the next few months. Here’s to several scurvy-free months!
"Every year, Star Ruby grapefruit continue to grow in popularity and take the produce industry by storm," said Sales Representative Joe Berberian. "This variety is less acidic than other grapefruit varieties and has many health benefits."
Aside from being beautiful and one of the reddest grapefruit varieties around, Star Ruby grapefruit is a nutritional powerhouse while remaining low in calories. With its abundance of vitamin C and fiber, the grapefruit variety can provide shoppers with over half their recommended daily intake of vitamin C, while promoting a healthy digestive system.
"While all grapefruit varieties are known for its acidic bite, the Star Ruby variety meets the needs of those who like sweet, tart citrus," said Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue, in a press release. "Less acidic than other grapefruit, this variety possesses all the characteristics needed for a healthy brunch treat, or a tart cocktail recipe."
Star Ruby grapefruit contains one of the highest amounts of Lycopene—a naturally-occurring pigment and powerful antioxidant that is responsible for the fruit’s blushed rind and stunning red flesh. Lycopene is also known to aid heart and skin health and can help strengthen one’s immune system.
The ultra-photogenic fruit’s nutrition and flavor make it a perfect ingredient for both upscale specialty dishes, or just on its own, so don’t miss out on this all-star citrus.
To stay fully up-to-date on all fruit and veg varieties, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Raley’s continues to expand. The grocer recently announced the progress of its new flagship store and neighborhood retail center, which is set to be located at the corner of Freeport Boulevard and Wentworth Avenue in Sacramento, CA. According to a report by The Sacramento Bee, this announcement follows the settlement of a lawsuit and yearlong neighborhood dispute that had formerly prevented the retailer from beginning construction.
“With a strong history of serving this neighborhood, we are pleased to provide our customers with an enhanced food shopping experience and a brand-new store,” said Keith Knopf, President & Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “We designed this store with the neighborhood in mind—offering specialized design features, fresh food offerings, and personalized customer service.”
A modern day “town and country” center, The Park is being developed by Preserve West Capital and will feature a cluster of smaller buildings with abundant outdoor gathering areas. A new, state-of-the-art Raley’s Market will be the star of the show, extending the Raley’s vision to infuse life with health and happiness. The store will offer an extensive variety of natural and organic products, including fresh grocery items; a full-service deli, sushi, and bakery departments; and grab-and-go prepared foods.
An additional 44,000 square feet is reserved for other shops and restaurants, including Orange Theory Fitness, Supercuts, Pet Food Express, Chase Bank, and CAMP 31—a restaurant operated by the Moana Restaurant Group. More local and regional tenants are set to be announced at a later date.
Prep work for the site is planned to begin later this month, into early April, weather permitting, of course. Remaining structures on the property will be demolished first, followed by an official groundbreaking on May 9, 2019. The center is slated to open to the public in early 2020. The Raley’s location on Freeport will remain open throughout the transition and construction.
Will the new center blow the minds of shoppers? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated.
NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Welcome back to another episode of Produce Takeovers: Fast Food edition! Last time, we celebrated a plant-based win after Taco Bell announced it would be testing its first vegetarian-friendly menu items. This week, we’re sticking to Latin American-inspired fare and once again raising the roof in honor of a fast-casual chain getting with the vegan program. Chipotle just revealed it is launching “Plant-Powered” Lifestyle Bowl options, perfect for vegetarians, flexitarians, and the produce-enthused. I’m telling you, produce is truly the missing piece all fast food chains need!
“We’ve found that many people are increasingly looking for plant-based protein options, so we wanted to make it easy for our customers with digital shortcuts for these bowls,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer. “Since introducing Sofritas five years ago, Chipotle has provided flavorful options for every lifestyle, while simultaneously doing something good for the planet.”
The new bowl options come in vegan- and vegetarian-friendly options with organic plant-based protein as the base. Oh, and obviously guacamole—can’t forget about the guac! According to a press release, the latest menu additions are the first extensions of Chipotle’s Lifestyle Bowl offering, which launched earlier this year with Keto, Paleo, Whole30, and double protein diet-approved menu options.
Repeat after me in your best little kid voice: Ohmygod, I love Chipotle; Chipotle is my life!
Which fast food chain will be the next to wave the plant-based flag as more consumers lean into to meatless lifestyles? I’m hoping its In-N-Out! California represent!
ORLANDO, FL - I am a creature of habit, and one of my absolute favorite ways to begin each year and the trade show circuit is with the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) Southern Exposure extravaganza. This year’s theme? Well, a celebration of course, as SEPC commemorates its 20th anniversary with “Produce like it’s 1999.” An event that remains close to my heart, Southern Exposure brings the best of our industry under one roof to talk shop about produce excellence, the challenges and opportunities of today, and the direction our best efforts can take us as we look to excel on the national and global stage.
To give a break down of the event by the numbers, SEPC President and CEO David Sherrod joins me as he finally comes up for air from the whirlwind event that took place March 7 – 9, 2019 at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Drumroll, please...
- 273 Booths
- Over 2,500 Attendees
- Over 500 Buyers
- 2 Gators
- 4 Great Education Sessions
- 14 STAR Students
- 12 Step-UPP Participants
“Each year, the tremendous turnout at Southern Exposure really amazes me as well as the wonderful responses we get from our attendees. We know we are giving our attendees what they want when they actually say that our only problem is that they have too many customers attending!” David says and laughs. “It is a testament to the dedication of our membership, staff, and board that makes this event the success it has become. We have truly been blessed over the past 20 years, and we hope and pray it will continue to flourish every year.”
In addition, David adds that the association introduced its new Southern Exposure USA community to expo attendees which highlights the farms, communities, and people we all depend on to grow, sell, and buy the wonderful products.
“We also featured our SEPC University area that housed our Bright Ideas New Arrivals and brand new Innovation Stations. Both were received with great reviews and praise,” David adds. “We also want to thank our retail, foodservice, and wholesale attendees for their commitment and support to SEPC.”
Stephanie Hilton, Marketing & Business Development at Tom Lange Company and a member of the Board of Directors for SEPC also shares her impression of the event.
“SEPC’s value is truly immeasurable,” she says. “The multiple platforms the event provides give everyone the ability to interact with both industry peers and customers in a warm and friendly atmosphere. I am grateful and proud to be a part of this organization.”
Themed “Produce like it’s 1999,” the opening reception brought excitement to attendees including a band featuring Prince cover songs, a costume contest, and BMX riders who brought David Sherrod himself into their fold—or rather, under it—as a high-flying cyclist jumped over David's head at the event's innagural ceremony.
Speaking of more of those exciting elements of this year’s show—the educational sessions, luncheons, and keynotes were events to be rivaled. The activities spanned from The Tom Page Golf Classic to STARS and STEP-UPP events. Also on the list were The Healing Benefits of Produce as well as The Power of Produce to the Southern Roots Luncheon and Food Safety Continuing Connection Session where Wegman’s Dave Corsi and Food Safety expert Trevor Suslow discussed the current and emerging funded research for The Center for Produce Safety while addressing food safety issues that have been top of mind this past year.
DMA Solutions President and CEO Dan’l Mackey Almy spoke at the STARS Breakfast and welcomed a class of fresh produce participants who will help shine a brighter light on what we do and will make a difference in how we do it.
"We inherently have what all big food companies want: healthy, fresh solutions to the world’s demands and challenges. What we need to do is tell a better story. I go to bed every night knowing we market something that has grown out of the ground, and the work that we do every day is always for the greater good,” Dan’l shares with us.
Dan’l also noted that the fresh produce industry's economic impact is over 500 billion dollars annually and that fresh produce consistently ranks among the top most profitable and largest growing departments at retail and in foodservice.
Also bringing his experience with SEPC is Dave Corsi, Vice President of Produce and Floral for Wegmans Food Markets, as well as The Center for Produce Safety's Board Chair, who shares some of his thoughts with us as we spoke about today’s issues and how the industry is part of the solution.
"There are many values to express but let me convey two. The first is the intimate setting, allowing for multiple networking opportunities at Southern Exposure. The size and setting are manageable, making it easy to navigate around the exhibit, having quality time to talk with our partners, and then provide exposure to others," Dave Corsi, tells me. "The second value is in allowing an educational opportunity to talk about The Center for Produce Safety. The center, to me, is an advocate for prevention efforts. Our industry has been critically wounded by FDA Advisories. If we don’t apply our learning from applicable food safety science, then our industry will continue to be vulnerable to future outbreaks. CPS provides the platform to learn more about harmful pathogens not only growing in the environment but in other parts of the supply chain."
Dave adds that the transference of these pathogens is the target.
"If we can supply more science to understand where these bad bugs live and grow, we can apply best practices to limit the contamination. These are key preventative measures, which are necessary for reducing outbreaks. That’s where Wegmans wants to be, on the path of prevention," he says.
While many of the topics were serious and always impactful in nature, Southern Exposure also looked to celebrate the event with awards, honors, and more! Here are a handful of what was presented:
- Booth Contests Winners:
- 1st Place: Dave's Specialty Imports
- 2nd Place: Good Foods Group
- Third Place: 3rd Place: Mucci Farms and the National Watermelon Board
- Costume Contest:
- 1st Place: Reichel Foods: Michael Adams and Leisa Zanders
- 2nd Place: DiMare Fresh
- 3rd Place: Andrew Scott and Nickey Gregory
- Tom Page Gold Classic Winning Team:
- 1st Place: The Palm Course: Bill Pollard, Howard Loralee, Aaron Miller, and Steve Burch
- 1st Place: The Magnolia Course: Dave Yeager, Walter Vaughn, Kenneth Todd, and Derek Ennis
- 2019 Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipient:
- John Mocettini, son of Paul and Karen Mocettini, Muzzi Family Farms
Mike Roberts, Director of Produce Operations at Harps Food Stores and a member of the Board of Directors for SEPC says it perfectly.
“The atmosphere at SEPC Southern Exposure is unmatched in the industry,” he shares. “The ease of networking, educational seminars, and programs that give back to, and invest in, the produce industry are just some of the top things I love about SEPC as a whole and the events in which they provide to engage us all.”
Food Lion's Fruit Category Manager Nicole Hulstein added, “The Southeast Produce Council puts on an extraordinary event. The value delivered via the educational sessions and Southern Roots alone would be worth the trip! The atmosphere to create connections generating dialogue and idea sharing provides the maximum returns for both grower/shippers and retailers alike. My only regret is that time didn’t stretch enough to have more of those conversations!”
SEPC's Southern Exposure may be in the books, but we will continue to bring you coverage of the action-packed event throughout the week.
WATSONVILLE, CA - I’ll be honest, I’m not one to ride bikes—never really learned. But I can certainly appreciate other people riding bikes, especially if it’s for charity. Presented by The California Giant Foundation, Tour de Fresh has announced the new 2019 route for its sixth annual ride to benefit the Salad Bars to Schools public health campaign. This year’s four-day ride will take place in the fall, and riders will be treated to the picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal highways as their backdrop.
“We’re so excited and appreciative of the support we’ve garnered over the years,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms, in a press release. “The amount of dedication and training that our riders endure for this cause inspires all of us volunteers to work harder for Tour de Fresh.”
Riders will begin their journey in Carmel, continuing along the breathtaking and historic Big Sur Highway 1 to Cambria. On the second day the course takes riders south from Morro Rock to Solvang, subsequently returning to the coastal highway from Carpentaria to Redondo Beach on the third day. On the fourth and final day, the group will ride from Redondo Beach inland to Anaheim, landing on the steps of the convention center, just in time for the 2019 PMA Fresh Summit.
Tour de Fresh riders will raise money for salad bars in the following districts:
- Rosedale Union School District (CA)
- Lost Hills Union School District (CA)
- Acalanes Union High School District (CA)
- Mt. Shasta Union School District (CA)
- Palmdale School District (CA)
- Mother Lode Union School District (CA)
- Ramona Unified School District (CA)
- South Whittier School District (CA)
- Barrow County Schools (GA)
- Wadsworth City Schools (OH)
- Washington County Schools (TN)
- Fort Worth ISD (TX)
Participants including industry leaders, riders, and friends and family of riders will have the opportunity to do good by supporting a cause that has impacted approximately $1.3 million in additional produce sales by placing salad bars in schools across the country. The key regions identified have asked for multiple salad bars for a total of 45 to serve the communities with the greatest need.
Sponsorship opportunities to support childhood nutrition are still available, and if you choose to join the cause and take advantage of this marketing opportunity leading up to Fresh Summit, you will be in good company alongside these current sponsors: Americold, AndNowUKnow, Basil Seasonal Dining, California Giant Berry Farms, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Coosemans, DMA Solutions, Earthbound Farm, Emerson, Fresh Plaza, Good Foods, Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, iTradeNetwork, JAZZ Apple, Lipman Produce, Mission Produce, Paramount Export, Produce Marketing Association, Regal Marketing, Renaissance Food Group, Robinson Fresh, Sakata Seed, Specialty Produce, SunFed Perfect Produce, and Western Precooling.
To give back and be a part of the childhood nutrition movement, please visit www.tourdefresh.com or contact the Tour de Fresh team directly at [email protected].
BENTONVILLE, AK - February and Valentine’s Day may be long gone, but Walmart has still decided to share the love with a recent announcement that over 912,000 U.S. associates will get a share of almost $207 million in cash bonuses in response to the mega retailer’s better-than-expected fourth-quarter performance.
“We are very proud of our associates and the commitment they show to Walmart,” said Damir Hasic, a Walmart Store Manager in Phoenix, AZ, in a press release. “They work very hard to serve our customers and help us achieve our goals, so we love being able to thank them with performance bonuses each year.”
As reported by CNBC, the company recently reported strong fourth-quarter earnings with shares at $1.41, higher than the expected $1.33 per share. E-commerce sales also saw an increase of 43 percent.
The bonuses have already gone out in paychecks and average about $225 per employee.
Walmart had recently announced in January 2018 that it would be increasing its starting wage rate to $11 per hour, disappointing activists who were pushing for a $15 increase.
“We have been investing in our associates through pay increases, training, benefits, and bonuses, and it is really paying off,” said Kate Mora, Regional General Manager of North Carolina, in a press release.
The company reported that the bonuses are a part of a larger incentive plan intended to reward employees whose stores “achieve sales and customer service goals.” Bonuses are not foreign to Walmart employees, as nearly $800 million in bonuses were distributed in full fiscal year 2018, and $625 million the year before, a company spokesperson told CNBC.
“At Walmart, we believe in celebrating our associates and sharing in the company’s wins,” said Steven Reed, Walmart Regional General Manager in Arizona. “We are committed to investing in our people and making sure they know that their tireless dedication is what makes our stores successful.”
Will this new incentive strategy result in happier, more contented workers? And how will that play out in Walmart's future development? AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-date on all developments.
DUBLIN, IRELAND - On the occasion of International Women’s Day, worldwide importer and distributor of tropical produce and mushrooms Fyffes has announced the official launch of its new Global Gender Equality Program.
“I am pleased to be officially launching Fyffes Gender Equality Program on International Women’s Day,” said Global Director of Sustainability Julie Cournoyer, in a press release. “I would like to thank our partners for supporting what I believe is a very relevant project: focusing on improving conditions for women both on our farms as well as at home. Fyffes will learn from Costa Rica and Honduras as we continue to implement the Program across all Fyffes operations globally by 2021.”
The program, which began on two of Fyffes’ melon farms in Honduras and a pineapple farm in Costa Rica, helps the company realize one of its strategic sustainability imperatives— gender equality. The company’s goal in that respect, Fyffes noted in its press release, is closely aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal for Gender Equality.
“The aim of the Gender Equality Program is to identify challenges to equality faced by women both in the workplace and in their communities. The issues are likely to vary from region to region given the culture and local context. Interventions taken by Fyffes to advance female equality will be adapted accordingly,” the company noted in its press release. “The program gives workers a confidential platform to highlight barriers at work and at home. It will give them skills to become decision-makers and leaders in the workplace, as well as at home with their families and their communities.”
Fyffes’ new Global Gender Equality Program is being funded, in part, by the IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative and conducted in collaboration with Business for Social Responsibility, the Alianza Empresarial para el Desarrollo in Costa Rica, and the Fundación Hondureña de Responsibilidad Social Empresarial in Honduras.
To date, Fyffes’ program has conducted independent survey interviews with 90 female and 113 male workers, as well as 7 managers in Honduras. In Costa Rica, the program has undertaken interviews with 21 women, 32 men, and 7 managers.
Survey findings have revealed that most workers have a clear understanding of what is not acceptable behavior at work—including sexual harassment, harsh discipline, or violence. There is, the company noted, less awareness of company policies regarding these behaviors. Many workers said they would be reluctant to challenge these behaviors or make formal complaints. In one instance, two thirds of female workers interviewed in Costa Rica and 40 percent of female workers in Honduras said they felt others would disapprove if they made a sexual harassment claim. Fyffes has thus undertaken to better communicate its policies on these behaviors.
The Global Gender Equality Program is also establishing gender committees who will be trained on a number of gender-related issues like gender-based violence, maternal health, family planning, sexual harassment, communication, and confidence building. Committee members will act as change agents in their workplace and their communities; they will give workers the confidence to tackle inappropriate workplace behavior and inform Fyffes ongoing financial investment to tackle these issues.
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
ELGIN, MN - Remember the excitement of fall and apple season? Consumers jump for joy while snacking, juicing, or baking with their favorite round fruit. Good news everyone: Shoppers and retailers don’t have to wait till fall, since Honeybear Brands is already shipping the company’s 2019 Chilean Honeycrisps. The company, a top importer from the Southern Hemisphere, is an expert on the ever-popular Honeycrisps. The first fresh-picked crop of Honeycrisp apples should be hitting retailers’ shelves no later than April 15.
“The difference in the overall eating quality, juicy taste, firm texture, and balanced flavor of these fresh picked Honeycrisps from Chile versus what’s currently available in stores is absolutely night and day,” commented Don Roper, Vice President Sales and Marketing, in a press release. “And that’s deliberate. We invested heavily in our orchards in Chile more than a decade ago and we’ve been at work ever since growing production and fine tuning quality so that we can bring our nationwide retail partners something they can’t find anywhere else at this time of year: the freshest tasting Honeycrisp on the apple deck. Our vertically integrated program insures that customers receive the best tasting and highest quality product in the marketplace because its shipped directly from the orchard and packed to order for our customers in the United States.”
The 2019 crop is the largest production volume of high-quality fruit to ever come out of Honeybear Brands’ Southern Hemisphere orchards for two key reasons. This season saw exceptional growing conditions with the perfect balance of warm days, cooler nights, and perfect rainfall, which ensured the classic traits of the Honeycrisp apple: high color, firm texture, and a juicy, crisp bite. Another contributing factor is the company’s team-on-the-ground’s precision work in gowing, picking, and packing premium quality apples.
“Our agronomic team in Chile truly are Honeycrisp experts,” added Roper. “They’re multi-generation farmers who know what it takes to grow truly market-leading varieties and incredible apples. And they understand how to get the most out of their soil, microclimate, and growing conditions to produce a healthy, exceptional tasting apple.”
Honeybear planted its first Chilean Honeycrisp in 2008 in the Araucania region of Southern Chile, where production has grown to more than 400,000 cases in 2019. Honeybear’s Chilean presence and diligent growing practices makes it one of the leading importers of pears and apples, including the coveted Honeycrisp. Also a leading organic Honeycrisp importer with supply doubling compared to 2018, the company has been transitioning more acreage from conventional to organic production. Honeybear has also made significant investments over the past few years in tree to table supply chain management both nationally and internationally, upgrading standards and practices across every touch point of the apple’s journey to the consumer’s table.
“If you’re growing the best fruit it is just as important to have a best-in-class supply chain from picking and packing to storage and distribution,” said Roper. “Any retailer currently working with us either in the U.S. or overseas can expect one thing: best in class logistics, cold chain management, and support services tailored to their needs. We pride ourselves on that as much as the quality of our apples.”
The University of Minnesota, developer and owner of the original variety, granted Honeybear Brands and parent Wescott Agri Products exclusive production and commercialization rights. One of the first to grow Honeycrisp in Washington state and Chile, the company is widely recognized as one of the premier Honeycrisp labels in the United States.
For more updates on popular fruit availability, keep reading AndNowUKnow.