MCLEAN, VA - This week, Gladstone Commercial Corporation announced it completed a $3.5 million acquisition of an industrial freezer/cooler building in Indianapolis, Indiana. The acquisition helps Gladstone Commercial meet its strategy of acquiring high-quality industrial assets in one of its target growth markets.
"This acquisition continues our strategy of growing our industrial allocation by investing in high quality industrial properties in our target markets," said Bob Cutlip, President of Gladstone Commercial.
The building, located in Park 100 and currently occupied by Midwest distributor Indianapolis Fruit Company (IF&P), is 34,800 square feet but is expandable by 13,000 square feet. According to a press release, IF&P provides fresh, frozen, and packaged produce varieties, as well as prepared meal components, to over 7,500 customer locations and over 450 suppliers, including grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and food management companies. The distributor recently executed a long-term NNN lease at the property, with ten years remaining as of the acquisition date.
"This acquisition adds to our overall industrial portfolio and marks our entry into the industrial sector in Indianapolis, a target market for us that has emerged as a major domestic logistics hub," said Matt Tucker, Gladstone Commercial's Senior Managing Director of the Northeast/Midwest Region. "Park 100 is a well-established industrial park with strong fundamentals that provides exceptional infrastructure access. There is limited freezer/cooler space in the Indianapolis market and growing demand, and we expect that trend to continue to the benefit of our shareholders with this investment."
The initial capitalization rate for the acquisition was 7.2%, with an average capitalization rate of 7.9%, according to a press release.
For more acquisitions, expansions, and produce-centric coverage, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
LEAMINGTON, ON - It’s been only three months since Pure Flavor® picked its first pieces of produce from the company’s new Fort Valley, Georgia, greenhouse facility, but the company has already set its sights on changing the landscape of the southeast U.S. Pure Flavor is celebrating its expansive accomplishment in a big way, this week, at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure in Orlando, Florida, where the company’s focus will be on promoting the new Georgia greenhouse.
“When we put the first shovel in the ground 18 months ago, we knew we had our work cut out for us as a project of this scope had never been built in in the Southeast,” said Jamie Moracci, President, in a press release. “We have a strong leadership team in place who have embraced the opportunity to create impact with a great product; the feedback from customers has been fantastic.”
Phase 1 was completed in late Fall 2018, with the first crops of cucumbers and tomatoes picked in early December 2018, and the next two phases are to be built across 25 acres over 5 years.
The new greenhouse in Fort Valley, Georgia, is currently growing the following items:
- Tomatoes on The Vine
- Sweet Red Cocktail Tomatoes
- Long English Cucumbers
- Mini Cucumbers
“Our team has done a great job in Fort Valley getting our first growing season under our belts. Learning how a crop will react to the environment has been a great experience to date and our growers are adapting it to ensure the plants our producing in an optimal environment,” commented Matt Mastronardi, Executive Vice-President.
A vertically-integrated vegetable company with a family of growers throughout North America, Pure Flavor is prepped to partner with more and more produce purveyors throughout the Southeast.
According to the company’s press release, Pure Flavor’s new Georgia facility has opened its doors with a local product to service key retail and foodservice partners in the region. This has also allowed Pure Flavor to open other markets with additional product as the company’s family of growers continues to expand season over season.
“When it comes to bringing new products to market like our new Georgia tomatoes and cucumbers, we have embraced the Georgia Grown brand to ensure that our customers know where the product is grown and who grew it,” said Chris Veillon, Chief Marketing Officer. “The response to new products has been very positive on all fronts with feedback coming across all social channels and email. The new tomatoes and cucumbers were served recently at the Governor of Georgia’s Inaugural Luncheon when he took office.”
Additionally, the company noted, construction of a new 60,000-square-foot distribution center will finish construction this spring.
Located just off I-75, just minutes from the new greenhouse facility, Pure Flavor’s new distribution center will serve as a consolidation point, providing the company with an opportunity to provide retailers and foodservice partners in the Southeast with a greater assortment of Pure Flavor® greenhouse grown vegetables.
Pure Flavor’s new distribution center will join DCs in Leamington, ON; Romulus, MI; and San Antonio, TX, to support its vast network of growers throughout North America.
Interested in learning more about Pure Flavor’s growing operations? Visit booth #1120 at SEPC’s Southern Exposure in Orlando, FL, March 9th, and check out the company’s website for more information.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest in fresh produce news.
WASHINGTON, DC - In an unprecedented move, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb has announced his decision to resign.
An administration official familiar with the situation confirmed this announcement on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, CNN reported. The official reported that Gottlieb’s plans to resign have been in the works for some time, as he commutes weekly to Washington from his home in Connecticut. He is allegedly leaving to spend more time with his family.
In a recent tweet, Gottlieb stated that he is “grateful for the opportunity to help lead this wonderful agency, for the support of my colleagues, for the public health goals we advanced together, and the strong support of Secretary Azar and President Trump.”
Although there is no suggestion that Gottlieb is resigning due to tumultuous reception of the FDA and the CDC’s handling of the E. coli outbreaks last year, those in our industry remember the somewhat fractious nature between ag and the federal agency. Both agencies, the FDA and the CDC, faced criticism from our industry for its possible role in stoking the flames of consumer fear after the E. coli outbreaks in November of last year.
Who will head the helm of the agency? And how will issues of food safety be affected? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep its eyes and ears open for all updates.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - No carrot-and-stick scenarios for Grimmway Farms or those it serves! The company has activated its Sparks, GA, carrot packing facility to give that cliché a rest and ensure customers have a regional solution through mid-May.
“Sourcing carrots from our Sparks, GA, facility is a great option for customers and distribution centers in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest,” said Vice President of Sales Mike Anspach. “We offer great quality and service as our customers have come to expect from Grimmway, and Sparks provides a seamless transition for regional partners during this season of local availability.”
The California-based company is offering conventional cello and jumbo carrots. According to a press release, product is grown in the Southeast and packed under the Grimmway Farms, Bunny Luv, and Premier labels at its Sparks facility by appointment Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
You can find out all about it straight from the team this week in Orlando, FL. The company is set to showcase its full set of fresh carrot products and organic vegetable offerings at SEPC's Southern Exposure. Stop by booth #1010 for more on carrots, as well as all of Grimmway’s seasonal and year-round programs.
OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce recently announced its elevated ripening and merchandising program “Ready,” which is specifically designed to give avocado consumers the perfect 'cado experience. This program offers a variety of engaging, informative merchandising tools, all of which promote two ripening stages: a hard piece of stage 2 fruit (“Ready in a Couple Days”) and a ready-to-eat piece of stage 4 fruit (“Ready for Tonight”). When implemented, “Ready” will reduce retail shrink, expand the avocado category, and improve customer satisfaction.
“Avocado consumption is growing; however, there is room to strengthen the category,” said Ross Wileman, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, in a press release. “Retailers are always asking us for new ways to further increase sales and entice shoppers, and ‘Ready’ is it.”
Not only does “Ready” benefit the retailer, but it also improves the customer experience.
“Now shoppers can buy avocados for that night’s meal and stock up for a party they plan to host that weekend,” stated Patrick Cortes, Senior Director of Business Development.
Since retailers traditionally do not merchandise two avocado specs side-by-side, Mission Produce’s Marketing Department worked diligently to create point-of-sale material that would bolster the program.
“We wanted the visuals to be effective and appealing,” said Director of Marketing Denise Junqueiro. “This includes ‘Ready’ signage in various formats of display and education. We labeled the stage 2 fruit as ‘Ready in a Couple Days’ and the stage 4 fruit as ‘Ready for Tonight.’ We are confident the POS material will speak to the consumer.”
Wileman concluded, stating that, “Mission Produce is paving the way for a new, multifaceted avocado ripening and merchandising program; one that is equally exciting for both the avocado handler and consumer. ‘Ready’ is the perfect solution for retailers who are seeking to advertise two different stages of the ‘world’s finest avocados.'”
Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow to learn about the latest and greatest in produce programs!
MIAMI, FL - Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure conference is fast approaching and I know everyone is excited to get down to Orlando and hob-nob with the best in the biz. Sadly I will not be in attendance (insert crying face emoji), but I got the chance to talk with Katiana Valdes, Marketing Director for Crystal Valley Foods, who told me all about what the company will be highlighting at the conference. Great, way to give me FOMO!
“The SEPC always had great buyer attendance, and we are looking forward to being able to meet with many of our customers as well as have the opportunity to meet and interact with prospective buyers,” said Katiana.
Crystal Valley Foods will be showcasing not just its stellar fruits and veg, but also new packaging and value-added products sure to make retailers and shoppers swoon.
“We have recently redesigned our packaging, and we are excited to show off the bold new ‘look’ at SEPC this year,” Katiana told me. “We will also be showcasing our extensive line of value-added products including our value-added asparagus, which includes a 1 pound and 2 pound full-length asparagus and 8 oz tips in an extended shelf-life, microwaveable bag.”
Fruit fans will also be satisfied at the Crystal Valley Foods booth, as blueberries will be another featured item. With peak blueberry season creeping up, starting in mid-March, the Florida-grown, poppable treats will be in ready supply for eager consumers. The company’s conventional blueberries are available in 6 oz and pint size packages, and organic blueberries will be available in 6 oz clams.
The company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is showing no signs of slowing down. Crystal Valley Foods is laser-focused on growth and diversification in 2019, and it has exciting things in the pipeline. Its Miami warehouse is set to be expanded and updated, helping the company increase cold-storage capacity, value-added output, and the ability to offer additional services like consolidation, cross-docking, and handling for customers and suppliers. The company’s berry program is also on the rise, with domestic volume increasing with the addition of new growing regions (including Georgia) throughout the season. With so many plans and ambitions in the works, it’s not hard to see why this is a company with a solid history in the industry and great things ahead.
“We have come a long way since shipping our first box of asparagus in 1994, and we are looking forward to many more years of business,” concluded Katiana.
If you’re interested in checking out what Crystal Valley Foods has to offer, head on over to booth #319 at Southern Exposure, March 7-9.
VANCOUVER, BC - The Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure is right around the corner, and I for one am especially excited. Being my first foray into Southern hospitality, I can’t wait to shake hands and meet all the great produce people I write about! One such company is Oppy, whose Business Development Representative, Caitlin Klueber, clued me in on what it will be showcasing and why the intimate show is such a staple to the industry.
“First and foremost, we’re there to represent our growers,” Caitlin began. “We really look forward to SEPC every year because it has limited exhibitors. It’s typically a more intimate show where we have the time to connect and have meaningful conversations with our customers and other suppliers in the industry.”
Highlighting items such as Jazz™, Envy™, and Pacific Rose™ apples, Ocean Spray blueberries, Zespri® green and SunGold™ kiwifruit, and organic sweet bell and mini peppers from Divemex, Oppy is ready to highlight its strength as an importer and marketing company.
“Oppy is one of the largest importers of Chilean produce. The show is well represented with all facets of the industry being there, so it’s a good snapshot of what it’s like to do business in the Southeast,” Caitlin explained.
Oppy has further plans on the horizon after SEPC, sharing with me that the Envy Roadshow is moving up the East Coast through April. The company is also looking towards preparation for the New Zealand season of import apples and kiwifruit.
To learn more about what’s up with Oppy, be sure to be on the lookout for Oppy folks milling around at the show!
BATAVIA, IL - Two of Europe’s premier discount grocers may be sparring in U.S. court soon. Aldi is suing two former employees, along with rival retailer Lidl, for allegedly stealing proprietary information, according to a Triangle Business Journal report.
According to that report, Aldi’s lawsuit—filed in North Carolina by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney on behalf of Aldi—targets two former employees Bruna Maraccini and Colleen Savory. The suit alleges that Maraccini—who held various roles including Director of Operations and Director of Real Estate for Aldi—retained a number of confidential assets after leaving Aldi, violated a noncompete agreement, and went on to share confidential data with rival retailer Lidl. The suit also claims that Maraccini enlisted Savory’s aid to steal information from Aldi when Savory was serving as a Real Estate Assistant.
“ALDI has and will suffer immediate and irreparable harm if Maraccini’s violation of her contractual obligations to ALDI and both Maraccini and Savory’s misappropriation of ALDI’s Confidential Information and Trade Secrets are not immediately enjoined,” Aldi alleged in the complaint.
The complaint cites email records and a removable storage device retrieved from Savory’s desk, which suggest the two colluded to take and share sensitive data including files on project timelines, project costs, and purchase agreements.
Both Aldi and Lidl have been aggressively expanding stateside. In 2017, Aldi announced plans to expand precipitously; the retailer introduced a $3.4 billion investment intended to bring the company’s U.S. store count to 2,500 by 2022. Lidl first entered the U.S. market in July of 2017 and has since been pursing a similarly expansive strategy throughout the Eastern U.S.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Turkish narcotics police uncovered an absolutely unapPEELing batch of bananas earlier this week—words I never thought I’d say about the crescent-shaped fruit. According to a report by Daily Sabah, authorities seized 185 kilograms (408 pounds) of cocaine hidden amidst a shipment of bananas from Ecuador.
The illicit substance, which the news source reports is worth approximately $9.3 million, was uncovered after the Istanbul Security Directorate’s narcotics units received a tipoff that a certain shipping container might be full of more than just bananas.
While authorities have not determined just who picked our precious fruit for such a nefarious deed, the produce industry can rest easy knowing that the Turkish police force is on the case and dedicated to putting an end to international drug trafficking, produce-related and otherwise.
For more produce busts, raids, and close calls, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest.
KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - A lot can happen in just a few months time—for Mucci Farms it is the bridge from a “seasonal” grower to “year-round.”
“The standard growing season for greenhouse growers in cold climate regions is typically in the 8-9 month range yearly. Our Winter Program allows us to extend that season to 12 months,” says Joe Spano, Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
In addition to a global network of over 1000 acres, the company owns and operates nearly 250 acres of tomato, pepper, cucumber, lettuce, and strawberry greenhouses, of which, Spano explains, about 100 acres are under grow lights.
“We continue to aggressively expand our grow light acreage and encourage our grower partners to do the same," he says. "Our goal is to have all of our high-tech glass facilities ‘under lights’ in the near future.”
“Our winter program has helped us accommodate today’s increased demands for local production,” he explains. “Every generation raises the emphasis on where their food comes from, and today’s young generation is no different as they are particularly invested in the concept of local, as they care about locally grown products for more reasons than geography.”
The company notes that today’s young demographics, in particular, associate locally-grown fresh produce with environmental responsibility, local employment along the supply chain, food safety and traceability, as well as a sense of pride and obligation to support local companies.
Additional advantages grow lights offer include:
- Consistent year-round supply
- Consistent quality of product
- Ability to accurately forecast product supply
- Less travel miles, ensuring longer shelf-life and reducing shrink
“Retailers partnering with us can expect to work with a vertically-integrated company that takes care of each end of the process. Our goal is to work in partnership with our clients rather than have a transactional relationship," Joe says. "We consider all our clients ‘partners in produce’ as we partner on numerous research and development initiatives for products, food safety, sustainability, and logistics in order to have efficient long-term success together.”
Mucci Farms also has an in-house marketing team that can create in-store signage, partner on social media campaigns, and perform in-store demos to help promote greenhouse products.
I could close by informing our readers that Mucci Farms is currently promoting tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peppers, and lettuce but, as we’ve covered, that’s a year-round business for the team thanks to its winter program! With a goal to have grow lights in 100% of its high-tech glass greenhouses, and an aggressive expansion in the works, keep an eye on out for more news from this ever-innovating company.