CORAL GABLES, FL - As off-shore melon production continues, the New Year also marks a return to school for the children of seasonal workers in Honduras and Guatemala. With Fyffes counting among its core values a focus on providing academic development for local children, here’s how the global produce distributor invests in its farming communities.
In 2016, Fyffes launched a program in which it works with teachers to identify the school supplies most in demand as well as how best to target improving student-achievement levels. According to a company press release, Fyffes also provides financial assistance in the form of paying teachers’ wages and contributing to local Children’s Day and Mother’s Day celebrations on an annual basis.
“A core focus of our mission is to be an empowering force in the communities in which we operate,” said Global Sustainability Director Julie Cournoyer. “This includes everything from providing well-rounded education to funding teacher salaries and improving living conditions for families.”
In neighboring Guatemala, Fyffes has been supporting the academic experience for students since 2015 through its “FUNDASOL” foundation. Each year, more than 650 students attending 30-plus schools benefit from the educational initiative, the press release noted. This includes providing students with school supplies and new desks; staffing teachers to lead vital courses that include English, psychology, and computer science; and improving the learning environment by way of repainting schools, improving restrooms, and updating sporting facilities. Fyffes also works in coordination with Plan International, an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children's rights.
In order to facilitate an academic environment, Fyffes works to improve safety, hygiene, and overall learning conditions for students in elementary schools adjacent to its farms. In the Honduran villages of El Naranjal and Pueblo Nuevo, the company has replaced latrines with toilets to reduce exposure to gastrointestinal illnesses. It has also built perimeter fences to improve security around schools in addition to upgrading electrical power systems.
“These children represent the future, so it’s very important to Fyffes that we affect positive influence on these kids from a very early age,” added Cournoyer. “School supplies, building infrastructure, security—we recognize and support how crucial all of these factors are toward a successful learning environment.”
In addition to updating infrastructure, the company also looks to improve on-site school medical care. Through a Fyffes-directed and -funded program, Dr. Osorio, a native of Nicaragua, is one of four doctors who runs clinics at melon farms in Honduras. He provides check-ups, vaccinations, and medicine at no charge to elementary school students.
“Both educating and improving the health conditions of our children is so important for the future of these communities,” concluded Cournoyer. “We’re talking about lifelong effects and benefits, and that’s an effort Fyffes is so eager to be spearheading!”
For the latest in produce-y news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
BOISE, ID - This week, Albertsons Companies informed the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had completed the sale of five distribution centers to “an unaffiliated entity” as part of a sale-leaseback deal set to net the company $660 million.
“Pursuant to the related sale agreements and upon the closing of the sale of the properties, the company entered into lease agreements with the purchaser for each of the distribution centers for initial terms of 15 to 20 years and multiple options to extend the terms of the leases,” an SEC filing registered by Robert Gordon, EVP, General Counsel and Secretary, filed on behalf of Albertsons, read. “The aggregate initial annual rent payment for the properties will be approximately $38 million and includes 1.50% to 1.75% annual rent increases over the initial lease terms.”
A similar deal came to fruition in August of last year when Albertsons completed the sale and leaseback of two distribution centers for an aggregate purchase price, net of closing costs, of approximately $290 million.
“We are energized and enthusiastic about our company and our ability to generate free cash flow and delever our balance sheet,” CEO Jim Donald noted in October of 2018. “The team continues to innovate through our digital engagement with customers in both the four-wall and no-wall environment…through the automation of our distribution centers which we believe will deliver strong returns going forward.”
What will the retailer do with the capital it’s freed up? AndNowUKnow will continue to report with updates.
HANFORD, CA - Warmerdam Packing’s Founder William (Bill) Warmerdam passed away on January 8, 2019. He was 80 years old. During his produce industry career, Warmerdam was admired as a leader in the fruit industry for continually embracing innovation and new technologies in the field and packing shed.
In 1965, Warmerdam founded grower-packer-shipper Warmerdam Packing with his wife, Audrey, in Hanford, California. In its early years, Warmerdam Packing grew peaches, plums, and nectarines. Today, the company grows and packs plums, kiwis, and cherries, and, according to a press release, is one of the largest cherry growers in the San Joaquin Valley. At its helm, Warmerdam led the charge to build the company’s first packing shed on Grangeville Boulevard in Hanford in 1969, as well as designed and fabricated the facility's packing equipment himself before the operation was moved to its Excelsior Avenue location in 1977.
Remembrances in Warmerdam’s name may be sent to The Parkinson Alliance, P.O. Box 308, Kingston, NJ, 08528 or parkinsonalliance.org; St. Agnes Hospice, 6729 N. Willow Ave., Suite 103, Fresno, Ca. 93710; or St. Vincent de Paul Society, 115 W. 5th St., Hanford, Ca. 93230.
AndNowUKnow would like to send our condolences to the Warmerdam family during this time.
OTTAWA, ON - Corporate culture is something that can make or break a company. In recognition of this, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is launching its first CPMA Corporate Culture Awards. Giving CPMA members the chance to participate in a corporate culture exercise, CPMA has teamed up with Waterstone Human Capital (an organization specializing in Culture Advisory services) for the awards. Waterstone will be implementing a customer survey among CPMA members and the comapny found to have the top corporate culture will be announced as the first ever CPMA Corporate Culture Award Winner.
“Corporate Culture is essential to driving business performance. Companies are increasingly taking note of this and applying best practices to create winning cultures,” said Ron Lemaire, CPMA President. “We are thrilled to be working with Waterstone Human Capital to encourage our members’ businesses to flourish and to recognize leaders within our industry.”
Waterstone will distribute the Waterstone Culture Dashboard™, an employee survey that seeks to define an organization’s corporate culture, and compare the results to the behaviors that are shared by high-performing cultures, particularly the cultures of the Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture™ award winners. Managed by Waterstone, Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture program recognizes top-of-the-class Canadian organizations with exceptional corporate cultures that have enhanced performance and helped sustain a competitive advantage.
“What we measure and assess against has come out of our involvement and leadership in Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures program,” said Barrie Carlyle, Managing Director at Waterstone Human Capital in a press release. “We are thrilled to be bringing exclusive insight into best human capital practices from leading organizations across Canada and the world to the CPMA and its member organizations.”
From now until February 28, CPMA members will exclusively have the opportunity to participate in the Culture Dashboard at a preferred rate. All participating members who complete the confidential survey will automatically be considered for the first CPMA Corporate Culture Award. As extra incentive to participate, organizations will be privy to exclusive content focused on best practices and trends in corporate culture, as well as have the chance to work closely with Waterstone’s Culture Advisory practice.
Best of luck to those participating, and what a great way to encourage positive and effective corporate cultures!
Canadian Produce Marketing Association Waterstone Human Capital
YAKIMA, WA - I can’t believe I never made the logical leap before: all I need to protect myself from a pinch on St. Patrick’s Day is to carry around a Granny Smith apple. Perhaps Superfresh Growers is in the same frame of mind, for the company is encouraging retailers to use the apple for St. Patrick’s Day displays. Not only does the variety add a pop of color to retail displays, those displays are sure to convert into another pop of green at the cash register.
“Granny Smith is one of America’s favorite apples, maintaining the #4 placement in top apple varieties,” David Roby, Brand Manager, said in a recent press release. “The Granny Smith continues to stay on-trend, as it is the most talked about apple in digital media. Nothing compares to the bright green, tart variety that is classically known for American apple pie but is also great for eating out-of-hand.”
The press release also noted that Granny Smith apples represent 10% of the apple category in both dollar share and volume (information collected from IRI data through 12/31/18). They continue to remain #4 in both organic and conventional dollar share. Superfresh Growers noted that Granny Smith resonates across all demographics and households, and the fruit is a produce staple.
“Creating large bulk displays draws attention to the bright green, festive color of Granny Smith apples,” continued Roby. “You can attract shoppers to St. Patrick's Day promotions by placing them near the cash register and front of the store—Granny Smith bulk apples or bags are perfect for front-of-store displays.”
Whether bag, bulk, organic, or conventional, Superfresh Growers has multiple Granny Smith options for seasonal promotions.
YUMA, AZ - Yuma produce providers and those who rely on them have been closely keeping eyes on their thermometers over the last few weeks. In a number of posts by FreshPoint, including on Twitter, the produce distributor noted several categories—including lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, green onions, asparagus, and sugar snap peas—have been affected by freezing temperatures, and as a result, markets are expected to be active for the next week or two. The freezes are coupled with an increased demand for produce due to those ‘new year, new you’ resolutions and healthy back to school shopping, so many producers are saying the industry can expect tight markets out of the Yuma region.
Speaking with one producer that grows in Yuma, Arizona, I learned that a freeze over the holiday season made for delays in harvest, which in turn caused delays for several trucks who were waiting for harvested crops to roll in. In addition, the producer shared that the freeze compromised lettuce quality, creating epidermal peel and blister that harvesters must peel before it can be shipped. This causes a decrease in pounds per acre, which typically equates to higher markets and pricing.
Jason Lathos, Manager of Commodities for Church Brothers Farms, confirms that unexpected weather will make for active markets for crops out of Yuma.
“We have had a little more rain than expected. It has rained twice in the last two weeks and the forecast is for possible rain this weekend,” Jason says. “So far, Yuma has seen a lot of weather and labor issues. The forecast for the next couple of weeks is for active markets. Especially with the schools starting back again. Demand will be up and supplies will be down.”
In talking to Doug Classen, VP of Sales for the Nunes Company, I learned that much of Yuma has been covered in ice. For five days last week, ice that lasted up to 12:30 PM daily covered all categories.
“There were harvest delays across all crops last week that minimized the supply we were able to get from the field. Harvest times are back to normal this week,” Doug notes. “The cold weather has also slowed the growth of many crops. We have seen market increases across all commodities this week and expect volatility in the marketplace over the coming month.”
Another grower with product growing in Yuma shares that the freeze has indeed caused issues at their farms. Iceberg, leaf, and romaine lettuce have all shown signs of freeze damage, and broccoli and cauliflower growth has slowed down due to the cold temperatures.
AndNowUKnow will keep monitoring the markets as supply and demand continue to fluctuate and Mother Nature takes her toll. Stay tuned for the latest.
CHICAGO, IL - Legend states that if you so much as say one negative word against cult grocery retailer Trader Joe’s, an army of Joe Beaus will descend upon you, bringing with them the bounty of Trader Joe’s branded products. I know from experience. Fortunately, the Joe Beaus can put down their torches and pitchforks, because dunnhumby has released the results of its Retailer Preference Index (RPI) study, which once again speaks highly of the California-based retailer. For the second year in a row, Trader Joe’s was ranked the top-rated grocery retailer—Joe Beaus coming in clutch!
According to a press release, the RPI study surveyed 7,000 U.S. households to determine which of the top 56 largest grocery retailers have the strongest combination of financial performance and consumer emotional sentiment. The RPI ranking takes into account price, quality, digital, operations, convenience, discounts/rewards, and speed.
The results included the following grocery retailers that weighed in with the highest consumer preference index scores:
- Trader Joe’s
- Costco Wholesale
- Amazon
- H-E-B
- Wegmans Food Markets
- Market Basket
- Sam’s Club
- Sprouts Farmers Markets
- WinCo Foods
- Walmart
- Aldi
- Peapod
- The Fresh Market
dunnhumby noted that many of the retailers at the top of the list have focused their businesses on superior value perception, including price and quality, and as a result, tend to have the most financial success and the strongest emotional bond with consumers.
To read more of dunnhumby’s key findings from this year’s study, click here.
For more fresh news like this, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MISSION, TX - The Viva Fresh Expo’s second annual Gateway to Innovation Awards is expanding its submissions to include all types of innovations coming out of the Tex-Mex corridor. In addition to packaging designs and new point-of-sale developments, industry members are encouraged to submit innovations in new seed varieties, production advancements, machinery, packing facilities and greenhouses, technology or application software, food safety, traceability, and sustainability efforts.
“We’re not putting categories or limits on the type of innovation to be submitted,” said Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of TIPA. “Our vision is much broader than a typical new product showcase. We want to recognize excellence in innovation that extends from seed to shelf, and really celebrate the ideas that are improving each and every aspect of fresh produce coming from this region.”
According to a recent press release, the contest is open to all Viva Fresh exhibitors and sponsors. 24 top tier finalists will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of retail, foodservice, and produce industry veterans. The finalists will be displayed before and during the Expo on Saturday, April 27. All expo attendees will be encouraged to vote live from the show floor via mobile device for their favorite innovation, and the winner will receive the Best of Show Award that afternoon.
“This year, we are reimagining what innovation means in fresh produce. I believe it is our job to bring life to that concept in all its different dimensions and possibilities, and the Tex-Mex corridor creates an ideal space for that,” stated Jordan Okumura, Editor in Chief of AndNowUKnow and Innovation Committee Chair. "I'm thrilled to have this opportunity once again and want to thank the Viva Fresh team as we challenge ourselves to bring an array of innovations to the 2019 trade show.”
Applicants may submit their entries at the official application webpage: www.vivafreshexpo.com/viva-fresh-gateway-to-innovation-awards. All applications are due by February 20 and the finalists will be notified by March 25.
“It’s exciting to open up this program to a much wider range of opportunities while showcasing the achievements from the Tex-Mex region,” said Heidi McIntyre, Managing Partner at Full Tilt Marketing. “Last year’s innovation showcase display was a ‘wow’ moment during the Expo that was very well received and we expect to create more buzz this year.”
The 2019 Viva Fresh Expo will be held on April 25-27 at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas. Hope to see you there!
SALINAS, CA - With the recent E. coli recalls, food safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Here to address those concerns is SmartWash Solutions™. Utilizing innovative science, engineering, and technology, SmartWash is well known for its progressive, full-service produce wash system, and the company is using this know-how and expertise to instruct the next generation of food safety experts. SmartWash is providing annual internships focused on food safety science to eligible college students, in an effort to invest in the future.
"Students play an integral role in expanding the size and scope of research we perform," said Eric Wilhelmsen, Senior Research Consultant and Internship Program Lead in a press release. "In addition to executing experiments, the interns learn best practices for conducting research and improving food safety."
Giving interns the chance to provide hands-on support in real-time experiments conducted by the SmartWash team, the internship curriculum is intentionally flexible and tailored to the students’ experience. Interns have the opportunity to assist with all essential aspects of successful research and operations, including implementing planned experiments, analyzing and interpreting experiment results, and maintaining the quality control of experiment processes.
"The internship has helped me understand the importance of food safety not only in the actual processing/packing facility, but also when it comes to the soil and growing of crops," said intern Aida Lopez, a biochemistry student at UC Santa Cruz.
Inspiring the next generation of food safety professionals is no easy task, but the company’s internship program works with the students, proving to be a valuable teaching tool for the science behind food safety.
"The internship has shown me the crucial role that SmartWash plays in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks in processed food and how important food safety is in the produce community," shared Hartnell College student and intern Isai Molina.
"The interns not only contribute to experiments that help improve the safety of ready-to-eat foods, but their participation in the program benefits the industry as a whole," added Wilhelmsen. "The process of designing, conducting and leading experiments and then discussing the results gives them a better understanding of the ethics of science while increasing confidence in their abilities, preparing them to be more effective leaders and researchers in the industry."
The past 7 years has seen over 30 students participate in the program, with some opting to continue their careers with SmartWash, and others moving on to post-graduate studies, though all take with them the knowledge and dedication to food safety that they learned throughout the internship.
Supporting the next generation of food safety professionals is an investment in the future of food safety. AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you updated on this and other ag industry educational programs.
CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI - Beef between food distributor Nash Finch Co. and Gordy’s Market Inc (GMI) has been reopened, with the SpartanNash subsidiary once again suing the Wisconsin-based grocer for failing to pay off its loans. Nash Finch first filed an $86 million lawsuit against Gordy’s in August of 2017, and, this month, the distributor alleged that Gordy’s is again in default under the terms of a "customer supply agreement."
The Leader-Telegram reports that Gordy’s is toeing insolvency and, as a result, Nash Finch Co. is filing a lawsuit for $46,238,151—$43,325,002 for a “rebate-able incentive,” $1 million for a principal note that the food distributor loaned to Gordy’s in November 2017, and $1,913,149 for accounts receivable.
"GMI is unable to pay plaintiff timely since late August 2018," Nash Finch’s Vice President of Treasury and Corporate Development William Jacobs wrote in an affidavit that was submitted with the lawsuit. "GMI’s delinquent balance with plaintiff has grown considerably in the last few weeks."
The lawsuit outlines that GMI agreed to pay a sum of $1 million plus interest, with “equipment, fixtures, inventory, investment property,” and liquor, wine, and beer licenses used as collateral for six Gordy’s stores. However, the lawsuit states, “as a result of these defaults, Nash Finch accelerated the maturity of the note so that all amounts there under are immediately due and payable as of December 27, 2018.”
Jacobs also claimed that Gordy’s finances show that the grocer “has no excess cash to get caught up on its delinquent balance,” suggesting “it would be beneficial to plaintiff and other creditors of GMI to have a supervised process by which to market and sell defendant’s assets, resolve creditor claims, and make distribution to creditors.”
In response to the lawsuit, Gordy’s President Jeff Schafer stated, “I have no comment on the advice of my legal counsel. Our stores are still open for business. Our stores are full, and we’re getting all of our groceries."
According to the Leader-Telegram, Gordy’s has 20 days to respond to the lawsuit.
Which way will the court lean regarding this case? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest.