BAKERSFIELD, CA - Over the course of the last several months, Arable Capital Partners has finalized the acquisition of Hydratec, Inc., Lodi Pump & Irrigation, and Universal Irrigation & Supply, and now the company is launching a new platform combining the capabilities of these three highly regarded irrigation company’s in a single entity: Laurel Agriculture + Water Solutions.
“As we developed this solution-based team, we wanted to be sure that we were filling the gaps with members that have reputations of excellence and integrity,” said Derek Yurosek, Managing Director of Arable, in a press release. “The agriculture industry is a tight knit group, one where your word goes a long way. The combined success of our leadership team illustrates the value of integrity and building lasting relationships with customers.”
With a focus on precision water solutions, Laurel Ag aims “to revolutionize the industry with innovation and a customer-centric mindset to help farmers, investors, and management companies reach their goals.” According to Arable’s press release, the combined group’s long-term mission is to provide growers with the right tools to cultivate the land in a sustainable, profitable, and responsible way.
“Laurel has the ability through this combination of successful businesses and management teams to create value for their customers,” said Greg Richards, Managing Director for Arable. “We are excited to watch the collaborative effort to innovate and develop new solutions for our clients and partners alike.”
Hydratec, Inc., Lodi Pump & Irrigation, and Universal Irrigation & Supply are three companies dedicated to providing unsurpassed customer service, and Arable noted that that commitment will now form the foundation of the newly established Laurel Ag platform.
The company derived the name Laurel Ag from the interlocking leaves of a laurel crown. The symbol is intended to illustrate Arable’s drive for a collaborative relationship with customers—leading to the ultimate goal of celebrating customers’ successes.
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
LOS ANGELES, CA - All is not quiet on the grape front, as Pacific Trellis Fruit announced the successful launch of its new black seedless grape, JAM GRAPES. This variety is exclusive to the company’s lineup and comes as a result of Pacific Trellis’ close collaboration with Labrunier, one of Brazil’s largest table grape producer.
“With the increased focus on flavor and taste in new grape varieties, we knew we had a potential winner on our hands here,” stated Josh Leichter, General Manager of Pacific Trellis Fruit and Dulcinea Farms, in a press release.
The JAM grapes, developed by EMBRAPA in Brazil, offer a unique eating experience with their concord-type flavor and high brix.
Leichter added that, “Based on some of the successes we are seeing with the early distribution of the JAM grapes, we expect to have it back for the spring when Brazil starts their first semester harvest.”
The press release noted that in order to ensure premium quality and supply, availability is currently limited: from now through early to mid-January. The fruit is being offered in 2 lb clamshells as well as random weight bags.
For the latest in new varieties, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
MONTEREY, CA - This year’s Organic Grower Summit 2018 featured a new addition and a new avenue for organic growth; OGS’s 2018 CannaBus Tour—created and hosted in collaboration with the Monterey County Cannabis Industry Association (MCCIA)—took to the roads around the central California coast—offering showgoers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Monterey County’s fast-growing organic cannabis industry.
The tour took place Wednesday, December 12, and featured visits to Indus, a vertically integrated cannabis extraction and manufacturing facility, and to a state-of-the-art, indoor cannabis growing operation.
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OGS noted, in a press release anticipating the event, that the summit “wants to be at the forefront of providing attendees with information and education overview of this burgeoning industry.” Since cannabis growing and recreational use became legal in California this year, the industry has been booming, and as the state moves toward organic regulations in 2021, OGS's educational session should prove indispensable to industry members.
"The 2018 OGS CannaBus Tour is an opportunity to connect organic growers and allied service providers with all aspects of the cannabis industry. This is a unique opportunity to give OGS attendees a platform to learn about the future of the cannabis industry,” said MCCIA's Executive Director John Arriaga, in that press release.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report with more coverage of this year’s OGS.
CHELAN, WA - The Chelan Fruit Cooperative Board of Directors announced that current CEO Reggie Collins will step down to an advisory position, making way for Mark Stennes to step in as the interim CEO, effective January 1, 2019.
“I look forward to leading Chelan Fruit and driving performance for all our growers, working with our employees, our customers, and our growers as we move our company forward," stated Stennes in a press release.
Stennes, previous Assistant General Manager for Chelan, will take up his post as interim CEO on the first of the year. His appointment has been met with delight by the Board of Directors including Dave Robison, Chelan Fruit Vice Chairman, the company noted in a recent press release.
Robison explained, that “He [Stennes] has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his roles leading the operations of our company, and he brings the vision and values to lead Chelan Fruit into the future.”
Reggie Collins spent the past 18 years with the company, and has acted as the CEO for the past 14 years. As of the first of January, 2019, he will act as an advisor for newly promoted Stennes, and also work with Chelan Fresh Marketing on business and strategic opportunities.
Throughout his nearly decade and a half as the Chief Executive, a merger he led created one of the largest apple, pear, and cherry cooperatives in the industry. He was also instrumental in the creation of Chelan Fresh Marketing with Gebbers Farms.
“The Board of Directors has a strong focus on succession planning, and Mark’s selection enables us to ensure a seamless transition in this important leadership position for our company,” said Marrian Peebles, Chelan Fruit’s Chairman of the Board. “The Board appreciates the tremendous progress the company has made under Reggie’s leadership, and we look forward to building on this progress with Mark as our interim CEO.”
AndNowUKnow looks forward to seeing the new strategies that will be implemented in the coming year, and congratulate Mark Stennes and Chelan Fruit on this promotion.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - Last week, Dole Food Company announced an agreement to sell Saba Fresh Cuts AB and Saba Fresh Cuts OY—producers of washed and ready-to-eat salads—to BAMA International. The purhased companies sell various fresh-cut salads and vegetables to the retail and foodservice industry in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, and the Baltic States.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of this sale in meeting the EU’s requirement, and I am confident that Saba Fresh Cuts will be in good hands under BAMA’s ownership,” stated Johan Linden, President and CEO of Dole, in a press release.
The sales of Saba Fresh Cuts AB was a necessary condition of the European Commission’s approval of the investment by Total Produce into Dole in July of this year. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019; it is also subject to approval by the European Commission.
“We are pleased to announce this agreement with Dole for Saba Fresh Cuts,” said Rune Flaen, CEO of BAMA Group. “Convenience products and ready-to-eat salads and vegetables is a fast-growing category in all markets, and Saba Fresh Cuts is a solid and very professional players with a strong organization and high-quality products. We look forward to working together.”
For the latest in fresh produce sales, stick with us at AndNowKnow.
ORLANDO, FL - Staying on top of food trends can be hard work. Fads come and go, and there’s always the latest and greatest thing just on the horizon, and a new year means new trends. Luckily, FullTilt Marketing has, for the second year in a row, surveyed a selection of food bloggers the nation over for their unique insight on new and continuing food trends, and the how those trends impact consumers.
“When it comes to consumer trends, food bloggers offer a unique perspective,” stated Managing Partner Heidi McIntyre. “They are constantly monitoring the responses to their recipe posts, engaging with their followers, and keeping tabs on other food bloggers, which gives them an edge in understanding consumer preferences.”
From the continuing popularity of organics to street food, specialty diets, and locally-sourced foods, the bloggers ranked the most popular and prevalent food trends that pop up, or continue into the new year
Fresh, Whole, and Natural is the Name of the Game
As an overarching theme, demand this year was high for whole, fresh, non-processed foods, and the trend shows no sign of stopping. Bloggers commented on the sense of nostalgia leading cooks to get back to basics and make their dishes from scratch. This year, bloggers epressed nearly double the concerns over added ingredients and increased concern over GMOs, last year's number one concern. Bloggers reverted to concerns over sustainability, food waste, hormones, gluten, and social responsibility to guide their food decisions.
“It’s not surprising to see growing consumer awareness about the food they eat, especially related to where it’s from, who grew it/made it, and what’s in it,” commented Managing Partner Melinda Goodman in a press release. “Today’s consumer has access to more information than ever before and we are entering a new era of consciousness that has consumers considering a holistic view of health, wellness and even community and economic impact.”
Keep it Local
In the same vein, conversations about ‘how and where our food is grown’ still dominates among bloggers, trend makers, and consumers. Locally grown translates into sales, according to food industry research firm Packaged Facts. Packaged Facts sees local food sales increasing to $20 billion in 2019, set to outpace the country’s total food and beverage sales growth.
Diets Aren’t Just for the New Year
Coming in at second and third among blogger trends are specialty diets and healthy meals. 45 million Americans start a diet each year, reports Health & Science, and in most households at least one member sticks to a specialty diet. As a result, specialty diets like keto, paleo, and Whole 30 continue to hold mass appeal.
Ditch the Bowls, Bring on the Comfort Food
While 2018 saw smoothie, food, and poke bowls blowing up on social media feeds, 2019 is poised to bring in a new wave of basic comfort foods. DIY food projects like pickling and fermenting and homemade condiments are gaining popularity. Don’t expect the boring old staples, though, as global, international flavors like ramen, tikka masala, and curries are on the rise.
Bloggers Get Crafty With Their Foods
In a new category introduced this year, bloggers were asked about changes in their shopping habits, including not only what they buy, but where they shop. The majority reported more online shopping, with over a third shopping at more stores and more value formats. Moving away from larger national brands, 70 percent of the bloggers focused on purchasing an increased number of local, specialty, and craft brands, with half purchasing more private label products.
“Consumers of every type are fickle; including bloggers and their readers. As marketers it’s our job to continue to make educated guesses about what’s next, while also wooing consumers to choose what we tell them to,” remarked Goodman. “What is clear from the survey is consumers have an expectation to be better informed. 72 percent of bloggers told us that they felt brands were doing a better job of being more transparent, but those results came with a healthy dose of skepticism where bloggers shared comments that they also felt that transparency was cloaked in telling them what they wanted to hear, and they weren’t sure what information they could trust.”
Keeping up with trends may be intimidating, but this year’s fads aren’t hard to decipher. Consumers in increasing numbers are looking for safe, healthy foods that can come from anywhere, provided that source aligns with their values and offers value. Click here to read the full report.
ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco reported the results of its first quarter 2019, beginning its fiscal year with mixed results. Though the company managed to achieve robust sales growth—with strong U.S. market performance boosting the company’s net sales to $34.31 billion—it missed revenue expectations.
Highlights from the company’s quarterly report include:
- Net sales for the first quarter were $34.31 billion, an increase of 10.3 percent from $31.12 billion during the first quarter last year
- Net income for the quarter was $767 million, or $1.73 per diluted share, compared to $640 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, last year
Despite posting positive results, the company fell short of analysts expectations, sending Costco's stock tumbling down from $226.51 a share at the end of Thursday to $206.68 by Monday morning.
The company noted in its earnings statement that the company’s 2019 Q1 results benefited from a $59 million ($0.13 per diluted share) tax benefit related to stock-based compensation and a $27 million ($0.06 per diluted share) tax benefit related to implementation of the 2017 Tax Act. And the quarter also included a charge of $43 million ($31 million after-tax, $0.07 per diluted share) for an adjustment to Costco’s estimate of breakage on rewards earned prior to Fiscal Year 2019 for the Citi/Visa co-branded credit card program.
For more on important retail news as it relates to fresh produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
GREENSBORO, NC - Publix distribution center construction was delayed after it was discovered more money would be needed to widen U.S. Highway 70 to accommodate for increased traffic.
The Greensboro-area Metropolitan Planning Organization had originally invested $4 million for an expansion of the highway in accommodation of the new Publix facility, according to local source News and Record.
In a recent vote, the organization nearly unanimously increased the budget by over 50 percent, bringing the total cost of the 1.2 mile highway expansion to a staggering $8.3 million. This money will be used to widen the area between Mount Hope Church and Birch Creek roads, near the site of the $300 million Publix distribution center.
While the expansion of the highway has been planned for completion in 2022, the same target completion date as the distribution center, more money may yet be necessary to complete the project.
According to Mike Mills, a division engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, estimates sometimes change as planners finalize their designs. However, Mills claims that the $8.3 million is “a more refined estimate.”
According to the News and Record, Publix new distribution center is estimated to bring 1,000 new jobs to Greensboro, with salaries averaging about $44,000 per year, so it is easy to see why the community voted to support the distribution center with more funding for the highway project.
AndNowUKnow hopes that Publix sees no further delays to the construction of its distribution center, and will continue to report on industry expansion efforts.
ST. LOUIS, MO - They say that success starts within, and the Allen Lund Company seems to agree with its latest news from inside its operations. The company announced that one of its rising stars, Zach Anderson, has been promoted to Assistant Manager of ALC’s St. Louis, Missouri, office.
"When I was hired here at the Allen Lund Company, I knew right away that this was a company I wanted to grow with. Since day one I've challenged myself to be the very best at what I do,” Zach commented. “I started as a broker and most recently was a business development specialist. Now that I'm stepping into a management role, I look forward to using the knowledge and skills I've developed to help grow the St. Louis office into one of the top offices in the company."
He has been with Allen Lund Company for four years, according to the press release. Prior to that he attended Western Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Management, minoring in Supply Chain Management.
"I'm very excited that Zach is our Assistant Manager. He has proven over time to be a great leader in our office. With his leadership skills, I look forward to big things to come in the St. Louis office in 2019," Dawn Davenport, St. Louis Manager, said.
Congratulations to Zach Anderson and his team on this new chapter in the company’s growth.
BRAWLEY, CA - I love artichokes. Let me put it this way; there are more days of the year when I have my fridge stocked with the edible flower then days I don’t. With growing regions shifting to provide the category year-round, this writer is a happy camper, and Sahara Packing Co. has a little piece of my heart.
CFO Kate Elmore joins me to talk about the company’s latest and to share the 411 on Sahara’s popular and unique Imperial Star variety.
“From the first glance, you can tell our artichokes are a meaty and premium quality artichoke. Grown along the coast just south of Ensenada, Mexico, our artichokes will very rarely, if at all, see frost damage,” Kate tells me, adding that the company is offering a limited supply this year and are very excited to be bringing this beautiful globe artichoke to the market this season. “While the Imperial Star variety is known as being thornless, our artichokes have the appearance of a thorned variety and offer chefs and restaurants the benefits of substantial leaves and a delicious heart.”
Sahara hopes to be harvesting through April, at which point the company will kick off its summer routine of delivering premium asparagus from first of June through the end of October.
When I ask Kate how she sees this artichoke and Sahara impacting the category and the marketplace in valuable and diversifying ways, she tells me that the artichoke space is dominated by some key players. And while she is happy to see her fellow growers and shippers advance their market share for delivering a continual product, Kate feels Sahara’s artichokes can offer a unique alternative this winter season.
“Our artichokes truly showcase this delicious superfood with their shape and vibrant green appearance,” she says. “They will be enticing to customers who may be unsure of how to tackle cooking an artichoke. Finally, with the end consumer more concerned over where their food is coming from, Sahara offers buyers the opportunity to work directly with the grower and a family that has been in produce for over sixty years.”
There is passion in all the details that Kate provides, and the industry is in her blood. Growing up in a produce family, Kate found herself out in the fields picking lettuce or digging potatoes and would sell leftover watermelons from the field at her lemonade stand.
“Produce and farming have been an integral part of me, and always knew I wanted to continue our family business and sell Sahara produce for another fifty years,” Kate reflects. “With consolidation in the produce industry and the need to be able to supply year-round product, my family had to step back from the sales-end of the business. However, with the next generation joining the business, we are eager and excited to be selling our own produce and to be able to work with our buyers directly to deliver them a premium quality product, whether that be our artichokes, asparagus, or any future product grown by Sahara!”
Sahara is a family-run operation that was founded in the late 60s, and was a staple of the produce industry through the early 2000s. Kate is the granddaughter of the one of the founders of the original Sahara, John Elmore, and is very excited to be a part of restarting the sales company that she grew up around.