MIAMI, FL - Crystal Valley Foods is stepping into organics and celebrating a new certification for one of its warehouse and distribution centers. This month, the SCS Global Services (SCS) issued Crystal Valley an organic handler certification for its Miami, Florida, facility.
“Consumption of organic produce has been steadily increasing for the past decade,” said Katiana Valdes, Director of Marketing for Crystal Valley Foods. “As we continue to diversify and expand our product line, we are focused on making sure that it includes organics as well. This trend will only keep growing in popularity, and we fully expect to offer more organic products in order to be able to continue to meet the demands of our customers and today’s consumer.”
Currently, Crystal Valley offers year-round organic French beans and seasonal organic asparagus, blackberries, and Florida-grown blueberries, according to a press release.
“Crystal Valley Foods has achieved organic handler certification at their Miami, Florida, facility, having demonstrated full compliance with USDA National Organic Program standards,” said Brandon Nauman, SCS’s Associate Managing Director, Organic and Non-GMO Programs.
In addition to French beans, asparagus, blackberries, and blueberries, Crystal Valley also has a whole slew of organic specialty products in the pipeline for 2019, thanks to its recent certification achievement.
For more fresh produce news like this, keep coming back to AndNowUKnow.
CHICO, CA - Mooney Farms is launching a new tomato product under its Bella Sun Luci brand to answer consumer desires for authentic flavors and at-home foodie flare. Though typically focused on Mediterranean cuisine, the company saw an to expand with Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomato Chipotle Topper Sauce.
“Today’s foodie culture is looking for authentic flavors to create new cooking experiences. Adding this product to our line-up shows how Mooney Farms is constantly listening to our customers and creating unique, but also on-trend products, to bring to store shelves,” said the company’s President, Mary Mooney. “We saw that there was a need for a diverse sauce that would bring flavor to almost any dish. This sauce is not only innovative, it’s also a huge crowd pleaser!”
This new infusion of flavor was created from Mediterranean-derived sun dried tomatoes and Southwestern grown and smoked chipotle peppers. According to a press release, combining the two ingredients created a sweet and smoky flavor that had to be added to the Bella Sun Luci brand.
This new sauce serves a variety of uses. The sauce can be used:
- On vegetables
- Tossed as a smoky pasta sauce
- Topped on a taco or a burrito
- Spread on a sandwich or hamburger for a delicious kick
With this kind of versatility, it’s no wonder Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomato Chipotle Topper and Sauce has already seen success—so much so the company is already announcing how curious buyers can snag a taste.
This will be available in San Francisco, California, during the Winter Fancy Food Show, January 13-15. Swing by booth #1543 for a taste of this tasty new intro and more.
GURNEE, IL - Attendees of the 2018 Digital Packaging Summit in Ponte Vedra, FL, got an extra special treat earlier this month. Yerecic Label’s Vice President of Production Brian Hurst provided a live case study on behalf of Domino Digital Printing Solutions, exploring the labeling company's journey to digital and what its team learned along the way. Hurst gave educational insight to nearly 40 label printer converters in attendance. Below are just a few questions the production expert covered during the study:
Q: Why digital?
Brian Hurst: With the increasing demand for shorter runs with shorter lead times, it became apparent we needed to move in the direction of digital to remain competitive.
Q: What were the supplier differentiators?
BH: The people at Domino are what really make the difference...And their digital printing equipment is designed to minimize operator intervention, with their CleanCap Technology, self-cleaning print heads that are capped when not in use, so the operator never has to touch the heads; Actiflow which keeps the ink recirculating at temperature; and StichLink which is automated alignment of the jetting assemblies. And since Domino makes its own ink, it has control over the pricing...
Q: What about solution implementation and support?
BH: From start to finish the team at Domino was no more than a phone call away. From the installation where the technician gave our operator his cell phone number in case of questions, to the ongoing support from the entire Domino team. It is the feeling of a true partnership with Domino. It’s not ‘well, we sold a press, now you’re on your own.’ The team at Domino continues to check in to make sure that everything is running right.
Q: Is the solution living up to your expectations?
BH: The Domino N610i is far surpassing the expectations we have set for it. The colors are hitting the Pantone book on the first print without having to make any corrections. The opacity of the dual white bars has exceeded the opacity measurements of rotary screen. We continue to push the length of the runs up, pushing the crossover limits as far as we can.
Q: What is your one final thought?
When you are considering the digital platform you are going to buy, don’t look at price as much as you look at the company and the people at the company who will stand behind their product, their word, and deliver a world class platform that will transform how you print.
For more on innovations in printing and labeling technology in the produce industry and beyond, keep following AndNowUKnow.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - In New Zealand, police and customs officers found more than 190 kilograms (approximately 418 pounds) of cocaine in a container of bananas. According to local news source The New Zealand Herald, this was the largest drug bust in New Zealand history and one that the New Zealand Customs and police have been working on since August. The joint investigation concluded last week after a man was arrested in Sydney.
The tale of the ill-fated banana container began on August 20, when five duffel bags full of cocaine were found in a container that arrived in Auckland, New Zealand. Police inspected the container and the duffel bags, finding 190 blocks of cocaine wrapped in packaging tape. The source of the drugs, the news source reported, was pinpointed to a potential shipment of illegal substances that left Balboa, Panama, on August 4.
Detective Inspector Paul Newman told reporters that “this operation has once again shown our dedication to disrupting organized crime and reducing the devastating harm that drugs cause in our community.”
The cocaine had an approximate street value of US $19-24 million, which to me, is a bananas amount of money.
For the latest in how crime around our beloved produce is being thwarted, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Wasil Obaid, doing business as Frisco Wholesale, satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a press release, the Oakland, California, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Wasil Obaid was listed as the sole proprietor of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to impose sanctions on a business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,350 PACA claims involving more than $63 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $156 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - As fast as the business world is changing, especially in the manner of expectations, you won’t likely be talking to as many people in the future. Businesses are becoming driven by technology, using the transactional model, algorithms, and regression analysis at the cost of relationships, negotiation, and conversation.
The business model is increasingly being affected by the need to compete based primarily on cost and the aforementioned changes. This may force more and more employers to hire solely based on statistical and mathematical acumen necessary for their evolving business model. Many are banking on the theory that the time and energy required to form relationships costs more real dollars than replacing your staff every three to five years. As expected, the time and effort needed to invest in and mentor the next generation of exceptional leaders fails to materialize because of the constraints on the business.
Despite the changes directing business it will not mitigate the need to meet and effectively communicate with people. This is just as crucial for your in-office interactions. Communication is a building block of company culture, and how it fares dictates how successfully you translate your message to your customers. Even though businesses often direct employees on what to do and say, they still need to find an individual voice that resonates and is believable. Despite our world driving towards a more transaction-driven model, it is still necessary to know how to effectively communicate your company’s purpose and position.
Many fear face-to-face meetings. Lack of experience and a concern about controlling the outcome destroys confidence before the meeting even takes place. Unseasoned negotiators don’t realize that part of the “win” is in the creation of value for each person. A tip in discovering the win is to answer these two questions prior to walking through the door: How am I of value to you? Why are you of value to me?
Taking your time to develop a rapport is just as necessary as the other reasons that brought you to their door. In fact, I present the belief that relationship-building is the primary reason for a three-dimensional meeting. Without a relationship, what might happen when you hit a roadblock with someone that has no trust in you, seeing your business as a means to an end rather than a partnership?
We are approaching a tipping point in our lives where many interactions are reduced to social media, emails, and, if we’re fortunate, teleconferences. One client shared, “It will be interesting to see where this industry is in five to seven years. Many of the hiring practices are centered around analytical/logistics skills rather than personality. If it happens on both sides of the table the face-to-face meeting will consist of texts flying back and forth!”
In working with young emerging leaders at TLC, it has become clear to me that, while booksmart, many need to acquire the skills that can only come with real world exposure and mentoring. High-impact tools that managers have in their arsenal to train include industry-sponsored events as well as local non-industry volunteer opportunities.
Advanced learning through seminars and networking through face-to-face discussions provides much-needed experience, supporting thoughtful, engaging programs to grow our future leaders. Local non-industry events and non-profits are also ways to develop the skills necessary to be effective in the workplace, teaching time, resource- and human-management as well as creative thinking, all while filling the need to give back. These opportunities for exposure are a real teaching moment. I challenge clients to take these experiences to think bigger and from a different perspective, working to guide them as they follow through and discover their value to their company and their clients. As Aristotle pointed out, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
We can still create value for our companies by being of value to our customers. Making time to get to know people is a gift and the art of relationship building not yet lost. I always say, “If you’re on the phone, keep talking as long as the customer will interact. Negotiations begin with a simple conversation that opens the door to more profound relationships that will move the needle.”
In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be, by remaining what we are. - Max De Pree
At Todd Linsky Consulting, known as TLC, our purpose is simple; we want to change the conversation in the industry by challenging the status quo and working to make each day extraordinary. We lead with integrity and our goal is to be of value to our clients by employing skills and insights derived from over thirty years of hands on experience. TLC constantly strives to find new and innovative ways to help others flourish beyond what they thought possible. We accomplish this by putting our emphasis on people and developing relationships with purpose. That focus will ultimately drive the bottom line.
BOISE, ID - Albertsons recently announced plans to partner with Takeoff Technologies; the two will pilot a micro-fulfillment center concept using Takeoff’s artificial intelligence capabilities. The partnership reportedly marks the first time a national grocer will implement an automated e-commerce fulfillment solution for customers.
“Investing in e-commerce directly benefits our customers, and anything that we can do to simplify their grocery shopping experience to save valuable time is a win,” Narayan Iyengar, SVP Digital and E-Commerce for Albertsons, said in a press release. “While our partnership with Takeoff Technologies will streamline e-commerce fulfillment and improve our efficiencies, we’re excited that Takeoff’s AI solution will make it even easier for customers to get their groceries how and when they want. This is a major step in our commitment to being a customer-centric player in the digital food and wellness ecosystem.”
According to that press release, the retailer selected Takeoff because it’s “hyper-local” automated fulfillment center model is ready for implementation today, is structured to use the existing supply chain and store footprint, and is flexible in picking various types of products.
The new pilot will launch in existing stores. Customers will be able to enter an order using the existing e-commerce interface to be delivered to the automated system. Takeoff will then take over the fulfillment process, using artificial intelligence-enabled technology and a system of totes and conveyors to deliver the items to an Albertsons employee who will prepare the order for the customer—greatly reducing the amount of time necessary for individual customer orders to be processed.
“Takeoff is a win-win for grocers and consumers across the board,” said Max Pedro, Co-Founder and President of Takeoff. “Our eGrocery automation is a turn-key solution that uses artificial intelligence to unlock ultimate convenience for shoppers without need of charging fees or a price premium.”
Will Albertsons’ new fulfillment infrastructure tilt online grocery sales in the company’s favor? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
SALINAS, CA - Whether it is celery’s sweet raw crunch, its light clean flavor in a sauce, or the stalk's addition to a savory stuffing during the holidays—this veg is a staple at almost every table. As we get into the thick of a season of celebration, how could we not touch on celery’s status in the produce department and in the field?
Art Barrientos, Vice President Harvesting for Ocean Mist® Farms, and Rick Alcocer, Senior VP Fresh Sales for Duda Farm Fresh Foods, join me to share the latest.
“We are currently harvesting both conventional and organic celery in California’s Salinas Valley through November 23rd and will transition to the Coachella Valley and our winter growing regions around November 26th,” Art tells me, adding that the mild-fall temperatures have created ideal growing conditions in Salinas. “Quality conditions are excellent and expected to remain that way through the finish of our Salinas season and the start of the Coachella season. Our volumes have been right on budget for the holiday pull. We have a year-round celery program, in both organic and conventional, focused on quality and superior customer service.”
Ocean Mist notes current supplies are steady from Salinas with excellent quality through Thanksgiving and into the Christmas holiday period. Supplies are seeing strong demand, a hallmark of this time of year that Duda Farm Fresh Foods is observing as well.
Duda recently wrapped up its season in Salinas and has started harvest operations in Oxnard, California.
“Duda is one of a very few shippers that grows celery on both coasts during the Holiday season and well into April,” Rick shares with me. “While the fires just south of Oxnard are sending a tremendous amount of ash into the growing area, our team has quality control procedures and protocols in place to ensure that only the best quality product reaches our partners. The needs of our retail and foodservice customers are paramount during this holiday season, as they are throughout the year and we are excited to continue driving their produce department through 2018 and beyond.”
Rick adds that the warmer temperatures in Oxnard have caused the celery to mature earlier than anticipated, and although all celery shippers expect an increase in demand for the holiday pull, harvesting celery before planned harvest eventually opens up gaps down the road, but for now, all is well.
“We expect high, if not higher, markets for most of December due to an overall decrease in supplies as the season continues but demand continues to rise,” Rick reflects. “Duda continues to grow as a dedicated source, both in consistency and quality. With operations on both coasts and with freight rates projected to be very high again into the new year, it makes a lot of sense to source fresh celery from Florida in the winter and early spring if your customers/consumers are in the Eastern U.S. and Eastern Canada.
Sounds like a market to watch! Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more updates on holiday veg and the many more staples to grace your produce departments and tables.
WESTBOROUGH, MA - BJ’s Wholesale Club, a leading wholesaler on the East Coast, recently announced that it will be expanding to eastern Michigan, a move that continues its movement westward. The two new clubs, slated to open in 2019, will be located in Madison Heights and Taylor.
“We’re thrilled to enter such a dynamic market and be a part of Michigan’s future,” said Christopher J. Baldwin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “BJ’s is known for helping hard-working families save money, and Metro Detroit is a great fit for our clubs. Our expansion into this market is the result of our new, data-driven model for opening clubs, and we see significant potential in the region. We’re ready to serve Eastern Michigan families and bring great career opportunities to the area.”
According to a press release, the new clubs will enable Metro Detroit families to save about $500 a year on groceries. Each club will host an impressive array of prepared foods and a range of convenient services, including an option to buy groceries online and pick them up in the store. BJ’s noted that the two clubs will bring approximately 300 new jobs to the area, as well as 1,000 construction jobs to support the project.
Will BJ’s continue its expansion past Michigan? AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-date on retail happenings.
NEW YORK - It’s a cheerful holiday season for Crunch Time Apple Growers thanks to the company’s recent wins at the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. At the 14th annual contest, the apple grower cooperative won three Silver Davey Awards, receiving tip-top recognition amidst 3,000 entries from around the world.
“We won three awards in two categories,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing Rena Montedoro. “We received a silver Davey for our integrated promotional and branding for SnapDragon Apples and two more for innovative online advertising and marketing: RubyFrost's Baker's Little Helper Consumer Contest and the Pack a Snap - Win a Schwinn! sweepstakes.”
According to a press release, the Davey Awards honors the finest creative work from the best small shops, firms, and companies worldwide. In the same press release, Montedoro pointed to Crunch Time’s wins as an indicator of major apple love from SnapDragon and RubyFrost fans.
“Apples are a crowded category, and we’re up against some big corporations. But our audience has gone crazy for our promotions and fallen in love with our apples,” Montedoro continued.
This year, SnapDragon, a descendent of the Honeycrisp variety, saw a 60 percent increase in harvest and is quickly becoming a favorite around the country. It is available in national retail chains, big box stores, and boutique markets across the U.S. now, while the RubyFrost apple will be available in early January 2019.
SnapDragon and RubyFrost apples are grown by Crunch Time Apple Growers, a group of 147 premier apple farmers. To find SnapDragon apples near you, visit Snapdragonapple.com.
Congratulations to Crunch Time Apple Growers on the wins, and here’s to many more!