FLORIDA - After making landfall on the Florida coast earlier this morning, Hurricane Debby has become a tropical storm. The storm still brings with it the possibility of catastrophic flooding as record-setting rain is expected.

Debby made landfall as a Category 1 storm near the small community of Steinhatchee, CBS News reported, which has a total population of roughly 1,000 residents. This is a less populous part of Florida, but forecasters still warn that heavy rain could kickstart heavy flooding in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

This is due in part because forecasters believe that record-setting rain could pummel Georgia and South Carolina as the storm heads east.

As of 11 a.m. EST, nearly 300,000 Florida homes and businesses were without electricity. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis assured residents that some 17,000 linemen are working to restore power and to sit tight until conditions are safe.

We’ll continue to report on the potential effects of the storm in the coming days, so stay tuned.

SALINAS, CA - With an already impressive presence in the strawberry and blueberry categories through its highly recognized Foxy® brand, Blazer Wilkinson Gee (BWG) is taking steps to broaden its strength to multiple other categories. The produce supplier recently announced its expansion into the marketing of citrus, grapes, and cherries from South America.

"Expanding our product line is a natural progression for BWG," said Jack Wilkinson, Director of Sales. "Our core competencies in growing and shipping premium berries translate seamlessly to other fruits. This expansion allows us to better serve our existing customers and attract new partners who share our commitment to delivering quality."

For the upcoming season, the company’s initial offerings will include a diverse selection of South American citrus, cherries, and grapes, with a range of sizes, varieties, and flavors. As a press release shared, BWG plans to begin importing the first containers of citrus to the United States in the coming weeks and is currently taking orders.

Bolstering its position as a premier fresh produce supplier, this strategic expansion will enable the company to provide its customers with a broader range of high-quality fresh produce offerings.

"We are excited about the opportunities this expansion presents," continued Wilkinson. "Our team is committed to delivering the same level of quality, service, and customer satisfaction that BWG is known for. We look forward to building strong partnerships with our customers and providing them with the best possible products."

With this strategic move in play, BWG will maintain its strength in the berry arena with its year-round strawberries and rapidly growing blueberry portfolio, offering global supply to support its partners’ long-term programs.

ANUK is always here to report on the latest industry moves and expansions, so be on the lookout for our next update.

HOUSTON, TX - Sysco’s long-term growth strategy is one that continues to see success, marked by tactical investments, market share gains, sales increases, and more. The distributor recently shared its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, unveiling several gains for the 13 weeks ending June 29, 2024.

“Sysco’s financial performance for the quarter and year included market share gains, strong profit growth, investments in the business, and robust annual cash flow,” said Kevin Hourican, Sysco’s Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “Our balanced efforts to grow top-line and manage margins enabled us to deliver solid bottom-line results. In addition, we rewarded our shareholders with share repurchases and dividends. I am proud of our team for a steadfast focus on core business drivers, and advancing our strategic initiatives. We remain on track with a specific set of actions that we are confident will positively increase local case performance in the upcoming fiscal year.”

Among the company’s key results for Q4, Sysco reported:

• Sales increased 4.2 percent
• U.S. Foodservice volume increased 3.5 percent; U.S. local volumes grew 0.7 percent
• Gross profit increased 4.2 percent to $3.8 billion
• Operating income increased 1.2 percent to $977 million, and adjusted operating income increased 6.4 percent to $1.1 billion
• EBITDA decreased 7.7 percent to $1.2 billion, and adjusted EBITDA increased 5.4 percent to $1.3 billion

Upon sharing these results, Hourican also pointed to the success of the distributor’s international division.

“I am particularly pleased with our International business, which delivered a 19.4 percent increase in operating income and 23.6 percent increase in adjusted operating income for the year,” he added. “I want to thank all Sysco colleagues for their strong customer focus and hard work in fiscal 2024. We are the leader in the Food Away From Home distribution business because of you, our talented team.”

To dig further into the company’s Q4 results, click here.

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