Fallback FLV:
https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/fallback-videos/giumarra_trailer_july2018_small.mp4?VersionId=XckxiWTFU_5.KnXJ5k21_dMH51kpFEMm
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Coram Deo Farms Inc., operating out of Tubac, Arizona, for failing to pay a $73,600 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order Adrian L. Pryor were listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business. Another principal of the business at the time of the order was Oscar A. Lopez. He has challenged his responsibly connected status.
- Vermex Produce LLC, operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $7,350 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, David Villarreal, Maria G. Villarreal, Catalina Villarreal, and Arturo Villarreal, Jr. were listed as members of the business.
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 suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed 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.
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 3,400 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,500 callers with issues valued at approximately $151 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
MONTEREY, CA - My first trade show is now behind me, and it was a whirlwind. With over 1,800 attendees looking through the 191 exhibitors, PMA Foodservice showed me what the produce industry is all about: community. Across the show floor, the energy from retailers and exhibitors was infectious. Squeezing down aisles, stopping to say hello and sample outrageously creative offerings—sweet corn ice cream, anyone?—I was blown away by the sense of community permeating the Monterey Conference Center.
To highlight this, the event kicked off on Wednesday, starting with the Center for Growing Talent’s Bocce for Talent Tournament, its Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament, and then its 5K Race for Talent. The Strolling Brunch—a first for PMA—was a chance for buyers and sellers to try out new flavors while meeting new folks, before heading in to see Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, talk about company momentum and growth—an event Cathy Burns tells me was so full there was only room left for people to stand.
“We had a great panel session moderated by our friend Chef Jet, with thoughtful conversations with leaders from Brinker, Sizzler, and Markon that dug into issues the industry is facing," Cathy tells me when I ask her what the highlights of the show have been. "The expo was a great opportunity to see buyers and sellers connecting and business happening. The innovation that I’m seeing around the show floor has been absolutely unbelievable, and the spirit and energy that I sense and feel from everyone here is palpable. There’s still a lot of optimism, and a lot of work to do to move our industry forward, and ultimately grow a healthier world.”
The expo was a flurrry of activity. Stopping to see and hear all about the latest releases was incredibly exciting. One such new release was from Ocean Mist Farms, whose new value-added broccoli florets and Brussels sprouts were a must see for everyone walking the floor.
“What PMA Foodservice means for Ocean Mist Farms is additional face time with our valuable customers, an opportunity to bring people into our backyard and to our facility in Castroville, and making new friends and building on relationships,” Diana McClean, Director of Marketing, tells me. “The highlight of this show has been customer interaction and bigger, better friendships.”
Mission Produce's Denise Junquiero clued me in to how PMA Foodservice offers unique opportunities for its exhibitors.
“Foodservice is a big part of what we do,” Denise shares with me. “This year, we actually launched our Mission Foodservice division and we’re very excited about it. We’ve just seen our business grow so much in this sector and we really wanted to enhance our capabilities and also enhance our resources that we’re giving to this specific customer base, so they know what’s out there around avocados. The show’s been really amazing. Being able to have those touch points with our customers and discuss what’s going on with the avocado has been a really, really great opportunity for us—especially having launched Mission Foodservice and our Emeralds in the Rough box. It gives us a platform to showcase our capabilities in a different way and get our message out there.”
Grimmway Farm’s Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales, shared what PMA Foodservice has meant to her and the company.
“The show has once again been a great success,” she begins. “We’ve had a lot of traffic and great conversation at our booth. We’re introducing our Rainbow Organic Fingerling potatoes in a 25 lb bulk pack, which has received an enormous amount of interest. Foodservice has become a large part of our business; this show provides us with a great opportunity to meet one on one with many of our customers and showcase many of our products all in one place. I love that everybody has the same-sized booth. We’re all 8x10, which makes it more intimate. We are so fortunate to be part of an industry that provides bountiful, healthy, flavorful products to all.”
From the buy-side, I talked to Plated’s Felipe Alexander, who let me know that this year's PMA has been one for the books.
“
I really like the new format this year. It’s a great experience, especially for a first-timer. It’s very accessible,” he tells me. “For Plated, it’s always good to see our brand. We work with a lot of distributors so we don’t often go straight to the brand. So it’s nice to see new brands and the new stuff that’s going on.”
As I wandered through the myriad of offerings, I stopped to sample Monterey Mushroom’s Let’s Blend™ Finely Diced Mushrooms, a fortuitous moment, given its win for Best Product Promo Award.
“It’s critical,” Mike O’Brien, Vice President of Marketing, shares with me about the importance of the win to Monterey Mushrooms. “It’s so exciting to look to the future when you’re looking for menu innovation, so it’s not just about what we’re doing today, it’s about where we’re going to take the category tomorrow, and what’s going to excite the consumer, and that’s why the blend is such an important part of our portfolio.”
Congratulations also go out to Avocados From Mexico and Famous Software for winning first and second place at Best of Show, respectively. Other PMA winners are listed below.
2018 Joe Nucci Golf Tournament Awards
First Place Foursome
- Tom Koster, Mann Packing Company
- John DeSantis, Mann Packing Company
- Rich Bouwman, Mann Packing Company
- Bill Engleke, Mann Packing Company
Second Place Foursome
- Brent Hofmann, Famous Software
- Jordan Long, Famous Software
- Ernie Baltierra, Green Herbs International
- Robert Culhane, Coosemans Worldwide
Contest Winners
Fruit Salad Putt Winner
- Andy Lessem, Concord Foods
- Brad Wham, Virtus, LLC
- Patrick Bolin, Virtus LLC
- Grant Longstreet, Sun Rich Fresh Foods, Inc.
Longest Drive Winners
- John DeSantis, Mann Packing Company
- Gina Nucci, Mann Packing Company
Chip and Putt Contest Winners
- Chip: Brent Hofmann, Famous Software
- Putt: Maryam Nikkhah, Pete's Living Greens
Guess the Number of Tees
- Brian Rogers, San Miguel Produce
Marshmallow Drive Winner
- Brad Marshall, Robinson Fresh
Keg in the Fairway Winner
- Maryam Nikkhah, Pete's Living Greens
2018 Bocce Tournament Results
Coveted Trophy Winners:
Growers Express: Cynthia Davis, Darilyn Jaurequi, Sara Plymale, Bob Thorp
Runners Up:
- Steinbeck Country Produce: Phil Balestreri, Matt Huntington, Chris Whitlow, Cesar Rodriguez
Best Dressed Team:
- Steinbeck Country Produce: Shelly Hefferman, Mariella Hernadez, George Mosqueda, Barbara Rosas
The Culls:
- Growers Express: Natalie Macedonia, Alexis Nashihara, Andrew Ratto
2018 5K Race Results
Team Competition Awards
- Best Team Spirit: The Incredible Destiny Packaging
- Best Team Attire: Earthbound Farm
- Largest Team to Register: Team Ippolito
Top Overall Men
- Nathan Rossi | 16:41
- Suresh DeCosta | Lipman |17:54
- Jeff Martin | Kroger | 18:26
Top Overall Women
- Stacy Ward | Coastal Sunbelt Produce | 19:17
- Cassidy Taylor | Produce Marketing Association | 20:44
- Julia Gionet-Gonzales | 20:59
Thanks to everyone for making this PMA Foodservice Expo a success!
SANTA ANA, CA - After over 30 years on the retail side of the produce industry, Scot Olson is making a major career move across the aisle. The former Vice President of Produce & Floral at Grocery Outlet is joining sales and merchandising company FreshSource, LLC in the role of President for its newly restructured North/North West Division.
Olson has long been entrenched in a produce career, having worked at Albertsons for over 15 years, working as a Produce Manager, Quality Assurance Inspector, and Produce Buyer. He then shifted to a Grocery Outlet in 2002, where he has since been instrumental in developing both the produce and floral, as well as the meat department programs. When Olson wasn’t busy with his retail career, he has stayed active in the produce industry with speaking engagements at Ag Safe, taking part in Retail Panels for FPFC, serving as Chairman for the PMA Fresh Summit Committee in 2016 and, most recently, joining the Board of Directors for PMA.
“It truly is an honor to have Mr. Olson join our growing family. I am excited to have his years of experience, leadership, and ingenuity to contribute to the FreshSource Brand,” Robert Thompson, Founder and CEO, said in a memo to the industry. “We have a very aggressive growth plan for the next few years and I am confident that Mr. Olson will add tremendous value to our leadership.”
In tandem with the hiring of Olson, FreshSource also announced the restructuring of its Northern California division to incorporate the Pacific Northwest.
Congratulations to our friend for this major step in his career and to FreshSource for adding this new wealth of produce industry knowledge!
GLENMOUNT, NY - Happy Monday, everyone! On this bright and sunny week’s beginning, we welcome Gianna Pennacchia to the New York Apple Sales Team. Starting July 23, Pennacchia is diving into the company’s Glenmont, New York, sales efforts alongside John Cushing, Michael Harwood, Kaari Stannard, and Debbie Hulsopple, as the group prepares for this coming apple season.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gianna to our New York Apple Sales team,” Kaari Stannard, President and owner of New York Apple Sales, Inc., remarked in a press release. “She brings a boat load of talent as well as an enormous amount of millennium enthusiasm to the table. Her marketing and her creative training is exactly what we were looking for.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree at the State University of New York, Plattsburg, where she majored in marketing and minored in graphic design, Pennacchia obtained positions in entertainment management, wealth management, and corporate development. Pennacchia also worked for the American Cancer Society in marketing.
“Kaari and I are thrilled to have Gianna on board. We have been searching for a while, and when Giana’s resume crossed my desk, I knew we were on the right track; and her subsequent interviews sealed the deal for me,” commented John Cushing, VP of Sales.
Pennacchia is loyal to the Empire State, having grown up in the Albany neighborhood.
Congratulations, Gianna Pennacchia and New York Apple Sales! We wish you luck going into this fall season’s exciting happenings!
SAN JOSE, CA - There’s always two sides to the same coin: on the one side, those in our industry are tackling the goal of feeding many with delicious, fresh produce; but on the other side, there’s excess and waste that comes with the territory. However, companies like Zest Labs have taken it upon itself to remedy food waste as a rising problem in our industry and world. With the numbers reporting that more than 33 percent of post-harvest food goes to waste, Zest Lab is churning out solutions to reduce waste by 50 percent or more in order to fix this environmental, ethical, and financial problem.
I caught up with Kevin Payne, Vice President of Marketing, to find out more about how Zest Labs has updated its solutions to sustainably prevent food waste, manage the fresh food supply chain, and, in turn, improve profitability for growers, shippers, processors, and retail grocers.
“We’re at the forefront of the development of post-harvest ag tech solutions,” Kevin shares with me. “The produce and grocery industries are facing tight margins that are further squeezed by new discount competitors, increased freight costs, and changing consumer buying preferences, so anywhere growers, shippers, distributors, and retailers can reduce costs is significant. Specifically, we help growers ensure their processes are adhered to and that their assets are efficiently and optimally utilized. For retailers, we reduce the waste that costs them six percent or more in product margin on produce and ensure their customers can shop a high-quality product. As a result, Zest Labs helps build loyalty in a market where customers have many options for how and where they shop.”
Among its solutions, Zest Lab introduced the industry’s first freshness metric Zest Intelligent Pallet Routine Code (ZIPR Code) in January 2017 after noticing most waste and shrink begins in the field at harvest. The ZIPR Code utilizes a combination of modern technologies, like predictive analytics, machine learning, and autonomous data capture using loT condition sensors, to collect data at the pallet-level and throughout the supply chain to accurately and dynamically calculate the remaining shelf-life and freshness of produce.
This year, the company also announced the integration of Zest Fresh with blockchain technology in order to provide a secure network for sharing information and accurate data, autonomously collected by Zest Fresh, between companies and business partners.
“Zest Labs is the only solution provider delivering proactive freshness management solutions. Other approaches provide only after-the-fact or forensic data about what went wrong and as a result are reactive instead of proactive in reducing costs and waste,” Kevin tells me. “By providing actionable insights through real-time alerts and dashboards, we provide complete supply chain visibility and the ability to take corrective actions as needed, from harvest to store.”
When I ask Kevin if there’s anything potential customers should know if they’re hesitating on tapping into these innovative solutions, he assures me gathering objective insights from a third-party is critical for many in our industry.
“Objective data collection and analysis, validated through an independent data company, like Zest Labs, strengthens trust between the growers, suppliers, and retailers. It also provides trusted data that each party can use to improve their own operations. Zest Fresh provides objective data that helps everyone. Supply chain participants can determine what information they want to share amongst parties and still receive the full benefits of the solution,” Kevin says.
With that said, Zest Labs is here to help companies continue to meet our industry’s traditional needs and adapt to the market as it evolves.
For more on companies helping the produce industry flourish on the technology side, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a press release, Stay Fresh Distributors Inc., operating out of Brooksville, Florida, continues to be restricted from operating in the produce industry for failing to pay a $25,228 award in favor of a New Mexico seller for unpaid invoices. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jason A. Canals was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business. Three additional reparation orders were issued against Stay Fresh Distributors Inc. to pay an $8,440 award in favor of a California seller, a $5,523 award in favor of an Idaho seller, and a $13,888 award in favor of a South Carolina seller for unpaid invoices.
Seasons Best Produce Corporation, operating out of Lutz, Florida, continues to be restricted from operating in the produce industry for failing to pay a $16,440 award in favor of a North Carolina seller for unpaid invoices. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jason A. Canals was listed as the president of the business. One additional reparation order was issued against Seasons Best Produce Corporation to pay a $23,060 award in favor of a Michigan seller for unpaid invoices.
Neither Stay Fresh Distributors Inc. nor Seasons Best Produce Corporation have made payments to any of these sellers and, as a result, the sanction period against the two companies and its principal has been extended to reflect these new violations.
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 suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed 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.
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 3,400 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,500 callers with issues valued at approximately $151 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
PARSIPPANY, NJ - Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market announced plans to add to their executive team last week; the company appointed Jim Moriarty to the role of Chief Financial Officer.
Moriarty brings more than 18 years of experience in finance and accounting to his new role—including eleven years at Walmart.
Moriarty spent the past eleven years working for Walmart in the Northeast division, and in his most recent role, he supported Finance and Strategy for Walmart Operations and acted as divisional CFO. Among his various positions at Walmart, Moriarty also served as Senior Director Operations Finance and Strategy supporting Consumables and Health & Wellness. Prior to that, he spent seven years with Sears Holding Company as a Senior Manager for Channel Strategy and Performance and as a Senior Financial Manager of Corporate Planning.
In his new position, Moriarty will be responsible for overseeing the Finance and Accounting teams as well as Loss Prevention for Kings and Balducci’s.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Jim Moriarty to our management team,” said Judy Spires, Chairman and CEO of Kings and Balducci’s, in a press release. “With his wealth of experience in the retail industry, his leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand the Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market brands.”
A former member of the US Army National Guard, Moriarty holds two master’s degrees from Northwestern University—one MS in information technology and another in strategy and management. He is currently in the process of earning his third master’s in predictive analytics and is pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He received his MBA and BBA from the University of Iowa.
We at AndNowUKnow wish Moriarty and the Kings/Balducci’s team all the best in their future endeavors.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Amon Foods Inc., operating out of Hayward, California, for failing to pay an $8,670 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Hussein Tawfik was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- JH Farm Inc., operating out of Los Angeles, California, for failing to pay a $20,846 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jong Ho Lee was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- Wasil Obaid, doing business as Frisco Wholesale, operating out of Oakland, California, for failing to pay a $32,294 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Wasil Obaid was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
- Sergio Garcia, doing business as Garcia Produce, operating out of San Bernardino, California, for failing to pay a $6,300 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Sergio Garcia was listed as the sole proprietor of the business.
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 suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed 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.
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 3,400 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,500 callers with issues valued at approximately $151 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
PORT OF PHILADELPHIA, PA - This summer’s citrus hailing all the way from South Africa hit U.S. shores these past couple of weeks, and Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) was there to greet the season’s crop. To find out more about the kick-off of the season on the stateside, I chatted with CEO Suhanra Conradie.
“Quality is good this year with exceptionally good internals and eating quality. We are anticipating overall volume growth for Easy Peelers, Navel oranges, and Star Ruby. Right now, demand is really good, which can be seen by the increased shipments. The vessels departing the weeks of June 18th, July 2nd, and July 17th carried 3,482; 4,482; and 4,567 pallets of fresh citrus, respectively, which will help us meet increased demand from retailers,” Suhanra shared with me.
Suhanra explained how the imported citrus category has grown more than four times in the past 10 years, which means Americans are eating healthier and growing more accustomed to enjoying citrus in the summer. As a result, Suhanra noted that SCSA has molded its strategy to better complement the local production.
“SCSA is known for exceptional eating quality due to the Mediterranean climate, characterized by rainy winters and dry summers. The South African citrus growers are sophisticated at implementing the best international practices on the production side. In addition, the group operates with sophisticated logistics to ensure U.S. consumers can enjoy fresh, sweet, and delicious citrus even in the summer,” Suhanra said. “The dedicated vessels that take our citrus to the Port of Philadelphia form an imperative part of the success of this program.”
As the citrus continues to grow accustomed to their land legs again as they make their way to produce aisles, Suhanra suggested retailers display product in display bins near the front and to take advantage of SCSA’s marketing efforts.
“We have invested in year-round marketing to maintain a relationship with the SCSA consumer. We supply our consumers with recipe inspiration through social media, updates through emails, and inform the trade on crop updates through our trade newsletter, which is distributed every two weeks and includes crop and market updates that are perfect for retailers,” Suhanra told me.
With the imported citrus season just beginning, stick with us at AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on industry happenings.