BAKERSFIELD, CA - Some strategic acquisition news came across our desks this morning at the ANUK headquarters, unveiling a tactical deal between Sun World International and Biogold Group. Sun World has announced its acquisition of the South Africa-based global fruit variety rights manager.

"Sun World is known for commercializing carefully, and being intentional when releasing our genetics, in service of maximizing benefits to our producer licensees," said David Marguleas, Chief Executive Officer of Sun World. "Similarly, we make very few acquisitions and when we do, we do so with discipline. There couldn't be a stronger business case than this alliance. It’s a powerful accelerant for both companies and a pretty seamless integration for two already strong organizations and leadership teams."

Trading as Citrogold in South Africa, Biogold is recognized as a preeminent global supplier of citrus genetics, a press release explained. Biogold has an extensive citrus range which will serve as a strong value-add to Sun World’s strong positioning in the table grape and stonefruit sectors. 

As the release continued, Biogold holds varietal management rights to a significant portfolio of not-yet-commercialized varieties, creating a parallel path with two revenue streams and making the growth runway for the combined company formidable.

Along with its own formidable mango breeding program, the company also said it manages significant rights to varieties developed by third-party breeders, brandishing one of the world’s largest mango and avocado collections.

The company’s operations will continue to be run by Viresh Ramburan as Vice President, Global Licensing, Citrus and Subtropicals.

"This acquisition instantly catapults our combined company onto a new growth path," said Ramburan. "We’ve developed unique expertise in helping fruit breeders monetize their valuable genetic assets, effectively serving breeders across sectors which include government, academia, and private entities. This acquisition creates a symbiotic relationship that will be highly scalable to the benefit of both parties and to our customers—both fruit breeders and growers."

Sun World began targeting the citrus, mango, and avocado categories as opportunities for growth in 2019, witnessing explosive retail growth and demand across each sector.

Zak Laffite, President of Wonderful Citrus, also commented on the deal.

"Biogold is an invaluable supplier to Wonderful Citrus," said Laffite. "We have tremendous respect for the quality of their varietals, and know that with Sun World and Biogold under one roof, we will see tremendous benefits for the industry as a whole."

Read more about the recent transaction here, and keep reading ANUK for the latest industry news.

FRIESLAND, WI - From special occasions to everyday meals, potatoes are an uncontested staple at both retail and foodservice. With an eye toward supplying continuous demand, Alsum Farms is ready to welcome Wisconsin red and yellow potatoes.

“The first harvest of yellow potatoes at Alsum Farm looks promising,” said Larry Alsum, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The first potato loads are being washed, graded, and packed for fresh market delivery to distribution centers and retail grocers, according to a press release. In addition, new crop Wisconsin organic russet, red, and yellow potatoes will be available for shipping starting August 5, with Russet potatoes hot on their heels.

The company reported the latter variety’s harvest will begin on August 20, with the Russet Caribou and Goldrush varieties being the first of new crop Russets to be harvested off the field. Freshly washed, packed, and delivered to retail grocers in the Midwest and beyond, there’s much to count down to in the weeks to come.

Versatility and storability keep the category budget-friendly, and Alsum offers a wide variety of pack options from 12 oz up to 50 lb packs with choices in poly, mesh, paper, or cartons. With more than 50 years under its belt, the company continues to grow, nurture, and harvest farm fresh using the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program.

“In 1992 we began farming and by 1996 helped establish the Wisconsin Healthy Grown Program,” Alsum, who is also a Founding Member of the Wisconsin Healthy Grown Program, said, noting the eco-friendly program has guided the company’s farm sustainability practices for nearly 30 years. “Since that time, the Healthy Grown program has continued to guide our farm sustainability practices utilizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to efficiently manage inputs, implement conservation practices that enhance ecosystem efforts.”

Alsum Farms utilizes the Healthy Grown Program’s regenerative ag approach to strengthen ecosystems and community resilience.

What more could you seek in a supplier for such a category constant in the fresh industry?

GRAND FORKS, ND - An already experienced team is growing in strength once again. Ten Acre Marketing recently announced a series of new hires and promotions to deepen its wealth of knowledge in the produce marketing space.

First on the list is the promotion of Sara Hewitt to Director of Public Relations.

“I am eager to spotlight our client’s unique stories and the work they are doing to advance agriculture,” says Hewitt. “Our clients are doing some amazing things in agriculture, and helping them celebrate that through strategic story-telling is icing on the cake.”

Hewitt has an extensive background in agriculture checkoff, association marketing and public relations, as well as client experience. In her new role as Director, she will leverage her diverse agriculture experience, deep understanding of clients’ stories, and strong relationships within the agriculture industry, a press release explained.

She joined the Ten Acre team as an Account Manager just over one year ago, taking on branding and strategic marketing for clients across production agriculture.

“We are excited to announce Sara’s promotion to Director of Public Relations. Her dedication, strategic thinking, and understanding of our vision to amplify the power of agriculture has played a key role in our client’s success,” says Leah Halverson, Chief Executive Officer and Founder. “I am confident that she will continue to drive our public relations efforts to the next level as we continue to deliver results for our clients.”

The marketing agency also announced the growth of its creative team, welcoming Kevin Deval as its Senior Graphic Designer. As the release went on to note, Deval joins the team with over two decades of experience in the creative industry, having worked for both large-scale agencies and boutique firms.

“I enjoy delivering innovative and impactful visual solutions that resonate with audiences and drive results,” says Deval. “I am excited to leverage my extensive background and industry insights to make a meaningful impact with Ten Acre.”

Sarah Ardentz, who previously served as a Content Creation Specialist for the company, has transitioned into an Account Coordinator role. In this role, she will help meet the demands of Ten Acre’s account management team, playing a key role in building and maintaining strong client relationships.

These new appointments come as Ten Acre celebrates its five-year anniversary this year, marking a strategic period of growth for the company.

Cheers to Ten Acre Marketing and each of these newly appointed leaders!

WATSONVILLE, CA - With an eye toward driving its sales strategy with more horsepower, as well as diving into business development and market expansion efforts, California Giant Berry Farms has welcomed a new executive to its ranks. Tim Youmans, a produce veteran of over 20 years, has been named Vice President of Sales.

"I am excited to join California Giant Berry Farms and contribute to its continued success," Youmans commented. "I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to expand our customer base, strengthen our market presence, and drive sustainable growth."

In the new role, Youmans will lead strategic and tactical execution of profitable go-to-market strategies, according to a press release. His responsibilities will include fostering customer relations and mentoring a new generation of commercial business leaders for the California Giant team, while also focusing on driving top-line revenue growth and enhancing market share.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tim Youmans to our team," said company President Joe Barsi. "Tim's proven track record in developing and implementing successful go-to-market strategies will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate in the berry industry."

That track record includes senior leadership roles in sales and marketing throughout fresh produce, such as a significant tenure at Driscoll’s, where Youmans served as Vice President of Sales, overseeing the category development team and sales across the retail, wholesale, foodservice, and export channels.

Most recently, Youmans was Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Root 24 Farms, where he successfully introduced a new organic blueberry brand to market.

Congratulations to the new Vice President and the California Giant team on this latest chapter!

ELGIN, MN - An exciting delicacy is coming to the produce department this month as Honeybear Brands brings an early variety primer to the fall apple season. Hitting shelves in mid-August, the apple company's popular First Kiss® variety gives retailers a chance to get a jump start on new fresh crop apple sales.

“Demand for premium apples remains high, and First Kiss represents the start of apple season,” says Don Roper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Shoppers and retailers are ready for an injection of fresh flavor on the apple deck. Apple lovers anticipate the exciting First Kiss variety on store shelves and it’s a signal that the apple harvest and flavors of fall are not far behind. There’s a lot of love about a First Kiss apple, but like every first kiss, it’s fleeting, so enjoy them while you can.”

First Kiss apples are grown exclusively in Minnesota and brought to market by Honeybear Brands. The sweet, early-season variety will begin shipping nationwide in mid-August. The variety originally debuted in limited supply to a fan base of committed consumers and is now headed back to the produce department in even greater numbers this season.

As a press release shared, First Kiss is a descendant of the beloved Honeycrisp variety, developed in the same Minnesota growing region where the first Honeycrisp was discovered. The result is a mouth-wateringly sweet/tart and juicy apple with a firm, crisp bite, eye-catching, deep scarlet skin, and bright white flesh.

Don’t miss out on the category opportunities sparked by this lovable variety! For more insights to inform your fall merchandising plans, keep reading ANUK.