PHARR, TX - The song goes, “You like tomato. I like tomahto. Potato. Potahto. Tomato. Tomahto. Let’s call the whole thing off.” Well, it’s definitely not all fun and games for one group, whose hidden heroin in a shipment of tomatoes was certainly called off by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
When an 18-wheeler, 1998 Freightliner truck made its way through the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility on March 28th, with a shipment of tomatoes in tow, the shipment was sent to a secondary inspection that uses a non-intrusive imaging system and drug-sniffing canines. There, 41 pounds of alleged heroin were found tucked away in the cargo, according to San Antonio Express-News.
Once found, the drugs were estimated to be worth $1,627,877. The drugs were seized, and the case is now being investigated by Homeland Security, the news source relays.
For more fresh produce news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
WATSONVILLE, CA - California Giant Berry Farms has reported robust success with its new national Chef Invitational. In its inaugural year, the berry provider has received enthusiastic participation from national and regional foodservice organizations—with participation from companies including Markon, Performance Food Group, Produce Alliance, Renaissance Food Group, Sysco, and US Foods.
“We are pleased with the recipes we have already received from chefs and look forward to seeing all the great new and different ideas submitted by this wide network of professionals” said Tom Smith, Director of Foodservice, in a press release. “There is so much talent in our industry, we know as an annual event this will continue to build relationships, innovation, and increased usage of our brand of berries.”
According to California Giant’s press release, Smith and the company launched the Chef Invitational in March to further cement relationships with key members of the foodservice industry, as well as recognize their talented chefs that create innovative recipes with California Giant brand berries.
Each participating distributor company invited chefs within their network to participate by creating new recipes featuring California Giant brand berries. Companies are invited to submit multiple chef entries in the competition by May 18, 2018, for judging, with hopes of being one of the six coveted finalists.
Finalists will travel to Monterey, California’s Tehama Golf Club to compete for the title of Top Chef in a climactic showdown on July 10, 2018.
“We expect a group of about 50 people from industry, trade press and sponsoring foodservice companies to attend and enjoy the ocean view while tasting the innovative berry offerings, sipping wine, and following up with a delicious local cheese or chocolate” added Smith.
At the event, chefs will prepare their recipe entry after field tours and social events. Judges for the showdown will include professional chefs from the Monterey and Carmel area and a representative from the trade press. The chef showdown will also feature sponsors from the Monterey area serving local wines, cheeses, olive oil, and chocolate while guests have the chance to watch each chef in action.
For more fresh produce news, stay keep reading AndNowUKnow.
VANCOUVER, CANADA - Sun’s out, citrus is out—spring is full of both! And this year’s CPMA Convention + Tradeshow is in for a real treat as Sunkist is bringing a taste of California and Arizona sunshine to Vancouver in the form of premium, fresh citrus, grown by its cooperative of family farmers.
“Citrus demand continues to build along with consumer interest in fresh, healthy, and natural lifestyle choices. Sunkist is excited to highlight springtime citrus varieties and promotional opportunities in Vancouver,” said Joan Wickham, Director of Communications. “This time of year lends itself to so many usage occasions for citrus—from refreshing seasonal food and beverage recipes, bright décor, and even spring cleaning.”
CPMA attendees will be able to sample peak season springtime citrus varieties, including Minneola tangelos, California mandarins, Ojai Pixie tangerines, Gold Nugget variety mandarins, Cara Cara, blood, and Navel oranges, along with refreshing lemon-infused water at Sunkist’s booth. And, to top it off, Chef Jill Davie will offer expert culinary tips on using and pairing citrus varieties in ways that maximize the flavors and attributes of each distinctive type of fruit.
“The versatility of citrus makes it a truly special category that can be promoted throughout the store,” said Julie DeWolf, Director of Retail Marketing. “Sunkist offers a multitude of promotional tools to help retailers capitalize on these opportunities—in the produce section and beyond.”
Along with its citrus, Sunkist will also display its retail marketing materials, with the organization’s sales and marketing team available at its booth to discuss opportunities. According to a press release, Sunkist offers highly customizable programs to allow for tailored marketing approaches that accommodate various store formats and shopper demographics.
Offering a full range of cartons, bags, display masters, bins, and reusable plastic containers (RPCs) that have been designed with customers’ needs in mind, Sunkist provides customer-specific creative marketing and promotional support to both the retail and foodservice trades, designed to build consumer excitement, demand, and sales.
Founded in 1893 under the principle that more can be accomplished by working together, the Sunkist cooperative of family farms promotes the culture of family and collaboration with growers and customers. With thousands of grower members in California and Arizona and more than 40 fresh citrus varieties under its brand, the Sunkist cooperative reflects the values and legacy of its 125-year history: family-owned farms where traditional growing practices, stewardship of natural resources, and a dedication to innovation are passed from generation to generation.
To learn more, visit Sunkist at booth 731 or online at www.sunkist.com. For more of what’s stirring up interest at this year’s CPMA, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - After recently unloading its Farm Fresh banner and exploring more sales, SuperValu has released its financial report and, with it, plans to optimize retail operations and monetize select real estate assets through sale leaseback transactions. The company also announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to sell eight of its distribution centers and to pursue the sale of its corporately owned and operated Shop ‘n Save (based in St. Louis) and its Shop ‘n Save East (with stores in West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) retail operations.
“We finished fiscal 2018 strong with results in-line with our expectations after having made significant progress throughout the year with our ongoing wholesale business transformation. We’re pleased with our efforts to date to create a stronger company with more focused operations through the purchase of Unified Grocers and AG Florida,” said President and CEO Mark Gross.
The eight distribution centers to be sold represent 5.8 million square feet and will go to a single buyer for an aggregate purchase price, excluding closing costs and taxes, of approximately $483 million (net proceeds are estimated to be $445 million), according to a press release. The sale and leaseback are expected to close in May for seven of the properties and October for the other.
“Already in the first two months of fiscal 2019, we’ve capitalized on our business momentum by taking several decisive, strategic actions that further our transformation,” Gross continued. “These include exiting our Farm Fresh banner, the announcement that we’re pursuing the sale of our Shop ‘n Save and Shop ‘n Save East retail operations, and the monetization of approximately $483 million in owned real estate. With a growing Wholesale business and more stable group of retail stores, we believe SuperValu is well positioned for success. While we still have more work to do, we remain optimistic about our ability to grow our core wholesale business and create long-term shareholder value.”
Other highlights of the financial report include the following for the full year fiscal 2018 (compared to fiscal 2017):
- Continuing operations: Consolidated net sales increased $3.25 billion, or 30 percent, including $2.6 billion from Unified Grocers and AG Florida; wholesale net sales increased $3.35 billion, or 43 percent
- Total net earnings attributable to SuperValu: net earnings including non-controlling interests of $46 million, comprised of $49 million of net earnings from continuing operations and $3 million of loss from discontinued operations, net of tax; adjusted EBITDA of $478 million, comprised of $436 million of adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and $42 million from discontinued operations
The fourth quarter fiscal 2018 financial summary (compared to fourth quarter fiscal 2017) was as follows:
- Continuing operations: Consolidated net sales increased $1.07 billion, or 42 percent; including $970 million from Unified Grocers and AG Florida; wholesale net sales increased by $1.08 billion, or 60 percent
- Total net earnings attributable to SuperValu: net earnings including non-controlling interests of $33 million, comprised of $25 million of net earnings from continuing operations and $8 million of Income from discontinued operations, net of tax; adjusted EBITDA of $128 million, comprised of $117 million of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and $11 million from discontinued operations
For more information, see SuperValu's financial report in its entirety here, and to follow the newly proposed sale as prospective buyers come to light, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
FOWLER, CA - With supply of many California citrus crops dwindling, Bee Sweet Citrus has made an announcement that will have citrus fans and the stores that supply them take heart; Bee Sweet’s supply of Star Ruby grapefruit is expected to remain strong over the next few months.
“Grapefruit fans should take advantage of the next few weeks to stock up on one of their favorite citrus varieties,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Joe Berberian. “Star Ruby grapefruit isn’t just tasty, it’s also an excellent source of vitamin C and incredibly versatile.”
According to the company’s press release, studies show that consuming one serving (or half) of one Star Ruby grapefruit can provide over half the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. Ideal for health-conscious consumers, Bee Sweet’s Star Ruby grapefruits are low in calories, contain approximately 320 milligrams of potassium and two grams of fiber, and are an enticing deep red color, to boot.
“Star Ruby grapefruit are sweet, yet tart in flavor, and can be used in a plethora of different ways,” explained Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue, in a press release. “This red-fleshed grapefruit variety is a great alternative for standard breakfast foods and can even act as a new ingredient for a post-workout smoothie; it should definitely be a staple in households everywhere this season.”
In addition to grapefruit, the company noted, Bee Sweet’s customers can anticipate the arrival of lemons, mandarins, and oranges, as the company’s import season begins.
For more fresh-focused produce news, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
GEORGIA, U.S. - It’s a beautiful and crisp-looking day on the Giumarra front. Tucked within the fields, the company’s Megan Schulz took some time to address how blueberry season is looking and how crucial Superior Berries Company’s Vice President of Ag Operations, Mike Bruorton, is in the continued category success.
“This year, Nature’s Partner is launching a brand new line of jumbo blueberries grown, here, in southeast Georgia,” Megan explains. “What’s special about these blueberries is their sweet flavor, superb crispiness, and crowd-pleasing size. And when we say jumbo, we mean that these blueberries are huge. Your consumers are going to love them.”
Some of the new varieties that Mike is planting are Meadowlark, Farthing, and Legacy. Megan divulges how Mike has created such a large array of blueberry varieties and what that means for business.
Megan sheds light on package sizing for U.S. and Canadian retailers.
For the inside scoop on Giumarra’s blueberry offerings, check out the whole video above.
For more fresh produce happenings, check back with us at AndNowUKnow!
BENTONVILLE, AR - As the grocery delivery market becomes more crowded, Walmart is making strides to expand its delivery options and gain ground on competitors like Amazon. The company announced a new partnership with delivery company DoorDash.
“We’re connecting all the parts of our business to create a shopping experience like no one else can. With the expansion of our Online Grocery Delivery program, customers can have great items at every day low prices delivered to their door with the click of a button,” said Greg Foran, President and CEO, Walmart U.S. “With the help of DoorDash, we’re delivering the best of Walmart to customers in Atlanta and beyond.”
According to a Walmart press release, the two companies will begin their partnership in the Atlanta metro area, and throughout the next several months DoorDash and Walmart will broaden their work together in more markets as the retailer expands to reach more than 40 percent of U.S. households with delivery by the end of the year.
“Our work with Walmart marks DoorDash’s official launch beyond restaurant delivery,” said DoorDash’s Chief Operating Officer, Christopher Payne. “We look forward to expanding across the country, enabling Walmart customers everywhere to spend more time doing the things they love.”
DoorDash will work with Walmart’s team of more than 18,000 personal shoppers to bring delivery to thousands of customers in Atlanta allowing them to shop for and have fresh groceries without ever leaving their couch. Customers will have access to fresh produce, meat, seafood and bakery items, along with pantry staples, consumables and seasonal general merchandise.
To use delivery, customers in Atlanta place their orders online at Walmart.com/grocery or on the existing Walmart Grocery App, switch to the Delivery tab, and select a delivery window at checkout. Grocery orders through DoorDash and Walmart can be deliverd same-day and will involve a $9.95 fee and a simple $30 minimum order with no subscription and no price markups.
For more on retailers working to expand their delivery domain and compete with e-retailers in our changing retail landscape, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
CINCINATTI, OH and BLACKBURN, U.K. - After announcing its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its convenience store business in October, Kroger entered a definitive agreement with EG Group—a U.K.-based, privately-held gas station and convenience store retailer—for $2.15 billion in February. The deal closed Friday of last week on April 20th. EG group has announced its operational strategy for the 762 convenience stores, operating in 18 states, including 66 franchise operations and 11,000 associates under the following banner names: Turkey Hill, Loaf ‘N Jug, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb and Quik Stop.
"This announcement represents another momentous chapter in the enterprise journey for EG Group. We now look forward to working with our exceptional U.S. management team and begin to invest in the network in the coming months," said Mohsin Issa, Founder and Co-CEO, EG Group. “We already have established relationships with many leading U.S. retail brands and consumers want to access convenient locations to fulfil multiple fuel, convenience store, and food-to-go missions and stop at those locations that provide excellent welfare to motorists."
EG Group intends to bring a commercial approach to its new retail brand partner in the U.S. and will assess acquired sites in terms of retail potential, beginning with a few locations while developing its comprehension of market dynamics and consumer perceptions, CS News reported. With time, the company aims to provide customers with a safe retail environment, well-lit sites, ample parking, free Wi-Fi, indoor seating areas, and clean bathrooms.
"We aim to invest and transform our locations into branded retail destinations and be recognized as an effective U.S. fuel, convenience store, and food-to-go retailer," said Issa. "I would like to take the opportunity to thank my local team and colleagues from the EG Group, Kroger, suppliers, and our professional advisers who have supported us throughout the whole transfer process."
To follow this transition as it unfolds, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA - New Zealand is home to many incredible things—the Milford Sound Fjord, the Aurora Australis, and Xena: Warrior Princess film locations, among others. But arguably none are as exciting as the year-after-year supply of SunGold Kiwifruit that Zespri has to offer, a tropical-sweet variety that took 10 years to create and perfect in the company’s extensive, Non-GMO plant breeding program. Now, this season is revving up to be one to remember.
“We are set for another strong season this year,” Marketing Manager of North America Sarah Deaton says. “We have plans to target 50 percent growth for the coming year and extend the season through Zespri-grown Italian fruit so consumers can begin to enjoy Zespri SunGold though winter.”
The Zespri New Zealand season begins in May and runs through November. Due to strong consumer demand, Zespri has developed supply options to provide retailers and consumers with Zespri Kiwifruit all year long.
“We’re really excited to come in and bring some of the best-tasting kiwifruit to consumers,” she shares with me from the new Orange County, California-based office. “We’ve been growing since the early 1900s, perfecting our craft and pioneering the kiwifruit category. Zespri grow’s for taste. We don’t grow to have the biggest crop or the largest kiwifruit; we grow to have the best-tasting fruit because we know that is what consumers want. We test the fruit to make sure we pick it at the right time for optimal sweetness. If it doesn’t meet our tasting standards, we will not put the Zespri label on it.”
Fruit with the Zespri label goes through a rigorous testing process, ensuring that high-taste standards are met. The smooth skin hides the beautiful yellow fruit inside, which doesn’t have as many seeds as the typical green kiwifruit and also hosts a tropical and sweet flavor.
Available in one- and two-pound packs, the SunGold Kiwifruit offers retailers unique merchandising opportunities that boost sales, especially, Sarah says, when placed in large displays or among berries to provide a pop of yellow against the familiar color palette.
To further support retailers, Zespri’s regional development managers are currently meeting with retailers to develop customized category programs and promotions. See the link below to reach out to a market development manager in your region: http://www.zesprikiwi.com/industry-resource/.
As our interview winds down, Sarah returns to the basics of what is on trend with consumers.
“Consumers, especially parents, are looking for convenient, nutritional snacks for their kids. Consumers can just simply cut, scoop and enjoy Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit! SunGold is rich in nutrients, which make it an ideal option for a morning or afternoon snack.”
Will this season bring about an exciting new consumer campaign? Sarah hints that there is more in the works, and we at AndNowUKnow can’t wait to bite into the next big happening for the Zespri team.
BELLEVUE, WA & BAKERSFIELD, CA - Building and diversifying its portfolio of growing agricultural interests, Arable Capital Partners has announced the acquisition of Delano, California-based, full-service irrigation company Hydratec.
“We are very impressed by Hydratec’s customer relation and service approach which aligns with our thesis around long-term business focus,” said Arable Managing Director Derek Yurosek. “We are looking forward to working with Hydratec’s management team to expand the company’s operations and continue innovating in the irrigation space.”
According to a press release, Hydratec has a rich history of quality and customer service known throughout central California. The company has played a major role in the advancement of micro-irrigation technology in the state of California since its establishment in 1981.
“Hydratec looks forward to the opportunity to partner with Arable in our continued support of our customers,” said Hydratec’s President Bill Loflin. “We are committed in providing solutions for the forever changing agricultural conditions and economy as we have for the last 37 years.”
Hydratec will maintain its existing management team and expects to continue building its reputation for being a pioneer in micro-irrigation technology in California, and to build strong, lasting client relationships in partnership with Arable’s dynamic team and extensive experience in both private investment and agriculture.
“We are excited to have Hydratec as part of our portfolio. The team involved and the company’s position in the irrigation sector makes for a winning combination positioned for growth,” added Arable Managing Director Greg Richards.
Traditionally, Hydratec has largely serviced tree and vine growers, but recently, the press release noted, the company has experienced a significant increase in row crop customers due to a growing demand for drip irrigation systems.
“Our new partnership and our combined vision of long term growth will give us the ability to continue to be an industry leader for the next generation of farmers,” said Hydratec’s General Manager Chad Lilze.
For more on dynamic companies in the produce industry, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.