NEWARK, DE - Ever eager to remain at the forefront of advancements to aid our industry, the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has undertaken efforts to help the industry harness technology and it encourages growers, distributers, and retailers to tap into PMA resources.
At the association’s upcoming Tech Knowledge event–hosted in Monterey, CA, on May 2nd and 3rd–individuals and corporations across the industry are invited to connect with tech solution providers and gain trusted information about tools that can manage labor, speed workflow, and eliminate redundancies. Some highlights of the event include the following:
- Futurist Patrick Schwerdtfeger
- Executive Director of Stanford’s Engineering Center for Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities Mike Steep
- A panel featuring industry leaders Steve Church, Alec Leach, and Vic Smith
- Blue Apron
- Lightning Learning Labs
- Think Tank
During a briefing on PMA’s year-round science and technology work, I spoke with Bob Whitaker, PhD., Chief Science and Technology Officer; Siobhan May, Education Manager; and Cassidy Taylor, PR Coordinator, to discuss why technology matters, how PMA is helping the industry to harness tech, the upcoming Tech Knowledge event, and next steps for both PMA and the industry at large.
Bob elucidated why technology is a priority for PMA.
“We spent a significant amount of time looking at our visions and our mission and, of course, the strategies that fall from that. What we do with technology is deeply rooted in bringing together the global floral and produce community to build a healthier world,” Bob said. “We bring the community together to share our experiences and challenges and develop solutions. It’s not necessarily about technology itself: it’s about the challenges we’re having as an industry and the opportunities we have.”
Bob continued, “In the end, we want to increase the demand for our products and the consumption of our products, and we know that in today’s world technology is certainly a lever for helping our industry to do that. When that occurs, we know that we have some of the healthiest products available in the food category, so that helps to create a healthier world. What PMA really does first and foremost is connect our members to those folks that have solutions.”
Bob explained that PMA delivers tech solutions to members via online content, webinars, in-person events, member advice, and the PMA Science and Technology Circle of Excellence Leadership Award. Bob also suggested that technology may solve two of the greatest problems keeping industry companies across the supply chain up at night: food safety and labor. Genetic and data-driven technologies now propel the new predictive front of food safety, and technology may enable growers to better use the labor force that they already have. Technology may even, Bob proposed, allow us to develop varieties more prepared to deal with environmental and sustainability issues facing the human population as a whole.
Siobhan further detailed the features of Tech Knowledge, explaining that the event includes a blockchain panel, a buyer panel, narrative breaks with Bob, and networking opportunities.
“Tech Knowledge is PMA’s flagship technology event,” Siobhan explained. “We want to go beyond just having great knowledge sessions, though that’s certainly a component. This year, we have the additional goal of taking our attendees on a journey so that by the end they will have a road map for how to go about integrating technology into their business.”
Siobhan explained that PMA is working to integrate technology both long-term and in ways immediate and specific to the current state.
Finally, Cassidy discussed Career Pathways, a university student attraction program during Tech Knowledge, which will permit 16 students from four universities a behind-the-curtain look at the career opportunities in our industry.
“The Center for Growing Talent’s mission is to provide industry specific solutions to attract, develop, and retain talent. The Center for Growing Talent works to attract top university students who otherwise wouldn’t think of our industry as a career option. At events like Fresh Summit, students get an industry orientation and an introduction to the industry and its people,” said Cassidy.
The program has had great success, with 67 percent of alumni joining the industry and 78 percent of those remaining. In 2017, seven out of ten students were hired during, or as a result of, CGT’s first ever immersion academy targeting college seniors studying in-demand majors specifically.
To stay in the know on technological innovations in the produce industry, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
WILLIAMSVILLE, NY - Tops Friendly Market has sought the court’s permission to close under-performing stores, according to documents filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, with whom the company already filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February. Democrat & Chronicle reports that Tops-related documents reveal that the company requested “to close any stores that they determine, in their business judgment, should be closed in order to preserve liquidity and maximize the value of their respective estates.”
The news source reports that no information is currently available on which locations would be closed. The company has reviewed each store for profitability and market impact and reported in the aforementioned court documents that, though the majority of stores are "sustainable profit centers," others have "consistently under-performed."
The stores that are underperforming appear to be in oversaturated regions, of inappropriate size, or operating in facilities with above-market rent—which suggests that the store intends to move toward smaller facilities.
The documents also claim that this move will “maximize value to all stakeholders.” The motions shall go before the court on May 10thin White Plains, New York.
"No decisions have been made about potential store closings," said Public and Media Relations Specialist Kathy Romanowski.
To follow this shift toward a smaller format store and other similar shifts across the market, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
DELANO, CA - It is with a heavy heart that Dulcich & Sons has announced the passing of its Founder Jakov Prosper Dulcich at the age of 85. After immigrating to the United States in 1960, Jakov and his sons founded Dulcich & Sons, and have since expanded 80 acres to thousands of acres, embodying the American success story and elevating the table grape experience from vine to plate.
Jakov was born on April 10, 1933, to his parents Peter and Rosa Dulcich in Pergamino, Argentina. Growing up, Jakov learned to fish with his father and served in the military, but yearned for a different path. In 1940, Jakov’s parents moved back to Croatia to the island Hvar village Brujse. In 1959, he married his wife Antoinette and emigrated first to Chile, then to the United States in July of 1960. It was in the U.S. where he found his passion and dream after his Uncle Prosper Dulcich, who lived in California’s Central Valley, taught him how to farm and grow table grapes. He began working and saving to invest in his own land, building a future of planting and growing his own vineyards. While working to build his business, Jakov and Antoinette also worked to build their family, having three children, Rosie, Peter, and Nick. Jakov lost his beloved first wife in 1989. In 1994, Jakov remarried Tonka (Kennedy) Dulcich, who he lived with until his last day.
Through Jakov’s hard work, determination, skill, and talent, Dulcich & Sons set itself apart both through its character and by growing excellent grapes. He was an extremely talented and warm individual whose packing stations, fields, and work ethic were immaculate, and his legacy lives on in the table grape community.
Jakov is survived by his wife Tonka Dulich; his daughter Rosie Dulcich and her children Jeffrey, Vaness, and Eric, and great-grandchildren Serenity and Jakov; his son Peter and his wife Simona and their children Antoinette, Francesca, and Louisa; his son Nick and his wife Anna and their children Anthony, Maria, and Katherine; and his surviving relatives in Croatia, including his brother Stjepan, his sisters Mariona Mihovilcevic and Anita Hraste, and their children.
All of our hearts at AndNowUKnow are with our friends at Dulcich & Sons, as well as with his family, friends, and everyone he touched over his many years in our industry.
UNITED STATES - Gone are the days when meat was at the forefront of culinary necessities. Now, plant-based options are all the rage, with restaurant chains like White Castle, Red Robin, TGI Fridays, and Shake Shack creating menu must-haves that cater to plant-based meal seekers. McDonald’s is now hearing the call from vegans and vegetarians everywhere, after 30,000+ people signed a petition asking for U.S.-based locations to sell an Impossible Foods’ Impossible Burger menu item.
Started by Care2, the petition makes an argument that is both ethical and logical in its approach. To do this, the organization points out that providing this option would “save a life” and also support “the rise of vegan and vegetarianism.” In addition to these two points, the organization attempts to persuade by noting that the restaurant giant would “make big bucks” should it introduce the menu item, Plant Based News reports.
While vegan and vegetarian options are becoming increasingly popular and making their way onto menus throughout North America and beyond, Impossible Foods is becoming a go-to business to partner with to bring these menu items to restaurant patrons, which can be seen with White Castle’s new Impossible Sliders—as we reported on our sister site, Deli Market News.
Will McDonald’s add the impossibly delicious option to its menu, persuaded by the downpour of support for the plant-focused move? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the inclusion of more plant-based food options as they permeate the market.
LEAMINGTON, ON - John Ketler, General Manager, along with the rest of the NatureFresh™ Farms team, looks forward to a successful year in organic produce. The grower has increased its focus on growing using certified organic methods and processes, including expanding organic acreage from 9 to 15 in Leamington last year, and consumers may expect to see this focus reflected in the strong increase of organically-grown Nature Farms produce on shelves this month.
“With a greater focus being given to our organic crops moving forward, we are expecting improved crop management that will result in better quality and more consistent production levels. We are all very excited to see how our plants do throughout the upcoming season," said Isaac Braun, Head Organic Grower.
In a press release, NatureFresh Farms sought to convey that it is committed to providing customers with organic fresh produce as the demand increases.
“Listening to consumers who shop in their stores, many of our retail partners have expressed great interest in bringing more organically-grown product into the retail space. With greater organic offerings now being grown at our farm, we are confident our team will meet this demand and give the consumer what they are looking for,” said Paul Schockman, Sales Office Manager.
To stay in the know on all industry efforts to meet the increasing demand for organic produce, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SEATTLE, WA - Reports have surfaced that Amazon’s latest top-secret plan could take the e-tailer deeper into consumers’ living rooms and further into the future. A Fortune report this week revealed that Amazon is upping the ante on its Echo devices, potentially accelerating plans to bring full-fledged mobile robots into its customers’ homes.
The report details a top-secret project codenamed “Vesta” after the Roman goddess of the home, overseen by Gregg Zehr, President of Amazon’s Lab126 hardware research and development division—the division that developed Echo speakers, Fire tablets and boxes, and the Fire Phone.
Though the project has been on the books for several years, the Lab126 division recently announced a flurry of open positions including “Software Engineer, Robotics” and “Principle Sensors Engineer,” prompting the news source to speculate that a Vesta-related hiring spree is in the works.
Fortune also speculated that an Amazon robot could function as a kind of “mobile Alexa,” following their owners around the house, responding to queries and requests, and performing basic tasks. Consumers could eventually order groceries from Amazon Prime Now via their robot, have their robot retrieve the groceries at the door, and perhaps, eventually, even assist in preparations of a meal.
Will the retailer’s sci-fi inspired project give Amazon a leg up as it continues to expand its grocery operations in the U.S. and abroad? Could I conceivably have a Wall-E of my very own? AndNowUKnow will continue to report with more on the future of our industry.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Welcoming in more talent and bolstering its roster, Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea Farms welcomed well-versed industry members Brad Lukesh and Thorsten Rhode to the team.
Lukesh has come on as the company’s new Director of Logistics, tasked with more efficiently and effectively managing all transportation needs, including deliveries to customers, transfers of product, and delivery of materials.
“Freight is an area we feel we can add value to, throughout the supply chain. We are confident Brad can help us improve in that area,” said General Manager Josh Leichter.
With previous experience at Think Fresh, Oppenheimer and, most recently, Sun Pacific, Lukesh brings deep experience in produce logistics, according to a press release.
Thorsten ‘Thor’ Rhode has been named the team’s new Senior Director of Marketing, having most recently served as the marketing lead at Super King Markets.
“As 2018 got underway, we saw an opportunity to improve our logistics. At the same time, we also wanted to put renewed focus on our branding across all channels. We are happy to welcome Brad Lukesh and Thorsten Rhode to our team–they will strengthen us in their respective fields going forward,” Leichter said.
In addition to his experience at Super King, Rhode has also overseen national product launch campaigns for Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy. With his extensive expertise in brand strategy and advertising, he will lead the marketing for all consumer, trade, digital, and traditional marketing efforts under the Pacific Trellis and Dulcinea banners.
Congratulations to both of these new team members on the next chapter of their produce careers!
INDIA - Speculation is swirling that Walmart is the victor in the battle for Flipkart stake, Reuters reports. The retail monolith has submitted its proposal to purchase about 51 percent stake in the company, which amounts to between $10 billion and $12 billion, as early as next week. This would grant Walmart a controlling stake in the company, which is based in India—a country with promising e-commerce businesses that are looking to grow $200 billion over the next decade.
While the purchase has been in talks for a while, as we previously reported, the news source shares that the deal could drag into the first week of May.
Walmart's purchase would result in a loss of main investors for Flipkart, including U.S. hedge fund Tiger Global Management, South African tech investor Naspers, and venture capital firm Accel, the news source explains. In addition to the loss of these investors, Sanchin Bansal and Binny Bansal, former Amazon employees who founded Flipkart, will more than likely sell their stake in the deal.
This news is speculation and all sources refused to be named within the article and join the limelight on the issue. No one from Flipkart or SoftBank would respond for comment, and India-based Walmart declined to comment.
Could this new purchase, should it come to fruition, result in a transatlantic transplant of Flipkart’s offerings? Will it challenge Amazon’s increasingly broadening reach that spans industries? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. But, fear not. AndNowUKnow will keep you updated as news is released on this matter and more in our produce industry.
KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - Making produce fun and vibrant, while generating excitement for the next generation of vegetable lovers, Double Diamond Farms is expanding its portfolio to grab the eyes and tummies of our “littlest” audience. As a company focused on innovation and addressing the needs of its retail and consumer base, Double Diamond is revealing two new eye-catching products that build on its popular kid-centric line. The new Gecko Grapes grape tomatoes and Panda Peppers mini peppers join the much loved Croco Cukes cocktail cucumber program, to round out a trifecta of flavor and taste.
Joining me to talk about this evolution in Double Diamond’s program are Procurement Manager Caitlyne Johns and Marketing Specialist Graham Hamilton as we move toward the 2018 CPMA Convention and Trade Show.
“We are committed to promoting healthy eating and encouraging kids to get on board with healthy food choices at an early age—this can set the stage for their eating habits throughout their lives since good eating habits should start young. We rebranded our kid’s line in order to better achieve that goal while also helping parents across North America to better and more easily promote fresh produce consumption within their own homes,” Caitlyne shares with me. “We feel that the characters and graphics will create a fun way for parents to introduce their children to fresh produce and inspire a love and passion for healthy eating. After all, we eat with our eyes first!”
The designs not only draw the eye and provoke a smile (or giggle), but they also help kids and parents tailor their taste buds to what they like. From a Flav-O Meter to a Crisp-O Meter, taste and texture can become key elements in engaging the consumer.
“We keep our finger on the pulse of today’s fresh produce demands and are constantly looking for ways to make strides in promoting fresh produce consumption. Kids and their parents are a key demographic and opportunity in achieving these goals,” Graham tells me. “We wanted to select produce that was bite-sized, which is perfect for snacking on-the-go, and also intrigues those little imaginations. Selecting characters that would be recognizable and playful to kid’s, made perfect sense; changing the simple act of eating into a well-rounded and engaging experience.”
Graham continues to explain that parents are always looking for ways to encourage their kids to eat healthy—and Double Diamond hopes that by presenting its produce in a fun and exciting way, kids will be more likely to do just that.
The Gecko Grapes grape tomatoes, Panda Peppers mini peppers, and Croco Cukes cocktail cucumbers program is available year-round, bringing consistency, quality, a premium eating experience, and a pop of color to produce departments in 2018. Stop by CPMA booth 337 to find out more about these new offerings from Double Diamond.
LEAMINGTON, CANADA - Canada’s greenhouse sector felt an unfamiliar rumble late last week when an earthquake hit Windsor and Essex County. Originally clocked at a 3.6 before being upgraded to a 4.1 on the Richter scale, the event was a first for many in the area and caused a local stir.
Luckily though, despite the rarity of the quake, greenhouse production does not look to have been influenced outside of the novelty of its occurrence.
“The earthquake was more of a novelty to the locals than anything! While it was a cool experience, I can honestly say that it has not impacted business," Pure Flavor’s Ken Paglione commented, even conveying that he was one of the few who didn't feel the shake. "I don't know if it was the building I was in, but I'm sorry to say I didn't feel anything!"
Though initial news reported the quake at a 3.6, Natural Resources Canada later updated the occurence to a 4.1.
“The epicentre of the earthquake was just outside the town core,” the Amherstburg fire department said in a statement, according to BlackburnNews. “Amherstburg officials and Fermi Nuclear Plant have been in contact. It is confirmed that Fermi has been shut down since the last weekend and is at no risk of damage from the earthquake.”
While the department also cautioned the area of possible aftershocks, encouraging those who experience damage to property or any injuries to call 911, the industry assured us that fresh produce is unharmed and unaffected.
“It really wasn’t anything major. It was definitely a little odd because I never experienced an earthquake before, but the tremor lasted about 20 seconds or so,” Matt Quiring of NatureFresh™ Farms shared with me. “It kind of sounded and felt like fighter jets flying just above the house. Luckily no damage was reported and no one hurt!”
The quake could be felt throughout Essex County and parts of Michigan, according to the news source, but the Windsor and Amherstburg police services both said there have been no reports of damage.
The USGS noted that the last earthquake in Amherstburg was 2.5 magnitude event on occurred March 8, 2010.