ESCONDIDO, CA - Produce traceability is here, and here to stay, industry veteran and Director of Sales for AgriNow Jim Heil tells me. In an era where most major U.S. retailers now require Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) stickers on all packaging, if you aren’t yet compliant, it might be time to start looking for help in making the transition. And luckily for the produce industry, Jim is here to make the assist.
“Pure and simple, AgriNow is a produce traceability company that offers cloud-based PTI compliant traceability solutions that are affordable, simple to use, and easy to get started,” Jim explains when I ask him to get down to the basics of the program. “We offer four unique plans that are tailored to fit your business. It doesn’t matter if you’re a large grower in Mexico managing several hundred thousand acres with multiple packing locations or a small blueberry grower in Georgia with only five acres—we have a plan to fit your needs.”
If you’re scratching your head trying to figure out what this all means, fear not! Jim is no stranger to helping others navigate the complexities of produce traceability. Over the course of his 38-year retail career, Jim was tasked with roles including Retail Sales Manager, Director of Quality Assurance, Retail Buyer, FOB Sales, Special Accounts Manager, and, ultimately, Traceability Project Manager. Now, with AgriNow, he is drawing on those experiences to craft what he believes is one of the finest traceability solutions in the industry today.
“The number one benefit in choosing a company like AgriNow is our ability to manage change within the produce industry,” Jim expounds. “Put simply, we take the worry out of owning a traceability solution as we can remain flexible where others cannot. For example, Walmart recently asked for traceability stickers to include GS1 UPC-A 12 digit barcodes along with PLU numbers, and because our solution is cloud-based, we were able to make those changes for our more than 2,000 growers in six different countries and go live in less than one week’s time. I’m not sure anyone else can say that.”
AgriNow understands that PTI compliant traceability is new to most in the industry and is a bit complicated, Jim says, and one of the company’s priorities, which he asserts is above and beyond those of his competitors, is that the team goes to great lengths to make sure things stay simple and easy to understand.
“While AgriNow’s lighting fast GTIN data and managements systems, as well as its ability to build a system anywhere is world in less than one hour makes us unique,” Jim continues, “It’s our level of service, expertise, and commitment to helping your business succeed that truly separates us from everyone else.”
If while reading this you’re thinking to yourself, “it’s time I get PTI compliant,” and are looking to learn more about what AgriNow can do for your produce business, hop on over to www.agrinow.com. And for more on high-tech and innovative solutions to make every step of the supply chain that much easier, stay with AndNowUKnow.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Mucci Farms has announced that, during this past weekend’s Viva Fresh tradeshow, AndNowUKnow and the Texas International Produce Association presented the company with two Inaugural Viva Fresh Gateway to Innovations awards. Mucci received the first award in Most Innovative Vegetable Packaging or POS Solution for its Veggies to Go™ product and the second in Most Innovative Technology Application or Software for the Mucci International Logistics App, which the company designed to improve communication throughout the supply chain.
“We are proud that our industry peers are supporting and recognizing our efforts with Veggies to Go,” said Fernanda Albuquerque, New Product Development Manager. “We endeavored to create an on-the-go package that invites consumers; parents and kids alike, to snack on healthy veggies. The message has been received loud and clear that snack packaging has been long awaited and a necessary offering for the produce industry.”
Veggies to Go has also won awards at the CPMA Trade Show and Convention, the PMA’s Fresh Summit Conference, and the prestigious Packaging Consortium awards, in addition to being featured in the April edition of Parents Magazine.
Though the Mucci Logistics App is still in its early stages, some of Mucci’s retail partners have already engaged with testing. The app permits fluid communication between the Mucci Farms logistics team, the retailer, and the truck driver—thus improving both supply chain efficiency and food safety. With a Purchase Order number and password, partners can track the location of a shipment in real time, according to a press release.
“Our goal with the Mucci Logistics App was to increase efficiency by creating a communication channel between our customers, our drivers, and our logistics team,” said Bryan Miller, Logistics Manager. “With this app, our customers can track the location of their shipment through GPS, will receive notifications if there are delays, and in our case, will also be notified when a truck arrives and departs from a border crossing.”
To follow more well-deserved industry awards and to stay in the know on both supply- and buy-side innovations, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SANTA PAULA, CA - Limoneira has entered into a cooperative arrangement with leading Argentinian citrus growers and packers to form Grupo Argentino, which will complement the U.S. supply of lemons during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months with a consistent supply from Argentina. Alongside Limoneira, G.G.F. Trapani S.A., Padilla Citrus S.A., and EarlyCrop S.A. will also participate in the arrangement.
“Our One World of Citrus Model™ is reaping dividends for us, and Grupo Argentino is just the latest piece to the puzzle,” said Alex Teague, Limoneira Chief Operating Officer. “It takes time to find companies with like-minded philosophies and missions. Each of the members of Grupo Argentino share Limoneira’s dedication to providing uninterrupted supply and the highest quality citrus and service.”
Members of other corporations participating in the agreement also explicitly expressed a desire to meet the consumer demand for high-quality citrus and service.
“For more than 60 years, three generations of our family have produced and sold fresh lemons,” said Ricardo Trapani, F.G.F. Trapani Chief Executive Officer. “We have developed a reputation for quality and have demonstrated consistent growth. We export globally and are dedicated to sustainability, having received Global GAP, SEDEX, and BRC FOOD designations. The One World of Citrus is a logical distribution model for our company.”
In a press release, multiple members of the group communicated that their companies have deep roots in the citrus industry and a desire to perpetuate the category’s success.
Pablo Jose Padilla, Chief Executive Officer of Padilla said, “We produce high quality citrus for Argentina’s consumption and for export to world markets. By controlling every part of our process, we ensure product quality to its final destination. All members of Grupo Argentino share this same approach and that’s why it makes sense for us to work together and utilize economies of scale.”
These companies will gain greater strength through their alliance, as they were created with similar market-focused desires.
“EarlyCrop was formed with the aim of meeting demand during the Northern Hemisphere counter-season,” explained Fernando Seoane, EarlyCrop Director. “Coupled with state of the art technology, it has enabled significant growth in many markets throughout the world and this relationship builds on that in North America. It’s a win-win situation.”
To stay in the know on all season-extending partnerships, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – Beyoncé, Eminem, and farmers in Southern California have yet another thing in common this season—they will be uncomfortably hot this week, as a high-pressure system threatens to bring daunting—and potentially record-breaking—heat to the Southland just in time for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
According to a Los Angeles Times report, Southern California can expect the hottest days of the year thus far, this week, with temperatures as high as 90 degrees in downtown Los Angeles. And AccuWeather forecasts temperatures as high as 97 degrees in Indio next weekend.
“It will be hot, even for this time of year, especially Saturday and Sunday,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Mike Doll, noting that Coachella-goers need to make a concerted effort to stay hydrated and avoid sunburn. “With nearly full sunshine expected for the first weekend, skin can burn within 30 minutes without sunscreen.”
Though weather along the coast is expected to cool throughout the week, the pressure system will also bring strong winds and a high wind watch will remain in effect through much of the region through Thursday.
How will warm weather affect the produce industry as the season progresses? AndNowUKnow will keep you in the loop.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Now that the dust has settled after my first Viva Fresh show, I am feeling a bit dazed and majorly amazed by all of the innovative ways that our industry continues to push fresh forward. Booming with excitement, the showroom floor was teeming with industry leaders. As I meandered the booths, weaving in and out of the swirling creative energy, I found myself particularly drawn to a handful of products, though it was tough to narrow down with so many…
Domex Superfresh Growers® Autumn Glory® Pouch Bags
Fall is my favorite season for more reasons than I can count, but the colors and flavors that it supplies are right at the top of the list. Bringing sunset-hued apples and packaging to retailers year-round, the company taps into the reminiscence and romance that autumn brings, making Thanksgiving-inspired apple pies a regular occurrence in my house. Beyond the beauty of these snacks, these apples offer a crisp crunch emboldened by juicy flavor. Be right back, going to make some pie crust now...
London Fruit Black Label Carton
It’s all about style for me, and this new packaging has got the look. Sleek black lines frame the produce held inside in a picture-perfect design. The Black Label open-top cartons are stamped with the company’s signature logo, but nothing catches the eye like the pop of colors that the bright fruit provides when juxtaposed against the striking, sleek, and sophisticated design. The new Black Label packaging is also primed to drive sales, celebrate the much-loved Ataulfo variety mango, and provide customers and end consumers with the freshest possible London Fruit offerings.
SunFed® Almost Famous Eggplant
Maybe it’s the Greek in me—or maybe it’s the various ways that this pretty veg can be used—but I’m all about that eggplant life. I crave it in moussaka, roasted as a carb-free pizza crust, and dipped in hummus. The fun packaging highlights the perfection found in produce, regardless of a few scratches around the edges. Along with bringing a unique character to the grocery experience, these grab-and-go bags also address the challenge of selling items in bulk and ensure that the produce is rung up correctly at the register.
Cabefruit Produce Marvelous Jackfruit Meat Substitute
The nostalgia is real when I think about family gatherings at my favorite Mexican restaurant, where I all but drank salsa by the cup. My favorite dish, shredded beef tacos, is made all the more enticing with this meat substitute. The shredded fruit blends flawlessly with veggies to make meal-time prep more interesting and bites guilt-free, with tastes that make you wonder, “How have I not had this all along?!” So, I can now get the tasty, textured, versatile meal without the weighty meat?! I have three words for that: love, love, love.
Village Farms Lorabella Blossom™ Tomato
The best part about these snacks is that you can grab a handful at a time. Offering consumers delicious flavor, a crisp bite, and vibrant color, this tomato variety offers a rush of emotions that, really, only food can tap into, if you ask me. Foolproof when put into salads, sautéed with asparagus, or tossed in with pasta, the only thing that can make these tiny pretties any better is their grab-and-go allure in the produce aisle, and a consumer has got to eat!
Now that my first produce show experience has left me dazzled, I'm pretty sure that what Ricky Martin meant to sing was, "Livin' la Viva Produce," and I'm looking forward to more of it! For more industry news and revised singalong tunes, keep with us at AndNowUKnow.
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger is showing no signs of stopping its mission towards major growth in the face of a few behemoth competitors. Today, the retailer announced its intention to fill around 11,000 positions in its supermarket divisions, including nearly 2,000 management positions.
"Over the last decade, Kroger has added 100,000 new jobs in communities across America," began Tim Massa, Group Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations. "In addition to fueling the U.S. economy, many of our supermarket jobs are an opportunity for associates to grow and advance their careers."
A major hiring announcement has become somewhat of a trend for Kroger in recent years. As we’ve previously reported, Kroger created 10,000 new jobs in 2017 and 12,000 in 2016. The company also noted in a press release that these figures do not even include those jobs created as a result of capital investment or increases due to the company's mergers. As of today, Kroger and its subsidiaries employ nearly half a million associates.
"Kroger is a place where you can come for a job and stay for a career," Massa added. "We are committed to creating great entry-level jobs and investing in our associates so they can reach their full potential."
In addition to large-scale job creation, Kroger is also investing an incremental $500 million in associate wages, training, and development over the next three years, as part of Restock Kroger. Just last month, Kroger associates in Cincinnati ratified a labor agreement with the UFCW 75 that set the stage for starting wage and overall wage increases in multiple markets across the country. The agreement raised starting wages to at least $10 per hour, and accelerated wage progressions to $11 an hour after one year of service, for associates in the Cincinnati/Dayton division.
And that’s not quite all—Kroger shared it also has committed to investing a significant portion of the tax benefit it received from the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in its associates, the details of which the company will announce later in April. AndNowUKnow will update you as the news rolls in!
HOLLAND - Four British men are saying hallo to jail time in Holland after getting caught for shipping £80 million-worth of cocaine tucked inside a shipment of bananas, or about $113,060,000 USD. The shipment, hailing from South America, was being unloaded in a Medemblik, Holland-based warehouse, when police found the illicit substance stored inside.
According to The Daily Star, the four men involved—Lee Hughes, 31, Peter Scott, 35, Peter Lewtas, 58, and David Taylor, 35—are all from Liverpool and were all sentenced to jail by an Amsterdam court for three-and-a-half years. In addition to these detainees, the following were also sentenced to jail for the instance: two Turkish people, who received three-and-a-half years for transporting the drugs; a Colombian, who got six years in jail; and a Dutch natinal, who received seven years for serving as the gang's “logistics chief.”
A Dutch and Belgian operation reportedly joined forces to track the gang, a judge heard. The news source reported that tracking and listening devices were placed inside the consignment of bananas when it made its way through Antwerp in December of 2016. While the consignment was being transferred to a warehouse via forklift truck just days later, Dutch police caught the gang.
The news source explained that prosecutors pinned Hughes and Taylor as the operation’s “masterminds.”
Those involved in the operation are believed to have visited Colombia’s Medellín, the city that housed Pablo Escobar’s infamous headquarters.
How will this jail-time impact the drug smuggling industry’s efforts to tap into the produce industry? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Has it really been four years since Viva Fresh cut its first ribbon? While it might seem hard to believe, the time is apparent in how the event, and its attendance list, continues to expand. It was a joy to return to San Antonio, Texas, and when we went wheels up to return home, you better believe I was already trying to decide what I could possibly name amongst all the standout items I saw. Here’s a brief taste of what resonated as I walked the show floor.
Del Monte Fresh Produce, N. America, Inc. Homestyle Hummus
Hummus fills a void that was left when the public realized how many spreads are good for the taste buds but bad for the body. It does not surprise me that Del Monte, always apprised of breaking and rising trends, has noticed this and looked to answer that call. If you swung by the versatile company’s booth and spotted a brunette asking for dippers with plans to hog all the hummus...it might have been me.
Ippolito Queen Victoria® Gourmet Belgian Leeks
Confession: prior to the kick off of my produce career, I would not touch onions or their cousins (except for garlic, of course) with a finger or a fork. But, my palate has widened as my fresh produce cohorts have furthered my education in the use of leeks and other bulbed veggies, and my friends at the Ippolito booth were no exception! Armed with the knowledge that leeks are a great accent, and can also take center stage on their own as a rising food trend, this item definitely left an impression.
Wonderful® Citrus Halos® Tree Retail Display
What could convey the visions of ‘fresh’ more than the perception of picking your own fruit from the orchards yourself? For retailers that might not want to plant any actual trees in their produce departments, Wonderful Citrus Halos Tree Retail Display comes close to answering that desire for fresh perception. Consumers certainly want to feel closer to the process, as our industry has found in the call for stories and transparency. So, harkening back to where these delightful citrus items came from rather than the usual retail display box makes perfect sense, don’t you agree?
Duda Farm Fresh Foods Dandy® Ready Radishes
Beyond the catchy name, which I can see parents using as a fun way to trick their kids into making the salad for dinner, these roots live up to their title. Not only are they in line with the value-added boost many 20- and 30-somethings seek in food prep, myself included, but they are beautiful in their red and white, zig-zagged (or striped) glory. I have a feeling this is an item your shoppers will want to use enough to make up a few new radish-infused options outside their usual culinary box.
Renaissance Food Group Garden Highway Fiesta Fruit Salad
How can I not zero in on a product labeled “fiesta” while browsing the zest of Viva Fresh? Of course, RFG’s Garden Highway Fiesta Fruit Salad stood out among the pack. With value-added being a key factor for busy millennials, or just those less inclined to chop like myself, plus a flavorful kick included with the pack, this is primed for success among fresh items in the produce aisle as well.
Needless to say, I'm excited to return to San Antonio. But while the show itself might be wrapped, the AndNowUKnow team is far from finished. Keep an eye out for more from the exciting three-day event in news to come!
MONTEREY, CA - This year’s Organic Produce Summit is already one for the books, with Walmart, Meijer, and Kroger making an appearance and sharing insights on the grocery biz. Confirmed as panelists for one of the most anticipated events at the third annual summit, Meijer’s Director of Produce Roger Harkrider; Walmart’s Senior Director of Global Produce Sourcing Ron McCormick; and Kroger’s Director of Produce Merchandising Randy Riley will be featured in this year’s Retailer Roundtable.
“While the grocery industry continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of consumers, the produce department remains one of the key differentiators in growing consumer sales. And driving all fresh produce is the multi-billion-dollar organic fresh produce category,” said Tonya Antle, Co-Founder of the Organic Produce Network and moderator of this year’s Retailer Roundtable. “With three of the most forward-thinking retailers in the world, the Retailer Roundtable will dive into organic produce category strategies, product mix, and how technology is changing the game. This promises to be an insightful and informative panel discussion with these produce industry leaders.”
Featuring candid commentary and thought-provoking discussion, the Retailer Roundtable will highlight how each retailer incorporates organic fresh produce in their operations, as well as their analysis on the challenges, opportunities, and future of the multi-billion-dollar organic fresh produce industry.
In addition, three keynote presentations await OPS attendees, including Ed Carolan, President of Campbell Fresh; Dan Buettner, noted journalist and discoverer of Blue Zones; and Geoff White, President of OWN Brands.
According to a press release, OPS 2018 will also present the following educational sessions:
- Deep Dive - Organic Sales Analysis and the Why Behind the Buy
- Organics and the Media – New Landscape of Information
- The Organic Supply Chain I & II – Opportunities and Challenges
- E-Grocery and the Future of Organic Fresh Produce at Retail
- Organic Ingredients – Creating New Opportunities in the Produce Department
The educational sessions, keynote presentations, and the Retailer Roundtable are just some of the fun events at OPS 2018 that bring together organic fresh produce growers, shippers, and processors as well as retailer and buying organizations from across North America. OPS 2018 also includes a selection of field tours for retailers and buyers, a gala opening night reception, and a trade show featuring 130 producers and processors of organic fresh produce from around the globe.
OPS will take place on July 11-12, in Monterey, California, at the Monterey Conference Center. For more information about OPS 2018, visit www.organicproducesummit.com.
SOUTH FLORIDA - Florida shoppers will have even more options in the months to come, with Lucky’s Market set to make its debut in communities throughout the state—including Boca Raton, Cooper City, and Dania Beach. The Boulder, Colorado-based chain has reportedly signed several leases in South Florida, Orlando, Winter Park, and other parts of Florida—as part of the company's plan to aggressively expand throughout the next two-year period.
Lucky’s Market currently operates 28 stores throughout the nation—including locations throughout Florida—and plans to open 20 or more stores in the course of the next year, including stores in Montana, Ohio, and Colorado.
South Florida news source The Sun-Sentinel describes the typical Lucky’s Market store as an approximately 45,000-square-foot “cross between a brewery, farmer's market, and the best of several grocery chains packed into one.”
The chain currently operates stores in its native Colorado as well as Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Wyoming.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report with more on Lucky’s Market’s rapid expansion plans and other news in the competitive and dynamic Florida retail market.