SAN ANTONIO, TX - Viva Fresh Expo is kicking off today! And Village Farms is ready and prepped to wow attendees with its full line of Texas-grown products. This year, Village Farms’ newest tomato variety, the Lorabella Blossom®, is also taking center stage after being selected as a finalist for the inaugural Gateway to Innovation Awards and will be on display in the show’s featured product showcase.
“The Lorabella Blossom has a vibrant orange blissfully bright color, with a nutty smooth citrus honey essence, is part of the famed San Marzano tomato family, and is great for snacking, cooking, grilling, and roasting,” Helen L. Aquino, Director of Brand Marketing & Communications, said. “We look forward to seeing you all at the show!”
According to a press release, Village Farms is one of the only Texas-grown suppliers of tomatoes-on-the-vine, marketed as Delectable TOV®; roma tomatoes, marketed as Savory Roma’s®; and beefsteak tomatoes, marketed as Juicy Beefsteaks®; as well as one of the only Texas growers of of Long English Cucumbers, marketed as Luscious Seedless Long English®.
Along with the Lorabella Blossom, Village Farms will be featuring all of its unique and exclusive specialty tomatoes at booth #129, including:
- Heavenly Villagio Marzano®
- Cabernet Estate Reserve®
- Cherry no. 9 Fall in Love Again®
- True Rebel Mix, Lip Smackn’ Grape®
- Sinfully Sweet Campari®
Village Farms will be represented at the show by Director of Strategic Business & Sales Development Lyra Vance; Senior Vice President of Grower Relations & Supply Development Michael Minerva; District Sales & Fulfillment Manager Carlos Flores; and Kain Cartwright, Sales Support Representative. The team at Village Farms encourages attendees to reach out for a customizable program that supports locally grown Texas varieties and bolsters the fact that it offers more competitive opportunities that utilize its partner growers just over the border in Mexico as well.
Stop by booth #129 to check out Village Farms’ full line, and for more information on Village Farms and its environmentally-friendly growing methods, visit www.villagefarms.com. For more news like this, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Despite the bankruptcy and store foreclosures, Winn-Dixie has mounted an attempt to survive in the Amazon era and joined in on the home delivery trend. The company announced that it will take a tip from Target, who has fared surprisingly well in the current, mercurial retail climate, and offer same-day delivery through Shipt, which Target acquired in December of 2017.
Florida Today reported that beginning yesterday, April third, shoppers were able to have items from Winn-Dixie stores delivered directly to their doorstep. But, of course, this new perk comes with a price; Shipt requires a $99 annual membership fee, which includes unlimited delivery on orders over $35. To entice consumers to engage with the new service offering, the company offers new customers a free two-week trial and $15 off their first order.
To use Shipt, members must only download the app, pursue and select products. Orders arrive in a timely manner via a Shipt shoppers. To follow market adaptations as they break, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
MCALLEN, TX - With the Viva Fresh Expo upon us, companies from across the Southwest U.S. and Mexico are gearing up for the annual convention in San Antonio, Texas. One of those companies making an impact in the region is GR Fresh, whose expansive operation spans more than six decades and four distribution centers strategically located in McAllen and San Antonio, Texas, Los Angeles, California; and Nogales, Arizona.
“GR Fresh has truly established itself as stewards of the land, and as we look to the next stage of growth, our aspirations are to branch into niche areas where demand has been accelerating, evolve our program to meet the needs of our organic and value-added customers, and expand and develop our relationships with our retail and foodservice partners,” Tony Incaviglia, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, shares with me. “Our presence in Mexico is unprecedented, and we are ready to continue to share our goals and vision here in the United States and beyond. GR Fresh is constantly looking for ways to not only adapt to the changing industry but redefine ourselves in the competitive landscape and bring more value to our customers.”
If you can’t tell, passion is not something that the Vice President of Sales and Marketing lacks. Tony brings an incredibly diverse background to his role at GR Fresh, from his roots in the Monterey Peninsula of California and attending the University of Arizona, to playing professional baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres organizations and working with Earthbound Farms and Bengard Ranch. Five years ago Tony joined GR Fresh and has been talking Mexican produce ever since.
The company’s portfolio reaches far and wide, ranging from a full line of tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and hot peppers, to Western veg, leafy greens, squash, and pomegranates. In addition, GR Fresh is expanding its organic program on items that include bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, grape tomatoes, and more.
“We are also evolving our program to include value-added options alongside our bulk offerings,” Tony shares with me. “It is an exciting time, and our goal is to meet those changing consumer buying behaviors that can be tapped by our retail and foodservice partners.”
GR Fresh operates over 8,000 acres each year with ranches across a number of Mexican states and regions including:
- Chihuahua
- Sinaloa
- Sonora
- Coahuila
- Durango
- Guanajuato
- Jalisco
- Michoacán
The company was originally founded by Juan Gonzalez Reyes about 70 years ago, and he is still actively involved in day-to-day operations to ensure the business remains true to its values, integrity, and vision as well as its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and excellence in safe food production. And Juan Gonzalez has made fresh produce for GR Fresh a family affair. He has two sons, Juan Fernando Gonzalez and Miguel Gonzalez, with Juan handling the growing side and Miguel handling much of the marketing and sales side. Also his daughter Cecilia Gonzalez is the company’s Chief Financial Officer. In addition, Juan Gonzalez’s grandsons, Luis Webb and Antonio Villalobos, are a part of the company, bringing the GR Freshhistory into the 3rd generation of family members.
Tony, Luis, and Antonio are essentially in charge of GR Fresh’s operations here in the U.S. and building a brand to excel in the domestic market.
As we look from the roots of GR Fresh to today, the company is continuing to grow its operations in Mexico and the U.S. and working toward that goal with a new warehouse in McAllen, Texas.
“This complex will be built in stages and will help GR Fresh continue to bring better customer service and resources to our current and new retail relationships,’ Tony says.
The warehouse will be built in phases as the business requires and is slated to open in 2019, so stay tuned for more as we follow its construction and GR Fresh’s progress and evolution.
For more on the GR Fresh family of products and the exciting growth in the year to come, visit the team and its offerings this weekend at the Viva FreshExpo, booth 133.
UNITED STATES - Not only is garlic good for our immune systems, but, let’s face it, it makes ev-er-y-thing taste gourmet. Sautéed broccolini? Throw some garlic on it. Roasted eggplant and squash? Throw some garlic on it. Homemade pizza? Definitely throw some garlic on it! McDonald’s has tapped into this commonly experienced affinity for the root veg with the newest item to hit its Signature Crafted line, a borderline upscale and more expensive meal menu appeasing patrons throughout the nation since May of last year.
The new item, Signature Garlic White Cheddar Sandwich, offers garlic aioli; garlic chips; white cheddar cheese; tomato; lettuce; and the customer’s choice of protein between crispy chicken, grilled chicken, and a 1/4-pound all-beef patty—framed in an artisan bun that is heftier than the restaurant chain’s familiar sesame buns. This launch, however, comes at a cost—the chain is reportedly dropping the Sriracha Sandwich to make way for the new garlic goodness on the menu, according to Eater.
Customers mindful of calorie intake are made aware that the Artisan Grilled Chicken option has 530 calories with 20 grams of fat, the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken option has 700 calories with 34 grams of fat, and the Burger option has 620 calories with 34 grams of fat—which, according to the chain’s new meat updates, has no fillers, additives, or preservatives.
Other items featured on the Signature Crafted menu include chicken sandwiches and burgers with elaborate flavors, such as the Pico Guacamole, the Maple Bacon Dijon, and the Sweet BBQ Bacon.
Will the addition of this new item to the Signature Crafted menu grow demand for garlic throughout the restaurant chain industry, and if so, how will we see other chains branch off this idea to create their own produce-pushing options? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated with the latest!
BAKERSFIELD, CA - An addition to the grape provider’s more than 70 licensed marketers, Sun World Innovations has added two new licensees—Italian grape companies Orchidea Frutta and Salvi Group—to its worldwide operation.
“We are pleased to appoint these fine companies, to help bolster our presence in the global fruit trade,” Vice President of Licensing Garth Swinburn said, in a press release. “We’re confident that providing further access to our seedless proprietary varieties will allow producers to maximize their revenues while increasing the seedless grape volume in Italy and the visibility of our varietal brands.”
According to Sun World’s press release, the new partnership between Sun World and Orchidea Frutta and the Salvi Group will allow the latter two companies to expand their seedless grape production in a country where the majority of grapes are seeded. It will also give those growers access to domestic and international markets.
Orchidea Frutta—based in Rutigliano, Italy—specializes in the production and distribution of table grapes, cherries, citrus fruits, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and artichokes and offers a full range of different varieties, tailored to the demands of the global market.
A vertically-integrated nursery-producer-importer-exporter based in Ferrara, Italy—with interest in table grapes, kiwis, pears, apples, citrus, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums—Salvi Group is one of Italy’s leading fruit companies. Founded 109 years ago with its plant operations spread across Italy, France, and Poland, Salvi Group now supplies 60 countries on five continents.
For more on fresh produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
KINGSVILLE, ON - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue visited Mastronardi Produce Ltd.® affiliate farm Maroa Farms in Coldwater, Michigan, yesterday, meeting with Paul Mastronardi and getting an inside look at greenhouse growing.
“Being able to meet with Paul, an industry leader who launched the produce industry’s first 100% traceability program, was a wonderful opportunity for me and a great addition to our tour,” said Secretary Perdue. “I got to taste a lot of their tomatoes and peppers and they have great product.”
As part of his third “Back to Our Roots” RV tour, Secretary Perdue and his wife, Mary, witnessed the company’s high tech operation firsthand with a tour of their state-of-the-art, 52-acre greenhouse, according to a press release.
“We are honored to have Secretary Perdue at our Michigan facility,” said CEO Paul Mastronardi. “Being able to see our growing methods and technologies, our strict food safety policies, and more importantly, the socio-economic impact our company has in the agriculture sector is incredibly important to us. We are humbled to have such an influential leader include Mastronardi Produce in his tour.”
Alongside Secretary Perdue was a team of governmental officials, including:
- U.S. House Representative Tim Walberg
- USDA Rural Development Michigan Director Jason Allen
- USDA Farm Service Agency Executive Director Joel Johnson
- Michigan Farm Bureau Representatives Jennifer Lewis and Brian AcMoody
Secretary Perdue joined Mastronardi Produce at the conclusion of the tour, answering questions, hearing ideas, and providing insight into issues addressed by the agricultural community, such as economic development, food security, and food safety.
The tour continues through this Friday, April 6th, with stops in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky.
BELLEVUE, WA - Arable Capital Partners—a private investment firm focused exclusively on food and agriculture businesses—has announced the acquisition of Oxnard, California-based value-added produce provider Fresh Innovations California.
“Arable Capital is a uniquely-suited partner for Fresh Innovations, because of our team of experienced agricultural operators and investors,” said Arable Capital Managing Director Derek Yurosek. “We’re looking forward to working with Fresh Innovations’ management team to expand the company’s operations and continue innovating in the value-added space.”
Yurosek noted that the acquisition was ideally suited to both parties' needs, allowing Fresh Innovations to continue to grow and employ Arable Capital's deep operational and investing experience
“We like the Fresh Innovations approach to healthy, convenient, fresh snacks and are excited to partner with Toby Cohen, Gary Madson, Todd Nelson, and the rest of the team to support their growth plans,” said Greg Richards, Managing Director of Arable Capital Partners, in a press release. “Fresh Innovations aligns well with the Arable investment thesis in midstream agribusiness. As one of our first investments, this is a great partnership that will allow Fresh Innovations and Arable to capitalize on a successful existing business positioned for expansion.”
A premier provider of fresh sliced apples since 2001, Fresh Innovations provides health-driven, conveniently-packaged fresh fruits and vegetable products to warehouse club, casual dining, entertainment, education, and health care segments.
When I reached out for additional comment, Greg added: “I’m excited about this announcement for a couple reasons. We think sliced apples are part of a very exciting category in healthy fresh snack food. It’s also nice because it has been a very active first part of the year for Arable with this and some other things in the pipeline.”
Arable will continue to work with Fresh Innovations existing management team as the long-term investor and produce company work to expand operations, leveraging Arable’s deep operational and investing experience to grow Fresh Innovations’ business.
“We were attracted to Arable because of its commitment to innovation and growth,” explained Toby Cohen, Founder and President of Fresh Innovations. Cohen also noted that he and the other members of the management team were very impressed with Arable Capital’s longer-term investment approach. “We realized early in the process that Arable is a great fit with the Fresh Innovations people-centered culture.”
Alpine Pacific Capital also participated in the transaction as a minority investor.
For more important news in fresh produce, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
NORMAN PARK, GA - In an era of the produce industry when there is no longer a “trade show season,” opportunities to connect with current customers and network with potential customers are rampant. What is not so commonplace, however, is being able to come to the table with a unique and innovative line of products. Following the company’s success at the recent Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) Southern Exposure conference, I sat down with Southern Valley’s Dug Schwalls to learn more about the Grab & Go line it had highlighted.
“Grab & Go is a trend we continue to see,” Dug says when I ask him what makes the line so appealing. “Consumers are looking for convenience, and sharp packaging in a grab-and-go bag gives the consumer a feeling of quality, safety, freshness, and overall convenience.”
Currently available in a variety of sizes based on weight or count, as well as an option for its customers to custom-order based on their needs, Southern Valley is now offering the following products as part of the all-encompassing Grab & Go line:
- Salad Cucumbers
- Summer Squash
- Zucchini
- Green Beans
- Mini Sweet Peppers
- Cabbage
- Zucchini Noodles
- Squash Medley
- Bell Pepper
- Jalapeno peppers
- Broccoli
- Cilantro
- Cauliflower
- Tray Pack Corn
With all these items in tow, Dug shares that SEPC was the perfect avenue to further communicate its brand message to the buying community and industry at-large.
“We’ve been members since the early days and we truly believe in what SEPC stands for,” he explains. “SEPC gives back to the companies and communities that are part of the SEPC family like no other organization in the produce industry. It brings together the perfect mix of fellowship, networking, and education opportunities.
So, why exactly has the Grab & Go line found so much success at retail? I tap Dug for his insights on what has garnered the positive response.
“Building brand recognition and loyalty is paramount to having consumers come back time after time to buy a brand that they trust is safe, fresh and nutritious,” Dug explains. “I think what sets our line apart from others on the market is our simple, clean look. Also, the fact that we are a real farm, owned by a real family, operated by real people. The Southern Valley brand is truly who we are.”
If you are interested in finding out more about the custom sizing options and programs that Southern Valley has to offer for this growing line, have I got a team for you to talk to. Check out www.southernvalley.us, and keep checking back with us at AndNowUKnow for the latest developments in fresh produce.
SALINAS, CA - Game on for those looking to compete in Tanimura & Antle’s new contest, Be Bold. Happening May 14th through July 8th, the contest taps into the excitement swirling around Artisan® Sweet Italian Red Onions' peak season this summer, strategically celebrating the onion with promotional opportunities for Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and the 4th of July. 
“This display contest is a great opportunity to engage with our customers' produce departments, as well as promote directly to the end-user,” said Director of Marketing Kyla Oberman. “Our Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onions' unique attributes are deserving of such a promotion; paired with the theme of summer barbecue provides the opportunity for our retail partners to share our provided recipes, tips, and tricks on how to utilize these sweet, mild tasting onions.”
Point of purchase materials are available for retailers jumping on this opportunity to promote the Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onions, including high-graphic display bins, store banners, shelf header cards, iron man posters, recipe tear pads, recipes, photography, and social media content.
Retailers wanting to compete in this latest promotion can create a bold, sweet, in-store display; snap a photo of the display; and then complete an online entry form. The Be Bold contest displays must reside in the produce section, and the company encourages merchandising the onions alongside other complimentary products like barbecue sauces, grill seasonings, and other summertime fun festivity must-haves. Also, the displays must stay put for one week, at a minimum.
“Tanimura & Antle has over 20 years of experience growing, breeding, and harvesting this unique variety of onions,” said Commodity Manager Vince Gomez. “Our Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onions are unrivaled in quality and flavor during the upcoming summer months, and we’re thrilled to provide our customers with the tools they need to encourage sales in their produce departments.”
Participants throwing their name into the ring will receive a Tanimura & Antle apron as a thank you prize from the company, but the top five displays will get a $100 VISA gift card. However, there must be one display to rule them all, so the grand prize winner with the most eye-catching and boldest Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onion display will get a Traeger barbecue grill.
According to a press release, the criteria judging entries for the Be Bold contest include the following:
- Abundant use of Tanimura & Antle Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onions
- Use of the provided Be Bold in-store and digital assets
- Overall creativity of the store display
- Supporting store advertisements and/or the display being featured on the store’s social media channels
- Reported success in generating sales of Tanimura & Antle Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onions
The Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onions are available year-round and grown both organically and conventionally in Tres Picos and Salinas, California, and Yuma, Arizona. Great chopped, slivered, and diced, these make for an easy add-on with burger necessities, pizza toppings, dips, sandwich ingredients, and more!
Wanting more details on the promotion? Check out the website here: www.taproduce.com/be-bold.
For more fresh produce industry news, keep checking back with us at AndNowUKnow!
CALIFORNIA - A double-barreled storm is headed toward California, bringing with it heavy rains, snow at higher elevations, and the risk of flooding and mudslides later in the week, according to AccuWeather.
The first of the impending storms will hit northern California Thursday night with light and intermittent rain, which will lead to slowed travel through the region. The heaviest rains will pass through the mountain ranges, leaving the valley wet but not quite inundated, according to the news source.
The valley’s reprieve will be short lived, with the risk of downpours in San Francisco and Sacramento increasing as Friday progresses, a risk which AccuWeather reports will cause airline delays and further impede travel.
Though Friday night and Saturday rainfall may extend further into Southern California, and though intense rainfall is not anticipated in either Los Angeles or San Diego, if the storm shifts south, heavier rainfall may follow.
The news source also reported that the western slopes of the coastal ranges and central and northern Sierra Nevada are likely to receive three to six inches of rain with locally higher amounts from Thursday night through Saturday divulged the news source.
Despite the comparatively lighter rainfall in non-mountainous regions, recent burn scar areas, including Montecito, California, will face increased risk of mudslides and flash floods.
To stay in the know on weather that may impact growing regions, keep reading AndNowUKnow.