LOS ANGELES, CA – Fresh for the New Year, Davalan Fresh, one of Southern California’s largest distributors of conventional, specialty, and organic produce, has announced the launch of a new website—davalanfresh.com.
“After being in business for 35 years, we thought it might be time for a website and let some people know who we are!” joked Alan Frick, Co-Founder of Davalan Fresh, in a press release. “All kidding aside, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated sales team, we have very quietly and proudly grown into one of the largest packer/shipper/distributors in Los Angeles. And, while we already do a lot of business across the country, we’ve decided to invest time and energy into getting the word out about who we are, what we do, and make buyers aware of the vast variety of produce we have to offer—every day.”
The produce provider noted that its new website will add a variety of new tools to better service its burgeoning customer base.
“We wanted to create a website that provides information our buyers and customers can use every day,” noted Dave Bouton, the “Dav” of the Davalan partnership. “Besides breaking down our hundreds of conventional, specialty, and organic items, the new website will also provide a real-time snap-shot of what’s available, an organized portal to contact our sales people, as well as rolling out our on-line ordering system, which will allow customers to order in advance, at their convenience.”
According to the company’s press release, Davalan Fresh offers hundreds of items in a portfolio of one of the most comprehensive lines of produce available from any supplier, accessed from some of the finest growers across the globe, acquired through decades of honesty, quality, and reputation. And with its new website, Davalan Fresh hopes to provide deeper insight into the breadth of the company’s operations and the variety of services it provides.
“Often I hear comments like, ‘I didn’t know you guys carried this or that, or I didn’t know you had 35 load-capacity ripening bays,’” added Frick. “I think even our longest standing customers will be surprised at all the items, value-added, and logistics services we provide when they visit our new website.”
Davalan Fresh, founded in 1983 by Alan Frick and Dave Bouton, now occupies thousands of square feet at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market and operates a Value-Added, Ripening, and Shipping headquarters just blocks from the market.
For more updates on this and other dynamic companies in produce, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
FOWLER, CA – Bee Sweet is making moves to ensure that its management team and employees have all the know-how for its food safety and quality control to surpass industry expectations thanks to a series of new policies implemented by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
“The goal of Bee Sweet’s food safety team is to be proactive, rather than reactive,” said Food Safety Manager Jesus Medina, in a recent press release. “We want to meet the demands of the industry, but also do what’s necessary to stay ahead of the game.”
The company’s initiatives implement new FSMA regulations and include the installation of a brand-new Navel wash line/bin washing system in the packing facility, as well as a revamped Bee Sweet Environmental Monitoring Program.
“Our citrus needs to be safe for the consumer,” said Medina. “We want to make sure nothing compromises the integrity of our product.”
To further establish the safety of its citrus, the company’s new high-tech navel wash line makes sure all fresh citrus processed on the line is assiduously washed before packing. The elimination of all potential bacteria and pathogens from the rind of its fresh citrus helps Bee Sweet to guarantee the safety of its produce, while also meeting new FSMA standards that are implemented by the USDA.
An Environmental Monitoring Program is also being put into action by the Bee Sweet Food Safety team, enhancing its efforts by ensuring all product, water, food, and non-food contact surfaces are tested for microbiological contaminates frequently. Further, the company will pay special attention to all four of its state-of-the-art fresh fruit packaging lines.
“It’s not enough to make sure that our product is safe,” said Assistant Food Safety Manager Monica Castillo. “We have to make sure that all the items, water, and surfaces that may come in contact with our citrus also adhere to the highest safety standards.”
In addition to the packing facility, the company is also focused on bio-security, which will hone in on knowing who and what comes into contact with its fresh citrus to assuage potential risks. The company will use a new computerized Envoy screening system to greet visitors entering the Bee Sweet facilities as it moves forward with this goal in mind. The system will gauge whether or not visitors will be allowed to enter based on a screening of their health, then its takes the visitor's picture and documents their entrance and exit.
How will these new developments impact the company’s businesses at large, and will these shifts take form in other companies’ models?
AndNowUKnow will keep you posted with the latest fresh produce industry news!
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger is kicking 2018 into gear, announcing today that the company will begin actively recruiting experienced retail and digital and technology talent for new and open corporate and store management roles across its family of companies. This initiative is part of the retailer’s Restock Kroger program, which encompasses a $500 million investment in human capital over the next three years.
"With so many recent changes in the retail landscape, we recognize there are talented individuals in our communities who may be searching for a new career with a new company," said Tim Massa, Group Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations. "As we continue to grow and redefine the customer experience through Restock Kroger, there has never been a better time to join The Kroger Co."
As we’ve previously reported, the company expects its Restock Kroger plan to generate $400 million in incremental operating margin by 2020. The $500 million investment in its team members is also in addition to Kroger's continued efforts to rebalance store associate pay and benefits, while also focusing on certifications, performance incentives, advancement opportunities, and training for associates.
"We want retail and digital and tech talent to know that we're hiring," Massa added.
Kroger is currently comprised of 453,000 associates who serve across 2,793 retail food stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Those who are interested in joining the team can apply at jobs.kroger.com.
OXNARD, CA – Good news is breaking from San Miguel Produce, which announced that operations are in full-swing after last month’s Thomas Fire. Known as the largest in modern California history, the fire burnt over 280,000 acres, destroyed 1,063 structures, and damaged an additional 280 structures.
The conditions resulted in some delays for the company’s harvesting and processing, though, luckily, it didn’t lose any fields. What was effected, however, were the crops, because of the road closures, which negated access to fields near burning areas, and the ash brought on by the strong Santa Ana winds. The company harvested new fields earlier than anticipated.
“Typically we see Santa Ana winds blow for 2 or 3 days, these strong winds lasted nearly 10 days,” said Roy Nishimori, CEO, in a recent press release “I have been farming over 40 years in Ventura County and have not seen anything like this before.”
Giving employees N95 masks to protect them from poor air quality, the number one priority for the company was the health and safety of its workers, as 8,500 firefighters mobilized to combat the fires and 104,000 residents evacuated the region at the height of the fire. The company has fields throughout Ventura County, so it closely watched weather conditions throughout the dangerous event to make sure employees remained safe.
On the other side of this token, the winter’s rain resulted in flash flooding in areas effected by December’s fire, which started in Santa Paula before spreading throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Severe mudslides on January 9th in Montecito, California, were a result of the heavy rainfall on the Thomas Fire-scorched land. Mud and debris cover the roads, so the local freeway remains closed, preventing the company’s employees from going to work, but the company continues operations, fortunately, without seeing any effects.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families, pets, farms/orchards and livestock affected by the recent wildfires and mudslides,” said Jan Berk, COO. “We want to thank all the first responders who have worked relentlessly to help keep our community safe. To all those affected across Southern California, our hearts are with you.”
As our industry continues to rebuild in the aftermath of the Southern California fires, our thoughts are with everyone effected at this time. AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you updated with the latest developments.
MILTON, NY - With an expanding team and bolstered apple program, Hudson River Fruit seems to have its eyes on a beautiful horizon for the coming months.
The family-owned operation has welcomed third generation family member, Kevin Albinder, who brings a healthy background to his new role as Logistics Coordinator.
“Kevin started with the company this month. We are very excited for him to join our team, as he brings with him experience with apples, packing, and shipping,” cousin and fourth generation Owner-Operator Alisha Albinder tells me.
Kevin isn’t the only new face, either. The team has also welcomed Marcela Juarez to be a ground inspector in order to help bolster and maintain the company's growth in offerings.
“Marcela is our new inspector for all inbound and outbound product at all of our packing locations. She has years of experience working in apple packing houses and a background in food safety,” Alisha shares.
And that's not all: Hudson River Fruit is very excited to be packing and shipping the NYS proprietary variety RubyFrost®.
“We are heavily shipping RubyFrost apples right now,” Alisha explains. “One of the unique aspects about this fruit is that it sweetens as it is stored, making it better for distribution in January. It’s tagline, 'The Perfect Winter Fresh Apple,' says it all.”
“We will be pushing many different apple varieties well into the summer,” she assures me.
We will be keeping an eye out, as should you, as we continue to bring you the latest throughout 2018 and beyond.
PORTUGAL and SPAIN – Police across the Iberian Peninsula uncovered more than vitamin C in their fresh fruit this week; authorities seized approximately 1,642 lbs of cocaine that had been transported from South America disguised in the skins of pineapples.
According to a press release from the Interior Ministry of Spain, the seized substance was being transported in canisters coated in yellow wax and stowed in hollowed-out pineapples. The illicit substance had made its way to Spain, via the port of Lisbon, from Panama through an import company that ostensibly transported shipments of pineapple from Latin America to Europe.
Some cocaine was seized at the port of Lisbon and in Madrid, where the drugs had made their way to be processed and distributed. Police arrested nine men in conjunction with their investigation—which began last April—and also recovered more than 400,000 euros cash (approximately $490,000 USD) as well as hydraulic presses, precision scales, and packaging equipment used to parse out and distribute drugs.
Spanish authorities described those arrested as members of “an organization, primarily made up of Colombian citizens and led by two brothers, dedicated to cocaine trafficking.”
Where will nefarious forces next attempt to infiltrate our industry? AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-speed.
FRESNO, CA – In light of the ongoing conversation around immigration and agriculture labor needs, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association George Radanovich penned an opinion editorial for The Hill, a Washington D.C.-based periodical, addressing immigration reform and compliable workforce. Drawing from his own experience in the industry, Radonovich calls on President Trump to move via treaty, trade, or executive agreement and proposes his own solution to agricultral employment issues. Read on for the letter...
In the United States, as in many prosperous nations, foreign workers play a critical role in the production of our nation’s food supply. As Congress struggles with the contentious issue of illegal immigration, it is important that legislators consider the disastrous consequence if no workers show up to grow, harvest, and ship our nation’s fruits and vegetables, even if only for one season.
If our president, senators and congressmen are willing to consider the needs of American farmers—and the importance of sustaining a domestic food supply—in their deliberations over immigration policy, the strategy they develop quite possibly could end illegal immigration altogether.
During my 16-year term as a congressman representing California’s agriculturally diverse San Joaquin Valley, I sought to address the labor needs of America’s specialty crop farmers. I co-authored H.R. 3142 (2003), H.R. 884 (2005), H.R. 371 (2007), and H.R. 2414 (2009) and championed initiatives that would end illegal immigration while protecting farmers. This can happen only by strengthening border security, implementing E-verify (an electronic employment verification system), allowing foreign workers to come and go with the season, and permitting those who are otherwise law-abiding to continue their contribution in food production.
Today, as an executive for a California-based agricultural trade association (our growers, packers, and shippers help produce most of our nation’s domestically grown fruits), I am again confronted with the ongoing difficulties of ensuring a stable, legal workforce in the face of our government’s failed immigration policies. The challenge remains the same for American agriculture: bring an end to illegal immigration and do no harm to our domestic food supply.
In the past, most foreign worker programs originated from the executive branch of government as treaties. Some of those treaties became legislated programs, such as H2A. In the West, the Bracero program was negotiated with Mexico to address agricultural labor needs, until its termination in the 1960s.
The border was open for migrant workers to cross to harvest crops as they ripened; generally, workers returned to Mexico when the growing season ended. However, as border enforcement increased over the years, so did the dangers and expense of crossing the border. As a result, many workers remain in the United States. Now, most agricultural labor in the western United States is unauthorized residents — estimated at 400,000 in California and 800,000 nationally.
So, while every American should support the immediate removal of dangerous and violent criminals, a majority of these immigrants crossed the border as poor and downtrodden souls. The idea of immigrating by the letter of the law under desperate circumstances seems like ivory-tower semantics, especially in the absence of robust border security and a legitimate foreign worker agreement.
To read George Radanovich’s full opinion letter, click here.
For the latest in the produce industry, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
WENATCHEE, WA – Stemilt Growers is giving organic apple shoppers something to smile about this season. The grower/packer/shipper has announced plans to expand its Apple Lover 5 lb pouch bag program, with multiple Artisan Organics™ apple varieties expected to hit shelves at the end of January.
“The Apple Lover pack increases the shopper’s purchase size, so we see a rise in volume, which leads to increased sales for the retailer,” noted Roger Pepperl, Marketing Director, in a press release. “We expect to see a considerable amount of success with the Artisan Organics Apple Lover pack due to the convenience of the bag and the overall increase of the organic category. These varieties will bode well with organic apple shoppers as they are long-lasting varieties that are popular among every age group.”
Pepperl noted that, as organics as a whole continue to flourish, he expects organic apple varieties to engage increasingly well with organic shoppers who consume large amounts of apples each week. New organic additions to the 5 lb program will include popular varieties like Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious—all in eye-catching packaging.
“The bag is brightly-colored so it really pops in the refrigerator, encouraging kids and adults alike to grab an apple—resulting in quicker consumption,” said Pepperl. “The capabilities that these Artisan Organics Apple Lover 5 lb. pouch bags have allows retailers to really get creative about how to display the fruit. The DRC’s match the bright and colorful personality of the bag and are essentially like building blocks, so you can make prominent displays to catch the eye of the consumer. Plus, the vibrant color of the Granny Smith variety will really pop against the red varieties, allowing for some fun color blocks.”
According to the company’s press release, Stemilt’s Artisan Organics Apple Lover pack design and packaging was created in-house by the company’s marketing team. Designed for customers who are looking for both high-quality and grab-and-go convenience, Stemilt Apple Lover packs can stand on their own, making it easier for the consumer to store in their refrigerator and for retailers to create unique displays to show off the fruit.
“Today, Stemilt focuses on its Artisan Organics apple program on growing modern varieties that shoppers want,” added Director of Sales, Tate Mathison. “Pouch bags are extremely user-friendly, while organic is a top choice among fresh produce consumers, making the combination of the two very profitable among retailers.”
Stemilt has been in the business of growing organic apples since 1980—when Mathison transitioned a large amount of acreage from conventional to organic. Today, Tate, Tom’s grandson, is focused on ensuring that Stemilt’s Artisan Organics program is consumer-driven.
“Our Artisan Organics program is only getting larger. We are excited to watch the expansion of organics and continue to provide consumers with the flavors they want through the Artisan Organics programs,” added Pepperl—who noted that Stemilt’s organic apple volumes increased by more than 50 percent year-over-year. And, Pepperl concluded, Stemilt predicts continued growth in the organic category.
Stemilt’s Artisan Organics Apple Lover packs will be available until early-summer. For more on new product offerings in fresh produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MONTEREY, CA - Organic Produce Summit (OPS) 2018 has landed two big names in health and wellness—Ed Carolan, President of Campbell Fresh, and Dan Buettner, noted journalist, author, and discoverer of Blue Zones. At the third annual OPS on July 11-12, both men will take the stage as keynote presenters, headlining an informative and insightful series of educational sessions and networking opportunities.
“We’re thrilled to have two dynamic and engaging leaders in their fields providing OPS attendees with thought-provoking and inspiring content which highlights the growth and opportunities related to organic fresh produce,” said Susan Canales, President of OPS. “Both Ed and Dan are very excited about the chance to speak to the producers and sellers of organic fresh produce emphasizing the importance of products that are truly impacting consumer’s lifestyles and eating habits.”
As the overseer of Campbell Fresh, Carolan leads the team which produces the Bolthouse Farms brand of beverages, dressing and carrots; Plum Organics; Garden Fresh Gourmet brand of soup, salsa, hummus and other dips; and Pacific Foods, a leading producer of organic broth and soup, following the company’s recent acquisition. According to a press release, Campbell has approximately $1 billion in annual net sales from fresh products, and its portfolio provides nearly 15 billion servings of vegetables annually. OPS also notes that the company’s organic portfolio is in the top 10 in the industry and currently growing at double digits.
Buettner is an explorer, National Geographic Fellow, award-winning journalist, and New York Times bestselling author, but he is perhaps best known for his discovery of Blue Zones. Blue Zones are the five places in the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives, according to a press release, and Buettner now passes off his knowledge through partnerships with municipal governments, large employers, and health insurance companies using wellness initiatives. Dubbed Blue Zones Projects, these initiatives apply lessons from the Blue Zones to entire communities by focusing on changes to the local environment, public policy, and social networks.
In tandem with the two keynote presentations, a Retailer Roundtable featuring three of North America’s largest and most prominent retailers will be included in the program. You’ll have to stay tuned for those names! The Summit will also soon announce a series of six educational sessions featuring informative and engaging topics and leaders from the organic fresh produce industry. Field tours at several of the nation’s leading organic producers are also now available for qualified retailers and wholesalers.
Described as the only event dedicated exclusivity to bringing together organic fresh produce growers, shippers and processors, and retailer and buying organizations, OPS will once again feature a sold-out exhibition. At the Summit, 130 of North America’s organic fresh produce growers, shippers, and processors will be exhibiting their products to over 200 retailers and buyers.
Retailer and general registration, as well as information on schedules, sponsorships, and a complete list of exhibiting companies is available on www.organicproducesummit.com.
BOISE, ID – Safeway, part of Albertsons Companies, will sell Safeway's 49 percent interest in Mexico-based retailer Casa Ley to Tenedora for $6.45 billion Mexican pesos—equivalent to $345 million USD. Subject to Mexican antitrust approval and other customary closing conditions, the sale is expected to close by February 28th.
Former holders of common stock of Safeway Inc. received what are called Contingent Value Rights, or CVRs, as part of the January 30th, 2015, merger of Safeway into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertsons Companies. In a recent press release, Albertsons Companies explains that Casa Ley’s CVRs “represent the right to receive certain net proceeds from the sale of Safeway’s interest in Casa Ley.”
While there are no guarantees that the sale will close or that the net proceeds will amount to what the company anticipates, it goes on to explain, “Based on a CVR Agreement entered into at the time of the merger, the amount of net proceeds to be distributed will be based on the gross proceeds from the sale of the Casa Ley interest less expenses less taxes (calculated at a tax rate of 39.25% agreed in the CVR Agreement). The net proceeds per CVR to be distributed to Casa Ley Holders at today’s exchange rate is estimated to be approximately 87 to 90 cents per Casa Ley CVR.”
After about six weeks from the closing sale date, Albertsons Companies expects the net proceeds to be distributed. It will share the final amount of the distribution when that time comes, and this will be the final distribution in regards to Casa Ley’s CVRs.
The company explains that those holding CVRs for Casa Ley should consult their tax advisors on the tax treatment and any distribution relating to the sale. As reported by Safeway at the time of the merger, the fair market value of each Casa Ley CVR was $1.0149; this amount is based on a third-party’s estimate and was put on Forms 1099-B issued by the paying agent as part of its merger consideration.
The Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rate has fallen by more than 20 percent over the past three years—since Casa Ley CVRs were issued.
Albertsons Companies’ shared in the statement, “Today’s announcement has no effect on the CVRs issued in connection with the merger with respect to the sale of Safeway’s former real estate development subsidiary, Property Development Centers (PDC).”
It will offer more information on the time and distributions of the PDC CVRs as it becomes available.
How will this sale impact the Albertsons Companies, and will we see a ripple effect in the industry at large? AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-speed with the latest!