FOWLER, CA - With mandarin growth stateside reaching its domestic peak, and the citrus’ availability projected to extend through January, Bee Sweet has many varieties moving through its packing facility daily.
“This year’s page crop has been great,” said Sales Representative Jason Sadoian in a recent press release. “The fruit eats well and its flavor and bright color really stands out amongst over varieties. Bee Sweet’s Page mandarins are grown in California’s Central Valley and are incredibly sweet. We hope everyone gets them while they are still in season.”
The Page variety of which Sadoian spoke is often seedless, and may be used on salads, as a solo snack, or juiced for the health aficionado. Regardless of which format it is consumed, the mandarin orange will pack a low calorie, high vitamin C punch, which is ideal for a family on-the-go.
As AndKnowUKnow recently reported, eating mandarin oranges is an effective way to improve the body’s natural defense system, as the vitamin C they contain is a healthy way to ward off disease and strengthen the immune system. In addition to vitamin C, mandarin oranges also contain fiber, magnesium, and iron–which, though not as sought after as vitamin C, are essential to a healthy diet.
WATSONVILLE, CA - As the idea of 2018’s new beginnings grows on us, another opportunity is in the works. Monterey Mushrooms is ringing in the New Year with a giveaway contest with fresh pizazz.
“People shop for and cook with mushrooms during the holidays and the 12-days contest was a fun way to bring attention to our social media channels and the resources we have for the home cook,” said Lindsey Roberts, Marketing Specialist.
The contest, which began December 15th, was called the 12 Days of Giveaways and celebrated mushroom recipes from all corners of the social media sphere. Folks posted their favorite ways to cook their favorite mushroom variety, using #MontereyMushrooms as the official hashtag for the giveaway fun.
Winners were able to walk away with prizes like product samples of Let’s Blend, aprons, spoons, jars of marinated mushrooms, the Mushroom Lovers cookbook, and more.
Ending December 25th, the contest is one way the company is stepping into 2018 with an eager marketing strategy.
LOS ANGELES – Blue skies, open road, and a wide selection of electric vehicles are on the horizon after Tesla’s Founder and CEO Elon Musk dropped hints on Twitter that an electric pickup truck is in the works as the company’s next innovation. Set to be unveiled within 18 to 24 months, the new pickup truck is yet another electric model helping highways become eco-friendlier.
“I promise that we will make a pickup truck right after Model Y. Have had the core design/engineering elements in my mind for almost 5 years. Am dying to build it,” Musk wrote on Twitter last week.
According to USA Today, the pickup truck will have a similar total size to the Ford F-150 line of trucks, only slightly bigger, which Musk teased was due to a “game-changing” feature.
Tesla first announced plans for a pickup truck last July, around the same time it was developing a commercial truck, a public transport bus, and a compact sport utility, according to Reuters. However, many are speculating the pickup truck is officially on the assembly line and in production after Musk’s tweet.
Last year, Tesla also partnered with Sysco, Meijer, and Loblaw’s to help major grocery retailers go green with Tesla’s new electric semi-tractor fleet, beginning production in 2019.
With big plans already in the works for the electric vehicle company, will more retailers rely on electric transportation in 2018? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the tech that is taking over our industry.
SANTA PAULA, CA – If your customers are anything like me, they approach festivities with a sense of unease, anticipating the inevitable scratching-of-the-head that ensues when asked to bring something for the party.
Saving the day is Limoneira’s spokesperson and Healthy Grocery Girl’s Megan Roosevelt and Simply Quinoia’s Founder Alyssa Rimmer with recipe and décor ideas galore.
Looking for step-by-step guidance to perfected party bliss? Check out Megan’s magic on the company’s YouTube channel here and below to see what Limoneira has in mind for customers.
On top of Megan’s continued contributions to the lives of the company’s consumer-base, Limoneira has partnered with influencers like global chefs, mixologists, nutritionists, and beauty lifestyle experts, and green cleaning pros to get the scoop on customers’ biggest wants and needs from our grocery and foodservice industries. You can locate these top-of-the-line professionals through Limoneira’s website.
One of this month’s recipes is Cinnamon Orange Hot Coco, a treat sure to refresh taste buds for those cozying up with this beverage this season.
According to the company, the recipe is as follows:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh squeezed Limoneira orange juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups non-dairy milk
- 3 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 3 tbsp real maple syrup
- 1 pinch sea salt
Directions: Juice a Limoneira navel orange. Add cinnamon sticks and orange juice to a small pot and simmer for 5 minutes. Then remove the cinnamon sticks, and add the milk, maple syrup, cacao powder and just a pinch of sea salt. Whisk everything together until the hot cocoa is silky smooth. Finally, place back on the stove and heat until bubbling. Pour into mugs, top with just a couple of marshmallows (to taste) or even a cinnamon stick, and just a dash of navel orange zest as a finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!
A DIY-task touted by the company is a citrus garland, a fun, citrus-y twist on the must-have décor item that will somehow simultaneously make home feel renewed and familiar.
For this item, the company suggests the following:
Items needed:
- Garland greenery
- Dried Limoneira orange slices
- Ornament hooks
Directions: Take dried oranges (or lemons, for that matter) and an ornament hook (green is ideal, as they’re nearly invisible within the garland) and attach to each citrus slice. Use hooks to hang garland in the chosen location, and then hang citrus slices from the garland for a festive, totally DIY décor piece–perfect for stair railings, mantles, or any flat surface where the citrus can hang.
Alyssa’s work comes into play with her unique take on protein bites. The guest vlogger celebrates Vegan Lemon Protein Bites with her Limoneira partnership. The easy, delicious, and nutritious snack is a great addition to dinner spreads.
For this recipe, the Alyssa and the company suggest following these instructions:
Ingredients:
- 12 medjool dates
- 1 cup brazil nuts
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp maca powder
- 1 tbsp Limoneira lemon zest
- 1 tbsp cashew butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp water
Directions: Blend dates and brazil nuts in a food processor. Blend until a crumbly, dough-like texture forms. Add in remaining ingredients and blend until the dough becomes sticky. Use hands to roll into bite sized pieces – if it is too dry, add additional water or coconut oil to bring the ingredients together. Once rolled into balls, store in fridge or freezer until it’s time to enjoy them.
These inspiring messages for consumers are not limited to this feast-fest time of year; Megan’s work can be found on the company’s YouTube channel as she continues to showcase the great benefits of citrus living at home and beyond every month.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - Facility rumors have turned to facts as Dollar General confirmed the coming of a new distribution center in Longview, Texas.
"Dollar General is excited to expand our supply chain and distribution operations in the Lone Star state with today's announcement," said Todd Vasos, Chief Executive Officer. "This facility is expected to support Dollar General's growing store count in Texas, where we already operate more than 1,400 current locations and have complementary operations in San Antonio. We look forward to the facility helping better serve our customers with value and convenience, as well as creating career opportunities for approximately 400 future Dollar General employees.”
In addition to the positions the location would open, the state-of-the-art facility will serve approximately 1,000 Dollar General retail locations in Texas and the southeast once it is running at full capacity, according to a press release.
The retailer also anticipates a strong economic impact through the hundreds of jobs needed to construct the nearly 1,000,000-square-foot building.
“I would like to express my gratitude for our partnership with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, leadership in both Gregg County and the city of Longview, and the Longview Economic Development Corporation, all of whom helped support this project," Vasos continued.
As we previously reported when the news first stirred retail and produce industry interest, this will make the 17th facility for Dollar General’s distribution network as a whole, and its second in Texas.
"Texas' dynamic and booming economy is attracting new businesses every day, and we are honored to welcome Dollar General's new distribution center to Longview as the latest example," said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. "I am proud that companies like Dollar General continue to invest in our top-notch workforce, and I am excited about this partnership and the positive impact it will have on the Longview community."
The team selected to bring the distribution center off the page includes Clayco as official general contractor, Leo A. Daly as the architectural engineering firm, and Elan Design as the civil engineering firm.
"A project of this magnitude absolutely requires a team effort and creative ideas," said Wayne Mansfield, Longview Economic Development Corporation CEO. "We are grateful for the spirit of cooperation between Dollar General and our local economic development partners in order to bring this project to completion. The result of this collaboration will provide 400 jobs for our citizens and expand our tax base. The successful recruitment of Dollar General is testimony to the competitive advantages Longview and Gregg County possess. Dollar General's reputation of success will fit well with our community."
Pending the receipt of all required governmental permits and development approvals, and the absence of unforeseen circumstances, construction is set to begin early this year.
SALINAS, CA - Mann Packing has garnered new attention for its innovative Nourish Bowls. These warm, veggie-based meal kits received a first-annual Innovation Award at a recent produce show. The Nourish Bowls feature a wide-array of flavor profiles from Spicy Thai, a kohlrabi noodle kit with kale, carrots, and coconut flakes, to Sesame Sriracha, Monterey Jack, Southwest Chipotle, Bacon Maple Brussels, and Cauli Rice Curry.
“We are overjoyed to have Nourish Bowls recognized as an Innovation Award recipient,” said Gina Nucci, Director of Corporate Marketing. “Mann’s has a long history of innovation and Nourish Bowls are a perfect example of our mission to continually offer convenient fresh veggie solutions to our consumers."
Mann received this honor alongside nine other innovative companies on at the New York Produce Show. The Nourish Bowls, with their colorful packaging, clear labeling, and easy to follow instructions are sure to pop off the shelf. This honor follows Mann’s November success as the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Monterey Bay Chapter’s Philanthropic Corporation of the Year award in honor of the charity work that Mann has done throughout Monterey County.
To keep up to date on all industry successes, stay tuned to AndKnowUKnow.
WENATCHEE, WA – While Valentine’s Day is still a little over a month away, candy hearts, Cupid’s Arrow, and thornless roses are beginning to pop up in grocery stores along with one of shoppers' beloved apple varieties: Pink Lady® apples. Leading up to the most romantic day of the year, Stemilt Growers’ Communication Manager Brianna Shales suggests retailers begin planning for Pink Lady apple promotions now.
“February, but specifically Valentine’s Day, is the best time for Pink Lady® apple promotions,” said Shales in a press release. “During this time of the year, we see a surge of sales, as the variety is the perfect fit for the holiday; the coloring, branding, and flavor profile all fit the theme, making it the peak promotion time for this apple.”
According to national retail scan data from Nielsen, February marks a spike in Pink Lady apple volumes at retail across the U.S., with 6.3 percent of the total apple category sales coming from Pink Lady as of February 2016. This is an increase from 4.1 percent in January 2016 and helped carry momentum into March 2016, with category contribution at 4.6 percent. As a result, Shales encourages retailers to start planning now for Pink Lady apples’ apple of the month and Valentine’s Day promotions.
“The Pink Lady is a popular variety with high sugars and high acids, and February is an ideal time to start pushing this apple at retail,” Shales said. “The apple’s beautiful pink coloring pairs very well with the theme of Valentine’s Day which makes it easy for retailers to use our packaging and branding style to create a festive Valentine’s Day display.”
Offering branded 5lb pouch bags as well as Pink Lady pop-up display bins, Stemilt’s in-house design team is set on helping retailers promote this not only as an everyday grab-and-go item, but as an apple to be enjoyed during holiday peaks and as the apple of the month in February.
“We offer a variety of Pink Lady packaging and merchandising options to help partner retailers tie this apple into the Valentine’s Day theme. From organic to Apple Lover bags, and of course, our industry leading Lil Snappers® program, there are so many ways to tap into Pink Lady apples this February,” continued Shales.
Due to the smaller sizing of this year’s crop, Shales also recommends retailers carry Lil Snappers Pink Lady apples in 3lb bags as its kid-friendly flavor profile are popular with adults and kids alike. And for those looking for the organic option, Pink Lady apples are also available under the Artisan Organics™ brand.
Stemilt has grown Pink Lady apples for nearly three decades, perfecting the growing, storing, and packing process. “Our teams have dedicated a lot of time to ensuring these Pink Lady apples are the best they can be,” said Shales. “We grow them in specific warmer sites in order to build color and flavor of this last-to-harvest apple. Our leadership in growing Pink Lady results in apples with exceptional color, crunch, and of course a balance of acids and sugars.”
Along with snacking, Pink Lady apples are also versatile in the kitchen. Because it doesn’t brown quickly after slicing and maintains its shape when baked, Pink Ladies are great for green salads, baking into tasty treats, or pairing with wine, chocolate, and cheese for a romantic appetizer or side dish on Valentine’s Day.
“The Pink Lady apple is an essential part of the apple category most of the year, but February marks the time of year to really ramp up promotions. The momentum built by this apple in its feature month will help carry your apple category into the spring and summer months. Be sure to take advantage of opportunities on bulk, Lil Snappers® kid-size fruits, and of course Artisan Organics Pink Lady apples throughout February,” Shales said.
Retailers interested in the Pink Lady promotions may contact Stemilt Sales representatives now to begin planning.
For more on what’s up-and-coming in 2018 in the produce industry, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, DC - It’s no secret: foodservice is a booming sector of the produce industry, and as consumer’s obsession with innovative culinary preparations continues to grow, there is no better time to push produce in foodservice.
One way to do that, according to the United Fresh Produce Assocation and partner PRO*ACT, is to honor those creators in foodservice who are showcasing produce best. With the duo’s annual Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program, more than 50 chefs and foodservice operators have been celebrated for their exceptional work in incorporating fresh produce in menu development, proper food safety and handling, engaging in community outreach and building an overall positive dining experience with fresh produce as a centerpiece.
To find out more about this successful program and the 2018 honors, I spoke with PRO*ACT’s Director of Marketing & Brand Development Brian Denton for an exclusive audio interview. To hear it in full, check out the link above, or continue reading for a portion of the interview reel.
“We hear here in our industry that things like the Food Network and Top Chef and all that has also caused people to pine for something more,” Brian tells me when I ask him what has inspired excellent foodservice operators to step their produce games up. “It’s been really good for the industry and its really caused the industry as a whole to have to respond to the need that restaurants are feeling to be creative, not just in how they serve produce, but also how they educate consumers about produce.”
Brian shared that those of us who want to get involved in the program should head to the website and nominate a chef or foodservice operator yourself! Visit United Fresh’s nomination page here, and also be sure to check out some of the winners from years past!
FOLSOM, CA – Blueberries are a staple for many consumers, but where are the opportunities to grow the category and turn casual consumers into berry enthusiasts? That’s a question that the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is addressing, and they are doing so through a number of programs guided by consumer research that reveals the potential path and the promise of growing the blueberry market.
I recently had the opportunity to talk with Mark Villata, Executive Director of the Blueberry Council, to learn more about the Council’s marketing programs, findings and the opportunities inherent in the category.
“We’ve had some real positive things come out of this recent opportunity—this assessment research that we have conducted—and we’ve found that our target audience is changing. We have broken things down into heavy users, moderate users, and light users—and found we have a lot of potential with the moderate users,” Mark told me, noting that while to heavy users—largely parents 25 to 45—blueberries are a staple, moderate users enjoy blueberries but have yet to embrace them fully as a part of their lifestyle.
While 65 percent of women 25-44 years of age have purchased blueberries in the last 15 days, according to the Council’s research, many outside that demographic have warming feelings to blueberries too, but haven’t really committed, and it’s these moderate users, Mark noted, that have the largest upside as potential blueberry enthusiasts.
“These are people [moderate users] who are consuming about six to 18 cups per year. They’re aware of blueberries; they’re interested in blueberries. They just haven’t quite made it part of their lifestyle yet,” Mark said. “And moderate users are a wide range of different ages, ethnicities, and personalities, so we have kind of a wide approach to get our message out to those men and women of all different ages.”
Throughout this winter, the Blueberry Council is keeping consumers primed for purchase through ongoing media relations outreach, as well as social media activities and influencer partnerships emphasizing blueberries’ year-round availability, and showcasing everyday seasonal uses. Winter promotions will continue into 2018 when the Blueberry Council launches a brand new, nationwide digital advertising campaign in January.
The ad campaign, centered around the new Positively Bluetiful creative platform, will run all year round and target moderate blueberry users. On average, these shoppers consume 7.6 cups of fresh blueberries per year and have the greatest potential for increased consumption.
Mark also noted that, while strong blueberry brands are actively getting blueberries in front of shoppers in retail settings, foodservice presents different challenges and different avenues for growing the blueberry category.
“Foodservice is very important to us,” noted Mark. “We’re seeing more and more growth in foodservice. We have a lot of programs to encourage foodservice use. Our research is showing that consumers think a menu item is healthier and more appealing when it includes blueberries, and we’re trying to get that message out to foodservice. And consumers are even willing to pay a little bit more for a menu item that contains blueberries; that’s the type of information that we want to give to foodservice.”
Additionally, the Council is working to increase awareness of the versatility of blueberries.
“Everyone thinks of blueberries as a summer food—in a muffin or a pancake—but we want to educate both consumers and foodservice; you can use blueberries all year-round. Fresh product is available all year round now that imports are coming in from South America. And there are a wide range of ways that you can use blueberries. We’re using blueberries more and more in savory dishes, sauces, meat dishes, and beverages—so we’re trying to break the mold of blueberries going straight to your pancake.”
With fresh product coming in from South America in the off season, said Mark, seasonal constraints have virtually been eliminated for the blueberry category, and exciting new menu possibilities have opened up throughout the year.
Mark also noted that the USHBC’s efforts are not strictly limited to consumer education, retail, and foodservice programs. The company has also undertaken a number of initiatives targeting food manufacturers—most recently introducing a “Made with Real Blueberries” seal campaign, encouraging manufacturers to place the Council’s seal on their products and take advantage of consumers’ positive feelings toward blueberries.
“We just launched our Made with Real Blueberries seal campaign last year to gain more awareness and help food manufacturers leverage the whole blueberry health halo that’s out there,” Mark said. “And we’ve had quite a few companies interested in taking advantage of this—a lot of companies overseas, as a matter fact—that are very interested. We think it’s going to be a very good campaign encouraging manufactures to use real blueberries and prompting folks using artificial blueberries to switch over to the real deal.”
Mark added that, in addition to its domestic focus on building up the blueberry category, the Blueberry Council is also active in the export market. The organization is currently involved in increasing exports to key markets including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, and addressing new markets of opportunity in India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
For more in depth information on blueberries, click here.
LEAMINGTON, ON – Aware that the holiday season can be a difficult stressful time for those in need, NatureFresh™ Farms decided to spread its holiday cheer and give back to its community.
In keeping with the company ethos of working to grow both produce and its community, NatureFresh Farms organized their Fulton County Holiday Giveaway.
Over the last month, individuals nominated local Fulton County families in need to whom the grower would gift $500 Walmart gift cards, baskets of nutritious food, and the ingredients for a turkey dinner. More than 250 families were nominated.
Although the grower initially planned to select five families, after hearing so many heartwarming stories, NatureFresh Farms’ Owner and CEO, Peter Quiring, decided to double the number of families they would support.
“The stories of these families really leave you inspired,” said Quiring, “Despite going through heartbreaking times, many of them continue to smile and help others where they can. After delivering a package to one family, we received a text message letting us know they would be sharing the food with another less fortunate family they knew. The spirit of the season is evident and we are looking forward to doing more.”
This initiative was not NatureFresh Farms first foray into holiday charity; last December, NatureFresh Farms lent out warehouse space to Leamington Goodfellows, a 39-year-old charity organization composed of retired teachers and high school students, which enabled Leamington District High School to store the 56,000 food items that the community had raised, and provided a space for volunteers to organize over 800 food baskets for those in need.
Holiday cheer is abound at NatureFresh Farms, where Frankie Fresh, the NatureFresh Farms elf on the shelf, surprises team members with special gifts and hilarious selfies. Check out Frankie Fresh here and stay tunded to AndKnowUKnow.