NEWARK, DE - An upcoming PMA event will give produce suppliers a direct connection to the major retail, e-commerce, and wholesale buyers of China. Taking place March 21 at the Grand Hyatt Shenzhen in Shenzhen, China, PMA’s Fresh Connections: China is approaching.
“PMA’s Fresh Connections: China will provide unmatched networking opportunities for global produce suppliers that want to enter or expand in the fast-growing Chinese market,” said John Wang, President and CEO of Mr. Avocado in China, in a press release. “This event will provide a platform to look for partners, explore distribution channels, and learn about products, varieties, and suppliers that can help buyers meet consumer demand for high-quality fresh produce.”
Among the more than 15 participating buyers already confirmed to attend are:
- Tmall Fresh (Alibaba)
- D.com
- Fruitday.com
- CR Vanguard
- Walmart China/Sam’s Club
- Pagoda
- Hema Supermarket
- Lantao
- Joy Wing Mau
In 2016, more than a million tons of fruits, valued at $2.3 billion, was imported to China through Shenzhen, making it a top port for mainland China in terms of volume and value. As for the event, this will be the first time the show is held in Shenzhen, which is also home to leading retailers in China such as CR Vanguard, Walmart, and Pagoda.
Mabel Zhuang, PMA’s China market development representative, will present a “China Market Overview” addressing key changes and trends in the marketplace.
“PMA Fresh Connections: China’s premier goal is to help attendees create long-term sales opportunities to grow business in the China market,” said Zhuang. “Produce suppliers from Latin America, North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other major exporting regions that want to do business in China can get the insights and information they need at this event.”
The 6th annual PMA Fresh Connections: China event will gather members from across the global fresh produce supply chain, including brokers, distributors, promotional organizations, business solution providers, wholesalers, and grower-shipper/processors.
Participants will also learn about national and local government regulations that impact what products can be imported into China. Education sessions will address consumer and retail trends.
Key speakers include Mau Wah Liu, Chairman of the Board at Joy Wing Mau and member of the PMA Board of Directors, and Cathy Burns, PMA CEO.
Liu, head of a leading produce importer, will discuss perspectives on produce businesses thriving in the worldwide marketplace during the “Thinking Like a Global CEO” discussion. According to the PMA, Burns will present “The State of the Industry,” exploring ideas from inside and outside the produce industry that have the potential to influence how our industry connects globally and locally with consumers and each other.
About half the world’s vegetables are grown in China, along with 18 percent of the world’s fruit. However, even with strong domestic production, China is the second-largest produce importer after the United States.
With more speakers to be announced and open to attendance from PMA members and prospective members, mark your calendars to register by January 31 to save with advance pricing (registered PMA members save even more). A tourist visa may be required to enter the People’s Republic of China; attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Stay tuned for more details on this and other key produce events for 2018 and beyond.
CINCINNATI, OH – As the saying goes, the more the merrier, and Kroger is taking this to a whole new and delicious level. Prep+Pared Meal Kits—the retailers prepared meal kits that can serve up to two people that are available in the company’s Cincinnati, Louisville, and Ralphs—are making their way into four new divisions: Central, Columbus, Fry's, and Nashville. The inclusion of these new divisions makes Prep+Pared a mealtime option in up to 200 stores throughout the country, with an anticipation of more divisions to be added on the 2018 horizon.
"Prep+Pared Meal Kits are a growing part of Kroger's Our Brands portfolio. As we focus on redefining the grocery customer experience, as outlined in our Restock Kroger plan, we will rapidly grow the footprint of Prep+Pared Meal Kits in 2018," said Robert Clark, Kroger's senior vice president of merchandising. "Since introducing Prep+Pared Meal Kits earlier this year, our customers have responded favorably to having a convenient solution that makes dinner easy."
The best thing about these meal kits is that all the prep-work is done for you—these fresh feasts are full of seasonal, prepped, and measured bites that are exactly what customers are craving without excess dinnertime waste. Cooking times range at around 20 minutes, and at $14-$20 per kit, dinner-for-two is affordable and tastes that much better! On top of the kits’ low-cost, this option bucks a popular trend by offering a no-subscription-required meal kit—and consumers can reap the rewards of their Prep+Pared purchase with the click of a button on ClickList.
The kits have been perfected by Kroger’s culinary innovation team and include Bacon and Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken with Broccolini Radish and Wheatberry, Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Garlic Fettuccini, and Carne Asada with Fajita Vegetables and Refried Black Beans.
How will the advent of these popular meal kits to the new plethora of stores assist in the company’s Restock Kroger campaign during the holidays? AndNowUKnow will keep you in the loop with the latest in industry trends!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - While it may be the end of the year on the calendar, for many of us in produce its just the beginning of looking at what new trends will be on consumers’ radars come 2018. As those in marketing and product development start putting their thinking caps on to come up with next year’s innovative solutions, we are taking a look at a site that has their finger directly on the pulse of consumers wildest fantasies—Pinterest!
According to lifestyle media website Popsugar, which delved into Pinterest’s yearly “Pinterest 100” trend list, produce will be at the top of many consumer’s lists in the New Year. Here’s a look at just a few fruit and veg ideas that may be raking in next year’s top sales numbers:
Snap Pea Snacking
With people moving away from high-processed and fried chips and snacks, consumers will likely have their eyes on a new crunchy and healthy treat—snap peas! Dressing up snap peas or even edamame with some extra seasoning and dips is going to be one way shoppers will be adding more produce to their snacking regimen.
Air-Fried Produce
Even if consumers can’t say goodbye to their fried snacks completely, there is a new oil-free twist that might be providing that craveable crunch people clamor for. Behold the air fryer, which can be used to make anything from apple and sweet potato chips to even a healthier french fry! I am all for this trend making a big wave next year.
Plant-Based Protein
You’ve probably heard of #MeatlessMonday, but are you living it yet? As shoppers continue to look towards more sustainable ways to get their protein fix, vegetarian "meat" will likely find a big place in the market come 2018. Mushrooms, peas, edamame, lentils, quinoa, beans, and even hemp will be finding their way into burgers sooner than you might think, and bringing a big protein punch along with them.
Souping is the New Juicing
“Juicing is so last year,” according to Pinterest. Veggies are now finding their way into soups by way of vegetable broth, pureed veggie soups, and conventional soups packed to the brim with different produce categories. Pop Sugar wrote that sipping on these savory, nutrient-rich soups is a great way to detox if you're not a fan of sweeter juices, and even noted that food star Ayesha Curry has been touting "souping" as a form of eating healthy lunches on-the-go.
New Firey Hot Sauces
While not 100% a produce trend, I can certainly see myself slathering this one all over produce in 2018. Consumers’ sriracha obsession may be falling to the wayside as Korean condiments like gochujang, a spicy paste made with red chili, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, are stepping into place. Keep long-loved produce options interesting in the New Year by pairing your fruit and veg with the latest in hot sauce trends.
Still not satisfied with these five food trends? Check out Popsugar’s full list here, and the Pinterest 100 list for even more trendy 2018 inspiration!
WATSONVILLE, CA – The berry category is as strong as ever, with healthy consumer demand driving sales and even prompting expanded growing operations throughout the globe.
I recently had a chance to talk with Soren Bjorn, President of Driscoll’s of the Americas, to get his take on berries and what is driving category growth and find out more about the dynamic company he leads and its plans for the immediate future.
“At Driscoll’s, our really big growth is coming from blackberries and blueberries, in particular, and we have some great new varieties that really have outstanding flavor,” Soren tells me. “That together with our organic offer—which is growing much faster than conventional—consumers are driving us in that direction.”
Soren tells me that, after 20 years of program development, consumers continue to respond to and grow demand for Driscoll’s blueberries. And with significant growth in Mexico, across all of the companies berry categories, and expanding programs throughout the Americas, customers can expect ample supply of the sought-after fruit—in both organic and conventional varieties.
“We’ve got a couple new geographies that we’re growing in—plus our existing geographies are being expanded. We expect that to continue going forward,” Soren adds. “We’re really responding to the demands of consumers. The berry category is in great shape.”
To hear more, watch our brief interview with Soren above. And keep your eyes peeled for more exclusive video content from AndNowUKnow.
KINGSVILLE, ON – SUNSET® continues to be a leader in innovation, winning one of the first annual Produce Business Innovation Awards for its Sweet Bites® pail.
“We’re thrilled to receive the Innovation Award for Sweet Bites®,” shared SUNSET® CEO Paul Mastronardi, in a press release. “Our goal is to always lead innovation in the industry and I’m pleased to add Sweet Bites® to our roster of award winning items.”
The Sweet Bites® pail was one of several limited-edition items launched by SUNSET® in 2017 which were designed to generate excitement in the produce aisle and encourage impulse purchases and drive incremental sales. Each Sweet Bites® pail comes with a bonus SUNSET Snack Pack™, a convenient, re-usable container that holds one serving of tomatoes and encourages on-the-go healthy snacking.
According to Produce Business, judging was based on a 10-point scale with a concentration on product, packaging, and processing. Jim Prevor, CEO and Editor in Chief of Produce Business Magazine adds, "Its expert recognition of a product most likely to increase consumption of fresh produce."
SUNSET® was one of ten honorees to receive the Innovation Award from Produce Business Magazine at the New York Produce Show.
Congratulations, SUNSET®!
MISSION, TX – The Viva Fresh Expo has introduced a new program to recognize this region’s excellence in packaging design, new product development, food safety, machinery, software, and technology. The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA)-hosted event announced the launch of its first Gateway to Innovation Awards, with a winner to be announced at the Viva Fresh Expo held April 5-7, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas.
“Since the inception of the Rio Star red grapefruit or the Texas 1015 sweet onion, Texas has always been known for its agricultural advancements. But today, the accelerated growth of the Lower Rio Grande Valley that brings together a variety of multi-national industries and talent has made it a hub for technology. This has also resulted in the continued development of some of the country’s most innovative fruit and vegetable products and tools,” remarked Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of TIPA, in a press release. “Our vision for this award program is to recognize excellence in innovation from this region in a wide range of important areas including machinery and technology in addition to new product development.”
To qualify for the new award, applicants may submit their entries at the official application webpage: www.vivafreshexpo.com/viva-fresh-gateway-to-innovation-awards. The contest will be open to all Viva Fresh exhibitors. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of retail, foodservice, and produce industry veterans based on a set of strict criteria.
"I'm thrilled to be chairing the inaugural Viva Fresh Gateway to Innovation Awards Committee this year as we look to continue generating excitement around some of the most progressive and leading-edge companies in Texas, the Southwestern United States, and Mexico,” said Jordan Okumura, our own Editor-in-Chief of AndNowUKnow and The Snack Magazine. “Texas and Mexico produce companies are integral to the overall success of the North American produce supply chain, and I can't think of a better venue than Viva Fresh to showcase their dynamic approach to the industry."
TIPA noted in its press release that all applications are due by January 30, 2018 and the finalists and winners will be notified by March 8. Category finalists will be displayed at the Viva Fresh Expo April 5-7, 2018 at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas, and The Excellence in Innovation Award for Overall Best in Show will be announced during the event. For more information, visit VivaFreshExpo.com.
For more on this and other exciting events and programs in our industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
AUSTIN, TX - Whole Foods is doubling down on its pick of root-to-stem as one of 2018’s most anticipated food trends, introducing an array of new whole-produce offerings to its salad bars beginning December 27. The retailer will incorporate both composed and “build your own” salad recipes that focus on the trend, along with highlighting seasonal produce items and other superfood ingredients.
“We’re refreshing our salad bars for the New Year to support shoppers who are looking for convenient, healthy dishes that don’t sacrifice quality or taste,” explained Tien Ho, the company’s Culinary & Hospitality Executive Coordinator. “Our stores are excited to celebrate peak season produce and serve up plant based, nutrient dense recipes that we know our customers crave this time of year.”
According to a press release, two of the soon-to-be-released ready-made salads will be one, roasted sunchokes with sunflower seeds, sprouts, and chile dressing, and two, chopped fennel bulbs and stems tossed with lemon honey vinaigrette and honey crisp apples. The refreshed salad bar will also begin featuring the following items:
- Blueberries
- Wakame seaweed
- Turmeric sweet potatoes
- Broccoli florets
- Quinoa
- Roasted mushrooms
- Flax seeds
- Superfood salad dressing
- Power greens
As we reported last month, Whole Foods’ buyers and culinary experts shared their top food trend predictions for 2018, including the root-to-stem movement. The trend appeals to consumers who are both looking to experiment with new flavors and reduce food waste, as it incorporates lesser used parts of produce categories, including stems, rinds, seeds and leaves.
Is Whole Foods’ move setting a precedent by getting ahead of this soon-to-be-everywhere root-to-stem trend? AndNowUKnow will keep offering you the latest.
HOUSTON, TX – With cold storage on the rise as one of the largest growing sectors over the last 24 months, Brothers Produce announces the expansion of its Houston Cold Storage division to 65,000-square-feet.
“We feel we have positioned ourselves in a very unique way within this market segment,” said Brent Erenwert, Chief Innovation Officer, in a press release. Under this expansion, he has also created a new segment of the storage division that will be dedicated to the restaurant and distribution business. “We are very excited about this new segment and already had several restaurants who have committed storage needs with us before we even took the service live.”
Unique in the business, the new service will allow small, medium, and large chains to control costs, inventory, and distribution of various items within their concept, as well as offer other options for items requiring restaurant distribution.
“Today we live in a world that has become all about service in nearly every business you are in. It does not matter if it is produce, dry goods, grocery, or any other aspect, and the cold storage business is no different; people want service,” said Erenwert.
The former President of Brothers Produce, he recently took a new role as Director of Innovation, upon which he stated that he had major plans for the cold storage division.
The company’s storage division began in 2015 when it mostly stored produce related items. However, today, Brothers Produce has expanded to include the storage of flowers, wines, water, various food related items, and dry goods. With a fleet of over 110 trucks to transport products, Produce Brothers’ customers have come to rely on both the storage and distribution solutions the company offers. Ever a pioneer in the evolving produce business, Brothers Produce innovation in the cold storage business is showing a positive future for the company.
For more produce industry news like this, stay up-to-date with AndNowUKnow.
YUMA, AZ – With the time of frenzied, last minute holiday grocery shopping upon us, demand for fresh produce is even more evident than ever. This season, Tanimura & Antle’s Commodity Manager Ryan Mazzuca reports that while broccoli and cauliflower quality is strong, supply will be tight moving into the December and January holidays.
“Quality is excellent right now, with fields trending 7 to 14 days ahead of schedule,” Ryan tells me. “Our organic cauliflower and broccoli demand is strong as well, with tighter supplies moving into the New Year. Markets are also trending upwards for conventional and organic cauliflower and broccoli supplies. We anticipate lower volumes moving into the Christmas and New Year’s pull due to cooler weather conditions. Although conventional volumes continue to trend under budget, organic cauliflower and broccoli promotions are available.”
Ryan also notes that, to date, growing conditions have been ideal. However, as we approach the end of the year, weather has been cooling, which has slowed product down in the field and decreased supply.
“We will see a spike in demand and pricing through December into January,” Ryan continues. “Organic markets will follow on the coattails of conventional cauliflower and broccoli with markets trending upwards.”
As both organic and conventional broccoli and cauliflower see excellent quality but extreme markets during the next few months, keep your eyes peeled for Tanimura & Antle’s broccoli and cauliflower as we move into 2018.
For more market updates on fresh produce, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow for the latest.
SWEDEN AND FINLAND – Consumers have spoken, and McDonald’s is listening...well, Swedish and Finnish McDonald's, that is. After a trial run with its McVegan menu option in a Finnish city, the fast food company has decided to onboard the alternative burger to its permanent menu throughout Finland and Sweden.
The vegan option debuted in the small city of Tampere from October 4th to November 21st to thunderous praise; banking on the success in the initial release, the company has announced that it will sell its McVegan in the two countries starting December 28th.
"The test in Finland blew all the expectations out of the water," said Staffan Ekstam, McDonald's Head of Food Strategy in Sweden, in a recent Nordic Business Insider article. “We can now offer our guests a vegan burger developed in Sweden. Our ambition is that there should be something on our menu for all of the 400,000 guests who visit us every day," he said.
This has been a long time in the making, as the same article explains that McDonald’s went through 100+ different recipes to create the perfect meal for the specific audience. In order to find its soy-based vegan patty, the company looked to Annama, a southern Sweden niche food company whose notoriety comes from its expertise in vegan options within the fast food industry.
McVegans will be offered at a competitively low price; for just 49 Swedish krona, or approximately $5.80, consumers can get their hands on the vegan burger. The burger is being described as a cheaper option than the vegetarian burgers being sold by its rival, Max, according to the Nordic Business Insider article and Food &Wine.
While the McVegan menu item has not been accepted into the European or American assortments, this next step might offer valuable insight into whether the company wants to take the menu option even further. In the meantime, I’m lovin’ it!