LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA – With the holidays upon us and this opportunity and ability to give to those less fortunate even more welcomed than ever, the Allen Lund Company is once again launching its support of Navidad en el Barrio, a program that the team has supported since 2004 and continues to support today.
“It's so wonderful to be able to provide fresh produce and meals to these families during the Christmas season," Nora Trueblood, Director of Marketing for the Allen Lund Company, stated. "The shippers and carriers we work with year-round are so generous."
To give you a little background on the incredible program, Navidad en el Barrio accepts and utilizes donations to assemble food baskets containing chicken, tortillas, cheese, canned goods, drinks, and various produce items to offer individuals a healthy holiday meal.
“The produce and perishable items have been a huge addition to these meals and one that is incredibly appreciated,” Nora added. Allen Lund Company provides logistical support as well as produce donated by customers. “We have watched the program grow and gain traction more and more every year, and we are honored to be a part of such an impactful initiative.”
Through the efforts of Navidad en el Barrio, which was established in 1972 by former NFL kicker Danny Villanueva, over 75,000 people are served annually.
"My mom and dad instilled in us the value and importance of giving back, and we as a company completely embrace that concept,” Kenny Lund, Vice President of ALC said. “Navidad en el Barrio is such an important effort and one that we are able to actually see the impact by participating in the distribution of the dinners and meeting the grateful families."
With long time supporters and new companies joining the cause, ALC has started the process of organizing donations of perishable products and food items from growers/shippers for the annual holiday food baskets.
"We are honored to be apart of this program again in 2017. For the fourth year in a row, Dayka & Hackett will be providing approximately 10,000 lbs. of grapes to the Navidad en el Barrio event," Mike Weaver, Table Grape Commodity Manager of Dayka & Hackett, shares with me. "It is a small gesture on our part to help spread holiday cheer."
Since 1972, Navidad en el Barrio has gathered and distributed food during the Christmas holiday to serve mostly Hispanic communities of Southern California, with the mission of providing a Christmas meal to families who very often feel marginalized and forgotten by our society, Nora adds. Navidad en el Barrio works with agencies throughout Southern California, from Ventura to San Diego, and including Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange County.
“Rainier Fruit Company is pleased to join the Allen Lund Company and other grower shippers within Washington State in supporting Navidad en el Barrio,” Michael Clayton, Director of Logistics for Rainier Fruit Company, shares. “We have actively participated in this great cause serving the communities of Southern California since 2006. We would like to thank all involved and wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season!”
With so many on board with the cause, Joe Esta, Vice President of Wada Farms shares in the sentiment that so many do at this time of year—the idea that when you have more than you need, build a longer table not a higher fence.
"Wada farms has many great partners in the produce industry, and with them we donate to several holiday food drives. We recognize our ability to give to those in need, and for us, it is a year-round commitment," Joe tells me. "Navidad en el Barrio and others like the 'No Hunger Holiday' in St. Charles, Missouri, which we donate to through Ole Tyme Produce, and the program Feeding America, are just a few of the ways our industry can address these causes."
The logistics and transportation of the donations made during the week of December 11-15, 2017, will be provided by the Allen Lund Company with meals being delivered on Saturday, December 16th. Donations are delivered via ALC to a warehouse location in Los Angeles and then delivered to agencies throughout Southern California for distribution to the most in-need families.
ALC is continuing to reach out to shippers in the Western U.S. that ship items which can be used to complete a meal for these families' Christmas dinner. Should your team choose to participate, your company logo will be featured in any promotional materials that are developed, as well as placed on the program’s website, so rally around this special initiative and join the Allen Lund Company in giving back this holiday season.
Allen Lund Company Dayka & Hackett Rainier Fruit Company Wada Farms
WASHINGTON, DC – Under regulations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), Carbonella Desarbo Inc., operating out of New Haven, Connecticut, posted a $100,000 surety bond.
The surety bond was posted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to employ David Makas, previously named in a PACA action.
According to a USDA press release, David Makas was an officer of M & M Produce Inc., Hartford, Connecticut, which was found to have committed repeated and flagrant violations of Section 2 of the PACA.
Any PACA licensee wishing to employ individuals who have failed to pay a reparation award, or have been subject to a USDA disciplinary action, must post a USDA-approved surety bond.
USDA will hold the $100,000 bond for four years, providing assurance to the industry that the company will be able to pay for produce purchased and to conduct its business according to PACA rules.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,400 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Its experts also assisted more than 8,500 callers with issues valued at approximately $151 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
VALENCIA, CA – Sunkist Growers and Fruit Growers Supply Company (FSG) announced an executive appointment this week; the two companies have promoted Rayne Thompson to the role of Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy. In her new capacity, Thompson will oversee both Sunkist and FSG interests as they relate to state, federal, and trade policies.
Thompson joined Sunkist as Director of Government Relations and Public Policy in January of 2015, bringing a wealth of experience advocating for agriculture at federal and state levels. Prior to joining Sunkist, Thompson oversaw the Agricultural Marketing Service at USDA, served as Deputy Secretary at CDFA, and handled government affairs at Ag Council of California and the California Farm Bureau.
“Rayne has been pivotal in helping Sunkist navigate the ever-changing statutory and regulatory requirements that our industry faces,” said Russell Hanlin, President and CEO of both Sunkist and FGS. “In this expanded role, Sunkist and now FGS will further leverage her extensive background and experience in this important area to best serve our membership.”
In her new role, Thompson will help both Sunkist, the thousands-strong cooperative and provider of more than 40 fresh citrus varieties, and its sister company FSG, the vertically-integrated services and shipping solutions company, navigate regulatory requirements.
We at AndNowUKnow congratulate Thompson on her new role and wish her our best!
WEST DES MOINES, IA - Online shopping is easier than ever for consumers, making it a great business plan option for many companies. Hy-Vee is just one of many businesses embracing the model, with plans to build three new fulfillment centers in Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and the Twin Cities. News of these new developments comes on the heels of delaying its first out-of-Iowa distribution center, instead focusing on growing its burgeoning online business.
“We want to continue to grow and improve our Aisles Online program,” said Tina Potthoff, Senior Communications Manager at Hy-Vee, in a recent article from The Des Moines Register. “It’s become very popular.”
The popular Aisles Online program enables customers to order online and either conveniently run into the store to pick their goods up or have them delivered. With this easy purchasing avenue and strong reception from consumers, the company is eager to expand upon this business concept after its first fulfillment center was created in Urbandale last year.
Also noted in the article is that the company is looking to expand its Fast & Fresh stores, and several formats are being considered, with groceries, prepared foods, and coffee shops all on the table. Des Moines and Altoona will both be home to Fast & Fresh stores in the near future, and a third store is planned near Jordan Creek Town Center, though plans have yet to be finalized.
With so much on the horizon, the retailer has proven to have its heart set on making the shopping experience easier, trendier, and more enjoyable than ever for its consumers.
SALINAS VALLEY, CA - As we transition from the month best known for its treats and into the one most known for its gratitude, the folks at the Labor of Love program were eager to usher in November with a surprise visit to Church Brothers Farms’ harvest crew of 40 in Soledad, California.
“Being able to surprise harvesting crews with random acts of kindness is a fun way of showing how much we, as a community, appreciate the long hours and hard work they do for the agriculture industry,” said Jenna Hanson Abramson of Labor of Love.
For this recent in-field event sponsored by Church Brothers, the Labor of Love crew came to Soledad with lunch and trick-or-treat goodie bags filled with candy in tow. Gift cards were given to all the workers, and there were even additional fun sweepstakes items like Halloween pumpkins for carving and another $100 Gift Card.
This 40 person harvesting crew, who usually starts their day around 4am, has been tapped to harvest topped and tailed romaine for the True Leaf Farms processing plant in San Juan Batista, according to a press release. On this day alone, the crew harvested 300 bins worth. "The quality and workmanship of product produced by this crew is top notch,” Pat Stafford, Harvest Manager at Church Brothers Farms, commented.
Founded in 2015 through a grassroots effort by the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association (YFVA), Labor of Love takes initiative to thank those who work in agriculture on behalf of the industry and the community. Now working in the Salinas Valley for two seasons, this coming winter also marks the third year the program will be active in Yuma.
Labor of Love is continuing to surprise crews around the Salinas Valley, so check out the group’s Facebook page, as well as the website www.LaborOfLoveSalinas.com to see where the Labor of Love team will share their gratitude next.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) against Forest City Weingart Produce Co.
According to a USDA press release, the company, operating from Ohio, allegedly failed to make payment to 23 produce sellers in the amount of $716,689 from October 2014 through May 2017.
Forest City Weingart Produce Co. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry for two years. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for one year and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
The PACA Division, which is part of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,400 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Its experts also assisted more than 8,500 callers with issues valued at approximately $151 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
ROSEMONT, IL - Foodservice distributor US Foods Holding Corp. announced its third quarter and first nine months’ earnings for 2017, and the findings are cause for celebration.
“Strong volume growth with our targeted customers and adjusted EBITDA growth of over nine percent underscored our third quarter performance,” said President and CEO Pietro Satriano in a recent press release. “Our Great Food. Made Easy. strategy continues to resonate with customers as demonstrated by the increased demand for our portfolio of value added services. Customer response to our most recent Scoop™ offering has been the strongest to date and highlights the continued momentum in our business.”
The company’s third quarter saw case volume increased by 2 percent, and 1 percent of that was organic growth. Independent restaurant case volume grew 6 percent, and 4.1 percent of that was organic. With so much growth in these sectors of its business, the company’s loss of national chain customers was offset.
Third quarter highlights included the following:
- Total case volume increased 2.0%; independent restaurant case volume increased 6.0%
- Net sales increased 6.2% to $6.2 billion
- Gross profit of $1.1 billion increased 6.4%
- Operating income of $190 million increased $75 million
- Net income of $96 million decreased $37 million
- Adjusted EBITDA increased 9.4% to $267 million
- Diluted EPS of $0.42; Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.39
Among establishing factors enabling net sales to increase so steadily, the company named the drive from total case volume growth; product mix changes; and year-over-year inflation in center-of-the-plate, produce, and grocery categories. Sales from acquisitions in the last 12 months have also helped the net sales jump up 1.9 percent.
For 2017, US Foods said it is updating its fiscal 2017 guidance. It expects unit growth of 2.5 to 3 percent and net sales growth of 4.5 to 5 percent, as well as an adjusted EBITDA growth of 8 to 9 percent, and net income growth of 20 to 25 percent.
Congratulations to US Foods on the success of the moves made thus far. AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this and other key produce-centered strategies.
WENATCHEE, WA – Wenatchee-based Keyes Packaging Group welcomed produce industry veteran Jeff Burroughs as the Vice President of Business Development.
“Jeff’s deep produce industry knowledge and sales expertise impressed us immediately,” said Ted Kozikowski, Keyes Packaging Group CEO, in a recent press release. “He will bring new opportunities to expand our business as we look to the future.”
After working with Georgia Pacific/Tosca as Director of Sales for the produce packaging sales team, Jeff is well-connected within the industry and will be an important asset in developing new business with an expanded product portfolio. Based in Monterey, California, Jeff will focus nationally on the avocado, wine, and egg industries.
“I am pleased to join the Keyes Packaging Group team. They are a leader in manufacturing sustainable packaging. I look forward to adding value to a company with an over 100-year history of being a good environmental steward,” said Jeff.
Jeff’s arrival is part of ongoing Keyes Packaging Group efforts to respond to the rising demand for responsible food and beverage packaging, changing consumer shopping habits, and a revitalized focus on new products.
Good luck to Jeff in his new role! For more news like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.
QUERÉTARO, MEXICO - Protected agriculture in Mexico has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, and shows no signs of slowing. As we wind down 2017 and ramp up for the New Year, bell pepper grower, packer, and shipper FreshMex is celebrating 10 years of growth and a renewed commitment to evolving the Mexican greenhouse sector.
To commemorate the anniversary, the company recently welcomed guests to its facility in October to meet the team and share in the celebration. FreshMex General Manager and current President of AMHPAC Oscar Woltman, joins me as we move into November, to discuss what 10 years has brought to FreshMex and the milestones that have paved its way.
“Operating 7.5 hectares of Venlo greenhouses in Querétaro, Mexico’s Agropark, FreshMex has been exporting worldwide since 2007 through our parent company, Levarht,” Oscar shares with me, adding that FreshMex offers the unique position of being situated inside an agro-industrial park that specializes in the production of vegetables with high exportation quality, as well as providing one of our industry’s hubs for ultra high-tech glass greenhouses. “It has been a quick and exciting 10 years, and our progressive vision has helped us bring high-quality greenhouse produce to the global marketplace.”
The groundbreaking for the operation began in March 2007 and quickly arrived at completion by September 2007. The first harvest kicked off on December 12, 2007, and as Oscar tells me, they were blessed from the beginning, as the 12th is the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico.
“Not many glass greenhouses in Mexico produce peppers,” Oscar says. “We have created alliances with several other greenhouses to train, select, pack, and export their certified produce in addition to our own–this has helped not only FreshMex grow, but the region as a whole. Our relationship with local producers is based on shared values and strategy, knowledge transfer, transparency, and honesty.”
And when it comes to growth, FreshMex has the numbers to tell the tale. FreshMex sales have grown by 400% in 10 years, and almost 10% of the personnel have worked for the company for 10 years now.
“We stimulate employee development in technical training and development as well as emotional knowledge,” Oscar adds. “And in 2017 we also completed a new project with 2.5 hectares.”
FreshMex is GLOBAL G.A.P., WCA, Primus, Senasica, CTPAT and NECC certified.
“As a Dutch-owned company, we use 100% Dutch technology throughout the process which enhances the quality and taste of our products,” he tells me. “The FreshMex production process is in compliance with the more demanding food safety and quality standard programs.”
Since 2012 FreshMex has also been a member of AMHPAC, the Mexican protected agriculture association, which has 230 members with an annual export value of $1.3 billion USD. Oscar has been a member of the council since 2013 and President of the AMHPAC council since 2016.
Congratulations FreshMex, on 10 years of growth and evolution, and cheers to the exciting road ahead!
SALINAS & YUMA, CA - At Church Brothers Farms, we farm and produce our salads where our veggies are in season, for a year-round supply.
April through November we are in Salinas and the San Juan Valley of California for Spring and Summer seasons. Then, November through April, we are in Yuma, Arizona, and California's Imperial Valley for the Winter season.
Twice a year, we uproot our True Leaf Farms team and entire salad plant to enable us to produce our salads at the source. This assures our customers get the freshest product possible.
With the work of 200 people and 60 trucks, we break down, move 500 miles, and rebuild our salad plant in 58 hours.
Why do we do this? For our customers. To make the freshest salad possible—so they come back for more!
We salute our True Leaf Farms salad plant team.