IRWINDALE, CA – Huy Fong Foods, producer of Sriracha hot sauce, has filed suit against its pepper supplier, alleging that the firm has failed to repay more than $1.4 million in overpayments and is refusing to return $7 million in equipment.
According to an NBC Los Angeles report, Huy Fong’s suit has alleged breach of production agreement, breach of contract, and civil theft on the part of Underwood Ranches LP, a Camarillo, California-based provider of peppers.
Huy Fong paid more than $190 million to Underwood Ranches, from 2008 to 2016, according to the suit, but in 2016, after the Huy Fong overpaid the pepper producer by $1.4 million, the two reached an impass. The companies were unable to settle the matter in the ensuing year, and now, Huy Fong is demanding immediate reimbursement and the return of $7 million in production equipment provided for the ranch—equipment that the lawsuit alleges is being held “hostage.”
“Huy Fong has demanded that Underwood allow it to take possession of the equipment, but Underwood has refused to do so. Instead, Underwood is holding Huy Fong's equipment hostage, severely impacting Huy Fong's ability to complete the 2017 harvest and greatly increasing the expense associated with the harvest,” the suit alleges.
Huy Fong and Underwood Ranches had previously worked together for nearly thirty years, cooperating to make the popular and ubiquitous Sriracha sauce. According to the suit, the two companies relied on a patchwork agreement, with some parts of their production agreement written and others verbal according to a long tradition.
As part of the agreement, Huy Fong bought all production equipment used by Underwood Ranches to produce chili peppers.
For more on all things produce, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
SOUTH FLORIDA - Hurricane Irma has rapidly become what is being reported as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms ever recorded, with the state of Florida quickly moving to prepare for its anticipated arrival late this week.
Along with mandatory evacuations, State Governor Rick Scott activated the state National Guard to help with hurricane preparations and has suspended highway tolls, according to the New York Times.
Ports have also been closed as Irma approaches. Advance Customs Brokers issued a statement cautioning that all South Florida ports are now indicating that the terminals will halt vessel operations as soon as today, Sept. 7.
“All Government agencies will also cease operations by the end of the business day on 9/7/17,” the release states. “Ambassador in Port Canaveral will be closed on Friday. Seatrade is currently working on a contingency plan regarding their Sunday vessel for Canaveral.”
Georgia and the Carolinas are also on alert for potential impacts, AccuWeather reported.
“This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast,” Evan Myers, AccuWeather Expert Senior Meteorologist and Chief Operating Officer, said. “It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of Harvey. Because Irma is likely to move up along the East Coast of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, people from the Florida Keys all the way to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, should prepare to be ready to evacuate coastal areas, starting with South Florida now.”
While air traffic and travel were not reported on, Advance Customs Brokers advised that cargo arriving over the weekend and into next week will be processed, and entries filed without delay. It noted that it would be critical that any cargo discharged and cleared in South Florida ports be delivered and unloaded, and empties returned to the terminals.
“Your confidence in our uninterrupted service is paramount to us. To this end we are taking emergency measures to ensure continual communication with you,” the company said. “A few key personnel may be relocated outside of the area to allow for ongoing processing, traffic, and follow up of your cargo.”
As we reported previously, the system was recorded at 185 mph on Tuesday, topping out the Saffir-Simpson scale as a Category 5 storm.
Irma has already had devastating impacts on the northern Caribbean, and AccuWeather stated that how quickly it turns to the north after passing Cuba will determine whether the center of the storm makes landfall in southeastern Florida or passes between Florida and the Bahamas.
As we continue to monitor the situation and hope for the best possible outcome, especially in light of the recent repercussions of Hurricane Harvey, AndNowUKnow will report the latest as more details become available.
IRVINE, CA– Always on the hunt for new menu innovations, the California Avocado Commission (CAC) took the opportunity to partner with dineL.A. to put on an epic event geared at connecting with the premium, foodie audience and influencers in the Los Angeles market. As one of the largest markets for California avocados, the commission sponsored summer-long promotions showcasing California avocados at some of the best restaurants around the city from mid-June through July.
“The county-wide dineL.A. program reached our targeted consumer during the heart of California avocado season,” said Jan DeLyser, CAC Vice President Marketing, according to a press release. “By sponsoring the event, the Commission promoted the local availability of California avocados and showcased many creative ways to enjoy them.”
The dineL.A. Summer Restaurant Week took place in more than 300 restaurants throughout Los Angeles county, offering specially priced lunch and dinner menus. Semi-annual dineL.A. events, similar to restaurant weeks across the country, allowing attendees to try a wide variety of culinary specialties at some of the best eateries in the city. To kick off the program, dineLA held two media and influencer preview dinner events showcasing California avocados and the chef ambassador menus. Coverage of the event as well as California avocados has been widespread.
California avocado branding was featured on the dineL.A. homepage for four weeks. Additionally, seven restaurants/chef ambassadors showcased California avocados on their summer dineL.A. menus, generating a flurry of activity for the fruit, including:
- Their promotional menus prominently featured the California avocados brand logo.
- Three videos featuring California avocados and the chef ambassadors were promoted on the @discover and @dineLA social channels (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) with a combined following of more than 2 million.
- The videos were promoted on a California avocado blog post on discoverlosangeles.com.
- Two dedicated eBlasts to nearly 200,000 dineL.A. subscribers highlighted the chef ambassadors and their California avocado dishes.
Participating restaurants included Akasha, Charcoal Venice, Erven, Fishing with Dynamite, Gracias Madre, Redbird, and The Bellwether. Chef Ted Hopson of The Bellwether also demonstrated one of his menu specials featuring smoky, grilled California avocados on a local news program.
As the fresh produce industry continues to innovate, AndNowUKnow will share the latest.
CARLISLE, PA - Ahold USA is on the hunt to find a new President for its grocery delivery business, Peapod, after its former leader announced her resignation earlier this week. Effective September 15, Jennifer Carr-Smith will be leaving the Peapod role in order to pursue a new position.
Carr-Smith has been President and CEO of Peapod since joining the Ahold family in 2015. Prior to her work with Peapod, Carr-Smith has worked in an array of e-commerce-focused positions, including four years as COO of J. Crew Direct, four years as Ralph Lauren’s VP of Strategy, and several other roles in multiple e-commerce startups, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“We wish Jennifer well and thank her for her leadership at Peapod over the past two years, during which time she helped to further its goal of innovating and providing customers with convenience, value, and an unparalleled shopping experience,” stated Kevin Holt, Ahold USA’s Chief Operating Officer.
Walt Lentz, Peapod’s current Head of Supply Chain Strategy & Operations, will be overseeing the company’s operations in the interim of finding a permanent replacement, according to a press release. Lentz has been with Ahold Delhaize for the past eight years, seven of those as Ahold Delahaize's SVP, Supply Chain.
“I am confident that Walt’s strong leadership will move Peapod forward during the transition,” Holt added.
Peapod, owned by the recently merged Ahold Delhaize, is one of America’s leading online grocers, with the company estimating over 40 million orders delivered since its inception in 1989. As the company continues on its search to solidify its top leadership position, AndNowUKnow has our ears to the ground for the latest.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Frieda's is advising retailers to prepare their produce departments for the mad dash towards exotic fruits, as shoppers look for “new fruit” to celebrate Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, beginning at sundown on September 20.
“Premium pricing on exotic produce is not an issue for shoppers during this holiday,” said Alex Jackson Berkley, Senior Account Manager. “Retailers need to make sure they have a wide variety of fruits available for the 10 days leading up to the holiday as shoppers are looking for the newest—and sometimes weirdest—fruit for their celebrations.”
It is a Jewish tradition to try a new fruit during Rosh Hashana to celebrate a “sweet” new year. From tiny cape gooseberries to the giant jackfruit, the company said in a press release that shoppers rush the stores during the holiday to purchase the newest, most exotic fruits possible—so much so that it caught the attention of the Wall Street Journal last fall.
The Frieda's team can assist not only in providing popular products, but also by helping find out which of your stores have a high percentage of Jewish clientele. Retailers interested in preparing for the rush with favorites such as dragon fruit, kiwi berries, organic finger limes, cherimoya, and Kiwano® horned melon can call Frieda’s sales team today.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Produce for Kids® is rejoining Meijer to raise funds to bring the Jump with Jill nutrition education program to schools within the retailer's footprint.
“Research has proven that families that eat together have kids who fare better in many measures, including mental health and well-being,” said Trish James, Vice President of Produce for Kids. “In our efforts to create a healthier generation, we must recognize the importance of the family meal and the impact it has on our future generation.”
The campaign takes place during National Family Meals Month. In-store signage showcasing the #PowerYourFamilyMeal messaging and housing recipe card takeaways will be displayed in Meijer produce departments and will list all partnering produce companies, according to a press release. Its website features more than 350 registered dietitian-approved and family-tested recipes, meal planning tools, grocery store-specific campaign details, and healthy tips from real parents.
During the Family Meals Month celebration, Meijer shoppers will use the official home delivery partner of Meijer, Shipt, which can find campaign produce sponsors in a dedicated in-app category.
“At Meijer, we know Family Meals Month is the perfect opportunity to spread the value of this activity with our shoppers,” said Tina Miller, MS RD Meijer Healthy Living Advisor. “We are proud to partner with Produce for Kids on an effort that encourages the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and supports our local school nutrition efforts through Jump with Jill.”
Through its partnership with Produce for Kids, Meijer and partners have raised more than $1.2 million to benefit children's charities and have supported the implementation of 125 Jump with Jill rock ‘n roll nutrition shows at schools in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Kentucky. A complete listing of events can be found at jumpwithjill/tour.
SEATTLE, WA - Former Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer has been named as the new Group President and COO of Starbucks, according to a company press release. Effective October 2, Brewer will act as the leader of the operating businesses across the Americas. In addition, Brewer will take charge of product innovation, store development organizations, and supply chain.
“As a passionate customer of the brand and recently elected board member, I have a deep love and admiration for the Starbucks brand and its people. I am so honored to have the pleasure of working with the Starbucks leadership team to realize our highest of aspirations for the company and I look forward to working closely with the astute and talented leaders across the enterprise,” commented Brewer.
She has repeatedly been recognized as one of the world’s most powerful women, ranking #19 by Fortune (2016) and #57 by Forbes (2016). She also sits on the board of directors for Lockheed Martin Corporation and chairs the Board of Trustees at Spelman.
Brewer earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Spelman College and attended an advanced management program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Brewer brings with her extensive insight on large-scale operations and supply chain logistics based on her past senior leadership positions which includes five years with Sam’s Club, the $56 billion members-only warehouse club channel of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., six years in executive roles for Wal-Mart and 22 years at Kimberly-Clark.
“Starbucks is a culture-first company focused on performance and Roz is a world class operator and executive who embodies the values of Starbucks. She has been a trusted strategic counselor to me ever since she joined our Board of Directors, and I deeply value her insight, business acumen, and leadership expertise. Roz is the right leader to help us realize our greatest of ambitions in this next chapter of our journey,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO. “I am honored that Roz is joining Starbucks in this capacity and playing an important role with an accomplished team of senior leaders that reflects the strength and diversity of our organization.”
Brewer will report to Johnson and serve as a member of Starbucks senior leadership team. She will also continue to serve on the Starbucks Board of Directors.
With the chains penchant for innovation and the introduction of a variety of new produce-influenced menu offerings, how will this new appointment foster growth in the global company? Follow along with AndNowUKnow as we bring you the latest.
TEXAS – As the effects of Hurricane Harvey continue to be felt, many in the produce industry are stepping up and mobilizing efforts to alleviate the effects of the catastrophic storm and feed displaced denizens of eastern Texas. One such effort is Wholesum Harvest’s; the company is bringing together its organic partners alongside farmers, shippers, wholesalers, and producers to ship truckloads of produce to those in the affected areas.
We recently had an opportunity to connect with Marketing Manager Jessie Gunn—the principle architect of the effort—and learn more about the company’s efforts to feed displaced Texans.
“I think it begins as a human need, the hope that someone would rally around your loved ones, your children…perhaps, even yourself,” Jessie explains. “It’s as human as it gets, free from division and free from politics and free from blame. We are banding together as an organic industry. We feel strongly that you help where your heart is, and our heart is organic produce for all, even in the worst of times, to hopefully bring what light you can through giving what you believe in most.”
After witnessing the destruction in Texas and hearing reports of the catastrophic conditions in eastern Texas, Jessie asked herself “what can we do to help, and how fast can we make it happen.” Jessie decided she would make the effort to organize relief efforts and band together those in the organic industry.
“I wish you could see how, pardon the pun, organically this came about,” Jessie says. “I was sitting with my daughter watching reports of the damage, picked up my phone, emailed Tom Lively, over at Organically Grown Company, David Weinstein at Heath & Lejeune, and Karen Salinger of Veritable Vegetable—and my bosses Ricardo & Theo Crisantes at Wholesum, but I already knew they’d say yes—and said nothing more than ‘Houston Relief… be ready to rally… I’ll keep you posted.’ Incredibly fast, I had responses that were all in—no hesitation, no question, all in.”
Jessie was quick to begin efforts to transport and distribute fresh produce to those in need, and the organic industry’s response has been swift—fulfilling a need for fresh fruits and veggies that other efforts might not provide.
“We see the need, as an organic produce industry we know that so many requests for supplies are of the ‘nonperishable’ type, because when trying to assist, you want the logistically easiest food, but fresh, healthy organic food can be some of the best comfort food out there,” Jessie adds, noting that the effort could use continued support from logistics providers in the proceeding weeks and months. “What we need most right now is logistic support. Organic farmers, growers, and wholesalers are putting themselves out there. We wouldn’t turn away a little trucking help. Our regular vendors are helping, but the more that can help the better. And this shouldn’t end in a week, hopefully it goes beyond, into the weeks and months that follow.”
Though Hurricane Harvey may dissipate, the devastating effects of the storm continue to be felt, and Jessie tells me that any assistance, from producers, wholesalers, and even retailers, is greatly appreciated.
“Retailers, we’d be happy to help if you have supply lines going in, or if you’re setting up disaster relief kitchens or such, let us know, we will do what we can to help,” Jessie notes. “These folks need more than food; they need everything. If you’re of a heart to donate, Wholesum will help you realize that goal! More than anything we want what we are seeing to multiply—people helping people. And our hats off to Feeding Texas,” Jessie says, praising a community partner in the effort. “Krista Cole and her team didn’t quite know what to do with such a big offer, but she put in the work…You have to pause and appreciate the coordination effort of all of those on the ground serving these displaced families and folk; it’s such a massive undertaking. Our hats are off to all of them.”
We at AndNowUKnow applaud Jessie Gunn, the Wholesum Harvest team, and its partners for their efforts.
SOUTHEASTERN U.S. - Mere days after Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc in Houston, a second major storm is gaining strength over the Atlantic Ocean, poised to threaten the Southeastern United States. With top winds of 185 mph recorded on Tuesday, according to Bloomberg, Hurricane Irma is currently classified as a Category 5 storm, topping out the Saffir-Simpson scale.
“Irma is an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane,” according to the National Hurricane Center. “Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, but Irma is forecast to remain a powerful category 4 or 5 hurricane during the next couple of days.”
According to AccuWeather, Hurricane Irma is the strongest storm in the Atlantic Basin since Wilma in 2005. Currently, the storm is working along a path in islands south of Florida. Irma is expected to have the greatest impact on Thursday and Thursday night. Fluctuations in Irma’s strength and path are anticipated. According to the report, currently the storm is projected to potentially make landfall on the southern tip of Florida over the weekend, with state residents beginning emergency preparations, particularly in light of the recent devastation from Hurricane Harvey.
Will Irma follow the projected path? Follow along with AndNowUKnow as we bring you the latest.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Procacci Companies announced that Joseph M. Procacci, current President of Santa Sweets Inc. and COO of Procacci Brothers Sales Corporation, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Procacci Holdings LLC. He is stepping in for industry legend Joseph G. Procacci, who is stepping down as CEO after nearly 70 years leading the company and transitioning to the role of CEO Emeritus.
In making the announcement about his new role, Joseph G. stated, “I started this company with my brother, Mike, in 1948. Procacci Brothers has achieved magnitudes of success that we never could have imagined. We’ve been blessed with honest, hardworking employees and uncommonly loyal customers. It’s been a blessing to have my son by my side as we grew these companies. It’s with great pride and confidence that I turn over the future of the organization to his leadership.”
Joseph M. Procacci, known to employees and customers as J.M. according to a press release, began his career in produce at the age of 10, working alongside his father and learning Procacci Brothers’ business operations from the ground up. J.M. joined the company full-time after graduating from Saint Joseph’s University in 1974 with a degree in Labor Relations. He made immediate contributions to Procacci’s Tomato Repack operations, spearheading improvements in labor efficiency, quality assurance, and food safety. Next, J.M. led Procacci’s Tomato Sales Desk, where his emphasis on developing supplier networks and capitalizing on logistical opportunities in Procacci’s distribution network led to significant sales growth in new markets, largely from winning the business of major foodservice and retail accounts.
“I’m honored to follow in my dad’s footsteps and humbled to lead what my dad always said was our greatest asset–our people,” said the new Procacci CEO. “I’ll be leading a tremendous team. We have a dynamic mix of energetic young talent and experience. The future of Procacci Brothers is exceedingly bright. Under my leadership, we will continue to honor the core values that took Procacci Brothers to the top of the produce industry, while also innovating and adapting to the evolving needs of our customers.”
Mike Maxwell, President of Procacci Brothers, spoke of his admiration for both Procacci men, “Here at Procacci Brothers we have all been very fortunate to learn this business from one of the very best in the industry. The transition from one generation to the next is a very natural process in a family-owned business. J.M. grew up in this business and has worked in all areas of this vertically integrated company. He’s been groomed for this position since he was 10 years old. I look forward to working with him in growing our business into the future, and I wish Joe Procacci all the best in his retirement.”
AndNowUKnow wishes J.M. Procacci all the best in his new role.