RENO, NV – FreightFlow, one of the leading easy-to-use 3PL logistics softwares, is pleased to announce the hire of long-time industry leader and former Vice President of Supply Chain Management for United Fresh Produce Association, Dan Vache, who joins the team as a Sales Director.
“I am excited to join FreightFlow to enhance current supply chain practices by offering this next-generation transportation software, which will provide greater visibility and information to our industry to make well-informed decisions within their supply chain management process,” said Dan Vache, Sales Director for FreightFlow. “The opportunity to accurately measure transportation costs and improve the delivery of fresh produce to the consumer is vitally important.”
Vache joins Bobby Grinstead, who was hired by the company earlier this year, as part of a dynamic and highly knowledgeable sales force. Both Vache and Grinstead bring a wealth of experience and passion to FreightFlow and are committed to supporting companies who are looking for more efficient and cost-effective methods within the supply chain.
“The customer base and its supply chain needs are changing constantly, and because of that constant change there is real need for innovative software that simplifies the procurement and movement of products,” said Bud Floyd, CEO at FreightFlow. “Our intuitive, user-friendly technology empowers fresh produce companies with the information needed to make the most effective business decisions.”
The company’s technology provides real-time dashboards, accessible anywhere by any device, that include lane-based cost reporting, profits and losses, document management, and load board postings. The platform also integrates with key ERP and accounting systems Produce Pro, Famous, and QuickBooks to ensure a seamless process and supply chain visibility. With over 100 years’ experience in transportation, produce and technology, the sales team at FreightFlow is confident in providing helpful solutions to companies looking to be more efficient with their supply chain logistics.
Congratulations to Dan and the team from AndNowUKnow.
CINCINNATI, OH – Amazon sent the buy-side grocery sector into a whirlwind of activity earlier this year when it announced its intent to purchase Whole Foods. The impact is far from over, or so it seems. As the deal was cleared this week by the FTC, Amazon and Whole Foods unleashed their new grocery strategy, causing retail stocks to plunge downwards.
Kroger was one of those that felt the effect of this announcement, with The Cincinnati Business Courier reporting that the retailer’s stock plunged 8 percent on Thursday. This brought Kroger’s stock as low as $21.10.
Amazon and Whole Foods announced in a joint statement that the acquisition will be completed by Monday, August 28. Part of the new strategy being brought to Whole Foods is lowered prices for items including produce, with even more discounts expected.
As our team previously covered, this isn’t the first time that retailers have felt the ripple effect of Amazon’s entry into brick and mortar grocery. When the news of the acquisition first broke, the disruption to the industry caused Amazon and Whole Foods stock to jump upwards, while other retailer’s plummeted down. Upon the initial announcement, Kroger’s stock dropped nine percent. Prior to the acquisition's existence, Kroger's stock was upwards of $30.
Kroger’s current stock is already on the rebound, with its current stock up 3.28 percent at $21.88. The retailer’s price to earning ratio as of today at 1:33 p.m. EST was 13.13.
Will retailer’s stock continue to be affected as the Whole Foods and Amazon grocery announcements continue to roll in?
SALINAS, CA - Monterey Mushrooms has further committed itself to investing in the future by helping children of its employees. The company awarded $226,500 in scholarships for the 2017-18 academic year, presented to 167 children of its employees.
“Education is the key that opens doors to the future for children of our employees, we don’t just grow mushrooms; we grow people,” Shah Kazemi, President and CEO, said.
Through the Carl Victor Fields Scholarship Program, founded in 1992, Monterey Mushrooms honors the company’s past Vice President of Marketing who was passionate about the importance of young people achieving their potential.
Dependent children of full-time employees are eligible to apply for a scholarship up to $5,000 and for up to four years, according to a press release.
“This scholarship has helped my family tremendously,” said Saul Alcala, 20, one of this year’s recipients who is studying computer science. “I can pay for my books, classes, and other school expenses, such as traveling between California and Iowa. Without this help, it would be very difficult for me to continue to my studies at the University of Iowa. I am very thankful for this great support and your generosity.”
Another scholarship recipient, 19-year-old Patrick Fuller, attends the University of California at Santa Cruz and is studying neuroscience.
“I just finished my first year and am starting my second,” Fuller said. “I work two full time jobs during the summer so I do not need to work during the school year. I am very thankful for the scholarship from Monterey Mushrooms.”
Since its inception, the Carl Victor Fields Scholarship Program has awarded 2,118 grants totalling more than $2.8 million.
Scholarships are awarded to those who pursue higher education degrees at accredited colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools. To apply, the student shares their educational background, academic goals and aspirations, school activities, work experience, and personal achievements.
With a commitment to giving the next generation of decision makers the tools needed to be successful in society and the workplace, congratulations to the next line of recipients for these awards.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - As Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk sets out to release a prototype of its long-awaited electric big-rig truck next month, Reuters has learned additional details about the Tesla vehicle that may turn the freight industry on its head. According to the news source, Tesla has a working range of 200 to 300 miles of travel per charge, leading many to speculate that the company will be specifically targeting the regional hauling market.
For some time, Musk has planned to release a full prototype of the Tesla semi in September of this year, trying to entice the trucking industry with the promise of a battery-powered truck that could compete with conventional diesels. Scott Perry, Vice President of Supply Management and Global Fuel Products for the Fleet Management Solutions business segment of Ryder Systems, told Reuters that upon meeting with Tesla officials earlier in the year, he discovered that Tesla was aiming for the low end of what transportation veterans consider to be “long-haul” trucking. Perry said that Tesla’s current target is to make a “day cab” with no sleeper berth, capable of traveling about 200 to 300 miles with a typical payload before recharging.
Reuters has also previously reported that the soon-to-be-unveiled prototype will include self-driving capabilities.
Upon reaching out to the company for comment, Reuters received the following email statement, “Tesla’s policy is to always decline to comment on speculation, whether true or untrue, as doing so would be silly. Silly!”
Roughly 30 percent of U.S. trucking jobs are in this realm of 100- to 200-mile regional trips, Sandeep Kar, Chief Strategy Officer of Fleet Complete, told Reuters. Theoretically, this means that Tesla's rig would be able to move freight regionally, such as from ports to nearby cities or from warehouses to retail establishments. “As long as (Musk) can break 200 miles he can claim his truck is ’long haul’ and he will be technically right,” Kar said.
Musk won't be without his competition, though. Daimler, one of the world's largest truck manufacturers has similar plans to release an electric delivery truck. Company officials have reported that the vehicle will have a 100-mile range and be capable of carrying a payload of 9,400 pounds, about 1,000 pounds less than its diesel counterpart.
Could Tesla's prototype transform the future of fresh food logistics? AndNowUKnow will continue to report
NIXA, MO - If you’ve been keeping your eye on fast-growing presences in the produce industry over the past few years, chances are you’ve heard the name Market Fresh Produce (MFP). Since now CEO Steve Phipps invested in MFP in 2005 with 28 years of produce experience under his belt, MFP has experienced a rapid period of growth—one that the company says has shaped it into the successful branded produce marketing company it is today.
“MFP is one of the fastest growing companies in the produce industry in the last several years,” Kaylyn Bender, the company’s Director of Marketing, tells me as we discuss the company’s history. “We went from being a company of two full time employees and one part time employee, to over 80 full time employees, 3 campuses, and a network of over 50 growers and partners throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. MFP started with one produce category with less than 10 product offerings, and is now providing over 100 offerings in more than seven produce categories today.”
Over the past 12 years, MFP has been able to significantly grow its business while providing top-of-the-line service and quality. After acquiring a tomato repack facility in Tampa, FL in 2013, and another repacking facility in Monett, MO, in 2014, Market Fresh has been able to further its 'Field to Fork' strategy towards vertical integration. Even just earlier this year, MFP became an equity partner with Scott Street Tomato, consolidating its Monett business with an already existing supply partner in Memphis, and resulting in even more efficient service to its customers.
“The focus of MFP is best in class service, quality, and marketing support for our valued customers and grower/partners,” Kaylyn says about the goal behind the expansions. “Our superior service is driven by our commitment to our most valuable resources—MFP employees. Steve Phipps continues to build a strong team of qualified professionals, recruiting talent from Fortune 500 companies within and outside of the food industry, and looking for the core competencies of integrity, positive attitude, and work ethic, which he feels are essential for success at a family-oriented business culture such as Market Fresh.”
And while this growth has further solidified the company’s culture, one member of MFP’s family has been noticeably absent—Tyler Phipps. Tyler, who passed away in September of 2015, was the company’s Senior Director of Sourcing and son of Steve Phipps. Since his passing, however, Tyler has become a beacon of hope for the future of the produce industry.
“Tyler Phipps was an integral person in the growth of this company,” Kaylyn says. “After his passing, we created the Tyler Phipps Scholarship Foundation in honor of him and to help assist in the growth of other young and promising individuals and professionals within the industry. Tyler would be very proud of the continued growth pattern Market Fresh is experiencing.”
More information about this worthy cause and application forms for the various scholarships can be found on the website, www.tylerphippsmemori
So, what does the future look like for MFP now that it has reached this level of success? Along with continuing to grow its product lines through innovation and market research, Kaylyn says the company’s vision is now unwavering on continuing to grow through acquisitions and new partnerships—all while continuing to provide best in class service and quality, of course.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - It's no secret that the grocery sector is undergoing massive shifts, with retailers taking measures to fortify strategy across the board. Target has joined the ranks, having announced Minsok Pak as its new Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, according to CNBC and a statement from the company.
Target CEO Brian Cornell praised Pak according to CNBC, saying the executive will bring "strategic vision, an innovative spirit, and an ability to address complex business challenges by capturing near-term opportunities and charting a course for the future."
With major competitors such as Walmart making moves and entering into strategic partnerships to shore up against Amazon, Target has remained relatively quiet. In his new role, Pak will prioritize improvements to the Target shopping experience and facilitating company growth. Pak will also oversee mergers and acquisitions for business development.
According to Target's press release, when asked what the biggest challenge is that retailers are facing today, Pak responded, "Retailing used to be about brick and mortar–having convenient locations, the right products on shelves, and the best prices. That’s no longer the case. With digitization, consumers have a lot more options and access. They have higher expectations when it comes to experiences, personalization, and engagement. In order to succeed, retailers must fundamentally change their business models."
Over Pak's past two decades with consulting firm McKinsey & Co. he has worked with retail and consumer companies. He has also worked at LG Electronics and LEGO.
How will this new hire impact the retailer's strategy in the grocery and fresh produce category? AndNowUKnow will continue to report as details unfold.
VALENCIA, CA – Sunkist Growers, Inc. is welcoming a new face to its family, announcing that Mulholland Citrus will be joining its family of farms. Mulholland is a four-generation company that is a grower/shipper of mainly mandarins.
“Sunkist’s quality promise is central to our brand, and we deliver on that promise by working with best-in-class growers and shippers,” said Sunkist President & CEO Russ Hanlin. “Mulholland Citrus has a rich history of growing and shipping exceptional quality citrus. We are honored to welcome this industry leader to Sunkist and are looking forward to working together to deliver premium fruit to our customers.”
Based out of Orange Cove, CA, Mulholland Citrus is expected to pack 8 million 5 lb carton equivalents of mandarins per year. According to a press release, Mulholland Citrus will join the network of packinghouses that make up the Sunkist cooperative.
“In the four generations of our family’s farming history, Mulholland Citrus has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Sunkist and we are pleased to now be joining the cooperative,” said Heather Mulholland, COO of Mulholland Citrus. “We are aligned with Sunkist’s sales and marketing approach, as well as the organization’s values–which, as a family business, are very important to us.”
Mulholland Citrus will begin packing under the Sunkist brand starting on November 1 of this year, to kick off the 2017-2018 citrus season.
“Along with their volume, Mulholland Citrus brings valuable experience and knowledge to Sunkist,” said Senior Vice President and COO John Striff. “We are leveraging that experience and working collaboratively to ensure a strong start to the upcoming season.”
Together, the Sunkist cooperative of family farms offers more than 40 fresh citrus varieties from thousands of grower members in California and Arizona. Across these grower members, the Sunkist cooperative reflects the legacy of its nearly 125-year history and upholds that more can be accomplished by working together.
As Sunkist continues to grow its dedicated cooperative, AndNowUKnow will have all the latest.
SALINAS, CA - Ippolito International looks to be going through quite the rapid growth spurt as of late, with new products and now new faces to match. The company just announced some added power to its sales force as it looks to expand its team, welcoming on experience produce operators Henry Dill and Sarah Clarke.
“I feel like I’m coming home,” Henry, now the new VP of Sales, said about the move. “My grandfather was a California farmer in the 1920s and my uncles followed him, so growing produce is in my roots. Unlike many other companies, Ippolito is a ground-based producer, which allows firm control of all stages of production. It’s great to have that control to ensure the consistency of quality for which Ippolito in known.”
Henry has been in the industry since 1979, when he started with the Garin company. He has since worked sales positions in Bruce Church, Code (which later merged with Fresh Network), and D’Arrigo Brothers, according to a press release. His most recent position was with PIM, where he spent the last 22 years working his way up in sales and sales manager roles.
Sarah come in with 14 years of experience in produce, joining on as Sales and Commodity Manager. Most recently, she spent just over 12 years working with Dole’s sales team, having sold the full fresh pack line, foodservice line, and provided customer service for the full value-added line.
"As we continue to grow and diversify our product line, it's imperative we have a rock-solid sales team. I’m proud of what we’ve built and look forward to expanding upon that base with Henry at the helm and Sarah as part of the team,” commented Ron Mondo, Partner.
Sarah will be helping add to and lead the sales team, while Henry will be charged with providing sales direction as well as sharing his knowledge of the production process to the sales team. He will also be maintaining connections with numerous customers and friends he has cultivated over the years.
“We are extremely fortunate to bring in Henry and Sarah with their wealth of expertise,” said Senior Vice President of Sales Dan Canales. “Henry has deep knowledge of all aspects of production, foodservice and retail business, and outstanding team management skills. We are excited to have him oversee our sales team. And Sarah will be a great asset to our customer service and relationships. We are thrilled to have them both join our already stellar team.”
Ippolito is one of the largest suppliers of fresh Brussels sprouts in North America, as well as a provider of a full line of mainstream produce items. Its portfolio includes mixed and specialty vegetables, and the company just made a splash in the rapidly-growing organic sector with its new organic salads to add to its value-added items, all while offering year-round supplies of premium quality Queen Victoria and Coast King brand vegetables.
With more growth clearly in the pipeline, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for all the latest.
SOUTHEASTERN U.S. - Tropical Storm Harvey is now offically Hurricane Harvey, said the National Hurricane Center this morning. With forecasters now predicting Harvey hitting wind speeds upwards of 111 mph, a Category 3 status, the Gulf of Mexico is on watch, including Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico.
According to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski, around 10-20 inches of rain will likely blast the areas around southern and eastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana from Friday into early next week. In some areas, Kottlowski estimates that rain totals could reach more than two feet. The National Hurricane Center expects Harvey to bring multiple hazards, including heavy rainfall, storm surge, and hurricane conditions around the Texas coast.
“Texans believe in taking action and always being prepared in the event of an emergency,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who had issued a preemptive state of disaster declaration for 30 counties while Harvey was still a depression. "Preemptively declaring a state of disaster will allow Texas to quickly deploy resources for the emergency response effort in anticipation of the storm's hazardous conditions.”
A hurricane watch is in effect from north of Port Mansfield to the mouth of the Rio Grande, with a storm surge watch stretching north to High Island, on Galveston Bay, CNN reports. And as a slow moving storm, the National Hurricane Center warned that Harvey has an increased threat of a prolonged period of heavy rain and flooding across portions of Texas, southwest Louisiana, and northeastern Mexico into early next week. If these peak storm surge arrives during high tide, CNN also warned that parts of the coast could see 2 to 7 feet of flooding, with the potential of 6 to 10 feet between Padre Island National Seashore and Sargent, Texas.
As for the produce industry, much of the storms look to be away from the Mexico-Texas border where it would directly impact warehouse operations and logistics. As of now, there seems to be no imminent threat. However, Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico should expect power outages, shut down gas stations and refineries, and increased fuel prices. CNN also warns that flight delays and airline cancellations will be likely into the weekend, and parts of Interstate 10, I-37, and I-45 may close.
REIDSVILLE, GA – Capping off a successful marketing campaign, Shuman Produce, provider of RealSweet® Vidalia® Onions, announced that the company has complete the second installment of its How to Speak Southern campaign. The popular campaign—aimed at educating and entertaining consumers while promoting onion consumption—ran during peak Vidalia season in 2017.
“We were confident consumers would enjoy the content, and were pleasantly surprised to substantially grow our social media following and double our consumer email database through this campaign,” said Susannah Lanier, Marketing Coordinator, in a company press release.
The social media-driven How to Speak Southern 2.0 promotion combined a quiz, recipe videos, and Vidalia onion facts to engage consumers in the story behind Vidalia onions. The company noted in its press release that the campaign’s interactive elements and prizes were a hit with consumers, with more than 25,000 consumers completing the quiz and over 113,000 visits to the dedicated website and URL.
Shuman Produce’s “Can You Speak Southern” quiz tested knowledge of common phrases used throughout the Southeastern United States. And for 10 weeks, a weekly winner was selected to receive a RealSweet prize pack featuring RealSweet Vidalia onions and campaign t-shirt. As an additional motivation, the company offered a grand prize—a free Big Green Egg grill, which was eventually awarded to Cathy Garossino of Katy, Texas.
“The success of this year’s campaign reinforces consumer’s desires to connect with our RealSweet brand and Vidalia onions,” said John Shuman, President of Shuman Produce.
For more news on the produce industry, look to AndNowUKnow.