KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - Major growth is on the horizon for Mucci Farms. The company announced a large-scale, multi-year investment that will establish its footprint on U.S. soil, in addition to further supporting its growing U.S. customer base. Mucci Farms is expanding into Huron, Ohio.
This new stage of growth in Ohio will encompass a three phase construction project. According to a press release, this project will cover 60 acres and feature the latest state-of-the-art greenhouses, and a 272,000-square-foot distribution warehouse to support the company’s sustainable and successful relationship with a number of large U.S. retailers.
Mucci Farms has already broken ground on the first phase of the project, which includes the construction of a 24-acre range. The company said that it expects produce coming from this facility as soon as March 2018. The company decided to include a U.S. growing facility as a strategic answer to meet its customer demands for locally-grown, year-round, fresh, and flavorful produce. This expansion into Ohio will allow Mucci Farms to reduce the food miles for its U.S. retailers, while giving its customers confidence in bringing fresh produce into their homes all year.
Mucci Farms’ new greenhouses will come equipped with the latest grow lights that simulate sunlight by providing or supplementing the necessary light to optimize plant growth. These grow lights serve to extend the growing season, and keeps Mucci Farms’ produce always in season.
Once the first stage of construction is complete, Mucci Farms expects to employ up to 100 full-time positions. The company predicts that this number will increase to 250 full-time positions by the end of the project’s third phase of construction. The project also expects bring on many different levels of produce professionals and general laborer positions, including growers, assistant growers, and greenhouse labor supervisors that the company is looking to bring on right away.
Mucci Farms had been actively exploring a number of U.S. expansion opportunities for the past 18 months, and selected Huron, Ohio, as the site was a perfect fit due to its easy access to a number of current and potentially new retailer distribution facilities. Furthermore, the location offers a close proximity to the company’s corporate headquarters in Kingsville, Ontario.
“We are extremely pleased to be a part of this next step for Mucci Farms. The Company’s advanced practices and reputation is well suited for our region and business community,” said Abbey Bemis, Executive Director, Erie County Economic Development Corporation.
Mucci Farms said that is has enjoyed a number of working partnerships during the development stages of the expansion with the City of Huron and Erie County officials. The company said it is also looking forward to the number of promising opportunities for continued community partnership ahead.
“The City is excited to collaborate with Mucci Farms in bringing a new, advanced technology to the region. The impact to this area is expected to be profound and transformational. Welcome,” said Andy White, City of Huron, Manager.
As Mucci Farms continues to grow, the company said that its work in its surrounding communities will continue as well. The company stated that it understands the value of supporting all local communities it operations in, and places equal emphasis on social interests in addition to business interests.
Mucci looks forward to the number of inspiring things to come from this investment in Ohio, and its growth alongside the City of Huron, Huron Township, and Erie County.
Congratulations on this expansion to our friends at Mucci Farms! We can't wait to see what comes next.
AVONDALE, PA - To-Jo Mushrooms is taking a stand on behalf of Ta-Ta’s everywhere with its latest fundraising event. In the lead up of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the company has launched a new campaign, lovingly entitled, “Save the Ta-Ta’s.”
“Getting involved with organizations that benefit our surrounding communities is important to us here at To-Jo Mushrooms,” said company President Tony D’Amico. “It is rewarding to see our employees rally behind causes that are important to them.”
To-Jo will begin fundraising this week, carrying on its efforts through the month of October. The campaign will encompass various planned fundraising activities, including the following.
- To-Jo “Save the Ta-Ta’s” pink bracelets
- To-Jo “Save the Ta-Ta’s” T-shirts
- A 50/50 raffle
- Costume jewelry sales
All proceeds from the company’s fundraising efforts will be donated to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, which strives to live out its mission of “Representing, supporting, and serving breast cancer survivors and their families here in Pennsylvania.” According to a press release, money raised will support PBCC’s educational programming, legislative advocacy, and breast cancer research grants.
AndNowUKnow would like to give a shout out to the fine efforts of To-Jo Mushrooms, and encourage people throughout the industry to support this more-than-worthwhile cause!
HAMMONTON, NJ – Authorities arrested three men at a fruit farm in Atlantic County, New Jersey, last weekend as part of a sting operation that produced $25,000 in cash and a cache of drugs valued at more than $45,000.
The tree men arrested in conjunction with the investigation—dubbed “Operation Crystal Ball”—were all employees of Columbia Fruit Farms, according to local news source The Press of Atlantic City.
The Atlantic County Regional SWAT Team executed search warrants at the farm and a nearby location in Hammonton, seizing 11 ounces of methamphetamine, 20 ounces of cocaine, a handgun, two cars, and $25,000 in cash.
Juvenal Duran-Almanza, 29, and Moises Duran-Almanza, 38, have both been charged with several counts of possession and distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as firearms offenses, while Vincent Lopez-Hernandez, 24, has been charged with attempt to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and cocaine possession. All three defendants are currently being held in the Atlantic County jail pending hearings.
According to Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner, the raid was a result of collaboration between the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, Hammonton Police Department, Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Stockton University Police Department.
The Press of Atlantic City was unable to reach Columbia Fruit Farms for comment.
Where will criminal enterprises attempt to infiltrate the fresh produce industry next? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
SALINAS, CA - As foodservice continues to make up bigger and bigger portions of fresh produce sales, shows like PMA Foodservice become increasingly important to those looking to break into the lucrative industry. One such company looking to bolster its position in the foodservice marketplace is Salinas-based grower/shipper, Pacific International Marketing (PIM).
“The Foodservice show has always been a show we attend,” Kim Fellom, Marketing Manager, tells me as I ask her why this event was important for PIM to attend. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with existing customers along with meeting new contacts that may not have been familiar with all we are able to offer. Foodservice is a growing part our business, and we are always looking for an opportunity to widen our presence in the industry.”
PIM’s foodservice portfolio currently includes spring mix, baby spinach, bulk celery sticks, broccoli florets, romaine hearts, and more—all of which the company packs at its Gonzales processing facility. This year, the company was able to send a message to foodservice operators that the future is bright as far as what it will offer in the bulk arena.
“Pacific is a full-service operation with very little red tape,” Kim tells me about the company’s future plans. “We would love to have foodservice be a bigger part of our business, and will continue to reach out and try new packs as our customer and the industry are requesting them.”
Want to learn more about the company’s foodservice and retail options alike? Visit www.pim4u.com to see all the details.
MEXICO – Forming over the Caribbean Sea this weekend, a tropical storm is due to make landfall later today in Mexico. Officials are also speculating that the storm could gain strength as it passes over the Gulf of Mexico before making a second landfall on Thursday.
Tropical Storm Franklin will make land on the Yucatan Peninsula later this evening, local time. According to AccuWeather, a combination of warm water and diminishing wind shear, the changing of speed and direction of winds in the atmosphere, could lead to a stronger storm once it does make landfall.
"Franklin could be close to hurricane strength when it makes landfall over the southeastern Yucatan Peninsula later Monday night," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.
As it continues its trajectory through the Gulf of Mexico and back onto Mexico’s mainland, Franklin is also expected to affect Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, and northern Guatemala, in addition to Mexico. Rough seas are expected around the Cayman Islands as the storm passes.
"Franklin will bring flooding rainfall with totals of 4-8 inches in some locations, along with damaging wind gusts of 40-60 mph to the Yucatan Peninsula," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Brown.
As Franklin leaves Mexico and passes through the Gulf of Mexico, authorities caution that the storm could regain strength once again from the Gulf’s warm waters and potentially reach hurricane status, according to The Washington Post. The storm will land for a second time on Thursday near Tampico, Mexico.
"After some weakening occurs into Tuesday, Franklin is likely to restrengthen over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico Tuesday night and Wednesday," Kottlowski said. "Franklin could be a hurricane by the time it makes a second landfall between Tampico and Veracruz, Mexico, on Thursday morning."
Areas near Tampico are advised to prepare for flooding rain, damaging rain, and potential mudslides. Authorities are preparing for power outages and potentially weakened structures.
Meteorologists do not expect Franklin to head towards Texas, though the states may still see rough seas and rain.
As the storm progesses, count on AndNowUKnow for the latest updates.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – As business grows more and more global, Crowley Liner Services will begin fixed-day, weekly service directly between Florida and Costa Rica and Panama to better connect customers’ U.S. and Central American supply chains. The new service, beginning August 9, offers fast transits to speed cargo to market at peak times.
“The new, dedicated service continues our strategy of providing importers and exporters the fastest, most dependable suite of supply chain solutions possible between the U.S. and Central American regions,” said Frank Larkin, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Logistics and Commercial Services. “Crowley has a unique ability to benefit U.S. and international customers by combining its longtime ocean shipping expertise with full, fast, and robust supply chain solutions.”
Crowley's vessels will sail southbound from Florida on Wednesdays from the Port of Jacksonville, and Fridays from Port Everglades, and will arrive on Tuesdays in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and on Wednesdays in Manzanillo, Panama.
Northbound, the ships will depart on Wednesdays from Panama and Fridays from Costa Rica, then arrive on Tuesdays in Port Everglades and on Wednesdays in Jacksonville.
“Crowley’s ocean cargo service blends seamlessly with our logistics offerings to provide customers a single point of accountability, increased visibility and reduced costs while building on the confidence they already have in the company’s regular, fast ocean transport service,” said Steve Collar, Crowley Senior Vice President and General Manager, International Liner Services.
The new service will complement Crowley’s logistics offerings for customers to deliver cargo for import and export, include Customs clearance, pool-point distribution, inland transportation, and dry and refrigerated warehousing for both full container loads (FCL) and less-than-container loads (LCL) in Central American countries and U.S. locations. Crowley’s complete supply chain management services, including ocean container transportation, are designed to deliver cargo of all kinds at strategic times for a diverse customer base.
Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found at www.crowley.com.
BOISE, ID - Former Chief Operating Officer at Microsoft Kevin Turner has been appointed as Albertsons Companies, LLC’s Vice Chairman of the Board of Managers of AB Acquisition LLC, the retailer’s parent company. In his role, Turner will serve as Senior Advisor to Albertsons Chairman and CEO Bob Miller.
"Albertsons Companies is building out its Digital Marketing and Information Technology teams to ensure we are best positioned to capitalize on the dynamic changes occurring in our marketplace," Miller said. "The skill and experience of our operations team is unparalleled. Kevin's retail acumen, commitment to innovation, and leadership skills complements our team's expertise and enhances our ability to serve our customers for many years to come."
Turner has a decorated background in both retail and technology, with more than thirty years combined experience in the industries. He served as CEO and President of SAM's Club and Executive Vice President of Walmart Stores, Inc. from 2002 to 2005, according to a press release, after working his way up from a cashier position beginning in 1985.
From 2005 to 2016, Turner led a number of teams for Microsoft, including:
- Worldwide Sales and Marketing
- Retail Stores Division
- Corporate Information Technology
- Operations
During that time, Turner closed out key accomplishments such as leading the Cloud Services adoption and the sales and marketing efforts behind Office 365.
With an eye on expanding its digital prowess, it will be interesting to see what this new move brings to the Albertsons strategy.
FOWLER, CA – For a second consecutive year, Bee Sweet Citrus is partnering with Produce for Kids to promote healthy eating habits through the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge—a national campaign encouraging children and their families to eat healthier lunches, after-school snacks, and everyday dinners.
“Bee Sweet Citrus is very excited to see how the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge will encourage families to incorporate healthy food into their meals,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue. “Since the start of our #EatMoreCitrus campaign, we’ve encouraged families to incorporate citrus into their diets; this digital initiative is right up our alley.”
The Power Your Lunchbox campaign will run from August 7th through September 23rd. Over the course of the campaign, families will be encouraged to take an online pledge that supports healthy eating. For every pledge taken, sponsors of the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge will make a collective $1 donation to Feeding America programs that support families and children.
In addition to the online pledge, Produce for Kids will be marketing healthy meals and eating tips on their numerous online and social media platforms. Families are also encouraged to use the #PowerYourLunchbox hashtag throughout the campaign to share ideas and help spread awareness on social media.
“Produce for Kids has done an amazing job of sharing healthy tips and recipes with families, teachers and students,” added Bienvenue. “Its website also does a wonderful job of providing supplemental material for families and educators who want more information on improving healthy habits at home and in the classroom. We’re very excited to take part in such an amazing, health-oriented project.”
Additionally, Bee Sweet Citrus’ marketing team will be sharing Registered Dietician-approved recipes Power Your Lunchbox campaign material on the company’s social media platforms. For more information, visit http://poweryourlunchbox.com.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report with more on all things produce.
WEST COAST – For consumers on the go, healthy veggies and tasty pairings have been top of mind to answer even their quickest snacking need. In this vein, Taylor Farms is breaking into the Starbucks chain by offering veggies paired with organic hummus from Hope Foods, much to the delight of West Coast eaters.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to provide consumers a fresh, healthy snack that meets the needs of today’s on-the-go lifestyles," said Brian Modena, Product Manager, Taylor Farms.
Taylor Farms said in a statement, that as of right now, the offerings are only available in Starbucks in the following West Coast regions:
- Portland, OR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
The Organic Veggie & Hummus snack packs offer consumers an easy and nutritious snack option. Customers will be delighted with sugar snap peas or celery, baby carrots, grape tomatoes, and Original Recipe hummus from Hope Foods.
Both Taylor Farms and Hope Foods further encouraged consumers to engage with the Starbucks offering by holding an Instagram contest. Shoppers and veggie lovers used the hashtags #TaylorFarms, #HopeHummus, and #NewAtStarbucks to post pictures of them snacking on the go for the chance to win a $20 Starbucks gift card.
As a lover of both flavorful veggies and a tasty dip to adorn them, I can only hope that these value-added offerings make their way into more stores soon.
LOVELAND, OH – Produce folks looking to contribute to a worthy cause while networking with colleagues across the industry, should sign-up for the 2017 Tip Murphy Legacy Golf Tournament. Scheduled for Monday, August 28, at Tip’s hometown course, the Oasis Golf Club located just outside Cincinnati, this event will honor Tip’s legacy of service to the produce industry, while raising funds in support of the United Fresh Start Foundation’s mission to increase children’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
“We’re looking forward to another great networking event that brings folks in the industry together and helps raise funds for a good cause,” said Andrew Marshall, Director of Programs and Partnerships for the United Fresh Start Foundation. “We appreciate the Tip Murphy Committee’s continued interest and support of our work; helping to provide salad bars to schools and making it easy for kids to choose fresh produce, whenever they’re looking for their next snack or meal. It’s something that’s clearly good for the kids, and the produce industry.”
This is the fourth year that proceeds from the Tip Murphy Legacy Golf Tournament will support the United Fresh Start Foundation. So far, this event has helped provide salad bars to 16 schools in nine states, and supported the foundation’s programs to increase children’s access to fresh produce. This year, tournament organizers are, once again, looking to provide salad bars to schools and to grow the impact of the foundation.
“We value this opportunity to connect with industry colleagues, reminisce about our friend Tip, and raise funds for an organization that’s helping increase kids produce consumption,” said Bob Spence, Vice President, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc., and a member of the Tip Murphy Advisory Committee. “Golf, visiting with customers and friends, and raising funds for a worthwhile cause–we know many folks are looking forward to it.”
To date, the United Fresh Start Foundation and their partners in the national Salad Bars to Schools initiative have helped provide salad bars to over 5,000 schools, benefitting 3 million children from all 50 states. The foundation also hosted over 50 leading K-12 school foodservice directors for networking and education sessions at United’s June convention in Chicago, and in the year ahead, the foundation will be working with 10 innovative, community-based non-profit organizations to support programs to increase children’s access, consumption, and knowledge of fresh produce, during the times when they are not at school.
Registration includes lunch, 18 holes with cart, contest holes–including closest-to-the-pin and longest drive–and an awards reception featuring raffle and auction prizes. Attendees can register a foursome, or as an individual.
For more information, contact Andrew Marshall at 202.303.3407, or visit http://www.unitedfresh.org/events-programs/tip-murphy/.