SOUTH AFRICA - Adhering to the demand of the market is something Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) has been keenly focused on over the past five years. Having had its 25^th season in the industry in 2023, the citrus grower is moving into the next phase of the business, providing a snapshot of the last five years as well as some insight into what lies ahead.

“In terms of supply-chain, there are certain things that are old, certain things that are new, and certain things that are futuristic,” said Leo Holt, President of Holt Logistics. “There are also things that are timeless, and the women and men of South Africa have shown that the timeless elements of what they do, have been the most important. And that is, one: knowing your supply chain, and two: having access to partners that will bring your products to the markets you need to penetrate, when you need to do that.”

At the forefront is a sustained growth of almost 125 percent from 2023, and even during a tumultuous 2020, Citrus from South Africa gained access to all United States ports.

“2020, in my view, was a game changer for our group, and also forced us to shift gears, and two, three seasons later, even go up another level,” shared Suhanra Conradie, Chief Executive Officer. “From 2019 to 2023, those five seasons, we’ve almost doubled our volume.”

A focus on the U.S. market is clear as Conradie lists some of the established goals. A breakdown below:

• Focusing on increased demand for its product
• Choosing the right partners and building long-term business relationships
• Connecting the group of service providers in the Cape Town environment with a focus on the U.S. program
• Short line of communication throughout the supply chain
• Secure market share in a sustained way

“The people of Citrusdal have stayed true to controlling their supply chain and thereby guaranteeing freshness and availability of their products in the U.S. marketplace,” Holt added.

According to a press release, Summer Citrus from South Africa also met additional goals with the U.S. market in mind, including installing container shipments into the port of Philadelphia in 2019, reinstalling again in 2023, and boosting container shipments into the port of Philadelphia by 100 percent from 2019 to 2023.

With so many developments to share, it’s no wonder the summer citrus trade newsletter expanded as well. To read more about Summer Citrus from South Africa, and to sign up for its newsletter, click here for the full press release.

Stay with AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover achievements across the industry.

WENATCHEE, WA - Retailers still have the opportunity to take advantage of a rare crop despite the 2024 pear crop’s projection to be the smallest in 40 years. With volume presenting a challenge in the category, Stemilt is helping retailers ensure success with five key tips for driving pear sales during this window.

“It’s been a long time since the industry has experienced pear volumes like this, yet there are still opportunities to be explored within Stemilt’s pear mix,” Marketing Director Brianna Shales shared. “Early planning will help retailers maximize this crop. For example, organic pears will have promotion opportunities, while varieties like Red d’Anjou and Happi Pear® act as substitutes for others down in volume.”

The number one tip on Stemilt’s list encourages retailers to take advantage of the current pear market with organic offerings, optimizing a monthly organic red and green pear promotion while available to encourage pear purchases within the category. As Stemilt emphasized in a press release, increasing organic promotion is ideal with the conventional side of pear offerings down this year.

“Stemilt is a unicorn with an organic pear crop that is up 40 percent year over year,” says Shales. “Organics are a great way to drive dollars to the pear category in times where volumes are not in excess. Better yet, our new, state-of-the-art pear packing line has automated capabilities which will allow us to dial in on handling pears carefully, keeping them fresh, and improving the flavor experience for consumers.”

Another way for retailers to maximize category success is by Bosc for Red d’Anjou pears, along with a Stemilt-exclusive pear variety.

“A third variety we’re very excited for this year is Stemilt’s exclusive offering of Happi Pear,” says Shales. “Happi will be available in limited supplies in September and October, but is the pear of the future to start building sales around.”

The fourth way to build pear sales throughout the season, according to the release, is Stemilt’s kid-centric Lil Snappers® brand, which offers added convenience as the back-to-school season nears and can be a great vehicle for opportunities with smaller-sized pears. The supplier also debuted a new self-merchandising pear bag to help retailers seize success this season.

“We are introducing a new poly bag, Frostbite Pears, for a value opportunity,” says Shales. “This creative packaging solution is for pears with russet-like marks or rings on the skin, caused by frost. Frostbite Pears might look different, but they have the same flavorful experience known in Stemilt’s Rushing Rivers® program. With these five key activities, we can make the most of this rare pear crop. Quality over quantity will be the way to go this year and how we’ll be able to continue delighting consumers with World Famous pears!”

For more category insights, stick around!

CASTROVILLE, CA - At the heart of every good story is a value, a core belief, and, maybe, a desire for change. The best stories also share with you a way to live and breathe that is unique and enriching. These are the types of stories we tell about companies like Ocean Mist® Farms. Recently, the company hosted an influencer tour to bring some of today’s prominent voices into the heart of the operation—and, like a good story, the team shared its values, beliefs, and a deep desire for evolution.

“Our commitment to quality and excellence is rooted in our deep family heritage and dedication to sustainable practices across every aspect of our operations. We prioritize the highest standards in food safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship to ensure that every piece of produce we sell is not only fresh and nutritious but also responsibly cultivated,” Glen Alameda, Director of Supply Chain and Compliance, expressed when I asked him what he hoped the influencers and registered dieticians took away from the event. “Our mission is to inspire trust and confidence in consumers, knowing they can rely on Ocean Mist Farms for premium, innovative, and delicious vegetables that support a healthy lifestyle.”

Ocean Mist Farms thrives because of many different tenets, but each is dedicated to a different way of doing business.

“What sets Ocean Mist Farms apart is our unwavering commitment to our core values of quality, integrity, and innovation. As a 100-year-old and fourth-generation family business, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge practices to ensure that our produce meets the highest standards of freshness and safety,” Glen reflected. “Our dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship reflects our responsibility to future generations, and our close relationships with our customers and community foster a deep sense of trust and loyalty. This unique blend of tradition, innovation, service, and community focus is what truly distinguishes Ocean Mist Farms.”

This idea of stewardship comes up often in our stories with the Ocean Mist team. It is their true north and an element of the culture that you can feel from the front door to the misty fields of earth where the artichokes are grown.

“At the root of all we do at Ocean Mist Farms is our profound respect for the land and the people who help us bring healthy vegetables to your table. Our commitment to stewardship encompasses sustainable farming practices that preserve the vitality of the soil and water we depend on. We have practiced ‘regenerative farming’ for generations, emphasizing soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity,” Glen told me, turning to his team. “Equally important are the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to grow and harvest our produce. By valuing both our natural resources and our hardworking team, we ensure that every vegetable we produce is not only nutritious and fresh but also a testament to our values of quality and integrity.”

It’s easy to get caught up in this beautiful vision, but, luckily for the consumer, it is also a reality.

When I first met Glen, we talked about his experiences as a new father, what it meant to him, and how it has changed his perception of the work. When we both returned back to our offices, mine at home and his in the field, I asked him: As a father, a consumer, and a trade member, what was he hoping would come with this next wave of food messaging provided by influencers like those on the tour?

“As a new father, my perception of food has become even more personal and impactful. I am deeply invested in ensuring that the food my family consumes is safe, nutritious, and sustainably produced. I hope that the next wave of food messaging by influencers emphasizes the importance of transparency, quality, and the origins of our food. I want to see a stronger connection between consumers and the sources of their food, highlighting the dedication and care that goes into producing healthy, fresh vegetables,” Glen said, tying the story together the way I knew he would. “This messaging should inspire trust and empower families to make informed choices that support their health and well-being.”

Where will the Ocean Mist Farms’ vision take its team next? There is much to be done, and good stewardship is already leading the way.

MILLEN, GA - We recently heard about a third annual community food distribution event in Macon, Georgia, that took place on June 21. Reinforcing the SEPC Cares initiative, Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) member volunteers joined the Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) team, in collaboration with Atrium Health, to provide much-needed provisions for the community. More than 120,000 pounds of fresh produce were handed out to people struggling with food insecurity by 250 volunteers.

“Thank you to Southeast Produce Council and Atrium Health for a wonderful day feeding hungry people at the annual food distribution in Macon, GA, yesterday,” said Kelly Stainner, Florida Regional Director at SoSA. “Three trucks of fresh food were handed out to people struggling with food insecurity. Thank you to all the Southeast Produce Council growers, shippers, packers, and members who donated food and time to this event.”

SEPC is extremely thankful for the generous support of its member companies who donated their time, energy, and resources to this worthy cause, the association stated in a press release.

“Thank you to all the volunteers and staff from Atrium Health who provided tents, the location, and so much support to host this event,” Stainner continued. “Thank you to the truck drivers and the forklift and pallet-jack operators who unloaded the trucks safely and efficiently. It takes a village to do these events and we could never do this without all the kindness and help of so many! Over two thousand families were served!”

In addition to financial support as well as disaster relief donations, SEPC is also honored to work with the SoSA to donate all leftover food from Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations each year to help those who are hungry in the Southeast.

To learn more about SEPC Cares and how you can join the Southeast Produce Council in giving back to the community by educating others about the benefits of healthy eating and habits, click here.

Keep reading ANUK for more industry updates like this.

SACRAMENTO, CA - Our industry is full of individuals trailblazing the way for marketing prowess, leadership, and innovation. Their efforts contribute to the ever-growing class of high-caliber companies that continue to raise the bar across fresh produce. On Tuesday evening, July 9, 2024, we honored some of those companies making an impact on the essential health and excellence we find to be distinct to our industry. With glasses held high and laughter and celebration filling the Marriott Monterey’s Ferrante's Ballroom, we honored the 2024 Besties Award winners who our advisory committee and our team selected for this year’s elite.

“Thank you to the amazing guests who attended our Besties Awards event. The energy in the room, the quality of conversations, and the new relationships being built made it such a meaningful night for us all,” Robert Lambert, President and Chief Executive Officer, states. “It was an honor to bestow this select group with our Bestie Awards, and we thank you for all that you do to make the fresh produce industry more progressive, impactful, and superior in the fresh food space.”

Please join me in congratulating our 2024 Besties Award Winners!

• Retailer of the Year - Ryan Sanchez, Albertsons
• Annual Snack Storyteller - Amanda Labuckas, Sobeys
• Best Social Media Campaigning - Taylor Farms
• Best Educational Videos - Driscoll's
• Best Philanthropic Initiatives - FirstFruits Farms
• Best Snack Ad - Nature Fresh Farms™
• Best Email Ad Campaign - Fowler Packing
• Best Social Media Culinary Artistry - Westfalia Fruit
• Best Merchandising Concepts - Kings River Packing
• Best Website - Apeel Sciences
• Best Rebrand - Little Potato Company

A huge thank you to our Besties Awards Advisory Committee, composed of experienced retail buyers or individuals with substantial experience and knowledge in their respective fields.

For the awards process, our team handles the initial nominations to ensure each nominee meets our stringent standards. We then share our nominees with our Besties committee. This year, they voted on every category except for one: Retailer of the Year. Each committee member received a ballot with three nominations for each award category. Based on their votes, we determine the winners of the Bestie Awards.

Check out some of the friends who attended our 2024 event!

Thank you to all of our friends and award winners for a night full of joy and celebration. We cannot wait till next year!

WASHINGTON, DC - According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), New Start Produce Group has satisfied a reparation order in the amount of $33,214 issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) involving unpaid produce transactions.

The Dallas, Texas, company has met its obligations and is now free to operate in the produce industry. Carlos Chavez and Ruben Ayala were listed as the members of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.

Direct From the USDA Agricultural Market Service:

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions. This may result in USDA’s issuance of a reparation order that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it, as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.

For contact information and to read the release in its entirety, click here.