SANTA MARIA, CA - Getting a new label off the ground is a major undertaking, and if you are Dave Akahoshi, Founder and Co-owner of Plan Berries Inc, then you take “off the ground” literally.
The company recently launched its flagship label, Masterplan strawberries, which are hydroponically grown off the ground in raised beds under hoop houses. I connected with Dave, whose enthusiasm can’t be missed, for an update on the initiative since its debut with West coast retail partners.
“The launch couldn’t be going better. Thanks to our innovative controlled environment growing process, we’re able to give our plants the ideal nutrient feed which results in optimal flavor, sizing, and quality. We’ve been seeing strawberries as large as 6-8 count which are very dense and red all the way through,” Dave shares with me. “We are packing in a single layer 1 lb clamshell, which was designed to minimize mechanical damages or bruising from transportation. It also makes the cooling process more efficient, which our retail partners love since it enhances and lengthens the shelf-life!”
When I ask Dave what one of the biggest milestones was in the launch, he answers without hesitation: packaging.
“We are committed to the health of the earth and aside from our innovative growing method, one of the biggest wins was our 100 percent recyclable clamshell,” Dave tells me. “It tooks 6 months of putting the pieces together with DPI and Robert Mann Packaging , who have been tremendous partners. We learned that adhesives from labels can cause problems which make many packages non-recyclable, so we created a solution that is completely recyclable. When we made the commitment to be sustainable, we meant it.”
As I talk with Dave, I can see that sustainability is clearly a key focus for the process oriented company. The hydroponic strawberries are grown in a coconut husk substrate, which is reusable for up to five seasons and boasts a slew of environmental advantages. And the above ground, controlled environment hoop houses are not only Earth conscious, but extremely efficient. He notes that another big win for the company has been its ability to grow without the use of fumigants.
“Our method gives us almost total control, and we believe this is the future of berries. We are seeing 50 percent of the average water use, and 50 percent of the average waste. We need 60 percent of the standard labor, and there is a 30 percent increase in labor efficiency since the fruit is more accessible. We can also plant and harvest two seasons in just twelve calendar months,” Dave offers. “This is moving the category forward, and we’re treating it as a completely new category, with a new UPC. It allows us to nail the cost, be more sustainable, and offer tailored programs to meet retailers needs.”
Aside from the impressive innovations and attention to detail, I can see that offering solutions to retail partners is a priority for the company.
"We strive for mutually beneficial partnerships with companies who fit with the model and care about process,” Dave adds. “We don’t have traditional constraints, and our approach helps us help our customers offer farm-stand, full-flavored berries to the consumer on a consistent basis, while hitting production numbers that retailers need within a short window.”
The future looks bright for Dave and the Plan Berries team, with plans already in motion to expand this summer and fall.
As growers continue to bring more innovations to the table, follow along with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report.
SACRAMENTO, CA – Ready? Set? GO! There’s a $100 prize at the finish line of our latest challenge, but can you be the first to reach it?
Find the hidden AndNowUKnow logo, as seen below, on the cover of the April issue of The Snack Magazine. Then, race your industry friends to be the first to email [email protected] a picture of yourself pointing to the logo.
The winner must send us a picture of themselves pointing out the logo in order to qualify for the $100 gift card!
Maybe you grew up owning your friends on the playground at Where's Waldo? This contest is just for you! Don’t miss this chance to brag to your pals and keep your skills on point with this next in our series of competitive challenges.
There's no time like the present, so make sure to check out your issue of The Snack right now! For reference, check out our last hidden logo on February cover.
Interested in receiving a copy of The Snack to give you a leg up in future challenges? Click here to subscribe. Subscriptions are valued at $129 per year.
Good luck, and may the sharpest eyes in produce win!
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Do Produce Inc. satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
The Wantagh, NY, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license, according to a press release. Pantelis Splinis was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
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.
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 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. It's also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $140 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
LEAMINGTON, ON - By now, it’s no secret that the organic fresh produce category is booming. With steady growth every year for the past decade, organic fruit and vegetables now account for 12% of all produce sold in the U.S., according to a recent organic industry survey. While many growers are looking for a way into this lucrative market, some have been thoughtfully laying groundwork to keep on top of the consumer shift.
Pure Flavor® is one such company. I connected with Sarah Pau, Director of Marketing, to discuss the details behind the company's rapidly expanding organic program.
“We believe organically grown items will become a momentous part of the overall market in the coming years,” Sarah tells me. “With that in mind, Pure Flavor has focused on increasing and strengthening our organic program and is now growing many organic crops.”
Sarah tells me that Pure Flavor is growing many organic crops, including:
- Tasty “Juno Bites” red snacking grape tomatoes
- English cucumbers
- Beefsteak tomatoes
- TOVs
- Sweet bell peppers
All products are grown year-round at various growing operations in North America, and Sarah tells me, the company has an eye to expand the product portfolio in 2018.
When it comes to packaging for these high-quality offerings, Sarah shares that differentiation is key, citing studies which show that 1 in 3 persons say packaging is extremely or very impactful to their purchase. With 57% of respondents saying packaging influences them more when they make in-store purchase than anything else.
“When it comes to organic and conventional items, there are no visual differences, so consumers rely heavily on packaging for cues,” Sarah shares. “It is very important for us to package these items differently so consumers can easily distinguish the differences at store level. With that in mind, we have developed compelling designs via vibrant colors and different packaging options to help in distinguishing our organically grown produce vs conventional. ”
With an eye to the horizon and innovation always top of mind for the company, it looks as though Pure Flavor will continue to be leading consumer trends for 2017, and beyond.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Thursday brought great news for Walmart investors, as the retailer translated its recent e-commerce acquisitions and investments into big dollar earnings for its first quarterly report of 2017. After all was said and done, the company’s stock hit a 52-week high, reaching what Reuters reported as an 8.7 percent increase to $77.40.
“We delivered a solid first quarter and we're encouraged by the start to the year,” Doug McMillon, President and CEO. “We’re moving faster to combine our digital and physical assets to make shopping simple and easy for customers. Our plan is gaining traction, and I want to thank our associates for their hard work ingenuity and commitment to our customers. Our customers have choices and we have to earn their business with every interaction.”
E-commerce has undoubtedly been a huge target of investment in recent months, picking up companies like Jet.com, Moosejaw, Shoebuy, ModCloth, and possibly Bonobos in the near future. The company’s Q4 report tagged its e-commerce growth at Walmart U.S. at a 63% sales increase, with the majority of that push coming organically through Walmart.com.
"Wal-Mart's long string of investments in labor and e-commerce, including acquisitions, are enabling modest market share gains," John Zolidis, Director Equity Research with the Buckingham Research Group told Reuters.
As we’ve previously reported, Walmart had invested $2.7 billion to increase wages and the amount of training entry-level employees receive. This was another apparent reason for the sales boost, with the retailer reporting that its store visits rose 1.5%, the tenth consecutive quarterly increase.
Other highlights from Walmart’s report include:
- Diluted EPS was $1.00, an increase of 2% over last year
- Total revenue was $117.5 billion, an increase of 1.4%
- Walmart U.S. comp sales increased 1.4%, driven by a traffic increase of 1.5%
- Net sales at Walmart International were $27.1 billion, a decrease of 3.5%
- Excluding currency, net sales were $28.3 billion, an increase of 0.8%
- The company generated $5.4 billion in operating cash flow and returned $3.7 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases
For more on how Walmart’s investments into e-commerce and employee training will continue to affect Walmart’s financial performance in 2017, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
GUADALUPE, CA – The single-serve category continues to grow, as consumers look for novel flavors, greater convenience, and cleaner labels. And Apio is meeting the challenge with its new line of Salad Shake Ups™ salad bowls.
“Our research tells us that these delicious and convenient single-serve salad bowls are just what consumers want,” said Anne Byerly, Vice President of Marketing. “The growing segment of health-focused shoppers want more than products that are simply lower in calories—they also need clean label, nutrient-dense ingredients, and restaurant-quality taste. Salad Shake Ups meet those needs, and that’s why we think they’ll bring new consumers to the category and help retailers boost sales and profits in the total single-serve category.”
According to a company press release, the salad bowls, released in the U.S and Canada under the Eat Smart® brand, are 100% clean label with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Each salad comes in a patented package with an interior tray that doubles as a lockable lid—making for a convenient and easy way to mix in toppings and dressing.
The new line of salads features three offerings, including:
Avocado Ranch
This single-serve salad bowl is a crunchy blend of red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, shredded cauliflower stalk, curly kale, shredded carrots, freeze dried corn, shredded cheddar cheese, roasted sunflower seed kernels, crispy onion pieces, dried currants, naturally flavored bacon bean flakes, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing that complements the ingredients.
Tropical Lime
With a tasty blend of vegetables and dried fruits—green cabbage, broccoli stalk, Napa cabbage, curly kale, and Italian kale along with dried pineapple, dried mango, and dried papaya—this salad bowl is a wholesome treat. White sesame seeds, crispy quinoa, roasted red quinoa, and thin crunchy noodles with a creamy coconut lime chili dressing complete the kit to deliver a mouth-watering flavor experience.
Raspberry Acai
This salad bowl blends broccoli stalk, green cabbage, curly kale, radicchio, dried cranberries, and dried blueberries with sliced toasted almonds and three nutritious varieties of seeds (hemp, flax, and chia)—all topped with a tangy raspberry acai dressing.
“Every Salad Shake Ups salad bowl contains at least 10 ingredients,” said Byerly, “with distinctive and colorful combinations of vegetables, dried fruits, and diverse sources of plant protein that create satisfying flavors and textures.”
Byerly also noted the company’s innovative Snap-and-Shake lid—a patented packaging design that has turned heads and earned accolades already this year.
“We were delighted to be awarded the inaugural packaging Innovation award at CPMA on May 10, 2017,” added Byerly. “This newly created award recognizes excellence in packaging designed to answer consumer needs and to maximize the sales of fresh produce. Each bowl has a unique leaf-shaped, film-sealed top. When consumers pull back the top, they find a tray with packets of toppings and a fork. They remove the tray to reveal the salad blend, then pour the toppings and the dressing onto the vegetables. Next, they flip over the tray, snap it onto the bowl, shake to mix the ingredients, and then unsnap the lid and eat the salad with the fork. Easy mixing, and no mess–it couldn’t be more convenient!”
Byerly added that Salad Shake Ups—with 100% clean ingredients—is targeted toward a growing number of health-conscious consumers. According to the company’s press release, estimated North American sales of clean label products in 2015 were $62 billion, and 62% of consumers globally say they try to avoid artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors in their food.
“Eat Smart clean label salad bowls provide consumers with healthy options for achieving their personal wellness goals,” said Byerly. “Our new Salad Shake Ups, which promise to invigorate the already popular single-serve category, are the latest examples of Apio’s commitment to consumers and retailers.”
The company’s 5 oz Salad Shake Ups will be available throughout the U.S. and Canada, with a suggested retail price of $3.99 in the U.S. and $4.99 in Canada.
WASHINGTON, DC - As the organic sector continues to grow, a new initiative has been introduced to the industry to increase research dollars. Together, the Organic Trade Association and The Organic Trade Center applauded Representatives for introducing the Organic Research Act of 2017.
“Robust funding for agriculture research is critical for the advancement of organic, and we applaud Representatives Pingree, Newhouse, and Panetta for their efforts to secure additional resources for USDA’s flagship research program for organic agriculture,” said Laura Batcha, Executive Director and CEO of Organic Trade Association. “The future of organic farmers’ success is tied to discovering new organic crop varieties, developing breakthroughs in pest and weed control, crop rotation, and the development of effective and compliant farm inputs. The Organic Research Act of 2017 invests in the future of organic farming by ensuring the research keeps up with the burgeoning industry.”
The Act was introduced by Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), according to a press release. The Act will increase the Department of Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) in order to meet the needs of the growing organic industry. This investment has increased from its current $20 million a year to $50 million a year, from 2018 to 2023.
“The Organic Center is thrilled to see the serious investment in organic research and applauds Representatives Pingree, Newhouse, and Panetta for their efforts," said Dr. Jessica Shade, Director of Science Program, The Organic Center. "The Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), organic’s premier competitive grants research program, has spawned a new community of scientists and infrastructure dedicated to organic systems research since it was established in the 2002 farm bill. The Organic Research Act of 2017 will secure long-term investment in the science of organic farming essential for the continued success of farmers.”
OREI was first established in 2002 as the USDA’s flagship organic research program. The Organic Trade Association stated that this program looks to support research projects that address critical and every day challenges that are faced by organic farmers in their fields. Thus far, OREI has funded 163 projects worth almost $150 million since its inception.
The Organic Trade Association stated that sales of organic products in the U.S. are now at more than $40 billion annually, with that number expected to grow as more consumers look for organic.
To read additional statements from organic researchers in support of OREI and its impact, click here.
WASHINGTON, DC - With an ever increasing concern about immigration laws, deportation policies, and potential tariffs among our industry, Reuters recently reported that President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue sat in on a meeting to reassure produce providers that his stance on immigration reform will not harm the industry.
Last month, according to Reuters associates Mica Rosenberg and Kristina Cooke, the President held a roundtable to address some of the understandable concerns from around the agricultural industry—the details of which have been previously unreported.
During the discussion, President Trump heard farmers apprehensions and responded that he recognized the industry’s need access to workers. While the source noted that the President called the meeting productive, the White House did not comment on the discussion.
According to Reuters, attendees shared their frustrations with the H-2A visa program, one of the only existing legal way to bring in temporary seasonal agricultural workers, and recounted that Americans are generally unwilling to perform these difficult farm jobs, as President Trump listened.
"He assured us we would have plenty of access to workers," said President of the American Farm Bureau Federation Zippy Duvall, one of 14 participants at the April 25 roundtable.
One attendee, Tom Demaline, President of Willoway Nurseries in Ohio, described his challenges with the H-2A guestworker program to the President, commenting, "I brought up the bureaucracy and red tape. If the guys show up a week or two late, it puts crops in jeopardy. You are on pins and needles all year to make sure you get the workers and do everything right."
According to the source, accounts of the conclusion said that Trump told attendees he wanted to help and asked Secretary Perdue to look into the issues and come back with recommendations. Other issues concerning the industry, like possible border taxation, were not reportedly addressed. Participants, however, were noted to have left the session feeling positive about the President's position.
How will President Trump continue to impact the agricultural industry? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Warmer weather means new opportunities for seasonal exotic fruits. As lychees and rambutan return to store shelves, Frieda’s Specialty Produce is looking to boost sales by offering each selection in bulk and versatile clamshells.
“Despite their weird looks, both lychees and rambutan are quite delicate. Our clamshells help protect the fruits, extending the shelf-life, and making them really easy to merchandise,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO. “Shoppers often confuse the lychee and the rambutan—they’re both red tropical fruits of roughly the same size and similar texture. Our clamshells with bright, colorful labels reduce the confusion.
Lychees are available now, and rambutans in late May. According to a press release, Frieda’s is offering the dynamic duo in either bulk or protective clamshells in order to help merchandising, reduce shrink, and attract shoppers.
Frieda’s stated that the lychee is known for its rough and bumpy skin, fragrance, and strong, sweet-tart flavor. The similarly styled rambutan has thicker skin that is covered in soft and hair-like spikes, and offers a more subtle sweetness. Both fruits have juicy, grape-like flesh with one large inedible seed, but house unique flavors from each other.
Frieda’s is offering consumers “Luscious Lychees” from Mexico now in 10 lb bulk and 12/12 oz clamshells. Retailers can get their hands on “Rockin’ Rambutans” from Guatemala in late May in 5 lb bulk and 14/12 oz clamshells. The company will also have rambutan from Vietnam and Mexico.
What luscious directions can Frieda’s help take your produce department this season? AndNowUKnow will keep you apprised.
SACRAMENTO, CA - How did one of the industry’s sweetest onion varieties treat you in our latest Quiz Quix? The AndNowUKnow team loved seeing who had the quickest and most accurate responses as everyone raced to win yesterday morning’s contest, but we could only crown one as the savviest.
I tip my hat to many of the top contenders, including SuperValu’s Terry Cook, Southeastern Grocers’ Meredith Holland, Gene Harris of Denny’s, and in the top ten–Golden Sun Marketing’s Adam Brady and SunFed’s Mark Cassius.
But it’s quickness that gets the crown, and this Quiz Quix’s top time went to LGS Specialty Sales Category Manager Rebekah McMurrain.
"Grilled, fried, raw, roasted, caramelized. I'll take onions every day, any way–and I'm not crying about it!" the victor shared about her win.
To see those who gave Rebekah a run for her money (literally, as we promised her a $100 cash prize) see the top ten to make the leaderboard below.
So, which Vidalia-centered query stumped quizzers the most? Look and see if this is the one that got you.
Most Missed Question:
What method is usually used to determine the pungency of an onion?
Correct Answer:
Pyruvic Acid Analysis
Thank you to all that continue to make a splash of competition ever-more entertaining in the produce industry.
If you didn’t get a chance to try your skills, you can challenge yourself and set your scores up against the best here.
Test Your Knowledge: RealSweet Onions
And to compete in Quiz Quix events to come, just sign in either via email or one of several social media accounts, and you’ll be all ready to jump into the competition for $100 cash!
Quiz Quix is our way of encouraging some healthy, fun, informative competition within the industry. Signing in will give us a token to verify you and allows us to put your name in the ranking. It doesn't give us access to more than your name and email address.
From our team to yours, happy quizzing!