SAN DIEGO, CA - As the produce industry continues to look towards sustainability as a way to both connect with consumers and protect the environment for future generations, Organics Unlimited is one company that is doing it right. With its sustainability program, the San Diego-based grower is producing organic bananas with the aim of bettering the health of the agricultural ecosystem for future generations.
“Organic farming and sustainability go hand-in-hand when producing the freshest produce with the lowest cost to the environment,” said President Mayra Velazquez de León. “We are pleased with the continued progress of our sustainability program.”
Organics Unlimited’s sustainability program prioritizes organic planting, cultivating, and harvesting systems, all while employing environmentally friendly technologies that meet the strict organic farming guidelines throughout each phase of the growing cycle. According to a press release, Organics Unlimited touches on each of the following through its program:
- Propagating of new/existing plants to preserve healthy soil and eliminate/control infections without using of chemical pesticides
- Composting technology to reuse organic residues to feed the soil while minimizing landfill waste
- Fertilization systems to minimize run-off, preventing soil contamination/preserving the integrity of water
- Irrigation systems to utilize reclaimed water—carefully managed to ensure preservation and conservation during dry seasons
“Organic, sustainable methods of farming are good for business as demand for bananas grown in environmentally sound conditions is increasing,” added Velazquez de León. “We will continue expanding and providing our distributors and retailers with quality organic produce using sustainable practices during growing, harvesting, and shipping operations.”
In an effort to improve efficiency, lower costs, and benefit the environment, all materials used in the harvest, packing, and shipping processes are re-useable or recyclable. Organics Unlimited bananas are transported from Mexico to the United States via truck, thereby shortening the distance traveled and thus reducing the carbon footprint.
For more information on Organics Unlimited and all the company’s programs, visit organicsunlimited.com.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a recent release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Herb Runner Inc., operating out of Miami, Florida, for failing to pay a $21,978 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Alfredo R. Matar was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- Marin Farmers Market Corp., operating out of Miami, Florida, for failing to pay an $18,213 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Marin Maynor was listed as the officer, director and major stockholder of the business.
- MRP Cuts LLC, operating out of McAllen, Texas, for failing to pay a $36,744 award in favor of a Washington seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Juan Gamez and Roberto Garcia were listed as members of the business.
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 includes 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. Its experts 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.
KEENE, NH – This week a U.S. district court found that C&S Wholesale Grocers may be liable for more than $58 million in pension obligations—the result of a nearly decade-old acquisition deal.
According to news source Bloomberg, the court issued a ruling in response to a lawsuit from the Teamsters union pension fund. Senior Judge Frederick J. Scullin Jr. found that the wholesaler could be considered liable for multiemployer pension plan obligations picked up as part of the 2008 purchase of Syracuse, New York-based food retail company Penn Traffic Co.—despite the fact that Penn Traffic continued to exist as a company after the acquisition and after going through bankruptcy proceedings.
Union representatives also accused C&S of illegally structuring its takeover of Penn Traffic to evade pension withdrawal liability. But Judge Scullin rejected that claim, noting that Penn Traffic later paid more than $5 million in assessed withdrawal liability.
The court rejected the union’s claim that C&S and Penn Traffic may have shared joint employer liability, instead allowing the union to move forward with its suit on the grounds that C&S had accepted successor liability in the course of its acquisition.
AndKnowUKnow will continue to report—with updates on this and other important situations developing in the produce industry.
TAMPA, FL - On May 11, IFCO will unveil a collaboration with the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) to offer both retailers and growers a series of online educational sessions.
“IFCO is committed to the vision of a circular economy that produces zero waste and zero emissions,” said President of the North America division, Daniel Walsh. “We are pleased to partner with FMI to deliver this complimentary educational content and help retailers and growers meet their sustainability and marketplace goals.”
The session, entitled Just the Facts: How Reusable Assets Can Help Retailers and Growers Achieve their Zero Waste Goals, will focus on the key role shared and reusable assets play in helping both sides of the industry create a more sustainable supply chain, according to a press release.
The educational sessional takes place Thursday, May 11th, at 2 p.m. EDT. Click here to register.
The team noted that during the event, Hillary Femal, IFCO Vice President of Global Marketing, and Beverly Sauer, Senior Life Cycle Analyst at Franklin Associates, will also review the results of a new study, Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Reusable Plastic Containers and Display- and Non-Display-Ready Corrugated Containers Used for Fresh Produce Applications. Additionally, they will discuss the sustainability benefits of shared and reusable fresh produce packaging versus one-way packaging.
Consumers are rewarding retailers and growers more and more for a commitment to sustainable operations and supply chains, IFCO said, adding that they continue to unite around the goal of a circular economy and supply chain that generates zero waste and zero emissions.
The Ellen Macarthur Foundation also called shared and reusable platforms like RPCs a perfect match for retailers looking to optimize sustainability along fresh produce supply chains.
For all the latest in meeting key initiatives across the industry, continue to keep up with AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - Once again taking its mission seriously to bring unique and decadent flavor combinations to consumers, Mann Packing is launching a new flavor in its award-winning Nourish Bowls line: Bacon Maple Brussels (U.S.) and Bacon Maple Delight (Canada). This flavor joins the ranks of such chef-inspired options as Monterey Risotto, Sesame Sriracha, Southwest Chipotle, and Cauli-Rice Curry.
“Nourish Bowls are perfect for consumers looking for quick, convenient, and healthy meal solutions; they can be used on-the-go or to supplement meals without sacrificing flavor or freshness,” shared Gina Nucci, Director of Corporate Marketing. “The usage ideas for Nourish Bowls are endless. Our first bowl featuring real bacon pairs perfectly with Brussels sprouts and is sure to be a consumer favorite.”
A rarity in the meal kit market, the warm, veggie-based offering expands the Nourish Bowls line with a fresh twist on a traditional favorite. According to a press release, the new Bacon Maple Brussels bowl is complete with nutrient-rich Brussels sprouts, kale, and kohlrabi, along with real bacon and a sweet maple glaze.
Packed with trending vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potato, cauliflower rice, and sugar snap peas, Mann’s entire line of Nourish Bowls are easy to prepare, low in calories and highly customizable. As we’ve previously reported, Mann’s took home PMA’s coveted Impact Award for its high-quality Nourish Bowl packaging. Since launching just a year ago, Nourish Bowls have reached over 28,000 points of distribution across North America due to its wide demographic appeal.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get a taste of this one.
LITTLETON, ME - Last week a truck full of spuds met an early fate as baked potatoes along I-95 in Sherman when the hauling trailer caught on fire. The accident closed down the interstate as fire crews battled the flames.
According to local news source WCSH-TV, the southbound semi-trailer went up in smoke around 9 P.M., when driver Marvin Hostetler began feeling heat from the cab and smelled fumes. After pulling over, the truck burst into flames.
Trooper Timmy Saucier of Stacyville Fire Department and the Patten Ambulance responded to the scene. No injuries were reported, however, the truck and potatoes were totally roasted.
WATSONVILLE, CA - Peak California strawberry season is upon us. And after a historically wet winter and beginning of spring, late-April’s warm dry days and cool nights have provided favorable conditions for berry growers entering May.
So what can we expect with Mother’s Day fast approaching and other summer holidays hot on its heels? I asked California Giant Berry Farm’s VP of Marketing Cindy Jewell to fill us in.
“It’s been absolutely gorgeous,” Cindy tells me. “We’ve had really warm temperatures all throughout the state for the last week or so. We’ve had temperatures in the high-70s to low-80s. Berries are coming off, and we’re ramping up in terms of volume.”
Cindy tells me that, despite weather delays early in the season, strawberries have come on strong as of late, with the company entering peak Santa Maria growing season and looking forward to a fruitful May and June.
“The fruit looks great. It’s good-sized, bright red, and juicy,” Cindy says, noting that price is stable and the company’s trading partners are excited for spring peaks. “We are already into our peak in Oxnard. And we’re coming up on our Santa Maria peak; from now through the next three or four weeks, volume will be consistent. And we are looking forward to Watsonville continually increasing with an anticipated peak in June.”
Rain forecasted this weekend may temporarily stall harvesting, but California Giant expects to have ample supply of Monterey variety strawberries through June.
For updates as the season progresses, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – SpartanNash is putting its supply chain in focus, with a new leadership appointment to take the retail and distribution banner to new successes. The company has announced Tom Lee as its newest Senior Vice President, Supply Chain.
Tom is now responsible for developing and implementing strategies for supply chain management in the company, according to a press release. This role will also include a specific emphasis on enhancing and expanding the company’s network in order to support its customers’ growth initiatives, while simultaneously improving efficiency and reducing cost.
“Tom is a proven leader with a strong track record in supply chain and merchandising functions,” President and COO Dave Staples said. “His experience in instituting strategic supply chain growth and efficiency initiatives will help SpartanNash continue to grow in our wholesale, retail, and military segments, and build upon existing relationships with our customers.”
Tom brings to the company a wealth of experience from previous roles at retail giant Walmart. There, Tom served most recently as Vice President, Merchandising Operations, U.S e-Commerce from 2015-2017. In this role, Tom gained experience building out supply chain and merchandising operational functions for the company’s global e-commerce division, including overseeing the planning and replenishment for both owned and drop-ship vendors. This included more than 10,000 suppliers, and 26 million unique SKUs across a $1 billion inventory.
Tom officially stepped into his role as of Monday, May 1, 2017. In this executive SpartanNash position, Tom will oversee the following departments while reporting directly to Staples:
- Supply chain
- Logistics
- Transportation
- Inventory management departments
In previous roles, Tom also served as Walmart’s Vice President, Supply Chain Innovations, Global e-Commerce, as well as holding leadership positions for Henry Schein. Tom has also been a senior level consultant for Ernst & Young, and KPMG.
Tom has a Master’s Degree in Executive Managerial Business Administration from Vanderbilt University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Emory University.
Congratulations to Tom on this appointment, and AndNowUKnow will continue to report on important supply chain announcements.
SALISBURY, NC - Food Lion is looking towards a greater 2017, with a new look and focus on fresh to spur further growth. The retailer will be targeting 71 stores with a remodel in the greater Richmond, Virginia, market.
"Food Lion is proud to have been a part of the greater Richmond community since 1984, and we are excited to bring our newest format to this market," said President Meg Ham. "We look forward to making significant investments in our stores, our customers, our associates, and our communities to offer a new grocery shopping experience. We want to ensure our customers can easily find fresh, quality products to nourish their families at affordable prices every day, delivered with caring, friendly service every time they shop."
Food Lion’s investment is expected to reach $110 million, which will include remodeling stores, pricing adjustments, and reinvesting back into its associates and the community. According to a press release, these new enhancements will include an expanded product portfolio, new registers, pricing adjustments, and enhanced service.
Food Lion’s newly designed stores were designed with easier navigation in mind, so customers can get in and out of the store quickly. The chain’s expanded variety of products will make each store more relevant to its customer base, in addition to providing an array of local options.
Richmond is the sixth of Food Lion’s markets that the banner has sought to remodel, and with locations expected to be completed on a rolling basis between June and October 2017. Food Lion also stated that it will continue to launch enhancements across its more than 1,000 stores in 2017, moving its remodel initiative to even more markets.
The company is currently remodeling 93 stores in the greater Greensboro, North Carolina market, and has previously completed 142 stores in greater Charlotte in 2016, 162 stores in the greater Raleigh in 2015, and 76 stores in the greater Wilmington and Greenville markets in 2014.
Where will this prospective strategy take Food Lion in the buy-side sector? AndNowUKnow will be sure to report.
MONTEREY, CA – As the industry gears up for this noted upcoming event, the inaugural Organic Grower Summit (OGS) has opened its registration doors. OGS is encouraging organic farmers and growers to sign up for an exhibition booth now for the two day event.
“The organic community truly sees the benefit of an event connecting organic growers and farmers with those in the supply and service chain. As organic continues to grow, the need for expanded education and information throughout the farming community is paramount to its continued success,” Tonya Antle, Co-Founder of the Organic Produce Network said. “Working together with CCOF, the inaugural OGS is the right event at the right time to bring all components of our community together to exchange ideas and information.”
Produced by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and the Organic Produce Network (OPN), the event looks to include targeted educational sessions on various aspects of organic production from leading authorities. The event will include keynote presentations from influential and preeminent speakers on a diverse selection of issues and opportunities in organic product, meat, dairy, grain, and processed organic items.
The event has already secured 28 sponsors to commit in their participation. Thus far, the below list includes seed, packaging, soil amendment, food safety, ag technology, and equipment manufacturers connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts:
- Valent
- AGCO
- The Catalyst Product Group
- Marrone Bio Innovations
- Grimmway Farms/Cal Organic
- True Organic Products
- Crop Production Services (CPS)
- Ferti-Organic, Inc.
- K.Coe Isom
- California Organic Fertilizers Inc.
- Seed Dynamics, Inc.
- Green House Produce Company
- Earthbound Farm
- HealthySoil
- 3 Star Lettuce
- Stockton U.S.A
- Andreini & Company
- Converted Organics of California, LLC
- Sambrailo Packaging
- Vitalis Organic Seeds/Enza Zaden Research RSA
- Moxxy Marketing
- Fusion 360
- Green OX Pallet Technology, LLC
- Fox Packaging
- Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
- SUBONEYO Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals P Limited
- Hayashi & Wayland
- Pacific Ag Rental, Star Sanitation, AGcess
“The organic community’s response to this first-ever event has been overwhelming. There is a strong appetite for information and networking opportunities that bring together the various sectors of the organic community. OGS is an outstanding opportunity to exchange ideas and information that help us to advance organic for a healthy world,” said Cathy Calfo, Executive Director/CEO of CCOF.
The first-ever OPS will be held December 13-14, 2017, at the Monterey Hyatt Resort and Spa in Monterey, California. General registration will open in May, with session topics, speakers, and other components to be released in the coming weeks.
Organic Produce Network California Certified Organic Farmers