GOODYEAR, AZ - Duncan Family Farms is taking the word “natural” to the next level in its growing operations, having introduced an innovative method for bird abatement at its Arizona farm: falconry. The 100% organic grower—specializing in baby lettuces, greens, kales, beets, chards, and herbs—has collaborated with Falcon Force, using a team of trained falcons, to deter nuisance birds.
“It’s pretty amazing to see the results—we can actually watch the nuisance birds leave the area and not come back,” said Jeremy Vanderzyl, Technical Services Manager at Duncan Family Farms, according to a press release. “A single falcon can cover a large area effectively and efficiently and allows us to avoid putting our personnel in uncomfortable or potentially unsafe conditions.”
For nearly all vegetable growers, small birds can cause big issues—they not only eat seeds after they’ve been planted, but can also shed feathers or defecate in the fields, requiring additional food safety measures. Before this big breakthrough, Duncan Family Farms would have staff patrol the fields with shakers or slings to scare birds away, but the birds grew tolerant of the method quickly, becoming progressively harder to deter.
Falcon Force draws on the natural predator/prey relationship for long-term results, with the primary goal of chasing the birds away without killing them. Once a horned lark sees one of its natural predators flying and swooping nearby, it’s going to immediately find a safer place to forage for food. An additional benefit of the trained falcons flying in the fields is that native predator birds will also leave the area to find new hunting ground, meaning they are less likely to kill a prey bird in the field and cause a food safety issue or product loss.
“It’s immediate, it’s sustainable, it’s organic, and it’s biodynamically perfect,” said Kalen Pearson of Falcon Force. “Birds are always going to be afraid of other birds; it’s never something they’re going to get used to like a scarecrow or noisemaker.”
As an organic grower that is committed to sustainability, Duncan Family Farms was motivated to find an effective process that did not involve the use of traditional approaches such as flares, firecrackers, or Mylar, all of which are harmful to the environment and have the potential to leave debris in the fields and cause product losses. These methods are also not effective long term as birds will get used to them in about 48 hours.
Falcon Force will be at Duncan Family Farms in Goodyear through the end of April and Duncan has plans to continue the relationship at other growing locations with different bird abatement challenges such as large migratory birds like ducks and geese.
VANCOUVER, BC – As consumers turn to apples this spring to satisfy their crunchy, fruity cravings, Oppy has announced an increased supply of Chilean Ambrosias this season. The company expects its first waves to arrive this May.
“Ambrosia is a top performer in the premium apple space in both volume growth and dollar sales,” said David Nelley, Vice President of Categories, Oppy. “Leading retailers have told us it’s no longer enough to carry new apple varieties, as there are many to choose from. To stand out, they’re looking for the very best flavor available at the time. Storage apples don’t compete in flavor with new crop JAZZ™ or Envy™, and we think we’ve found something really special in the Chilean Ambrosia from David Del Curto.”
The company stated in a press release that retailers can find an advantage in stocking new-crop, premium apples, which includes consumers’ love for the sweet and crunch Chilean Ambrosia. Oppy is bringing a year-round supply to its customers with both Chilean and New Zealand Ambrosia apples to North American after the original crop from British Columbia (BC) is sold out.
“Volumes of the original BC Ambrosia are winding down, and the new crop really delivers the signature Ambrosia flavor and texture. Chile offers a fresh-picked Ambrosia that provides a color break, eats fantastic, and keeps apple sales rolling into the summer,” continued Nelley.
David Del Curto (DDC) of Santiago is one of two growers that is authorized to produce the Ambrosia apple in Chile. Since planting its first apple in 2009, the company has selected locations that best replicate the growing conditions in BC that are known to produce the best-tasting fruit.
“We discovered that very good Ambrosia can be produced in Southern Chile, due to good chill hours that amplify the color and flavor characteristics North American consumers appreciate about the apple,” said Marcos Echenique, DDC Sales Director. “We’re replicating Ambrosia’s ‘natural environment’ as best we can, producing apples that deliver consistently on taste, which has emerged as Ambrosia’s most compelling attribute.”
DDC’s Ambrosia achieves its good color intensity through the application of reflective film that is placed between the rows and nets for sun protection. 100 percent of Ambrosia is packed on a single line for consistency by a specially trained staff after being picked and cooled slowly to retain flavor and crunch.
“Now it’s possible for our customers to sustain momentum with high-quality Ambrosia, along with super tasty New Zealand JAZZ™ and Envy™ apples available on a single order from Oppy this summer,” Nelley finished.
Oppy plans to drive retail sales of its Chilean Ambrosia program with high-impact custom promotions.
For more in apple news, count on AndNowUKnow!
BROOKFIELD, IL - It looks to be an exciting year for Resource Group Solutions as the company welcomes a familiar face into the company fold with the addition of Wade Pruter as Account Executive. Bringing experience from both the retail- and supply-sides of the industry, Wade offers a unique perspective which he will utilize to help manage, support, and grow customer accounts and programs.
“What really drew me to this company is the idea that Resource Group is building a team with experience from all sides of the industry,” Wade tells me as we discuss where he sees the value of the company. “Resource Group allows me to share my passion and knowledge of organics while continuing to learn and grow from the rest of the team and their experiences. We’re all here for one purpose and that’s to help our customers drive sales.”
Resource Group’s mission is to build a better local and organic food business for clients, that improves upon existing infrastructure to provide opportunities for those who produce responsibly. The company considers its vision as a long-term solution to bring the very best produce and proteins to market.
“We are extremely excited to have Wade on-board with our Resource Group team,” President Pat Bayor shares with me, as we discuss the growing program. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and talent to our team.”
From Director of Produce at Earth Fare to Account Executive for the Midwest for FreshPack Produce, Wade’s insights are far and wide. Currently, Wade is working with the independent retailers to elevate their local and organic programs.
“I think we all wear many hats,” he notes, reflecting on the need to be versatile, “from taking on special projects to taking orders. We all help where is the need is evident.”
Whether that is building local programs, putting together ads, assisting with holiday planning…Resource Group’s support is tailored to its client’s business model and goals for growth.
“We treat our customers the same whether you have 30 stores or you’re a Mom and Pop operation. They are all important to us and we treat them all like family. We’re not just here to supply organic produce; we’re in it help everybody be competitive, grow, and be successful,” Wade shares.
Congratulations, Wade, on this new position with Resource Group Solutions, and to the company on this next phase of growth.
STELLARTON, NS – As Sobeys continues to tighten up its grocery business following its acquisition of Safeway Canada in late 2013, the retailer’s parent company has moved to introduce a new leaders into its executive ranks. Empire Company Limited has brought on Michael Vels as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, who will begin his tenure starting June 12th, 2017.
Vels, a person known for his ability to restructure and lead companies in transition, has served for many years in various financial roles. Vels expertise comes in part from his recent position as Chief Financial Officer of Hydro One, where he was an instrumental leader in organizing the company’s Initial Public Offering in 2015. Prior to his time there, he served as Maple Leaf Foods’ Chief Financial Officer from 2004-2014, where he led the company's finance, mergers and acquisitions, information technology, and communications functions. As Maples’s Chief Transition Officer in 2014, Vels led the restructuring of senior management and back office functions.
“I am thrilled to welcome Mike Vels to Empire. He is an accomplished executive, one of the country’s most respected CFOs and a highly results-oriented leader,” Michael Medline, President & CEO shared. “He is uniquely qualified for his new role as he understands the Canadian food business and has served on the front lines of important and successful corporate transformation initiatives.”
Clinton Keay, who was previously serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer since July 2016, will assume the role of Executive Vice President, Technology and Lead of the Transformation Office. In this position, he will oversee the company’s efforts as it moves to restructure the way it does business, according to a press release. Prior to his stint as CFO, Keay served as the company’s head of IT from 2002-2014 before being appointed Executive Vice President, Finance. He will continue to report to Medline and serve on the company’s Leadership Committee, Empire clarified.
"Clinton is an accomplished leader and is knowledgeable on all fronts of our business. His deep experience in technology and in overseeing important change in our organization will ensure that we drive innovation that will delight our customers. I want to thank Clinton for the superb job he did as Interim CFO during some trying times," added Medline.
Will this new leadership bring continued changes for the retailer looking to find its footing in Canada’s retail landscape? Keep following AndNowUKnow as we delve into more details.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Stater Bros. Markets has moved up perishables expert and Vice President of its Meat Division John Ciraulo to Senior Vice President of its Fresh Foods Division, which the retailer said it is planning to expand.
“John is a well-respected and valuable member of the Stater Bros. ‘family,’” President and CEO Pete Van Helden said in a statement, according to The Sun. “John’s broad knowledge of perishable foods in addition to his extensive marketing and retail experience will allow the company to implement new programs and tailor our fresh offerings to meet the current and future needs of our ‘valued’ customers.”
Ciraulo joined the team over 31 years ago, starting out as a meat clerk in South Fontana, California, in 1986. He moved his way up through the ranks, directing the retailer’s Marketing Meat Division in 2010 and then becoming Vice President of the entire Meat Division in 2014.
In his new role, Ciraulo will oversee and manage the perishable foods departments as Stater Bros. looks to expand its reach in the segment.
Congratulations to this new executive on his latest chapter in his career.
MIAMI, FL - In 2013 I raised my hand at the inaugural Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference and naively asked the first women’s panel “hypothetically” what a new-to-the-industry, clueless 24-year-old should do to set themselves up for longterm success in fresh produce. After the chuckles died down, the panel responded kindly from the stage, explaining that this industry is all about the people.
How right they were.
Five years later, this sentiment has proven true time and again. And the conference holds a special place in my heart, both as my first industry event, and as one specifically designed to help women raise the bar for fresh produce. That first conference was a resounding success, catapulting it through this hallmark five year anniversary with no signs of slowing. And so, coming to the conference for the second time since its inception gave me a unique snapshot into its growth as women from around the industry flocked to Miami, Florida. Some faces were familiar; many were new, and all came to “Own It," the theme for this year's event.
I touched base with Diana McClean, Director of Marketing for Ocean Mist Farms, for an executive perspective on the conference. She had this to offer, “This is my third conference, and I can say that each opportunity to attend delivers both results and action items to take back, not only for my own personal professional development, but also for the benefit of my organization. It’s always so exciting.”
On Sunday, the event warmed up with a collegiate welcoming from Margi Pruitt, Senior Vice President of PMA, who highlights the importance of this gathering: Organizations with 200% growth are much more likely to have women founders, yet the ratio of women to men on boards remains low. Research shows that more women in leadership positions fuels a company’s success, and this conference helps leverage that competitive advantage by addressing core leadership skills through a curriculum designed specifically with the unique issues that affect women leaders in mind. This year's conference sold out with 250 attendees, 47% of whom are returning and 53% who are first timers. Women from up and down the career continuum are buzzing in anticipation for three days of track learning, tailored sessions, keynotes, and networking. Or, as it should be called in fresh produce, having a great time.
“I’ve been reflecting on the impact this conference has had,” LeighAnne Thomsen, Member of the Founding Women’s Fresh Perspectives Steering Committee and Brand Marketing Manager for Mission Produce, tells me. “I believe the mere existence of this conference has been a disruptor in the industry. In the past five years, the advantages of women in the workplace has been a prominent conversation, more women have been hired and stepped up in my organization and beyond.”
The curriculum kicked off with Juliet Funt, CEO of WhiteSpace, whose hilarious and insightful keynote “Activity is Not Productivity. Pivot, Prioritize, and Triumph” reveals the Thieves of Productivity and offers an arsenal of tools to counteract them. This enlightening session filled pages of notes regarding the high cost of thoughtless activity, which on the conservative end results in a loss of $26,000 per year, per person of productivity. Building in whitespace on our calendars, literally the blank paper between appointments, for strategic and recuperative whitespace saves not only our sanity, but our business.
“Seeing how the program has evolved and changed in these past five years shows promise for what’s to come. It’s very challenging to introduce an innovative program like this to an industry which is deeply rooted in tradition, but I have been thrilled at how this event has excelled. It has grown every year, and upon hitting this milestone, I have faith it will only continue to get bigger,” Alex Jackson Berkley, Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee and Senior Account Manager of Frieda’s Specialty Produce, shares with me amidst the bustle. “Whether you are new to the industry, or have worked in it for thirty years, everyone walks away with new perspectives."
The curriculum picked back up with a flurry of engaging sessions. We learned about whacky lizards named Lenny (and Gina), the language of innovation, and attendees divided into concurrent career level workshops to maximize individual ROI. Throughout the conference these career level sessions covered a range of topics including mastering career trajectory, defining explicit vision, amplifying visibility, effective leadership, establishing effective mentorships, developing self-awareness, financial analysis, and insights from top women executives.
"At this conference you learn so much. It’s not just about women, it’s about learning valuable business skills that help the industry grow as a whole. It’s great to see these unique perspectives, and be able to share,” offers two-time attendee Sarah Deaton, Marketing Manager for Zespri, one of the many sponsors of the event, as I catch up with her in between sessions.
A high note of the curriculum was “Calling All Women. Let Your Voice Be Heard!” the panel session with the Founding Women’s Fresh Perspectives Steering Committee moderated by Cathy Burns, CEO of PMA, in a unique fishbowl format designed to encourage authentic conversation. We learned that Cathy Burns hates tables and that Karen Caplan, President and CEO, Frieda's Specialty Produce, has a towering legacy as a lifelong learner. The innovative forum covered topics such as preparation, developing confidence, creating guiding principles, decision-making, working hard no matter who is watching, and how to keep raising the tide for our entire industry.
“This is the most amazing thing, and we dreamed it up in a basement. It was our 'BHAG', our Big Hairy Audacious Goal, and we made it come true,” Jill Overdorf, Member of the Founding Steering Committee, and Director of Business and Culinary Development, Corporate Executive Chef at Cooseman’s LA Shipping, shares from the panel.
The event comes with a built-in happy hour, offering the perfect opportunity to make new friends with the beautiful Miami backdrop, along with delicious goodies provided by the California Avocado Commission and Earthbound Farm.
As the event winds down, I can’t help but reflect on how far the conference has come. It’s more nuanced than the first event, with a new location, and even more robust schedule. I'm confident that it’s an experience that will continue to pay dividends 5, 10, and 20 years down the road.
WENATCHEE, WA – Keyes Packaging Group is making significant steps when it comes to sustainability, ones that are right in line with consumer demand for food safety and responsibility. The company has announced that its subsidiary, Keyes Fibre, has achieved SQF certification.
“We embarked on the certification process to support our customer’s own SQF efforts and strengthen our existing partnerships,” said Ted Kozikowski, CEO, Keyes Packaging. “As The Original Green Company™, SQF certification supplements our focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability. It was a logical next step to our AIB audit and inspection program.”
The company first set a mandate to achieve the certification two years ago, according to a press release. Since obtaining the certification, Keyes Packaging stated that it has been the first in the molded fiber industry to do so.
This move was born after the company’s customers asked for a more globally recognized program, as they themselves were under higher federal regulations and consumer food safety scrutinization. The certification process included significant capital expenditures, in addition to the following:
- Enhancing final product traceability
- Bettering raw material tracking
- Developing multiple systematic process improvements
The company’s employees, including United Steel Workers Union Local 784, underwent rigorous preparations, pre-auditing, and numerous training programs leading up to the final certification audit in March.
These proactive measures, the company stated, will reinforce the confidence and loyalty that is already held by many of its customers. The company emphasized that SQF certification helps protect customer brands by focusing on hazard analysis, risk assessment, and proactive prevention strategies.
The SQF certification program provides buyers a reliable online listing of suppliers’ audit results and certification status.
For more in innovative measures by Keyes Packaging Group, stick with AndNowUKnow for all the latest.
AUSTIN, TX – Last week at the Viva Fresh Produce Expo, I had the opportunity to chat with the Allen Lund Company's Scott Fletcher, Manager of the company's Dallas office, about an exciting new venture. The company recently announced that it is partnering with Santos International and pooling the two companies’ collective expertise with a new company: TransKool Solutions.
“What we are wanting to do is consolidate all the product in our cooler where a retailer such as Walmart, Costco, Kroger…could come in and have their truck just make one pickup from multiple vendors,” Scott Fletcher, Manager, Allen Lund Company and TransKool Solutions, tells me. “If they are buying raspberries from one vendor and strawberries from another and want to put it all together on a truck, their road truck can come in and just make one pick, which saves log hours as well as makes the load a lot less expensive on the retailer.”
With this joint venture, the two companies hope to establish a convenient supply chain process for produce LTL services. According to a joint press release, TransKool Solutions will provide premiere warehousing solutions optimized in LTL and FTL services, load consolidations, and Customs brokerage.
And the partnered companies also plan to leverage some of their preexisting logistical innovations into even more convenient service.
“With the Allen Lund TMS System, we can also directly load the Sensitech recorder straight from the farm, and it updates via our system,” Fletcher adds. "You would actually have full GPS and temperature control of your product.”
The company also noted in its press release that TransKool Solutions operations will be Kristi Salinas, with support from both Allen Lund Company and Santos International.
For more, check out our short video above, and stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for all things produce.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Produce professionals and organizations throughout the country joined Frieda’s Specialty Produce in celebrating Love Your Produce Manager® Day this month.
“We’re ecstatic about all the produce professionals engaging with Love Your Produce Manager Day this year,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO. “Retail dietitians and produce staff themselves are involved in the celebration, not just the organizations. And that shows the awesome culture and passion of those people, companies, and our industry as a whole.”
The event, honoring hardworking men and women in supermarket produce departments across the nation, was celebrated both in stores and online using the hashtage #LYPM on various social media platforms.
“ShopRite retail dietitians work closely with our produce staff, and we’re happy that we get to show our appreciation on Love Your Produce Manager Day,” said Ashley Cully, MS, RD, Retail Dietitian Manager at ShopRite of Marlton, New Jersey, whose store acknowledged the day on social media. “Produce managers and their teams provide invaluable services to us by bringing in the freshest fruits and vegetables, creating beautiful displays, and helping us guide our customers on their healthy eating and wellness journeys.”
Love Your Produce Manager Day participants from throughout the industry included:
- AndNowUKnow
- Arctic Apples
- Brookshire Brothers
- Cal Organic Farms
- Corrigan Mist
- FMI
- Grimmway Farms
- Grocery Headquarters
- Harris Teeter
- HEB Careers
- Westlakes Hy-Vee
- Lexington Co-Operative Market
- Lunds & Byerlys Woodbury
- Marsh Grocery
- National Mango Board
- Onion Business Magazine
- Piece of Cake Wellness (Cierra Robbins, RD)
- Produce Marketing Association
- Quebec Produce Marketing Association
- Russ Davis Wholesale
- ShopRite locations in Lincoln Park, Marlton, West Chester, and Whitman Plaza
- SmartBrief
- Sunripe Produce
- United Supermarkets
- Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market
- Vermont Hydroponic
To celebrate the occasion, Frieda’s donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, a member of the Feeding America national network, on behalf of the above produce organizations and professionals who recognized their produce managers.
JAPAN - Fast fruit is all the rage, unfortunately only Japan gets to test this latest creation first.
McDonald’s is thinking green with the introduction of its new McShake Kiwi.
That’s right; it’s cute, green, and powered with real kiwifruit, of which the fast food giant says it only uses select fruits with a specified height in sugar content to ensure sweetness, according to source SoraNews 24.
The kiwifruit is being sourced from Shikoku-based Ehime Prefecture, where the shake was offered early starting April 21st. The rest of the Japanese market gets to enjoy the fruit-powered treat today, April 26, for 120 yen (about $1.10 USD) for a small and 200 yen (about $1.80 USD) for a medium, the report noted.
As spring fever sets in, more fresh fruit ideas look to be making headlines. Starbucks, for example, also piloted a fruity menu item in Japan with the launch of its American Cherry Pie Frappuccino, made with real cherries, not to mention the move of its secret menu favorite Pink Drink with fresh strawberries.
Will this latest produce beverage grasp consumers’ hearts and make its way stateside? We certainly hope so!