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AUSTIN, TX - The Lone Star State is really coming to feel like a home to the produce industry, and the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA)’s third year of Viva Fresh Expo is only adding to that notion. With the alluring charm of Austin to boost a successful third year, Viva Fresh 2017 is not one I’ll soon forget.
With an intimate feel and the region's charm wrapped around each event over the weekend, Viva Fresh is really coming into its own as it hosts an exclusive tie to the Texas retail scene.
“What a wonderful team effort these past few days,” Tommy Wilkins of Grow Farms Texas, tells me of the show’s success. “I see a beautiful evolution of relationships and partnerships being developed for the great state of Texas, and production crossing through Texas. I want to thank Bret for all he has done and look forward to Dante’s leadership taking this toward even a better Expo.”
Kicking off on Thursday, April 20, with the annually anticipated golf tournament, produce members got a taste of beautiful Austin weather to rile them up for the whirlwind events ahead.
#VivaFreshExpo 2017 Ribbon Cutting, let's get this Expo started! pic.twitter.com/w57hJunLF1
— TexIPA (@TexProduce) April 22, 2017
And Friday’s day filled with sessions of inspiration and innovation did not disappoint; including a glimpse into the effect that technology can have on marketing and brand success by ANUK’s own Whit Grebitus.
“The show was very well organized, speakers and sessions were exceptional. The details on marketing and The Tipping Point are very relevant not only for delivering information to customers but also to our team,” says Jonad Galan of Balls Foods. “Know Your GMOs was excellent and challenges firm GMO believers to seek information and real data to make their own decisions on GMOs. The show floor was well laid out and not too big, allowing quality time at the booths rather than the traditional rush through from larger shows. One of the biggest takeaways was the NAFTA session; as a retailer we really must keep current and well informed on any changes that can arise from this negotiation, changes in NAFTA can alter and change procurement practices of today.”
Dr. David Katz returned to head the sessions as Keynote Speaker, joined by his wife Catherine Katz, Ph.D., to lead a riveting lunch session–and carefully crafted menu–on the impact of “loving food that loves you back.” An inventive Virtual Field Tour of Red Sun Farms followed.
Through the duration of the weekend, to the show floor and beyond, attendees were praising the infectious nature of the sessions, and how their lasting impressions could be carried through Viva Fresh back home.
“Great Expo, great content, great attendance, great networking, great city, and great feedback! Viva 2018 in San Antonio will be greater yet,” says Jimmy Bassetti of J&D Produce of this year's event, and what's to come with the next.
With that, came the official ribbon cutting as Viva Fresh 2017 entered its stride, and let produce members really capitalize on the fun spirit of Austin and the connectivity that the event boasts each year.
Live music and good company at #VivaFreshExpo Welcome Reception @ Maggie Maes in Austin! pic.twitter.com/tmGPvE9a23
— TexIPA (@TexProduce) April 22, 2017
Watching industry members mix, mingle, and confer the next morning on the show floor, it was truly clear how much value the industry places on not only the Texas retail market, but on the spirit of a Texas-based show itself.
As the event honors the legacy of Bret Erickson as he steps down as President and CEO, and Dante Galeazzi stepping up to the plate, I can’t wait to see what Texas treasures Viva Fresh brings to us next. To 2018!
DALLAS, TX & RICHMOND, VA - While grocery home delivery has taken off in recent years, the partnership of some of the biggest names in retail and tech coming together remains noteworthy. Now joining the ranks of Walmart, Amazon, and Target in the realm of grocery-centric e-commerce is Kroger, with the help of tech giant, Uber.
According to Hayley Peterson's Business Insider article, Kroger has introduced an Uber-ified extension of its online ordering app, ClickList, in the two test market cities of Dallas, TX and Richmond, VA. Prior to the launch, Kroger’s customers could order groceries for pick up through the app and have employees load them into their car, but now goods can be chauffeured by an Uber driver all the way to the customer's home.
The move comes as part of Kroger’s strategy for moderation in store growth and a shift in strategies, following murky Q3 results in December of 2016.
“We've aggressively added more than 420 ClickList and ExpressLane locations in 2016 bringing our total online ordering locations to more than 640. This effort was based on learnings from our merger with Harris Teeter,” noted Rodney McMullen, Kroger Chairman and CEO, according to Seeking Alpha transcripts of the latest earnings call. “We are also experimenting with ways to solve the last mile equation. We're testing with Uber delivery in several locations with plans to expand in 2017 where our customers can order through ClickList and choose to have their groceries delivered by a local Uber driver. We have a couple of other home delivery tests as well.”
In the Business Insider review of the service, it is noted that the easy-to-use app allows for customization of orders, and even fresh produce safely made the journey from shelf-to-table, with photo evidence of a bruise-free avocado to boot. The conclusion? The app could be a hit amongst busy moms and dads, despite the delivery charge.
Will the new partnership accelerate adoption of shelf-to-table delivery services? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to report.
WOODRIDGE, IL – With a keen eye on uplifting fresh produce companies, Produce Pro Software is preparing for another year to step beyond just its software offerings to further empower its users. The company will be hosting User Group 2017 later this week, with plans to provide attendees with innumerable opportunities for growth, connectivity, and education.
Instilled in 2001, the latest installment of this event will span two days on the shores of San Diego, California. As Marketing Manager Kristen Santangelo recently told me, the company is gearing up for its biggest year yet.
“Ultimately, our goal is to provide a forum where we educate the Produce Pro user community on the system, features, new ideas, and our future plans. This allows them to get the most out of their investment,” Kristen says. “When customers return to work they are armed with tips and tricks, ideas, and concepts that can be shared within their organizations.”
Attendees of this year’s event, the company’s tenth at the national level, will be able to network with each other, connecting and sharing knowledge about their system experiences. Members of the User Group will also be able to check out the latest product features, attend sessions led by industry experts, and learn more about the system and best practices for it.
Kristen elaborates that the benefits don’t stop at the end of the event, but continue rolling even after the User Group attendees have gone home.
“Once the conference ends, we review and evaluate customer feedback,” Kristen says. “This helps us continue to improve and enhance the system based on both their changing needs and the needs of the industry.”
Produce Pro is offering the following topics to those part of its User Group:
- Produce Pro University: Learn about specific features of the software and how to excel using it
- The Best of…: Produce Pro’s own version of “Top 10” lists that divulge insider information
- Innovations and Advancements: Learn about the latest developments in e-commerce, WMS, Analytics, CRM solutions, and mobile apps
- What’s Next?: Keep up with the latest industry changes and how Produce Pro can help
- DIY Tech Lab: Learn about and get hands-on experience with the latest solutions and mobile apps
- Ask a Guru: Facetime with gurus on different product or topic areas
Produce Pro has also secured Steve Grinstead of The Grinstead Group as its keynote speaker. This industry veteran will be leading the spirit of the event by talking to attendees not only about change, but also change management.
“In the ever-changing world of produce, now more than ever, being able to stay ahead of the curve and having the flexibility to adapt and evolve within the organization is so important,” Kristen says.
The conference will be held at the Kimpton Palomar Hotel in San Diego, California, from April 26-27.
Looking for more information about Produce Pro Software? Click here.
OHIO COUNTY, WV - An onion truck traveling from Colorado to the Washington DC area might have caused more than the usual tears for commuters on the Interstate 470 east, near Belmont County’s Veterans Memorial Bridge.
The large haul of produce flipped over and blocked the lanes of the interstate for several hours, according to a WTOV 9 local report.
One onlooker told the news source that the onion load shifted in the back of the truck, sending the vehicle airborne briefly before overturning.
The driver, Joseph Chille, fortunately escaped without injury, saying that he lost control avoiding another vehicle that had veered into his lane.
Eastbound lanes are shut down beginning at state lane. Onions are covering the roadway. @WTOV9 pic.twitter.com/T51LfgzANF
— Anthony Conn (@AnthonyWTOV9) April 17, 2017
“On my right side, I was trying to avoid it and my trailer pulled me off the road,” said Chille. “I was trying to come back and I couldn't make it."
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Belmont County Hazardous Material Response Team, and the Neffs Fire Department responded, but the scene took hours to clear as traffic backed up for miles.
While the fate of the onions themselves was not reported, Tweets and photos from the event make it appear that fresh produce was a casualty of the accident. We’re grateful to hear the driver escaped unharmed, however, and will continue to report on all travel happenings and hazards relevant to the industry.
RIO RICO, AZ – MAS Melons & Grapes are only a week out from the start of Sonora’s table grape season, and the company is projecting a strong season, with an estimated volume of 19 million cartons.
“Sonora’s table grape production is extremely important for the fresh produce industry, as it happens right between the end of the South American season, mainly from Chile and Peru, countries with the highest exports to the United States, and the beginning of the California season, mostly from the San Joaquin Valley,” explained Miky Suarez, President, in a press release. “I think Sonora along with the Coachella Valley in California are considered as the beginning of the spring, since after a long winter season, it is time for the industry to get ready for a new beginning.”
The company noted in its press release that both its Hermosillo and Caborca crops—strategically located in regions where fertile soil and climate make for ideal cultivation—look like they are headed toward a good season. And the company noted that MAS Melons & Grapes grower partners use some of the most technologically-advanced farming and post-harvest method to provide the best, premium-quality grapes possible to its international customer base.
“In addition to the United States and Canada, which are our main markets, this year our company is planning to export to New Zealand, Japan, and if quality and volume conditions remain as expected, to the south of Asia, like Malaysia and Singapore, and at a lower proportion, to England and Panama,” said Miky.
MAS Melons & Grapes currently markets Perlette, Flame, Sugraone, Black Seedless, and Red Globe varieties, and this season, the company has begun to evaluate the agronomic performance of several new green and red varieties for commercial production by 2018.
“Currently, few premium varieties from the SNFL Group in Spain are being tested in the field, and our company has already allocated some acreage to commercially produce them next season," said Miky.
According to the company’s press release, the overall quality of fruit this year is expected to be very promising, to show good uniformity of bunch structure and berry size. The company noted that, should conditions remain in place, the season outcome will be outstanding.
Generally, Mexican table grape season starts the first week of May and lasts through the first or second week of July. With some varieties like Red Globe, though, the overwhelming majority of total volume is harvested by the end of June.
For more on seasonal offerings and important produce providers, check in with us a AndNowUKnow.
FAISON, NC - Southern Produce Distributers, Inc. announced the passing of President and CEO Stewart Precythe on Thursday April 20, 2017.
“We are saddened with the passing of Stewart. He was a wonderful father, leader, and man who will be greatly missed in the company and farming community,” said CFO Sterling Cook in a company announcement.
“To the customers and friends of Southern Produce, we ask that you keep the Precythe family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” said longtime friend and employee of Precythe’s, Brenda Oglesby. “But, be assured in knowing that we will continue to offer you the best products and service available in the industry.”
A veteran of 50 years in the produce industry, Precythe laid the foundation for the company’s continued success.
“The future of the company will be in line with the principals Stewart left us. We will continue to honor his commitment to the industry through hard work and determination in honoring the man that meant so much to so many,” Cook said. “He will be greatly missed, but we will pull together as a family and do what he would want us to do. The family is in the process of finalizing arrangements for Stewart. We will give more details as they are available and we thank everyone for their calls and concerns.”
We at ANUK offer our sincerest condolences to Presythe’s family, friends, and all those affected by this loss.
WENATCHEE, WA - The apricots are in full bloom at CMI Orchards, with growers reporting that a colder spring has pushed this year’s crop to come off the trees later than last year.
“The cool nights and warm daytime temperatures in the Columbia River Valley really help bring out the extra sweet flavor or our apricots,” George Harter, VP of Marketing, said.
This year’s crop should be harvested around July 2, according to a press release. Although the highly-anticipated Washington State apricot season is short, with shipments ending in July, CMI said that consumer interest for the tasty treat continues to grow.
Rich in vitamin A, which plays a key role in healthy vision, neurological function, healthy skin, and more, 100g provide 64% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). The company added that consuming a diet high in antioxidants is a way to naturally slow aging. Additionally, apricots are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, iron, zinc, calcium and manganese.
Sliced in a summer salad, breakfast cereal, or mixed into pancake batter, find out how to hook consumers with the fruit's versatility during the short window of this sweet season by clicking here.
IRWINDALE, CA - The produce industry has a gravity to it. Some will say it’s in your blood and that the course will eventually steer you to it. If you are Ali Sattler, that is pretty much what happened.
Coming up on her year anniversary at Charlie’s Produce, Ali took a break from her busy day to share the journey that brought her to one of the largest independently owned produce companies on the West Coast. And it had the most unlikely of beginnings.
“I have always been on the fringes of produce. My father, Todd Linsky, has worked in the organic produce sector for quite some time. He has always kept me engaged. It’s wonderful, I have grown up and become my dad,” Ali smiles as she speaks about her father. “For many, it is every kid’s dream, and I’m living it! He’s always been my hero, but the longer I’m in the industry the more I learn about him, and I’m finding he’s not just my hero; he’s a lot of peoples’ hero.”
In Ali’s current role at Charlie’s Produce, she buys and manages the banana category for her division, and also specifically manages the purchasing for the program business.
So, what path brought Ali to Charlie’s? Originally kicking off her education at Biola University where she played basketball, Ali blew out her knee her first year and decided to take some time and home-in on where her path would take her next. At that fork in the road, she decided to attend San Diego State University, and graduated with a degree in Theatre Arts with emphasis in Youth Theatre and Management.
After a move with her husband, Kevin, to be closer to his family in the Los Angeles area, Ali decided she wanted to give produce a try. She fielded a few career options and after an interview with Charlie’s Produce, she knew immediately that the company was right for her.
“The big reason I chose Charlie’s Los Angeles Division was because in my interview, my future boss told me he was looking to hire someone to replace him; talk about upward movement. I’ve never been so encouraged and so supported in any workplace.” Ali shares.
Ali started as a Buyer Admin and within three months she had her first promotion to Associate Buyer. Within another three months she was promoted to Buyer. Currently, Ali manages the most dollars and most cases in her department. Talk about rapid growth.
“It isn’t often I have the chance to slow down and really think about it, but the journey so far has been amazing, And unexpected. I could not have started down a path further from produce,” Ali laughs, reflecting on the unlikely but exciting journey to produce. “It is interesting though, I’ve found that the Stage Management courses I took, have been invaluable to my work at Charlie’s Produce. Managing theatre production and multiple departments with all the moving pieces, ended up being the perfect vehicle for managing those like-elements in produce. Each are intricate and require a meticulous attention to detail while being able to anticipate potential challenges with quick but thoughtful reactions.”
What’s next for Ali as she looks to the rest of 2017? There are only possibilities. And we think her upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing.