ATLANTIC COAST - If you read that we were reporting on hurricanes and thought, “Already?” you are not alone. While it feels as though we just put the last hurricane season to bed, experts at Colorado State University are anticipating an early Atlantic hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30, according to Pilot Online, but Hurricane Alex, formed on Jan. 12, became one of history’s earliest named storms.
Researchers are expecting the season to be slightly below average, however–a weak La Niña this past winter could be followed by a weak-to-moderate El Niño. El Niño winds tend to take apart hurricanes, according to source gCaptain, slowing things down around the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.
In the report, researches note the probability of major hurricanes making landfall as:
- 42 percent for the entire U.S. coastline, with an average of 52 percent over the last century
- 24 percent for the U.S. East Coast, including the Florida peninsula, with an average of 31 percent over the last century
- 24 percent for the Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle westward to Brownsville, with an average of 30 percent for the last century
- 34 percent for the Caribbean, which averages 42 percent for the last century
Overall, 11-12 named storms are expected, four of which could become hurricanes and two which could reach major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.
In 2016, we saw 15 named storms. Of those, seven became hurricanes and four developed into major hurricanes.
As the season continues to develop and become clearer, we will report on any further developments that could impact growing regions in the produce industry.
BENTONVILLE, AR – There’s a new strategy at the forefront of Walmart’s future operations, one that has placed the retailer’s supply chain in focus. Unveiling a new sustainability platform, the retail giant is looking to cut one gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from its operations and supply chains.
"Through the years, we've seen that integrating sustainable practices into our operations improves business performance, spurs technological innovation, inspires brand loyalty, and boosts employee engagement," stated Laura Phillips, Senior Vice President for Sustainability. “Our suppliers recognize the opportunity to realize those same benefits in their businesses. By working together on such an ambitious goal, we can accelerate progress within our respective companies and deep in our shared supply chains.”
The new project, dubbed Project Gigaton, will also look to provide Walmart’s suppliers with the necessary means to cut down on emissions to meet the goal. According to a press release, Walmart will focus on areas such as manufacturing, materials, and use of products.
Walmart’s one gigaton goal is roughly equivalent to removing more then 211 million passenger vehicles off of U.S. roads and highways for an entire year. The company stated that it is the first retail company with a verified science-based target emissions-reduction plan.
The company will provide members of its supply chain with an emissions reduction toolkit. The company collaborated with World Wildlife Fund, Environmental Defense Fund, and other non-governmental organizations on these supplies.
“We are proud of the improvements we’ve made in reducing our own emissions, but we aim to do more. That’s why we’re working with our suppliers and others on Project Gigaton,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer.
The company is looking to obtain its goal by reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 18 percent by 2025. Simultaneously, Walmart will also focus on shrinking its CO2E, or carbon dioxide equivalent, emissions from upstream and downstream Scope 3 sources by one billion tons (or, one gigaton) between 2015 and 2030. Walmart has also identified energy, agriculture, waste, packaging, deforestation, product use, and design as goal areas in which to focus Scope 3 climate efforts.
IMMOKALEE, FL - We are now mere days before the annual Viva Fresh Produce expo, and with the spirit of showing off the brightest new innovations in mind, Lipman Produce is introducing new display kits and in-store signage for retailers for its hallmark variety, The Crimson Tomato.
Marketing and Business Development for Lipman, Jessica Kerstein, joins me to go in-depth about the company’s latest merchandising tools and to share the details about the company’s largest-volume fresh market product—The Crimson Tomato.
“Lipman designed these new Crimson Tomato display kits to help our retail partners boost their tomato sales,” Jessica fills me in about the company’s latest offering. “In addition to the in-store signage, the merchandising kit also includes several other point-of-sale materials to help tell the story of what makes The Crimson so special. It’s designed to sell.”
Also ready to debut at Viva Fresh, Lipman has new retail packages of its mini cucumbers equipped with handle bags, mini sweet pepper handle bags, flow wrap for its tomato-on-the-vine, and flow wrap for its multi color peppers.
The goal with the new kits and packaging is to boost both sales and produce consumption, Jessica tells me. Lipman’s innovative display offerings allow retailers a solution for easy product placement and promotion—key aspects in pushing sales for all produce items.
So, why should retailers be paying attention to The Crimson Tomato variety?
“Its about the delicious and juicy Homegrown flavor,” Jessica answers. “With a signature deep red color both inside and out, this variety’s solid meaty center holds its body vine-ripened. The Crimson has higher lycopene content than standard tomatoes. Really, there’s nothing better for your burger, sandwich, salad, or snack…anyway you slice it.”
Jessica tells me the Lipman team has been eagerly preparing for Viva Fresh this year and its intimate trade show environment, noting the great mix of buyers and suppliers as one of its greatest draws.
Want to see everything new Lipman has to offer for yourself? Stop by booth #115 this weekend and feast your eyes on these lovely produce innovations.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Last year was one of rapid growth for Meijer, and the retailer’s plans for 2017 show no signs of stopping. The company has announced May 18th opening dates for two new Michigan supercenters in the Upper Peninsula, the first in the region for the company.
The two new supercenters, in Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie, have already started receiving product and training staff for the openings, according to local NBC affiliate WLUC. The company has also released a video, shown below, highlighting the historic crossing of the first Meijer truck crossing the Mackinac Bridge.
According to the source, Meijer will hold the official ceremonious ribbon cutting for the two stores on May 18th, and will continue with ample promotions and special events for the grand opening celebrations scheduled for May 21st.
As we’ve previously reported, the Grand Rapids, MI based retailer has the strongest presence in Michigan, followed by Ohio which the company has recently focused its expansions in. According to WLUC, the Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie centers are two of seven new stores Meijer has announced plans to open in Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin for 2017.
How will the retail landscape continue to change? Follow along with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report.
TEXAS – Truck operators in the state now have some new requirements to uphold, as Texas looks to institute electronic logging devices (ELDs) to record duty status of its drivers. The state passed a new bill that will require truck operators to begin using the tech pieces by Dec. 19, 2019, with a special exemption for agricultural operators.
This announcement makes Texas the first state to issue its own ELD requirement for intrastate truckers. A move that Joe Rajkovacz, Head of Regulatory Affairs for the Western States Trucking Association, said to Overdrive Online that other states will follow as well. Some states, such as California, have already provided pushback on the code.
Texas’ bill was made to step in line with the federal government’s mandate requiring the use of ELDs for interstate truckers. Though the new Texas bill simply points to the U.S. Department of Transportation code on ELDs, it is currently unclear whether the state’s laws will also include the federal exemptions.
The state has also made a special provision for truckers of our own industry. According to the bill, truckers hauling agricultural products within a 150-air-mile radius of a category’s point of origin or distribution during harvest season will be exempt from the strictures.
The federal mandate, first instituted in December 2015, requires nearly all truck operators to begin using an ELD to keep track of their hours in service by Dec. 18, 2017.
There seems to be a mixed reception on the use of such devices; with some claiming they breach operator privacy, and others upholding their implementation to create a safer work environment.
As other states look to institute their own mandates, or resist doing so, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Association of Perishable Agricultural Receivers (NAPAR) has announced dates for its annual golf tournament named in honor of produce industry icon Pete Class, former CEO of the Class Produce Group.
On May 13th, 2017, more than 100 golfers from the industry will tee off at Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough, NJ, in a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. The round will be followed by an awards luncheon and a raffle, featuring cash prizes of $2,000 and $1,000, consumer electronics, golf equipment, and golf shop gift certificates.
In a company press release, NAPAR’s Chairman, Matthew D’Arrigo of D’Arrigo Brothers Co. of New York, said that “the continued success of NAPAR’s annual Pete Class Memorial Golf Tournament is due to the hard work of our members and the generous support of our sponsors.” And the association also noted that the tournament traditionally enjoys the support of more than 100 industry sponsors, and sponsorship opportunities are still available at NAPAR’s website.
Recognition of sponsors occurs at registration, on the course with tee box signs, and on the company’s website, and sponsorship commitments received by Tuesday, May 9th will be fully recognized on the course.
The annual event is planned and coordinated by the NAPAR Golf Tournament Committee, a committee including Derrick Jenkins of Wakefern Food Corp., Chairman Emeritus Joe Procacci of Procacci Brothers Sales Corp., Jay Rosenstein of William Rosenstein & Sons, and Matthew D’Arrigo.
A portion of the proceeds from the tournament will be donated to food banks in the Tri-State area.
For more on events in the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - The leadership team at John Vena, Inc. has grown by two. The company announced that it has welcomed new Chief Financial Officer Joseph Gallagher, Jr., as well as new Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager, Nora Schmidt.
Gallagher brings more than three decades of experience in the field of accounting and strategic financial planning, the last six of which he spent as a controller for industry-leading aircraft manufacturer Textron Aviation.
“It’s exciting to work with a family-owned company that has such a rich history,” Gallagher said. “There is still significant room for growth here, and I’m excited to help access the opportunities.”
He also spent almost ten years with Penske Logistics, according to a press release, where he served as Senior Financial Analyst and Finance Project Manager.
Schmidt has worked in both the food/beverage and chemical industries as a quality control and quality assurance professional, and said that she is thrilled to be returning to the food industry after a time in the chemical industry. She brings a focus on audit-readiness and development of successful food safety programs, including:
- HACCP plans
- Inspection programs
- Environmental monitoring procedures
“With our packing and production facilities growing and increased logistics capabilities on the horizon, the timing is right to welcome Joe and Nora to the team,” said John Vena, third-generation President. “Quality control and financial leadership are key in this industry. They have always been central to our business model and we’re making investments in our team accordingly. I’m very excited to see their contributions in action.”
Gallagher will be working with the management team at John Vena, Inc., where the company said he will be helping to strengthen financial reporting initiatives and monitor KPIs during a period of extended growth and expansion of services.
Schmidt will be partner with the production and facilities team to ensure John Vena, Inc. remains on the forefront of food safety science and protocol, as the company continues to factor innovation into improving available resources, as well as evolving standards.
Congratulations to both on this latest step in your careers.
PHARR, TX - With the Viva Fresh Produce Expo rapidly approaching, the produce industry has Texas on the brain. With that spirit in mind, I checked in with Pharr, Texas’ own London Fruit to see what the company has in store for those who stop by booth #500.
“London Fruit was the first company committed to Viva Fresh,” explains Project Manager Kalani Jaime. “We always love attending this show—the timing is perfect to get in front of our customers and new prospects, and being able to exhibit our 100% grown in Mexico products at a Southwest-based show is a huge bonus for us.”
Now about to begin the second half of its mango season out of Michoacán, Nayarit, and Sinaloa, London Fruit will again have its full line of Atualfo, Haden, and Tommy varieties at the booth. While this has been an unusual year for Mexican mangos, with fluctuations in timing and pricing, London Fruit is optimistic about its position in the market.
“London Fruit has always been able to maintain a strong market share because of how much personal attention we give our customers,” Jerry Garcia, Sr. Vice President and Sales Manager, tells me. “We’re very hands on with all of our products, making sure you get the best quality and service, as well as providing custom packs to meet your needs.”
To better serve its customers, London Fruit is able to repack its products in retail packages tailored best to suit customer’s needs. The company can pack its selections in clamshells, bags, or any other specialty packs to ensure that its Mexican grown mangos, avocados, and limes receives a high-quality pack.
“We invite our friends, our current customers, and new visitors alike to check in with London Fruit at Viva Fresh and see all of our quality products first-hand,” Kalani added.
Follow Kalani’s advice and make sure to stop by booth #500 this weekend. See you all there!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Putting consumers’ love of sports at the forefront of this new tactic, Fresh Solutions Network, LLC has debuted a new promotional program. Targeting athletes and sports fans, the company has unveiled the Side Delights® Performance Promotion in order to tie consumers’ love of potatoes with the categories positive impact on athletic performance.
“Big game days such as the World Cup, World Series, March Madness, and the Super Bowl have become not just sporting events but eating occasions,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO. “As a recent Forbes article stated, ‘The Super Bowl is to the food industry what Christmas is to retailers.’ We are leveraging the excitement and energy around these events with promotions and merchandising that will encourage shoppers to purchase potatoes and other nutritious ingredients for home celebrations.”
The promotion sports the theme “Potatoes Fuel Performance.” According to a press release, this focus centers the campaign around the taste, nutritional value, and ability of a potato to positively affect an athlete’s performance.
The program features four major sports themes; football, basketball, soccer, and baseball. Consumers are provided information throughout the campaign on potato nutrition, in addition to gaining access to pre- and post-workout recipes in Performance Magazine via QR code links.
In store sales will be also supported by the company with POS materials, such as:
- Shelf talkers
- Product merchandiser with custom header cards
- New floor bins for strategic placement
“Research shows that when potatoes are merchandised in secondary displays outside of the Produce Department, overall potato category sales increase by nearly 16%, featured item sales increase by 78% and the total basket ring is 2% higher,” Triou continued. “We are providing retailers with the tools to help increase sales.”
Fresh Solutions Network also plans to generate additional awareness for the Athletic Performance Promotion across Facebook and Twitter postings, as well as its website.
What’s next for the Fresh Solutions Network team? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on innovative marketing tactics.
LIMA, PERU – A powerful earthquake hit northern Peru this Tuesday, with reverberations carrying as far as neighboring Colombia and Ecuador.
The earthquake struck the sparsely-populated Loreto region, with its epicenter occuring 259 km (approximately 161 miles) west of the city of Iquitos.
Reports on the magnitude of the earthquake vary. The US Geological Survey reported the quake’s magnitude at 5.8, but reports from other news sources such as the Washington Post, The Nation, and Channel NewsAsia, including Peruvian sources such as RPP Noticias—many of which cite the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP)—have reported the earthquake's magnitude to be as high as 6.2.
Residents in some towns in Peru and Ecuador were reportedly evacuated as a precautionary measure, though no property damage or injuries were reported.
Residents of Quito, Ecuador’s capital, reportedly fled from buildings and took shelter in the city’s open plazas, and The Washington Post noted that Tuesday's earthquake occurred mere days after Ecuador commemorated the first anniversary of a tragic quake in which almost 700 people were lost.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this seismically-volatile growing region.