ORLANDO, FL – The industry is abuzz with all things Viva Fresh as the event approaches. National Mango Board (NMB) certainly has a treat in store for attendees, as it looks to help retailers transform mangos into a staple purchase with its educational session.
The session will be hosted by NMB Retail Program Manager Wendy McManus, and Ripening Expert Dennis Kihlstadius. During the session, NMB will use engaging and entertaining methods to cover topics at a fast pace from receiving and ripening, all the way to store level and consumer behavior.
The NMB stated in a press release that while mangos are one of the most popular fruits in the world, U.S. mangos still have yet to make the top ten list of consumed fruits. This session is specifically aimed at arming retailers with the tools they need in order to transform mangos from just a specialty fruit to a mainstream staple.
The presentation will include audience participation during a mango consumer acceptance study to test mango ripeness preference. The NMB will also enlist the audience in tasting opportunities, doling out its Mango and Avocado Salsa, and mango cubes sprinkled with Tajin fruit spice. The company has also asked several retailers to participate in a hands-on mango cutting lesson.
Don’t miss this mango-filled session at Viva Fresh Expo on Friday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Hotel in Austin, TX, in Salon J.
See you there!
SANTA BARBARA, CA - To say that I allot a specific space in my refrigerator for pickled and fermented items is a bit of an understatement. This category gets its own shelf. And from the way I have seen these on-trend items launch into their upward trajectory, I would have to anticipate a need for more shelf space soon.
While the trend is definitely rising in my own home, it is growing by leaps and bounds across retail and foodservice platforms as well; much to the delight of many.
One of those companies making strides across the fermented segment of the fresh produce arena is Fermentata, a company founded by two sisters, Lauren and Simone Temkin. Recently the team partnered with the family-owned and operated fresh-cut onion giant Gills Onions, to bring their Classic Fermented Diced Onions and Golden Turmeric Fermented Diced Onions to market.
“You could say our relationship with Gills Onions mirrors nature’s most enviable and most enduring—a mutualistic symbiosis, which we feel very fortunate to have a role in,” Lauren shares with me. “As a supplier partner, Gills is widely regarded as the pinnacle among its peers, not only in the consistent quality of its produce, but also for the industry stewardship of Steve Gill in pioneering innovative, cost-effective solutions for sustainability and food safety.”
“From field to factory,” Lauren adds, “Gills invests in fostering a safe workplace and a diverse workforce. For a woman-owned small business with very big dreams, all these facets underscore our view of Gills as much more than an operations partner—Steve and his team are our visionary partners as well.”
By using Gills premium onions and scalable manufacturing, Fermentata is capable of guaranteeing nationwide fulfillment to foodservice customers of any size.
“The addition of Fermentata’s product line is bringing new interest to Gills’ legacy brand from forward-thinking buyers who are seeking easy, affordable ways to satisfy consumer demands for today’s hottest flavor and wellness trends,” Simone shares. “For foodservice accounts in every channel, Fermentata’s versatile Classic and Golden Turmeric onions are a low-prep, high-margin item backed by the distribution power and sterling reputation of Gills—we see it as a win, win.”
To help launch Fermentata to the industry, and to bring awareness to food-based beneficial probiotics, the company is also forming another partnership with Gills as an in-house marketing company for the new Fermentata brand.
“We see this as an opportunity for Gills to capture the attention of a fresh generation of curious, globally connected buyers and consumers that crave direct engagement, rewards social responsibility, and seek brand relevance to their own lives and interests,” Lauren says, ecstatic about this new path in their fermented future.
Consider this story just a taste of what Fermentata has yet to come—and whetting the appetite, I hope it is.
LOS ANGELES, CA - As consumers seek more and more to attain “foodie” status, fresh foods of lustre and acclaim are in high-demand. Giumarra Companies is answering this call by providing flavorful, opulent products, like the proprietary Nature’s Partner DulceVida™ line of white and yellow nectarines.
“This year we will be opening with more volume to offer a robust program for retail,” Jeannine Martin, Director of Sales, tells me excitedly, adding that white nectarines should be shipping around mid-May. Just in time to celebrate mothers with an indulgent stone fruit.
The program is licensed to Giumarra exclusively, Jeannine and fellow teammate Megan Schulz, Director of Communications, explain to me.
“Several years ago, our team came across these incredibly fragrant stone fruit varieties and decided to develop a partnership with the breeder. At the time, they didn’t have a brand or a name,” Megan shares. “We developed the DulceVida, or ‘sweet life,’ identity to tell the fruit’s story to consumers.”
And a sweet life it is. The blushing fruit is as attractive as it is tasty, offering what Megan and Jeannine describe as a new eating experience for the category.
“Much like with our Calypso mangos, we want Dulce Vida to be a lush eating experience that ultimately adds to the entire industry as a whole by reaching those consumers looking for an extra-special or unique item,” Megan shares.
With both aroma and flavor playing into these fruits like that of a fine wine, Jeannine tells me that Giumarra often suggests retailers think of DulceVida in a picnic scenario, describing something of a fresh fruit “charcuterie” spread.
“DulceVida tends to have a higher brix, offering a full eating experience. With the French origin, the aroma, and the flavor, this is definitely more of a special occasion item than a baking fruit.”
As those sunny days approach, and with them the DulceVida season, get ready to start pushing for more of those outdoor treats in fresh fruit and beyond.
HYDERABAD, INDIA - Truckers made an accidental foray into juicing recently, when a truck carrying grapes upended at high speed and spilled its contents into the roadway.
Adding insult to injury, local news source Telangana Today reported, fellow lorry drivers opted to abscond with the spilled cargo rather than help the truck’s crew.
Reportedly, the crash occurred while the truck was en route from Bijapur to Vijayawada travelling through Hyderabad. The driver fell asleep at the wheel, toppled the truck, and the vehicle slid along the road, dragging itself roughly 100 meters and depositing its vine-ripened cargo up and down the interstate.
Local police arrived late on the scene, some 45 minutes after the spill, and began clearing the road. The truck’s cargo was valued at two lakh, over $3,000 USD.
The truck’s crew were unharmed, making what Telangana Today described as a “miraculous escape.”
For more on produce accidents, impromptu juicing, and unplanned vinification, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
BENTONVILLE, AR - With an eye on remodeling several of its locations across the country, Walmart has selected the Las Vegas Valley as the home to a new multimillion dollar investment. The retailer has chosen three properties in the region to receive the remodels, which will include revamps of several departments, as well as a refreshed exterior.
A new report by the Las Vegas Review Journal brings to light county and city records confirming the following three properties will receive upwards of a combined $6 million worth of updates:
- A Walmart at 2310 E. Serene Ave., receiving county permits for $1.17 million worth of work.
- A Sam’s Club at 7100 Arroyo Crossing Parkway, receiving a county permit for $3.08 million of work.
- A Sam’s Club at 2650 E. Craig Road, receiving a city permit for work worth $1.86 million.
Walmart has been revealing a slew of new remodels over the past few years, as the company has looked to revamping its image as a destination for fresh and grocery-focused shoppers. President & CEO Greg Foran had previously announced that this is one of his major focuses for the company going forward, and now, it looks like that philosophy is also extending to the Sam’s Club banner.
“Sam’s has ramped up remodels and is currently renovating dozens of clubs a year, making them more desirable shopping destinations,” Tim Campbell, an analyst with U.K.-based Kantar Retail, told the source. “The club’s financial performance over the past three years has been mediocre, and they are looking to move the needle with this initiative.”
For more on Walmart’s future investments and shifts towards fresh, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
VALENCIA, CA - Former President & CEO of Sunkist Growers Russell Hanlin Sr. has passed away this week, on April 11, 2017, at age 84.
Hanlin served as President and CEO of Sunkist Growers for 20 years and was elected President Emeritus upon his retirement in November of 1998, according to the company. Prior to becoming President, Hanlin served the company in several capacities, including Vice President of the Products Group and International Advertising Director.
As a leader in global trade throughout his career, Hanlin was appointed to four Presidential Commissions by three U.S. presidents. His appointments included being nominated to the President's Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiation by Presidents Carter and Reagan, the President's Export Council by President Reagan, and the President's Commission on Executive Exchange by President George H. W. Bush.
Hanlin was inducted into The World Trade Hall of Fame for his work in opening overseas markets to American products and received the Maple Leaf award for promoting trade and understanding between the United States and Canada. He also served as Chairman of the Los Angeles Vancouver Sister City Committee. For his commitment to trade activity in Japan and his service to The Japan America Society of Southern California, where he served as Chairman Emeritus, the Emperor of Japan awarded Hanlin The Order of The Rising Sun with Gold Rays & Neck Ribbon.
Involvement in his local community was important to Hanlin. For 17 years, Hanlin served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Woodbury University. He was a Director of both the Los Angeles and California Chambers of Commerce and served as Chairman of The National Council of Agricultural Cooperatives, Chairman of United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association and a member of The U.S./Hong Kong Economic Council.
More recently, Hanlin served as Chairman of Progressive Beverages, Inc. and The Old Pasadena Management District.
Hanlin leaves behind his wife, Norma and an extended family of three adult children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The AndNowUKnow team would like to extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this loss.
MISSION, TX - The third annual Viva Fresh Produce Expo is returning to Austin, Texas, and embracing its reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Returning to the 19th Hole Celebration is rising country music performer Lauren Corzine, along with the “blues-rock soul-chedelic” sounding Eric Tessmer Band.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Lauren Corzine back again as the entertainment for the 19th Hole Celebration,” Craig Slate, Golf Tournament Chair and Vice President of Sales at SunFed. “It’s going to be a great way to kick off the 2017 Viva Fresh Expo and celebrate a fun tournament that will benefit Salad Bars to Schools.”
The celebration is slated to take place at the Pavilion-Omni Barton Creek Resort rom 6:30–9:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 20. Corzine, the event’s main act, has been booking shows as a country music singer since she was 11 years old, gaining notoriety as she has played all over the country, according to a press release.
The following evening, Eric Tessmer and his band will play at the Welcome Reception on Friday, April 21, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Located at the legendary Maggie Mae’s on 323 East 6th Street, within walking distance of the Hilton Austin Hotel, guests will be treated not only to a panoramic rooftop view and the iconic 6th Street local atmosphere and entertainment scene, but Tessmer’s known vibrant guitar playing.
“Eric Tessmer is an amazing guitarist and attendees will not be disappointed by this popular local band,” Bret Erickson, President & CEO of Texas International Produce Association, commented. “The great atmosphere at Maggie Mae’s right in the heart of Austin's world famous 6th street district is going to provide the high-energy Texas welcome that’s quintessential Texas, and create a venue for everyone to have a great time.”
Considered to be following in the footsteps of blues-rock legends such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and his namesake predecessors, The Eric Tessmer Band is a performance attendees won’t want to miss.
Entry to the 19th Hole Celebration is free for golf tournament players. Tickets will are available for all other attendees for $40, and will be sold at the door. A shuttle service will run from the Hilton Austin Hotel to the Omni Barton Creek Resort starting at 10:00 a.m. with the last shuttle leaving the resort at 10:00 p.m. Shuttle times will be posted in the Hilton lobby.
Hope to see you there!
SEATTLE, WA - I live for the secret menu at my favorite foodservice spots; ignite my sense of secrecy with a tasty treat, and I’m sold. So, you can imagine the glee that thousands of consumers are experiencing today as they rush to their neighborhood Starbucks to see their favorite strawberry-centric secret drink on the chain’s official menu for the first time. That’s right, the Pink Drink has made the big move.
“We’re thrilled that the beloved Pink Drink is joining the Starbucks menu, just in time for the warmer spring months,” said Vivienne Long, Starbucks Vice President, U.S. Retail Beverages, in a press release. “This delicious and refreshing drink is a celebration of our customers’ and baristas’ creativity and is just one of the 170,000 ways we craft beverages to meet each person’s unique taste preferences.”
A drink oh so pink, best with flowers we think. #PinkDrink pic.twitter.com/m1eLiuq1gL
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) April 13, 2017
Similar to one of my Starbucks go-to orders the Strawberry Acai Refresher®, the Pink Drink infuses the timeless taste of strawberry with accents of passion fruit and acai, stirred together with coconutmilk. Top it off with a scoop of strawberries, and the unforgettable berry pinkness is complete.
Food & Wine reported that the drink first blasted into online infamy through Instagram last summer, with its rosy color and the pop of berries. The source noted that the biggest social media success from the secret menu is also the first to join Starbuck’s official menu.
The drink is available at participating stores year-round, and also on the Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay app.
If you’re anything like our office today–and a good portion of the U.S., it seems–you’ll also be rushing to your neighborhood Starbucks to collect yourself a strawberry-endowed Pink Drink.
Which berry will cause a nationwide commotion next? Stick with AndNowUKnow to find out.
BRAMPTON, ON – Improving its network of stores and services while buoying the country’s wellbeing, Loblaw has announced plans to invest approximately C$1.3 billion into the Canadian economy. All told, the retailer plans to create an estimated 10,000 retail, trade, and construction jobs; open 30 new stores; and renovate more than 500 existing stores.
"Our investment will create improved retail experiences for customers and local jobs for communities," said Chairman and CEO Galen G. Weston, in a company press release. "Our focus is clear: Across our network, we will provide greater access to fresh, affordable, innovative food and more robust health and wellness services for Canadians."
In addition to new and improved brick-and-mortar locations, the company plans to continue expanding its Click & Collect e-commerce platform, improve its health and wellness services, and add fresh produce and other offerings to the company’s Shoppers Drug Mart locations.
The company noted that its 2017 investment will expand and improve Loblaw's network, including properties owned and operated by Choice Properties REIT.
Loblaw’s latest expansion efforts will add to the company’s more than 2,400 locations and 200,000 employees.
AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-date on this and other important retailer’s investments and earnings as they occur.
GONZALES, CA - Rain or shine, nothing keeps Taylor Farms® down when it comes to innovation and the strides the team will take to help lead the industry in sustainability. And here in California, we welcome the rain.
Today, the producer of value-added produce and healthy fresh foods in North America is unveiling its sustainability project at the company’s Gonzales, California facility. To commemorate the unveiling, Taylor Farms Gonzales is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to introduce this intricate energy eco-system and mark the continued growth of Taylor Farms’ leadership in sustainability.
“The facility will now utilize wind, solar, and cogeneration energy systems, making it the first advanced system of its kind in the agriculture industry,” Nicole Flewell, Director of Sustainability, Taylor Farms, shares.
With a celebratory mood in the air, Nicole, along with Bruce Taylor, Founder and CEO, are delivering welcome speeches and introducing the innovative technologies, alongside Mayor of Gonzales Maria Orozco, as well as representatives from REC Solar, Foundation Wind Power, and Concentric Power.
And a feat of modern technology it is.
Generating 4.25 MW of energy on-site, which will be utilized to run the 192,000-sq.-ft. fresh vegetable processing plant, these combined systems are driving Taylor Farms sustainability initiatives forward. In addition, the facility has the potential to generate enough power to operate 100 percent of operations, but on average, the three systems will offset energy usage by more than 90 percent.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the progress Taylor Farms is making to expand our sustainability program,” Flewell adds. “The investment that has been put forth to elevate this program is proof of the shared commitment company-wide.”
To touch on a few more of the major technology milestones, the wind turbine, installed in November, 2014, is a 1 MW GE wind turbine. This turbine has produced an annual energy offset of 16 percent since its installation. In addition, the 1 MW solar array, consisting of 3,578 panels, according to a press release, was installed in July, 2016 with an annual energy offset of 10 percent.
“This is a fantastic achievement for not only Taylor Farms’ Gonzales manufacturing plant, but the industry as a whole," said Karen Ross, Secretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture. "The innovation, leadership, and dedication Taylor Farms is delivering to their community in regards to alternative energy should lead as an example for all.”
Installed this month, the natural-gas-powered cogeneration system, the latest addition to the Gonzales facility, is expected to produce an annual energy offset of 62 percent. With the use of natural gas and on-site energy production, this system is 21 percent cleaner than a utility grid, the company shares.
And rain or shine, nothing will keep this AndNowUKnow writer from witnessing this event first-hand. Congratulations Taylor Farms on your pioneering efforts and achievements in the arena of sustainability and beyond!