BERLIN, GERMANY – Usually noted for its host of speed-loving vehicles–at least as far as most U.S. citizens consider it–Germany’s autobahn was recently host to a new sort of inhabitant. After a truck recently tipped its contents, 15 tons of vegetables spilled over its concrete, partially shutting down the highway.
The truck carrying a weighty supply of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers first ran into trouble when it went off the A14 autobahn and hit a highway bank over the weekend. According to the US News, the next stage of peril arose when the load tipped from its wheeled transport, making a new mixed veggie array on the infamous road.
The accident occurred near the Eastern city of Magdeburg. The truck’s driver, and its single passenger, were not hurt in the occurrence.
Crews swarmed the scene and closed down a southbound section of the German highway in order to clean up the mess. The highway has since been reopened.
What kind of mix will veggies find themselves in next? AndNowUKnow will have the latest news in spills, produce mishaps, and the like.
IMMOKALEE, FL - Six lucky youths may soon find themselves dreaming of tomato growing as their future career path.
Lipman Family Farms has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and the District School Board of Collier County to create “Beyond School Walls.” A first-of-its-kind mentorship program for local high school students, it will be be sponsored by the generosity of Volunteer Florida, according to a press release.
“We are thrilled to partner with such great organizations for the Beyond School Walls program,” said Jaime Weisinger, Lipman’s Community Relations Director and Board Chairman for Lipman Family Foundation. “The skills that students will gain through this program will be unmatched, and the mentorship program will help guide them to the next steps in their lives and careers.”
The students will shadow Lipman executives for 12 weeks, working with the company and experiencing what it’s like to work for a corporation, learn business etiquette, and identify educational requirements for professional success.
All while under the wing Lipman’s experienced mentors.
“The Beyond School Walls program is a great avenue for vulnerable youth in our community to learn professional skills from local mentors who are committed to seeing them succeed,” said Marianne Weiss, Vice President of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. “It is important for young people to be exposed to local employers and see the opportunities for growth right here in Collier County.”
Launched in the beginning of March, the program will run through May 31, with each student having:
- 150 completed hours of work for Lipman Family Farms
- Received one high school credit
- Become eligible for an interview with a Fortune 500 company, set up by the National Academy Foundation
The program looks to help keep students in the Immokalee community by showing them that moving to a big city is not the only choice for those looking for executive positions, and how much staying local has to offer in the way of careers–for the produce industry and beyond.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Bringing veritable strength to its already stalwart foundation, Walmart is looking to boost operations through another distribution center. Planned to directly neighbor an already existing distribution center, the facility has been slated for the retailer’s homebase of Bentonville, Arkansas.
"We have decided to build a new distribution center here in the area to increase our logistics capacity and capabilities in this market," Director of Communications Anne Hatfield said. "[Northwest Arkansas] continues to be an attractive location for supporting our distribution needs in the Midwest."
The recently-unveiled plans place the new facility right across the street from the current facility in Bentonville. The retailer will boost its distribution with a proposed total of 1.27-million-square-feet of space; with 1.03-million-square-feet of warehouse space, 216,000-square-feet for shipping, and 16,037-square-feet for office space. According to the Arkansas Online, Walmart submitted a large-scale development proposal to the city last month, calling the plans “Project Maple.”
The proposal also makes room for a future expansion of 229,000-square-feet of warehouse space. The 119.77-acre plot across from the existing 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center is currently owned by Ft Scott Property LLC, which purchased the plot in 2013 for $2.63 million.
Hatfield stated that as of right now, it is too early to declare a timeline or number of employees the retailer is expecting.
As of this time, Walmart has 147 distribution centers strategically located throughout the U.S.
How will this new distribution center look to further Walmart’s fresh offerings? AndNowUKnow will have the latest on the retailer’s buy-side status.
PHOENIX, AZ – Keeping to its expansive strategy, Sprouts Farmers Market announced 11 new locations set to open during the second half of 2017. In total, the company will open 32 stores throughout the U.S. this year.
In a press release, Sprouts announced its plans to open locations at the following sites:
- Clairemont, CA – 4635 Clairemont Drive
- Diamond Bar, CA – 239 South Diamond Bar Boulevard
- Las Vegas, NV – 8441 Farm Road
- Memphis, TN – 576 South Perkins
- Mesa, AZ – Loop 202 and Recker Road
- Nashville, TN – 7620 Highway 70 South
- Newark, CA – 6399 Jarvis Avenue
- Palm Harbor, FL – 33650 US Highway 19 North
- Redlands, CA – Eureka and I-10
- Reno, NV – Meadows Parkway and Double R Boulevard
- Yuma, AZ – 1590 South Fourth Avenue
Each store will bring employment opportunities to more than 100 people in local neighborhoods. The company noted that grand openings and hiring information will be announced at a later date, but prospective employees can apply for immediate opportunities at its website.
The retailer noted its dedication to growing responsibly and doubled down on its commitment to a “Zero Waste” threshold by 2020. The Sprouts Food Rescue program donates unsold, edible, but not marketable, groceries to local food banks. In 2016, Sprouts stores and distribution centers donated approximately 18 million pounds of food, equivalent to 15 million meals, reducing both hunger and the company’s environmental footprint. Food that is not fit for human donation is either composted or sent to cattle through Sprouts’ Food Waste to Farms program.
A complete list of Sprouts stores—including some locations coming soon—can be found here.
For more on this and other important retailers in the produce industry, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
CALIFORNIA - What experts called one of the most crucial measuring periods for California’s snowpack took place last week, and the results are promising for ag.
At 183% of the April long term average, snow depth at Phillips Station measured at 94.4 inches and water content at 46.1 inches.
Frank Gehrke, Chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program, shared that the 2017 snowpack ranks in the upper quarter of historic snowpacks, according to The Folsom Telegraph, and said it is expected to provide “great reservoir recovery.”
“This is an extremely good year from the snowpack standpoint,” said Gehrke. “The storm track shifted away from California during March but we still have a very substantial snowpack.”
Phillips Station combines with central Sierra average of 175% April's average–147% for northern Sierra and 164% for southern Sierra, the report said.
"On or about April 1, all of the snow courses within California are measured, so it's the most comprehensive snapshot of what's going on for the entire season," said Gehrke, noting the date's importance in the overall projection for the state’s year of water resources.
California’s drought status will be addressed once again this week; The Department of Water Resources is expected to announce in the coming days if conservation regulations will remain as we get into the hotter months.
As we reported previously, Southern California’s Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, and Fairbanks Ranch were the last to see an official ‘end’ declared to the drought.
As we continue to receive word, AndNowUKnow will update this and other weather events influencing the produce industry.
WASHINGTON, DC – It's no secret that one of my favorite aspects of this industry is the people, and the way we know how to come together and have a good time. Combining a love of produce with the beloved elegance of an industry event, The Organic Center brought these facets out emphatically at its recently held 14th Annual Benefit Dinner. The event was marked for success as it raised over $400,000 to support non-profit organic research projects and education organizations.
“The work of The Organic Center is critical, and it can’t be done without our help,” Todd Linsky, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Center, stated in a release. “Our fundraiser not only celebrates the accomplishments of The Organic Center, but it celebrates the vision of everyone who supports this important work to empower farmers and consumers to make well-educated decisions based on sound research. Supporting The Organic Center is truly a win-win for all.”
Featuring over 500 organic visionaries, activists, and businesses, attendees were graced with stimulating conversation and a delicious array of food at the event. This year’s event boasted a captivating theme of “Science Says So,” which also marked the single biggest fundraising event for the Center.
Held during Natural Products Expo West, the fundraising event served as a huge networking opportunity during the gathering at large. Guests were also treated to unique and entertaining ways of understanding the science behind organics during the dinner.
Truly making for a differentiated event, and a year of firsts, the event further enamored attendees with highlights such as:
- The Secret Ingredient: Hosts Raj Patel, Tom Philpott, and Rebecca McInroy dined on center stage with Dr. Shade and Chef Raiford to discuss the work of The Center and the science behind the 160 ingredients used to create the dinner.
- Capitol Hill Support: U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine spoke to attendees over video and pledged to continue her role as a strong advocate for organic.
- Live-taped Podcast: By NPR-affliated and Austin, Texas-based The Secret Ingredient team. The team featured a live discussion during dinner with The Center’s Director of Science Programs Dr. Jessica Shade, and Chef and cultivar of the all-organic dinner served, Chef Matthew Raiford.
- Debut of two short films: The shown silver screen works showcased the beneficial work of the organization, and its focus on fostering healthy soils and research promotion.
The Organic Center is an independent non-profit educational and research organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.
With another successful dinner under its belt, The Organic Center is looking even further ahead to all things organic, with its second-ever Organic Confluences Summit, to be held this May in Washington, DC.
For more information on the event at large, and to get further geared up for next year’s dinner, click here.
Congrats on another fruitful event!
SACRAMENTO, CA - Flatscreen smart TVs are everywhere. For as little as $400, a person can buy a 40-inch Samsung television with internet connectivity and features that allow for web browsing. For $40, you can purchase an Amazon Fire TV Stick or, for $35, a Google Chromecast that will make your preexisting TV “smart.”
With our latest proprietary product—BreezyTV—companies can take advantage of this common platform and turn virtually any TV, anywhere into an effective marketing tool.
BreezyTV is a product optimized for smart TV use—designed to help our industry easily and effectively manage multimedia content wherever a TV is available.
Now, using BreezyTV, anywhere there is a television, you can have a channel showcasing what your company has to offer.
Watch the video above for more information.
KINGSBURG, CA – With an early start to the season forthcoming, consumers will have their taste buds bursting with the flesh of California cherries for even longer this year. As King Fresh Produce looks to this expanded season, what else can retailers expect for this year’s premium cherries?
As President Keith Wilson recently told me, King Fresh Produce will start its California season on April 25, and run through to the end of June. In perfect timing, and supplementing the early start, comes more consumer demand for cherries than ever before.
“New early season varieties in our orchards are now at age to produce good volumes, allowing us to start our season early this year,” Keith says.
King Fresh will kick off the season with Royal Tioga and Brooks in April, before adding Tulare, Coral, and Bings in May–with Bings finishing out the season. As its orchards mature, King Fresh expects an increase in this year’s volume compared to previous years.
“May 8th will be the start of heavy volume through May 25th, with all of our varieties being available,” Keith continues. “As the later part of the season picks up Bings are expected to peak in early June.”
To answer its customer needs, King Fresh will be packing its fruit primarily in random weight pouch bags, in addition to continuing its fixed weight clamshell programs.
“If Mother Nature continues to cooperate the way she has been for California cherries, we expect our planted acreage to produce a big crop with plenty of promotional opportunities for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day,” Keith finishes, emphasizing that its consumers always look forward to the start of the season.
What’s next for King Fresh Produce? As the company prepares to follow its California cherries with its grape offerings, stick with AndNowUKnow for all the latest.
CORAL GABLES, FL - With new trends and produce ways of life sweeping through the buy-side sector, there has been an increased need to pair consumer accessibility with these new and flavorful interests. Del Monte Fresh Produce has answered that call in spades, by providing consumers directly with the prepared spiralized veggie noodles they’ve been craving.
Launched at the end of last year, the company has been gracing retail banners across the U.S. with its seven blends of highly demanded vegetables. As Vice President of Marketing recently shared, rave reviews have rolled in for the selection as the company puts more plans in the works.
“We’ve received tremendous reviews from retailers, customers, and the media since our initial kickoff,” Dionysios shares with me. “Consumers love that they are 100 percent fresh, preservative free, gluten-free, and are conveniently packaged for instant serving or cooking.”
As a highly sought-after alternative to pasta, Del Monte has marked the highest demand for its zuchinni and butternut squash mixes. As consumers experiment with the offerings and their flavors, the entire line is currently as follows:
- Zucchini
- Butternush squash
- Sweet potato
- Beet
- Yellow squash
- Blend of zucchini/yellow squash/carrot
- Blend of butternut squash/red onion/green pepper
“In addition to our unique and delicious flavors, consumers are looking to Del Monte Fresh for veggie noodles as our line is sold pre-cut and ready to add to salads, sauté, or boil,” Dionysios continues. “We’ve taken all of the prep work out, making it even faster and convenient for consumers to prepare than traditional pasta noodles.”
Created especially to align with consumer trends for convenient and healthy produce options, Fresh Del Monte is planning to continue the lines expansion as interest in pasta alternatives grows.
As Vegetable Noodles continue to flourish, AndNowUKnow will have all the latest updates.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NatureSweet® Tomatoes has welcomed a slew of new awards to its shelf, receiving a Leadership 500 Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year. The company’s win came in the category of outstanding achievements in human capital development, fostered by its leadership development business model, Unleashing the Power of People (UPoP). For the year, NatureSweet has received seven awards for programs derived from UPoP, including: Powerful Brand Immersion, Best Use of Teamwork, and Best Global Leadership Program, among others.
"We have nearly 8,000 full-time Associates working at NatureSweet with an average tenure of over five years. Our proud Associates are our biggest competitive advantage. They are experts on growing NatureSweet tomatoes with care and without compromises," shared CEO and President Bryant Ambelang. "Being honored as a recipient of the Leadership 500 Excellence Award underscores the hard work of our Associates whose passion for cultivating high-quality produce will continue to propel our business toward even greater leadership ahead.”
According to a press release, NatureSweet’s UPoP model is designed for associate training and development. Using a carefully developed talent selection and management process, UPoP seeks to ensure that NatureSweet’s current and prospective associates are aligned with the brand's commitment to having a positive social, environmental, and economic impact on the communities in which it serves.
As we’ve reported in the past, NatureSweet is channeling UPoP's mission to its consumers through its "Tomatoes Raised Right" campaign. As the company explains, the heart of this campaign is the company's dedicated Associates, who control every step of the growing process.
To learn more about NatureSweet and its Tomatoes Raised Right campaign, visit the company’s website at naturesweet.com.