KINGSVILLE, ON - As innovators in the industry, SUNSET® has once again been recognized for its unique packaging. The company brought home gold and silver awards at the PAC Global Leadership Expo for its Minzano® pasta kit and new organic line, respectively.
“We’re thrilled to have been recognized for our unique and original packaging designs,” shared Paul Mastronardi, President. “This is a huge achievement for our team as our goal is to always lead innovation in the industry.”
Bringing home the gold for the company is its SUNSET® Minzano® Pasta Kit, chosen for both its creative and attractive design. A unique new product for the industry, the kit features a dual chamber bowl—one side containing Minzano® tomatoes, the other containing pasta, as well as an expertly mixed spice pack. As explained in a press release, consumers have everything they need to create a fast, fresh meal for two in just 15 minutes.
And for its silver win, SUNSET Organics® packaging was selected for its distinctive paper-touch packaging, which is preprinted and 100 percent recyclable.
Want to learn more about the Minzano® Pasta Kit or SUNSET Organics®? Contact your sales representative at [email protected].
MONTEREY, CA – With the first few months of this year already creeping away from us, the first-ever Organic Grower Summit (OGS) is quickly approaching. A joint effort between the Organic Produce Network (OPN) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), the summit will be held at the Hyatt Regency Monterey in Monterey, California, December 13-14, 2017.
“CCOF growers look forward to this rare opportunity to network with each other and with other organic sector leaders and innovators,” said CCOF CEO Cathy Calfo, in a press release. “Growers are key to meeting the demand for organic products and grower-driven events like this summit are important to their success.”
The summit is a unique opportunity for the entire organic production chain—including service and supply partners—to come together for a single informative event.
Organic growers, producers, and handlers from across the fresh food world will have the opportunity to network and educate themselves alongside suppliers, service providers, packaging and technology companies, equipment manufacturers, and other entities critical to the industry’s continued success.
“There is a tremendous appetite for information and education as it relates to organic food production, and we are thrilled to be partnering with the nation’s leading organic certification organization to bring together the various facets of the organic production community under one roof to exchange ideas and information that will make our industry stronger," noted Matt Seeley, Co-Founder of OPN.
Following an opening night networking reception on December 13, informative and educational sessions on key issues in organic production will kick off a full day of thought-provoking and inspiring presentations on December 14. Participants will also be able to explore a trade show floor with exhibitors from packaging, technology, and related services, and attend keynote talks by industry leaders.
For more information as the event approaches, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
Organic Produce Network California Certified Organic Farmers
WASHINGTON, DC - Under regulations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), Lone Star Fruit & Vegetable Inc., operating out of Houston, Texas, posted a $60,000 surety bond.
According to a USDA press release, the surety bond was posted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to employ John Honeycutt, previously named in a PACA action.
John Honeycutt was an officer of Third Coast Produce Company Ltd., Houston, Texas, which, according to the USDA, was found to have committed repeated and flagrant violations of Section 2 of the PACA.
Any PACA licensee wishing to employ individuals who have failed to pay a reparation award, or have been subject to a USDA disciplinary action, must post a USDA-approved surety bond.
USDA will hold the $60,000 bond for four years, providing assurance to the industry that the company will be able to pay for produce purchased and to conduct its business according to PACA rules.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Its experts also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $140 million.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - The pioneering efforts of Frieda Caplan are primed to inspire current and future health professionals via the documentary Fear No Fruit. The film is slated to be shown by the Central Valley District of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND) next Wednesday, March 8.
“Frieda’s determination gave Americans the opportunity to try fresh new produce by making exotic fruits and vegetables more accessible. And that makes our job advocating for more fruit and vegetable consumption easier,” said Carrie Der Garabedian, MBA, RD, CFPM, President of the Central Valley District CAND. “We’re excited to share Frieda’s story to help inspire others to follow their hearts and achieve their goals.”
The screening, taking place at 5 p.m. at Fresno, California-based Bitwise Industries, will help celebrate National Registered Dietitian Day and to raise funds for the Helena Kennedy Scholarship, according to a press release.
“Dietitians face challenges similar to Frieda—encouraging people to try new foods and eat healthier,” said Amy Myrdal Miller, MS, RDN, FAND, President of the California Academy. “‘Fear No Fruit’ is an inspiring, must-see film for dietetic students and professionals!”
Walking viewers through Frieda’s journey as the first woman entrepreneur on the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market in the 1960s, it seems a fitting story to tell as it supports a scholarship established to honor the late Ms. Kennedy, known for also having a passion for nutrition and commitment to the community.
The CAND stated that the scholarship will be awarded to a California State University, Fresno, dietetic student. Tickets are $10 and include dinner, but as seating is limited, advanced reservations and ticket purchase are required via this website.
As we have reported previously, Fear No Fruit is available on DVD and digital streaming platforms (iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Instant Video). The film is also available for group and educational screenings by contacting Kino Lorber EDU.
REIDSVILLE, GA – With Southern Exposure just around the bend, Shuman Produce is gearing up for a boothful of new possibilities for the event. As a proud sponsor of the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC), Shuman Produce announced it will highlight its newest product offerings of broccoli and sweet potatoes during Southern Exposure.
“We are currently in our second growing season of broccoli and plan to have some on display along with some images from the field and harvest. Shuman Produce is also excited about promoting its sweet potato program even more in 2017,” said John Shuman, President of Shuman Produce.
Shuman Produce will also showcase its upcoming Vidalia® onion season as the company prepares for its selections to become available from April through August. According to a press release, Shuman Produce also plans to unveil its “How to Speak Southern 2.0” campaign.
After unveiling its initial campaign in 2015, the newest installment of “How to Speak Southern” will once again highlight the uniqueness of Southern living. Extending throughout the Vidalia onion season, Shuman Produce will share new videos, recipes, grower stories, and a quiz to further engage consumers and test their true knowledge of the South.
Southern Exposure is set to take place from March 9-11 in Orlando, Florida, where Shuman Produce will serve as a Gold sponsor for the event.
Going to the SEPC event yourself? Stop by the Shuman Produce booth #400 to see its new selections, consumer favorites, and latest marketing campaign.
WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, February 28, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for the review of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.
According to news source Reuters, the executive order is expected to be the first step in the process of undoing the Obama-era WOTUS rule.
In a statement released in response to the executive action, Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif expressed the association's commitment to the health of the nation's water ways, but noted that it believes the WOTUS rule exceeds the federal government's jurisdiction.
“We are pleased with President Trump’s executive order directing the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to formally reconsider WOTUS," noted Nassif, in a company statement. "While we recognize this order will not immediately repeal the rule, it will provide adequate space for these federal agencies to engage state and local governments to craft an alternative solution that both fits within the boundaries prescribed in the Act and serves the best interests of the environment and key stakeholders."
The rule, finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2015, was created in order to clarify exactly which bodies of water fall under federal clean water protections.
While, the New York Times notes, environmentalists have praised the rule, critics of WOTUS—including farmers, property developers, fertilizer and pesticide manufacturers, oil and gas companies, golf-course owners and other business interests—have questioned the rule, contending that it may stifle economic growth and intrude on property rights.
President Trump characterized the WOTUS rule as “a massive power grab,” while others have noted that the EPA’s jurisdiction has, in fact, shrunk since the implementation of the rule.
Legal experts note that while the President’s executive order will allow EPA Director Scott Pruitt to begin the process of unravelling WOTUS, the dismantling effort could be lengthy process—probably more than a single Presidential term.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for updates as the situation progresses.
WASHINGTON, DC – In a complaint filed on Dec. 14, 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cited American Fruit and Produce Corporation (American Fruit), of Opa Locka, FL, for failure to make full payment promptly in the total amount of $2,842,249 to 38 sellers for multiple lots of produce in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a recent USDA press release, subsequent to the complaint being filed, USDA and American Fruit entered into a consent decision and order finding that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations of the PACA. American Fruit paid the produce sellers in full and paid a civil penalty in the amount of $45,000. Because American Fruit has satisfied the terms of the consent decision and order, the company remains licensed under the PACA and this case is closed.
The PACA Division, which is part of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. Its experts also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $140 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
IMMOKALEE, FL - Following 33 years of work in the Canadian retail landscape, produce authority Eric Biddiscombe has taken the next step in his career, joining Southern Corporate Packers as Vice President Canadian Operations for its Chill Fresh Produce division.
Eric has made a name for himself in the produce industry through his work with Loblaw, where he has spent the past three decades in various positions. Most recently, Eric served as Senior Category Director of the retailer's produce operations, where he became well known for developing respectful relationships throughout the industry. In addition to his roles in retail, Eric has served on CPMA’s Board of Directors for 9 years, chairing the Education Committee and sitting on various working committees with government agencies.
“It’s not too often an opportunity presents itself like this when someone of Eric’s caliber becomes available,” Brian Arrigo, President of Southern Corporate Packers shared in a release. “Eric has a diverse resume that includes 33 years of leadership experience with a leading Canadian retailer as it pertains to supply chain, procurement, merchandising, and process improvement. It’s Eric’s experience that will allow us to better develop and achieve strategic goals with our retail partners in Canada.”
Southern Corporate Packers was founded in 1989, and is a grower/packer/shipper located in Immokalee, Florida. The company’s main Canadian Packhouse and Distribution Center is located in Kitchener, Ontario.
AndNowUKnow would like to send a warm welcome to Eric Biddiscombe as he begins this new step in his career!
SANTA PAULA, CA – Just in time for spring cleaning, Limoneira has introduced a series of helpful cleaning tips and DIY methods for using citrus to keep households sparkling and fresh year-round while avoiding hidden and potentially harmful chemicals found in store-bought cleaning agents.
For this month, Limoneira Spokesperson and Healthy Grocery Girl Founder Megan Roosevelt launched a new video filled with recipes and tips.
In a series of weekly videos, beginning January and continuing throughout 2017, Megan has and will continue to demonstrate fun, easy, and healthy tips—using Limoneira citrus to make the most of your year. See the latest for yourself, below.
Examples of DIY tips from Limoneira and Megan Roosevelt include:
Grapefruit Multi-Purpose Cleaner
You’ll need:
- Peels from multiple grapefruits
- Small glass jar with lid
- White vinegar
- Empty spray bottle
Directions: Separate the peel from the grapefruit (or the citrus peel of your choice). Using a small glass jar, place the peel inside, packing as tightly as possible. Fill jar to the brim with white vinegar. Cover jar with lid, and let sit for two weeks. When the infused vinegar is ready, fill a spray bottle with equal parts filtered water and grapefruit-infused vinegar.
Citrus Pan Scrubber
Ingredients:
- Orange or lemon halves
- Coarse table salt
Directions: Once the pan in question has cooled, add a few tablespoons of coarse salt. Take citrus halves (for added usefulness, juice them first and use the juice as you wish) and scrub away. Since this cleaner is completely non-toxic, simply wipe off or rinse with water after cleaning.
Lemon Microwave Cleaner
Ingredients:
- One lemon, halved
- Microwave safe bowl
- 2 cups water
Directions: Place water and lemon halves in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high in microwave for 3 minutes. The hot lemon steam will coat the inside of the microwave, and allow for easy removal of debris and food remnants by wiping with a damp cloth.
Limoneira has also linked with additional global cleaning experts that share their knowledge with the customers of its grocery and food service partners around the world. Their biographies can be found on Limoneira’s website.
Subscribe to Limoneira’s YouTube channel for more information on versatile and valuable ways to use citrus fruit.
ORLANDO, FL - As March begins, our friends and colleagues industry-wide are preparing for another gathering of like minds and top innovators at the upcoming Southern Exposure conference and trade show. With the annual occurrence slated for March 9-11 this year, what new treats are in store from the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC)?
"We are thrilled to be adding a third educational seminar to Southern Exposure as a part of our continuing effort to increase member value this year. We are providing our attendees with more options and programs tailored to their segment within the industry, and strive to give all attendees an educational takeaway from the conference,” stated SEPC Executive Director David Sherrod.
At the top of the docket this year, comes three workshops for attendees to glean new facets of information and inspiration from. While the event has offered workshops before, this year’s increased number is sure to provide important and relevant information on today’s industry trends.
Starting on Friday, March 10 at 8:00 a.m. and running through 12:00 p.m., Southern Exposure attendees can participating in the following educational opportunities:
- Fresh From the Farm Field Tours: Virtual tours of SEPC member companies that invokes the days of getting on buses for tours, but easier! This year’s field trips will be to Red Sun Farms, National Mango Board, L&M Companies, and Southern Valley, with representatives on hand to answer questions.
- The Commissioners’ Corner: An all-new workshop that focuses on the state of produce and the economic impact of our industry in Southeast states. Will host state agriculture commissioners from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
- Workshop Speaker: Author and James Beard winner David Sax will provide the what, why and how behind food trends, and give insights behind his understandings as someone who has examined such affairs under a microscope.
These workshops will help industry members understand issues facing business at large, challenges that are a priority for SEPC year-round. With the diverse workshop lineup planned, SEPC is looking to grant all attendees resources and information that they can use not only to better their companies, but the whole industry.
In this vein, SEPC has tapped Sportswoman and Leadership Consultant Alison Levine to head the Southern Roots luncheon and impart upon industry women how finding strength in each other is the key to success. Alison’s inspirational experiences have provided her with both physical and mental strength to learn from.
“We are looking forward to hearing Alison’s story of overcoming some very tough obstacles in her life,” stated Teri Miller, SEPC Board of Directors President, and Founder of Southern Roots. “Southern Roots was created to help women in the industry support each other and find more strength within themselves both professionally and personally. Alison’s life experiences will provide a foundation for us to open up our own conversations to help each other more.”
SEPC has also secured Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck Commander, the parent company behind Duck Dynasty, to lead Southern Exposure’s keynote luncheon on Saturday before the expo. SEPC is promising that Willie will provide a new tone to the annual luncheon with his comedic demeanor and entrepreneurial mind, but also provide a look into the keys to success, which at the core are faith, love, and family. Willie’s experiences in creating a successful business model will be beneficial to all who hear him.
As the industry preps to swarm into Orlando, Florida, next week, make sure to register now at seproducecouncil.com for your own chance to glean new understandings and connections from industry peers at the Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney World.
Follow the event and join the conversation online by using the hashtag #SouthernExpo, and see you there!