- Read more about Wednesday Afternoon, February 8th, 2017
- Log in to post comments
BAKERSFIELD, CA - It’s no secret that California farmers face a complex challenge. Grimmway Farms noted that during the past year, consumers upped the ante on demand for organics, California state legislature passed two bills mandating changes to farmworker pay, and the drought shook its dry finger at everyone involved.
With the stakes high as ever, growers embrace the bumpy road ahead, confident that the industry will emerge stronger than before, and Grimmway Farms said it sees light at the end of the tunnel.
Water is one of the oldest of the issues at hand, and with California famous for dry, arid deserts, and cyclical periods of drought, farmers use these attributes to their advantage.
“What makes it such a great place to farm is perfect soil, perfect sunshine, and the ability to control the exact time we irrigate our crops,” said Jeff Huckaby, who celebrates his first year as President of Grimmway Farms this week.
According to a press release, Grimmway takes a calculated approach at managing operations around this scarce resource—literally. It’s found the very best areas to grow and migrates between regions to capture prime growing conditions year-round. “We calibrate each season for optimal quality, matching crops with specific acreage considering the availability of water,” said Huckaby. “The advances we’ve made in the recent past have left us well-equipped to withstand the drought.”
Wage policies, Grimmway stated, make for a muddier situation, but one that it has been committed to resolving in order to protect and provide for its employees. Minimum wage is scaling to reach $15 by 2022, and the state has lifted a longstanding exemption that allowed farm laborers to work well past an 8-hour day.
While the topic is sensitive, Huckaby said the solution is simple: “When you have a wage that’s rising every single year, it hits the bottom line in a drastic way,” he said. “Cost of labor is going up significantly, so our efforts to increase efficiency have been crucial. It’s made us think outside the box.”
To minimize the effect this has on consumers, Grimmway has proactively sought ways to mechanize where they can and develop a more skilled workforce where they can’t.
“A lot of what we grow is hand-selected, hand-harvested, and hand-packed, resulting in a very high-quality end product,” Huckaby explained. “We won’t cut quality, so we’ve introduced more automation and built more value into each job.”
Investing in training and technology follows Grimmway’s tradition of innovation and integrity, and the changes come just in time to help scale with continued growth in the organic category. “The organic market is just booming, and we don’t see that going away,” said Huckaby.
He explained that retail partners across the board are ready to build their program to keep consumers coming back. “We believe in the benefits these crops bring our customers and the environment. Given the market’s response, we’re making the right decisions for both,” said Huckaby, who helped Grimmway launch its organic division in the early 90s. “We convert more and more land every year, and luckily it’s paid off.”
Fast-growing demand for organics mixed with cost-driving employment policies and an environmental crisis have created what the company calls a pressure cooker of problems for the industry to solve. Huckaby views the outcome as an area of opportunity, and Grimmway is proving that it can always do more with less.
Stay tuned for how it continues to do so by checking in with AndNowUKnow.
TEXAS – Don’t squeeze these limes over your tacos. Uncovering a shady shipment of limes at the border of Texas and Mexico, authorities have seized a load of nearly 4,000 pounds of marijuana that were conveniently packaged to look like the fruit.
"This is an outstanding interception of narcotics," Port director Efrain Solis Jr. said in a statement. "Our CBP officers continue to excel in their knowledge of smuggling techniques which allows them to intercept these kinds of attempts to introduce narcotics into our country."
So, just what made this shipment so notable? Agents of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol stated that the small parcels of marijuana were packaged to specifically look like individual limes. Authorities seized over 34,000 nefarious lime bundles in the bust.
The shipment was attempting to cross the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. Authorities have valued the shipment of faux limes of having a street worth of about $789,467.
The seizure occurred this past Monday after officials were first tipped off by the suspicious nature of the involved tractor-trailor's interior. Vice reported that officials used an imaging inspection system and K-9 team to discern the truth.
What will scandalous smugglers contrive next for the world of fresh produce? AndNowUKnow will keep up the beat.
PULLACH, GERMANY – Celebration is in order for IFCO. The company’s CEO Wolfgang Orgeldinger announced that this year the company will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
“This is an important milestone in IFCO’s history,” said Orgeldinger, in a press release. “Our company story is synonymous with the successful history of shared and reusable fresh food packaging. IFCO started as an idea in 1992 and has grown into a global company operating a pool of more than 270 million reusable plastic containers (RPCs) for packaging, transporting, storing, and displaying fresh food. Our success is attributable to the compelling benefits of RPCs, the talented individuals who work here and the vision of our customers, who were quick to recognize the economic and environmental benefits of IFCO’s business model.”
The company plans to celebrate its anniversary throughout 2017, with a series of customer events and a donation of 25,000€ (approximately $26,739 USD) to food banks across Europe and North America.
The International Food Container Organization was established in 1992, with the mission of becoming the premier provider of reusable packaging systems for fresh food. Over the next thirty years, the company expanded into Europe (Austria, Switzerland, France, Scandinavia, Spain, UK, and Italy), the Americas (USA, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil), and Japan.
By 2010, IFCO operations had grown to more than 210 locations worldwide, serving more than 8,700 retail partners. The following year, the company was acquired by Brambles Limited, and since joining the Brambles family of companies, IFCO has continued to expand into new geographies and new product, while also growing its core business in fresh goods RPCs with the world’s leading retailers.
Today, IFCO RPCs annually carry more than 1.4 billion shipments of fresh goods to grocery stores in more than 50 countries around the world. Last year, the company announced an annual revenue of $992 million USD, representing 16 percent growth over the prior year.
Congratulations to the IFCO family on this auspicious anniversary. We at AndNowUKnow will keep you posted on related events throughout the year.
BERLIN, GERMANY – Passengers to and from the German capital were greeted with delays and cancelations this week, as ground staff—members of the trade union Verdi—walked off at Berlin Tegel and Schoenefeld airports.
While we have had reports of delays from some industry friends, we still aren't sure of the extent of the impact on Fruit Logistica 2017, kicked off today.
The walk-off comes at a trying time for many; in addition to Fruit Logistica 2017, the 67th Berlin International Film Festival both begin this week, flooding the airports with film and produce professionals.
The walk-off lasted six hours beginning at 5 a.m. local time, Wednesday, February 8th, and involved approximately 2,000 ground staff according to local news source Deutsche Welle. USA Today reported that airport officials counted 112 flight cancelations at Tegel and roughly two dozen at Schoenefeld.
Air Berlin alone confirmed that it had canceled some 60 flights to and from the capital.
Daniel Tolksdorf, Press Secretary for Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg (FBB), the company that operates both the affected airports, downplayed the aftermath of the walk-off, noting that, while disruptive: “As a result of good information yesterday, many passengers didn’t even bother to go to the airports. Major chaos was averted.”
Whether the delays and cancelations will affect attendance at Fruit Logistica has yet to be seen. For more on the situation as it develops, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
AUSTIN, TX - The third annual Viva Fresh Produce Expo is fast-approaching, with plans to kick off with the traditional “Swing for the Future,” Viva Fresh Open. This time, in addition to a fun opportunity to connect and network, the event will also support produce consumption for kids by benefiting Salad Bars to Schools.
“Ensuring that children of all ages have daily access to fresh fruits and vegetables is something we’re all passionate about here,” said Bret Erickson, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, host of Viva Fresh. “So many youths today do not have the opportunity to eat healthy foods like fresh fruit or vegetables, and we are seeking to change that through the support of organizations like Salad Bars to Schools.”
Taking place at the Crenshaw Cliffside Golf Course on Thursday, April 20 at the Barton Creek Omni Resort, the tournament will be presented by Bebo Distributing, Inc. and Wonderful Citrus, according to a press release.
“We’re excited to be continuing the Viva Fresh Open tradition as the opening event to the Viva Fresh Expo,” said Craig Slate, VP of Sales at SunFed. “The tournament not only provides a great opportunity for networking and fun competition, but we’re especially proud to raise funds to put salad bars in schools throughout the state of Texas.”
Founded by Chef Ann Foundation, the National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, the United Fresh Start Foundation, and Whole Foods, Salad Bars to Schools looks to provide healthy eating opportunities for kids of all ages by placing salad bars in school foodservice programs across the country.
Learn more about sponsorships and participation in the tournament here.
Registration for the tournament includes:
- Entrance to the tournament
- Awards reception where first and second place teams will be recognized
- The 19th Hole Celebration
Non-golfers may purchase a ticket to the 19th Hole Celebration for $40 at the door. All expo attendees and players are invited to join in at the Crenshaw Cliffside Golf Course for live music and games after the award ceremony closes at 6:30 p.m.
See you there!
BATAVIA, IL – As Aldi looks to move further into the hearts of U.S. consumers, the company has announced a slight shift in its current expansion strategy. The discount retailer will be undergoing a $1.6 billion plan to remodel all current locations, including a focus on revamping its produce departments.
“With this significant investment in our stores, what we’re really doing is continuing to invest in ALDI customers,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI. “We’re continuing to expand our fresh offerings, which means we need to provide more space for produce, meat, and bakery items. We’ve also made a number of improvements to our products–such as removing added MSG, certified synthetic colors and partially hydrogenated oils from all of our ALDI exclusive brand foods. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that our customers still save money on the groceries they buy the most.”
This investment will cover over 1,300 stores within the U.S. According to a press release, the remodel will update the chain’s look to a modern design and expand on the chain’s current offerings; including a focus on a more robust produce section.
Forbes reported that in addition to highlighting fresh, the format will also house a refrigerated air case to show off value-added products. The remodel will also offer larger dairy and bakery sections, as well as more SKUs throughout the store.
“ALDI customers know we stand out from our competitors for a reason: we offer high-quality, affordable food that they can feel good about serving their families,” added Hart. “Our unmatched combination of exceptional quality and everyday low prices is why we’re one of the fastest growing retailers in the U.S., currently operating in 35 states.”
Along with a bigger layout for its stores, the chain will now boast open ceilings, natural lighting, and building materials that save energy and utilize recycled materials. This new fresh-minded store format first started being introduced to the buy-side sector last year in select locations, with the chain remaining consistently focused on fresh.
The company still plans to open 650 stores across the nation, stating that it’s planning for a total of 2,000 spanning U.S. soil by the end of next year.
With fresh top-of-mind and more expansions in the immediate future, look to AndNowUKnow for the latest Aldi news.
NASHVILLE, NC – With growing season only a couple of months away, Nash Produce has some exciting plans in store for its 2017 lineup of sweet potatoes. With consumer demand ever-growing for the category, the company is ramping up its two specialty varieties, Murasaki and Bonita, to offer further options for consumers.
As Laura Hearn, Marketing and Business Development Director at Nash Produce, recently told me, the company is increasing its specialty sweet potato offerings, after finding a huge increase in both demand and success for the varieties.
“There’s a huge demand for both Murasaki and Bonita from consumers because of their flavor profiles,” Laura tells me, further stating that the company has offered the varieties over the past three years to great customer satisfaction.
Nash Produce will start planting in early spring, with promotable volumes ready for harvest in the fall. Laura says that both retailers and foodservice operators can find increased sale opportunities both in the unique appearance and eating experience inherent in each variety.
“The Murasaki has dark purple skin, white flesh, and a fluffy texture. With its nutty flavor, the sweet potato can go either sweet or savory,” Laura says. “The Bonita, my personal favorite, has both a white skin and flesh. It’s sweeter than your normal sweet potato, and also has a texture similar to the Murasaki. It’s great for eating alone, or in soups and stews.”
Nash Produce will mainly offer Murasaki and Bonita in bulk, but can offer its customers tray or bag packs as well. Laura says that as demand and supply rise for these varieties, the company is looking to expand its packaging and value-added options to boost the category.
The company has also increased acreage for both varieties to further benefit buy-side customers in response to flourishing demand. Additionally, Nash Produce will be providing POS displays at the retail level, and more information-based pieces for consumer information.
So, what’s next in the pipeline for Nash Produce? Laura tells me that the company is working on developing a new product to debut during the uptick in sweet potato demand during cooler months, in addition to a prospective rebranding.
With year-round supply and over 10,000 acres of crop to pull from, keep up with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on the exciting year ahead of Nash Produce.
WATSONVILLE, CA - Driscoll’s announced a shift in leadership for its Northern Production Region, naming fourth generation grower Brie Reiter Smith as General Manager of the Northern Production Region.
It isn’t Reiter Smith’s first lead position with the company–in 2014 she served as General Manager of Driscoll’s of Chile and in 2016 General Manager of South American operations. Now in this latest role, she will oversee company operations for Driscoll’s largest single growing region, which includes Salinas and Watsonville. This accounts for more than 25 percent of total Driscoll’s revenue globally, according to a press release.
“Brie’s experiences in leading Driscoll’s in Chile and her approach to work with growers will greatly benefit our operations in North America,” said Soren Bjorn, Driscoll’s Executive Vice President of the Americas. “Brie made it a priority to create strong relationships with growers, which delivered valuable insights consistently. Having Brie create strong relationships with independent growers across our Northern Region will deliver impactful feedback to help Driscoll’s continue to grow, harvest, and sell fruit across the berry patch that deliver joyful moments to our consumers.”
In her stead as General Manager of South America, Driscoll’s has named Fernando Sagredo to oversee operations in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Sagredo brings deep global experience to his role, according to Driscoll’s, having served most recently as Commercial Manager of Comfrut S.A. Previously, he was Export Manager at Salmones Camanchaca S.A., General Manager at Viña Tabalí S.A., and Export Manager at Viña Conchay Toro S.A. In this latest position, Sagredo will be based in Chillán, Chile, and report to newly-promoted Vice President and General Manager of Latin America, Mario Steta.
These shakeups in leadership come as the company has announced a successful reception to the roll-out of its global unification of the company’s brand strategy.
“We believe we are on a straight path to creating a global brand that adequately communicates our passion and dedication to the consumer,” stated Theo Houwen, Senior Vice President of Driscoll’s of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We are one of the few berry companies with a dedicated R&D team focused on breeding proprietary varieties–we always knew that our berries were special and different. With the successful roll-out of our global brand, and our held title as the market leader in fresh berries, we are excited to elevate the brand opportunity and further capture the hearts of our berry lovers everywhere.”
As we reported previously, the move was the company’s first rebrand in its 100 years, which updated millions of packages, re-designed all regional websites, and generated significant global communication outreach across the United States, Europe, Australia, and China.
As the company unveils its new look at Fruit Logistica this month, with more than 70,000 people from 130 countries converging in Berlin, Germany, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for the latest developments for Driscoll’s and other key produce companies.
BERLIN, GERMANY – From the floor of the ongoing Fruit Logistica show, surrounded by the majestic backdrop of Berlin, NatureFresh™ Farms has been announced as a finalist for the World’s Most Inspirational Tomato Grower.
“To be recognized this year as one of the top five most inspirational tomato growers in the world is a tremendous achievement,” said Peter Quiring, Owner & President. “Our initiatives to increase fresh tomato consumption have helped raise the bar in delivering consistent quality to the consumer, while reducing food miles wherever possible. To all the nominees, I congratulate on this very important accolade.”
Handed out each year, the award is used to recognize top tomato growers throughout the globe who have been chosen by an international jury from the tomato industry for their contributions. According to a press release, NatureFresh™ Farms was one of five companies chosen as a prospective winner for the award, but the only grower from North America.
The Tomato Inspiration Event will be held on Thursday evening, Friday 9, in Berlin. At this event the 2017 Award will be presented to the winner of the Most Inspirational Tomato Grower.
“It is an honour to be nominated with the worlds best tomato growers,” said John Ketler, Farm General Manager. “We have built our business with a vision of growing great tomatoes year-round at our facilities in Leamington, ON, and now Delta, OH. Supported by a solid infrastructure, forward thinking technology, seed research & development, strategic marketing, and a great team of people, it has helped us create consistent products that our customers love, regardless of the season.”
NatureFresh™ Farms was chosen as a finalist for the distinction due to its approach to consumer education with its mobile Greenhouse Education Center, in addition to the launch of its TomBar™ and TomBall™ Machine. These efforts were specifically cultivated to increase consumption of produce.
Key supporters of the Tomato Inspiration Awards include Priva, Koppert, Svensson, Monsanto, Axia, and Enza Zaden.
As Fruit Logistica brings produce together from around the globe, count on AndNowUKnow for the latest in updates and awards.