PHILADELPHIA, PA – Bringing its post-harvest benefits further throughout the industry and global growing community, AgroFresh has announced that its SmartFresh™ SmartTabs™ have been approved for use in Brazil on watermelons.
“AgroFresh is committed to investing in research to expand the benefits of SmartFresh technology to new crop segments,” said Jeferson Nunes, Latin America Commercial Director for AgroFresh. “With the recent approval for watermelons, Brazilian suppliers will now have the tools to export more high-quality fruit to the growing European and Asian markets.”
The Brazil Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply approved the company’s technology to further aide Brazil, a leading grower-exporter of melons, in its exportation of watermelons. According to a press release, Brazil exported 206,000 metric tons of melons in 2015.
SmartFresh is a post-harvest application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) which maintains the quality and taste of fruit by inhibiting ethylene recognition. SmartFresh helps fruit retain their quality from storage, to transportation, to consumption. SmartTabs is one of three modes of delivery for AgroFresh’s SmartFresh technology, and allows for a convenient way to apply it in existing storage rooms for containers.
The company stated that Abrafrutas reported that Brazil’s association of producers and exporters of fruit are looking to meet increased international demand for tropical fruits, which includes melons. Technologies such as SmartFresh help deliver a consistent suppy of high-quality fruit to market.
This approval for watermelon marks the latest in SmartFresh’s registered use on Brazil’s apples, avocados, bananas, limes, guavas, mangoes, plums, persimmons, tomatoes, papayas, and kiwifruit.
As AgroFresh keeps expanding its South American portfolio, stay with AndNowUKnow for the latest.
FOWLER, CA - With the holiday season reaching full swing, many consumers are looking for ways to brighten up their holiday tables and add freshness to time-tested seasonal staples. With this in mind, Bee Sweet Citrus is highlighting its specialty citrus varieties, putting a unique spin on the tradition of holiday oranges and diversifying traditional holiday party fare.
"Exotic citrus varieties like mandarins, blood oranges, Minneolas and Cara Caras can lend a crisp sweetness or refreshing tartness to staple dishes this holiday season,” Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue told me. “And the fruits’ nutritional benefits can keep consumers on track to meet their New Year’s resolutions all through the holiday season.”
Retailers can take advantage of the opportunities specialty citrus offers by leveraging Bee Sweet’s POS materials and recipe cards to clue consumers into the culinary possibilities the fruits provide.
Additionally, Bee Sweet has a number of recipes on its website designed to encourage creativity and wellness during the holiday season and beyond. The company’s mandarin chocolate bites and citrus avocado salsa recipes are great for parties this holiday season and beyond—and a welcome inclusion to Super Bowl spreads come February.
“Specialty citrus is a great way to introduce unique flavors and additional health benefits to the consumers,” added Bienvenue. “In addition to providing great taste and variety, Bee Sweet's specialty citrus varieties are high in vitamin C and B6, fiber, folate, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.”
The company’s website also provides resources for retailers and consumers alike to explore the health benefits, the availability, and the backstory of BeeSweet’s specialty citrus.
LAKELAND, FL – Publix Super Markets has some big plans in the works for its home state, big enough to warrant an exclusive code name for its endeavors; Project Suede. The retail chain is making steady moves to build a new $28 million facility in Lakeland.
"We are exploring possible opportunities for additional office space for support associates, and as part of our due diligence process, we are researching available incentives in various areas," stated Publix Spokesman and Media and Community Relations Manager Brian West in an email, according to The Ledger.
In order to build the new facility, the retailer is applying for more than $4.2 million in tax refunds, tax exemptions, and cash incentives through the state’s business recruitment and retention branch, Enterprise Florida.
If approved, Project Suede would give Publix the following incentives and rewards:
- $3.5 million in tax refunds over 10 years, from Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program and one-fifth from Lakeland and Polk county
- Up to $700,000 in cash over 10 years from Polk County Bonus Incentive contingent on performance requirements, from Lakeland and Polk County
- Property tax exemption through Polk County government, value unknown
In order to receive the Polk County Bonus Incentive, Publix would need to fulfill its proposed 700 new jobs through the project, as verified by an Enterprise Florida audit. Once secured, the award–only granted six times previously–would be the largest granted through the state’s local program.
"The role of incentives is to provide additional high-skill, high-wage job opportunities to the community," said Lakeland Business Development Manager Jason Willey. "I think business development activity in the state of Florida is very competitive. We have to stay competitive with all the other cities and counties throughout the state to continue to attract high quality jobs and organizations."
The Ledger reported that Enterprise Florida, the Economic Development Council, and local governments use code names to keep firms applying for incentives to be kept from appearing in public records.
As Publix continues to solidify its footprint in current and new realms, stay with AndNowUKnow for updated reflections of its impact.
SALINAS, CA – The Big Apple is going to get a big dose of fresh new flavors this week. At the New York Produce Show, Mann Packing will be showcasing its award-winning Nourish Bowls™ line up, including the new Cauli-Rice Curry bowl, along with the new Fresh Leaf Farms® Single Cut™ line.
“The always-buzzing culinary scene in New York is the perfect place to show off our new products,” said Gina Nucci, Director of Corporate Marketing at Mann’s, according to a press release. “Both our retail and foodservice divisions have had an exciting year, and we’re looking forward to talking them up at the show.”
The booth will also feature the popular Culinary Cuts® line along with the company’s most recent additions to its foodservice products: Tenderbite® Beans, RomaCrunch® lettuce, and Organic Arcadian Harvest®.
Falling in step with the company's pioneering spirit, Mann’s will also be sponsoring the Ideation Fresh Foodservice Forum December 8 at the New York Hilton. The one-day forum is an adjunct to the New York Produce Show and offers an in-depth look into produce on menus and strategies designed to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Mann’s executives will be at the show to present The Joe Nucci Award for Product Innovation. In its fourth year, the award recognizes innovation that will lead to expanded consumption of fruits and vegetables. The award is named for Joe Nucci, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 40. Nucci's sister and Mann’s Chairman & CEO, Lorri Koster, will present the award which is judged based on health, culinary application, versatility, shelf life, taste and flavor.
“Fresh produce is one of today’s fastest growing categories, and we are proud to honor leading innovators in the industry with the Joe Nucci award,” said Koster, according to the release. “We always look forward to this time of year and the New York show. It’s been amazing to watch it grow into the second largest produce trade show in North America,” she added.
Going to the New York Produce Show? Visit Mann Packing at booth #560 for the full experience.
LOXAHATCHEE, FL - A well-distinguished leader in the produce industry is joining the ranks of J&J Family of Farms, who recently hired Steven Condit as its new Director of Business Development, Western Division.
“I am excited for my new role at J&J, and to help with our growth as a customer driven business in the produce industry,” shared Condit upon his appointment. “What I most value from a company like J&J is the integrity and the positive attitude of their team, and I look forward to being a significant contributor to the team.”
Condit has a wealth of experience in the produce industry, bringing over 17 years of knowledge to his new role. He most recently he served as Director of Sales for Marengo Foods Company in Dallas, Texas, and has previously served 16 years as National Sales Manager for Lipman Produce.
According to a press release, Condit will be leading J&J’s business development efforts in the West. He will be working closely with the sales and sourcing teams, tasked with creating both new supply chain and customer growth in all channels of the business. Steven will report directly to the company’s Senior VP of Operations, Michael Butler.
“We are very excited to bring on-board someone like Steven, with such great leadership qualities to help our business achieve its goals” said Butler. “We are confident that he is an essential piece to realize J&J’s vision and mission.”
Steven holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Operations Management with a minor in Packaging Science from the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. The company said his spare time is occupied with fishing, boating, and spending time with his wife Crystal Condit—both who are active community leaders for organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Miracle Network, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
VENTURA, CA – With demand for fresh produce at a heightened state, as well as the demand for technology that can streamline delivery of high-quality fruits and vegetables straight to the consumer, LINKFRESH is ramping up its operational and delivery service capacities.
As CEO Andy Makeham recently told me, the company is currently completing its third phase of major growth since coming under new ownership in 2013, and is set to offer our industry even more.
“The fresh produce world is a global village, and we are going to service it,” Andy says of the companies possibilities. So far, LINKFRESH’s reach spans across Europe, Australia, Africa, India, and the United States. “Phase three is all about growth, and that is why I’m here. I have 40 years experience developing and growing ERP businesses.”
Phase one, Andy says, entailed solidifying that LINKFRESH’s product portfolio remained relevant, as witnessed through the launch of LINKFRESH NAV and AX. Phase two bolstered the company’s Fresh Food” delivery team and processes throughout the UK, Europe, and the U.S. With Andy now at the helm, LINKFRESH is expecting to double its business as it moves towards dominating the global fresh produce market.
Andy tells me that what truly differentiates the company, is its produce-specific software and the company’s ability to identify the needs of fresh produce companies. LINKFRESH asserts that it has melded together the language of our industry with that of technology to perform a service for our industry in a way that standard ERP solutions can’t.
“Our software is written around the Microsoft Dynamics platform, which means we’ve just added a fresh produce layer on top of the groundwork which has already been laid for us. The needs of the fresh market are very different from other sectors, so this product was specifically tailored for them,” Andy explains.
The company debuted the latest version of its LINKFRESH solution for Microsoft Dynamics AX, specifically tailored to larger fresh produce companies, at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit, and also marked notable traffic for its LINKFRESH NAV solution, for small or medium-sized companies. This year’s event saw the LINKFRESH team bustling until the floor closed with attendee interest.
From here forward, LINKFRESH plans to streamline its growth and continue to tackle challenges experienced in the industry with software solutions. Additionally, Andy is aiming to build on opportunities at future PMA Fresh Summits, and take advantage of the company's customer references from names like Giumarra and Family Farms Group.
“LINKFRESH offers a modern fresh produce ERP solution that is reliable, and supported globally. Our software is scalable, so it works for the small to medium-sized grower packer through to the multi-national importer and distributor,” Andy finishes. “It’s one solution that grows with a company.”
As all eyes in the industry remain on efficiency and growth, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest on LINKFRESH and other technology solutions for the supply-side.
YERINGTON, NV - Two big names in organics are joining forces for a state-of-the-art cooling and distribution facility in Yerington, Nevada. Peri & Sons and The Nunes Company, marketer of the Foxy organic name, expect to open the Walker River Cooling facility in May 2017, to service retailers, wholesalers, and other buying organizations throughout North America.
“It’s paramount that we keep up with the demand of the growing organic marketplace and servicing our customers. This new facility will be an integral part of growing our business and plans for the future,” explained Pam Peri, Executive Vice President of Peri & Sons Farms. “The advantages of building this new facility in Nevada are numerous. We will have the necessary land, water, and labor resources needed in the coming years to continually supply our customers with the highest quality products available.”
Pam further explained that the combined strength of the two companies is expected to translate into greater efficiency for them and their customers.
“Nevada is truly fortunate to have these two dedicated family-run operations join forces to expand and create jobs in Lyon County,” said U.S. Senator Dean Heller of Nevada. “Over the years, I have been impressed with Peri & Sons Farms and look forward to its increased success when paired with the Nunes Company. This news proves how Nevada offers a pro-business climate where ventures like these do not just succeed but flourish.”
According to a press release, the combined venture is bringing over 800 jobs to the region’s Lyon County, with additional job growth projected upon completion of the new distribution facility. Peri & Sons and The Nunes Company have reportedly been working together since 2008, starting with 16 acres and now growing and shipping more than 25 million pounds of organic baby greens and 40 million pounds of organic fresh vegetables this year.
Construction of the new Walker River Cooling facility broke ground in early September, and will be built in three phases.
SACRAMENTO, CA - It’s not every day I stumble upon something that brings the produce industry straight to my cell phone, but when I do, you best believe I get embarrassingly excited about it. That was certainly the case this weekend when I opened up my Snapchat app to send my friends a picture and came across the familiar face of Sun Pacific’s Cuties®.
Sun Pacific has recently introduced a new filter option that allows Snapchat users to add a little bit of produce industry love to the photos and videos they send to their friends, where you can have a digital Cutie® of your own to give you a smooch. All the while, a grove of citrus surrounds the image, with the words “I Love Cuties®” emblazoned on the top. Might I also mention the filter did wonders for my pale winter cheeks!
I reached out to Sun Pacific’s Vice President of Marketing, Victoria Nuevo-Celeste, who gave me a little more insight about the new social media marketing move.
“The Cuties Snapchat lens was a way for us to remind shoppers that Cuties are back in season and back in stores. Snapchat is unique in that it allows us to reach a large audience—with more than 150 million daily users—encouraging both moms and kids to spend time interacting with Cuties in a fun and memorable way,” said Victoria Nuevo-Celeste, Vice President of Marketing for Sun Pacific. “Cuties is the preferred mandarin brand of millennials, and Snapchat is really popular with this generation of consumers, so it’s a perfect way to keep Cuties top-of-mind with that demographic.”
And with 85 percent of monthly users being between 13 and 34, this is certainly a strong way to tap into the milennial market. Produce marketers looking to reach these new demographics now have a new tool to get in front of people via their mobile devices.
This isn’t the company’s first foray into fun messaging for millennials either. We recently reported on a new Sun Pacific campaign for Cuties®, that encompasses enhanced packaging, in-store merchandising designs, and a national FSI The marketing campaign also highlights a 30-second animated video to premiere on Hulu, YouTube, The Disney Channel App, and more.
Will we continue to see this kind of innovative and impactful produce industry marketing invade our cell phones and our Snapchat filters? The millennial part of me certainly hopes so!
DALLAS, TX – San Antonio-based grocer H-E-B announced plans to expand its presence in North Texas last week. The company will open two Central Market stores in Dallas.
"We have had our eye on these two prime locations for many years," said Stephen Butt, Senior Vice President of Central Market, a division of H-E-B, according to The Dallas Morning News. "Central Market takes a very disciplined approach in selecting the best locations for our special brand. We are delighted to open these new stores to provide a great culinary experience for our loyal customers that live in these Dallas neighborhoods."
The two locations—one at Midway Road and West Northwest Highway, and the second in Uptown at McKinney and Lemmon Avenue—were both among six Sun Fresh Market stores that H-E-B acquired in August from RLS Supermarkets of Carrollton. According to Mabrie Jackson, Director of Public Affairs for Central Market, the company purchased all six stores, sold as a package deal, to get these two locations.
Since the purchase was completed in September, H-E-B has decided to sell the other four locations. One of the stores, located in Lakewood, has already been sold to Lincoln Properties.
"Plans for the remaining three stores are still under evaluation; however, these will likely be sold or leased to other retail tenants," added Jackson.
The company’s two new stores will create 250 new jobs and are expected to open in the fall of next year—though Central Market is reportedly still evaluating the timing of the Uptown store opening.
This store opening will be the first Central Market opened since 2012 when the company opened a location at Preston Road and Royal Lane in Dallas, in a former Borders Bookstore location.
Butt has reportedly said that the company plans to expand in North Texas through its Central Market brand. With the two new stores, the company will have a total of seven Central Market stores in the Dallas area, in addition to two in Austin, and one in Houston and San Antonio.
For more on this and other retailers’ expansion plans, check back in with AndNowUKnow.
SEATTLE, WA – No checkout, no registers, and no lines? Amazon says no way with its latest brick-and-mortar concept. Called Amazon Go, the format is looking to revolutionize the way customers shop by utilizing technology and mobile applications to kick start what it calls a shopping experience of the future.
“Four years ago, we started to wonder what would shopping look like if you could walk into a store, grab what you want, and just go,” Amazon states in its new video, detailing this entirely unique store concept that lets shoppers enter, shop, and leave with no in-between steps.
The new format works like this: Upon entering the store, shoppers will scan their mobile QR code from the Amazon Go app at a turnstile. Shoppers then can peruse the location’s selection of value-added prepared items and grocery staples, taking items off the shelf and walking out the door with no other steps. Watch yourself in the video below.
Amazon is utilizing a new form of software, what the company calls “just walk out technology,” which will update a shopper’s virtual cart automatically with items they pick up and put back. Once a shopper has the items they’re looking for, they simply walk straight from the aisle and out of the store. Amazon Go automatically charges their account and sends a receipt to their phone.
These new stores, different from the online retailer's Amazon Fresh model, are set to debut in Seattle early next year. Each store will boast a concise 1,800-square-feet of space, according to Business Insider, and will be filled with staples and ready-made selections that consumers want.
This futuristic technology, Amazon stated, was developed similarly to that of self-driving cars, utilizing deep-learning algorithisms and deep vision software.
As we previously reported, Amazon stated that it plans to open 2,000 retail stores by the end of 2018. Amazon has not yet clarified if its Amazon Go locations will be part of this plan, initially detailed for Amazon Fresh, or a separate goal.
With a new method of shopping in the works for the ever-changing consumer, AndNowUKnow will keep a close eye on store formats and their impact on the industry.