BAKERSFIELD, CA - Lajpat Rai Munger, patriarch of Munger Farms and the Munger family, passed away on the morning of August 22, 2016. The beloved father and grandfather went peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, at the age of 99.
Mr. Munger was born January 21, 1917 in a rural farming village in India, having immigrated to the U.S. in 1966. He began working on a peach and walnut farm as a laborer, eventually buying it from the owner when he was retiring and starting The Munger Companies.
Now a global leader in pistachio and blueberry production, he passed on the reins of the farming company to his two sons, Baldev and Kable Munger, in 1988 to begin fulfilling his spiritual calling.
Upon retiring, Mr. Munger moved back to India to give back to his community and provide those less fortunate with an opportunity to have a better future. He also sought to illuminate the legacy of the man who guided him at a young age to fulfill a life of integrity and spirituality.
Over the next 23 years, he received a Doctorate of Humane Letters, built a university in India affiliated with California State University, Fresno, a temple, a charitable hospital, and rebuilt the K-12 school in his village and advanced the classrooms with technology in the name of his Guru Sarvanand Gir Ji.
He continued his philanthropic work in the United States as well, with the help of his two sons, donating funds to California State University, Fresno, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, and other various contributions. Today, Mr. Munger’s family continues to thrive in agribusiness, as well as give back to those in need.
Through the teachings of their guru and the ideals of honesty, hard work, passion, and charity passed down by their father, his family stated that Mr. Munger’s children and grandchildren will continue to live out his legacy. His memory will live on through every acre farmed, charitable deed done, and family traditions passed down.
He is survived by his seven children and their spouses: Mr. Baldev (David) Munger; Mr. & Mrs. Kewel (Kable) & Janie Munger; Mr. Maharaj (Roger) Munger of Bakersfield, CA; Mr. Gurcharan Dhokal and Mrs. Manjeet (Meena) Munger Dhokal of Yuba City, CA; Dr. Manish Saini and Mrs. Paramjit (Pam) Munger Saini of Freehold, New Jersey; Ms. Kamie Munger; Ms. Santosh Munger of Bakersfield, CA. He is survived by 11 grandchildren: Miss Asha Munger; Mr. & Mrs. Diwan & Gabrielle Munger; Miss Shree Munger; Mr. Ajay Munger; Mr. Raj Munger; Mr. Ravi Munger; Dr. Pawn Dhokal; Mr. Nicholas Galano and Mrs. Perveen Dhokal Galano; Mr. Arvind Saini; Miss Angelie Saini; Miss Chance Munger.
The AndNowUKnow team extends its sincere condolences to Mr. Munger’s family, friends, and those affected by this loss.
HOLLYWOOD, FL – With dynamic characteristics, super-fruit nutritional value, and a kid-friendly flavor profile, Mighties® brand kiwifruit is differentiating the school lunchbox this fall. And it doesn’t hurt that Mighties sales have risen 28 percent year-over-year, according to data reported by Nielsen through its Perishables Group FreshFacts® Service.
Now, Mighties is taking the kiwifruit category by storm, with retailers participating in the Mighties program revealing category sales increases of more than 25 percent year-over-year since the launch. Victoria Nuevo-Celeste, Vice President of Marketing, joined me to talk about the popular line and its continued impact as we countdown the days to PMA Fresh Summit.
“Since we launched the Mighties brand kiwifruit in the 2014-15 California season, we have seen demand in the category rise as consumers look for more unique and convenient snacking options. In order to compete with other eye-catching produce department brands, we are presenting Mighties’ display materials for optimal merchandizing that can be utilized in high-traffic areas of the produce department,” Victoria tells me. “These opportunities have proven to be a great success at retail.”
As the program's popularity skyrockets, Sun Pacific is continuing to invest in planting more kiwifruit as well, to meet consumer and retailer demand.
“In less than a decade, we will triple our supply from when we launched Mighties,” said President Bob DiPiazza. “Differentiation is key and Sun Pacific continues to provide that high level of service and quality that customers look for in a customer and a partner.”
Along with the vibrant, high-graphic, merchandising materials to draw the consumer eye, Sun Pacific is also supporting retailers with its ripening process which ensures Mighties arrive on retailers’ shelves ripe and ready-to-eat, taking the guesswork out of when to purchase the fruit. In addition, the packaging itself is designed to communicate the ease of eating kiwi—simply cut, scoop and eat.
“The Mighties brand has truly brought kiwifruit into the consumer fold,” Victoria says. “The flavor and versatility is on-trend to continue making waves at both retail and foodservice.”
Mighties are currently available in one-, two-, three- and four-pound clamshells. Check the program out for yourselves this October at PMA Fresh Summit booth 417 in Orlando, Florida.
See you all next month on the show floor!
SPAIN - A smuggling ring was busted as part of an almost three-year-long sting, ending in the discovery of 535 kilos (about 1,200 lbs) of cocaine in Peruvian containers of what should have been produce.
Officers worked with Spanish Tax authorities to make the bust in Valencia, with those involved looking to smuggle illicit drugs in from South America. The perpetrators reportedly decided to increase the volume of drugs being imported, as well as switching from the Madrid airport to moving the drugs via containers “supposedly carrying fruit, vegetables and spices,” according to the Euro Weekly News. No estimated street value was provided.
Authorities had names of possible companies involved in the importation of these containers thanks to an email received that gave away a number of individuals who had moved to Spain and were involved in drug smuggling from South America.
The first arrest associated to the case was in November of 2013, with the most recent container having been allowed to go to its final destination in Abanilla in Murcia, where officers were able to arrest 17 people including all of the senior members of the smuggling ring.
AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you briefed on all the latest for both the legal and not-so-legal alerts within the fresh produce industry.
ISSAQUAH, WA - When you’re at the top of the organic produce game, how do you stay at the head of the pack? A big part of maintaining its over $4 billion dollars in organic sales, Costco says, is through the sourcing of enough fresh produce.
Costco anticipates to over double its organic sales by 2020, reports news source EuroFresh, planning to exceed $10 billion. The company has projected its organics program to grow in double-digits each year in sales until it reaches that goal. In order to keep up with that fast-growing demand, you have to be able to get your hands on a lot of product.
One way Costco has tried to answer this problem is through its work with San Diego-based supplier, Andrew and Williamson, helping them to buy both equipment and land in Baja California, Mexico. In return, Andrew and Williamson says, Costco will have first access to the organic products produced there.
“By helping them with financing, we got access to and purchased about 145,000 cases of organic raspberries that we normally would not have access to,” Costco’s Senior Vice President of Fresh Foods, Jeff Lyons, told the Seattle Times. The paper also reported the retailer’s plans to work with other companies in a similar fashion, including a large group with operations in Chile and Mexico.
At this year’s United Fresh conference during a panel on organic produce, Frank Padilla, Costco’s Vice President and General Merchandise Manager for Produce and Meat, gave a presentation on why organics is seen as such a major focus for the company, listing the following reason:
- Organics resonates with Costco’s members
- Organic eating seen as a lifestyle, not a trend
- Consumers want to eat healthy
- Consumers have concerns about pesticides and GMOs
- Costco believes in sustainable farming
Padilla also noted that Costco does not separate its organics into an ‘organic’ section, instead letting consumers have all their options in front of them. “The danger is that it (an organic product) could be the only choice. If you don’t have the right quality, the right specifications, the right shelf-life and value, you are going to turn the non-organic consumers off,” Padilla told Growing magazine. “We also face the danger that if it’s not available at the time, you may not have that item to sell.”
Along with finding adequate and efficient sourcing, Padilla outlined the following other strategies to increase organic sales:
- Find great growers/partners
- Study the items
- Learn the intricacies of certified organic
- Develop a specification
What partnerships and initiatives will Costco implement as it plans to reach the $10 billion organics goal? AndNowUKnow will keep reporting as each new move is made.
GILROY, CA – Keeping up with its guaranteed year-round schedule of pepper varieties, Uesugi Farms has announced that the company is preparing to transition from Northern California to Southern California to harvest premium quality peppers out of Coachella.
“Being a year-round pepper supplier, the cycle just comes naturally. Right now we’re getting ready to start the Coachella harvest, where we’ll grow bells and minis. In November, we head to Mexico to grow the full gamut of peppers, which includes all the bells, minis and hot varieties,” stated Pete Aiello, General Manager.
The company stated in a press release that production will wrap up in Northern California in the next few weeks and the company’s crop in the Coachella Valley is currently seeing strong plants with peppers that are maturing nicely. Uesugi expects a successful harvest out of Southern California.
When the company transitions to Mexico in November, following the Coachelle harvest, Uesugi Farms will grow green, red, and yellow bell peppers, mini sweets, and hot peppers. From there, the company will continue transitioning its harvesting regions to provide a continuous supply of product.
“The Coachella harvest starts again from May through July where we’ll continue growing our bells and minis. Some overlapping will happen, since we also grow all our varieties in Bakersfield and Oxnard in June, July, and part of August,” continued Aiello. “We then move to Hollister, Morgan Hill, Brentwood, Lodi, and Gilroy for the Northern California harvest, which starts in July and could run all the way into November if the weather cooperates.”
Uesugi Farms has been harvesting and shipping peppers for 365 days a year since 1998. The company is able to provide its wide variety of peppers due to increased acreage and new varieties to harvest. Some of these varieties include green, yellow, and red bells, mini sweets, Anaheim, Caribe, Fresno, Ghost, Habanero, Hungarian, Jalapeño, Poblano, Serrano, and Shishito peppers.
Uesugi Farms’ portfolio also includes more categories than peppers, as the company also grows and sells tomatillos, white and yellow sweet corn, Napa cabbage, strawberries, pumpkins, squash, and beans.
CHESTERBROOK, PA – After six fun and insightful years with Philadelphia-based Procacci Brothers, Frank Paone has made the jump into the data side in his new position with ERP solution company Deacom. But, Frank says, this move is adding to his career in fresh produce, not closing it.
“I’ve joined an amazing team of brilliant, energetic, and driven professionals at Deacom as an ERP Product Specialist,” Frank tells me, adding that he has joined a group of nearly 100 professionals and counting, all part of a dedicated implementation team that examines and learns all facets of their business to gain a true understanding of how they operate. This in-depth analysis is then applied to create a seamless plan to implement Deacom’s ERP into all aspects of their business.
The culture, too, is a fit Frank finds inspiring. Deacom, he explains, is driven by the Kaizen business philosophy: a commitment to ongoing and continuous development.
“It’s great to work in an environment where the team is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the platform so our customers will always have a competitive advantage,” he tells me, exuding enthusiasm.
So how does Frank intend to bring his fresh produce experience into his newest home, and strengthen the company’s reach in our industry?
“When I first spoke with the team at Deacom, it was clear that we shared a strong affinity for the impact of data accuracy in running a business and making proper business decisions,” Frank explains. “With so many moving parts and the need to maintain fresh product throughout the entire supply chain, managers of produce businesses rely on information and tools to run their business efficiently and profitably.”
All this, Frank says, can be achieved with a strong ERP software product like Deacom–a team he’s proud to now be a part of.
“In the produce industry’s fast-paced environment, decisions need to be made almost instantly, but this shouldn’t diminish the quality of information,” Franks tells me.
Such information, like storing and reporting data from inventory, packaging, costs, quality control, all the way through to maintenance, accounting, and labor, are things that Deacom can deliver in a centralized ERP solution. That data can then be entered one time and quickly accessed from different areas of the business.
“It’s evident that businesses in such a fast-paced industry need a solution to stay head of the game and I strongly believe we are that solution,” Frank shares.
It will be exciting to see where this leap takes Frank, and Deacom, in fresh produce operations.
Congratulations Frank on this newest chapter in your career!
CAMARILLO, CA – With the vision of offering a premium, flavorful, snacking tomato experience to North American consumers, Houweling's is showcasing its Signature Selection medley of exclusive varieties as we look to PMA Fresh Summit 2016.
Lindsay Martinez, Brand Manager for the company, took a few minutes out of her busy pre-PMA schedule to dish on the newest products in Houweling's premium tier line of tomatoes, and how flavor is always top-of-mind for the program.
"This year, we are offering three varieties of tomatoes in our Signature Selection premium snacking range, Sweetoms grape tomatoes, Tomazing cherry tomatoes, and strawberry vined tomatoes,” Lindsay tells me. “The trio offers a versatile mix of varieties that are great for snacking, slicing into salads, and skewering on the BBQ.”
Houweling’s Signature Selection standards dictate strict criteria for packing, with flavor at the forefront of the criteria. Along with the demand for outstanding texture and appearance, and a consistent premium quality tomato throughout the crop’s lifecycle, the company is looking to add-value across the greenhouse-grown tomato category.
“In addition, we are pulling back the curtain on these tomatoes by declaring the specific seed variety on-pack, so consumers can always enjoy and expect a quality experience,” Lindsay adds.
Houweling's Sweetoms, are a high-brix grape snacking tomato with a firm texture and sweet taste. The Tomazing cherry tomato with its unique red-orange color, offers a crisp crunch and responds to consumer demand for a variety with huge flavor. To round out the experience, Houweling’s strawberry vined tomato brings the palate a balance of sweetness and acidity with a deep red color and firm and juicy texture. A trio of taste.
With the goal of bringing more frequent repeat purchases to retail partners and creating a loyal following of tomato-lovers, Houweling’s is driving its brand forward with the premium Signature Selection.
IRWINDALE, CA - Craving a taste of fall but can do without the calories that come with those seasonal flavored lattes? Ready Pac Foods has just the solution in its two new Limited Edition products: Pumpkin Spice Bistro Bowl® single-serve salad, and Autumn Harvest Complete Salad Kit. The company says the two new offerings provide consumers the indulgent, autumn flavors they are looking for, but in a healthier, convenient way.
"We know consumers look forward to indulging in pumpkin spice flavored foods during the fall, but this often means a sugary or sweet treat," explains Tristan Simpson, Ready Pac’s Chief Marketing Officer. "Our culinary team crafted craveably fresh options to give consumers something healthier to enjoy, but still delight in the flavors of the season."
Pumpkin Spice Bistro Bowl®
This single-serve blend of harvest spring mix, roasted turkey, raisins, pepitas, and dates, is topped with a light pumpkin vinaigrette that’s brightened with hints of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This new way to taste the season contains 11 grams of protein, four grams of fiber, and contains only 330 calories. Ready Pac suggests the new Bistro Bowl for an on-the-go meal at a game, on a hike, or in the office.
Autumn Harvest Complete Salad Kit
Chef-inspired and restaurant-style, Autumn Harvest is a blend of spring mix and carrots, mixed with roasted pumpkin seeds, diced dates, raisins, and pumpkin-spiced cornbread croutons. On top, the salad is finished with a tangy pumpkin vinaigrette. According to a press release, this salad kit can be used to fulfill consumer cravings for an indulgent, holiday-flavored salad, and is perfect as either a side dish at your fall dinner party, or for tailgating at the game.
At a suggested retail price of $3.99, Ready Pac's Pumpkin Spice Bistro Bowl® is available through mid-December in more than 3,000 locations nationwide, including Walmart and Wegmans. The Autumn Harvest Salad Kit is available at Costco stores nationwide through the end of October, also at a suggested retail price of $3.99.
LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA – It is a time of continued growth and development for Allen Lund Company (ALC), celebrating 40 years in business with more locations, more career opportunities, and more action slated for the future.
“Our biggest opportunities are in our branch offices. It’s really interesting because our industry is such that you can create your own career path based on your own skill-set, because there are so many opportunities out there,” Pam Stumbaugh, Director of Human Resources, tells me as we discuss the opportunities and culture that set the company apart from others in the segment, and the industry in general. “We always have a very family, first-name basis feel that I think makes us quite unique in the industry.”
Starting in at the ground level with ALC, Pam explains that any self-driven, customer service-oriented person can begin as a broker’s assistant, and learn the industry details, before becoming a transportation broker and beyond; depending on the focus they choose. “This initial career path gives you a solid foundation so that you understand the process every step of the way.”
Pam knows firsthand all that the company offers, having held her current position for five years and having been with the team 12 years prior to that. “It’s nice to have a long history with the company, especially because when I first started all the personnel files were first name only, and now we have hundreds,” she shares with me.
And the employment rate is not the only place the company has seen growth. Most recently, ALC is celebrating a wider reach with the opening of three new offices in the following locations, each offering numerous opportunities in produce experience:
- Cincinnati, OH
- Greenville, SC
- Little Rock, AR
Talking about opening new locations, “We look to start with the right person to lead, and these offices in particular are truly beginning from the ground up. Now we are looking for key people to bring in and help build them up,” Pam shares. “We generally start out with a few on the team and, as demand rises, continue.”
While these are the latest to join the ranks of ALC’s geographical reach, Pam emphasizes that any and all company locations are constantly offering career opportunities.
“We are growing and we have career opportunities in every one of our locations. Even with the growth of the company, we’ve been around for 40 years, we maintain that we keep a family atmosphere that Allen started."
Additionally, the experience and the chance to learn all the ins and outs of the company aren’t all ALC has to offer. “Our offering of the full package of company culture, benefit programs, and more, have many in disbelief when they first join. We really take care of our people, our recruits often say that we sound too good to be true,” she laughs. “Then after they come on board they say that we deliver on everything we promise during the recruiting process, and it’s really heartwarming.”
Some of the more “mature” offices, Pam explains, are continuously looking for new team members that want to establish themselves and their careers in fresh produce.
“In recognition of our 40 years in business, we have 40 Acts of Kindness initiatives in play. These are acts our employees are completing to help the communities in which they reside,” Pam shares. “That’s what employees often are looking for, we have found, is joining a company that cares, and we truly do.”
With more growth on the way as it celebrates its 40th year in business, stay tuned for more news from the Allen Lund Company for the rest of 2016 and beyond.
LAKEWOOD, NY – As the seasons shift, with the first day of fall now officially behind us, consumers are truly wildin for all things pumpkin. As brands across the nation are looking to tap into this “golden” flavor trend, some are looking to take the distinctive pumpkin taste and use it for a more crafted piece; enter Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Pumking Ale.
Now in its ninth year of production, the company stated that this complex ale truly stands up to the memorable pumpkin taste which grips consumers each season. In addition to the obvious use of pumpkin, the ale is cultivated by fermenting the gourd with ale yeast, two types of malt, and two types of hops.
With an ABV of 8.6%, this ale is packing more than just a punch of pumpkin in each bottle, with a malty taste of vanilla and spices for consumers to imbibe their way through any traditional holiday meal. And the smell? The company states on its website that the trend continues with hints of pie spices, a buttery crust, and roasted pecans.
The brewing company has even seen such success with the product that it is now selling branded goblets for the brew, and will hold its first Pumking Fest–complete with beer floats, gourd bowling, and rum barrel-aged Pumking ale. Southern Tier begins brewing Pumking in July, further speaking to the success of this national craze.
Would I try this pumpkin ale and experimentally throw some whipped cream on top, for good measure? Yes, I believe I would; though I can’t personally say whether a beer-infused whipped cream ‘stache would be the best part of the pumpkin spice trend to aim for.