DELANO, CA - The time of Columbine Vineyards’ proprietary Holiday® grapes has arrived.
“Holiday® grapes have jumbo berry size, excellent and unique flavor, with impressive eye popping appeal,” Anthony Stetson, the company’s Sales Manager, shares with me when I ask what it is that has differentiated the variety from others in its category.
Columbine has started to ship the first Holiday® grapes of the season this week, and Anthony says that they will continue to be available through the the first week in December.
A pride and joy of Columbine Vineyards, Holiday® grapes are one of three of the company’s proprietary grape offerings, which together make up a portfolio of more than 18 varieties of table grapes, available from July through December.
In regards to the overall grape season thus far, the outlook is turning up as the heat turns down, according to Anthony.
“We are just coming off of the high summer heat and sugars are really starting to improve,” he says. “Both flavor and color on Red and Black seedless grapes are really starting to get that rich, deep, full, and delicious glow.”
To gain some inspiration on how to take full advantage of such supply, and to lend that inspiration to consumers, you can join the CoVi Kitchen, which offers a number of out-of-the-box grape dish ideas and easy ways to make them. You can see for yourself by clicking here.
Continue to check in with AndNowUKnow for updates on the season for grapes and more in the fresh produce industry.
DENVER, CO - With strategies like “kids eat free,” various reward programs, and the chance to win a year’s supply of burritos, I have been known to name Chipotle the Willy Wonka of fresh prep. And the company has rewarded me with the possibility of a burrito delivered via drone.
Teaming up with Google’s parent company, Alphabet, the fresh foodservice, fast casual chain is looking to reach consumers remotely with rapidly-increasing drone technology. And as if delivering burritos via drone isn’t fun enough, the idea is named ‘Project Wing.’
As we reported previously, drones sold are projected to reach 600,000 this year, and the window has broadened for companies thanks to the FAA’s passing of lighter requirements for licensing.
Now Chipotle, ever-looking to trends and treats to entice consumers, is testing the pilot program with Virginia Tech students, Bloomberg reports.
Alphabet's Project Wing chose Chipotle because of unique challenges the process would present.
"It sounds simple, but it’s not," Timothy Sands, Virginia Tech’s President, said. "There are a lot of things to work out from a safety point of view and a policy point of view."
So would the winch system used successfully deliver fresh food, and can the right food temperature be maintained upon receipt? The pilot will be available to select Virginia Tech students and employees to find out. Hopefully, it is successful enough to be shared with the rest of us, and one more key step in pushing fresh to consumers conveniently will be made.
DONNA, TX - As the foodservice industry continues to innovate and expand, Kingdom Fresh is celebrating a new organic product and more growth on the horizon.
Guillermo Martinez, General Manager of the company, took the time to share the details.
“We just introduced our new organic grape tomatoes, and there’s an area where we hope to continue to grow as we expand in the market,” Guillermo shares. “Hopefully by next year we have other commodities in that area.”
Growing everything in hydroponic state-of-the-art facilities, Guillermo tells me that the company has three different tomato varieties:
- Roma
- Vine ripes
- Grapes
He adds that the company is not only excited about this new launch in the growing organic segment, but also has a strong footprint in foodservice.
“We focus on quality, food safety, and service,” Guillermo explains. “Service means we stand by our word.”
To hear all about what Kingdom Fresh’s General Manager had to say, watch the brief video above.
WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) against Yuqing Wang, alleging unlawful employment by a PACA licensee during the period of his PACA employment restrictions.
According to a USDA press release, Yuqing Wang will have an opportunity to request a hearing. If the USDA finds that Wang violated the PACA by being unlawfully employed during the period of his PACA employment restrictions, Wang’s employment restrictions would be extended for a one-year period.
As we previously reported, the USDA had originally ruled that Wang could not be lawfully employed by a PACA licensee until June 18, 2015.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce companies operating subject to PACA, which includes buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. USDA is authorized to suspend or revoke a trader’s license for violating the act.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,700 PACA claims involving more than $66 million. Its experts also assisted more than 7,100 callers with issues valued at approximately $100 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
IDAHO FALLS, ID - With Category Partners’ Founding CEO Mac Johnson stepping back to refocus his efforts on creating value and growth, the company has announced that Tom Barnes will be stepping forward to take over the lead role.
“I have known Mac for many years and consider him not only a mentor but a friend, and I am honored to take up the torch of this great company and continue to build on the strong foundation Mac has built,” shared incoming CEO Barnes. “I am excited to work for our clients, our principals and on behalf of the Category Partners team.”
Prior to his joining Category Partners in 2013, Barnes was an Account Executive with Wada Farms, working closely with retail giant Walmart. In total, Barnes spent 13 years with Wada Farms, working in various technology and analytical roles. According to a press release, Category Partners expects this wide range of experience to help take the company to the next level.
“As Category Partners has deepened its relationships with national and regional retailers, my focus, time, and energy has evolved,” said Johnson, Category Partner’s current President and CEO. “After spending over 47 years in CPG and produce marketing, it was time to let the younger members of the team take Category Partners to the next level. I’ll be shifting my efforts to the rapidly changing world of retail and produce, and strategically supporting Tom Barnes and the rest of the first-class CP team.”
Barnes outlined that cutting-edge technology, market and consumer research, and retail and category insights will be targets on his radar to help drive the company’s retail sales growth.
“Category Partners has experienced strong growth over the last twenty four months, more than doubling the company’s size,” Barnes added. “I am proud to have the opportunity to lead such an innovative team of produce professionals. We’re doing things never done before in the produce industry.”
An Idaho Falls, ID, native, Barnes spends his time with his wife raising five children, riding ATVs, and coaching sports of every kind. A hearty congratulations from AndNowUKnow to Tom Barnes on the new role!
BENTONVILLE, AR – As competition in the buy-side sector continues to soar, Walmart is making further investments into upping its production and securing its footprint in the market by announcing plans to build a new distribution center. The facility, located in Central Florida, will encompass 146-acres and is currently valued at more than $2 million.
The planned project in Brevard County will span a sizeable 592,830-square-feet, according to the Orlando Business Journal, and will feature one main facility to store both cold and dry produce, freezer items, and other perishables such as dairy, deli, and meats.
The distribution center will also house a shipping and receiving dock, along with 943 parking spaces. Other smaller facilities are also planned for the site for fuel, a guard house, truck maintenance garage, and more.
Walmart filed a permit to begin the project in Cocoa, FL. Florida Today reported that the retail giant will receive $2.92 million in economic incentives from the city to build the center, including a cash incentive of $2 million, as well as create 239 jobs.
Orlando Business Journal speculates that the distribution center’s creation will also generate $96.2 million in new capital for Cocoa by the end of 2018 through construction, renovations, technology, and furnishings.
Once granted the permit, Walmart will be able to move forward with its groundbreaking and prospective plans for completion.
Where will the buy-side industry expand next, and which retailer will set its roots further into the U.S. market with new distribution centers? Keep up with AndNowUKnow as the reports roll in.
SPARTANBURG, SC - From a restaurant manager to his current role as Senior Purchasing Manager for Denny’s, Gene Harris has had quite a ride since he started with the company in San Diego, California, in August of 1986. As Gene celebrates his 30th anniversary this year, the industry veteran shares with me the details behind his long tenure at Denny’s and how the company’s commitment to its customers starts from within.
“Denny's is such a great company to work for,” Gene tells me as we talk about the family-feel of Denny’s corporate culture. “We work as a team and work together to support each other, while also supporting restaurant operations and the franchisees. Our goal is to continually support and drive the Denny’s brand; whether it’s a company restaurant or a franchise restaurant, it doesn’t matter. It is still a Denny’s!”
So, what brought Gene to Denny’s? The path was definitely unique. Gene worked as a cook in many restaurants during, and after, high school. When he went to college, Gene took several automotive classes and worked as a mechanic for about 2 years before deciding to go into the Navy in February 1979 to be a cook.
“I ended up as a cook on a submarine stationed in San Diego. I served on two different nuclear subs in the seven and a half years that I was in,” Gene tells me. “I got out of the Navy on August 3rd of 1986 and went to work at Denny’s two weeks later. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Gene has navigated the many leadership roles at Denny’s, from Restaurant Manager, General Manager, and General Training Manager, to Product Development Project Leader, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Manager, and his current position as Senior Purchasing Manager. Through the years, Gene has seen the company grow both its footprint and its diner demographics, and attributes the company’s success to the strength and support within the Denny’s culture.
“Diversity is an everyday part of our culture, and that has helped us bring multiple perspectives to the table in order to drive growth,” he says. “We treat everyone the same – as a fellow member of the Denny’s Team.”
As Gene enters the next ten years with Denny’s, his goal is to continue to improve and strengthen the company’s regional purchasing programs, and to also provide great service and value for the restaurants.
“Staying ahead of food safety issues, finding ways to improve our purchasing programs even more – these are all apart of our vision at Denny’s. I love the produce industry – especially the people. It's like a big family,” Gene shares. “And personally, my goal is to be the best husband, dad, and ‘Papa’ I can be, and also to give back by serving others in need. I am very blessed!”
Please join me in congratulating Gene on his 30th anniversary with Denny’s, and for his continued impact on our industry!
IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission (CAC) is gearing up for a milestone year at PMA Fresh Summit, celebrating its 45th year as an exhibitor. This year, the commission will be bringing with it a new logo and insights for 2017.
“Clear communication of the origin of California avocados is a key strategy for the Commission,” said Jan DeLyser, CAC’s Vice President of Marketing, according to a press release. “In 2009, CAC introduced a new consumer logo that heightened the communication of California, then developed a label design for the fruit that handlers were able to customize for their use. Both have evolved, and with the new Commission logo, all California avocado identification is integrated.”
This new corporate logo looks to align with the commission’s consumer logo and label schematic, it explained, acting as a significant departure from the design that has been used in variations for the last three decades.
As for insights into next year, DeLyser said, “The 2015-16 California avocado season has come to a close with the harvest expected to come in on projection. Now we’re gearing up for next season and inviting retailers and industry stakeholders to CAC’s PMA Fresh Summit booth #2843 to learn about our latest research and plans for 2017.”
Taking place October 15 and 16 of this year, this 45th year for CAC is a marker in a long history of support of PMA. Commission Founding President, CEO, and California avocado innovator, Ralph Pinkerton, served as PMA chair in 1973, and DeLyser held the same honor in 2012-13. Many members of the commission have also volunteered on PMA committees.
CAC will now return as a sponsor of the Produce for Better Health Supermarket Registered Dietitian (SRD) program, as well as host groups of SRDs in its booth. In attendance will be Matt Ruscigno, MPH, RD, educator, and media spokesperson, and Past-Chair of the Vegetarian Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
At PMA Fresh summit, he will share with SRDs and others about the benefits of a plant-based diet, plus the nutritional and culinary benefits of avocados.
See for yourself by stopping in on booth #2843 next month, October 15 and 26. And keep on checking in with AndNowUKnow for more to expect from the show as we count down to the big event.
NOGALES, AZ - There’s a new option on the market for devoted organic consumers.
As we recently reported, Wholesum Harvest is partnering with Vitalis Seeds to launch the “Vitalis Born, Wholesum Raised” initiative. When we checked in on how the program is going, Wholesum Harvest says they are seeing success. Inquiries are rolling in, PLUs are on boxes, and orders are shipping out.
“This is the assurance consumers need that there hasn’t been any modification to the product. It’s organic for the organic purist,” says Jessie Gunn, Marketing Manager for Wholesum Harvest. “Through this quality mark, we are demonstrating our commitment that organic agriculture should start with organic seed.”
The program has opened a dialogue with consumers about the origins of organic produce, and Wholesum Harvest is glad to be providing answers. According to Gunn, organic is the fastest growing produce segment, and the company wants to get ahead of the curve in using organic seed.
Of the decision to launch the program, Gunn says, “People were asking for it. We know people are getting logo fatigue with Organic, Non-GMO, Fair Trade labels, but the most important point from start of the day to dinner is that we’re doing business right.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for all the latest in organic produce news.
RIO RICO, AZ – With over 20 years of experience in the industry, President of Mas Melons & Grapes, LLC, Miguel A. Suarez, has shared what has led the company to its prominent stature as a vertically-integrated agribusiness.
Today, the company is known annually marketing more than 3 million boxes of melons, grapes, squash, asparagus, cucumbers, avocados, and broccoli through strategic partnerships throughout Mexico.
"Today, the solid business of relationship Mas Melons & Grapes has built during the last 19 years with most of its global customers, goes beyond the merely business transaction, it is founded in a provocative, customer-driven passion to ethically source the finest and best tasting fruits and vegetables out of Mexico," said Suarez, according to a press release.
Suarez, best known as Miky, is no stranger to the melon and grape industry. Over 20 years ago, he earned the reputation as being the sales manager with the highest records of Mexican cantaloupe and honeydew melon exports while working for a leading distribution company in Nogales, Arizona. After hearing frequent complaints about the inconsistent quality and lack of taste, he concluded the best solution is to have complete control over the whole process, from production, post-harvest and shipping, all the way from field to distribution.
To achieve this level of control, Suarez decided to partner with some of the best third generation growers in Mexico, with whom he had developed an honesty-driven relationship, and jointly invested on getting key human resources, quality, and food safety certifications. The partnership also sought out state-of-the-industry equipment to guarantee every fruit under the company's Desert Pride® brand is delivered with optimal quality and flavor.
"Every individual at Mas Melons & Grapes has learned to take care of our customers the way he or she would want to be taken care of. We believe that's important to your continued success, and to ours," continued Suarez.
Over the years, said the company, Suarez has dedicated himself to being the preferred supplier of his customers globally by consistently delivering superior quality, flavor, and service.
Mas Melons & Grapes furthers its deliveries of fresh produce into North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia with investments into state-of-the-art technology. This focus and dedication in the company has allowed for continuous growth, and opportunities for future generations.
Where is Mas Melons & Grapes headed next? Stay with AndNowUKnow to find out.