WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a year where issues are mounting that could affect the produce industry for years to come, it's more important than ever to add your voice to the #PowerOfFresh. #PowerOfFresh is this year’s theme for the United Fresh Produce Association’s upcoming Washington Conference, where industry members from across the country can convene to speak directly with the officials that will be ruling on these important decisions.
“Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is at risk for the next generation of consumers. Without a viable and legal workforce, the fresh produce industry suffers,” explains Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the United Fresh Produce Association. “Congress is debating the largest trade deal in history, which would increase fruit and vegetable exports by nearly $1 billion. Congress needs to hear direct from the fresh produce industry on these issues—immigration, fair trade, and child nutrition—that affect business, industry and the future of fresh produce access in America.”
During the 2016 United Fresh Washington Conference, attendees will meet with their representatives to discuss how immigration, fair trade, and child nutrition will impact their businesses first-hand. In addition, attendees will participate in educational workshops led by industry experts for a deep-dive on critical policies that will shape the future of fresh produce. As we reported earlier this week, one of these sessions will be “The Food Police Are Coming – Liability Concerns and DOJ Enforcement,” where you can speak with officials from the Department of Justice about which cases they choose to prosecute in the fresh produce industry.
Your voice needs to be heard on Capitol Hill. Join your fellow fresh produce leaders September 12-14 in Washington, D.C., to show your representatives the Power of Fresh.
IRVINE, CA - Indoor vertical farming company, Urban Produce, is making big moves to expand its patented Vertical Growing System. The company has hired Optivest Investment Banking to oversee the system’s financial growth.
“We have seen considerable interest from the investment community, and as a result, our board is considering different proposals aimed at strengthening our balance sheet as we seek to capitalize on a number of accelerated growth initiatives,” shared Ed Horton, President and CEO of Urban Produce. “Optivest Investment Banking’s corporate finance expertise and established network of institutional and strategic relationships make them an ideal partner to advise Urban Produce on its corporate finance plan.”
Since the launch of the company in January 2015, Urban Produce has seen massive growth and international interest, and as a result, is now looking to move into phase two of expansion. Through this new partnership with Optivest Investment Banking, the company is moving forward to build five additional Urban Vertical Farms in the U.S. by 2017.
An additional 25 Vertical Farms in 2018 may be explored internationally, with Urban Produce already securing strategic operating and licensing partner interest from the Middle East, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Peru. According to a press release, Urban Produce currently holds patents in seven different countries including the U.S. and Canada.
The company sees the fact that worldwide population is likely to increase by 70 percent by 2050, as an opportunity to help combat the global hunger crisis and eradicate food deserts. “Our goal of sustainability incorporates our atmospheric water generation and the use of solar- generated power to one day completely operate off the grid,” adds Horton.
All discussions between Urban Produce and prospective financial and strategic investors will be overseen by Paul Donnelly, Sr. Managing Director with Optivest Investment Banking.
SALINAS, CA - Unique flavor combinations and delicious superfoods are coming right to your microwave, thanks to Mann Packing’s new Nourish Bowls. This is What’s In Store.
Developed by an expert panel of chefs, the company’s new line of single-serve, warm meals come with everything you need for a healthful and flavorful meal or side dish. With uber-trending vegetables like kohlrabi, butternut squash, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, kale, and sugar snap peas, consumers from Millennials to moms will find something that will nourish both body and soul.
Ready in just three to four minutes, Mann’s Nourish Bowls are available in four popular and trending flavor profiles, including Southwest Chipotle, Monterey Risotto, Sesame Sriracha, and Smokehouse Brussels. The bowls are suited for a variety of meal occasions, from an on-the-go bite, to a cozy at home meal or side dish. The veggie-blend bowls have the convenience-factor that appeals to on-the-go consumers, and while delivering the flavor and quality ingredients expected from any Mann’s product.
Available at retailers like Safeway, Walmart Supercenters Texas, Super Targets, Albertsons Randalls Houston, Save Mart, and Sendiks, Mann’s Noursh Bowls retail between $3.99 - $4.99 and feature a 16 day shelf-life.
Thank you for watching What’s in Store.
BOISE, ID – Tapping in on the rising e-commerce trend, and consumer demand for easily accessible groceries, Safeway has announced the launch of a pilot grocery delivery program in Denver, CO.
“We had more requests for home delivery in Denver than any other city Safeway serves,” Denver Division President Todd Broderick said in a statement to the Denver Post.
Consumers in the metro Denver area can now log onto the Safeway website, owned by parent company Albertsons, to fill their grocery carts with their favorite produce items to receive their order within a one, two, or four-hour timeframe.
“The plan is to expand to other parts of Colorado, but this is our first go of it here,” Safeway's Director of Public Affairs, Kris Staaf stated. “We’ve had the service in other markets like California, Washington and Oregon, and it’s been tremendously successful.”
Although the serviceable Colorado areas currently includes the following list, Safeway said that its sights are set even further to match the expansion of its e-commerce services in other state markets as well:
- Denver
- Lone Tree
- Boulder
- Aurora
- Thornton
- Northglenn
- Westminster
- Broomfield
- Lafayette
- Arvada
- Wheat Ridge
- Lakewood
- Littleton
- Englewood
- Centennial
- Highlands Ranch
Safeway has enlisted the aid of a dozen new delivery trucks to safely ensure consumers receive their orders. The fleet of wheels are equipped with multiple temperature zones so fresh vegetables can stay perfectly preserved on their way to the dinner table.
“E-commerce is big business,” Staaf continued. “To be able to offer this to our customers in the Denver metro area is really exciting.”
As more companies tap in on the rising e-commerce segment, and develop innovative ways to push fresh vegetables even further into consumer hands, AndNowUKnow will keep you up-to-the-minute with the latest news.
AMSTERDAM – The internet’s fascinations with avocados has gotten one product deeper, thanks to the culinary stylings of one Instagram user. This time? Consumers are buzzing over avocado buns.
According to the Boston Globe, Amsterdam food stylist Colette Dike saw another opportunity in the bright green possibilities of the avocado, specifically in its ability to provide consumers with a healthy, low-carb option for eating.
“All flavors of a burger (and most sandwiches) go really well with avocado,” wrote Colette in an email according to the Boston Globe, “So why not replace the bun with an avocado?”
After posting an iconic image of an avocado-blessed burger on her profile @fooddecco, Colette received a deluge of spirited reactions; both wildly positive as well as humorously negative, she said, although most swing in the favorable spectrum.
“There are lovers and ‘haters’ but it seems they both are at least curious of what it tastes like — and are trying it,” Colette wrote.
Colette recommends that avocado lovers across the board can enjoy the burger by consuming it with a fork and knife, like one would similarly tackle a “stacked salad.” The stylist continued on to report that the possibilities are endless, as the avocado burgers can be garnished with an array of topping options and flavor profiles.
The avocado burger seems to have secured its placement already as the trend continues to rise, as Colette devulged that several restaurants have already put the healthy veggie-filled option on their menus.
Will avocado buns be the dinner partner to breakfast’s avocado toast? AndNowUKnow will keep your plate filled with avocado-styled news as the versatile trends continue to roll in.
DELTA, BC - With the tagline “Mastery Under Glass,” Houweling’s is continuing in its efforts to innovate the greenhouse tomato category by offering consistent high flavor varieties, including the company’s premium Strawberry Vined Tomato. Joining the likes of Houweling’s new Tomazing cherry tomato and Sweetoms grape tomato, Houweling’s Strawberry Tomatoes will be featured in the company’s premium tier line of offerings, Signature Selection.
Brand Manager Lindsay Martinez, took a few minutes out of her day to chat with me about the Sunstream variety, and how retailers can take advantage of the unique profile in produce departments.
“Our Strawberry Vined Tomato is a superior snacking tomato that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity,” Lindsay tells me. “With a deep red color and firm and juicy texture, this variety will not only make an impact in the greenhouse tomato category as a result of its aesthetic appeal, but for the intense tomato flavor that it also delivers.”
This incredibly versatile tomato is delicious as a snack on its own, halved into a fresh salad, or roasted to intensify the flavor profile. As a quick tip, Lindsay shares that strawberry tomatoes are great on the BBQ… Just skewer lengthwise, as many tomatoes as will fit. Then place them on the top rack of your grill when cooking your proteins or other vegetables, and rotate occasionally when you see the skin splitting. Serve warm on a salad or as a side.
“Retailers who consistently carry our Strawberry Tomatoes have reported frequent repeat purchases from loyal customers,” she adds. “The year-round California advantage allows us to build a customer base that can rely on consistent flavor and quality 365 days a year.”
Houweling’s Premium Strawberry Vined tomatoes come in 12, 9 oz. clamshells, with 120 cases per pallet. Houweling’s Signature Selection standards dictate strict criteria for packing, ensuring a consistent premium profile.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – As the glamorous veggie prepares to make its debut leap into retail, Frieda’s Specialty Produce has announced a new package for its watermelon radishes.
“Our pouch showcases what these gorgeous radishes look like on the inside, which not only attracts the attention of shoppers, it also educates them about the product with serving suggestions on the back,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce.
The 1 lb., stand-up pouches put the vibrant internal color of the watermelon radish at the forefront of the consumer's gaze, and also provide consumers with recipe ideas to cultivate the perfect watermelon radish dish, stated the company in a press release.
The new package also helps eliminate PLU confusion, extends shelf-life, and will move more radishes off the shelf. The package and Frieda’s signature branding also makes the watermelon radishes easy to merchandise in the refrigerated rack.
“The watermelon radish is truly a hidden gem of the produce department—most shoppers don’t know about its beautiful color on the inside just from looking at it on the shelf,” finished Caplan.
Retailers can take advantage of buy-side watermelon radishes in procuring them from Frieda’s in 12/1-lb. pouches, and in 10-lb. bulk.
Watermelon radishes have already been making a lasting impact in the foodservice realm, as restaurants and food blogger have been utilizing its taste and color for salad shavings and pickled flavor, such as vegan/vegetarian grain bowls, poke (Hawaiian fish and rice bowls), and bahn mi (Vietnamese sandwiches).
The company stated that the watermelon radish is the perfect forward-thinking selection, as radishes are currently trending. The Huffington Post Food section recently featured radish recipes including pickled and roasted radishes.
For the latest in new and lasting trends, continue to check in with AndNowUKnow.
TAMPA BAY, FL - As part of its strong commitment to its headquarter’s home of Tampa Bay, Florida, IFCO North America has partnered with the Feeding Tampa Bay food bank, helping to sort 11,308 pounds of food and creating 9,423 meals for distribution. This volunteer experience was part of IFCO’s annual management meeting in Tampa, Florida.
“Feeding Tampa Bay serves 10 counties in the Tampa area. The group effort was well organized by the food bank team – they kept us on task sorting many different types of goods. And we were very happy to help,” explained Daniel Walsh, President of IFCO Systems North America.
“There are few things more rewarding than working to help those who struggle with hunger,” Walsh continued, adding that IFCO is delighted to have the chance to contribute and to have its entire management team participate in the effort.
“Feeding Tampa Bay provides food to more than 700,000 hungry in the 10-county area of West Central Florida,” commented Megan Carlson, Volunteer Services Manager at Feeding Tampa Bay. “We are very grateful to companies like IFCO who work hard to help us fulfill our mission.”
In the same vein of charitable giving, IFCO Systems announced earlier this year that it has donated a total of 200,000 RPCs to organizations such as food banks since its inception.
“IFCO’s business aligns well with the missions of Feeding America affiliates across the United States,” concluded Walsh. “Our business is supplying Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) for the fresh food industry. Gathering around the table to share food is a universal human experience, and we were humbled and proud to be part of the effort here in Tampa.”
To learn more about IFCO Systems and its North American division, visit www.IFCO.com.
SEATTLE, WA - Just over a year after revealing plans to bring a drive-thru grocery store format to the weary shoppers of the world, Amazon looks to be adding a third location in none other than trend hub Seattle, WA.
According to GeekWire, the new location will join the ranks of its previously announced Sunnyvale and San Carlos, California, drive thrus, allowing consumers to place their grocery orders online and pick them up at a drive-up window. GeekWire reportedly uncovered Amazon’s written plans for the new project, which are apparently secret enough to warrant a “Project X” nickname for its mentions within the document.
As we mentioned in a prior article, the first location in Sunnvale was designed in a 11,600-square-foot building and grocery pick-up area. So far, no details have been revealed about the sizing of the additional locations
While this will be Amazon’s first major attempt to take on brick and mortar grocery stores, it’s not yet clear if this will a serious threat to existing retailers. Amazon also has its AmazonFresh program, which allows you to have your groceries delivered right to your door. However, according to a report by Brick Meets Click, nearly 60% of U.S. consumers who've never shopped online for groceries refuse to do so simply because they’d like to select their own fruits and vegetables.
Is physically driving to pick up your groceries and having someone else fill your basket the missing link? Amazon seems to think so.
There are currently no details available on when consumers will be able to start getting their groceries via drive thru, but AndNowUKnow will keep updating you with the latest.
CHINA – If you think you’ve been upping your productivity game lately, this new watermelon variety is begging to give you a run for your accomplishments with its latest award. The single plant was recently awarded a Guinness World Record title after yielding an impressive 131 full-sized fruits.
This new prospective “super plant” variety was developed by researcher Zhu Xuegang and his research team in Xizheng, China. The plant is different than its varietal brethren as it brings all of its watermelon seedlings to term, instead of terminating most of the fruits in order to boost the strength and quality of just a few.
According to Oddity Central, this plant, currently named the Tianlong 1508, not only brings a shocking amount of watermelons into the world, but develops them with a typical average weight of 22 lbs. The smallest watermelon produced from the plant weighed in at 11 lbs., with the largest producing a shocking heft of 41 lbs.
The research team, from the Zhengzhou Research Seedling Technology Co., Ltd., also said the Tianlong 1508 boasts a high resistance to disease, as well as the ability to thrive in sandy soil.
Xuegang divulged that the key to the productivity of the melon lay in the temperature used to nuture the plant. Instead of using cold water, his team installed water tanks on the site so they could monitor the temperature of the water which was mixed into the fertilizer.
The most work Xugang and his team had to do to aid in the plant’s growth once it flowered? Untangle the vines every morning for proper watermelon development.
Check out the video above to see more of the infamous plant.
The plant was grown on a 100-square-meter plot, and produced the record amount of watermelon over a mere 90 day period. Xuegang has not yet stated whether the most productive watermelon plant on Earth will be developed for commercial use.
My favorite part of the plant? Extending its lanky arms to let its vines cover the entirety of the surrounding area, the scene seems to combine two great passions of mine; science fiction and tasty watermelon.
As science and fresh produce continue to merge, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest results.