PLANT CITY, FL - Joining the fight against foodborne illnesses and disease outbreaks within the produce industry, Wish Farms is committing to donate $100,000 to the Center for Produce Safety (CPS). CPS operates with the goal of narrowing any gaps in knowledge in order to prevent future devastating foodborne illness events.
“Foodborne illnesses not only pose a threat to the masses, but to the entire marketplace. When a product is recalled, it causes a ripple effect costing the farmer all the way to the grocery store. It is imperative consumers are kept safe,” Wish Farms Owner, Gary Wishnatzki explained, as someone who understands that ongoing food safety research is crucial. “The Center for Produce Safety facilitates important research benefitting the entire produce industry. By supporting the effort it solidifies Wish Farms’ commitment to food safety.”
Wish Farms’ agreement sees it committing to donating $20,000 annually over the next five years. According to a press release, the money will go towards funding the following:
- Various research projects
- Soil amendments
- Water irrigation
- Animal intrusion
- Wash water sanitation
- Pathogen transfer from food contact surfaces
“We thank Wish Farms for this generous leadership contribution to the Campaign for Produce Safety, especially after the success of CPS's annual Research Symposium,” added Tim York, Chair of CPS Board of Directors and President of Markon Cooperative. “By investing in safeguarding and improving the safety of fresh produce, Wish Farms and other campaign donors are also investing in consumers' confidence that we have their best interests at heart.”
The company believes this investment will assist produce companies, and others along the supply chain, to better understand and control cross-contamination risks and protect public health. And on top of that new knowledge base, the Center for Produce Safety also plans to help young, rising scientists work closely with senior investigators and scientists to inspire them to continue specializing in produce safety research.
Here’s to Wish Farms, the Center for Produce Safety, and advancing food safety in the industry!
VANCOUVER, CANADA – With its eyes on company growth, and the global expansion of its footprint, The Oppenheimer Group has announced two executive appointments in the promotions of Eric Coty and Walt Breeden.
Eric Coty was promoted to Executive Director, South American Imports, to oversee the company’s procurement strategies for all South American grown produce. Coty first joined the company more than two decades ago in QC, moving up through various sales positions in Oppy before being appointed to his most recent position, West Coast Director of Sales, in 2012.
“Eric’s excellent relationships with growers, alongside his understanding of the nuances of our customer base and excellent results with key Oppy accounts position him for success in the new role,” said Doug Grant, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. “As Executive Director, South American Imports, Eric will ensure a consistent methodology across all categories for planning, procurement, programs, communication, and coordination with our base of South American growers.”
According to a press release, Coty will work closely with Oppy sales teams, grower relations staff, and grower partners to ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce for North American consumers. Coty will also work with Oppy’s Executive Category Directors for the following:
- Berries
- Grapes
- Stonefruit
- Apples
- Pears
- Kiwifruit
- Mangos
- Citrus
To replace Coty’s role, the company stated that Walt Breeden has been appointed as Vice President Sales, Canada and U.S. West Coast. Breeden is based in Vancouver, Canada, and has worked for Oppy for almost 30 years in various roles in the sales department. Breeden specializes in customer relations and building opportunities for the full range of Oppy’s offerings, and is also the star of the company’s monthly “What’s Fresh at Oppy” social media video.
Oppy stated that Breeden’s efforts willbe supported by Director of Sales, Canada, Steve Young, who was promoted to his position in April of this year. Young is directly responsible for sales activity in Oppy’s Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto offices. This supportive appointment will ensure Oppy’s Canadian business remains focused on strategic growth.
“Walt and Steve will do a great job assuring the needs of our Western U.S. and Canadian customers are covered,” said David Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We are excited to bring Eric’s expertise closer to our South American grower base. These moves truly strengthen Oppy’s ability to tend to our growers’ interests while innovating and delivering the best possible solutions to our customers.”
The company stated that in other supportive and strategic appointments in the company, Tampa Sales Manager, Carl Immenhausen, will retain responsibility for strategic and tactical management of Oppy’s South American air program. Newark Sales Manager, Bill Poulos, will continue to function in his role as Director of Import Grapes and Stonefruit.
Congratulations to Eric Coty and Walt Breeden on their new chapters with Oppy!
CHILE - Monday saw a 6.2-magnitude earthquake strike the coast of Chile’s northern region, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake authority reported that the quake’s epicenter was 41 miles west-northwest of Diego de Almagro and hit about 1:26 PM EDT.
While there are currently no reports of notable damage to infrastructure or indications of casualties, Chile’s emergency services office announced, there have been reports of dust storms caused by the quake in the country’s Atacama Desert. Currently, there is no tsunami alert, although the country is not unfamiliar with the occurrence following large earthquakes.
In 2010, a 8.8-magnitude quake caused a tsunami that destroyed huge portions of Chile’s infrastructure, hindering the country’s economic functions, including fresh produce growing. During the month of July, Chile grows categories like apples, avocados, and some citrus varieties.
When more information about the quake’s impact on fresh produce production is released, count on AndNowUKnow for continued updates.
CINCINNATI, OH – Kroger may have just gotten a leg up in the ever-shifting competitive nature of the buy-side industry as analyst and Vice President at Goldman Sachs, Stephen Tanal, has just upgraded the retailer’s stock from Neutral to Buy.
Tanal upgraded Kroger’s rating in a report covering food retailers with a Neutral grading, according to Benzinga.com. Tanal stated that Kroger’s long-term outlooks were promising given Kroger’s “entrenched, multi-local dominant positioning, driving local economies of scale across the U.S.”
In addition to the upgraded rating, Tanal added Kroger’s stock to the analyst’s Conviction List, with an assigned price target of $42, signifiying a projected growth of 17 percent.
Tanal recommended companies like Kroger in his report, as it primarily serves “low population density areas that are better insulated from competitive intrusion.”
Tanal also noted that as Kroger has no international footprint, the company should remain unaffected by global shifts and uncertainties. Kroger stock, according to the analyst, already shows reflections of success in terms of taking shares from its competitors.
This upgrade is not the first for the company, as TheStreet also reported that Hilliard Lyons upgraded Kroger’s stock to Buy from Neutral just last month.
Could Kroger be making considerable moves ahead of its competition in the tight U.S. retail markets?
As Kroger and other retailers continue to strengthen their revenue growth and retail strategies, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on financial shifts and the subsequent leaders in the buy-side industry.
FRESNO, CA - Warm daytime temperatures and cool nights brought on by the delta breeze are creating the ideal growing conditions for Crown Jewels and grower partners Doug, Cathy, Matt, and Virginia Hemly, and their Gala apple and Bosc pear program.
With fresh, cool fruit top-of-mind for retailers, Crown Jewels’ Partner, Atomic Torosian, joined me to discuss the start of the season in Sacramento, and how a deep commitment to quality and exceptional growing practices only adds to the fruitful program.
“The heritage and lineage of our grower partners truly speaks to the values within our program. The Hemly Family, can trace their farming roots back over 165 years along the banks of the Sacramento River,” Atomic tells me. “They consistently produce good quality fruit each and every season while working on new innovative farming techniques and also experimenting with new varieties.”
Doug and his wife Cathy are avid travelers as well, and there are few places around the globe they have not visited over the years, Atomic adds. “The success of the program comes down to the people and the vision that aligns our companies.”
Currently, the Hemly family grows Bosc pears and Gala apples along the banks of the Sacramento and Consumnes Rivers, with Galas also growing in the rich agricultural area of Davis, CA. These quality items are packed under Crown Jewel’s Tradition label, which reflects the deep relationship to the land and the people.
“The Bosc Pear deal is starting now, and we are expecting an excellent quality crop with good color, sugars, and firm fruit expected throughout,” Atomic tells me. “This year we should also see good russeting on the Golden Russet Bosc pears.”
While quality looks promising, Atomic does tell me that production will be off by as much as 30%-40% this year, as the pears did not set as heavy as last season, which could drive demand. With the tighter supplies this year, he adds that retailers need to get their POs in now.
“We just started the Gala apples last week (time for run next week) and the color looks pretty good so far and the sizes might be similar to last year with the peak sizes being heavy to 113s, 125s, 138s and 100s,” he adds.
When I ask Atomic, what he’d like retailers to know about tapping into the Crown Jewels program as a whole, he shares that, “We offer a wide array of commodities from melons to grapes, and have specialty produce offerings from items such as Figs, Pomegranates, and Forelle Pears, to traditional Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn, and Pink Lady apples. As a diversified grower, packer, and shipper, we bring sales and marketing support to our retail partners and tailor our program to their needs.”
Atomic has been working with Doug Hemly’s Family since the late 80s, a testament to the quality, tradition, and commitment invested into this ever-evolving program.
WATSONVILLE, CA - The countdown to PMA Foodservice 2016 is on, and as the excitement grows around this annual event, Monterey Mushrooms is announcing some new changes to its internal sales and marketing team.
Veteran Sales Manager Sandy Malouff-Quintana has been promoted to a newly created Sales Manager position, in which she will oversee national foodservice accounts at Monterey Mushrooms. Sandy has been selling mushrooms for most of her life and will now be tasked with leading Monterey's efforts in meeting the needs of the company’s foodservice customers and aligning its businesses to increase mushroom consumption. With a focus on building relationships and developing value-added products and packaging, she is eager to learn about what Monterey can do to be a better partner.
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside all food service operators in an effort to grow fresh mushroom sales,” Sandy tells us. “My intention is to create new and innovative promotional approaches as a means to increase total case sales."
Monterey Mushrooms is also continuing with its commitment to help increase mushroom consumption through marketing campaigns centered around nutrition and easy recipe ideas, by actively promoting a summer grilling campaign to keep mushrooms top-of-mind during the summer months. In the fall, the company will help promote mushrooms through unique, and common, pairing ideas.
“To help meet our customers’ needs during the busiest time of the year for mushrooms- Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays - we’re increasing the square footage at our facility in San Miguel,” Mike O'Brien, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, tells me. “Our San Miguel team, located in central Mexico, consists of more than 600 members with one common goal: providing consistent quality & supply to our customers.”
Over the last few years, Monterey Mushrooms has invested significant capital in people, training, technology and capacity expansion, making San Miguel as one of the most advanced facilities in North America. The company’s supply capabilities include multiple days a week in Whites, Browns, Oysters, for bulk or prepack.
Mushrooms are definitely one of my favorite produce items. I’ll take them chopped and added into the ingredients of a hamburger patty, sliced into an omelet, sautéed over a nice rib eye, or featured as a main ingredient in a rich porter. Yes, you heard me… And with PMA Foodservice just around the corner, I recommend you mark Monterey Mushrooms booth #425 on your list of stops, because the team will be featuring a company-made Portabella Porter to whet your palate!
See you all next weekend in beautiful Monterey, California!
YAKIMA, WA - With the launch of its July Orchard Update last week on July 22nd, Domex Superfresh Growers is shifting its focus to its crop of apples and pears as the last cherries are packed up.
“Those first three weeks are when cell division occurs,” Lauren Brandt, Horticulturist for Domex, commented, stating that those first 20 days after bloom is the most critical period for determining apple size.
A recent addition to the team after having graduated from Washington State University with a major in Fruit and Vegetable Management, Brandt zeroes in on the science of an apple for her first Orchard update, which can be seen below.
“Cell division is one of the most important factors because it determines how many cells the apple will have," Brandt adds. "Later on, those cells will grow to be much larger, but the apple won’t gain any additional cells after those first three weeks.” The sizing, according to the company, is “huge.” With the vow that treefruit is in her DNA, Brandt reported excitement for the coming 2016 harvest.
Domex’s Chief Horticulturist, Dave Gleason, attributed both the fruit size and exceptional fruit quality to perfect weather, calling this some of the best summer weather the company has seen in a long time. With the season on track to harvest several days earlier than this time last year for most apple and pear varieties, Domex reported picking Bartlett pears early this week, with Gala apples soon to follow.
From Autumn Glory™ to Granny Smith, and everything in between, the company stated that retailers and consumers can expect high quality fruit from the 2016 harvest.
PHARR, TX – In continued efforts to maintain the clean reputation of mangos, authorities at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted a shipment of the fruit that contained over five tons of marijuana.
“This is an extraordinary seizure; our officers did a tremendous job in the interception of these narcotics. Smugglers are getting very creative with their smuggling attempts, but our officers remain vigilant and committed to our CBP mission,” said Port Director Efrain Solis Jr., Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
Authorities intercepted a tractor trailer hauling the load after it was referred to a non-intrusive imaging inspection at the cargo facility, according to a recent press release. After utilizing the skills of a canine team, officers uncovered approximately 10,566 pounds of the drug.
Hidden amongst the innocent mango shipment was 19,584 bundles of marijuana. Authorities stated that the drugs carry an estimated street value of $2,111,222.
The 32-year-old driver, hailing from Reynosa, Mexico, was arrested upon the discovery and transferred to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. Authorities stated that this arrest should send a strong signal to criminal organizations.
As we’ve recently reported, this lawless detention involving mangos is not the first for this particular set of authorities, as the Pharr International Bridge is not unaffected by the role of fruit and vegetable shipments containing illicit passengers.
Will criminal masterminds be thwarted by this latest arrest? Will mangos remain unhindered by a seedier underside to shipping? Stay with AndNowUKnow for your mango-focused news.
FOWLER, CA - The 2016 import season has been off to a strong start, according to Bee Sweet Citrus.
For the last decade and a half, Bee Sweet Citrus has been building relationships with international citrus growers in Chile and Peru. Its Quality Control team sees that all imported products are certified and audited in food safety, social accountability, and sustainability.
Joe Berberian, Sales Manager at Bee Sweet, noted according to a press release, “Through our import program, we’ve able to provide our consumers with a variety of products. So far, the 2016 summer import program has proven to be strong in terms of volume and consumer demand.”
Between May and October, Bee Sweet Citrus receives imported Clementines, Navel Oranges, Cara Caras, Minneolas, and lemons. Additionally, the Bee Sweet Citrus sales team handles all import clearance, logistics, inventory, and conducts weekly market analysis calls with their international partners.
“All imported product, once off-loaded at the port, is trucked straight to our facility where it’s re-graded to ensure the highest quality,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Anders Skooglund. “Additionally, we offer our customers the ability to repack and reconfigure the fruit to any specific pack style that they may want during these months.”
Stay tuned with AndNowUKnow to keep up with the freshest produce industry import news!
MONTEREY, CA - Menus are looking to be a whole lot brighter this season, thanks in part to the now trending zestiness of Sunkist fresh citrus. Using the over 40 citrus varieties that Sunkist is promoting, attendees to the company’s booth at this year's PMA Foodservice in Monterey will be able to see all the versatile ways chefs are diving into the citrus craze.
“Consumers are craving bold flavors on menus, while also seeking healthier options – creating a powerful opportunity for the produce industry, and citrus in particular,” explained Joan Wickham, Sunkist Director of Communications. “Sunkist is looking forward to highlighting citrus culinary trends at this year’s PMA Foodservice conference.”
Those who stop by booth #130 at this weekend’s conference will be able to sample a Grilled Sunkist® Meyer Lemonade from Chef Robert Danhi, featuring specialty lemon variety Meyer lemons. A quickly growing product as far as consumer demand, Meyer lemons are said to be a cross between a Mandarin orange and lemon, making it sweeter and less acidic than its conventional counterparts. Not only will this beverage bounce off the trend of Meyer lemon usage, but Sunkist says the use of charred citrus is also heating up on menus throughtout the country. The company cites foodservice publication, Flavor & The Menu, who included grilled citrus as one of the top ten trends for 2016.
“As consumers seek distinctive fresh flavors, demand is growing for specialty citrus varieties like Meyer lemons in the foodservice sector,” Wickham continued. “Creative preparations, like charring, add depth and richness to citrus that can elevate garnishes, beverages and more.”
Also on display at the trade show will be Sunkist’s new 1-pound Meyer lemon and Zebra® (pink variegated) lemon pouch bags. The smaller, more convenient pack size will allow operators to start small and experiment with specialty varieties.
“The versatility of lemons makes this category a culinary favorite,” added Wickham. “In addition to specialty lemon varieties, Sunkist is pleased to offer conventional and organic lemons year-round to meet growing foodservice demand.”
Stop by booth #130 this weekend to learn even more about Sunkist’s citrus for foodservice, or for those of you who can’t make the show, visit http://foodservice.sunkist.com.