UNITED KINGDOM - U.K. shoppers will soon be able to buy the Reaper on store shelves as Tesco looks to turn up the heat in its produce department.
As we reported previously, the Carolina Reaper is a Guinness World Record holder for the title of hottest pepper that held its title until last year when the HP 56 Death Strain took the top spot. Coming in at 1.5 million on the Scoville scale for the official weigh-in, but having been clocked at as much as 2.2 million in an independent test, the Reaper is still something to fear. The pepper heavyweight hits Tesco’s shelves this week, according to the U.K.’s Telegraph, and the retailer isn’t trying to downplay its newest addition one bit.
"The Carolina Reaper is absolute meltdown material - it's one for absolute hot food connoisseurs,” Tesco chilli pepper buyer, Phoebe Burgess, commented, according to the report. But, she added, it has a sweet twist. "Despite it being astonishingly hot, it also has a wonderful fruity taste. Only a sliver is needed to add exciting flavour to your favourite curry.”
As for why the retailer decided to add a produce item that should come with a warning label, spice levels are a rising trend across the globe it seems, and Tesco is looking to see if consumers will rise to the challenge.
"Last year the Komodo Dragon became our most popular chilli pepper ever, and since then we've been inundated with requests from customers to see if we could go one better and, thanks to the fantastic growing skills of our chilli producer, we've done that," Burgess said.
Not to be underrated, The Komodo Dragon chilli pepper reaches 1.4 million on the Scoville scale, but the Telegraph reports that Tesco thinks the Reaper will do even better.
The Carolina Reaper, already on sale in Tesco stores across the U.K., is priced at £1 ($1.33 USD) for a pack of two to three.
Who will be next to catch the heatwave sweeping consumer tastes? While we may not be in a hurry to take a bite, AndNowUKnow can’t wait to find out.
MORRO BAY, CA - Just in time for the kick off of the California finger lime season, Shanley Farms’ Citriburst Finger Limes have recently been featured in a viral video that has been viewed over 4 million times.
On Tuesday July 12th, culinary news media brand Eater.com released a 45 second informational video on its Facebook page highlighting the unique features of Citriburst Finger Limes, which quickly went viral. Just a week after its release, video clocks in at over 4.1 million views and 20,000 shares. The video not only works perfectly for educating consumers about the only recently recognizable finger lime, but lines us right with the launch of the new season out of California.
“It is proof that finger limes are becoming more and more popular among the culinary crowd, but this crowd needs retailers help,” the company shared in a press release. “They think finger limes are ‘crazy cool’ and they want to use them in their cooking—they want to show them to their friends, and they want to feel that tantalizing pop of citrus explosion in their mouths, but where in the world can they find finger limes? Shanley Farms has you covered.”
Now shipping Monday through Friday out of Shanley’s Visalia, CA, packinghouse, Citriburst Finger Limes come in pack styles that include a 40 gram small clamshell for retail (around. 5-8 finger limes), a ½ dry pint for foodservice (around 25-35 finger limes), and assorted bulk quantities. Shanley Farms ships both domestically and internationally, having opened several export markets over the last 5 years since they first began marketing finger limes in 2011.
Watch the fun video for yourself above, and visit ShanleyFarms.com.
BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart has taken strides toward a two million-square-foot distribution facility with the approval of local tax incentives from the Mobile City Council in Irvington, Alabama.
“This is going to be by far the largest building in Mobile County, and have ever had. I mean, we’re talking over two million square-feet under roof,” County Commissioner Connie Hudson said, according to WKRG.
A total of $4.6 million in incentives was approved by both the county and city, but the retail giant continues to remain at a distance when it comes to confirming the project’s construction
“We’re still in the process of doing this, nothing can be said [that] this is for certain,” said Walmart Public Affairs and Government Relations’ Glen Wilkins, adding that something could happen while the company does its do due diligence. “We’re excited about this, we’re committed to this site, and that’s where we’re at right now.”
Alabama has pledged $7 million in incentives as well, according to the attorney for Mobile County Jay Ross, but hasn’t approved them yet. Local officials continue to remain confident and excited, however, about the facility.
“This is just exciting, not only is it Walmart but this will be the beginning of other distribution centers coming and locating next to the state docks,” said County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood.
According to the report, though nothing is yet confirmed, Walmart would be able to begin construction this coming December, and be up and running by December of 2018, with full time employment required by December of 2021. The location could offer upwards of 550 full-time jobs and 200 seasonal jobs to the area.
As more information on this newest distribution center becomes available, AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date with the latest.
MUMBAI, INDIA – In a weighty tomato theft to make your head spin, officials in India have taken an ambitious vegetable thief into custody after he stole 2.66 tons of tomatoes.
So just how does the crime underworld come into possession of over 5,300 lbs of pulpy tomatoes? Being in the right (or wrong) place at the right time.
“The accused went to a vegetable market in Santa Cruz [India] and on finding an unattended truck of a wholesaler, made do with it. The tomatoes had to be supplied to various vendors in the city,” said a crime branch officer of the arrest.
According to AsianAge.com, the thief in question then sold the stolen goods to produce vendors in the surrounding areas. Officials patrolling the Santa Cruz market noticed that vendors were selling the tomatoes at extremely low prices, far below the area’s standard market price.
“Tomatoes are currently very expensive, but these vendors were selling it for low prices which we found suspicious. When the officers inquired with them, they could not give satisfactory answers,” said an officer.
After further questioning by authorities, the Santa Cruz vendors caved and gave the thief, Ranjen Ramachandra Jaiswal, up to officials. Upon further inspection, officials found that Jaiswal had also traveled to another produce market in Dadar and continued his string of underpriced, blackmarket tomato sales to vendors there, as well.
“He was going to sell them at other markets when we arrested him,” finished the officer.
Authorities stated to AsianAge.com that they managed to recover nearly 1.98 of the 2.66 tons stolen from the hijacked wholesale truck.
As it turns out even the enticing appeal of tomatoes is not immune to an ill-advised cash opportunity. As food theft inches on the rise, AndNowUKnow will have the latest on your meatiest stories.
GILROY, CA - Joe Aiello, Owner of California-based Uesugi Farms, has been recognized for vision and leadership with the 2016 Morgan Hill Leadership Excellence Award.
The award looks to not only highlight leaders, but leaders that advance the spirit of community and charity, as well as reflect courage, insight, and inspire others to do the same.
A lifelong farmer with roots dating back to childhood on his uncle’s farm, Joe initially became Co-Owner of Uesugi Farms in 1979 after being approached by long-time farmer and mentor George Uesugi. Joe eventually took on full ownership of the company in 2004, watching it grow to its present day size of over 20 varieties of fresh produce to retailers, foodservice distributors, wholesalers, and processors across the nation and the world, including:
- Bell peppers
- Chili peppers
- Napa cabbage
- Sweet corn
- Strawberries
- Pumpkins
- Beans
Joe is widely recognized in the community as a well-respected local and ag industry leader, according to the company, taking up positions at the local Farm Bureau and the Western Growers Association (WGA).
In addition to serving on several committees to help resolve water, labor and transportation issues, Joe is working with both state and federal government agencies on the prestigious WGA board. Through this he is supporting the ag industry and addressing concerns that impact local, state, and national farming, as well as his own operation.
Known for dedication to the future generation of farmers, Joe does a great deal in the community to do so, including:
- Being a long-time supporter of the Future Farmers of America
- Supporting the Western Growers Association School Garden programs
In memory of his son Michael, who was tragically lost in a small airplane accident, Joe started an annual scholarship fund in 2008. Since its inception, the program has awarded 18 scholarships totaling $98,000.
Congratulations to Joe on this well-earned recognition!
CINCINNATI, OH - After 44 dedicated years, Kroger’s President of its Houston Division is retiring.
The Kroger Co. announced the retirement of Houston division President Bill Breetz, effective August 26, and the promotion of Marlene Stewart to succeed him. Stewart currently serves as President of the company's Dillons division.
Breetz began his Kroger career in 1972 as a bagger in Louisville, KY. After earning a degree at the University of Louisville in 1977, he joined the management training program and was named a Co-Manager in Cincinnati. Breetz served in several leadership positions in operations and merchandising through the years, before being named president of the Houston Division in 2015.
"Bill's extraordinary career demonstrates a passion for people and a passion for results. He leads by caring deeply about associates and developing future leaders," said Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO of Kroger, according to a press release. "Bill's leadership has contributed to Kroger's success and growth. The entire Kroger family thanks Bill for his many contributions over the years and wishes he and his family all the best in retirement."
Stewart will succeed Breetz as President of the Houston division, effective August 28.
Stewart also started her career as a bagger with Kroger in 1977 in the company's Cincinnati division, where she worked full-time while attending the University of Cincinnati. She went on to serve in many leadership roles in Cincinnati, including store and district management, training and merchandising. Steward was named to her current role in 2015.
Others moving up in the company following the retirement include Colleen Juergensen, who will move up to Dillons President from her current position as Vice President of Merchandising at the Smith's division, and Pam Matthews. Matthews is currently Vice President of Operations for the Delta division and will be promoted to President of Kroger's Quality Food Centers Division, replacing Dennis Gibson who was also recently promoted to President of the King Soopers banner.
"Kroger has an exceptionally strong team of leaders who are fueling our growth and improving our connection with customers," said McMullen. "Marlene, Colleen and Pam bring unmatched depth and experience to their new roles. They will help Kroger continue to make a difference for our customers, associates, and communities – and by doing so create value for our shareholders."
Congratulations to Breetz on a long career, and we wish him, and the newly appointed well in their next chapter.
MEMPHIS, TN - Idea Garden Marketing is kicking off its second installment of Digital Marketing University for Produce Professionals, a series of online digital marketing courses specific to the produce industry.
Designed to help produce companies connect with their consumers and get the most out of digital marketing the course's curriculum includes topics like social media, digital advertising, website best practices, search engine optimization, and email marketing. At the end of the program, Idea Garden Marketing says it hopes graduates will understand how to build brand identities in the digital space and ultimately increase sales.
“Last year’s first Digital Marketing University was a great success,” said John Avola, course instructor and CEO of Idea Garden Marketing, in a press release. “We received very positive feedback from course graduates who walked away with new ideas and thoughts behind how to reach and continue engaging with their consumers online.”
Classes will be hosted weekly starting August 1, 2016, and be presented via 60-minute interactive webinars. All classes are recorded for later viewing.
Register by July 24, 2016 to get an early bird rate of $395, or after July 24 for a standard rate of $495. The registration fee is applicable to all employees in a company that want to attend. All resources and materials are included. Register at ideagardenmarketing.com.
SALINAS, CA – Gearing up for the upcoming Foodservice Expo in Monterey, CA, on July 31, Mann Packing has announced that it will launch three new products at the event.
Mann’s Tenderbite™ Beans are a long, plank-shaped green bean variety which mostly disappeared from the U.S. mass market after the 1970s. Also known as runner, or Romano beans, and popular in Europe, Tenderbite™ Beans are versatile due to their long length and heartiness. Previously found primarily in home gardens and occasional farmers markets, Mann’s is producing the variety for year-round availability.
“Tenderbite™ Beans really caught our eye when we saw them in Europe a year ago,” said Rick Russo, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mann’s. “They’re great on the grill, slow roasted, or wrapped on a skewer – you can do so much more with these than your average green bean. So far, our customers have been really excited to see these coming back into the market.”
Mann’s stated in a recent press release that the company is also introducing two new romaine lettuce hybrids: RomaCrunch™ and RomaLeaf™.
RomaCrunch™, a cross between romaine and iceberg, has a small head and crunchy-sweet flavor. Its whole leaves are boat-shaped, making them a great vessel for protein salads, grains, or even desserts. It also stands up well to heat.
RomaLeaf™ is a hybrid that blends several appealing features of romaine and green leaf lettuces. With more green leaves than romaine and a texture crunchier than green leaf, the company said that it has excellent yield and lift when used in salad bars, catering trays and sandwich building.
“With vegetables taking center stage on menus across the country, we’re doing what we’ve always done: create innovative products that give our customers better alternatives to what’s already out there,” added Russo.
Chef Tony Baker, of Montrio Bistro in Monterey, will be serving samples of recipes he has created using Tenderbite™ Beans and RomaCrunch™, and all items will be on display at PMA's Foodservice Expo, booth #110.
For all the latest news on PMA Foodservice Expo, stick to AndNowUKnow, and we'll see you on the floor!
WESTERN U.S. - The weather anomaly circulating just off California's coast referred to as "the warm blob" was a focal point for a recent analysis looking to predict when similar patterns could influence droughts to come.
As we previously reported, the blob stretches 2,000 miles down the coast and more than 1,000 miles out from the West Coast, from the Gulf of Alaska to Mexico. It has been reported that the entity blocks winds that usually cool the ocean over the winter, as well as rain clouds, causing less heat to leave the Pacific and adding to the drought occurring in the western U.S.
“The atmospheric variability that forced the warm blob is the same that forced the drought,” Emanuele Di Lorenzo, Ocean and Climate Dynamics Professor at Georgia Tech and Co-Author of the analysis, published in Nature Climate Change, according to KQED Science.
So while the blob can not be blamed solely for the drought, the timing is unfortunate, according to the report. But the patterns could afford insight into other such “marine heatwaves” as it is referred to and droughts to come.
“This could potentially provide predictability. This is natural variability that we’re dealing with,” said Cliff Mass, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington, according to the report.
Scientists theorized, among other outcomes, the possibility that El Niño might help loosen the blob’s hold, but that does not yet seem to be the case.
“These climate patterns tend to have some influence on each other, and then El Niño is a central player in coordinating the connection,” Nathan Mantua, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientist that worked with Di Lorenzo, said. “Looking at the historical record we see that similar things have happened, but never to the extreme that was observed in the last few years.”
AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you posted as experts work towards answers that could help mitigate risks in the produce industry.
CALIFORNIA – With organic grapes just starting to ship from the Central Valley, and the market continuing to blossom for quality products, I took a look at the segment and found the market looks to be tight over the next couple weeks. What I’m hearing from growers and shippers is that for high-quality, premium organic grapes, the market will be above $23, depending on the variety.
Rob Spinelli of Anthony Vineyards tells me that the company is expecting a tight market for this high-quality year, matched by a high demand for organic grapes.
“There will be plenty of volume for promotions during July, but the demand during the transition from Coachella to the San Joaquin Valley for premium organic grapes has kept the market tight,” Rob divulges.
Anthony Vineyards plans to start its red Sweet Scarlet and Scarlet Royal varieties, as well as the company's green Timpson variety, in about a week.
"We're seeing great consumer response for our Sweet Scarlet organic grapes," Rob says. "This variety really stands out in the segment for premium grapes with its distinct characteristics of a floral bouquet, with a Muscat flavor that has a high brix."
Scott Boyajian, Director of Marketing at Sunview Marketing International, says that the company will be shipping out of the Central Valley with its Rosa®, Stella Bella®, Princess, and Summer Royal varieties. Sunview grows all of its organic grapes in the San Joaquin Valley and ships both domestically and internationally.
"So far, quality is great, and everything we've seen for this year's crop has been very good," Scott tells me of the current selection of premium grapes. "We're still in the beginning of the season, but the organic standpoint is about the same as last year, if not better."
Sunview has experienced no weather fluctuations that have affected its crop thus far, but says that it will continue to monitor its grapes as the market remains tight. “We’ve had some decent heat, but the crops came through it well without significant damage,” says Scott.
International demand of organic grapes is less than the company expected, but Scott says that fluctuation has more to do with the value of currency than consumer demand.
“There is a tremendous demand from consumers and retailers for grapes from California, and organic grapes in particular,” Scott finishes. “Organics is widespread, so to offer retailers another chance to tap in on consumer purchases, Sunview is offering secondary displays for additional merchandising.”
Chance Kirk, Director of Retail and Foodservice Sales, recently told me that Vincent B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc (VBZ Grapes) is also preparing for a high-quality year, with demand exceeding supply.
“We are seeing huge increases in organics this year. We have new varieties in this organic harvest, with a 25-30 percent increase to our proprietary varieties. We’re also transitioning some of our other varieties into organics as well,” Chance says as we talk about the flourishing market for organics. “It’s an exciting time to have new proprietary varieties, and be in the organic market.”
Chance says that as the organic sector increases on the consumer end, the organic market will be tight as crops transition from Coachella to the San Joaquin Valley. “Due to the heat in Mexico, there is less organic supply, so the market will stay tight as the regions transition,” Chance says.
VBZ Grapes expects to kick supply into high gear over the next week as more varieties are harvested, adding it is currently ahead of schedule for all varieties by about two weeks in the field compared to last year, as well as marketing and shipping.
As the organic grape market transitions between regions to match consumer demand, keep up with AndNowKnow for the latest.
Anthony Vineyards Sunview Marketing International Vincent B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc.