CANCUN, MX - With August just on the horizon and Mexico continuing to grow its global presence in the fresh produce arena, AMHPAC is gearing up for its 9th Annual Convention on August 25-26, in Cancun, Mexico. Nestled in this tropical locale, the event will take place at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Hotel where businesspersons and decision makers alike will learn, listen, share experiences, and build relationships in a venue that ensures quality, adventure, and unique opportunities.
“For this 2016 event, we are looking to bring new energy and insights to national and international conversations,” CEO Alfredo Diaz, tells me. “Leaders of the horticultural industry, including growers, government officials, representatives of the supply chain, researchers and consultants, will gather to celebrate the diverse agricultural regions of Mexico and further the discussion on important topics that include food safety, advancing agriculture through technology and innovation, as well as adapting to a changing political climate.”
In addition, the show will allow American and Canadian retailers and wholesale executives the chance to meet with major Mexican growers to inspire those business opportunities and discussions.
Still haven’t registered, well now is the time, just click through here.
Stats from last year’s event:
- 64% of 2015 Convention attendees were AMHPAC members.
- 50% of members who attended last year's Convention came from the West, 21% from the Northwest, 20% from the Northeast and 9% from the Central area of Mexico.
- 80% of participating companies were tomato growers, while the remaining 20% produced other crops (cucumber, pepper and eggplant, among others).
- 100% of attending members export their products to the United States and Canada.
Along with a host of esteemed speakers and presenters, will be an exclusive General Assembly for AMHPAC members, where owners of agricultural companies and representatives of different input supplying and service companies will be participating.
“This year should offer an amazing event and even better opportunities. One of the many reasons why we gather at this event each year is to discuss the issues affecting our industry and make decisions about the future of the organization and the industry,” Alfredo adds. “With participants across 20 different Mexican states, it is sure to be an exciting, educational, and must-attend event.”
For those of you looking to get your sweat on before those tequila shots, the AMHPAC race is your ticket – sign up now by contacting Susana Figueroa [email protected].
Speakers and topics at this year’s event include:
- Dan Fone, NSF Internation, “Competing in the Global Food Safety Platform: A Review of International Requirements.”
- Federico Reyes Heroles, Renowned Writer and Political Anchor, “2016: Political Noise and Slow Construction of the Future.”
- Peter Ravensbergen, Leader of the Food Safety Program at Wageningen University UR Food & Biobased Research, “Innovative Developments in the Agrifood Supply Chain.”
- Juan Antonio Águila Marín, PhD on Human Development Sciences with Major in Organizational Development, “Positive Attitude Towards Change.”
- Dr. Estelle Cheret Bittelin, Director of the R & D department at RKW, Agriculture Division, “The Impact of Plastics in Protected Agriculture.”
- José Luis Solleiro Rebolledo, a Head Researcher “B” at the Center of Applied Sciences and Technological Development (UNAM), “The Importance of Technological Innovation in the Agriculture Sector.”
“Each year we listen to the feedback of our attendees and members to ensure that we meet the needs of convention participants,” Alfredo adds.
Time is winding down to register for this annual event, so take a pen to your calendar, get your sunglasses ready, and we will see you at the show!
MONTVALE, NJ - Just when you thought you’ve heard the last of the A&P bankruptcy saga, new documents have surfaced that suggest the company’s struggles may continue on through 2017.
In court papers filed recently with a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, NY, the company’s lawyers asked Judge Robert Drain to extend its bankruptcy through 2017 to give it increased time to plan distribution of the nearly $1 billion of proceeds from its liquidation to creditors. If approved, this would extend A&P’s “exclusivity period” through January 19, 2017, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Companies that file for chapter 11 bankruptcy are automatically awarded exclusivity, the report explains, which shields them from creditors or outsiders who would look to interfere with the process.
As we’ve covered in the past, A&P originally filed for bankruptcy in July 2015, when it began the lengthy process of liquidating its business of 296 supermarkets and other stores under brands including Waldbaum's, SuperFresh, Pathmark, Food Basics, The Food Emporium, Best Cellars, and A&P Liquor. In the recent filings, the company reported its several auctions and sales have garnered about $910 million and saved more than 18,000 jobs.
Next for A&P? The company will be looking to finalize the sale of its last remaining assets—16 liquor stores, while figuring out its creditor-repayment plan, Wall Street Journal says. While still subject to a creditor vote and final legal approval, A&P’s lawyers shared that the company has already paid off $300 million of its secured debt.
A hearing on the exclusivity extension was slated for the middle of this month.
LEVERKUSEN, GER - In the latest on Bayer’s bid to acquire Monsanto, the latter has turned away the former’s most recent bid of $64 billion.
Bayer said today in a statement that it is disappointed in Monsanto’s decision to reject its increased all-cash offer, which it said represents a 40 percent premium over Monsanto’s closing share price on May 9, 2016.
While Monsanto declared it is still open to further communications with Bayer, according to Reuters, though it stated that the most recent acquisition offer was, "financially inadequate” and “insufficient to ensure deal certainty."
As we recently reported, Bayer upped the ante earlier this week from the original $62 billion bid that it offered Monsanto earlier this summer, with Bayer CEO Werner Baumann commenting that the company is fully committed to pursuing the transaction.
"Monsanto remains open to continued and constructive conversations with Bayer and other parties to assess whether a transaction that the board believes is in the best interest of Monsanto shareowners can be realized," Monsanto stated, according to Reuters.
Additions Monsanto is looking for from its bidder include an up in the breakup fee prior to granting access to financial information, anonymous sources close to the matter told Reuters.
Bayer reaffirmed that its offer would not be subject to a financing condition, as it stated last week, in addition to an offer of $1.5 billion USD reverse antitrust break fee, “reaffirming its confidence in a successful closing.”
“The revised all-cash offer is a compelling opportunity and represents immediate and certain value for Monsanto shareholders amid recent weak business performance and Monsanto’s reduced mid-term outlook,” Bayer said.
As of today, July 19, at 1:02 PM EDT Monsanto was up 0.42% to $106.6 USD per share. Bayer was down 1.21% as of Jul 19, at 5:35 PM GMT to €91.78.
With the sought-after business open to continued negotiations, AndNowUKnow will keep you informed of the latest.
YAKIMA, WA – As the company gears up for its northwest crop of apples and pears, Domex Superfresh Growers has announced that it expects large-sized, flavorful fruit this season due to prime growing conditions this spring and summer.
“Cell division has been terrific, due to another early bloom and moderate spring and summer temperatures,” says Mike Preacher, Director of Marketing and Customer Relations for Domex Superfresh Growers. “We expect apples to peak on 88-count and larger, and D’anjou pears will peak on larger sizes this season. Additionally, we expect the fruit to have good color and flavor.”
Domex stated in a press release that harvest for its Bartlett pears is expected to kick off the last week of July, with apple harvest following close behind in the first week of August.
“All of this means great sales opportunities for retailers, and great eating experiences for customers. With large sizes on the horizon, retailers should also consider adding or moving to five pound bags,” Preacher added.
Domex said that in addition to voluptuous size of the apples and pears expected this season, the crop is expected to harvest early which is similar to last season.
“This allows for Labor Day and Back-to-School promotions of apples and pears,” says Preacher. “With the northwest cherry crop potentially ending a couple weeks earlier than normal, apples and pears will make a great choice for filling promotional space.”
As companies across the industry gear up for the apple and pear season, AndNowUKnow will continue to have the best-picked announcements for your perusal.
ROSEMONT, IL – In a leadership shakeup to its Board of Directors, US Foods Holding Corp. has announced that Timothy R. McLevish is stepping down from his position on the Board, with Court Carruthers and David Tehle newly appointed.
“We wish Tim all of the best in his new endeavor,” said Pietro Satriano, President and Chief Executive Officer of US Foods. “I’m pleased to welcome David and Court to the Board. Both bring public company and audit experience, as well as a wealth of business and finance expertise.”
The company stated in a recent press release that McLevish has accepted a position as Executive Chairman of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., following the company’s completion of its planned spinoff. As Lamb Weston is a significant supplier to US Foods, McLevish can no longer qualify as an independent director to the foodservice distributor. McLevish will vacate his position effective immediately.
In his new appointment to the US Foods Board of Directors, David Tehle will serve as the new Chairman of the Audit Committee for US Foods. Tehle retired from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Dollar General Corporation in 2015 after being appointed to the role in 2004. Tehle has also served as Chief Financial Officer for Haggar Corporation.
Currently, Tehle serves on the Board of Directors for Genesco, and on the Board of Directors for Jack in the Box as an Audit Committee member and Finance Committee Chair.
Court Carruthers brings 13 years of experience in senior leadership roles to the US Foods Board of Directors with roles held at W. W. Grainger, Inc. Most recently, Carruthers functioned in W. W. Grainger as Group President, Americas, where he was responsible for American operations, and global ecommerce and innovative technologies.
Carruthers currently serves as a Direction and Audit Committee Member of Ryerson Holding Corporation, and also serves on the board of multiple private companies such as Follett Corporation. Carruthers is a CPA, CMA in Canada.
As foodservice and retail companies continue to hone in their leadership appointments and executive strategies, count on AndNowUKnow for the latest.
SACRAMENTO, CA - I know this is far fetched, but just hear me out: If you are like me, a Gen Xer or older, you may have rolled your eyes when you heard about Pokémon Go. In my opinion, I’m not a fan of Pokémon and wanted nothing to do with this latest fad.
But then I saw the numbers.
According to DMR digital stats, since the game launched on July 6th:
- It’s collected 26 million daily users, as of last Friday, July 15th
- Estimated to have made $3.9-$4.9 million its first day
- It’s seen more than 10 million Android downloads since the launch
- More than 10% of Android owners use the app daily, 10.81% as of July 13th
- Daily users spend up to 43 minutes a day on the ap
- As of July 9th, it was making $1.6 million daily from the iOS Apple store
Nintendo’s stock has skyrocketed this month, with many calling the game the company’s “comeback.” And while the game is still struggling with its technology due to its overnight success, people continue to download and play.
Even with all of this in front of me, I still had my doubts. But then I went to lunch, seeing everyone with their phones and at play. Finally my employee, Shane, showed me the game, and I saw how, maybe, this fad could benefit the produce industry.
In the weeks it's been available, Pokémon Go has surpassed some of the leading applications in daily time spent, including Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter.
This game is taking a Millennial brand, like Pokémon, and opening people’s eyes to the application of Augmented Reality (AR). For those of you who don’t remember, read about AR as opposed to Virtual Reality (VR) in our sister publication, The Snack Magazine, by clicking here. To get an idea of how IKEA is using AR, see the video below.
In my opinion, the first retailer to use AR the right way in its produce aisles stands to gain a foothold in the sought-after millennial market.
Imagine this: standing in the produce aisle and waving your phone over a mango display and a recipe appears.
I’m not saying that Pokémon Go will bring millions of AR users into your produce aisle just yet, only to be open to the possibility and the potential it has to help effectively increase the ring at the register.
OMAHA, NE - SpartanNash is in full celebration mode in its Omaha and Bellevue Nebraska stores. The company has completed its $14.5 million remodels from No Frills and Bag ‘N Save stores to its freshness-focused banner, Family Fare Supermarkets.
“As we renovated these eight Family Fare Supermarkets, we focused on what our customers expect in a grocery shopping experience – selection, quality, and freshness,” explained Ted Adornato, SpartanNash Executive Vice President of Retail Operations. “We remain committed to delivering these to our store guests, along with everyday low prices and outstanding customer service from the nearly 1,000 associates who work at these new and improved locations.”
The grand reopening of the eight locations will take place this Wednesday, July 20, with simultaneous ribbon-cutting ceremonies that feature President and CEO Dennis Eidson, Adornato, COO Dave Staples, EVP/CFO Chris Meyers, EVP of Merchandising and Marketing Larry Pierce, Center Road Location Store Director Sara Ferris, and other community leaders and partners.
The newly-rebranded locations are located as follows, according to a press release:
- 4444 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68144
- 5110 S. 108th St., Omaha, NE 68137
- 2650 N. 90th St., Omaha, NE 68134
- 3003 108th St., Omaha, NE 68164
- 3026 S. 24th St., Omaha, NE 68106
- 7402 N. 30th St., Omaha, NE 68112
- 1510 Harlan Drive, Bellevue, NE 68005
- 1801 Valley View Drive, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
“Omaha and its surrounding communities are wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family, and we are excited to reinvest in these stores and communities in this way,” added Tom Swanson, SpartanNash Vice President, Retail – West Division. “None of this would have been possible without the hard work of our store associates or the understanding of our store guests, and we can’t wait to introduce them both to the new and improved shopping experience at our newest Family Fare locations.”
These grand re-opening celebrations will span the following eight days after the ribbon cutting (July 20-27), and will include daily giveaways, food samples, and surprise offerings, all while emphasizing summer produce, the company explained. Rewards Card users between July 20 and the end of August will automatically be entered into the Super Sweepstakes, with one lucky winner winning a grand prize of a four-night getaway and two tickets to the 2017 Pro Football Championship in Houston, Texas. Two first-prize winners will receive free groceries for a year.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Fusion Marketing has expanded its partnership with global information company The NPD Group.
“Fusion Marketing’s alliance with the NPD Group will help strengthen the produce industry’s understanding of consumers’ shopping patterns,” states Steven Muro, President of Fusion Marketing, according to a press release. “Through careful analysis, Fusion uncovers potential sales opportunities and provides actionable strategic direction. NPD will provide their unmatched expertise on consumer behavior, and together we will have greater insight into the motivating behaviors driving purchase decisions and ultimately driving sales.”
Combining NPD’s extensive consumption behavior research with Fusion’s retail expertise and related retail sales analysis, the companies stated that they will strive to deepen the produce industry’s understanding of:
- Consumer consumption
- Shopping behavior
- Market Trends
In turn, the two hope to benefit produce companies and commissions by providing market intelligence, consumer insights, and retail trends.
“Our alliance with Fusion Marketing offers the produce industry the insights and knowledge to make smarter business decisions to drive stronger marketplace results,” said Diane Tielbur, President of Food and Beverage Consumption at NPD Group. “With NPD and Fusion providing the business insights, implications, and guidance for actions, we can help all the players in the produce supply chain achieve their core business goals.”
Continue to read AndNowUKnow for all the latest in marketing and innovations to promote consumption for the produce industry.
FRESNO, CA – As the industry gears up for the fast-approaching event, Fresno Food Expo has announced that it will host opportunities for western produce growers to connect one-on-one with international buyers, due to cooperation from the Center for International Trade Development (CITD), and the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA).
“The novelty of an exclusively regional food show hosted in the undisputed food capital of the world – Central California – has afforded the Fresno Food Expo international attention from buyers around the world because of the integral role the region plays in the global food supply chain. In an effort to further aid individual business growth and economic development for not only Central California, but the entire western region’s food industry, the Fresno Food Expo, CITD, and WUSATA have partnered once again to provide an unprecedented impact to an already successful economic development venture,” stated Amy Fuentes, Fresno Food Expo Manager.
This announcement will pair Central California and the 13-state region of the Western U.S. with international buyers from the following places, according to a recent press release:
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Singapore
- Philippines
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
Fresh produce companies who wish to participate in the opportunity must register by July 18 with WUSATA, a non-profit working together with the western states and the USDA to help businesses export overseas. Businesses also have the resources to take their exporting to the next step in exporting with consultation and export training, buying missions, and one-on-one matchmaking through the Fresno Food Expo’s partnership with CITD.
“The California Center for International Trade Development is focused on guiding local food and beverage producers, growers and manufacturers for success in the International market by providing the resources needed to foster strong relationships between foreign buyers and local food producers to benefit not only Central California companies, but the entire International marketplace. According to statistics presented today, less than one percent of United States’ companies are currently exporting and 58% of those companies are only exporting to one country – something we seek to change,” said Alicia Rios, Director, CITD.
The Fresno Food Expo stated the event, and its partnerships with WUSATA and CITD, aims to support the needs of international buyers who attend the event in search of quality, diverse fresh produce which is not available in their own countries, while expanding the portfolios of businesses in the western regions. Through these opportunities, the event also looks to spur even greater economic growth in Central California.
Since the event’s launch in 2011, the Fresno Food Expo’s attendance has grown every year with more than 950 buyers expected for this year’s instance. 2015 saw over 917 buyers, some from a wide selection of countries as part of CITD’s organized buying mission. Fresno Food Expo said that this increase in attendance is due to buyers traveling greater distances to see what the San Joaquin Valley and Central California have to offer.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, Hall I. A closed business-to-business trade show will begin at 9 am for qualified buyers, and the international one-on-one meetings will be held from 1 – 5 pm. The Expo’s public event, Expolicious, will take place from 5 – 8 pm.
HAYMARKET, VA – Though the occurrence is, hopefully, somewhat rare, a supply truck filled with tomatoes found itself in quite the predicament yesterday morning after crashing into a guardrail and then bursting into flames.
With its inventory of tomatoes sent flying, Potomac Local reported that the pulpy mess closed down Interstate 66 when the truck rolled to a fiery stop underneath a new and busy bridge called the Diverging Diamond Interchange.
Authorities say that there were no major injuries sustained during the crash. The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries and will face reckless driving charges. The man reportedly drove off the left side of the road going east before eventually hitting a guardrail. The Virginia State Police cited fatigue as a factor in the crash.
Continued closures and delays are expected in the area as authorities continue to clean up the scattered tomato treasures of the wreck.
No word has been given on the survival rate of the tomato crop inside of the trailer, but odds are, that the load has now become a permanent stain of highway salsa.