AUKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - T&G Global has plans to significantly grow its U.S apple program over the next six years, announcing a new Wenatchee, WA-based office and new distribution structure. Known widely through its U.S. subsidiary, EnzaFruit Products Inc (EPI), T&G Global’s new Washington office brings the company closer to the major growing regions and T&G’s grower and distribution partners—a move the company says will facilitate stronger relationships with key stakeholders across the supply chain.
With the new office, T&G Global (through its EPI subsidiary) will become the master license manager for North American distribution on the September 1, 2016. This includes the exclusive management of the export program for the company’s U.S. origin fruit, through its North American export market team office based in California.
Oppy, who handles the majority of Enza North America’s program, has significantly grown its sales, according to a press release, leveraging both its market experience and long-term relationship with T&G. For over a half century, Oppy has made strong contributions in the establishment of Enza's program through its varieties and brands.
Along with the announcement of T&G’s growth plans, the company has shared the appointment of CMI as its third domestic sales agent, starting with the 2016 season.
McDougall and Sons, a Co-Owner of CMI, is one of three packers of Enza fruit and a major grower of Enza varieties, making this move a perfect compliment to the company’s established distributors, Oppy and Rainier Fruit Company (RFC).
“It’s a natural fit for CMI to join our other two very strong sales agents as CMI’s owners have already been growing and packing all three of the T&G varieties for many years,” explains Darren Drury, Executive General Manager of Pipfruit for T&G Global, adding that these initiatives underpin a plan to grow the Enza program from the current 2 million plus cartons per year to more than triple this number by 2022. “Pipfruit remains a key focus and a major part of T&G’s business globally, supported by our outstanding varieties and brands such as Jazz™, Envy™, and Pacific Rose™, an expanding grower base and a global export network.”
Following BayWa’s majority shareholding in T&G in 2012, the company says it has been building its apple and pear programs as part of a global strategy.
“Our North American strategy has been built on the continuing growth and momentum of the apple industry in the USA, with consumers falling in love with the apple and pear category again,” Drury goes on, citing new and flavorful varieties as the reason both U.S. and international consumers have grabbed ahold of the trend. “The Enza programme has been built on selecting growers who share the values and vision of T&G and the exceptional varieties that make up the program including Jazz and Envy, and also Pacific Rose.”
The company credits its success and future growth plans on its strong relationships with growers, distributors, domestic retailers and export customers, with Drury adding, “We place a major emphasis on our relationships across the supply chain and we are delighted to have strong distribution partners such as Oppy, RFC, and CMI.”
The company is continuing to work hard to ensure growth and demand are linked to maximize returns for growers and distributors, all while continuing to meet customer expectations and evolving consumer taste preferences.
KAUAI, HI - Jeff Sacchini, twenty-seven-year food industry veteran and purveyor of companies like Sysco and Living Foods, spends his off days as an avid runner, working for charity under the Hawaiian non-profit, The Kauai Marathon. Founded in 2009 with his wife, Liz, the world-class running event is now approaching its 8th year, scheduled to take place September 4, 2016.
"We are anxiously awaiting a record turnout for our 8th annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon,” Jeff tells me. “We are expecting over 2,000 participants from 18 countries and 45 states. It will be the first time that we exceed 2,000 runners and we are thrilled with the growth.”
Named in 2015’s Runner’s World Top 10 Destination Half Marathons, as well as featured in the book, The Best Half Marathons in the World, the Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon has drawn over 12,300 runners from 28 countries in the last seven years, and raised over $100,000 for charity on the island of Kauai.
USATF certified, the Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon both begin in the Poipu resort community at the island’s southern end, sharing routes for the first 11 miles. Each course then follows the scenic coastline, across picturesque beaches, volcanic peaks, and tropical rain forests. Half marathoners will then enter Kukui’ula Resort, while the full marathon heads out to Lawai before climbing to the top of Kalaheo. The remaining miles are a gradual descent until runners are welcomed back Poipu Beach.
Participants can sign-up today at www.thekauaimarathon.com, and start planning for your September 4th get away for a good cause!
IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission is looking to push consumption by promoting a twist to the American classic trio of bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
Not only is this embedded in American eating culture, but, as the commission states in a recent press release, it can be easily incorporated into any meal of the day.
Sliced, cubed, or diced, these recipes offer more opportunities to boost the consumption of fresh California avocados, no matter the hour:
The California Avocado Bruffin
Brioche, sundried tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and now, bacon and avocado, have brought breakfast the BLTA. To find a detailed recipe, click here.
California Avocado Chopped Salad
Cool, colorful, and convenient, salads are a produce-fueled, refreshing way to escape the summer heat. What would this dish be without the tomato and lettuce, and the dynamic avocado/bacon duo complete the set for a tasty, healthy lunch. For the recipe, click here.
Bacon, California Avocado and Tomato Club Appetizers
Outdoor parties are a favorite pastime for the summer season, and this particular dish provides and easy, avocado-fueled alternative to the traditional serving platters. Find the recipe here.
This is just a sample of ways to inspire your shoppers to shop avocados. For further inspiration, go to CaliforniaAvocado.com/Foodservice.
WILMINGTON, DE – A Delaware judge has blocked owners and subsidiaries of bankrupt Fresh & Easy from selling stores in the chain, citing demonstrated risk of fraudulent transfers.
The temporary restraining order was granted by Judge Brendan L. Shannon after the company’s Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors filed a proposed bankruptcy court lawsuit to seek the recovery of the stores and its funds in regards to the reported earlier transfers without compensation from 2014.
The committee stated that 19 stores were transferred without payment to FEFOS through individual and corporate parties, such as YFE Holdings Inc. Fresh Foods LLC, and FEFOS LLC. The committee said that these transfers were made for the benefit of those involved during the insolvency of Fresh & Easy.
“FEFOS has already transferred some of the sale proceeds to YFE in the past," Judge Shannon said in his order, according to Law360. “FEFOS and YFE have refused to agree from making further transfers, pending the committee's investigation of potential claims.”
In addition to submitting the legal request, the committee also sought a reclassification of more than $100 million of debt claims and filed a 12-count bankruptcy court lawsuit.
Amongst those named in the suit was Ronald W. Burkle, the majority owner of YFE, which is the sole owner of FEFOS and Fresh & Easy. The suit claims that Burkle and YFE are leading company insiders to scavenge what remains of the company, according to Law360, and caused the company to transfer the 19 stores without charge while still charging loans to the debtors and collecting interest.
The suit has accused Burkle of “inequitably at every turn, stripping assets out of the Debtor, knowing that doing so will reduce creditor recoveries,” in addition to other fraudulent actions by YFE, as reported by Law360.
Fresh & Easy first filed for Chapter 11 in 2013, and sold around 150 of its locations to YFE, who then assumed approximately $130 million in debtor’s liabilities. The company then filed for bankruptcy a second time in Delaware after failing to turn itself around.
Previously, the committee won Judge Shannon’s approval to inspect Fresh & Easy’s audit materials as part of the investigation. Representatives of those named in the complaint have not yet issued a comment. Judge Shannon has scheduled a hearing for a preliminary injunction for 10 a.m. on June 13.
Keep clicking back on AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on this and other legalities within the industry.
SAPPORO, JAPAN - Yubari melons have done it again, this time fetching a price higher than a Mazda Miata.
A pair of particularly lovely Yubaris went for a record three million yen at auction, about $27,200 or $13,600 per melon.
It was around this time last year that a similar duo of the same variety set a Tokyo-based fruit wholesaler back half of what this buyer paid, winning the luxury fruit for 1.5 million yen (about $12,400).
The first fruit of the season is considered good luck in Japan, according to news source WPXI, with these two going to a supermarket in the western part of the country.
Often for selling at upwards of $100 per melon in department stores around Tokyo, the Yubari variety comes with a specific set of qualifications including:
- Perfectly spherical shape
- An evenly patterned rind
- A T-shaped stalk, still attached to the melon
They are normally presented for sale in ornate, luxurious boxes. These two are reported to be destined for display at the winning store before being sold again through an online auction.
It will be interesting to see what the resale value is on a perishable, albeit delicious, item.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – From ghost pepper hot sauce at fast food restaurants to the increasing demand for fresh specialty peppers in the produce aisles, America is turning up the heat this summer with the continuing rise of spicy foods.
According to the trend-tracker NPD Group, hot sauce sales increased 150 percent from 2000 to 2013 alone, and more than half of the nation’s households have hot sauce in their pantries. Fast food chain Wendy’s is offering its super spicy menu again for a second year in a row, topping their chicken sandwich and fries with ultra-hot ghost pepper sauce.
Millennials are driving the spicy food trends as they seek out adventurous foods and authentic, ethnic flavors, which many times include spicy dishes and the use of hot peppers such as jalapeño, habanero, and Thai peppers. However, the trend does not stop with Millennials.
Heat seekers are also looking for fresh peppers to spike their dishes or make their own “nuclear” hot sauces. They are wild about fresh ultra-hot selections such as ghost and Trinidad Scorpion peppers, as well as dried hot peppers.
To best display fresh peppers, group them all together, next to bell peppers. Secondary displays with other ingredients will also inspire authentic dishes. For example, pair habanero peppers with tomatillos, tomatoes, and onions for Latin dishes, or Thai peppers with lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric for Asian dishes. Don’t forget to include signage with recipe suggestions. “Caution” signage for the ultra-hot peppers is also recommended.
Interested retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice distributors can contact Frieda’s account managers to explore its extensive selection of fresh and dried peppers.
ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - A strong Q1 2016 financial report is bringing Ahold even closer to its impending merger with Delhaize, beating analysts expectations for income by almost $16 million. Ahold CEO Dick Boer says this news puts them right on track to complete the merger by the middle of this year.
“We continue to make good progress on our proposed merger with Delhaize, which we expect to complete in mid-2016,” shared Boer. “Working together towards this common goal reaffirms our view that the merger will create a better and more innovative retailer, capable of delivering enhanced value for our customers, associates, and shareholders.”
Ahold estimates that when the merger is complete, an approximate $1.11 billion (€1.0 billion) return will go back to Ahold shareholders through both capital return and a reverse stock split. Current Ahold shareholders will, directly or indirectly, hold approximately 61%, while former Delhaize shareholders will, directly or indirectly, hold approximately 39% of the outstanding ordinary shares in the combined company.
As far as this ending quarter goes, adjusted operating income increased 14.7% to $500.6 million (€449 million), beating the $485.2 million (€434 million) average prediction that Bloomberg analysts revealed in a poll. Net sales reached $13.19 billion (€11.8 billion), which the company says was driven by solid store operations, a strong increase in online sales, improved profitability, and a strong free cash flow.
“We continue to deliver on our strategic objectives, with a good operational and financial performance in the first quarter,” Boer continued. “Our focus remains on serving our customers and delivering on our Simplicity program, in order to invest in our great local brands to ensure that we provide even more value and innovation.”
Other highlights from Ahold's Q1 2016 financial report include:
- Continued strong online sales growth, with net consumer sales up 27.4% at constant exchange rates
- Underlying operating margin of 3.8% (Q1 2015: 3.5%)
- 15.1% increase in Group underlying operating income (up 14.7% at constant exchange rates)
- Strong free cash flow of €287 million (Q1 2015: €186 million)
- Simplicity program and continued cost control driving improved profitability
As of 5:36 PM GMT, Ahold shares were up 2.5% in Amsterdam trading to reach $22.78 (€20.37), raising its market cap to $18.56 billion (€16.6 billion). Delhaize shares also rose 2% in Brussels, reaching to trade at $107.42 (€96.12) for a market cap of $11.01 billion (€9.85 billion).
As we reach closer to mid-2016, when Ahold and Delhaize say their merger will be complete, count on continued coverage from AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Old Fashion Honey Corp., doing business as U.S. Food Logistics, Delray Beach, FL, for failure to pay for produce.
The company failed to pay $1,239,751 to five sellers for 30 lots of produce, according to a recent USDA press release. This is in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). As a result of these actions, Old Fashion Honey Corp., doing business as U.S. Food Logistics, cannot operate in the produce industry until May 23, 2018, at which time it may reapply for a PACA license.
The company’s principal, Agustin Salinas, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until May 23, 2017, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.
USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.
In the past three years, the 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.
YAKIMA, WA - Domex Superfresh Growers® is looking to help consumers and retailers dive into summer as it launches its latest campaign: “Sweeten up Your Summer.”
A photo sweepstakes to spread the cherry love, this is the latest launch from two years of successful social media marketing with the hashtag #EatCherries.
“It is no secret how much consumers love cherries. They are always a great accompaniment to any and all of their summertime activities,” Howard Nager, Vice President of Marketing, said in a press release. “We have found that consumers also enjoy posting photos on social media of their family and friends sharing laughs, great times and enjoying the sweet taste of cherries.”
With the use of #EatCherries as a summer social campaign for the last two cherry seasons via its Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and consumer blog, Domex reports having garnered more than 50 million consumer impressions.
Domex is currently running Chelans into the second week of June with Bings this week through the balance of the month. Lapins will be available the third week of June into the late July, while Sweethearts will be available through early August, the company notes. Rainiers will peak in June and limited supplies will be available into July. In addition, the company is currently harvesting organic cherries over the next few weeks and will finish mid-July.
“Consumer-focused marketing promotions like our ‘Sweeten up Your Summer Sweepstakes’ help us to create an active online dialogue with our consumers, generating excitement for the cherry category and helping prepare our retail partners for the changing demands of the modern marketplace,” Nager added.
Domex added that it has refreshed its digital social content kit this year with the addition of its new Superfresh™ Cherries video, as well as updated graphics and art for social promotion, pre-written tweets, product photography, and tempting cherry recipes.
As the summer season sets in and, with it, consumer demand for refreshing produce, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for the latest launches in campaign and marketing.
MARICOPA, AZ - The weather is not the only thing heating up in Maricopa, Arizona—Santa Rosa Farms is now in full cantaloupe production.
Santa Rosa is a local family-owned farm that has been farming in the state for over 34 years, and is one of the nation’s leading melon producers and distributors.
The dedication and experience shows with the beautiful crop of melons the company produces year after year.
The company's number one priority has always been food safety, exemplified by the constant research of the newest technologies they implement in its growing fields and cold storage facility.
The exclusive marketing arm for Santa Rosa Farms is done by Legend Produce, headed by Don Johnston, Tony Fey, and Phillip Cianciolo out of the Kentucky sales office.
“Unusually warm temperatures are bringing on the melons early this year. This was the earliest harvest date for Santa Rosa ever on May 9, 2016,” says Owner, Cindi Pearson.
Johnston adds, “This season is by far one of the best years they have seen from the varieties grown. The hot temperatures are helping create the big sizes and sweet flavors of the melons.”
The company's harvesting is being extended later this year as well, due to the water shortage in California. Santa Rosa is hitting peak growing volume now into July, and the company expects to continually to see quality maintained throughout the season.
They are hearing excellent feedback from the retail stores and processors with the quality they are tasting. Johnston continues, “Sales volumes are up this year over last, and we take notice when the customers send us their feedback through their purchases.”
Santa Rosa will have the same super sweet varieties of cantaloupe and honeydew throughout the season, and will continue growing trials of Tuscan melons and mini watermelon, which provide long shelf-life and high brix.
Looking for quality melons? Look for the Santa Rosa label on your store shelves!