SAN FRANCISCO, CA - What if you could pack fresh produce and know that it was going to be able to drive non-stop to its destination?
Drowsiness is a leading difficulty of putting your produce on the road. Drivers often have to stop because they can’t drive through the night, and falling asleep at the wheel is a frequent cause for accidents involving big rigs.
Great minds of the Silicon Valley have united under one startup to eliminate one of the greatest causes for accidents involving big rigs.
San Francisco-based Otto is a new company made up of minds that have been around the self-driven block. 40 veteran minds of Google, Apple, Tesla, Cruise Automation, and other tech-forward companies, have banded together to make this a reality.
With the team is Anthony Levandowski of Google's self-driving car team, which already has automated vehicles on the road in California, Texas, Washington, and Arizona, and former Google Maps lead Lior Ron.
But Otto isn’t looking to put a marshmallow vehicle on the road, but instead to create a hardware kit that can be installed into trucks, according to news source The Verge. Ultimately, depending on if the company forms partnerships with manufacturers, the technology would be meant to be installed either by the factory of the company or by service centers.
The company is testing its technology now with a Volvo VNL 780, but, it told The Verge, it hopes to work with many Class 8 trucks, America’s heaviest and biggest. You can see some of this in the one minute video below.
According to the report, the company will also differ from Google’s self-driving car concept in that it will focus mainly on highway driving, with traditional drivers handling the residential streets, as well as the loading and unloading.
Currently self-funded and with no plans to sell, the minds behind Otto plan to bring the product to market, but have no specific timeline or price. The founders did tell The Verge, however, that it'll be a "small fraction" of a truck's $100,000 to $300,000 sticker.
The biggest hiccup? Road regulations don’t state anything against self-driving trucks, but groups like USDOT and NHTSA are looking to propose framework on self-driving vehicles later this year.
So will we soon be packing up loads with supervisors rather than drivers, able to stay on the road all through the night? AndNowUKnow will let you know as soon as we do.
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - Executives for German company Bayer confirmed late yesterday that the company is in preliminary talks to acquire Monsanto.
As we previously reported, news that both Bayer and BASF SE broke May 12th. Reuters reported that interest in the seed producer showcased a drive for further consolidation in the seed sector.
Bayer is valued at about $96 billion, while Monsanto is valued at upwards of $44 billion.
The proposed combination of the two companies would reinforce Bayer as a global, innovation-driven, Life Science company, according to a press release, with leadership positions in its core segments, and would create a leading integrated agriculture business.
It has only been two weeks since Werner Baumann took over as Chief Executive for Bayer. As the company goes into discussions, the Wall Street Journal has reported this could be the biggest foreign corporate takeover effort ever by a German company.
Bayer’s stock dropped to $88.51 per share following the announcement, down 8.2%, as of 5:35 p.m. ETR.
Contrarily, Monsanto’s stock reflected as much as a 5.21% boost today, as of 12:41 p.m. EDT, at $102.16 per share.
Markus Manns, a portfolio manager at Bayer shareholder Union Investment, told WSJ that he felt the discussion was “a big stretch” financially, adding, “I’m not so sure it is a good move.”
It is far from the only financial move the company is making, however.
This morning Bayer also announced that it had signed off on the sale of its Environmental Science unit to SBM, which includes both the Bayer Garden and Bayer Advanced businesses in Europe and North America.
"In SBM, we’ve found a strategic acquirer that can provide the Bayer Garden and Bayer Advanced businesses and people with a long-term vision and perspective to reach their full potential," Dr. Jacqueline Applegate, Head of Environmental Science and Member of the Crop Science Executive Committee, stated in a release. "At the same time, divesting the Consumer business will enable Environmental Science to become even more growth-oriented and strengthen our market leadership position with a single-minded focus on the unique needs of our professional customers."
Expected to close in October of 2016, the deal encompasses the entire product portfolios of Bayer Garden and Bayer Advanced, plus all their current R&D projects. The companies stated that no impact is expected on the ongoing businesses, which will continue to operate until finalized before all employees, about 250 positions, transfer to SBM.
"For SBM, the acquisition of the Bayer Garden and Bayer Advanced businesses represents a major milestone in our journey toward global leadership in the consumer home and garden industry," Jean-Paul Simmler, Chairman of SBM, said. "We are committed to growing these businesses over the long-term by providing customers in Europe and the U.S. with an innovative range of solutions that leverages the strengths of both SBM and Bayer."
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but with what appears to be even more moves from Bayer on the way, keep staying up to date with AndNowUKnow.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Compac is further committing itself to the global services of its post-harvest integrated solutions, and has appointed Darrell Smithson to the company newest created role, VP of Global Services.
“I am excited to be joining Compac at such a pivotal point in its evolution,” said Smithson. “I have been impressed with the extensive and enduring customer relationships they have built on a global basis, and I look forward to leading a world-class service offering, and helping Compac become the strategic partner of choice for all of its customers’ evolving post-harvest needs.”
Smithson joins the Compac team with more than 25 years of international experience, as the company stated in a press release. An engineer by training, Smithson will now be responsible for leading the following Global Services Offerings in his new position:
- Development and implementation of new service offerings (systems integration, managed and professional services)
- Sales engineering
- Technical in-field support services
- Project management and application
- Customer support
- Compac U(niversity)
“I am delighted to have such a seasoned industrial and technology services professional joining us at Compac to round out our leadership team,” said Mike Riley, CEO. “Darrell’s appointment is another key milestone for Compac, and is critical to fulfilling our strategic plan to grow a world-class global services business and further establish our leadership presence in the U.S., one of our largest markets.”
Smithson comes to Compac from Schneider Electric, a global energy management specialist, where he served most recently as Vice President, Managed Services USA. Smithson specialized in providing comprehensive services to global and strategic customers in this position. Prior to that appointment, Smithson served as VP Strategy of Global Solutions, and a range of roles in sales, operations, strategy, and client leadership positions at Schneider.
In his new position at Compac, Smithson will report directly to Riley and serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership. Smithson will be based in Orange County, CA.
Continue to click back on AndNowUKnow as we have the latest reportings in executive hirings and role creation.
SACRAMENTO, CA - After a wetter-than-average winter and massive savings in water usage, California has overturned its mandatory 25 percent cuts for statewide urban water usage on Wednesday, instead moving to allow local areas to set their own conservation standards.
The new rules, adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board and to take effect June 1, are a sharp change from Governor Jerry Brown’s executive order issued in April last year. The previous reduction mandate had forced individuals, businesses, and local governments to curb watering of gardens and lawns, take shorter showers and flush toilets less frequently. Under the new rules, according to The New York Times, local governments will set reduction guidelines based on their own water projections, with the state reviewing and evaluating whether or not to impose additional restrictions.
As was also true of the original executive order, these rules will not apply to agriculture, which is covered by separate regulations. Last year when his new mandates were first revealed, Governor Jerry Brown said in support of keeping farmers out of the restrictions during an interview with ABC's "This Week,” Host, Martha Raddatz, “[Farmers are] not watering their lawn or taking longer showers. They’re providing most of the fruits and vegetables of America.”
This switch in policy from the Water Resources Board comes after what many perceive as a particularly wet winter, with the northern part of the state receiving above-average rain and snowfall for the first time since 2010-11. Several of the state’s largest reservoirs are near or above normal depths for this time of year, according to the Sacramento Bee.
“We are still in a drought, but we are no longer in the-worst-snow-pack-in-500-years drought,” explained Felicia Marcus, Chair of the State Water Resources Board, according to The New York Times. “We had thought we are heading toward a cliff. We were worried we were in our own Australian millennial drought. We wanted to make sure people didn’t keep pouring water on their lawns with wild abandon.”
Still, however, more than 70 percent of the state remains in severe, extreme, or exceptional drought, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, and the Sierra snowpack currently sits at about 33 percent of normal for the time of year.
Not all are happy about this switch in policy, either. Some environmental groups predict this move will send the wrong message to Californians who are still not out of the woods, as far as the drought is concerned.
“I think it’s risky and unnecessary,” Sara Aminzadeh, Executive Director of the California Coastkeeper Alliance, told the The Wall Street Journal. “I think there’s also a danger this will send a message to the public that the drought is over.”
Will this move be the right one for California’s massive agricultural community? While its too early to tell how the loosening of rules may pan out, AndNowUKnow will keep you apprised to the latest developments.
ROSEMONT, IL - US Foods has announced the acquisition of fresh fruit and vegetable processor, repacker, and distributor Freshway Foods.
This strategic move comes just days after US Foods boosted its estimated IPO pricing to more than $1.22 billion and an offer of more than 44 million shares.
Now, the distributor stated that it is happy to welcome Freshway Foods and its employees into the fold, and that it will be keeping the Freshway Foods building open.
“We are very excited about this new partnership with US Foods,” Phil Gilardi and Frank Gilardi, brothers and Owners of Freshway Foods, said in a press release. “Since we started this business, our success has been built upon our commitment to our associates and our customers, and we are looking forward to the next chapter for Freshway Foods as part of a well-established and reputable company like US Foods.”
Based in Sidney, Ohio, Freshway Foods serves customers throughout the eastern half of the U.S. With it, the company said it brings a strong reputation for value-added fresh cut produce and a robust farm-to-fork food safety approach.
With its product, Freshway includes all of the following with its raw produce:
- Cutting
- Cleaning
- Chopping
- Packaging
These capabilities, Freshway said, mean that the products can be delivered ready for use immediately, as well as be customized to meet any customer’s preferences.
While the terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the deal is expected to close on June 10, 2016.
HIGHLAND, IN – Retailer Strack & Van Til has announced the grandson of its founder, Ernie Strack, as the incoming President and CEO of its company.
“I’m honored and humbled by the trust placed in me by the board,” Jack Strack, newly-named leader, said, according to the NWI Times. “Our company has a heritage going back seven decades and I intend to work with all of our dedicated associates to re-establish the values on which this company was founded.”
Strack will replace the chain’s current leader, Kenneth Diehl, who has lead for just over six months and is reportedly looking to return home to the West.
With 37 stores in Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area, and employing upwards of 6,000 workers, the company is one of the largest grocery chains in the region. And, according to Strack, more growth is intended in the chain’s immediate future.
“We are in a highly competitive, rapidly changing marketplace, but with our stores, associates, and management team, I feel that Strack & Van Til is uniquely positioned to succeed and flourish in the years ahead," Strack said, according to the report. "We intend to re-focus on the heritage and roots of our success immediately.”
Factors named by Strack in the company’s strategic growth are customer service, community involvement, and good treatment of its employees. To meet those customer needs, Strack stated that the retailer will continue to modernize, a multi-million dollar investment in expanded selections and renovations.
As it currently stands, Strack & Van Til has come a long way from the chain Strack’s grandfather founded 66 years ago. Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we follow this newest chapter in the retailer’s story and beyond.
TUCZON, AZ – Spawned from the inspirations of the company founder’s master thesis, to a now emerging stature as a superfood, the pichuberry is promising to make big waves in the U.S..
As Manuel Villacorta, Chief of Public Relations and National Spokesperson for Pichuberry®, recently told me, the berry which matches the company's name can fulfill a diverse selection of roles for the produce consumer - but only if you are identifying the correct berry.
“When our CEO and Founder, Michael Popescu, first approached me on Twitter he asked if I knew about the pichuberry. I said no, because it has a different name in South America,” Manuel laughs.
As many a berry enthusiast could verify, the pichuberry is commonly, and incorrectly, confused with the gooseberry. However, Manuel denotes, the berry the company now hails as “the lost Incan treasure” is not even close to the gooseberry.
“They look similar, but they belong to a completely different species and family, botanically,” Manuel explains. “In Peru, the pichuberry is known as aguaymanto. But because it’s so hard to pronounce, and known as so many things, we wanted to lighten up where the berry originates. So, Machu Picchu, pichuberry. That’s where the name comes from, we wanted to keep the history about Peru with the berry.”
Manuel, a nutritional expert and registered dietitian, says that the reason why he lept into his role at Pichuberry® all came down to the expansive health benefits associated with the fruit. “They are phenomenal,” he tells me. “People need to hear more about it.”
The pichuberry has a sweet yet tangy taste, that can compliment a wide variety of savory or sweet dishes. The flesh is firm, but filled with juices, all encapsulated with a waxy skin.
The versatile taste can be enjoyed alone or on a range of dishes, like dressings, waffles, yogurt, and even pizza. And the nutritional benefits? Those are what qualifies the fruit as a superfood, as listed below from a three quarter cup of berries:
- 39 percent of Vitamin D
- 37 percent of Vitamin A
- 18 percent Vitamin C
- 1.7 grams of protein
- Low glycemic index of 25
- Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that have been shown to suppress carcinogens
So just where is the company looking to head now after its four years in business? Straight into a wider retail market. Manuel divulges that Pichuberry® is working its way throughout the nation, and building its market state-by-state. Pichuberries under the Pichuberry® name currently reside in over ten states, with the list constantly growing.
“We don’t want to replace any other berry, we trying not to be an exclusive thing that not everyone can afford. We want to be in every supermarket, right next to the strawberries and blueberries,” finishes Manuel. “There is no silver bullet that will fix everyone’s problems, people need to eat a variety of colors and berries. Our mission is that the pichuberry can be a part of the well-rounded diet.”
With that kind of mentality, and the passion evident within the company, I forsee both pichuberries and Pichuberry® making a big headway into the fresh fruit market.
Keep clicking back on AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover superfoods and emerging companies within the industry.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Giumarra has announced a new agreement with Glenville, Georgia-based G&R Farms that will see the company adding sweet onions to its product line. Under the agreement, Giumarra will help market G&R’s onion crop, and while G&R is known primarily as a premier Vidalia® onion grower, the company also offers a vertically-integrated supply of sweet onions grown in Peru, Mexico, and Texas.
“I was aware of Giumarra as a family-owned company with values similar to ours,” explains Walt Dasher, Co-Owner of G&R Farms. “Once we met in person and shared our marketing goals and ideas, we found that there was a lot of common ground and it would be beneficial to partner. We hold their size and capabilities in high esteem.”
G&R Farms, a small family farm started in 1945, has expanded to become one of the longest-standing growers, marketers, and shippers of Vidalia onions in its region, according to a press release. G&R currently farms nearly 1,000 acres of onions in Georgia, and works with Latin American growing partners to provide its 52-week supply.
“We greatly respect the excellent reputation for quality and heritage the Dasher family has established under G&R Farms,” says John Reese Franklin, Sales and Operations Manager of Giumarra Southeast. “We look forward to servicing our retail and foodservice customers with ample supplies of sweet onions.”
G&R’s growing partners in Peru, Mexico, and Texas use the same sweet onion varieties G&R uses for its Georgia crop, thus ensuring quality and mild, sweet flavor, the company explains. Only onions grown in a select 20 South Georgia counties can be marketed as Vidalias, which G&R’s Georgia growing operations qualify for.
“Given that sweet onions represent the largest share of onion sales and are immensely popular with consumers, we are very excited about this opportunity,” says Kristina Lorusso, Midwest Business Development Manager for Giumarra. “One of the many reasons we were so eager to form a partnership with G&R is their state-of-the-art facilities. Because of their storage capacity and excellent crop quality, it is highly likely we will have Vidalia onions available through October.”
The sweet onions are offered under the G&R label, in the following sizes:
- 10-lb. bulk boxes
- 25-lb. bulk boxes
- 40-lb. bulk boxes
- 2-lb. bags
- 3-lb. bags
- 5-lb. bags
- 10-lb. bags
- 25-lb. bags
Giumarra will launch this new product with a contest-driven collaboration featuring Vidalia sweet onions and California-grown avocados, just in time for the Fourth of July grilling promotions.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Valley Wide Produce Inc. satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a USDA press release, the Phoenix, AZ, company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Kenneth J. Hurley and Barbara L. Hurley were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, the USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals. The USDA also requires any unlicensed company that fully satisfies all unpaid reparation awards to obtain a license if it continues to operate in the industry.
In the past three years, 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 the USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
IRWINDALE, CA – Inspired by restaurant-quality fresh Pico de Gallo, crispy chips, and creamy cheddar cheese, Ready Pac Foods just introduced its Ready Snax® Pico Fiesta snack. The single-serve chips & salsa snack pack is just 190 calories, and furthers Ready Pac Food’s commitment to giving people the freedom to eat healthier. The Pico Fiesta snack pack delivers a great tasting, healthy snack that consumers can grab and go anytime.
Consumer demand within the $124 billion snacking industry, according to the Nielsen 2014 Study, continues to drive innovation and product development at Ready Pac Foods. Today consumers are looking for not only indulgence and convenience with their snacks, but health and value as well. The new flavor combination of the Pico Fiesta Ready Snax® brings a consumer favorite taste profile to Ready Pac’s existing lineup of Ready Snax®. Each of the nine varieties offers a fresh produce approach to snacking with bold flavors and a vitamin boost that help curb hunger - all at 220 calories or less.
“We are already seeing the location of snacks shift from the traditional boxed salty snack aisle to the fresh produce section of stores based on consumer demand for fresh and healthy eating,” said Tristan Simpson, Chief Marketing Officer of Ready Pac Foods, Inc. “We see this trend of healthy snacking continuing to grow, but with added requirements for more on-the-go convenience.”
With household penetration of tortilla chips and salsa at 79 and 68 percent respectively, according to February 2016 Mintel Report - U.S. Chips and Dip, Ready Snax Pico Fiesta combines three consumer favorites into an irresistible mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack. Pico Fiesta includes savory tortilla chips, protein-packed cheddar cheese cubes, and fresh Pico de Gallo salsa made with tomatoes, diced onions, and zesty cilantro. Now, consumers on-the-go can enjoy this restaurant favorite in the palm of their hand.
For more information about Ready Pac Foods Ready Snax® snack line, please visit http://www.readypac.com/product-category/ready-snax/