LEXINGTON, MA - Robots are becoming more and more prevalent in the agriculture industry, but a recent study states that what are currently concepts and prototypes will soon be a market worth billions.
Already having grown leaps and bounds from the $817 million market this cutting-edge industry was back in 2013, WinterGreen Research is reporting anticipations of that market climbing up to $16.3 billion by 2020.
“Agricultural robotic projects are ongoing. The key to industrial farm robots is keeping costs down,” Susan Eustis, Principal Author of the market research study, Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to 2020, said, according to Whatech. “Adapting existing commercial vehicles instead of building new ones is the best way to build viable agricultural robots.”
From weed control to harvest, the robotic industry is looking to cut costs by boosting yield and quality, spanning a number of categories in the produce industry.
As we have reported recently, different commodities including greens, strawberries, and mushrooms are looking into how they can use automation to improve their practices.
It is the fact that ag robotics are already being used in more sectors than anticipated, with a climbing trend in motion that will continue to push the industry forward into a global market worth billions, Whatech reports.
The introduction to the 430 page study can be found by clicking here.
Keep following AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on all the trends growing outward and upward in the produce industry.
SAN DIEGO, CA - Women are good for business. This is the statement that continues to inspire and evolve the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference. Each year, since its inception four years ago, the women behind this program have driven the growth of their industry peers through tailored programs, initiatives, mentorship programs, and this annual conference. This week in San Diego, California, attendees were tasked, among many things, to discover and explore their value.
This event is truly a unique experience and one that brings women in our industry together under a common cause in order to educate, uplift, encourage and propel professionals in our industry forward and upward. New elements to the program this year included a scavenger hunt for attendees who were awarded Amazon gift cards (Congrats Team H!), "10 for Talent" to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of The Center for Growing Talent by PMA, and of course first-time Co-Chair, Alex Jackson from Frieda's.
The “10 for Talent” Challenge hopes to get 10,000 produce and floral professionals to give $10 in celebration of the 10 years of growing talent in the industry. With this challenge, the foundation is hoping to raise over $100,000 for the Center for Growing Talent by PMA.
As the program wound down on Tuesday, I spoke with Alex about her experiences this year, and what she learned over the three day conference at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
“This is my fourth year at the conference and each year it continues to get better and better. You may think that if you keep continuing to attend these conferences you won't learn something new every year, but as you progress in your career and your position, you need to learn more ways to handle the different situations that will arise,” Alex tells me. “Coming back every year is beneficial each time you attend, versus being repetitive. There is always something new to learn and even more transformative conversations to be had.”
This year, Alex says, she learned so much more about strategic thinking and how to bring it into her everyday life; that included learning how to problem solve so that it is more effective and not emotional, and has an intention to better the organization.
“Whether its because of the values unshared, or a conflict between you and another individual, it's about having a certain intention with problem solving to enhance the health of your business and your professional relationships,” she adds.
Women’s Fresh Perspectives’ three-track program brings a more intimate level of understanding about what roles we fill in produce at this stage in our lives and what is possible as we move forward. This year’s concurrent workshops for Emerging Leaders, Mid-Level Leaders, and Executive Leaders covered a range of in-depth topics from refining and redefining the scope of communication, to negotiating and personal branding as well as leading teams and growing talent, building more lasting and multi-dimensional interpersonal relationships, and strategic planning.
Each workshop focused on leadership qualities within the given lens, while also broadening ideas and further identifying the opportunities for us to step up to the plate and succeed.
One of the most dynamic of these workshops for me was conducted by Simmons School of Business Adjunct Professor, Mary Shapiro, who discussed different communications styles and how they, when paired in certain ways, can create misunderstandings and misinterpretations. In recognizing the preferred styles of the people you lead and those who may be leaders for you, you can strategize more effective communication techniques to create a complimentary relationship. Conflicting communication styles can create roadblocks for professionals who may perceive communication differently and what productive communication looks like. Do you have an hour? I would need at least that to share what amazing revelations Mary had.
Catching up with Leslie Simmons, Vice President of Dave's Specialty Imports, the three time attendee tells me, “I cannot speak highly enough about this year's conference. It was a truly transformative experience. The event is unlike any I have attended in produce. The passion and energy is palpable. It's an amazing opportunity to push away from your day-to-day work and dig deeply into your personal and professional life. I'm grateful for time to reflect about so many important issues that impact me, my company, and the industry. I better understand my value and I can bring that back to my team.”
Topics across the board opened a dialogue around issues from navigating unconscious bias and mastering the art of personal branding, to taking the steps necessary to propel yourself forward.
Many times, just the personal narrative of an individual’s life and work can create an everlasting experience that speaks to our own possibilities. Take Gloria Mayfield Banks, who essentially rewrote her own path in life by pulling herself out of an abusive relationship while putting herself through Harvard’s Business School and writing the book Quantum Leaps, all within what could be perceived as insurmountable odds. She has built a multi-million dollar enterprise, as an author, a founding partner of Charisma Factor, Inc. (a corporate event planning company), and as an Elite Executive National Sales Director with Mary Kay, Inc. Gloria is ranked #3 in the nation.
Frustration is misplaced expectation – this is one of the key takeaways, of many, I had learned from her General Session Quantum Leap: The 10 Steps to Propel Yourself Forward. It is about setting goals and executing.
“When you operate with passion, solutions to problems or challenges present themselves,” Gloria said in her key note. “Instead of focusing on discipline, focus on desire.”
These are interesting words and at the root of them, is the need to adjust your perspective, visualize, and execute. The desire will bring the discipline. By managing time, emotion, money, and skills, you can propel yourself forward she suggested. And not managing just one of these things will hinder the entire process.
Tuesday’s keynote speaker also brought an amazing story to the table. Sherron Watkins, Former Enron Vice President for Corporate Development, discussed what happens when your personal values do not align with your company’s ethics. After discovering Enron’s “off the books” arrangements, she became the whistle-blower that essentially created the chain of events that brought down the corporate powerhouse. Trial by fire, if you will. It was not without its challenges and its difficult aftermath. Sherron shared her story on what lead her to the decision to speak up, how we all must make that call at some point in our lives, and how truth eventually comes out and YOU should be the proponent of bringing truth to light first. But, don’t do it alone – find the support that will bring power in numbers.
Between strolling dinner receptions and networking activities, attendees were able to discuss the issues and challenges most important to them, while creating new relationships and growing friendships.
“This is my first year as Co-Chair and all you can hope for is that the women coming in will bring the same energy that you are investing in the program, and that PMA has put into it,” Alex says. “This year we totally felt that energy and everyone was incredibly engaged. We believe everyone took a lot of insights back with them which is always reassuring. We hope that next year in Miami there is an even bigger turnout with returning guests and that new attendees can also learn and experience this amazing conference.”
I cannot possibly say enough about the many speakers and guests that brought their insights to the stage and to the workshops, and unfortunately, this article can only barely scratch the surface of the transforming experience. So my suggestion… mark your calendar for next year April 23-25, 2017, for Miami, Florida, as the conference brings its inspiration to the East coast, for what I am sure, will be another amazing conference with an even more diverse and driven group of industry women.
CALGARY, AB - With over 230 exhibitors and nearly 3,000 attendees, there was a lot to take in at this year’s CPMA Annual Convention and Trade Show. Even the new product showcase was packed to the brim with over 50 new products, packaging, and innovations.
Didn’t get a chance to see it all? AndNowUKnow is here to help! Here are five items that caught my eye and kept me coming back for more:
Red Sun Grape Tomato Family Picnic Pak
Red Sun Farms’ new Picnic Pak grape tomatoes were the perfect taste of a summer barbecue to warm up a breezy Calgary day. Featuring red grape tomatoes and either orange or Chef's Collection tomatoes, the company’s Picnic Paks give consumers an easy way to take your tomatoes on any outdoor excursion. I can see this being a go-to product for trips to the river this summer!
Chelan Fresh’s Orondo Ruby Cherry
Chelan Fresh had its Orondo Ruby cherries in the product showcase at CPMA, showing off a sweet and robust variety just in time for their late June harvest debut. With a vibrant red appearance with a golden-yellow flesh, the Orondo Ruby cherries not only look lovely, but provide a crisp bite with a big level of juiciness. What better to get the industry ready for cherry season than a great new variety.
Grimmway True Organic Juices
To my delight, Grimmway had four new varieties of its popular True Organic Juices at the show. Now offering Kaleifornia, Blissful Beets, Apple Cherry Harvest, and Citrus Carrot, the company is expanding into new flavor trends in a big way. As I often say, juices like Grimmway’s are packed with the nutrients your body needs in a fast, and easy-to-consume way. Pro-Tip: Apple Cherry Harvest tastes just like cherry pie without having to eat a sugar-packed dessert.
OrganicGirl’s Sweet Pea and Peppergreens Blends
I am such a nerd over flavored greens blends, and I’m adding these two new offerings by OrganicGirl to my list of favorites. Taking a page out of the sweet vs. spicy trend, the company is now providing a Sweet Pea and a Peppergreen variety. Sweet Pea offers baby greens blended with sweet pea shoots to create a crunchy salad with a subtle sweetness, while Peppergreens adds a kick of peppery heat to salads with a bold blend of baby mustard greens, arugula, spinach, and more. Something to suit everyone’s mood!
Schur’s New Net Bags
It’s no secret that packaging is a huge part of marketing your product, and if you ask me, Schur’s new Net Bags are one of the most visually appealing ways to do that that I’ve seen recently. The netting not only allows you to see the quality of the product inside the bags, but always the produce inside to breathe for a boost in shelf-life. I can see this brand of bagging being a new trend in packaging coming soon.
That’s all folks! Thanks to CPMA for providing the perfect venue for pushing the latest in produce, and stay tuned to even more coverage on the event, including picks from our own, Melissa De Leon.
FRANCE - When you were little, the motto was to add a spoonful of sugar to help medicine go down. Now the recipe, it seems, is to add a shot of alcohol to get your fruits and veggies.
At least that’s the rising trend in France, a leader in food and drink movements, who’s seen an up-kick in grapefruit wines over the last few years.
World-renowned Bordelaise wine producer Maison Castel launched a rosé wine mixed with grapefruit juice that Eater reports was the beginning of a wine-rolution in France, spurring several alcoholic beverages incorporating the citrus.
It didn’t take long for the numbers to show the boost, with grapefruit rosé sales seeing a 125 percent increase from March 2012 to March 2013, according to Eater.
While some makers have opted for “natural flavors” or “fruit extracts,” there is a traditional market maintaining the use of fresh grapefruit juice.
"It was my daughter, really, who said, ‘Dad, why don’t we do a large-scale project like this?’" Francis Borderie, Poulvère's fourth generation winemaker, told Eater. "At the beginning, I was reticent because I’m a winemaker, so I don’t love making mixes. But in the end, I fell for her idea, with one condition: I wanted it to be, first and foremost, a real wine."
Now, despite only intending to market in France, Poulvère’s line Twenty Wine, 11.5 ABV, is now available in China and, as of next month, parts of the U.S. under the brand Raleuses.
The trend is not unheard of in the States. A few options are available on the market from winemakers like French producer Nicolas, ABC’s Fine Wine & Spirits, and Jericho Wines. Even recipes for those wishing to make their own help boost produce consumption, calling for as many as six grapefruits per vint.
Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we follow all the latest and greatest trends pushing produce on the plate and in the glass.
CORONA, CA – Good Life Organic™, a division of Veg-Fresh Farms, said this week that it will begin shipping its Organic Sweet Grapes Tomatoes in its new environmentally-friendly fiber tray after extensive testing.
“Our initial sales have surpassed our own high expectations for this product. We are doing what’s right for the environment, what’s right for the consumer, and what’s right for retailers whose customers are looking for companies that use eco-friendly packaging,” said Randy Cancellieri, Partner at Veg-Fresh, in a statement.
Good Life Organic™ hopes to court eco-minded consumers with the new fiber trays. The company said switching to compostable packaging will remove about 1.5 million plastic trays from store shelves this year alone. The fiber tray is compostable and a sustainable option for consumers who partake in home composting, the company said.
Veg-Fresh said that Good Life Organic™ Sweet Grape Tomatoes were an obvious choice for the new fiber tray packaging. “First and most important of all the considerations for this new packaging is putting the correct product in,” said Cancellieri, adding that the company “will not compromise on our high standards for pack out, only the best fruit makes it in the tray.”
Good Life Organic™ developed its compostable fiber tray packaging after months of in-house product development and testing. The new trays are made from Veg-Fresh’s own recycled corrugated produce boxes and sport a printed clear film lid. “By recycling our own corrugated boxes we extend the life cycle of the cardboard to another life… another Good Life!” the company added.
Keep AndNowUKnow in your knowledge lineup for all the latest news and headlines, and visit Veg-Fresh Farms today at FPFC’s booths #143-145 for an up close and personal look at all its new offerings!
SPARKS, MD – McCormick & Company announced this week that it has purchased 100 percent of Botanical Food Company, Pty Ltd’s shares for approximately $114 million.
Botanical Food Company is the maker of the Gourmet Garden brand of packaged herbs.
"We are pleased to expand our portfolio of leading brands around the world with the addition of Gourmet Garden,” said McCormick President and CEO, Lawrence E. Kurzius, in a press release. “The owners and employees of Gourmet Garden have built a great business, and we look forward to working with them to achieve continued success.”
Gourmet Garden, specializing in packaged and chilled fresh herbs, is currently sold in 15 countries, with 90% of customers located in North America and Australia. McCormick plans to drive the brand’s sales by expanding global distribution, building awareness with increased brand marketing, and greater household penetration.
McCormick said the company’s product portfolio, international distribution, double-digit company growth, and annual sales of $53 million inspired the acquisition.
“We anticipate strong growth for these products, particularly in the U.S. and key international markets where consumers appreciate the value and accessibility of cooking with a more convenient flavoring alternative,” said Kurzius.
McCormick added that it expects the acquisition to be fully accretive in 2017, but to see no earnings per share impact in 2016 due to the estimated impact of transaction and integration costs.
AndNowUKnow will continue to track the company’s growth with its new home, as well as other growing companies in the industry.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Target has plans to electively raise its employee’s minimum earnings to $10 per hour this May. Although the company declined to officially confirm the increase, two sources told Reuters that Target management has already informed store managers and employees of the upcoming hike.
Director of Communications for Target, Molly Snyder, did state, "We pay market competitive rates and regularly benchmark the marketplace to ensure that our compensation and benefits packages will help us to both recruit and retain great talent.”
This hike reportedly comes after the company has seen increasing competition in the employment market, paired with the calls from labor groups for higher wages. These insider reports came from sources close to story under the condition of anonymity.
According to CNBC, Target previously raised its minimum pay rate from the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour to $9 per hour. This previous hike took place last April, making the upcoming raise in May the second time in a year Target will raise its hourly wage.
Employees who already make over the $10 per hour minimum will still see benefits in an annual merit raise, and pay-raises based on experience and performance.
The report noted that Target’s plans mirror competition between workers in a strong labor market. As CNBC cited, there is a historic low amongst Americans filing for unemployment, with the unemployment rate at 5.0 percent.
CNBC also noted that this announcement marks a trend for Target, as it is the second announcement the company has made following a similar one from Walmart. As we previously reported, Walmart announced in recent months that it will be increasing its own minimum wage to $10 per hour.
Keep your eyes on AndNowUKnow for developments in this story and other retail-heave announcements.
MEXICO - Mexico’s Popocatépetl has erupted this past Monday morning 50 miles outside of Mexico City, blanketing the city in ash and shutting down the city’s airport. 25 million people live within a 62 mile radius from the volcano between Mexico City and the city of Puebla.
The Daily Mail reports that the Puebla International Airport was shut down from 7 AM until 1 PM local time. National Coordinator Luis Felipe Puente noted that locals should not attempt to approach the volcano, tweeting on Monday, “It is important to respect the security radius of 12 kilometers (seven and a half miles) due to the danger of incandescent fragments being emitted.”
WATCH: Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano explodes, spews ash on nearby towns https://t.co/WJwU73vmAvhttps://t.co/dPdzvceYTm
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) April 19, 2016
Popocatepetl’s eruptions happen fairly frequently, and we have recently reported on one eruption at the beginning of this month and another at the end of March. The grit and ash can damage cars, plane engines, and lungs, according to The Guardian. Watch a video of the eruption for yourself above.
According to the Associated Press, the eruption that began around 2:30 AM CDT Monday morning spewed ash as high as three miles above the crater, and volcanic rock as high as one mile. The volcano is Mexico’s second-largest mountain, standing at a height of 17,797-feet.
La ceniza hay que barrerla y depositarla en bolsas. Hay potencial de lluvias en Puebla: drenaje puede taparse. pic.twitter.com/DCCmlTDlRU
— Volcán Popocatépetl (@Popocatepetl_MX) April 18, 2016
As of now, no damage to agriculture has been noted by the country, but travel has been postponed due to closed roads and airports. For more on the possible effects of this volcano as information is released, keep watching AndNowUKnow.
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA - Debbie Vest, produce industry and Safeway veteran of more than two decades, has joined the Renaissance Food Group (RFG) team as its new Vice President of Procurement.
“Renaissance Food Group is very fortunate to have Debbie on our team,” said Jim Catchot, President of RFG. “Her experience with procurement and grower/shipper relationships will continue to push RFG’s position as a leader in the fresh food industry.”
With a 24-year tenure at Safeway, most recently overseeing procurement for the entire company as the retailer’s Group Director, Vest brings buy-side knowledge to the RFG team in this newly-created role.
According to the company, Vest will serve as the primary strategic leader, responsible for further developing RFG’s vertically-integrated supply chain and raw material sourcing programs.
Additionally, Vest will use her expertise to work with the internal procurement team directly, as well as grower partners, to help deliver premium products to RFG customers.
This latest additions goes into effect this month, April 2016. AndNowUKnow congratulates Vest on this newest chapter to her long produce career, and will continue to follow RFG and other companies in their strategic growth.
SALINAS, CA – In an effort to provide the fresh produce industry with a “go-to” source for improving sustainability efforts, Measure to Improve has debuted a newer and sleeker website. Offering the industry a comprehensive set of solutions for all sustainability needs, the company’s new website aims to help guide clients through a proactive approach from farms to facilities, surveys to soils, water to waste, and energy efficiency.
"Our vision is to shape and mold what sustainability is in the California produce industry by communicating and translating economic and environmental benefits between sellers and buyers,” said Nikki Rodoni, Founder and CEO, in a press release.
Rodoni said that the newer, simpler design will make for easier online navigation, allowing the company to serve the needs of its customers more fully and effortlessly. The site’s new layout will feature a series of labeled tabs to direct clients through the company’s sustainable solutions down the supply chain.
“We will guide California produce companies on using sustainability initiatives to increase profitability, gain market visibility, engage employees, and take a proactive approach to addressing sustainability in a way that is meaningful to the produce industry,” commented Rodoni.
The series of accessible tabs will outline the company’s services for growers and processors, and also provide users with overviews on specific methodologies and baseline analyses for the implementing the following protocols:
- ISO
- ANSI
- ASHRAE
- GHG
In addition, MTI’s site now hosts a series of testimonials, which provides new users with contextual confidence in the company’s abilities. As Recycling Coordinator Mandy Brooks stated from the Salinas Valley Recycles, “Our partnership with MTI has allowed our agency and local businesses to benefit from MTI’s expertise in recycling and waste management programs but also in working towards over-all sustainability and zero waste as a real possibility in the ag community.”
Rodoni also added that the company is able to provide a stable foundation for its comprehensive set of sustainability solutions through its dedicated team of experts, comprised of the following:
Wyatt Maysey, Zero Waste Program Manager
Transitioning from an MTI intern, Wyatt now works full time as they company’s Zero Waste Program Manager. Backed with a B.S. in Business Administration from CSU Monterey Bay, Way specializes in Zero Waste certification projects, and oversees the company’s database management.
Virginia Ruiz-Ugalde, M.Sc.Eng, Energy and Water Program Manager
Virginia’s sustainability experience began with the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant in Mexico, then moved onto General Electric Company/Global Nuclear Fuels in the U.S. as a Technical Program Manager in 2002. Virginia is currently working towards her Master of International Environmental Policy at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
Rebecca Graham, Sustainable Agriculture Program Coordinator
Rebecca received her B.S. in Soil Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2015. While there, Rebecca harvested and managed produce from the Cal Poly Organic Farm for a weekly farmers market. She is currently focusing on Agroecology in her M.S. in Crop Science studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Rebecca expects to graduate in 2017.
Niles Brinton, M.E.S.M, Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager
Niles obtained a Master’s degree in water resource management and entrepreneurship from U.C. Santa Barbara, and also graduated with honors from Clemson University after receiving B.Sc. degrees in Biological Sciences and Natural Resource Management. Niles develops agricultural sustainability programs for MIT with a holistic focus on soil, water, and waste management. Niles also works with produce industry growers to document, measure, and leverage current on-farm sustainability efforts.
To learn more about the MIT team and the sustainability services the company provides, and to click around on the new site yourself, go here. Click on at AndNowUKnow for more industry announcement and sustainability profiles.