IMMOKALEE, FL - As we gain our foothold in 2016, Lipman Produce is celebrating some of the company’s most popular tomato varieties as well as its recent rebranding efforts. The company-wide refresh includes a redesigned logo, packaging, and a website that boldly enhances the visual identity for consumers. With key messaging like “The best of nature” across platforms, as well as Lipman’s “family farms” heritage that dates back to the 1930s, this is sure to be an exciting year for the Immokalee, Florida-based grower.
With health and wellness top of mind for many as we look to continue building on our New Year’s resolutions, Lipman is showcasing its Ripe Bites, Vintage Ripes, and Crimson Queen tomatoes; perfect for healthy snacking, salads, and produce-forward recipes.
Available November through May, Ripe Bites were created by Lipman’s research and development team, and offer a snack-sized tomato with deep red color, high brix content, and extended shelf-life. This new variety is grown exclusively by Lipman, and available throughout the Florida growing season.
“Ripe Bites were bred for high-flavor, and are excellent for snacking when roasted, and pair well with salads and side dishes,” Jessica Kerstein, Marketing Associate, tells me. “Along with being both delicious and nutritious.”
Vintage Ripes, Lipman’s Heirloom variety and R&D’s first success story, are grown year-round, presenting a vibrant, field-grown and vine-ripened tomato. Vintage Ripes can be stuffed, sliced or used as the centerpiece of the plate, presenting both flavor and versatility for foodservice or home chefs alike.
The Crimson Queen is Lipman’s most popular variety. “The flavor of our Crimson Queen tomato is more intense than other varieties in the market place and offers higher lycopene content than standard tomatoes. The variety also presents a juicy, homegrown eating experience that has helped our program gain momentum,” Jessica adds.
As part of the rebranding process, Lipman is also introducing Grown True, a line of organics that includes Crimson Queen among other tomato varieties, cucumbers, zucchinis, and peppers to name a few.
With the continued growth in the organic sector, Lipman has answered the consumer call with its organic Crimson Queen vine-ripened variety which has been specially bred for its signature deep red color and more intense flavor. In addition, the organic Crimson Queen is farmed and packaged without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and is available November through May.
Stay tuned as we bring you more on Lipman’s rebranding initiative and Grown True on AndNowUKnow.
SALINAS, CA - Andy D'Arrigo, the original "Andy Boy" and lifelong produce industry veteran has retired from D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of California after nearly 64 years in the business. Three generations strong, Andy leaves the company in the experienced hands of his son John D’Arrigo, CEO, President, and now Chairman of the Board for D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of CA. Andy officially retired at the end of 2015. Not only is Andy settling into this next phase of life quite enjoyably, but he is also celebrating his 92nd birthday today.
Andy took over as President/CEO of D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of CA at the age of 27 after the death of his father Stefano D’Arrigo. Just a youngster, Andy served as the model for the produce label, ‘Andy Boy,’ when he was just three years old, and over the past six and a half decades he has been an integral part of the company’s great success.
In 2015, we had the opportunity to detail Andy’s life and career in our trade news print publication The Snack Magazine. You can read our full article in The Snack Magazine by clicking the green button below.
Read Andy D'Arrigo's Snack Magazine Article
Along with serving on numerous boards, committees and commissions that include Western Growers Association as Chairman of the Board, Honoring Growing Future Farmers, Boy Scouts of America, and Monterey Bay Association Council, Andy has also received numerous awards and honors including Western Growers Association Award of Honor and the Ag Leadership Award. Andy has also been honored with the Valley of the World Hall of Fame for “Outstanding Achievement as a Pioneer of the Salinas Valley Ag Industry” award and the E.E. Gene Harden Lifetime Achievement Award.
Paying it forward, Andy and his wife Phyllis D’Arrigo along with The D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of CA team invest in an array of local and national charities from The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The United Way to The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. They also help to support Meals on Wheels, The Kinship Center, Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, Natividad Medical Foundation, Mission San Antonio, Tatum’s Garden, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, National Steinbeck Center, and countless other charities.
Andy and Phyllis have five adult children, fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Andy plans to spend more time at home with his wife, fishing and building intricate wooden models of classical ships during his retirement.
While Andy D’Arrigo will be hanging up his hat on this most recent period of his professional life, we believe that there is still more to come. So, join us in thanking Andy for his pioneering contributions to the industry and wishing him a wonderful 92nd birthday with many more to come.
UNITED KINGDOM - StePac, now under the ownership of Johnson Matthey, has big plans for this week’s Fruit Logistica convention in Berlin, including new advancements in fresh produce packaging.
Speaking on last year’s acquisition and the upcoming Fruit Logistica, StePac’s Sales & Marketing Manager, Rani Kadosh, said, “We see this as an ideal stage to present the exciting opportunities that the acquisition offers, in particular the prospects for further advancement of packaging products by combining functionalities developed by Johnson Matthey’s Technology Centre.”
With that said, the company is excited to introduce new and improved applications for high value produce items such as blueberries, as well as its core produce packaging for prolonging freshness of over 60 different fruits and vegetables.
StePac’s R&D team has developed a unique new Xtend packaging for blueberries that is designed to withstand dramatic temperature fluctuations that are prevalent in some markets, according to a press release. This new packaging will be released alongside the company’s standard blueberry packaging that provides freshness extension for blueberries maintained under supply chain temperature conditions between 0-2 degrees Celsius.
“The increased global demand for blueberries has necessitated the development of solutions that can preserve freshness and quality under the most challenging of supply chains. We are very excited to present our groundbreaking packaging solutions in response to the real needs of our clients,” said Dr. Gary Ward, Technical Development Manager. “We look forward to meeting with our clients at Fruit Logistica to share the benefits of this and other Xtend products!”
To learn more about Xtend MA/MH packaging, StePac will be exhibiting at the Messe Convention Center, City Cube Hall B, Stand D-08 from February 3-5.
CALGARY, AB – Canadian retail chain Sobeys Inc. has announced that it and its subsidiary company Safeway will be pushing produce at affordable prices for consumers throughout Alberta stores.
“We know produce pricing is top of mind for many Canadians and we want to help Western Canadians eat better and more affordably,” Dave Rodych, VP Operations for Safeway, said, according to a press release. “We hope the improved produce experience at our stores will not only help customers continue to enjoy their everyday staples like potatoes and lettuce, but to also discover fruits and vegetables they may not have tried before.”
To achieve this, the chains plan to do the following:
- Offer lowered prices on many produce items compared to their regular in-store everyday prices, including many items Canadians buy every week.
- Promote weekly “produce picks” selected for their optimum quality.
- Provide a wide selection of quality organic produce.
- Provide tips on preparation from global better-food advocate and chef Jamie Oliver.
- Promise consumers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
According to the company, the initiative is part of the campaign launched in 2013 with Jamie Oliver promising to help Canadians eat healthier.
“I’m really passionate about making fresh food easier to get and cheaper for Canadians,” Jamie said on the move. “It’s so exciting to kick off the New Year with a brilliant price drop in fresh produce. This is so good.”
Watch Jamie's message in the short video below:
So as of Friday, Jan. 29, shoppers are sure to have started seeing changes in the produce departments of both Sobeys and Safeway stores throughout Alberta, Canada.
“We think customers are going to be really excited about what they see in stores,” Scott Chollak, VP Operations of Sobeys, commented. “Our customers have told us what matters most is better, fresh produce and that’s why we’re investing in improving assortment, enhancing quality and providing more expertise and food knowledge – all at affordable prices.”
This entire produce push will be supported by a marketing team up with Jamie, who will appear in advertising for both Safeway and Sobeys through several mediums, including television, radio, newspaper, and digital.
PASADENA, CA - The martinis poured as members of the produce industry gathered at the beautiful Langham Huntington in Pasadena, CA, last Saturday night, January 30, for the annual Fresh Produce and Floral Council (FPFC) Dinner Dance.
“The Annual FPFC Dinner Dance showcased what makes the council and regional organizations so valuable to the produce and floral industry,” Jeff Oberman, Vice President of Trade Relations for the United Fresh Produce Association, tells me. “This event brings together 'our' community for a celebration that highlights what makes each one of us successful – it’s the relationships and dedication to a common goal – to sell more produce (and floral) in our stores, restaurants, schools, and everywhere our consumers have the opportunity to enjoy our healthy, fresh, and exciting offerings.”
Walking in you can't help but be impressed by the atmosphere surrounding you, not to mention the dedication to the theme!
“This year’s Dinner Dance was another success,” Carissa Mace, President of the FPFC, shares. “It was a great evening for the industry, everyone enjoying the James Bond theme and the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.”
Casino Royale 007 inspired glamorous dresses, crisp tuxes, an amazing bar crafted from an ice sculpture, and characters wandering the party with guns and James Bond garb.
After a cocktail hour to kick things off, guests were escorted to the ballroom, where we were presented with a delicious four course meal that showed how well produce performs as center of the plate, while Immediate Past Chairman Brad Martin treated guests to a dynamic introduction, thanked the sponsors, and introduced incoming Chair Marvin Quebec.
“The FPFC has continued to grow throughout the years and I enjoyed seeing long-time and first-time attendees having a great time,” Jeff continues, adding that this year also marks the first time a member from Northern California has become Chairman of the FPFC. “Marvin Quebec will do a great job engaging members from throughout the entire region at both Northern and Southern California events throughout the coming year.”
The raffle, which held tempting prizes for ticket holder ranging from getaways, to skydiving, to the grand prize of $20,000, successfully involved a majority of the attendees. Ultimately, however, grand prize winner Bill Coombs elected to give back his winnings, donating the entirety of the pot back to the City of Hope.
The FPFC also celebrated the graduation of its apprentices, who worked hard throughout the year to become strong leaders in produce.
And then the dancing begun!
The cover band had everyone on their feet in minutes, covering 60 years of popular music that reached out to the most seasoned and newest produce members alike.
Others elected to gamble, trying their hands at cards and craps while all having an amazing night in a fun atmosphere.
From left to right, connections were either formed or reunited as everyone enjoyed an evening of dancing, drinks, and dress that kicked off a promising new year for the FPFC and the industry that it supports.
Thank you to the FPFC and sponsors for throwing such a fun event in our own backyard, and looking forward to the next!
NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY - Thousands of longshoremen have just walked off the job in New York and New Jersey, bringing all activity at the ports to a close and disrupting all deliveries of goods out of the region.
“Due to the current work stoppage in the port, no new trucks will be allowed to queue on port roadways,” the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced on its website at 8:14 AM EST this morning. “Do not send trucks to the Port at this time.”
According to a press release from Advance Customs Brokers & Consulting LLC, the following terminals were affected as of 1:05 PM EST:
- Port Newark
- GCT Terminal
- Maher Terminal
- APM Terminal
- Red Hook Terminal
"As the agency that oversees the largest port complex on the East Coast, we strongly urge the ILA [International Longshoreman’s Association] members to return to work immediately and resolve their differences after they return,” said the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in a written statement this morning. “In the meantime, Port Authority Police are actively working to ensure public safety for all of the stakeholders at the port."
Director of Public Relations for the ILA, Jim McNamara, spoke with 1010 WINS radio news this morning, according to the New York Times, explaining that the issue stems from hiring disputes with the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor.
“The ILA and the New York Shipping Association—our employers, it’s not just the workers, but also the owners of the companies that generate the jobs and generates money for the economy—both sides have been fighting the Waterfront Commission, especially in the last five years, over the right to bring new workers on, the right to operate their ports the way they think they should be operated,” McNamara said during the interview. “They’ve had enough, they told me they’re taking this action to demonstrate their displeasure.”
As of the time of writing this, roadways near the area of the port are backed up with trucks, and containers are stacking up. As of 2014, according to the New York Times, the Port of New York and New Jersey were responsible for 3,342,286 cargo containers which held over $200 billion in goods.
If the walkoff continues to hold up shipping for an extended period of time, its effects could be felt along the East Coast and beyond. For more on this story as it develops, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
Advance Customs Brokers & Consulting Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
ORLANDO, FL – The National Mango Board (NMB) is providing the industry with valuable tools to help increase mango sales.
The Ripe and Ready to Eat Mango Program offers retailers an opportunity to give U.S. consumers a quality fruit that is ripe and ready to eat. A ripening expert has been enlisted to travel to select importers, retailers, wholesalers, and fresh-cut processors to audit in-store mango displays and storage rooms. The expert can then provide helpful insights and suggestions to improve ripening.
Extensive research from the National Mango Board concludes that approximately 81 percent of current mango purchasers stated they would definitely/probably consider future purchases if the mangos were “ripe and ready,” while nearly half (48 percent) of past purchasers also expressed the same interest, according to a press release.
To learn more about how you can get involved in this program, click here.
“The Ripe and Ready to Eat Mango Program is a great tool for the industry to help overcome mango purchasing barriers for consumers in the U.S.,” said Rachel Muñoz, Director of Marketing at the National Mango Board. “The rewards of programs like this can lead to greater consumer acceptance and considerable growth in the mango category.”
The National Mango Board also offers various other tools, such as a Mango Handling and Ripening Protocol, which is designed to encourage improvements in mango handling and ripening practices in the U.S., as well as a Mango Maturity, Ripeness, and Defects reference sheet, and Mango Maturity and Ripeness Guide.
Armed with these tools, the National Mango Board ensures that your mango program will continue delighting consumers at the point-of-purchase.
SALINAS, CA - Mann Packing has announced a few big changes to its marketing department this week, hiring Loree Dowse as Foodservice Marketing Assistant, Jacob Shafer as Marketing & Communications Cooordinator, and Monica Infelise as Content Marketing Specialist.
“Loree, Jacob, and Monica’s experience and insight has made them very welcome additions to the Mann’s family,” shared Kim St George, Mann’s Director of Marketing & Communications in a statement. “This new group has the talent and passion that fits with our vision of innovating into the future. We view these hires as a sign of our commitment to excellence and I personally look forward to working with each one of them.”
Each new member to the team will be working from the Mann Packing corporate headquarters in Salinas, CA, expanding the focus of the marketing department on the development of advertising campaigns, public relations, community outreach, and further developing the company’s extensive product marketing strategy. Loree will report to Gina Nucci, Director of Foodservice Marketing, while both Jacob and Monica will report to St George.
In her new role as Foodservice Marketing Assistant, Loree will be bringing her unique combination of both marketing/communications and food experience. She spent over eight years in various in-house and agency public relations and marketing positions, according to a press release, and also holds more than nine years of professional cooking experience. Loree has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from UCLA, and a Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management degree from City College of San Francisco.
Jacob, as Mann’s new Marketing & Communications Coordinator, will focus on managing the company’s public relations, community relations, crisis communications, and maintaining the company’s collaborative communications culture. According to a press release, he spent seven years in Mongolia working in community outreach with the United States Peace Corps and corporate communications with the Rio Tinto Group. For the past seven months, Jacob has been working in communications and public relations with the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English.
Monica is joining the company as Content Marketing Specialist with over seven years of marketing and communications experience from around the world. She has been based in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, lending her a fresh perspective on social media, content creation, and communications. Monica will now be focused on growing customer engagement through Mann’s social media and content marketing. She earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and an MBA in International Business from American International College.
For more information on Mann’s full line of products, visit veggiesmadeeasy.com, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CARPINTERIA, CA - Hollandia Produce has just announced the addition of fifteen-year produce veteran Brian Cook to its sales team as the division’s new Vice President, effective February 1.
Cook, who has experienced all facets of the supply chain, will now be tasked with overseeing day-to-day Sales, Customer Service, and Marketing operations, as well as serving on the company’s Executive Committee.
“I have so much respect for the Hollandia team and what they’ve accomplished,” Cook shared in a written statement. “I look forward to working with the team and its retail and foodservice partners and prospects in the execution of these new items while building upon current programs to assure success at the store and restaurant level.”
Hollandia says that Cook’s arrival at the company comes at a particularly fortuitous and transitional time. The company just recently announced its intentions to become fully employee-owned, and has several new product introductions on the horizon for this quarter. The company says that Cook will be instrumental in guiding and driving these launch plans and strategic planning going forward.
“We are excited to have Brian join us at this time and to help lead us through this transition,” CEO Pete Overgaag explained. “Hollandia is well positioned for growth. I believe Brian will be a key asset to the company in driving our aggressive growth objectives and positioning us for expansive success.”
Most recently, Cook served nearly eight years as Director of Sales for Oxnard-based San Miguel Produce. As what a press release calls “an active industry insider,” Cook has served on several boards and committees including Fresh Produce and Floral Council and PMA Fresh Summit, and is also a graduate of the United Fresh Leadership Program.
Cook, who is married with four children, will divide his time between both Hollandia’s Carpinteria and Oxnard facilities.
Congrats on the new adventure Brian, looking forward to seeing what's next for your exciting career!
ATLANTA – Kroger’s Atlanta Division has named Jeff Wojtkowiak, Vice President of Merchandising for Kroger’s Columbus Division, as its new Vice President of Operations. He succeeds Charles Mitchell, who retired in December 2015.
“I am thrilled to accept this opportunity to serve customers and associates in the Atlanta Division,” Wojtkowiak said in a written statement. “My 34 years with Kroger have been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to the next step in my career.”
Wojtkowiak brings over three decades of experience to his new role, having worked his way up from a utility clerk to an accomplished executive at Kroger. At his most recent position, Wojtkowiak was responsible for the operations of 122 stores and more than 18,000 associates in Ohio, Michigan and the panhandle of West Virginia, according to a press release.
“Jeff brings 34 years of operations and merchandising experience to this position,” Bruce Lucia, President of Kroger’s Atlanta Division, said. “We look forward to his leadership in the Atlanta Division as we continue to improve our customers’ overall shopping experience.”
Wojtkowiak has an Associate Degree in Business Management from the University of Toledo. He and his wife, Amy, and their three children, will move to Atlanta from Columbis, Ohio as he begins his new position.
Kroger’s Atlanta Division is one of the Southeast’s largest retail grocery chains with more than 186 stores, covering Georgia, eastern Alabama, and South Carolina.