WATSONVILLE, CA - Flavorful, beautiful berries. Welcome to What’s in Store.
Driscoll’s spring blackberry offering is a success story based on traditional plant breeding methods with a healthy dose of persistence.
About 20 years ago, we found one of our varieties to be the best tasting blackberry variety we had ever created. Five years ago, after much hard work and tens of thousands of crosses of existing varieties having desired characteristics in the areas of flavor, yield, appearance, shelf-life and fruit size, we found ourselves in the position of having not one, but two new varieties whose flavor surpassed those before it.
Even better news, is that they are very desirable to growers from an agronomic standpoint. Meaning that they yield well, are manageable using existing production methods, and they convey some resistance to common pests and diseases in their targeted growing regions.
The bottom line is that growers realize that the economics of these varieties make good sense for them, and so they are planting a lot and asking for more!
You don’t need to make a pie out of them to make them taste good, or put them in yogurt with a spoonful of sugar. They are fantastic all by themselves. These are all positive impacts against our mission ‘To Continually Delight Consumers through Alignment with our Customers and our Berry Growers.’
As the weather warms up in Mexico and these varieties hit their ‘peak of flavor,’ act quickly and contact your sales rep for your spring blackberry program. From the last two weeks in March through the first two weeks in May, our blackberry offering in our ‘yellow triangle’ clamshells will almost exclusively be comprised of these delightful varieties.
Thank you for watching, What’s In Store.
CLEMSON, SC - The process of plant grafting could become quicker, more efficient, with less need for labor if this new technology hits the market.
Richard Hassell, Clemson Cooperative Extension's South Carolina State Vegetable Specialist, along with a science team out of the Coastal Research and Education Center at Clemson University, have created a bionic, steel-handed machine to modernize and simplify plant grafting.
“When done by hand, it's very slow and labor-intensive," Hassell told Phys Org. "The robot does it much faster than a human can do it. This reduces labor costs while at the same time enhancing healthy and robust growth because the same clean cut is made every time."
Hassell’s methods are already known in grafting practices, as he is also responsible for a method that prevents or heals regrowth that has been adopted by growers throughout the U.S. and beyond, according to the report.
"Grafting was laughed at when I first came here," Patrick Wechter, Research Plant Pathologist for the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory, said, according to the report. "People said no one will ever do it in the U.S. because it's too expensive. But Richard has persisted and become of one of the leading experts in the world on grafting."
Now, with team members Brian Ward, Mark Schaffer, Manning Rushton, and Ginny DuBose, he hopes to tackle the intensity of the grafting process, which affects several fresh produce categories.
"The reason we graft crops such as watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, and peppers is because they have poor root systems that are very susceptible to soil-born disease. And so anything in the soil that stresses their roots collapses the plants," Hassell said. "But if we graft hardier, resistant rootstocks from plants such as gourds and squash onto the shoots of the desired crop, then the fruit-producing part of the plant is able to thrive."
So what does the robot do? Well, in just seconds, the the metal “hand” grasp, slices, and pushes together the rootstock of the fruit and the gourd.
"After the graft is completed, the plant is put into a high-humidity healing chamber that encourages the graft to heal and the rootstock to store carbohydrates while also sending out new roots," Hassell said of the plant’s journey after the robot is done, detailing that it still needs a week to heal, a week to strengthen, and then is ready to plant. All to make a stronger product.
So what impact will this latest high-tech invention have on the produce industry? We can’t wait to find out.
COACHELLA, CA - This year is Prime Time's 25th anniversary, and the company wants to celebrate with you, its valued customers!
So, from now until the end of summer, the company will be giving away Prime Time limited edition commemorative pure silver coins. That’s right, giving them away!
Here’s how it works...
The company will be randomly placing bright red envelopes in a number of Prime Time produce boxes.
If you open the box and see one of these envelopes, then you’re a winner! All you have to do is fill out the form and send it in to the team, and the company will send you your Prime Time limited edition commemorative pure silver coin — and polo shirt! It’s as simple as that.
Prime Time will be announcing the winners on the company's website and on Facebook on a regular basis, so keep watching!
And good luck – from AndNowUKnow and all your friends at Prime Time!
ALGECIRAS, ES - It seems that the criminal underside will never tire of attempting to circumvent the law in order to make illicit money, as Spanish authorities can recently attest.
Customs agents in the Port of Algeciras recently uncovered 171 kgs (roughly 377 pounds) of cocaine stuffed into a shipment of bananas. However, adding to the oddity of the fruit bust, was that the drugs were concealed inside plastic bananas, designed to look like an ordinary fruit shipment.
"During a check of a consignment in Port of Algeciras on April 28th, a pallet marked with a red 'X' was discovered by agents," said a statement from Spain’s National Police, according to The Local ES.
Interceptados en el Puerto de #Algeciras 171 kg de cocaína ocultos en bananas sintéticas procedentes de #Colombia.https://t.co/JiTvmQ19fG
— Policía Nacional (@policia) May 14, 2016
Upon expecting the pallet, authorities discovered 19 boxes filled with 88 synthetic bananas, which were in turn stuffed with €17 million (about $19 million) worth of cocaine.
Police and customs agents detected the drugs after performing a long investigation into criminal gangs smuggling South American drugs into Europe. The banana-masked cocaine was imported from Turbo, Colombia, and was meant to end its journey at a fruit packing company in Huelva, Spain.
Spanish authorities said that in 2015 alone, they had seized 22 tons of cocaine, a 43 percent increase on the previous year, and stated that Spain was the main entry point for smugglers to use for access to Europe.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report as shipments of fruit and vegetables find a surprising starring role in the industry.
KINGSVILLE, ON- Mucci Farms’ latest proprietary product offers its own eating experience, with a capital “X.”
The company’s new Tomato-X is described as an exotic tomato bursting with extreme flavor, standing on its own as a strong snacking tomato with a crisp bite followed by a fresh burst of flavor.
“Our whole team from grower/sales and marketing agreed the features of this tomato are incredibly unique from its appearance, its flavour profile, to even going a step further by saying it presents an ‘experience,’” Emily Murracas, Mucci’s Marketing Manager, tells me. “It possesses somewhat of an “X – factor” and the consumers need to be intrigued by its name, enticed on the shelf, and educated when in hand.”
The sleek packaging achieves this, capturing the eye with a cool X and conveying all the shopper needs to know. The transparent Top Seal still leaves room to allow the intriguingly red-orange tomato speak for itself, with another unique packaging option.
“We also created a more unique option for a cardboard band with laser cut-outs and/or clear film band to maximize the real-estate but still offer good product visibility, as well as a tamper evident seal,” Emily explains.
Overall, Mucci is confident that the look portrays the unique, premium feel of the Tomato-X itself, while the white and blue colors portray a healthy, fitness-like vibe.
You can see this new product at next month's United Fresh Produce Expo, where it will be featured in the Product Showcase.
Mucci also has three products that have been named finalists for the show in the folowing three categories:
- Best New Package – CutecumbersTM Re-seal Flow-wrap Tray
- Best New Fruit – Smuccies Sweet Strawberry
- Best New Vegetable – Naked Leaf Living Lettuce & Herbs
Keep checking in as we continue to follow out-of-the-box promotions for equally out-of-the-box products rocking the industry.
MCALLEN, TX - For the fifth year in a row, Triple H has received recognition as a Socially Responsible Company from the Mexican Center of Philanthropy, and the Alliance for Business Responsibility, reaffirming its position as an agent for positive change.
Triple H Group President, Mr. Heriberto Vlaminck Seidel, received the most recent award on behalf of the company, and said, "We know there is much to be done, and this distinction is a commitment, and incentive, to continue on this path."
For every year since 2008, Triple H has received this award in recognition of its initiatives on improving working conditions, transparency, the development of its network of associated growers, environmental sustainability, and support of diverse social causes such as the Red Cross (emergency and disaster relief), Pro-Educa (education for low income children), GANAC (childhood cancer) and APAC (brain paralysis).
As explained in a press release, Triple H promotes socially responsible practices throughout its entire network of associated growers, in 13 states of Mexico. This helps extend the social footprint beyond the company’s direct reach.
Ethical behavior has always been a core belief for Triple H, the company explains, and it continues to seek better ways to have a positive impact by undertaking new challenges, like SAFE®, its ambitious food safety program.
AndNowUKnow recently spoke about the program with Heriberto Vlaminck, Vice President of Operations at Triple H, who said the stages of the program increase safety assurance and utilizes more preventative measures. “It’s a continued system that makes their process at getting better,” finished Heriberto. “So everyone gets a safe product.”
To learn more about Triple H and its commitment to social responsibility and food safety, www.tripleh.com.mx.
HOOD RIVER, OR - Demand for Hood River Cherry Company’s tree-ripened, high elevation cherries is growing to a worldwide cult following, and with good reason.
In a world where everything seems to move faster and faster, we grow cherries worth waiting for the old-fashioned way. Hood River Cherry Company cherries grow on the tree until their sugar level reaches at least 21 brix, far above the 15 brix starting point that the rest of the industry uses. That means sweeter, juicier, riper cherries—Mother Nature’s Magic on a stem.
Why are our cherries so good? Cool summer nights in our orchard, located high on the slopes of Oregon’s Mt. Hood, mean the cherries have more time to mature, resulting in fruit that is sweeter and bigger than traditional cherries. Because of our high-elevation, we provide cherries later in the season. We produce half the tonnage per acre compared to other orchards, ensuring each cherry is packed with more nutrients, more sugar, and more flavor.
Many in the commercial cherry industry are focused on optical sorting and increasing the use of technology to harvest, sort, and get their fruit to market. Not Hood River Cherry Company. When our cherries are finally ready for harvest, our workers pick, sort, and pack cherries within an hour. Unlike our competition, we size and pack fruit by hand, which eliminates bruising. Every box we ship contains hand-selected fruit that is size 10.5 row and larger.
Our cherries are ready to deliver to your stores the morning after picking, packed in the highest-grade boxes and packaging materials to preserve the impeccable quality. The result? Your customers enjoy outstanding cherries, fresh from the orchard, in the perfect state of ripeness.
Our Bings, Rainiers, and Lapins are consistently praised as the best-tasting cherries on the market. The Lapin cherry, with its ability to withstand our high-elevation winters, continues to out-perform all others year-after-year in sugar level, firmness, and flavor.
We set our standards high and refuse to cut corners. That’s why every year our customers wait for their chance to enjoy Hood River Cherry Company cherries — a seasonal, tasty treat. Hood River Cherry Company: a family-owned orchard producing the country’s best cherries since 1996.
WATSONVILLE, CA - For more than 15 years, California Giant Berry Farms has sponsored cycling teams, eventually inspiring the company to put into motion the annual Tour de Fresh movement.
This year, the company announced, the team has leapt to a new level in its commitment to the sport, as well as visibility to the California Giant brand.
Comprised of young professional riders ages 19-22 years old, the team is working to ride in the Tour de France, and just completed the 100+ mile Tour of California.
Aexeon Berman, founded in 2009 by former professional cyclist and Olympic bronze medalist Axel Merckx, has teamed up with the company to represent the next generation of cyclists.
“This week I had the honor of riding shotgun in the team car with Axel Merckx during Stage 4 of the Amgen Tour of California,” Cindy Jewell, VP of Marketing for California Giant, said in a press release. “This stage was an epic ride from Morro Bay to Monterey, CA, via the legendary Highway 1 through Big Sur, which included 133 miles of one of the best experiences I have ever had. Getting a front seat view of over 100 professional cyclists attack Highway One and being able to witness how these young people on our team worked to accomplish greatness is awe inspiring.”
California Giant noted that it is already seeing growth in some cyclists who were on the team before it merged with Axeon, which is now leading cycling's new premier development program with a number of other notable sponsors.
The team finished the Tour of California Sunday, May 22, completing an epic stage of riding into Lake Tahoe, CA, finishing with Team Axeon in the headlines in downtown Sacramento, CA.
California native Neilson Powless earned an overall top 10 result and, at only 19 years old, was named Best Young Rider of the Amgen Tour of California.
And, as after each race and training, the team was met with a very large portion of California Giant berries, surely making them the envy of all those they competed against.
According to California Giant, the biggest story in this latest partnership is maintaining its connection to cycling and, specifically, young ambassadors building on the brand loyalty as they convey the importance healthy eating and living.
PEORIA, IL - The Tom Lange Family of Companies has announced that it will be sponsoring Conor Daly in the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.
The Indy 500 will take place this Sunday, May, 29, 2016. This race will mark Daly's third time participating, where he will be in the 24th position.
The company stated in a press release that the sponsorship was originally born of a passion for racing by CEO and Chairman, Phil “Rock” Gumpert. Gumpert took up racing at the age of 40 and held his license for 31 years. Gumper still races SCCA with a Formula Atlantic car, and Vintage Racing with a 1976 Formula One car and several Indy cars.
“Racing is a lot like the produce industry for me,” Gumpert said. “It is a competition within yourself, striving to beat your own best time and excel to your best potential… on and off the track.”
Being a resident of Noblesville, IN, himself, Gumper became friends with Daly’s father, Derek, who was also Formula One and Champ driver. Gumpert admired the talent and drive of Conor Daly as he watched him race go-karts from the age of 10. Gumpert and the company have sponsored and watched Daly transition into a skilled driver for over 12 years.
The company also noted that its sponsorship is more than just a shared passion for racing, but also a sponsorship of health and a well-balanced diet. Daly was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 15 years-old, which caused the now 24 year-old to alter his eating habits, begin an active lifestyle, and channel his health frustrations into racing. The company said there was nothing that could slow him down.
Before every race, Daly follows a strict dietary regiment that is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, a diet that the Tom Lange Family of Companies said it is proud to sponsor. Daly takes insulin shots and wears a glucose monitoring system, in addition to have one in his car.
Tom Lange Family of Companies wishes the best of luck and a safe race to Conor Daly in this Sunday’s race! Daly’s first qualifying run for the Indy 500 was 227.804, with a second qualifying run of 227.862.
ROSEMONT, IL – Finally securing its initial public offering, US Foods raised $1.02 billion on Wednesday to become the second-largest IPO in the U.S. so far this year.
To secure its funds, US Foods priced its 44.4 million shares at $23 as of market close on Wednesday, which lies within the $21 to $24 range that US Foods previously expected, according to an anonymous source close to the matter as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
In its first day of trading, the Wall Street Journal also reported that US Foods shares had surged up 5.3 percent at $24.25 in the morning trade. US Foods’ ticker symbol will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under USFD.
Reuters stated that analysts had been closely following US Foods because it was the first major leveraged buyout going public since the stock market became first apprehensive of such debt-laden offerings at the end of last year.
US Foods reported $23 billion in revenue and an EBITDA of $875 million for fiscal 2016, as documented in its IPO prospectus. The company has approximately $5 billion in debt which US Foods plans to pay down on with its proceeds from the IPO. Some of the underwriters for the offering include Goldman Sachs & Co., Morgan Stanley, and J.P. Morgan.
Reuters also noted that this IPO securement offers a way for its private equity owners, Clayton, Dublier & Rice LLC and KKR & Co LP, to sell their own shares in the company after a prospective sale of US Foods to Sysco Corp was blocked last year by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
US Foods’ IPO was only beat out by MGM Growth Properties LLC’s initial public offering of $1.2 billion last month, and is the third private equity-backed IPO to have raised more than $1 billion since the start of 2015.
Stay with AndNowUKnow as we watch how its public stature will affect the company.