OXNARD, CA - There is something uniquely inviting about a produce department when it has a big, beautiful display of mangos at its threshold. It implies quality, differentiation, and thoughtfulness, words I associate with Freska Produce International. With decades steeped in the mango category, the company’s organic program has grown exponentially since its introduction in 2016. As the Organic Produce Summit is only a day away, Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner, joined me to preview the message Freska will be sharing with attendees: Think Organic Mangos, Think Freska.

“Organics now account for about 30 percent of our business, and we anticipate this to double over the next five years,” Gary revealed. “We've been nurturing this vision with our growers for the past six years, paving the way for this growth opportunity for our customers and our growers. Organics have been and will continue to be a cornerstone of our mango program, shaping our future trajectory.”

Come July 11, Freska will grace the trade show floor with its organic line of packaging as well as red varieties and yellow varieties and a year-round strategy to keep surety of supply for retail partners.

With different packing options, Fair Trade Certification, and more, Freska is bringing OPS a host of advantages and benefits across mango solutions.

“Freska offers the know-how and 20 years of expertise to execute robust programs and devise sales plans with retailers that will bring success to both our customers and our company,” Gary details. “We are excited to meet with attendees at OPS to discuss more on how we can elevate their programs.”

Visit OPS booth #122 to meet with Tom Hall, Sales Manager, and learn more about the Freska way.

ROSEMONT, IL - US Foods is making a vital contribution to a powerful program, announcing a newly formed national partnership with the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). This alliance includes a $250,000 contribution to the organization’s “Helping Communities Make It” program, which seeks to empower communities in need through hunger relief, culinary education, and disaster relief.

“At US Foods, we are uniquely positioned to harness the power of food to empower communities in need with nourishment and opportunity,” said Dave Flitman, Chief Executive Officer. “As part of a military family, I am particularly proud to expand our efforts to support the military community, which makes immeasurable sacrifices for our freedom. We are honored to partner with an innovative and deeply committed organization like MFAN, and I look forward to our collaboration.”

As a press release explained, this is the distributor’s first national hunger relief partnership supporting military families; US Foods selected MFAN based on the nonprofit’s innovative program, the MFANetwork, which connects military families to critical resources through collaborative, impact-driven, and authentic community engagements.

The partnership will support a variety of programmatic efforts to alleviate military food insecurity, including:

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Pantry Restock Box
• Fresh Funds Grocery Support

“MFAN’s latest survey shows that those who moved within the last two years (41.1 percent) and active-duty families (21.5 percent) are among those most commonly experiencing food insecurity,” Shannon Razsadin, CEO of Military Family Advisory Network. “Thanks to generous partners like US Foods, we are providing dignified support through innovative, scalable, and measurable solutions. These collaborative initiatives show military families that they are not alone and that their service and sacrifice are seen and appreciated—and that truly matters.”

In addition, US Foods recently served as a premier ‘Healthy Bodies’ sponsor of MFAN’s Solutions Summit on June 27, where policymakers, military advocates, and corporate partners developed actionable solutions for the military and veteran community. To read more about this partnership, click here.

And keep reading ANUK for the latest industry news.

MIAMI, FL - The Kapi Kapi Growers portfolio is expanding! The Costa Rican grower-shipper has announced the extension of its successful pineapple and banana portfolio, adding plantains to the lineup in response to rising retail demand. The brand’s newest offering is being introduced in both the United States and European markets.

“As our company growth has accelerated over the last couple of years, we’ve received more and more interest in plantains from our retail partners,” said Sofia Acon, President of Kapi Kapi Growers. “While we were initially focused on pineapples and bananas, it became very clear that there was a real need for plantains in the marketplace.”

Initial shipments of Kapi Kapi plantains will begin arriving in the U.S. as early as August and ramping up to a steady supply by November.

Kapi Kapi Growers has cultivated its plantains to produce exceptional flavor and consistent quality at a commercial scale after perfecting its growing and harvesting practices through field trials over the last few years.

“We have an incredible team whose knowledge and experience on the production side has given us an unparalleled advantage in bringing this new product to market in a very short time,” said Acon. “We could not be more thrilled for this new addition to our product line!”

Kapi Kapi plantains are the Curraré Enano variety, growing in the warm temperatures of Costa Rica and known for their excellent fruit quality, a press release explained.

With this new offering introduced to appeal to rising retail demand, grocers can tap into an increasingly popular produce category.

For more category insights, keep clicking on that little apple logo.

CORAL GABLES, FL - Everyone give a round of applause to Fresh Del Monte Produce! The supplier was recognized with the 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award in the Environmental Initiative category. The award was earned for its JUNTOS Project, an initiative focused on landscape restoration, conservation, and sustainable development.

“We are honored to be recognized by the SEAL Awards and are committed to being a sustainable business leader by promoting conservation and restoration best practices in emerging economies,” said Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer. “Through local collaborative efforts and a cross-functional, multi-stakeholder partnership, the JUNTOS Project has completed extensive reforestation and conservation efforts that will benefit local communities for years to come.”

Kicking off in 2021 in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the JUNTOS Project restores productive landscapes, conserves water resources, boosts the economic development of communities, and provides education about sustainable land development. JUNTOS brings local groups and other public sector groups together to align on conservation and community development, a press release stated. The project has successfully reforested 348 hectares of land, proposed over 400 hectares for private wildlife refuges, and more.

Through this project, Fresh Del Monte has developed a variety of programs within the communities. While the project currently only operates in Costa Rica and Guatemala, Fresh Del Monte hopes to expand it to other green economies.

The SEAL Awards recognize 50 of the most sustainable and recognized companies in the world, honoring their leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable business practices. Fresh Del Monte takes a holistic approach to sustainability, weaving it into its business practices in every part of the value chain. This is the company’s third time being honored.

Fresh Del Monte is focusing on reducing its emissions and food waste and adopting regenerative agriculture and smart farming practices. The JUNTOS project and the SEAL Award exemplify the company's dedication to sustainability throughout its operations and shows how the company is leading the way in conservation, sustainable agriculture, and innovation for A Brighter World Tomorrow™.

Congratulations to Fresh Del Monte Produce!

FRESNO, CA - Baloian Farms is responding to the increasing consumer demand for hot chili pepper varieties, announcing an expanded strategic set of plantings for its chili pepper program.

“We are committed to satisfying buyer requests for expanded product offerings,” Richard Cowden, Sales, stated. “Baloian assures our customers that they can expect the same dedication, customer service, and superior quality standards they have come to appreciate from all our product lines.”

Broadening its range of sweet and mild to hot peppers, which are coming to market from July to September, the Chili pepper program will also overlap with Baloian’s bell pepper harvest.

The company, which has year-round operations specializing in peppers and other vegetables grown throughout California and Mexico, is currently offering Anaheim, Jalapeño, and Serrano chili peppers, as well as tomatillo. Distribution is coming from Fresno.

All this talk about hot peppers and tomatillos is making me hungry for some salsa!

For more summer harvest updates, check back with ANUK.

CASHMERE, WA - Parents looking for convenient and healthy options for their kids have found a partner in Crunch Pak. As the supplier readies to discuss how its product lines are rife for merchandising opportunities at Organic Produce Summit, I tapped Andy Kimbrel to learn more.

“We’ll be focusing on our organic Bluey product line, which is a resealable 12 oz gusseted bag featuring peeled and sliced organic apples. Featuring Bluey and Bingo, of course,” the Vice President of Sales and Marketing shared with me. “This line includes a 2 lb resealable value tray.”

According to Andy, the Bluey property is currently one of Crunch Pak’s fastest growing IPs.

“This strong partnership with BBC has allowed Crunch Pak some great visibility with families and provided a lift in sales for organics,” he added. “Plus, the 12 oz bag features a QR code that takes customers directly to Bluey content, making it a fun way for families to enjoy our product and also interact with their favorite show.”

Not only does Crunch Pak have a partner in Bluey, but it also has a partner in Earthbound Farm. Together, all three have made it possible for Crunch Pak to realize its goal of increasing consumption across its sliced apple programs.

“For example, if a character is not the right merchandising for a retailer we are able to work with Earthbound Farm and the Crunch Pak label to provide the right experience,” Andy noted.

Overall, the company is well-positioned for additional growth—a factor Andy and his team are excited to share with attendees of OPS.

“We’ve been partners with the largest growers of organic apples in Washington State for decades. Our organic program is getting stronger year over year and is strategically important to the company’s future,” Andy explained. “This vertical integration provides us with a great advantage and ultimately a better end product for the consumer. The team is always working hard to expand our organic offerings. Finding the right mixture of apples, pears, dips, and other healthy ingredients the organic consumer is looking for will remain a priority for Crunch Pak as we evolve in this space.”

Be sure to stop by booth #506 to learn more!

LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - The time is finally here! With the highly anticipated Organic Produce Summit (OPS) taking place this week, fresh produce aficionados will be engulfed in multiple days of industry innovation, exploration, and collaboration. Nature Fresh Farms® is harnessing this opportunity to spotlight a few key players in its portfolio, including Organic Ombre Cherry Tomatoes, Organic Hiiros™ Tomatoes, and Organic Greenhouse Berries™.

“Changing the flavor of fresh continues to be a driving force for Nature Fresh Farms,” shared Matt Quiring, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We believe through greenhouse innovation we can develop new offerings and provide the market with higher flavor, higher quality produce year-round while doing so sustainability and with long-term food security in mind. We have an exclusive organic growing system that allows us to have a more consistently flavorful crop by feeding the plants exactly what they need while reducing workload comparative to traditional organic growing methods.”

Nature Fresh Farms Organic Ombre Cherry Tomatoes are vine-ripened to guarantee freshness and superior taste, offering up a wide range of rich flavor profiles. As Matt shared with me, consumers in the organic category are also seeking out variation and top-level flavor, driving the supplier to bring forth one of the fastest-growing tomato SKUs in the conventional world as an organic option to meet consumer demand.

In addition, the grower is doubling down on the potential of its Hiiros tomatoes, highlighting its organic offering, which is now available year-round. A variety originally bred for the Japanese market, this popular variety is grown from the finest seeds and offers a rich umami flavor with a distinguishing level of sweetness that adds depth and complexity of flavor.

Last but certainly not least, Matt shared some insight into the provider’s lineup of Organic Greenhouse Berries.

“With the successful launch of North America’s first Organic Greenhouse Grown Strawberry last year, we’re continuing to tout this incredible berry! We’re always looking for ways to support our customers by listening to their challenges; our organic greenhouse-grown strawberries will continue to provide peak supply,” Matt stated. “We’ve been able to provide the consumer with a fresher berry that is selected for taste and experience rather than shelf-life, and we’re going to continue to provide this.”

The Nature Fresh Farms team will be at booth #617 during the show, so don’t forget to stop by and check out each of these innovative offerings!

Nature Fresh Farms will also be showcasing a couple of new products at the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association show in October.

Stay updated on all this company has to offer with insights from AndNowUKnow!

GLENN COUNTY, CA - With the launch of its brand-new website, premier Northern California organic almond supplier Baugher Ranch is demonstrating its commitment to quality and sustainability. While also highlighting its long-standing heritage, the provider’s new site provides an in-depth look into its product, operations, and commitment to environmental stewardship.

“Baugher Ranch is committed to providing nutritious and delicious almonds while maintaining the highest standards of environmental responsibility. The new website reflects this commitment, offering a transparent view of the operation’s sustainable practices and dedication to quality,” the company wrote in the release.

The website offers a virtual tour of the almond operation, highlighting the company’s innovative packing and handling techniques, as well as its dedication to preserving the land for future generations.

As a press release shared, some key features of the new site include:

• Interactive Harvesting Tour Video: Explore Baugher Ranch’s fields, orchards, and facilities with an immersive online experience that showcases the journey from tree to harvest
• Product Showcase: Learn about the variety of products available, including seasonal offerings and specialty items
• Sustainability Practices: Discover the eco-friendly methods used at Baugher Ranch, from soil health management to water conservation and renewable energy use
• Heritage: Baugher Ranch has a rich history rooted in family tradition and a passion for farming. Founded over four generations ago, the ranch has evolved from a small family farm into a leading producer of premium organic Almonds

Explore the newly launched site for yourself here.

For more updates from the nut category and beyond, you know where to click.