PHARR, TX – Border protection officers seized nearly half a million dollars worth of marijuana hidden within a commercial shipment of fresh tomatoes on Monday, December 7.
A total of 499 packages of the narcotics were discovered when CBP officers intercepted the load at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility, according to a press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Weighing approximately 2,394 pounds, the drugs were valued at $479,000, or about $200 per pound.
“Drug trafficking organizations utilize a wide variety of techniques to smuggle narcotics in commercial shipments, as has been encountered lately at our cargo facility in Pharr, Texas,” said Acting Port Director, Javier Cantu, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “It is imperative that our officers continue to keep abreast of these ever-changing techniques and help keep drugs from crossing our border.”
Homeland Security Investigation agents are currently examining the case.
HOUSTON, TX - Another big name grocer is adding curbside grocery pickup to its repertoire—the San Antonio, TX-based H-E-B. Company officials are now confirming that the company will be piloting its new service in its Houston Bunker Hill location.
"We are excited to kick off this program just in time for the holidays," Cyndy Garza-Roberts, Director, H-E-B Public Affairs, Houston told news source Click2Houston. "Every day we strive to enhance our customer's experience. Curbside Pickup makes grocery shopping even easier and more convenient whether you're in the neighborhood or stopping by on your commute."
Customers of the location can now order groceries online at http://hebtoyou.com, and 8 hours later, personal shoppers will have taken your order, gathered your groceries, and brought them to the curbside pickup location at the store. There is a service fee of $4.95, but no minimum order is required. Orders also can be placed up to seven days in advance.
Curbside pickup has been one of the most popular trends in grocery this year, with notable companies who have also made the move in recent months being Loblaw, Sendiks, Meijer, and Wal-Mart. Houston has been one market that’s been targeted, in particular.
As we’ve previously reported, H-E-B also recently joined forces with Instacart to offer a grocery deliver service to the Houston market in September.
For more on the growing trends of curbside pickup and fresh grocery delivery, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
LOS ANGELES, CA - With the recent release of the Sunkist Fruit Chips and Sunkist Trail Mix Redefined™ lines in the produce section at Walmart stores across the nation, Sunkist continues to enhance its snack portfolio in partnership with Snack It Forward.
Snack It Forward CEO, Nick Desai, shared with me some of the strides the company has made, and continues to make, in this partnership as consumer and retail interest climbs.
“We have seen a lot of very fast success with the Walmart roll-out and so many new retailers are coming online in January of 2016,” Nick tells me. “We have about half a dozen new folks on board and more signing on every week. It's the first major brand to launch a Trail Mix specifically designed for produce sections that has truly unique flavor profiles, incredible packaging, is fruit intensive, and has no artificial colors and flavors, so it really plays into all of today's major trends."
Currently, Snack It Forward is focusing on how to keep the ball rolling by growing its team with key new hires, according to Nick, who explained that the company is currently very excited about the strong figures coming back from Walmart.
“Branding and Product has been very successful, now we are looking to grow that with pack size and flavor extensions. A single serving offering is already in the works,” Nick said, adding that particular fruity favorites include the strawberry banana and pineapple coconut flavors for the Sunkist Trail Mix Redefined™.
Current flavor options for Sunkist’s Fruit Chips include:
- Crunchy Strawberries
- Crunchy Grapes
- Crunchy Banana
- Crunchy Fuji Apple
Sunkist’s Trail Mix Redefined™ options include:
- Mango Dark Chocolate Blend
- Strawberry Banana Blend
- Blueberry Apple Blend
- Pineapple Coconut Blend
- Breakfast Espresso & Granola Blend
The success of the Fruit Chips and Trail Mix Redefined™ snacks is creating explosive growth for Snack It Forward, with more to come for 2016.
“Not only are we looking into new profiles for the snacks under the Sunkist brand, but we are in talks with some prospective acquisitions already and will be moving into other better-for-you snack category segments more aggressively in 2016,” Nick said.
With more flavors, more team members, and more growth on the horizon, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow what’s to come from this fruitful partnership.
CASTROVILLE, CA — Ocean Mist Farms has cut the ribbon on its newly expanded cooler facility in Coachella, CA yesterday, Dec. 8th, the second time it’s done so since arriving there in 1988.
“We built our reputation on superior product quality and food safety practices,” Ocean Mist Farms President and CEO Joe Pezzini said, according to a company release. “This new facility allows us to further improve product quality and shelf-life, as well as food safety and security.”
The opening, which hosted more than 40 members of the industry treated both to refreshments and tours of the new facility, is the result of several months of construction. As a result, the location now has double the coolage and storage capacity, as well as several bays for receiving and loading trucks.
“We are investing in the Coachella valley for the future,” Pezzini added. “We expanded the facility to handle our crops and to serve our growing partners in the area. We believe in the future of agriculture here and are committed for the long term.”
Ocean Mist grows and cools upwards of 30 fresh vegetables, including artichokes, at this location from December through April, employing more than 70 people, and decided to expand as a result of increased business.
According to the release, the improvements to the facility didn’t just include improving efficiencies, but product quality and customer service as well. The company feels that this move positions it strategically for future growth, Pezzini said, serving other growers in the surrounding area as a year-round produce cooling and distribution center.
Not only was local Mayor Steven Hernandez present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but also declared Dec. 8th as official Ocean Mist Farms day.
MILLEN, GA - March will be here before you know it, and with it the annual SEPC’s Southern Exposure conference. On the way to preparing for the big event, SEPC is also taking the time to give back to its local charitable organizations.
This past November, the southeast-based organization joined with its non-profit community partners, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Georgia, Rockin’ Appalachian Mom Project (RAMP) in Kentucky, and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Florida, to make this season extra charitable.
“Our community outreach program is a large part of who we are as an organization,” explained David Sherrod, SEPC Executive Director. “Supporting our local communities and educating them on the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables is our way of giving back and taking care of the local people we live, work and do life with.”
On November 7, SEPC sponsored the 31st Annual Strong Legs Run for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta joining together to provide fresh produce, smoothies, and volunteer hours. Fighting against childhood obesity and educating the public about the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, SEPC sponsors of the event included DNE World Fruit Sales, Nickey Gregory Company, General Produce, Bayshore Produce, Flavor Pic Tomato, Sysco, Herndon Farms and San Miguel Produce. The SEPC is also a proud supporter of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Strong 4 Life race in the spring and year round with financial support, according to a press release.
This past November 13, with the help of its members and support of the Society of St. Andrew, the SEPC donated 40,000 pounds of fresh produce in an effort to help feed 500 impoverished families in Martin County, Kentucky for Thanksgiving. Rural Appalachia is one of the most impoverished regions in the United States, and access to healthy food and economic opportunity in Martin County is scarce, a press release explains. With the help of members like Nickey Gregory Company, L&M Companies, Southern Valley, and Mack Farms as consolidation points, the SEPC was able to provide some of the following to families in need:
- Sweet potatoes (L&M Companies)
- Tomatoes (DiMare Fresh)
- Grapes, oranges, carrots, onions, kiwi, broccoli, butternut squash (Nickey Gregory Company)
- Red potatoes (Black Gold Farms)
- Cabbage, cucumbers, squash, bell peppers, zucchini (Southern Valley)
- Potatoes, onions (Mack Farms)
- Apples (Yakima Fresh)
The SEPC will also be providing financial support this holiday season for Martin County’s school Back Pack program to provide food and resources need for children.
Furthermore, on November 21, the SEPC rounded out the month with a sponsorship supporting the Fall Classic 5K race to benefit the Bone Marrow Unit at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital. Through product donations (apples from Nickey Gregory Company), volunteer time, and financial support, the event supported the goal of building a stem cell transplant and cellular therapy program to lead the way to pediatric cancer and cellular therapy care in Florida and the southeast.
To find out more about the SEPC’s community outreach efforts or to get involved, visit seproducecouncil.com.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA – After nearly a year in court, Dole Food CEO David Murdock and company shareholders have agreed to settle litigation over the 2013 buyout.
Last August, Vice Chancellor Travis Laster found that Murdock and former company COO and General Counsel Michael Carter had allegedly undervalued the company after fraudulently manipulating the sale process. As a result, the executives paid approximately $1.2 billion, or $13.50 per share, about $3.00 less than the $16.24 a share that Laster found the company was worth.
A report from Reuters indicates that if Laster approves the class action settlement, shareholders will receive damages of $101 million, plus interest of at least $14 million, in the months ahead.
In addition, hedge funds affiliated with Merion Capital, Hudson Bay Capital, Magnetar Capital, and Fortress Investment Group, could also receive more than $300 million in damages and interest. According to Reuters, the funds held about 17.29 million Dole shares, but did not receive the original $13.50 per share when the deal closed. This means that the company still owes the funds $233.4 million.
During a laborious cross-examination, the judge had reportedly found that Murdock’s testimony lacked credibility. The Chief Executive said that he had overpaid for Dole.
The defendants have decided to not challenge legal fees for shareholder attorneys who could seek up to 30% of the judgment, according to Reuters.
If it weren’t for the settlement, an appeal from either side could have meant the litigation may take another year to resolve.
STELLARTON, CANADA - Sobeys' parent company released the results for its second quarter of 2016, yielding a challenging few months for the chain.
According to the report, the retailer saw recorded adjusted net earnings of $110.7 million ($0.40 per diluted share) compared to $126.6 million ($0.46 per diluted share) this time last year, a 12.6 percent decrease.
“As anticipated, our second quarter results continued to trail performance versus the same period last year as the integration of Safeway continues to present challenges,” Marc Poulin, President and CEO of Sobeys parent company Empire Company Limited said, according to the report. “While we made progress in the adoption of new processes following the implementation of new technology systems, the challenges persisted.”
Poulin explained that same-store sales were below in the second quarter, which he attributed a customer reaction to the chain’s operational challenges and a “difficult economy in the west.”
Highlights of the financial quarter include:
- Sales of $6,059.2 million, up $64.1 million or 1.1 percent.
- Sobeys’ same-store sales (1) excluding fuel sales increased 0.9 percent. Including fuel sales, same-store sales increased 0.1 percent.
- EBITDA (1) of $256.3 million compared to $323.8 million last year, down $67.5 million or 20.8 percent.
- Adjusted EBITDA (1) of $303.7 million compared to $331.0 million last year, down $27.3 million or 8.2 percent. Net earnings, net of non-controlling interest, of $68.5 million compared to $116.9 million last year, a decrease of $48.4 million or 41.4 percent.
- Adjusted net earnings (1), net of non-controlling interest, of $110.7 million compared to $126.6 million last year, a $15.9 million or 12.6 percent decrease.
- Adjusted EPS (2) (fully diluted) of $0.40 compared to $0.46 last year, a 13.0 percent decrease.
- Funded debt to total capital (1) ratio of 29.1 percent versus 27.7 percent at May 2, 2015.
However, Poulin expressed that Empire—and subsidiary banner Sobeys—will now be able to turn its merchandising team’s focus on improving its overall offering and strategy.
“This marks a critical milestone in the second phase of our Safeway integration strategy, which entails consolidating the majority of our Western Canada back office functions and processes in Calgary. This will yield meaningful cost savings and improve long-term profitability.”
Overall, the chain expressed confidence in being able to turn its financial performance around, still planning to realize, if not exceed, its three-year run rate Safeway integration synergy target of $200 million.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The USDA has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under PACA.
According to a USDA press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Dallas, TX-based JD Rodriguez Produce Inc., for failing to pay a $15,895 award in favor of a Colorado seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Johnny D. Rodriguez, Valerie J. Rodriguez, and Esmeralda G. Rodriguez were listed as the Officers, Directors, and/or major stockholders of the business.
- Boise, ID-based B. Sayers Inc., for failing to pay a $31,367 award in favor of an Oregon seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Tina Shorthouse was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA, which includes buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. All oversight of actions related to PACA are conducted by AMS, an agency within USDA.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,700 PACA claims involving more than $66 million. USDA experts also assisted more than 7,100 callers with issues valued at approximately $100 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
SCHILLER PARK, IL - Sun Belle is expanding its offering with the addition of the Golden Berry, a tasty snack that Founder & President Janice Honigberg was happy to introduce to us.
“Golden berries are actually not berries at all,” Janice clarified, describing them as having a sweet, tangy, tropical flavor. “They’re actually closely related to the tomatillo, and are in the tomato/eggplant family.”
Native to Peru, Sun Belle is bringing Golden Berries in from Columbia and is initially introducing them in 6 ounce clamshell packs.
“It is just delicious,” she said, adding that Golden Berries are very versatile. Some of the recommended ways to eat them (other than straight out of the pack) are:
- In salsas
- With salads
- In smoothies
To see all that Janice had to say about this latest item, watch our brief 60 second video above. To keep up to date on all the newest offerings in the produce industry, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
AUSTIN, TX - Wegmans Food Markets has hit a large milestone and is launching a new logo to commemorate it.
In honor of its 100th anniversary, the retailer is unveiling a new logo that was designed internally by its marketing department creative team, according to the Rochester Business Journal.
Wegmans celebrates its centennial in its next business year, and since opening, has grown to a chain of 88 stores operating in several states including:
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Virginia
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
Wegmans is reportedly on track to continue expanding, with at least a dozen new stores already in the works. Founded back in 1916, the chain continues to be a family-owned business to this day. It has been named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune Magazine for 18 consecutive years, most recently as #7 for 2015.
The logo is being launched alongside the grand opening of its Wonderplace, a 1,700-square-foot gallery the company donated $1.5 million to create. The gallery is located at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and is opening today.