CHINA - With drone technology becoming more and more geared towards improving agricultural practices, one company is sure that its new product will kick start the next chapter in farming technology.
"Open the next chapter of agriculture with new technology," Dajiang Innovation says on its website, according to a Tech Times report. "Dajiang MG-1 designed for crop protection field design, integration of advanced flight control, reliable internal circulation cooling system, a portable folding airframe, and control simple custom remote control, to provide you with efficient, safe, and convenient operation tool plant protection."
The Wall Street Journal reports that the new Dajiang MG-1, which is made specifically with agricultural uses in mind, will cost about $15,000 a pop and will initially launch in China and Korea.
The new eight-rotor drone is mainly made for spraying crops, with the latest model able to cover seven to ten acres of land within one hour, according to the report. It can also carry up to 2.6 gallons of liquid.
"Dajiang MG-1 custom built for the plant protection operations of flight control, flight stability, precise response to the instruction, the job control convenient, simple exercises to get started," the company stated. "Alternatively spraying intelligent, auxiliary and manual mode of operation, to cope with various terrain requirements. Painted farmland without prior testing in flight directly plan a route, you can perform an automatic sprinkler, simple, intuitive, and efficient."
Notable features include:
- Efficiency in operation
- High reliability
- Precision spray
- Convenient mode of operation
- Intelligent memory function
- Automatic terrain following
- Custom remote control
Equipped with snazzy features like a microwave radar and the ability to scan the acres as well as keep the right distance from the crops for optimum spray, DJI boasts a minimum of more than 40 times more efficiency than manual crop spraying.
With the ability to cover at least 26 feet per second while modulating the amount of sprayed liquid for even coverage, it will be interesting to see if this is the newest practice in ag tech.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Amid rumors that SuperValu will be spinning-off or selling its Save-A-Lot business, the company has named retail veteran Eric Claus as the division’s new CEO. Claus is expected to begin his role with Save-A-Lot on or before January 4, 2016.
Claus has spent more than 30 years in the retail industry, making waves in both the United States and Canada and gaining experience in hard discount and grocery retail alike. Claus has spend the past two-plus years as the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian value retailer, Red Apple Stores Inc, where he was integral in restructuring and transforming the chain.
“I’m very pleased that Eric is joining our SuperValu team to serve as CEO of Save-A-Lot,” said SuperValu President and Chief Executive Officer Sam Duncan. “He has a great background in food retailing, and is a smart and charismatic leader. His strengths in and experience with the hard discount format as well as his history leading retail companies will be important as we look to finish our fiscal year strong and as we continue to position Save-A-Lot for the future.”
Prior to his role with Red Apple Stores, he has served as CEO for Co-Op Atlantic, President and CEO at of A&P’s Canadian division and U.S. operations, and as an advisor to private equity firms in the retail and consumable goods industry.
“Eric brings tremendous experience to Save-A-Lot,” added Jerry Storch, the Company’s Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. “SuperValu Board of Directors is looking forward to Eric adding his strategic and long-term planning capabilities to the Company and working together on our continued exploration of a potential separation of Save-A-Lot.”
Along with this announcement, SuperValu revealed in a press release that in coordination with Claus’ appointment, Ritchie Casteel will serve as President of Save-A-Lot, continuing to oversee day-to-day store operations while working closely with Claus on Save-A-Lot’s market development, store growth plans, and preparation for the possible spin-off of Save-A-Lot.
“I’m also very grateful and appreciative for all the work and positive results that Ritchie has delivered in his leadership role at Save-A-Lot,” Duncan continued. “He is a tremendous leader and operator and it reflects in the performance we’ve experienced in our corporate stores and in the confidence he’s helped restore with our licensees.”
As we’ve previously reported, SuperValu has been exploring a separation of its Save-A-Lot business, and has already begun preparations to allow for a possible spin-off of Save-A-Lot into a stand-alone public company. However, there have also been rumors that the company may sell off Save-A-Lot in its entirety. In the press release issued this morning, SuperValu says that this announcement has not affected its preparations to separate Save-A-Lot, “although at this time there can be no assurances that a separation or spin-off of Save-A-Lot will occur, or that any other changes in the company’s overall operations will happen.”
For more on SuperValu’s plans as they’re announced, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
BANCROFT, WI - Tasteful Selections, a specialty potato brand from RPE Inc., is yet again helping to promote non-profit partner Katie’s Krops’ effort to educate shoppers about local hunger relief efforts.
For the third year in a row, the duo’s “Meet Your Grower” campaign allows shoppers to meet local Katie’s Krops growers, as well as learn how their purchase of Tasteful Selections can make an impact in their communities. Launched at select retailers this past October, the campaign includes customized in-store events, display contests, and point-of-sale materials that will continue through January.
“Wow, what a wonderful event!” exclaimed Shawna McGrath, Teacher at Rocky Branch Elementary School in Watkinsville, Georgia. “I was so proud of [my students who] handed out coupons, potatoes and talked about our efforts to help end hunger.”
Another Katie’s Krops Grower, 15-year-old Katie Cannon from Bethesda, Maryland agreed, “It was so great to see just how many people really want to help out. Thanks [Tasteful Selections] for providing me with this awesome opportunity!”
As part of the campaign, a portion of the profits from specially-marked bags of Tasteful Selections products will go to Katie’s Krops, according to a press release. Products include Tasteful Selections’ Ruby Sensation and Honey Gold potatoes, available October through January.
“We want to make it easier for people to support those in need within their own communities, especially during the holiday season,” explained Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE Inc., Co-Owner of Tasteful Selections. “Our aim this year is to raise awareness about Katie’s Krops and invite our customers to take action in the fight against hunger.”
In addition to in-store marketing and activities, Tasteful Selections is encouraging consumers to learn more about Katie’s Krops by visiting its website at TastefulSelections.com/katieskrops/ and social media channels.
SELAH, WA - With an eye on the future growth for the organic fruit sector, Rainier Fruit Company was happy to show us around the newest addition to its state-of-the art organic facility.
“[We built this line to] increase capacity that was needed because the category is growing,” Scott Price, General Manager, tells us. "But it was also futuristic in thought."
With the latest in technology, as well as the newest in computerized defect sorting, the new line provides Rainier with both higher capacity and higher volumes for its organic operations.
“There’s nothing much more difficult than growing organic fruit,” Blake Belknap, Organic Sales Manager, said as he recalls when Founder of Rainier, Bill Zirkle, told him, “If we do things that are really difficult, it’s hard for people to follow.”
Blake explained that Rainier grows almost a third of the state’s organic crop, sold from August through June, and has grown into the largest organic blueberry and pear grower/producer in the Northwest.
The company also grows organic cherries and apples, a category that Blake notes the company is seeing a consumer gravitation towards the “rising stars” of apple varieties.
When it comes to the new “green facility,” Maintenance Manager Jeff Gill says it has successfully created an energy efficient envelope. “Our goal here was to construct a modern, state-of-the-art, sustainable, organic packing line.”
The result is the largest solar array of any fruit packer in the North West, Jeff explains, consisting of 336 solar panels, producing over 134K kilowatt hours annually.
To see all that the new line has to offer, watch the two minute video above.
YUMA, AZ - With Yuma’s agriculture community preparing for a busy harvesting season, now is the perfect time to show appreciation for the region’s local growers, harvesters, and laborers who will invest their next few months making sure everything goes off without a hitch.
To celebrate the workforce, Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association (YFVA) has spearheaded a program called Labor of Love, with Salinas-based grower Tanimura & Antle being one company at the forefront of the cause. YFVA says that it’s Labor of Love program is an opportunity to thank those for their service to the agriculture industry.
“Harvesting is a difficult profession and requires a commitment and unique set of skills,” President of YFVA Steve Alameda shared. “When we find the right workers, we want to make sure we take care of them, respect them and celebrate their invaluable contribution to the industry.”
According to a press release, the Labor of Love program will include surprise breakfasts delivered to various farms; random acts of kindness to workers; a Facebook page with posts devoted to sharing stories of various workers; a website that will help share the stories; and a grand finale surprise at the 2016 Harvest Dinner.
Tanimura & Antle, which is headquartered in Yuma during the winter months, will welcome the Labor of Love program to a field today, accepting kindness in the shape of breakfast burritos adorned with a Labor of Love sticker.
“Our people are at the core of what we do. They are highly skilled and honorable employees who are responsible for bringing premium products to consumers,” shared Caitlin Antle, Sales and Marketing Director for Tanimura & Antle. “They make what we do happen—bringing premium products to consumers every day of the year without skipping a beat. Without growing in the Yuma region as part of our food chain, North America and much of the world would not be eating fresh vegetables during the winter.”
This program will continue for the next 12 weeks, a press release says, highlighting different farm workers and their companies each week. In addition to the breakfast kickoff, stories will be shared and random acts of kindness in the fields will be underway.
To see more from the program as the weeks progress, check back with the Labor of Love website, www.laborofloveyuma.com, to see where the team will share their gratitude next. For more information on the Labor of Love program and/or sponsorship information, contact Limelight Creative Group at 928-246-9255.
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - A tradition that has been part of New Year’s Day in the U.S. for over 300 years is seeing a big comeback, and it involves a particular item that gives produce a seasonal boost.
Blackeyed Peas are an integral part of many families start of year celebrations, and according to a press release Frieda’s sees an annual increase in the demand for pre-soaked Blackeyed Peas around this time every year.
So why is this item something the 50+ year old specialty produce company is calling “lucky for produce sales?” Frieda's gives us four:
Convenience
Pre-soaked Blackeyed Peas fall right in with the high demand for quick and easy. Not only can consumers just rinse and cook this item with no need for overnight prep, but retailers can offer them a convenient meal solution by placing them in tubs next to the cooked greens.
Falls In With Food Trends
Frieda’s reports that modern Southern and comfort foods are hot, and that’s the home region of this New Year’s tradition. With shoppers seeking this category both in home out to dine, Blackeyed Peas fit in with new twists like Blackeyed Pea Hummus as easily as traditional Blackeyed Peas and Collard Greens classics.
Health & Nutrition Awareness
It’s no secret that nutrient-dense food is in, and words like “superfoods” are a circulating buzzword in the food market. According to the specialty foods company, Blackeyed Peas are one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables, packing plenty of fiber, folate, and iron with fewer calories.
Blackeyed Peas Trigger A Halo Effect
This particular item prompts additional ingredients from aisles all over the store, from the produce section like collard greens and garlic to other items from various parts of the market like:
- Dried peppers
- Canned beans
- Ham
- Bacon
With this traditional item continuing to trend, Frieda’s stated that this is shaping up to be the best year yet! The company’s pre-soaked Blackeyed Peas are available for order now in its newly-rebranded tubs, as well as its dried beans.
Retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice distributors interested in these items can contact Frieda’s for product information, as well as high resolution images to assist with marketing and promotions.
HARRISBURG, PA - C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. appears to be bouncing back with the purchase of a Pennsylvania facility with plans to invest upwards of $15 million into the project.
This is a move that will create a minimum of 500 full-time jobs in the area, according to a press release, a happy turn around following the company’s recent need to make nationwide cutbacks.
"Today we are pleased to officially announce the creation of 500 new, full-time jobs through C&S's expansion project," Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf stated in the release. "The reuse of this shuttered facility is a huge win for the commonwealth and the Lehigh Valley region, and serves as a prime example of the importance of remaining engaged in securing new employers and opportunities to yield positive economic impacts for Pennsylvania."
In addition to the hundreds of new full-time positions, C&S Wholesale reported it will also be retaining its 1,980 existing employees statewide over the next three years.
According to the governor’s office, the project was coordinated by the Governor's Action Team, a group of experienced economic development professionals that work with businesses considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania and reports directly to the Governor.
C&S Wholesale received a fundraising proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development, which included Job Creation Tax Credits amounting to $1,290,000 to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs.
COLORADO - The Colorado Fruits and Vegetable Association, now coming up on its second anniversary of incorporation, is more than just a collective for fruit and vegetable growers to go to for a question here or there.
Board Member Adrian Card and association President Robert Sakata took the time to tell me about the association’s broad spectrum of objectives to overall aid and improve the produce industry in Colorado, as well as some of the main initiatives it is focusing on in the near future.
“We are a grower-led organization with the intention of helping growers make better business decisions, but we look to help them in other areas as well,” Adrian explains. “We look to help influence food safety, labor and water issues, as well as the outward facing aspect to stimulate more business and the purchase of colorado fruits and vegetables in other areas.”
The association also offers several different partnership and membership options, from fruit and vegetable growers that could seek any aid in business management or networking, to those interested in allied partners with financial partnership interest, to everything in between. Even better, it shares a kinship with Western Growers that allows all members and partners to also have a membership with the Western Growers Association.
“Our President, Robert Sakata, is not only a grower, but also holds a seat with Western Growers, helping to give us a voice with federal pushes, as well as educational activities and other important initiatives and resources that Western Growers provides.”
Robert shared with me that partnerships like the one with Western Growers are how the industry will feed future generations.
“The world has become a very small place. With the challenges that fresh fruit and vegetable farmers face, not only on their own operations but on a global scale, how are we going to feed 9 billion people by 2050? This means that gone are the days where we stand alone,” the association President tells me. “We need to partner across the U.S. and we are very fortunate to have linked with Western Growers.”
The Colorado Fruits and Vegetable Association offers a very broad value proposition for growers and industry members, from business planning and management, to risk management, to help with finding the right labor. The latest focal points, Adrian explains, are helping Colorado growers to find the best field labor channels and to understand.
“Helping growers recruit and retain better qualified farm workers, be that through brokers, contractors, or other qualified resources, and helping them understand how to manage and recruit is one of our top priorities right now,” he tells me.
Working with farms that span anywhere from 2 acres to 2,000, there is not much this association does not cover.
Right now some of Colorado’s main produce includes winter squash, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, apples, carrots, and more.
WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt has released its first pear category Stemilt-O-Graphic of the new crop, showing significant growth in branded pouch bags year-over-year. Using retail scan data from Nielsen Perishables Group, Stemilt’s analysis reveals the percentage that bags contributed to the pear category in October grew from 5.9% in 2014 to 6.9% in 2015, with dollars from bags also on the rise.
“Branded pouch bag programs are making a positive impact on the pear category,” said Stemilt’s Marketing Director Roger Pepperl as he explains that these programs drive up average purchase size. “Stemilt was the first in the industry to introduce pouch bag pears with our Lil Snappers® line of 3lb. pouch bags. Lil Snappers perform well because its branding is aimed at parents and kids, the ideal audience for the smaller sized fruit found inside. The 3lb. size is proven to build volume for the category by not diminishing purchase size.”
According to a press release, Bartlett was the leading pear variety for the category in October with 63% of sales, with Bosc and d’Anjou rounding out the top three varieties at a combined 25% of sales. Stemilt expects this ranking to shift in the coming months, however, as the Bartlett pear season wraps up and is replaced by d’Anjou, a popular winter pear variety that provides an improved consumer eating experience from more time in cold storage.
In general for the produce category, Nielsen data shows the pear category decreased its contribution from 1.2% in October 2014, to 1% in October 2015. Pepperl recommends that retailers can help reverse this trend by dedicating extra shelf space and promotion for pears in the coming months, and especially during the holidays.
“Pears are an ideal fruit to promote in the produce department during the holidays,” explains Pepperl. “Retailers can merchandise bulk pears alongside cheese or wine. Promoting the use of pears in appetizers and even baked dishes encourages shoppers to place this gourmet fruit in their shopping baskets.”
Retailers can benefit from running duel promotions on both bulk and premium pouch bags, Stemilt says, with Lil Snappers® kid-sized pears being ideal for January back-to-school promotions. Pepperl says that Lil Snappers are the leading pouch bag for pears because of its great ability to promote intended use right on the package, leading to volume and sales growth for the entire pear category.
For more on Stemilt’s pear program and Lil Snappers promotions, visit www.stemilt.com.
AUSTIN, TX - More details surfaced this week about Whole Foods’ planned share buyback program, with the Austin, TX-based company revealing that it will issue $1 billion in ten-year senior unsecured notes at an interest rate of 5.2 percent.
Whole Foods will use the proceeds for "general corporate purposes," Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) told the Wall Street Journal, including the recently announced, open-ended $1 billion share repurchase program.
Last month in an announcement that coincided with its Q4 financial report, Whole Foods unveiled plans to enter into a $500 million five-year revolving credit facility, as well as initiate a buy back of $1 billion of its own shares. Analysts believe this move may be a signal that the company believes its stock is undervalued at its current price.
“Whole Foods remains the leader in the natural and organic sub-segment of the highly fragmented food-retail industry yet its overall share of the food-retail industry is still relatively small and under pressure,” S&P said in a release
In an announcement that followed Whole Foods' Q4 report, Standard & Poor’s downgraded its outlook of Whole Foods from “stable” to “negative,” explaining, "The negative outlook reflects our view that credit protection measures could erode more than we had previously anticipated given the increase to debt and continued competitive headwinds that pressure sales and margins.”
Prior to Whole Foods’ announcement, the company’s shares had reached a month low of $29.15, but as of 1:20 PM EST, shares were on the rise to $29.88.
For more on this story as it develops, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.