AVONDALE, PA – To-Jo Mushrooms is launching a revamped website to take its digital marketing initiatives to the next level.
Emphasizing To-Jo’s core values, family history, and passion for quality, the redesigned website offers engaging photos and key information about the company’s mushroom programs.
Tony D’Amico, President of To-Jo Mushrooms, was proud to share the announcement of the company’s new website during last weekend’s PMA Fresh Summit expo in Atlanta, GA.
“Our website is a direct reflection of the experience we strive to create for our customers,” he said. “We developed a truly intuitive website that will give users an experience unlike anything that exists in our space today. I am so proud of the team that worked hard to make our vision a reality.”
A new "vision" video on the website highlights how the company’s core values are integrated into all facets of its business, according to a press release. The website also features an employee-driven Photola page where To-Jo team members can upload photos and captions that highlight the positive, fun atmosphere at To-Jo.
To-Jo is a family-owned and operated grower/shipper of fresh and prepared mushrooms for both the foodservice and retail industries.
ATLANTA, GA - The final count is in and according to the numbers, the 66th Annual PMA Fresh Summit Expo was the best one yet.
Here’s the breakdown in case you didn’t make it to Atlanta, Georgia:
Attendance
With 19,332 attendees coming in from 63 countries, Atlanta, GA saw record shattering numbers as the produce industry converged on the 267,400 net square foot Georgia World Congress Center from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25.
Buyer numbers hit 3,380, the highest for the East Coast in four years according to the PMA, with 1,060 exhibiting companies.
The kickoff included the ever-influential Women’s Fresh Perspective Conference with Jenny Evans, internationally recognized expert on stress, exercise physiology, nutrition, and performance, who got everybody moving and talking about the strong and weak points of their productivity.
Later that day, Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, received the Robert L. Carey Leadership Award.
One of the key highlights of the event for those of us that attended was the opening reception, where many of us were fascinated by the stars of the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium. Not only was there good food, new friends made, and old friends reunited, but several beautiful marine exhibits to explore.
And then it began! The entire show was a mix of innovations, new products, educational segments, networking opportunities, and (of course) the chance for everyone in the industry to have some fun.
Numerous educational workshops ranging from technology in the industry to how colors can factor into customer appeal, running all day to give everyone an opportunity to learn. But, of course, there were certain titles and awards that took place to acknowledge some of the latest in the industry.
Product and Booth Awards
Hundreds of items and booths were entered, but only a few could win. Here are the companies that stood out to the judges:
- Best of Show, in-line booth went to Kitchen22.
- Best of Show, island booth went to Litehouse.
- Best New Product Launch went to Evolution Fresh.
- Best First-Time Exhibitor was awarded to Meshdecor.
Impact Award Winners
The Excellence in Packaging Impact Awards are a global industry competition. Of this year’s 71 entries from 57 companies, the below walked with the title:
- Botanical Food Company Inc./Gourmet Garden's Lightly Dried Herbs & Spices
- Mann Packing's Company Culinary Cuts®
- Mucci Farms' Hot Shots Mixed Hot Peppers Re-sealable Tray with Cardboard Pocket Sleeve
- Naturipe Farms, LLC's "On-the-Go" Fresh Blueberry Blends
- Ocean Mist Farms' Season & Steam Kalettes
Morning breakfasts hosted technological and business pioneers Guy Kawasaki, Silicon Valley Marketing Executive and one of the Apple originals, and Mike Walsh, author of the book Dangerous Ideas, before everyone went down to the floors to mingle and see all the latest in the industry.
“It’s always great to be part of such a World Class event that brings together the entire industry from all parts of the globe,” Mimmo Franzone, Director of Produce and Floral for Longo’s, tells me. “Thanks PMA for another well put on Fresh Summit!! See you in Orlando!”
It was an exciting event, and it will be interesting to see how PMA can top it at next year’s Fresh Summit Convention, slated for Oct. 14 through 16, 2016, in Orlando, FL. But for now, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more in-depth highlights from this produce event.
PHARR, TX - “Leafy greens” took on a whole new meaning after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than just coriander in a commercial truck at the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
A bundle of marijuana, worth $276,000, was found hidden within the coriander shipment. A total of 1,379 pounds of marijuana was seized.
The seizure occurred on October 3 at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. During a secondary inspection, Customs and Border Protection officers found 602 packages of marijuana embedded within the crates of coriander, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release.
“Our officers working at the commercial facility in Pharr accomplished this excellent discovery of marijuana due to their diligence and perseverance,” said Acting Port Director Javier Cantu, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Thanks to their effective use of all available tools and resources, these narcotics will not cross the border.”
The case remains under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents.
ATLANTA, GA - After four days, two states, four hotels, and almost 300 miles of fundraising for the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools Campaign, all 38 members rode in a single parade off of Roswell Road and into the Whole Foods Market parking lot to a round of applause from sponsors and attendees.
"What a tremendous event with fellow industry members!" Gary Stevens, National Sales with Alsum Farms and Produce, said on looking back at the experience. "Tour De Fresh affords you a wonderful experience while allowing you the opportunity to create new relationships with other cyclists who share the same passion for health and wellness! The support was incredible and the sense of camaraderie was outstanding. I hope to make this an annual tradition for many years to come."
Mary Copolla, Director of Communications for United Fresh, introduced representatives from Infinite Gold and Bard Valley Natural Delights, who thanked both their individually sponsored riders and the entire group in general for all that they did these past days.
"This year's Tour de Fresh was an epic experience," Alan Ediger, Vice President of Business Development and Full Service Solutions at Dole Fresh Vegetables, told me. "From the unbelievable support from the event organizers, to the beautiful scenery and country we rode through, to the awesome comradery and new friendships made, and last, the kids who will benefit from the new salad bars - this is an AWESOME event!"
Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for California Giant, presented to those in attendance with a very large check, containing the final number of the amount that had been received as the ride closed. Tour de Fresh successfully raised $150,000 towards placing salad bars in schools, successfully surpassing the $143,000 mark last year’s ride set.
Ty Burns from PMA gave a few thoughts on how beneficial this event is for the produce industry and for students nationwide.
"Anytime we can do something to help our youth as well as hopefully direct them to a healthier future it's a great opportunity, and in the case of school salad bars it's a win-win for the produce industry," Burns said, adding that he thought of what he had just accomplished crossing the finish line, all the fun, the hills, the suffering, the hills... and quickly turned to how great people in this industry are. "It's a good cause and it is confirmed by people's willingness to support it."
Because it costs about $3,000 to place one salad bar in a school, the new record these riders set means enough of a difference to place salad bars in at least 50 schools across the country.
Mary said it best in her speech thanking the industry members that made this possible: “You’ve put your time aside, you’ve put your passion on the bike - literally - and you took several days out of your professional personal lives for this cause, and we cannot thank you enough.”
Brock Nemecek, DMA Solutions' Account Marketing Director, reminded us that last year the TDF continued to raise upwards of $20,000 after the ride finished, and so they are continuing to keep the lines open this year in the hopes that they will raise even more for the cause.
Check out this amazing drone footage from the Tour de Fresh! It's only about 30 seconds long.
Since 2010 Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools has facilitated donations to more than 4,100 schools across the country - providing enough salad bars to benefit more than three million students a day.
It has been a great pleasure to see so many people surpass their goals and expectations, both for themselves and for placing produce in as many schools as possible. I'm excited to have been a part of this wild ride, and look forward to what they have in store for 2016!
PLANT CITY, FL - The blueberry season in Argentina is underway and with the addition of a 75 hectare grower, Wish Farms is looking at an approximate 50 percent increase in volume over the previous few years.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in volume,” Director of Blueberry Operations Teddy Koukoulis tells me, estimating that, at this point, Wish is looking to ship nearly 1.2 million pounds from the region.
Wish Farms is flying blueberries in as promptly as it can to meet the need in the market. Amber Maloney, Director of Marketing, says, “The market is tight, so there is an immediacy in transporting the supplies."
The season was set back a couple of weeks due to the cold weather slowing the growth of the berries, but this hasn’t compromised their quality, Amber notes.
“We started on time, but weather slowed incoming volume,” Teddy said. “We anticipate going right through Thanksgiving with blueberries.”
Typically, Argentina's peak season would hit around this time for Wish Farms' blueberries, but instead it will probably be in two to three more weeks. So, while the window for Argentina’s peak blueberry season has been pushed back, the delay suggests there will most likely be good volumes for the upcoming holiday promotions.
“On the sales side we do our best to provide volume projections and share as much info as possible with retailers to help them plan for their promotions,” Amber tells me, saying that Wish Farms provides weekly projections to help keep their customers as informed as possible.
And with blueberry demand strengthening for year-round product, Argentina is only the beginning.
“The Argentina program is the start to our blueberry season and leads nicely into the Chilean season,” Amber tells me, saying that the company is on track for strategic growth, establishing relationships with new growers and partners.
“We have four growers in Argentina and year after year we want to continue to grow,” Teddy added.
Aside from letting retailers know that they can count on continued blueberry supplies throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, Wish Farms has a few new things in the works to be announced in coming weeks.
Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we continue to bring you the latest news on this company and the rest of the produce industry.
MONROVIA, CA - Trader Joe’s is entering the Minneapolis area with its first store in the downtown area.
The new 10,700 square foot store, expected to open in the first half of 2017, comes as a blessing for residents in the area after a rumor suggested the grocery chain would finally make its appearance in Minneapolis.
Trader Joe’s new store will occupy a ground-floor space below a new 180-apartment development at Washington Avenue S. and Chicago Avenue S.
“This is a very big deal,” said Dan Collison, Executive Director of the East Downtown Council, according to the Star Tribune. “East Downtown [which includes Elliot Park and the Mill District] has been a grocery desert for decades with only a few convenience stores nearby.”
Trader Joe’s has seven other locations in the metro area and one in Rochester, the Star Tribune reports. The retailer previously attempted to enter the Minneapolis area, but failed to get city approval because of zoning issues.
Collison is hopeful for the success of the new store, saying that this particular location offers “diverse housing demographics…that range from temporary homeless housing to high-rent, market-rate condominiums and rentals.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest updates in retail and produce industry news.
CASTROVILLE, CA – Ocean Mist Farms was recognized by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) today as a produce packaging innovator.
Ocean Mist’s value-added Season & Steam™ product line, Kalettes™, received the 2015 PMA Impact Award: Excellence in Packaging.
The award celebrates companies that go above and beyond with produce packaging.
Innovative for its unique Steamfast microwaveable package, Ocean Mist’s cleaned and ready to cook Season & Steam line allows consumers to pre-season the contents in the bag, reseal with the zip lock, and steam by microwave all within the same bag, according to a press release.
Ocean Mist was a previous recipient of the award in 2011 and 2012 with its microwaveable artichokes and SuperShreds SuperFood™, Quick Cook Sprouts™, Baby Sprouts, and whole Brussels sprouts products, respectively.
This year, PMA received more than 71 entries from 57 countries to compete for the coveted PMA Fresh Impact award. Only five out of twenty finalists will be recognized for achieving top marks in marketing, sustainability, food safety, convenience, and supply chain efficiency/functionality.
For all the latest news out of PMA Fresh Summit, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Despite seeing strong performances in its fresh departments, Supervalu failed to meet analyst expectations in its second quarter fiscal 2016 earnings report.
Shortly after trading opened on Wednesday, Supervalu shares decreased approximately 5 percent following the release of the report.
The retailer has been seeking ways to revitalize its business after facing strong competition in an intense market. In July, Supervalu announced it would explore the possibility of separating its Save-A-Lot business so that the banner could pursue strategies specific to its business characteristics and growth potentials.
“The fresh departments, meat and produce, continued to perform well for Save-A-Lot. In spite of the deflationary impact on sales, units shipped on an identical store basis to licensees were up in both categories and combined ID sales in our corporate stores for these categories were positive,” said CEO Sam Duncan on a conference call with investors. “We continue to work on both categories and believe they are key differentiators of the Save-A-Lot brand.”
Supervalu reported net sales for the quarter to be $4.06 billion and net earnings from continuing operations at $37 million, adjusted for after-tax costs related to the potential separation of Save-A-Lot and severance costs. Gross profit for the second quarter was $583 million, or 14.4 percent of net sales, compared to $574 million during the same time last year.
Highlights from this quarter include:
- Consolidated operating earnings of $94 million for Q2 fiscal 2016
- Adjusted EBITDA of $166 million for Q2 fiscal 2016
- Save-A-Lot sales, operating earnings and Adjusted EBITDA increase over last year’s quarter
- Ninth consecutive quarter of positive Save-A-Lot corporate sales ID sales
“I’m pleased that we increased adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter compared to last year in spite of several operating headwinds,” Duncan said in a press release. “Our focus remains on driving sales across all three segments and finishing the year strong.”
Second quarter Save-A-Lot sales were $1.09 billion, compared to $1.06 billion last year, an increase of 3.2 percent, thanks to new store openings. Operating earnings in the second quarter for the banner were $32 million.
Retail Food net sales were $1.09 billion for the quarter, compared to $1.11 billion last year, a decrease of 1.2 percent. Operating net earnings in the second quarter were $10 million.
Duncan, who announced his retirement this month, said that the company expects to open approximately 50 new corporate stores this year, in addition to approximately 40 new licensee locations for a total of about 90 gross new store openings by the end of fiscal 2016.
For the latest financial news from the industry, stick to AndNowUKnow.
EDMONTON, AB - Keep an eye out Atlanta, Georgia, The Little Potato Company is introducing its newest proprietary Creamer variety at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit Convention and Expo, along with further innovation within the company’s Microwave and Oven|Grill Ready packs.
The newest variety to The Little Potato Company’s portfolio, Chilean Splash, will be launched as a limited release specialty item in late 2015 in the U.S. and Canada in a new, 1.5 lb gusset bag., according to a press release. It took five years of carefully scaled planting, harvesting and tasting to bring the new Chilean Splash to the stage, which the company promises will delight consumers with its unique and bold attributes.
“Bred in the rugged and fertile steppes of the Chilean Andes comes our boldest creamer yet. This rich, lively, and complex potato embodies the culture and history of its native lands,” said Angela Santiago, CEO and Co-founder of The Little Potato Company. “With a silky cream skin, luscious texture and unique ’splash’ of bright purple, Chilean Splash is sure to brighten your senses."
The Little Potato Company’s team of passionate potato professionals pride themselves on knowing how to choose a new variety for its taste, visual appeal, amenability to local climates and soils, and its ability to stay consistently delicious from the field to the dinner table throughout the year.
The Little Potato Company is also introducing refinements to its Microwave and Oven|Grill Ready packs recently launched just a year ago. These packs combine Creamers with convenient, delicious seasoning mixes. All spice packs are now gluten-free, with no artificial color, flavor or preservatives and reduced sodium and sugar levels.
The Microwave and Oven|Grill Ready packs are showcasing a new package design which features a faux-window to better highlight the fresh Creamer potatoes inside. The company has also added a new “Three Cheese” flavor, combining the creaminess of Cheddar, the sharpness of Romano, and the nutty richness of Parmesan.
The existing flavor line-up of Onion Medley, Garlic Herb and Barbecue Blend will complete the Oven|Grill Ready pack; and Garlic Parsley, and Savory Herb will continue to delight Microwave Ready fans.
“Our focus and passion at The Little Potato Company is creating more and more delightfully innovative ways for potato lovers to enjoy our Creamers while ensuring we support our customers with excellent quality products and service twelve months of the year,” said Santiago. “We are the experts in Creamers. They’re all we sell and all we plan to sell.”
Come to the show hungry! See you all in Atlanta!
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Twang Partners, Ltd. is adding a twist to produce items and culinary creations this year with ZAS! Super-Seasoning.
With the goal of introducing spice blends that add global flavor to any dish, these premium-flavored seasonings inspire creativity in the produce department. ZAS! Super-Seasoning is being debuted at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Global flavors are in high demand, and ZAS! Super-Seasoning offers a unique and convenient way to add one-of-a-kind flavor. Simply shake on ZAS! as a last step to meals and experience new flavorful moments at the family table,” said Marketing Director Ernst Van Eeghen.
ZAS! Super-Seasoning is available in 4 oz. jars. Flavors include Chili Lime, Tamarind, Hath Chile and Mango Chili. ZAS! is made with no artificial ingredients, gluten free, Kosher and low sodium, according to a press release. These exciting new flavors are not only flavorful but also versatile.
“We created ZAS! Super-Seasoning to help busy cooks add unique flavors from around the world. Created with the highest quality ingredients, this line allows home cooks and professionals to easily add authentic and vibrant flavors that will impress guests,” said Managing Partner Elysia Gonzales. “I use ZAS! in some of my favorite family recipes to introduce my daughter to flavors that I loved growing up and flavors that I’ve grown to love.”
Trends tell us that today’s millennial shopper is demanding more complex flavors and healthy, fresh ingredients.
With ZAS! Super-Seasoning in the produce department, there are even more opportunities to boost sales. Twang Partners also produces premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings and has done so for over 29 years.
Visit PMA booth 5280 in Atlanta to try some of these new items from Twang Partners.