RIO RICO, AZ - Old El Paso™ is now new. Third generation family-owned farming and distribution company, Malena Produce, Inc., is now offering Old El Paso™ fresh produce for customers and consumers. Looking to inspire a new world of dinner possibilities, Old El Paso™ has been a share leader in the Mexican food aisle and can now tout fresh produce in its line of convenient Mexican meal ideas.
“We’re excited to offer Old El Paso’s™ year-round programs starting immediately,” stated Peter Hayes, VP Sales & Marketing. “Visit with Malena in Atlanta to see the highest quality of Old El Paso™ fresh produce categories: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, including chili and mini sweets, zucchini, squash and watermelons.”
Old El Paso’s™ new campaign paired with Old El Paso™ produce will help consumers add a fresh take on their journey through the culinary possibilities. According to a press release, Old El Paso™ is starting with a full line of traditional Mexican fresh and fresh-processed produce categories that are uniquely and conveniently packaged to promote great tasting, fresh and healthy Mexican meals.
Malena has an extensive array of premier fresh fruits and vegetables, and grows in multiple regions throughout Mexico and the United States.
Stop by and see some of Old El Paso’s™ line up at Malena’s PMA Fresh Summit Exposition booth #2857.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Atlas Produce, one of the industry’s leading providers of dates, is gearing up for a fruitful PMA Fresh Summit Convention and getting ready to showcase its growing line before the busy holiday season.
"Pre-holiday orders have been strong and the week after PMA should be busy filling Thanksgiving orders," Atlas President Robert Dobrzanski tells me when I ask him about the upcoming date-heavy season. "We are very flexible and work with our customers to get them what they need when they need it."
Shipper of 100 percent natural, California-grown dates, Atlas Produce offers a variety of date options under its popular Caramel Naturel Brand. Visitors to the convention can stop by the Atlas Produce booth #2570 and check out all the company items, including both clamshell date packs and rolled dates that are perfect for a holiday treat.
"Marketing efforts have been paying off, with increased sales year after year," Ben Antongiovanni, VP of Sales for Atlas adds. "The date category is a sleeper in the product sections. When retailers display Caramel Naturel Dates year round they will be surprised by the returns it can generate. With our increased production, we will be able to handle our retailer partners growth and continue to provide them with the best premium California Dates."
With the company’s organic date growth up 20% and winter holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time for retailers to move in and stock up supplies for consumers. With this year’s high quality, California date season showing promotable volumes, its time to move fast while there’s still a chance to meet the needs of an ever-growing consumer base.
According to the company, dates are seeing a strong boost in growth with millennials. The younger generation sees both the health benefits of dates and Caramel Naturel’s commitment to sustainable growing practices as an excellent drawing point.
For great recipe ideas for the company's dates, visit www.CaramelNaturel.com and don’t forget to visit Atlas Produce at PMA booth #2570.
EL SEGUNDO, CA – Fresh & Easy is closing up shop across 97 stores in California, Nevada, and Arizona, initiating the process for an “organized wind-down.”
“Over the last two years, we have been working hard to build a new Fresh & Easy. While we made progress on stemming our losses and moving the business closer to break even, unfortunately we have been unable to obtain financing and the liquidity necessary to continue to fund the business going forward,” Brendan Wonnacott, company spokesperson, told AndNowUKnow in a statement.
The announcement comes on the heels of previous reports that suggested that Fresh & Easy could be preparing to file its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in two years. Though the statement does not provide any further information regarding bankruptcy, Wonnacott did confirm that Fresh & Easy will continue to work to sell all or part of the business.
According to the Los Angeles Times, state-mandated “WARN Act” layoff notices have gone out to approximately 3,000 employees.
Two years ago, Fresh & Easy filed for bankruptcy as a result of “poorly located stores and intense competition” in its Southern California home market. Billionaire investor Ron Burkle, Yucaipa Cos., acquired the company’s assets shortly after.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow this story.
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - Syngenta’s Chief Executive Mike Mack has announced he will exit the company, just two months after the company rejected Monsanto's $47 billion takeover bid. John Ramsay, the company’s current Chief Financial Officer, will be the interim CEO until a new Chief Executive can be found, the company added in a statement.
As of 5 p.m. EST, Syngenta’s shares were up nearly 4 points following the announcement, with analysts predicting a “rekindling” of acquisition talks, according to Reuters.
However, Syngenta Chairman Michel Demaré said in an interview with Wall Street Journal that Mack’s exit was not due to a difference in strategy or the rejection of Monsanto’s bid. Demaré has not been in favor of a takeover since the beginning, reiterating his opinion that it undervalued Syngenta and was financially risky. The rejection was, “a unanimous decision” of Syngenta’s board, and Demaré doesn’t plan to re-engage Monsanto on takeover talks.
Syngenta, one of the world's largest maker of pesticides, has been under pressure to boost shareholder returns after rejecting the possible deal with rival Monsanto.
A group of rebel Syngenta shareholders, calling itself the "Alliance of Critical Syngenta-Shareholders,” say the change in leadership will benefit the company, and they now have the support of more than 80 Syngenta shareholders.
"We welcome the decision because it shows that somebody takes responsibility. It opens up new perspectives in terms of exploiting all options to fully get Syngenta's potential back," Folke Rauscher, Managing Director of the group told Reuters.
Reuters reports that Syngenta's shares dropped 23 percent on the day that Monsanto announced it was giving up the pursuit.
BOISE, ID – Just a week after Albertsons announced that it would be delaying its planned initial public offering, the retailer reported a promising uptick in same-store sales for its preliminary Q2 2015 results on Tuesday evening.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Albertsons’ same-store sales increased approximately 4.4 percent on an adjusted basis for its second quarter, ended September 12. This was driven by 9.7 percent growth at stores it acquired from Supervalu and 4.8 percent growth from stores it bought from Safeway, according to Forbes.
Net sales, on the other hand, were reported to be about $13.4 billion, compared to $5.6 billion during the same time last year due to the company’s merger with Safeway.
Last Thursday, Albertsons made headlines when the company said it would postpone its IPO citing unfavorable market conditions. A later report that day indicated that the company still intends to initiate its offering before the Thanksgiving holiday at approximately $20 per share under the New York Stock Exchange as the ticker symbol ABS.
Earnings from the IPO would be used to pay down debt, which was reported at $12 billion.
As of June 20, 2015, the company operates 2,205 stores across 33 states under 18 banners. Albertsons operates 30 distribution centers and 21 manufacturing facilities.
Will this encouraging outlook be enough to increase investor confidence as the company re-initiates its IPO later this year? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue our coverage.
BETWEEN HICKORY, NC & ATLANTA, GA - It was an uphill battle for those that signed up to ride for salad bars in schools on day two of the Tour de Fresh.
Literally.
To give some scale to the trials this group is meeting, the hardest hill of the day that the crew observed was a 16 to 18 percent incline, after already having put their muscles to the test on day one.
Joined by industry members like iTrade Network's Ray Connelly, Church Brothers' Jeff Church, Lipman's Jen Kailich and so many others who range from riding only flat roads, to only riding leisurely, to having just picked up a bike last summer, it's humbling to be on the road for such a cause.
On day two, riders took off from beautiful Ashville, NC, in 42-degree weather, 90 percent humidity. While pedaling through the Smokey Mountains may be beautiful, riding through the thick humidity must have been grueling.
I have seen the group’s path be interrupted with construction and rockslides in an area with no bike lanes and narrow roads. One rider even experienced a scary near miss when she felt a vehicle graze her thigh as she road with the team.
Yet through all of that, I have handed water out to riders that crack jokes to me and comment on the beautiful countryside.
"It's about getting on your bike and just riding," John Castro, Duda's Director of Category Management and Research, tells me when I ask him what anyone who may be intimidated should know about the experience. "Don't be intimidated by the mileage or the elevation. In the end, you're with a great group that are all here for the same purpose, with amazing support."
And it's true that while it might be intimidating, the support is endless. Vans take up different parts of the line to ensure each rider has what they need, and mechanical support won't even let the tape on your handlebars go unraveled, all to make this an experience that all industry members can enjoy as they push to put produce in front of every student.
The ride hasn't been without its price, but a lively group is still headed into day three with the motivation of reaching the goal of salad bars in school.
As of October 21st, these riders have raised $139,923 to put salad bars in schools, with two days to go. Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more for the road as we follow this powerful produce initiative.
KINGSVILLE, ON – Mucci Farms was named as a world class company at the Leamington Chamber of Commerce – Business Excellence Awards Banquet.
During the ceremony, Mucci Farms received the “Invest in a World Class Work Force” award, sponsored by Workforce Windsor Essex. The title recognizes businesses, organizations, or associations who are leaders and are preparing for future opportunities by anticipating change in the marketplace, according to a press release.
Mucci Farms has made great strides to invest in employee training and skill development, opening up doors for future career growth opportunities.
“Our community is home to many world class companies and we are esteemed and honored to be recognized in this category,” said Emily Murracas, Marketing Manager.
Carol Bendo, Human Resource Manager, said the company was fortunate to have owners that recognize the need for a continual investment in the growth and development of its workforce.
She added, “This, along with continuous improvement initiatives, innovation, brand development, and technological advances, creates a dynamic environment where our employees can thrive while contributing to the success of our overall company.”
The award measures the extent and quality of the skill development opportunities, achievements of the organizations attributed to training, participation, and activities such as co-op, mentorships and apprenticeships, as well as commitment to equality and diversity in the workforce.
VERO BEACH, FL - Fresh Summit is now less than a week away, and Seald Sweet couldn’t be more excited to reveal to the world its newly revamped booth (#1747) and future plans for its fresh produce programs at the massive fresh produce industry conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
“We are so excited to show off our new booth and image,” Seald Sweet’s CEO Mayda Sotomayor tells me. “We have a good momentum going with our progress and programs, and we hope the new image and our other endeavors will help position our company that is growing and changing with the times.”
At the refreshed booth, Seald Sweet’s “new fresh look,” will be further promoted by a “Happy Hour” and welcome reception on Saturday from 3:00-5:00 pm. Attendees will get a glimpse first-hand, of the company’s new image and its product offerings, as well as an opportunity to meet Miss Florida Citrus, Summer Foley, for photos and autographs.
“Our strategy right now is to continue to develop our 3-year growth plan,” Mayda says. “We’ve always strived to serve our customers with excellent service and we are focused on their needs and wants. We want to continually be a value to them and are committed to growing together.”
Mayda says the latest development with the company has been with the acquisition of new land for a new packing and cold storage facility to be built. “We are in the beginning stages of expanding our northeast operations,” Sotomayor continues. “We are outgrowing our current facility so the new operation comes at a great time for us.” Sotomayor indicated more details would soon follow on that deal.
For more on Seald Sweet’s new look and the latest on the company’s fresh produce programs, visit booth #1747.
MEXICO - Tropical Storm Patricia is gaining strength and heading for the central coast of Mexico, forecasters are now predicting, with landfall expected by Friday.
Patricia is currently about 320 miles southeast of Acapulco, the Weather Channel reports, with winds reaching 40 MPH and strengthening into a Category 1 or 2 Hurricane as it heads towards Mexico’s coast on Thursday and Friday.
According to Roland Clark of the Weather Advisory Service, Patricia is expected to produce up to 6-12 inches of rain over portions of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and Guerrero from Thursday afternoon through Saturday. In higher elevations, like south and southeast facing mountain slopes, accumulation of up to 20 inches of rain is possible, Clark adds. People throughout these Mexican regions can expect flash flooding, mudslides, and dangerous thunderstorms.
By early Sunday morning, Patricia should have moved well inland over the Aguascalientes and Zacatecas region. A hurricane watch has been issued along the Pacific coast of Mexico from Lazaro Cardenas to Playa Perula, including Manzanillo and a tropical storm watch is posted from east of Lazaro Cardenas to Tecpan De Galeana.
Once the storm moves inland, moisture may get pulled into the south-central U.S, but is currently too early to tell if the impact will be substantial.
For more how Tropical Storm Patricia will affect Mexico and the U.S., check back with AndNowUKnow for updates.
VIENNA, VA - Would you believe that supporting a school cause is as easy as taking a bite out of your favorite apple?
With the U.S. Apple Association’s (USApple) “Buy an Apple, Help a Student,” fundraising program, it is. Featuring the U.S. apple industry and your favorite brands working together, the program provides financial support to student projects nationwide every time a person shares a photo of an apple or related product.
“We love the time-honored connection between apples and education and wanted to bring it to life with a fun program that lets people turn their daily apple into direct support for important classroom projects nationwide,” said Wendy Brannen, Director, Consumer Health and Public Relations, USApple. “With Buy an Apple, Help a Student, enjoying an apple or delicious pairing from our Apple Buddies can go a long way in supporting healthy bodies and minds.”
You can learn more about the program in USApple's video below.
Now through Nov. 15, consumers can visit Apples4Ed.com and read profiles of 11 student causes in need of funding, ranging from new school gardens and improved libraries to updated technology, revitalized playgrounds and, enhanced resources for teachers. According to a press release, supporting these causes takes four simple, delicious and healthy steps:
- Snack: Grab an apple, apple juice, applesauce and/or delicious products made by program partners (or “Apple Buddies”) Marzetti, KIND Snacks, Roth Cheese, and Johnsonville Sausage.
- Snap: Take a picture enjoying (selfies preferred, not required).
- Tag: Find a school cause at Apples4Ed.com. Tag your photo with the project’s name and the hashtag #Apples4Ed.
- Share: Vote for your fave school cause by uploading your photo to Apples4Ed.com or sharing on Instagram.
For every vote, USApple and Apple Buddies will pledge financial contributions to nominated projects to help them reach their goals. The press release also explains that individuals will be able to vote as often as they can. Every picture individuals upload enjoying apples and apple pairings using Apple Buddy products counts as a vote.
As the program collects photos and tallies votes through mid-November, USApple and Apple Buddies will continue to encourage participation with weekly drawings, where participants can win Apple® gift cards and have money donated directly to their selected project.
In addition, individuals who visit www.Apples4Ed.com will find helpful facts about apples’ many health benefits, as well as a variety of original recipes created by Top Chef fan favorite Chef Dave Martin. The recipes pair apples with products and ingredients from Marzetti, KIND Snacks, Roth Cheese, and Johnsonville Sausage.
And keep watching for the big reveal in December, when USApple and partners will announce the cause with the most votes which will receive the highest donation. No matter who wins, however, every classroom featured on the site will receive funds.