VALENCIA, CA - Just how many ways can you use a Meyer lemon? Sunkist may have a few suggestions just in time to match up with the company’s harvest of this delicious and distinctive lemon variety.
“Education is critical when it comes to driving sales of newer varieties like Meyer lemons, and Sunkist offers retailers many tools to share the unique attributes of Meyers, along with usage ideas and recipes with consumers,” says Joan Wickham, Manager, Advertising and Public Relations for Sunkist. “Using our new point-of-sale materials, retailers can effectively promote distinctive varieties like Meyer lemons.”
Available now, Meyer lemons are essentially a cross between a conventional lemon and a mandarin. The variety is sweeter and less acidic than conventional lemons with an herbal scent that makes it the perfect ingredient for both lemon-based desserts and lemonades. Meyer lemons are bright yellow to rich yellow-orange, with a thin, tender rind that gives them a smooth, soft feel.
Because of these distinctive characteristics, consumer reaction to variety has convinced retailers of the need to carry both Meyer lemons and conventional lemons in their stores. In an effort to educate consumers about the up-and-coming product, Sunkist has been working closely with its trade partners to help them introduce consumers to the variety and build successful Meyer lemon programs across the country.
Sunkist is able to provide this valuable educational information on its point-of-sale materials and now, due to the company’s newest printing capabilities, bins and other point-of-sale materials can be created with only one week of lead-time. This short turn-around time not only benefits consumers’ education of Meyer lemons, but also allows retailers to quickly execute promotional programs in a way that fits their store’s unique formats and needs.
For more on Sunkist’s growing Meyer lemon program and recipes on how to use the variety, contact your Sunkist sales representative.
YUMA, AZ – Sandstone Melon Company is gearing up for its upcoming fall melon program with a host of innovations to help increase its production efficiency.
The company says it expects to kick off its melon harvest on October 19th.
Though growing in the desert presents its own unique set of growing challenges, Sandstone is ready to meet the needs of its customers and the consumers.
Milas Russell Jr., President, explained, “My team and I have developed a number of practices combining integrated pest management, planting, and custom cultivation to increase our sustainability, reducing dependence on chemicals. Each year our efficacy with these programs increases.”
Sandstone utilizes row covers, a kind of fabric placed over the melon bed, to protect the delicate melon plants from the elements. Since integrating row covers into his growing practices, Russell says that he has substantially reduced his synthetic chemical needs.
“The row cover acts as a physical barrier for the small melon plants,” Russell continued. “This is important because we are giving the plants a chance to root and develop strength before they are exposed to much.”
Because Sandstone’s proprietary Kiss melons are unique in their growth pattern and development, Russell concluded by saying that the company’s cultural practices must be unique to each melon. This is to maximize Sandstone’s production of the Kiss melons its retail customers and consumers expect from them.
Released on March 11 of this year, the Frieda Caplan documentary Fear No Fruit has not only rocked the industry, but also raised consumer awareness of how far produce has come because of the mother of specialty produce, Frieda Caplan. In AndNowUKnow’s sister publication The Snack Magazine, Tim York, President of Markon, took the time to share exactly why this film is a must-see for anyone in the produce industry.
Check out the full article in The Snack magazine by clicking here, or continue reading the full piece below.
To request a copy of The Snack magazine, click the green button below.
Fear No Fruit (The Frieda Caplan Documentary): 7 Reasons Why You & Your Employees Should Watch This Film
Frieda Caplan is the produce industry’s female version of Steve Jobs: visionary, industry-changing, and pioneering. Her life is a lesson in not allowing the status quo calculate how you fit in. Frieda’s leadership was a calculation of how she was going to change the status quo, so that it fit her.
I worked with Frieda back in the 70’s and there wasn’t anyone doing specialties like she was. She created The Hot Sheet, which came in the mail every week and was a guide to pricing and availability of specialty items. Her packaging and stickers taught us how to use items like spaghetti squash and sunchokes.
Frieda’s life is a lesson in perseverance and chutzpah, and I admire her tremendously. The lessons of industry pioneers like Frieda must not be lost for the next generation of leaders, and that is why this film is a must-see.
-Tim York, President of Markon
Film Synopsis:
Fear No Fruit chronicles Frieda Caplan’s rise from being the first woman entrepreneur on the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market in the 1960s, to transforming American cuisine by introducing over 200 exotic fruits and vegetables to U.S. supermarkets. Still an inspiration at 91-years of age, Frieda’s daughters Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins along with granddaughter Alex Jackson, carry on the business legacy.
Available on VOD platforms: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Xbox Video, Vudu and Vimeo on Demand.
Distributed by FilmBuff
1) The importance of learning your roots…
Did you know that back in the 1960s, there were only about 60 fresh items in the average produce department? Specialty produce wasn’t even a thing then. Today, there are more than 600 fresh items on average. Frieda was a trailblazer on this front- she and her company helped introduce more than 200 items to the marketplace over the years. You can get an idea when you watch the long list of items roll past right before the end credits.
2) Never see obstacles…
Learn that roadblocks can be opportunities
Back in the day, one of Frieda’s clients had a problem with sunchokes. They were being confused with ginger root. So what did she do? A pioneering act. Frieda put the sunchokes in a package, and added a recipe and a note for the consumer. This seems so simple and obvious, but back then, the produce industry didn’t have much in the way of packaging for produce.
3) Specialty produce…
It has been a growing game, especially with the pioneering efforts of Frieda. Not only has specialty produce been incorporated into many foodservice menus and culinary creations, but they have also helped to dictate trends and inspire new cuisine.
4) This isn’t just a job…
To survive in this industry and to truly thrive, both professionally and personally, you need to be honest with yourself right off the bat. Is this a job or is this your passion? For Frieda, this is her passion, this is her life, this is her hobby, and, luckily, this just happens to be her profession.
5) Food industry issues – Past, present, and future...
I don’t think you need stats to know that, for a long time, this has been a male-dominated industry. The role of women in commerce was a challenge early on and still proves to be a topic of conversation today. But that isn’t all that this film addresses. The California drought, childhood obesity, food safety, evolving shopping habits and consumer palates, and the role of the family, are always top of mind.
6) Never judge a fruit by its cover...
The Chinese Gooseberry was brown, fuzzy, and ugly. Nobody even knew what this fruit was in the early 1960s. Frieda took a chance and bought the whole crop. After all, 90 years had passed since Americans had met their last new fruit -- the banana -- in 1870. So when Frieda introduced Chinese Gooseberries (aka Kiwifruit) in 1962, people told her she was crazy, but that didn’t stop her. It took her four months to sell the first 240 cases of kiwifruit in 1962. Fast forward to 2013, where more than 62 million pounds of Kiwifruit were sold in the United States.
7) Learn that the produce industry is a family industry...
Get to know the Caplan family and how two sisters can work so well together. Add to that mix a cool millennial granddaughter who now works for the company and a proud grandma, Frieda, and you’ve got a recipe for family business success – Frieda’s Inc.!
COMMENTS ON THE FILM & FRIEDA'S INFLUENCE:
“She is a great role model for women and men… She could talk me into stocking product that I never would have thought of stocking. She would include in the boxes recipe pads and information sheets, things that no one else was doing. In the old days, you had one or two different carrots. Today, you may see 15 to 18 different carrots. We used to have two to three different kinds of tomatoes. If you look [now] you may have 18-20 different kinds of tomatoes in one department.”
-Dick Spezzano, President, Spezzano Consulting, Inc.
“She’s had a major impact on a lot of students that have gone through [Cal Poly]. She’s had a lot of impact on the agricultural community of California because of her ability to take new products and new unique items to market. It’s helped farmers who otherwise might not have been able to be in existence today… realize their dream.”
- Rick Antle, Tanimura & Antle, Cal Poly SLO Alum
“My late mother always said my greatest strength was due to my optimistic and positive view of things. She passed on her guiding principles and today I wish to share them with you. Never badmouth others. Always listen to the whole story. Be a voice in your community. With my mom in mind, the most important lesson I can leave you with today is to be politically active. Vote. Speak up. Whether it’s about gun control, fracking, the Dream Act, or GMOs, don’t sit silently by. Be a part of the action and help make the world a better place.
- Frieda Caplan (as she accepted her honorary doctorate from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, 2014)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reportedly imposed sanctions on three separate produce business for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a USDA press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Do Produce Inc., operating out of Wantagh, New York, for failing to pay a $34,856 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, the release states that Pantelis Splinis was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
- Gardunos Fruit & Produce Inc., operating out of Los Angeles, California, for failing to pay a $3,950 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Victor A. Garduno was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
- Portola Farm and Food Distributors Inc., operating out of Tustin, California, for failing to pay a $20,966 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jaime S. Ortega 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 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. The USDA’s experts also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million, according to the release. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
KEENE, NH - C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. has announced it will be restructuring its business, and by doing so, laying off employees at all of its 32 locations across the country.
According to news source Sentinel Source, officials from the company have confirmed that it will be “trimming” a small percentage of its workforce as it restructures some of its divisions. The company accredits the decision to restructure as part of its “long-term vision and commitment to optimizing operations.” The changes will affect jobs across the company’s 32 locations, including positions held by about 30 employees at its Keene headquarters.
“As a family-owned company, we recognize the impact this restructuring will have on our employees and their families,” Chief Executive Officer Rick Cohen said in a news release obtained by the Sentinel. “Unfortunately, the reality of our industry is that we have to make changes, including the difficult decision to restructure some of our core functions and reduce our workforce, to ensure the competitive strength of C&S going forward.”
According to the same release, C&S officials made this decision to restructure based in part on A&P’s bankruptcy and its sale of around 300 stores. Prior to the bankruptcy, C&S was one of A&P’s largest creditors, the New York Post says.
The company also cited “changes in consumer purchasing behaviors, and the channel shifting happening in the industry,” as a partial reason for the restructuring, and says refocusing on its commitment to “cost savings” and “efficient operations” is needed to prepare C&S “for any and all changes in the industry.”
This announcement comes less than a week after the company’s revelation that its Collington Services division will close two of its Safeway distribution centers in Maryland, also resulting in up to 700 potential layoffs.
For more on the company’s layoffs and how this restructuring will affect its business, keep tuning in to AndNowUKnow.
MCALLEN, TX - With PMA Fresh Summit just around the corner, Fox Solutions is gearing up with a newly launched website as well as new packing technology to debut in Atlanta, Georgia, this month.
General Manager, Ed Savigny, spoke to me about the new innovations at Fox, and what they hope to accomplish with their evolving platform. When it comes to the vision for the new site, Ed tells me, “Our goal with the new site was to provide better detail of the machinery that we build and sell and those pieces that we obtain from our vendors; notably NEWTEC and Haith, a company that has chosen Fox Solutions as their exclusive U.S. distributor.”
Some of the key features include more videos for each piece of machinery that Fox Solutions now handles, and with better pictures and brochures for each model. All the videos are posted on YouTube as well, and the site links to them so that individuals searching “machinery” on YouTube can find it.
So, how does this align with Fox Solutions' business model? “Our workforce at Fox Solutions is one of the most experienced in the packaging machinery end of the business. This means that we have been selling the NEWTEC brand and Haith and C-PACK models for years and years, and that always brings us repeat and referral customers. But, a revised website with much more information makes it easier for new customers to find us and see what we can offer them.”
As for PMA Fresh Summit, Fox Solutions along with NEWTEC, will be exhibiting the new 4010XXB1 weigher - it’s “the first of its kind for whole produce” as Ed tells me, which can be seen in the video below.
“Instead of traditional vibrators, the 4010XXB1 weigher uses conveyors to move product. So, for big product, oddly shaped products, and big weighments, it sets the new standard and puts everyone else behind the 8-ball. We have nick-named this new weigher ‘Conweigher’ as a nod to its conveyor application,” Ed says. “The new 4010XXB1 weigher is compact, simple and extremely fast and accurate. This is ideal for packers tired of giving away the farm, weight-wise. When packing big bags or boxes it offers quick payback in labor and weight savings.”
To check out these latest innovations from Fox Solutions and NEWTEC, visit PMA Fresh Summit booth #4537 in Atlanta, Georgia.
PHARR, TX - “Nearly 60 percent of the fresh produce that comes [through Texas] from Mexico makes its way through our point of entry and we are making strategic investments to build the infrastructure from within the port, in order to increase efficiencies,” Luis A. Bazán, Interim Bridge Director for the City of Pharr International Bridge, tells me. “We are the only full service commercial bridge in the region, meaning that we are quicker to cater to industry needs, based on our current services, infrastructure and technology.”
As of today, October 13, the value of goods that have crossed the bridge total approximately $22,414,174,934, according to the Pharr International Bridge website.
The growth in Pharr, Texas, has ramped up in leaps-and-bounds in recent years as the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge serves as one of the most important ports of entry for the U.S.-Mexico border. The growth, while already substantial, is only the beginning as the city continues to create business opportunities for produce companies, manufacturing plants and expands through short and long term projects.
Currently, the City of Pharr has a project underway called the Border Safety Inspection Facility Connector (BSIF). While still in the design phase, this project will allow certified companies, vetted by the federal government, along with empty trucks to bypass the importation process.
“The BSIF will allow for 30 percent of the commercial trucks that cross into Pharr each day to bypass the import process,” Luis says. “To give you a more concrete idea of what that means, approximately 800 trucks will be processed through this new venture allowing for more capacity on the bridge and making the flow of commercial trade a speedier process.”
Mondays and Fridays are the busiest, and most congested days, at the Pharr Bridge, and no doubt a focal point of Pharr’s investments. It is important to the growth in Pharr that the city can limit wait times. “At the end of the day, our goal is to be more efficient by reducing wait times and speeding up the inspection process. All our current projects and future projects aim to do just that,” Luis adds.
“Our work with the state and federal government is allowing us to build a better infrastructure inside the port of entry,” Luis notes.
The city, along with GSA, CBP, TXDOT and USDOT-FMCSA, plan to complete the project in late 2016, pending GSA approval. The City of Pharr has also been in MOU’s with Customs and Border Protection as wells as the GSA as of last week to launch four new projects that will help increase efficiencies.
“We are currently the number one bridge for avocados and number two in tomatoes for Mexican produce to be distributed throughout the U.S.,” Luis adds. “It really is about location, location, location. We are a mecca for distribution being connected naturally and directly to Mexico, North-Northeastern U.S., which is where you’ll find the highest population density and biggest markets, Canada and beyond.
And from talking to Luis I can see that location definitely is key. With Pharr’s location, and the help of the new Mazatlan-Matamoros superhighway, also dubbed Supervía, the Pharr port of entry can help suppliers save as much as 600 to 700 miles of travel time when transporting to major markets in the Midwest and along the East Coast. Connecting Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico to Pharr, Texas, this new route for produce transportation provides a more direct route to customers, along with up to $3,000 in fuel savings and nearly 16 hours in travel time round-trip.
The state of Sinaloa is what some call the breadbasket of Mexico with nearly 70-80 percent of fruits and vegetables originating from this state. The city has seen a significant rise in the number of importers and brokers who are based in Arizona but are expanding their operations’ presence in Texas, particularly in Pharr.
“This is a business decision that makes sense for many of these importers as the new highway in Mexico creates a pipeline through South Texas for a faster and less expensive route, the path of least resistance, if you will, to cities in the North-Northeastern part of the U.S., as well as Canada,” Luis tells me as we wrap up our conversation.
As Pharr continues to grow as a Mecca for distribution, the city has a need to create more space so that potential produce suppliers and brokers can lay their foundations. So, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we take a look at what other projects Pharr has in store to bolster the growing economy.
WENATCHEE, WA - The “Apple Capital of the World” got a visit from seven national food writers last month, getting an up close and personal tour from CMI. The three-day tour of Wenatchee held from September 24-27 was organized by the company to educate top-tier food writers on how its latest Ambrosia™ apple variety is grown and distributed.
The participating food writers and editors were from digital and print publications including Saveur, Every Day with Rachael Ray, FoodNetwork.com, The Nibble, The Daily Meal, Gluten Free Girl and the Chef, and Meal Makeover Moms. In total, the outlets influence more than 35 million consumers through their print and online presence, according to a press release.
"It was amazing to get up close and personal with Ambrosia™ apples and really understand all that it takes to grow premium fruit," said Summer Whitford, an Editor at the Daily Meal. "When you see the care, attention and investment that goes into cultivating these orchards, you really appreciate the hard work and vision of growers like the McDougall family.”
The writers had the opportunity to visit several Ambrosia™ orchards to see the careful and complex work required to produce a top ten highest selling apple. After visiting a seedling nursery, writers were also able to participate in a live grafting exercise and observe the process of cultivating the Ambrosia™variety from a root stock.
Emily Lee, a Digital Content Contributor to FoodNetwork.com, says she was surprised by the modern horticultural practices used at McDougall and Sons packing facility, adding, “The whole process, from planting trees to picking and packing is far more sophisticated than I expected. From the gleaming facility, impressive tools and technology used for packing, and ultimately the quality of the fruit, there is no doubt that Ambrosia™ has earned their new Top 10 status.”
Food writers were able to hand-pick Ambrosia™ apples right off the trees, the company said, and enjoyed two days of orchard themed menus featuring locally harvested fruits and vegetables. From Ambrosia™ apple-glazed wild Alaska salmon, to curried apple and squash soup, lavender honey bruschetta with Ambrosia™ apple chutney, buckboard apple bacon fire-grilled pizzas and Whistle Punk Ambrosia™ sorbet, Ambrosia™ apples provided culinary inspiration for all attendees.
Shauna Ahern James, the “Gluten Free Girl”, said she was inspired by the culinary treasures of Wenatchee, adding that she has never eaten this well on any press trip before.
“Food writers have a powerful story to tell - and these writers are masterful storytellers who can bring Ambrosia's story to life for mainstream America,” said Bryon McDougall, Co-Owner of McDougall and Sons, adding that the family was excited to welcome the influential group.
Ambrosia™ apples are available year-round to all retailers, according to a press release, and Nielsen data reveals that in total sales dollars, Ambrosia™ passed Braeburn to become the 10th best selling apple variety nationally during the 2014-15 apple season. Ambrosia™ also had one of the highest growth rates among all top 10 varieties, with Nielsen data showing Ambrosia™ distribution increased by 30% up to 48% nationally during the last season.
SALISBURY, NC - Food Lion has made the largest investment in its history, putting $250 million into the Raleigh, North Carolina market.
"Food Lion has been a proud neighbor in the Raleigh community for 40 years," Meg Ham, President of Food Lion, said in a press release, adding that this is a significant investment in the community to provide its consumers with a new grocery shopping experience where they can easily find fresh, quality products at affordable prices. “We invite our customers to come out and experience 'How Life is Better with the Lion' at Food Lion and let us know what you think of the new stores."
According to the release, the investment includes:
- Fully remodeling stores
- Lowering prices on thousands of items
- Fresher produce, an expanded selection of natural and organic items, quality meats, and a dedicated gluten-free section
- Investing in associates with promotions and hires
- Consumer-centric training for its 10,000 associates
- Investments in the community
"With every change we made in our stores, we had our customers at the forefront with a key focus on how we can better connect with those we serve to make their life a little easier and a little better," Ham said. "That's why we not only invested in the stores, but invested in promoting the great associates we already had at Food Lion and in new talent by redoubling our hiring efforts this year.”
Ham added that this was also why the company has formed a “big and lasting” partnership with a local food bank, and why it is celebrating the anniversary of four decades with a free grocery giveaway to the first 100 customers to come into the any of the greater Raleigh market stores tomorrow, October 14th.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The USDA has restricted three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards under the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a press release from the USDA, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Stea Bros. Inc., a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based company, has been barred for failure to pay an $117,027 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Frank Stea was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business. He has challenged his responsibly connected status.
- New World Wholesale Inc., a Jessup, Maryland-based company, has failed to pay a $5,620 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Sang S. Kim was listed as the Officer, Director, and major stockholder of the business.
- Lanes Consulting Firm LLC , doing business as Rocco’s Produce, a Wheat Ridge, Colorado-based company, has failed to pay a $97,897 award in favor of an Indiana seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Jacob Howes was listed as a member of the business.
The USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it, as well as impose restrictions against those Principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, Partners, members, Managers, Officers, Directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.
In the past three years, the USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million.
The Agricultural Marketing Service, PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.