DAVIS, CA - The University of California, Davis’, Postharvest Technology Center is celebrating its 20th year of Fresh-cut Workshops by doing something a little different.
Dr. Marita Cantwell, a faculty member in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis and Convener of the workshops since its inception, took the time to tell me about how the department is changing things up to mark this milestone.
“We have been conducting workshops every year in September, doing three-day workshops on fresh-cut produce, and this is our twentieth year of doing that,” Dr. Cantwell tells me. “As part of that we have aligned ourselves with International Societies for Horticultural Science (ISHS) to put together this international conference for fresh cut produce.”
As a way of broadening what is presented and bringing more focus to matters that would interest those involved in the produce industry, this year’s three-day workshop will have several keynote speakers focusing on main topics like:
- Quality & Product Development
- Temperature & Handling Logistics
- Preparation & Processing
- Packaging & Modified Atmospheres
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Marketing & Consumer Acceptance
“We have a more international group of speakers, each bringing their own specific expertise,” Dr. Cantwell said. “It is a research conference while still trying to provide good coverage of those topics.”
The Fresh-cut Workshops began in 1995 when fresh-cut products started to become an important component of the industry, she tells me, explaining that there was a need for research and clarification when it came to fresh-cut products as they began to really take off.
“There was a lot that we and the industry did not know about the sanitation, packaging, marketing demands, and things like that. Things we did not at one time have answers to have become more clear throughout the years.”
Now it is a tradition to bring current research and information to the forefront of industry eyes. This year’s larger workshop will attract a number of industry participants from all over, and aside from “Cutting Edge” talks from keynote speakers, will offer an academic panel comprised of foodservice operators, retailers, and researchers who will discuss how research can work more efficiently with the industry in terms of trying to resolve issues, as well as an optional post-workshop technical tour in Salinas, California.
“We really have a terrific core of keynote speakers who are going to cover many topics of interest to the industry both here and internationally,” Dr. Cantwell said.
The workshop and conference will take place at the UC Davis Conference Center September 13th-16th, with the optional post-conference technical tour on September 17th-18th. Due to several attendees not being local, the deadline to register as an attendee or a presenter has been postponed to July 31st. Anyone interested in attending will want to sign up soon, as capacity is limited and late registration fees begin on August 1st.
CARPINTERIA, CA - We are now in the mid weeks of summer, and Westland Produce Inc. is seeing rapid growth of its hydroponic living lettuce crop. Though the company grows year-round, this is the time of long daylight hours that the produce responds to.
David Van Wingerden and his father Jerry Van Wingerden are the most recent of 15 generations of growers spanning from California to Holland. David, President of Westland Produce, Inc., took the time to tell me how this company made the leap from floral to produce, and eventually a vested interest in hydroponic growing.
“Hydroponic vegetables is a growing category with a hot market,” David tells me, explaining that the family decided to diversify its crop by going into produce, and has been growing hydroponically in California for over 20 years. “Hydroponic lettuce is a very sustainable, high quality and high value item. It’s absolutely worth it.”
Hydroponic growing means that the lettuce spends its entire lifecycle in the water. At Westland in particular, the lettuce is grown directly on top of a 12 inch water bath, which David tells me is a method the company chose in order to grow higher quality produce at a reasonable cost. Now, residing in California, the first thing I can’t help but say is that this sounds like an awful lot of water.
The answer was surprising.
“While some water is used to fill the baths initially, on a regular basis we're only using about one-and-a-half feet of water, per acre, per year,” David said. In fact, because of the lack of soil and controlled environment, the only water used is that which goes directly into the plants.
The result? According to David, Westland is able to use over 80 percent less water and fertilizer than outdoor farms, while producing about 15 to 20 times more lettuce, per acre, per year. With daily monitoring of fertilizer and water, as well as testing for any possible water contaminants and regular disinfecting, the company is able to ensure the plants grow in a safe and healthy environment.
David also explained that because the living lettuce is grown in water instead of soil, it doesn’t have to struggle for its nutrients. “In my opinion, this is what yields higher quality vegetables,” he tells me. “The plant is able to uptake more nutrients with less work.”
As for my burning curiosity about the drought, David laughs at my hesitation. “The drought is a funny question, because growing hydroponically, we have always conserved and recycled water."
Though Westland grows year-round with steady production and pricing, right now is the high time for the lettuce growth rate. With long sunny days providing maximum nutrients and growth, David said that Westland is seeing anywhere from three to four weeks from transplant to harvest, as opposed to the five to six weeks it would see in the winter time.
Right now the company produces:
- Butter lettuce
- 3-in-1 medley of green, red oak, and red leaf
- Red butter lettuce
- Upland Cress
“Between all those we produce about 1.2 million heads per acre, per year,” David said, and with various packaging options available to keep prices both competitive and affordable. “Hydroponic tends to be a bit more expensive, but also better quality, nutrition, and yield.”
Westland offers traditional clamshell packaging, as well as bulk lettuce for foodservice. Everything is sold with the roots still attached in order to prolong shelf life to about three to four weeks, with orders now available.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Tanimura & Antle has been recognized for its partnership and collaboration with two-year partner Produce Mom this week by receiving the 2015 Produce Mom Partner of the Year.
“Tanimura & Antle takes great pride in being one of the senior members of The Produce Mom Family of Partners,” Caitlin Antle Wilson, Sales and Marketing Director for T&A, said in a press release. “The Produce Mom is a trailblazing brand for the produce industry. We are honored to be recognized as the 2015 Produce Mom Partner of the Year!”
The announcement was made during The Produce Mom® annual meeting, an invitation-only event that took place Monday, July 20th, at the Indianapolis Colts Complex.
“If I had to pick one word to describe 2015 for The Produce Mom, it would be progression,” Lori Taylor, Founder of The Produce Mom, stated in her announcement, according to the release, before naming T&A for the title. “One of the most progressive moments of my career and this brand’s development was in February when I served as the keynote speaker at the Southwest Ag Summit in Yuma, Arizona. Caitlin Antle Wilson, along with other members of the T&A employee family, recommended me for that role.”
T&A joined The Produce Mom Family of Partners, having worked together on a number of projects including:
- Eight social media campaigns
- Four live television cooking segments
- Two social responsibility campaigns
- Two farm tours
Previous recipient for the Partner of the Year title include Sage Fruit Company and NatureFresh™ Farms.
According to the release, over fifty representatives of various industries were in attendance this year, including fresh produce, education, healthcare, not-for-profit, media, and professional sports. In addition to the announcement of Partner of the Year, guests received an encore presentation of the Find Your Favorite® School Show, performed by the Indianapolis Colts’ Mascot & guest-starring Colts players, as well as Olympic Gold Medalists and other professional athletes.
JUPITER, FL - Locus Traxx Worldwide has announced that Lorraine Woods will be promoted to Vice President of Finance, Accounting and Human Resources.
“Lorraine is quite simply the “go-to” person at Locus Traxx Worldwide, has knowledge and experience within all areas of the company and is a very well-respected leader within the company,” said Will Ater, Chief Financial Officer.
Lorraine has been what the company calls the "backbone" of Locus Traxx Worldwide’s Accounting and Human Resources team. Serving the company for the past six years, her leadership in Accounting, HR, and Operations and her strong dedication to the company and its customers will now continue under her new role as Vice President of Finance, Accounting and Human Resources.
David Benjamin, Locus Traxx Worldwide CEO and President, has relied on Woods for her loyalty and dedication to the success of Locus Traxx Worldwide, noting in a press release, “Lorraine has been an integral part of the success of Locus Traxx and it is a pleasure to know and work with Lorraine, she has an incredible work ethic and wonderful attitude.”
Woods started her career with Locus Traxx Worldwide as a general accountant and quickly became an integral person in the Accounting department. Later, Woods moved into the role of Director of Accounting and added the responsibility for leading the Human Resources department for the company.
CALIFORNIA - Though he may be young at just 31 years of age, Patrick Malley has already solidified himself as an accomplished horticulturist in his home country of New Zealand.
After winning a slew of growers' awards in 2014 including New Zealand Young Grower of the Year and NZ Young Fruit Grower of the Year, it was almost natural that Malley would achieve the prestigious recognition of 2015 New Zealand Young Horticulturist of the Year as well. As part of Malley’s award, he was offered a trip to the United States New Zealand Young Horticulturist of the Year where Giumarra and its Nature’s Partner team hosted the grower during his stay.
Having had the opportunity now to tour Giumarra’s stone fruit orchards in Reedley, visit the berry test field in Watsonville, and toured both kiwifruit grower and avocado growers, AndNowUKnow had to ask the accomplished young grower just what insights he’s gathered on his tour through the heart of California’s growing regions.
“When I was first at school, I was interested in horticulture, as my parents were running an apple and pear orchard in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand at the time. While eventually I drifted over into a focus on business and journalism, I missed having the ability to work outside and was called back into the field of feeding people,” Malley tells me. “People will always need to eat and I think it’s important to make younger people passionate about working for such an important industry.”
Coming to the United States and seeing the depth of the horticulture industry in California has made quite an impression on Malley, he says. Especially when it comes to how growers are working to overcome the state’s pressing drought conditions.
“Part of the reason I really wanted to come to the United States is to experience what the drought here was like and to learn more about it by speaking with these growers. It’s amazing how strong the industry here is,” Malley adds. “When we have droughts in New Zealand we typically only go two months without water, but here, every grower has to be engaged with the issue. Everyone is working together to figure out how to help.”
While Malley tells me he’s passionate about all aspects of the horticulture industry, he says his biggest focus is on how he can help motivate other young people to get involved as well.
“This industry suffers from such an age gap, we need to encourage younger people to join the industry through universities our universities. In New Zealand, we have Polytechnics colleges that offer aspiring growers more opportunities, but there is always room to do more,” Malley includes.
Now on the tail end of his adventures in the United States, I had to ask the ambitious grower, what’s next on the agenda?
“I now want to go back home and continue to apply everything I’ve learned here, particularly technology and innovation. I want to help bring technology back down to the grower level. There is plenty of tech involved in distribution and retail, but I want to bring it back to the packhouse,” Malley says. “It’s impressive to everything that Giumarra does and the entirety of its operation. The company has hosted me for so many great opportunities here in California, and for that I’m very grateful.”
After speaking with Malley, it's clear to me this isn’t the last we’ll hear from this horticulturist. All of us at AndNowUKnow can’t wait to see what he’ll bring to the table in the future.
BRAMPTON, ON - Loblaw stocks were on the rise this morning following the release of the company’s second quarter earnings report.
As of 12:52 PM EDT, Loblaw's stock was up $2.80 to $70.35, a 4.15 percent increase.
In its report, the grocery retailer posted over C$10 billion in retail segment sales, rising C$221 million (approximately $169 million U.S.) compared to the same time last year. Food retail was a strong part of that growth, rising 4.2 percent for the quarter.
Loblaw said that its second-quarter profits were C$185 million (approximately $142 million U.S.), compared with a loss of C$456 million during the same time last year. The Q2 2014 report included costs related to the Shoppers Drug Mart acquisition.
“I am pleased with our overall performance in the second quarter, as we continued to execute well against our strategic framework,” said Galen G. Weston, President and Executive Chairman. “Looking ahead, the grocery industry remains highly competitive and healthcare reform continues to put pressure on our pharmacy business. We are well positioned to achieve earnings growth through a stable trading platform, incremental efficiencies, synergies, and a stronger balance sheet.”
Though competition is expected to remain high, the company anticipates maintaining positive same-store sales and stable gross margin (excluding synergies) in the retail segment.
Other highlights from the report include:
- EBITDA was C$739 million (approximately $567 million U.S.) in Q2 2015, increasing C$856 million compared to Q2 2014
- Operating income was C$375 million (approximately $287 million U.S.) in Q2 2015, increasing C$871 million compared to Q2 2014
- Loblaw realized approximately C$53 million (approximately $40 million U.S.) of net synergies
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue following Loblaw’s performance in the third quarter and beyond.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – DGS Acquisitions LLC, a company operating in Kansas City, Kansas, has posted a $200,000 surety bond with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
According to a USDA press release, the company posted the bond in order to obtain a license to operate in the produce industry.
Under the regulations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), the company was required to post a bond following one of its principal’s prior involvements in bankruptcy.
USDA will hold the bond for three years, providing assurance to the industry that the company will be able to pay for produce purchased and to conduct business according to PACA rules.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,250 PACA claims involving more than $77 million. USDA experts have also assisted more than 7,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $110 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, Partners, members, Managers, Officers, Directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service, PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.
MONTEREY, CA - Health and nutrition are becoming increasingly important to consumers, and in response, menus across the foodservice landscape are now focusing on fresh produce trends, giving many opportunities for citrus flavors in both dishes and beverages. Offering over 40 varieties of premium citrus, Sunkist has announced that it will showcase fresh citrus trends in foodservice at this year's PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo July 24-26 in Monterey.
“Consumer demand for fresh has inspired chefs to use our citrus across all parts of the menu, from savory and sweet dishes to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages,” says Sunkist Manager of Advertising & Public Relations Joan Wickham. “Chefs are inspired by the versatility of citrus and are incorporating lemons, in particular, in many exciting ways to brighten flavors and respond to evolving consumer palates.”
Fresh lemon, in particular, is livening up menus this summer. The National Restaurant Association’s 2015 Culinary Forecast, which predicts culinary trends for the coming year based on a survey of 1,300 professional chefs nationwide, listed gourmet fresh lemonades as this year’s top non-alcoholic beverage trend. Beyond beverages, Sunkist says lemon juice and zest are also being incorporated into appetizers, entrées and desserts to add fresh flavor, reduce sodium and fat or simply enhance taste. Sunkist offers both conventional and organic lemons year-round to meet this growing foodservice demand.
Those who visit Sunkist’s booth at PMA Foodservice can taste the versatility of Meyer lemons, a specialty lemon variety that is trending on menus nationwide. A cross between a Mandarin orange and lemon, Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic than conventional lemons. Sunkist Chef Robert Danhi will be serving up a refreshing Meyer lemon cocktail along with a paired Meyer lemon crostini bite.
“Diners are becoming more adventurous when it comes to food and beverages and eager to try new citrus varieties such as Meyer lemons and finger limes, a very unique variety that Sunkist is excited to be showcasing to foodservice trade for the first time,” added Wickham.
Finger limes, one of Sunkist’s recently added varieties, have a deep green exterior and light green interior flesh that can be described as citrus pearls. Also known as caviar limes, these pearls can be squeezed from the peel to add a vibrant, citrus burst of flavor to any dish. According to a press release, market availability of Sunkist® finger limes is currently very limited on this newer variety.
To learn more about Sunkist citrus, visit event booth #140 at this year’s PMA Foodservice Conference, or visit www.sunkist.com.
HOOD RIVER, OR - Brad Fowler, Hood River Cherry Company Co-Owner, offers AndNowUKnow a glimpse into the process of picking and shipping the perfect cherry.
For optimal ripeness, Hood River waits to pick until its cherries reach the perfect black color. The company won't begin the harvest until they reach 21-24% sugar content, right on the edge of maturity. Then, the cherries have to be cooled immediately in 34-degree water to preserve freshness.
All Hood River cherries are picked by hand, sorted by hand and the clusters are left together.
Check out the video at the top of the page to see this exclusive behind the scenes look!
SANTA MARIA, CA - Kalettes™, one of the industry’s hottest new vegetables, will be making its second return to this year’s PMA Foodservice.
Supported by Classic Salads (booth #36), Mann Packing (booth #139), and Ocean Mist Farms (booth #120), Kalettes will be on-hand for attendees to see what the hype is all about.
Tozer Seeds America, the company behind Kalettes, developed the product after more than a decade of research. Kraig Kuykendall, Sales Manager at Tozer Seeds, said the company is excited to get Kalettes in front of more foodservice professionals during the convention.
“Our goal is to connect with professionals who are at the forefront of the foodservice industry and influence food trends,” Kuykendall said in a press release.
The kale and Brussels sprout hybrid offers a sweet and nutty flavor profile, combining the best traits of each of its parent vegetables, according to a press release. Kalettes are not genetically modified and were developed by cross-pollinating Brussels sprouts with kale through traditional methods.
Tozer Seeds has exclusive marketing agreements with select companies to grow and market Kalettes. These companies include 4Earth Farms, Classic Salads, Mann Packing, Ocean Mist Farms, Southern Specialties, and WP Rawl. As part of the agreement, Kalettes seeds will be sold by Johnny’s Selected Seeds to small farmers and home growers.