MONTEREY, CA - Long-time Ocean Mist veteran Hugo Tottino was awarded the E.E. “Gene” Harden Award for Lifetime Achievement in Central Coast Agriculture while surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues at the 77th annual Grower-Shipper Golf Tournament & Gala Events.
According to a press release, the momentous occasion took place at the GSA’s dinner dance on June 27th. Hugo was also honored by the U.S. House of Representatives and the County of Monterey for his significant contributions to Central Coast agriculture.
The award was given to him for his “enduring and substantial contributions to agriculture, and to his community,” having served with Ocean Mist alone for more than 60 years.
“Hugo is known as the “Artichoke Poster Boy” of Ocean Mist Farms and could not be a more deserving recipient of the Harden Award,” the association stated in a press release.
Hugo joined Ocean Mist back in 1947, when it was still the California Artichoke and Vegetable Growers Corporation. Growing up on his family’s 40 acres in Castroville, California, where he was born in September of 1926, he farmed artichokes, as well as Brussel’s sprouts and cauliflower, with his father from an early age.
He joined what is now Ocean Mist after serving in the military, having enlisted in the navy and serving two years at ports in San Francisco, Pearl Harbor, Guam, Saipan and Bikini from 1944 to 1947.
Over his career, Hugo has married his wife Dolores, had five children, as well as a number of grand and great grandchildren, continued working on is family farm, and eventually became one of the family owners/partners of Ocean Mist Farms.
He has been involved in a number of programs like Elkhorn Slough Foundation’s efforts to restore regional wetlands in north Monterey County, and utilization of alternative water sources to save thousands of crop acres. He is involved extensively in the Monterey community, and can still be found working at Ocean Mist six days a week.
Congratulations to Hugo on this recognition of all he has contributed.
FRESNO, CA - Famous Software LLC is now celebrating its fortieth year of service to the fresh produce industry. Famous Software currently serves over 25,000 users employed by more than 1,400 growers, packers, shippers, wholesalers and distributors.
Founded as Holm Computer Solutions in 1975 by Wayne Holm, the company initially provided custom minicomputer programming services to the produce industry. After the addition of John Dietz and Harvey Kuffner in 1981, the now renamed Holm‐Dietz Computer Systems Inc. (HDCSI) began to develop a versatile fresh produce and agricultural focused product for industry‐wide use at this time. This standardized product, called Famous, enabled HDCSI to better‐support its customers by providing a true multi‐user solution.
Kirk Parrish, the firm's current Managing Partner, joined the company in 1986 in a sales and customer service role as one of just eight employees, and by 1990 Parrish participated in the development of a national marketing and sales strategy. In 1995, Parrish and HDCSI had completed a year 2000 compliant release of its flag ship product, Version 5, insuring that there would be no interruption of service for its large customer base, and not long after the Y2K conversion was completed, research and development began for the next generation of software ‐ Version 6. Version 6 is a Windows‐based solution running on Oracle’s high‐end database platform. It was initially released in 1998 at Harris Farms in Fresno County.
Kirk was named the company’s President in 1999 in preparation for the retirement of the founders Wayne Holm and John Dietz in a transition that also coincided with conversion of HDCSI to Famous Software LLC.
According to a press release, between 2000 and 2004, customers such as Pacific International Marketing, Ocean Mist, California Giant, and Six L’s installed the company’s new Oracle‐based product. Work also begins on a new electronic trading (EDI) solution now called the Famous Integration Service (FIS). Built on high end technology utilizing Oracle’s B2B platform FIS now processes over 2.5 million EDI transactions annually. More than 50 trading partners including all of the major retailers and food service providers are integrated with the FIS solution. Famous customers are not limited to trading with the retail and food service community they are also able to trade directly with other Famous customers via the Famous to Famous(F2F) fully integrated solution.
A leader in traceability technology even before it was common practice, Famous Software has supported pallet tag inventory solutions for over 30 years. By 2006 an RFID tag option was available for Wal‐Mart compliance. Famous continued to be responsive to produce industry demands by creating a fully integrated PTI‐compliant track and trace solution in 2010.
Version 6 has evolved into a versatile tool for the fresh produce industry. It supports everything from:
- Financials and Banking
- Cost Accounting
- Purchasing and AP
- Payroll
- Order Management
- Inventory and Warehouse Management
- Processing
- Shipping Management
- Invoicing and AR
- Grower Accounting Methodologies
Version 6 has truly become a platform with the addition of the Famous Mobile solution and a Business Intelligence. The mobile product extends the use of the Famous V6 application to wireless devices in the field and in the warehouse these mobile applications have resulted in significant increases in efficiency, the company reports. Mobile applications are available for Field Case Tagging, Receiving, and Warehouse Management with additional applications under development. The Oracle Business Intelligence solution is also new in 2015 with multiple pilot sites now able to run against an operational data warehouse optimized for analysis. The tool delivers dashboards, user‐definable ad‐hoc queries and conditional alerts, all in near real time while taking analysis to a whole new level.
Congrats on forty successful years, Famous Software, and here's to forty more!
WENATCHEE, WA - Coming off the peak cherry season in the Northwest, Stemilt is transitioning into its high-elevation cherry program and will pack its Half Mile Closer to the Moon™ cherries from late July and for the first two weeks in August this year.
I spoke with Communications Manager Brianna Shales to learn more about this signature late-season program and what retailers can expect to see. Listen to our full interview above or keep reading for a few snippets of what Brianna had to say.
Grown primarily by Co-Owner and fourth generation cherry grower Kyle Mathison, Stemilt’s Moon cherries are picked at the Amigos Orchard in Wenatchee, WA. This unique growing location sits at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,200 feet above sea level and remains cooler during the heat of summer. Premium varieties including Skeena, Sweetheart, and Staccato® cherries are grown at this site.
“We expect high quality and good sizing to continue from now through early August when we finish harvesting daily,” Brianna tells me. “The quality of the cherry crop has been second-to-none this year and we look at the Moon program as saving the best for last. It’s a really good finale for our retail partners to offer their shoppers.”
To drive purchases during this final run of the cherry season, Brianna recommends that retailers tell the story behind the fruit and Kyle Mathison as he has a compelling story to tell. Promoting size and dessert flavors will also help retailers experience the best results during this high-demand season.
For more information on Stemilt’s upcoming programs, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
CINCINATTI, OH - As the second investment in the company’s $46 million dollar Ohio plans, Kroger Co. purchased a second distribution center in Blue Ash, OH.
"The most exciting thing about being a growing company is that as Kroger expands, so do the opportunities for our associates," said Mike Schlotman, Kroger's SVP and CFO in a state-issued press release. "We created nearly 25,000 new jobs last year, including nearly 600 here in the Cincinnati area."
The more than 42,000-square-foot building was purchased for $1.45 million from Muenchen’s Furniture. The first distribution center in Blue Ash was purchased for $9.3 million back in March.
Keith Dailey, the Director of Media Relations for Kroger, told The Cincinatti Business Courier that the second building will be used in conjunction with the first, but did not have additional details on how the building will be used.
In early June, Kroger was approved for this 65 percent, 10-year job creation tax credit on from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority valued at nearly $4.7 million to invest $46 million across multiple projects in Blue Ash over the next five years.
SANTA CRUZ - Whole Foods’ new Responsibly Grown rating system is going to have a few changes added, thanks to discussions with the CCOF.
As we previously reported, the system was a point of controversy with organic farmers when it was first introduced, with growers voicing concerns that receiving a “Good” or “Better” rating when some conventional farms were rated at “Best” devalued the complex structure required by the USDA to adhere to certified organic growing. Those concerns were evidently heard by Whole Foods, leading to discussions with certified organic farmers to adjust the system accordingly.
According to a press release, those adjustments have been made and the system is back on track.
Changes to the process include:
- Certified Organic produce and flowers will be granted a minimum rating of Good until January 1, 2016.
- Whole Foods Market will adjust in-store signage to clearly label non-organic produce and floral items as “Conventional.”
- Whole Foods Market will increase supplier training and support.
- Certified Organic products will be further recognized with additional points.
- Commitment to continuous evaluation and improvement through multi-stakeholder input.
To learn about the adjustments in greater depth, click here.
“It is no stretch to say that Whole Foods Market is historically essential to the viability of thousands of organic farms all over the world, past, present, and future—including my own,” Mark Lipson, a CCOF-certified Organic Producer with Molino Creek Farming Collective, wrote in a CCOF blog post. “They can rightly claim that history in asking for the benefit of the doubt in getting Responsibly Grown right."
The discussion will soon result in adjustments to the Responsibly Grown rating system, according to Whole Foods, that will ensure that the USDA’s certified organic growing system is recognized and clearly communicated to its customers, with all certified organic produce and flowers automatically being awarded a minimum "Good" rating in Whole Foods Market stores until January 1, 2016.
According to another blog post on CCOF, made by Tom Willey of T&D Willey Farms, effective immediately, certified organic growers are free to postpone application to Responsibly Grown until the January 1st date, while those who’ve already applied may suspend compliance until that time.
“WFM, CCOF, and farmers have agreed to discuss over the next several months restricting additional pesticides that are allowed in Responsibly Grown’s “Best” category to greatly reduce or eliminate the number of conventional farms awarded this status,” Willey wrote, clarifying that this will be an ongoing evaluation as the groups continue to work together on the system’s accuracy in representing the organic farming industry.
AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to date on this story as it develops, so stay tuned.
DELTA, BC - Village Farms is excited to announce two cherry tomatoes with tastes as tantalizing as they sound. The new Cabernet Estate Reserve is smooth, rich, and fragrant, while Cherry No. 9 will take you to the South of France in one delicious bite.
The first, with its deep wine coloration, has the characteristics of crisp, sweet fruit flavors and a rich smoothness reminiscent of a fine wine. This is sold on the vine in 8oz clamshells; it is excellent for roasting or in a simple capresse salad.
The other is smooth and sweet, with a compelling flavor that can make those who eat one to eat another and another. This is sold on the vine in 6oz clamshells or loose in 10oz clamshells.
These two cherries showcase Village Farms’ passion for both flavor and consumer focus. Look for both tomatoes, exclusive to Village Farms, sold in select stores!
If you’d like to see your product in this segment, please send samples to 2020 L Street, Suite 320, Sacramento, CA 95811.
BARD VALLEY, CA - Natural Delights is rolling out two new seasonal flavor varieties for its Medjool dates alongside redesigned packaging this summer.
Starting this August for a limited time, Natural Delights will offer consumers and retailers its new Pecan Pumpkin Pie Spiced Date Rolls and Dark Chocolate Orange Date Rolls.
Available from August 2015 through November 2015, Natural Delights Pecan Pumpkin Pie Spiced Date Rolls combine the best of fall flavors with fresh Dates, Pecans, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Allspice.
Available from December 2015 through March 2016, Natural Delights Dark Chocolate Orange Date Rolls offer a sweet and salty treat with fresh Dates rolled in Dark Chocolate and Orange chunks.
“We’re committed to providing new ways for consumers to enjoy dates, and our seasonal date rolls, in combination with the traditional varieties, will give shoppers an opportunity to choose healthy and flavorful options throughout the year,” said Dave Anderson, Director of Marketing. “It’s our goal to provide snacks that get people away from the junk food aisles and into the fresh produce section.”
All Date Rolls will come in new packaging beginning in August. The packaging features new labels that will communicate simplicity and freshness of ingredients, while the same clear 12 oz. package will allow consumers to see the quality of the product prior to purchase, according to a press release.
Stay tuned for more from Natural Delights as the company gears up for another new springtime flavor coming March 2016.
FIREBAUGH, CA - Ruby Fresh is challenging the culinary world to come forward with their most creative Pomegranate Arils recipes with its Ruby Fresh Chef’s Challenge.
Kicking off on July 26th, the competition offers the chance for a $5,000.00 cash prize, according to a press release, as well as the chance to have samples of the winning recipe served to attendees at the PMA Fresh Summit Convention & Expo in Atlanta, GA. Not to mention bragging rights.
An exclusive Ruby Fresh Pomegranate Arils competition, the company stated that it is “for passionate chefs that are currently working in a restaurant and are incorporating Pomegranate Arils in a dish; or have a recipe in mind that creatively showcases the flavor and versatility of the fruit.”
The campaign will run through the first of October, and the winner of the contest will be announced at PMA Fresh Summit on October 23rd.
All interested parties can click here to enter the contest.
The company will be showcasing its Ruby Fresh JEWELS Grab-N-Go Pomegranate Aril Cups at PMA’s Food Service Conference & Expo in Monterey, CA, July 24th to the 26th. Available in both 4 and 5.3 oz. cups, in 2-packs and 4-packs, this item is increasingly popular, according to the company.
Ruby Fresh will also be showing its 2 oz. pomegranate aril cups, which were designed specifically for school lunch programs and can be viewed at its booth and in the Expo’s New Product Showcase.
You can find Ruby Fresh and these products in Monterey at booth 43 on the July 24th weekend.
For all the latest on the newest products and industry news, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The USDA announced that Victor Moreno satisfied a reparation order issued under PACA.
As we’ve previously reported, Victor Moreno, doing business as EPM Mango Sales out of Chula Vista, CA, failed to pay a $23,502 award in favor of a Texas seller.
Now that the order reparation has been satisfied, the company can continue operating in the produce industry upon applying for and being issued a PACA license. Victor Moreno was listed as the sole proprietor of the business and may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee.
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, 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.
WENATCHEE, WA - After experiencing a record-setting early cherry harvest, CMI is cautioning retailers that CMI's supplies could fall abruptly at what is traditionally a high time for cherry sales. But, with that said, the company is also helping retailers offset the short cherry season with a host of produce opportunities to keep sales on the rise as the summer heats up.
“Being aggressive about lining up promotions with alternative products that resonate with consumers can help offset this loss,” Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing at CMI stated in a press release when describing the situation of the company’s approach to its season ending early. “Historically, mid-July to mid-August are some of the most productive weeks for cherries - averaging over $3,000 per store per week. With severely limited volume, cherry dollars will probably fall to less than 50 percent of the historical average.”
As an alternative, CMI is recommending that retailers look to products such as its KIKU® and Ambrosia™ apples to counteract any losses a shortage in its cherry supplies may cause.
According to CMI, sales of both imported apples peaked between July 15th and August 10th of last year and will be available this season until the harvest of the company’s domestic crop.
“These two premium apples have been such strong contenders during the fall and winter months, and we’re excited to bring in volume supplies for the late summer months for the first time,” Robb Myers, Director of Imports for CMI, commented.
This alternative to cherry supplies would allow sales momentum to continue, the company said, up to when the domestic crop begins in the autumn season, while also substituting for what Lutz said could result in a shortfall of up to $1,500 per store, per week not filled by cherries.
CMI expects the sales wave for KIKU® and Ambrosia™ to last through September for a strong close to summer.
“These exclusive apples and their new late summer availability will help energize apple sales during a period where most retailers typically experience lower category performance,” Bob Mast, President of CMI, said in the release. “We are entering unchartered territory with the ability to add incremental sales in apples, a category that typically gets zero life injected into it over the summer. For years, all that was available during the later summer months were Reds, Goldens, Grannies and imported Gala,”
Mast added that top performing retailers use price points to encourage trial, with scan data results showing that a pricing is key to implementing a successful promotion. He stated that typically retailers price at $1.49 lb. on promotion and $1.79-1.99 lb. every day. “Along with pricing, display size and/or secondary displays are key.”
While supplies last, CMI is offering any freestanding displays for KIKU® and Ambrosia™ apples free of charge.