WASHINGTON, D.C. - After having just successfully presented its 20th graduating class from the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program, the United Fresh Produce Association has released the 12 newest members of the program’s 21st class.
"We are proud to extend our congratulations to the newest class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program, and thank all of the candidates who applied for this year’s program,” Ron Midyett of Apio, Inc. and Leadership Advisory Committee Chairman said, according to a press release. “We applaud their commitment to developing themselves into future leaders of the fresh produce industry.”
According the association, the Produce Industry Leadership Program welcomes the following professionals to its Class of 2016:
- Gary Beadles, RPE, Inc., Bancroft, WI
- Julie DeWolf, Sunkist Growers, Valencia, CA
- Justin Heffernan, Roundy’s Supermarkets, Milwaukee, WI
- Tonya Hill, Frontera Produce, Ltd., Edinburg, TX
- Robert Holthouse, Holthouse Farms/DRW Packing, Willard, OH
- Jess Kerstein, Lipman, Immokalee, FL
- James Martin, Wilson Produce, LLC, Nogales, AZ
- Janine Meyer, NatureSweet Tomatoes, San Antonio, TX
- Greg Ogiba, AMC Direct, Inc., Toronto, ON
- Tim Rabon, Walter P. Rawl & Sons, Inc., Pelion, SC
- Brian Vertrees, Naturipe Farms, Wenatchee, WA
- Andrew White, Tosca, LTD, Atlanta, GA
From the conception of the program in 1995, it has been sponsored by a generous grant from DuPont Crop Protection.
"We are truly grateful for DuPont Crop Protection’s ongoing support of this program. Their generous investment in the future of our industry leaders has been instrumental to the success of this program,” Miriam Wolk, United Fresh Vice President of Member Services, said. “DuPont has been the sole sponsor since the program’s inception in 1995, providing a unique opportunity for our future leaders to grow professionally and personally.”
The members of the program’s newest class were selected by the Leadership Advisory Committee, comprised of program alumni and United Fresh Board members alike, who assess each candidate based on experience, expertise, and are responsible for developing a balanced class that represents the industry.
The 12 professionals selected for the 21st class will participate in a range of educational events and outings beginning next month, including:
- face-to-face meetings with leading industry players
- hands-on training with top industry experts and educators
- interactive experiences with influential leaders in Washington
According to United Fresh, the program is centered on four core focus areas: leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs, and media and public communications.
Congratulations to the 12 newest members of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program.
WENATCHEE, WA - CMI has released the findings of a new report from Category Statistics (CatStat™), which states that KIKU® apples reflected the highest growth rate of those named on the Top 40 apples list. Also, as we’ve previously reported, Nielsen Perishables' scan data found that during the four-week period ending April 25, 2015, KIKU® sales surged by 484% and KIKU® volume was up by 615%. In March, at a time CMI says apple sales are historically at a decline, KIKU® sales jumped and continued to set summer records, according to a press release.
Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI, attributes this growth to the fact that more consumers are discovering the enhanced sweetness of KIKU® apples.
“The study evaluated KIKU® performance data in retail chains all over the U.S.,” he said. “There are some critically different approaches used by top retailers, for apple sales, that supermarket chains at the back of the pack simply don’t use.”
Lutz added in a press release that the CatStat™ report provides retailers with secrets to key sales success. “Displaying, merchandising, telling the story and running promotions—all of these tools can be used by any retailer, of any size, to maximize sales,” he said.
Robb Myers, Vice President of Imports for CMI, said, “Our customers are leveraging the success they have had with our domestic KIKU® crop and are maximizing profits by rolling right into imported fruit,” he said.
According to Meyers, premium imported KIKU® arriving from New Zealand and Chile are taking the program one step closer to having year-round availability.
WENATCHEE, WA - The industry is abuzz about the early cherry season this year, and like other growers, the early rains and hot weather have made for an unexpectedly erratic start to CMI’s crop. CMI, however, reports it foresees an acceleration in cherry harvesting and packing within the next ten days to two weeks.
According to Steve Castleman, Senior Vice President of S
ales for CMI, the 2015 cherry harvest has brought unexpected challenges for the company.
“We have a great crop in the orchards, but initially there was a bit of rain and some unexpected fruit damage due to record heat and high winds,” said Castleman. “This had the net effect of reducing pack outs for virtually every shipper in the Northwest. Here at CMI, we’ve been down from our early crop projections like everyone else.”
The company says it feels like it has been playing catch up ever since, with very strong cherry demand from both our export and domestic customers.
Castleman adds, “We’ve got beautiful fruit coming from some of our finest late Bing, Skeena and Sweetheart Red cherry orchards that are getting close to harvest. I think within 10 days, certainly by July 1, the supply situation will change dramatically for the better.”
Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI, says that the company has been, “like a runner in the starting blocks” waiting for the 2015 cherry volume to hit.
“Three of our four cherry warehouses have invested in new packing lines to upgrade their already sophisticated packing and sorting capabilities. Our warehouses have the machinery and capabilities, now we just need the fruit to roll in. We expect the peak to hit no later than in the next two weeks.”
CMI has developed a video to showcase the new packing line at Columbia Fruit Packers, one of the owners of CMI, which you can watch above.
USA - Miriam Jordan of the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that workers are stalled at the Mexican/American border because of a State Department computer glitch, just as the summer harvest is kicking into gear.
To read Miriam Jordan’s complete article, click here.
According to the report, the hardware failure prevented the U.S. from permitting thousands of temporary immigrant visas going back to June 9th. As a result, many workers expecting H-2A agricultural visas, which allows American employers to bring foreign nationals to the U.S. to fill temporary agricultural jobs, have been stopped in their tracks.
“It’s a crisis,” Jason Resnick, General Counsel for the Western Growers Association and representatives of California, Arizona, and Colorado farmers, said in the report. He added that workers are now overdue to start harvesting berries and other crops on U.S. farms.
Niles Cole, a State Department Spokesman, explained to Jordan that the system that helps perform necessary security checks has suffered hardware failure. “Until it is repaired, no visas can be issued,” he said.
While growers in several states, including Georgia, Michigan, and North and South Carolina, are reportedly bracing for ramifications from the visa glitch, it is too soon to say if it will cause a rise in prices, according to the Wall Street Journal article.
Cole did say that there is no evidence of a cyber attack, but he couldn’t say exactly what’s caused the failure. It has, however, been found that a central database isn't receiving biometric information (such as fingerprints and other identifiers used for security screenings) from U.S. consulates worldwide.
“We cannot bypass this legal requirement,” Cole told Jordan, saying this is a step that must be completed before processing and issuing a visa.
Technicians are currently working 24/7 to find and repair the exact issue, but as of yet, Cole could not determine when the system would be up and running.
AndNowUKnow will continue to follow this story as it develops.
SACRAMENTO, CA - The LGMA has added a few fresh faces to its Communications Committee for the 2015/2016 fiscal year, with new assignments announced by the newly appointed Chairman, Ron Ratto. Communications Committee members have an understanding of the importance of marketing and communications within our industry, and are committed to participating regularly and contributing to the conversation.
Join me in congratulating:
- Dan Sutton, Pismo Oceano Vegetable Exchange* newly appointed Chairman
- Matt Seeley, the Nunes Company
- Caitlin Antle Wilson, Tanimura and Antle* newly appointed member
- Kori Tuggle, Church Bros.
- Abby Taylor-Silva, Grower Shipper Association
- Vivian Sotello, Coastline Family Farms* newly appointed member
The goal of this committee is to provide oversight and guidance to LGMA staff on the communications activities of the organization. Among these activites are online outreach, trade outreach and public relations. The Committee hears presentations from staff and consultants and provides feedback on proposed and ongoing projects. Communications Committee recommendations are then reviewed by the LGMA Advisory Board.
The LGMA would also like to acknowledge the service of outgoing members Steve Church (Church Bros.), Victor Tognazzini (Gold Coast Packing) and Phil Adrian (Coastline Family Farms).
Congrats on a promising 2015/2016 for the LGMA!
MONTREAL, QC - SUNSET® Chef Roger Mooking took the time to show us his delicious recipes using SUNSET produce and tell us what’s next for the all-star collaboration.
Known for his globally inspired culinary traditions, Mooking has become a force in the culinary world, taking ordinary dishes and elevating them with different cultural twists. The Trinidad-born chef, who now resides in Canada, hosts both the Cooking Channel series Man Fire Food, Heat Seekers and Everyday Exotic, of which he is also co-creator.
Mooking’s relationship with SUNSET® began when he visited their Kingsville facility, and found he had much more than food in common with Paul Mastronardi.
“Our shared passions extend far beyond flavor,” shared Mastronardi. “Chef Mooking has a zest for life that we’re truly grateful for and excited to be a part of.”
Mooking added, “I was working with the whole SUNSET® portfolio and just came up with some really fun, inventive stuff that respected each tomato, because each one is so different.”
Mooking also told us about SUNSET®’s contest to win a trip for two to Tuscany, Italy and what else the company has in store.
“There’s lots more recipes coming down the pipe, and just stay tuned because there’s a lot of fun stuff that we’re planning right now thats going to be rolling out. You’re not going to want to miss it,” Mooking continued.
To see all this and more, tune into our video above.
VISALIA, CA - Melon season is starting to kick into gear in Bakersfield, California, with promotable volumes for the foreseeable future. Growers are encouraging retailers to promote the category through the end of the summer.
Despite the earlier season and triple digit heat in California, quality is looking as fantastic as ever across the board for melons.
“We’re just getting started here in Bakersfield,” said Derrick Daniell, Owner at Visalia, California-based Double D Sales. “All the melons are looking very good, and brix are anywhere from 10-14 with good pressure. Overall, the quality looks very good so far.”
In addition to the Bakersfield deal, supplies are continuing to move steadily out of California’s Coachella and Imperial Valleys, Nogales, AZ, and Mexico as well. There is no shortage of volume in sight.
The underwhelming market in Mexico and fluctuating prices aren’t stopping Daniell, who anticipates that the lower-than-average prices in Bakersfield may increase to a more normal level sooner than later, for this time of year.
“Things are starting out on the cheap side, but it might work out so it’s in the $0.16 - $0.18 range for watermelons by the Fourth of July pull,” said Daniell.
According to the USDA, 24-inch bins of red flesh seedless watermelons out of the Imperial Valley and Central and Western Arizona were $0.12 - $0.14 on 35, 40, and 60 count as of June 14, 2015.
For Mexico crossings through Nogales, AZ, prices were $0.06 - $0.09 on approx. 35 count and 45 count, and $0.06 - $0.08 on approx. 60 count.
For cantaloupes out of the Imperial Valley, California, and Central and Western Arizona, prices were $10.00 - $12.95 for size 9s, $10.00 - $12.95 for 12s, and $6.95 - $8.00 for 15s as of June 12, 2015. Currently, production is on the tight side.
“The cooler weather in the Western U.S. has had a big effect on movement, and with the quality we’ve seen so far, I’m hoping for a productive season,” said Daniell.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as continue tracking the current state of the melon market.
VINELAND, NJ - Dandrea Produce Inc. has officially received a Letter of Intent from the Montreal, Quebec-based Routhier family of Courchesne Larose Ltd. to acquire 50 percent of the grower and importer company.
“Our family could not be happier with the terms of the agreement offered by the Routhier family,” Frank Dandrea, President of Dandrea Produce, said in a press release. “The negotiations with Courchesne were seamless and exceedingly pleasant. Our synergistic strategies with them enable us to now service the entire eastern seaboard, including Canada. Courchesne Larose is a tremendously respected company and their association with Dandrea Produce will enrich us globally.”
Courchesne Larose is currently being run by the third and fourth generations of the family, having company roots that date back to 1918.
“The passion of Dandrea Produce mirrors our family’s long tradition in Canada,” Michel Routhier stated proudly. “Dandrea shares our vision for a vertically integrated, field to table farming model.”
Dandrea Produce is similarly operated, having been established in 1917 and currently owned and operated by the fourth generation of the family. Its business of 150 employees will now partner with Courchesne Larose’s over 400 employees, located worldwide.
According to the release, each has unique, strategic alliances with growers around the world and builds meaningful relationships with their partners.
“Our family’s investments nationally and internationally have always been examined by these questions: How can we better serve our customers? How can we eliminate excess costs? How can we add value to our retail partners? Courchesne Larose unequivocally helps us on our mission to achieve our joint ideals worldwide,” Dandrea stated.
This new group of companies is projected to generate more than $600 million in annual revenues.
“We have been looking long and hard for a partner who could enhance our global presence and Dandrea is that partner,” Routhier said.
The companies are confident that the partnership will enhance Dandrea’s capabilities to expand their procurement base, as well as streamlining its vessel shipments and have better control over its product on a worldwide scale.
SOUTH KOREA - Tesco's South Korea chain, Homeplus, is wearing a $6 billion price tag, and a South Korea-based snack making company announced on Monday that it may be willing to pay it.
"Our stores are serviced by three Distribution Centres, the largest of which, the Hamahn Fresh Distribution Centre, is the largest fresh distribution centre in Asia processing more than 40 million boxes per year," Tesco states on the Homeplus branch of its website.
According to a Reuters report, Orion Corp., a maker of confectionery and snacks based in South Korea, is considering making a bid to Tesco but has not made any decisions. The company did receive a memorandum of information about the sale of the retailer’s Homeplus unit, but has not pursued making a formal offer.
Tesco has hired HSBC, according to Reuters, to explore the sale of its South Korean chain. Homeplus is a discount retail, currently one of the largest retailers in the country at more than 400 stores, according to the BBC. This makes the chain Tesco’s largest outside of the United Kingdom.
The retailer announced it was selling the unit earlier this month, having approached a number of private equity firms including:
- KKR & Co
- Carlyle Group
- CVC Capital Partners
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we keep you up to date on this developing story.
COLLEGE PARK, GA - Riding the superfood trend wave, Chick-fil-A is introducing a new kale-based menu item that has both consumers and industry members talking.
Starting last month in Southwest Florida, chicken sandwich fans were able to get a break from the typical fried foods Chick-fil-A is known for, and try the new 80-calorie Superfood Salad, which includes a blend of kale, broccolini, roasted-nuts, and a maple vinaigrette.
This healthy trial item, as well as the slightly less healthy additions of the Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich and a loaded baked potato side dish, will be available through July, with customer feedback helping to determine whether the dishes are added to menus at Chick-fil-A's over 1,900 restaurants across the country. Will consumers respond well to this latest addition? The company's competitors might be an indication that they will. As we've previously reported, this addition comes on the heels of other chains like McDonald's and Starbucks joining the kale craze with similar menu items of their own.
According to a press release, the trial items will be available at Chick-fil-A locations across Florida.
Stay tuned as AndNowUKnow continues to follow produce trends across the fast food industry.